Increased cGAS/STING signaling components in patients with Mooren's ulcer.

AIM: To explore the expression of cGAS/STING signaling components in Mooren's ulcer (MU). METHODS: Samples were obtained from ten MU patients, and eight residual corneal-scleral rings of healthy donor corneas for controls. Human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were used to evaluate the effect of cGAS/STING signaling pathway. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were used to examine the expression of cGAS, STING, and phosphorylated interferon regulatory factor 3 (p-IRF3) in MU tissues. The expression of interferon-ß (IFN-ß) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The protein levels of cGAS and STING in MU samples were significantly elevated when compared with the healthy controls by Western blot and IHC. After stimulation with cGAMP, real-time PCR and ELISA showed a dramatic increase of IFN-ß and ISGs (containing CXCL10, IFIT1, and IL-6) in HCECs. Moreover, HCECs treated with cGAMP was characterized by increased phosphorylation and more nuclear translocation of IRF3. Meanwhile, increased p-IRF3 was observed in MU samples via IHC and Western blot. CONCLUSION: The pronounced expression of cGAS/STING signaling components in the patients with MU and probably contribute to the onset and development of MU.

Recombinant human erythropoietin for treating severe traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of recombinant human erythropoietin (RHE) for the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury (STBI). METHODS: One hundred and twenty eligible patients with STBI were randomly divided into an intervention group or a control group equally. Patients in the intervention group received RHE. The participants in the control group received 0.9% saline. The outcome measurements included the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores, mortality, and any adverse events. RESULTS: At the end of 10-week follow-up after treatment, RHE neither showed greater efficacy in GOS scores (1-2, P = .43; 3-4, P = .25; 5-6, P = .58; 7-8, P = .23), nor the lower mortality in the intervention group than those in the control group (P = .47). In addition, both groups had similar safety profile. CONCLUSION: This study found that RHE did not improve the neurological outcomes in patients with STBI.

[Morphology and Spectral Properties Study of LaCeF3:Tb Microcrystalline].

LaCeF3:Tb microcrystalline was synthesized by microemulsion method, oleic acid-assisted solvothermal method, ultrasonic-assisted solvothermal method separately. LaCeF3:Tb microcrystalline synthesized by ultrasonic-assisted solvothermal method is rarely reported. Using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), fluorescence spectroscopy (PL) method such as the crystal phase, morphology and luminescence properties of the samples have been characterized. XRD results show that the crystallization product is good, microcrystalline and standard card PDF# 38-0452 (the six-party LaCeF3) is corresponding, SEM images showing the product has uniform size and morphology, under 250 nm excitation nanoparticlesshows strong green light, the main emission peaks respectively belonged to 5D4-->7F6 (489 nm), 5D4-->7F5 (545 nm), 5D4-->7F4 (585 nm) and 5D4-->7F3 (621 nm) transition of Tb³âº. Through LaCeF3 and LaCeF3:Tb spectral studies prove the existence of the Ce-Tb energy transfer. Calculated the critical doping concentration of Tb in LaCeF3microcrystalline synthesized by different methods.