Decellularized porcine corneal scaffolds are a potential alternative to human cornea for keratoplasty. Although clinical trials have reported promising results, there can be corneal haze or scar tissue. Here, we examined if recellularizing the scaffolds with human keratocytes would result in a better outcome. Scaffolds were prepared that retained little DNA (14.89 ± 5.56 ng/mg) and demonstrated a lack of cytotoxicity by in vitro. The scaffolds were recellularized using human corneal stromal cells and cultured for between 14 in serum-supplemented media followed by a further 14 days in either serum free or serum-supplemented media. All groups showed full-depth cell penetration after 14 days. When serum was present, staining for ALDH3A1 remained weak but after serum-free culture, staining was brighter and the keratocytes adopted a native dendritic morphology with an increase (p < 0.05) of keratocan, decorin, lumican and CD34 gene expression. A rabbit anterior lamellar keratoplasty model was used to compare implanting a 250 μm thick decellularized lenticule against one that had been recellularized with human stromal cells after serum-free culture. In both groups, host rabbit epithelium covered the implants, but transparency was not restored after 3 months. Post-mortem histology showed under the epithelium, a less-compact collagen layer, which appeared to be a regenerating zone with some α-SMA staining, indicating fibrotic cells. In the posterior scaffold, ALDH1A1 staining was present in all the acellular scaffold, but in only one of the recellularized lenticules. Since there was little difference between acellular and cell-seeded scaffolds in our in vivo study, future scaffold development should use acellular controls to determine if cells are necessary.

Bone is a dynamic organ that can adapt its structure to meet the demands of its biochemical and biophysical environment. Osteocytes form a sensory network throughout the tissue and orchestrate tissue adaptation via the release of soluble factors such as a sclerostin. Osteocyte physiology has traditionally been challenging to investigate due to the uniquely mineralized extracellular matrix (ECM) of bone leading to the development of osteocyte cell lines. Importantly, the most widely researched and utilized osteocyte cell line: the MLO-Y4, is limited by its inability to express sclerostin (Sost gene) in typical in-vitro culture. We theorised that culture in an environment closer to the in vivo osteocyte environment could impact on Sost expression. Therefore, this study investigated the role of composition and dimensionality in directing Sost expression in MLO-Y4 cells using collagen-based ECM analogues. A significant outcome of this study is that MLO-Y4 cells, when cultured on a hydroxyapatite (HA)-containing two-dimensional (2D) film analogue, expressed Sost. Moreover, three-dimensional (3D) culture within HA-containing collagen scaffolds significantly enhanced Sost expression, demonstrating the impact of ECM composition and dimensionality on MLO-Y4 behaviour. Importantly, in this bone mimetic ECM environment, Sost expression was found to be comparable to physiological levels. Lastly, MLO-Y4 cells cultured in these novel conditions responded accordingly to fluid flow stimulation with a decrease in expression. This study therefore presents a novel culture system for the MLO-Y4 osteocyte cell line, ensuring the expression of an important osteocyte specific gene, Sost, overcoming a major limitation of this model.

Background: Hyperpigmentation and periorbital dark circles remain challenging dermatological concerns due to their multifactorial etiology, including vascular, pigmentary, and structural components. This study evaluates the efficacy of a novel multi‐action topical formulation designed to target hyperpigmentation and skin aging through a synergistic blend of active ingredients.Objective: To assess the objective and clinical effects of a dermatological composition containing niacinamide, arbutin, tranexamic acid, ubiquinone, a DHEA‐like component, curcuma oily extract, and marine exopolysaccharides on periorbital hyperpigmentation and skin quality.Methods: Subjects with visible under‐eye dark circles applied the formulation twice daily over a treatment period of 6 weeks. The evaluation included instrumental quantitative assessments of skin pigmentation along with standardized imaging. A separate safety study and cosmetic efficacy questionnaire of patient experience were completed.Results: The formulation demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pigmentation intensity. The twice daily use of the under‐eye serum resulted in an average overall reduction in under‐eye hyperpigmentation of 47.94%, with no adverse effects observed.Conclusion: This novel topical composition offers a safe and effective multi‐targeted approach for improving periorbital hyperpigmentation and promoting overall skin rejuvenation. The synergistic action of its active components supports its use in clinical and aesthetic dermatology for the treatment of dark circles and age‐related changes.

Purpose Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is an important cause of papilloedema in children that can lead to visual loss. This study examined patient demographics combined with presenting signs and symptoms in paediatric patients with IIH. We also investigated the visual outcomes of these patients over the course of their treatment. Methods This retrospective study examines the presenting features and visual outcomes of children with IIH attending a tertiary multi-disciplinary-focused (paediatric neurology and neuro-ophthalmology) centre. Results 70% of our study population was female, and 60% of all children were overweight, although there was a significant difference in BMI ranges in younger (<10 years) and older children. Headache and papilloedema were the predominant presenting features in the study. Following treatment, most (96%) had visual acuity of better than 6/9 in both eyes. Visual field testing revealed half had enlargement of the blind spot on Humphrey visual field testing as expected with papilloedema. Most defects recovered with treatment, although residual visual field defects persisted in others. Our cases were treated successfully with medical therapy, and only one patient required acute surgical intervention with VP shunting on presentation. Conclusions With the increasing prevalence of obesity in the UK, the incidence of paediatric IIH may potentially increase. Our cohort had a favourable outcome following treatment, which emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and management of this condition to prevent visual morbidity. We recommend a multidisciplinary approach to managing IIH patients to allow a comprehensive assessment of their visual function in response to treatment.