Objective. The ability to modulate cell morphology has clinical relevance in regenerative biology. For example, cells of the skeletal muscle, peripheral nerve and vasculature have specific oriented architectures that emerge from unique structure-function relationships. Methods that can induce similar cell morphologies in vitro can be of use in the development of biomimetic constructs for the repair or replacement of damaged tissues. In this work, we demonstrate that direct current (DC) electric fields (EFs) can be used as a tool to globally align cell populations in vitro. Approach. Using a 2D culture chamber system, we were able to quickly (within hours) align Schwann cells at different culture densities with an application of steady EFs at 200–500 mV mm ⁻¹ . Main results. Cellular alignment was perpendicular to the field vector and varied proportionately as a function of field magnitude. In addition, the degree of cellular alignment was also dependent on cellular density. Even well-established Schwann cell monolayers were responsive to the applied DC fields with cells retracting parallel oriented processes (with respect to the imposed field) and re-extending them along the perpendicular axis. When the DC field was removed, monolayers retained the aligned morphology for many days afterwards, likely due to contact inhibition. We further show the method is applicable to other field-responsive cells, such as 3T3 fibroblasts. Significance. The patterned cells provided nanoscale haptotactic cues and can be subsequently used as a basal layer for co-culturing or manipulated for other applications. DC fields represent a rapid, simple, and efficient technique compared to other cell patterning methods such as substrate manipulation.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), initially developed for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and later adopted for weight loss, have demonstrated potential protection against the development of glaucoma in various peer-reviewed publications. This review provides a synthesis of the emerging evidence evaluating the link between GLP-1 RA treatment and glaucoma risk. We performed a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Embase (via OVID), and Scopus on May 28, 2025. Studies were included if they examined the association between GLP-1 RA use and glaucoma risk and presented novel quantitative data published in the last 6 years. Exclusion criteria included studies unrelated to glaucoma, those not evaluating GLP-1 RAs, and reviews without original data. Of the 44 studies identified, 9 met inclusion criteria: 5 retrospective observational studies, 1 nested case-control study, 1 preclinical study, 1 systematic review and meta-analysis, and 1 Mendelian randomization study. Most studies found a statistically significant association between GLP-1 RA use and reduced glaucoma risk, with stronger effects observed with prolonged exposure in three studies. One preclinical study demonstrated that the GLP-1 RA NLY01 mitigated retinal neuroinflammation and protected ganglion cells in a mouse model. Proposed mechanisms include intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, attenuation of oxidative stress, and direct neuroprotection via GLP-1 receptor activation. However, one Mendelian randomization study did not support a causal link. Current evidence suggests that GLP-1 RAs may confer a secondary benefit in reducing glaucoma risk, supported by both clinical and preclinical data. However, the predominance of retrospective studies, coupled with the lack of randomized controlled trials, limit causal inference. Further randomized controlled trials and mechanistic investigations are warranted to validate these findings and assess their translational potential in glaucoma prevention. Lang MV, Vasu P, Dorairaj EA, et al. Glaucoma Risk Reduction as a Secondary Benefit of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: A Review of Emerging Evidence. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2025;19(4):223–228.

Seronegative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a diagnostic challenge. This study aimed to characterize misapplication of the 2015 international criteria for seronegative NMOSD. We reviewed 35 consecutive seronegative NMOSD referrals to a tertiary center. Two (6%) met formal criteria, and 2 (6%) were clinically suspected of NMOSD without fulfilling radiologic supportive criteria. Alternative diagnoses were common including multiple sclerosis (37%), optic neuritis (14%), functional neurologic disorder (11%), and other (38%). Immunosuppression with rituximab was used in 3 of 4 patients with functional neurologic disorder. Misapplication of the 2015 criteria is common, and alternative explanations in seronegative NMOSD patients should be strongly considered.

This biophysical analysis explores the first-principles physics of movement of white blood cell sized particles, suspended in an aqueous fluid and experiencing progressive or standing waves of acoustic pressure. In many current applications the cells are gradually nudged or herded toward the nodes of the standing wave, providing a degree of acoustic focusing and concentration of the cells in layers perpendicular to the direction of sound propagation. Here the underlying biomechanics of this phenomenon are analyzed specifically for the viscous regime of water and for small diameter microscopic spheroids such as living cells. The resulting mathematical model leads to a single algebraic expression for the creep or drift velocity as a function of sound frequency, amplitude, wavelength, fluid viscosity, boundary dimensions, and boundary reflectivity. This expression can be integrated numerically by a simple and fast computer algorithm to demonstrate net movement of particles as a function of time, providing a guide to optimization in a variety of emerging applications of ultrasonic cell focusing.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the only proven modifiable risk factor for slowing disease progression. Although topical medications are the standard first-line therapy, their effectiveness is limited by poor adherence and low ocular bioavailability. These limitations have prompted the development of non-topical drug delivery systems (DDSs) that aim to provide consistent long-term IOP control without reliance on patient-administered drops. Among these approaches, intracameral DDSs have received increasing attention for their ability to deliver medication directly to the anterior chamber. This review aims to provide clinicians with an overview of the design, clinical performance, and key considerations of the two FDA-approved intracameral implants, Durysta^® (BimSR) and iDose^® TR (iDose), as well as investigational devices including ENV515, OTX-TIC, and PA5108. Currently, clinical trials indicate that these devices can achieve sustained reductions in IOP with efficacy comparable to topical prostaglandins (PGA), and real-world studies similarly report reductions in both IOP and medication burden. However, several limitations remain, including concerns about corneal endothelial cell loss (CECL), variability in treatment response among patients with more advanced disease, and the limited availability of long-term safety and durability data. In addition, randomized comparative studies evaluating intracameral DDSs against other glaucoma interventions, such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), are scarce. Intracameral DDSs represent a developing area within glaucoma management, and further evidence is needed to clarify their long-term safety and their appropriate role within personalized treatment strategies.