Abstract: A membrane actuator device includes a housing with an entrance port and an exit port connected by a fluid flow passageway. A gas generation chamber is disposed within the housing, the gas generation chamber comprising a first opening and a gas generating element. A membrane actuation chamber has a second opening and may be defined at least in part by a flexible membrane configured to deflect and affect fluid flow through the fluid flow passageway. A barrier spans the width of the first opening of the gas generation chamber and is disposed in a manner that reduces the likelihood that gas molecules will pass from the gas generation chamber to the membrane actuation chamber.

Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is a chemical signal produced by cells that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, and overexpression of VEGFA can lead to undesirable physiological conditions. Through the identification of new siRNA and modifications that improve the silencing ability of these siRNA in vivo, therapeutic compositions and methods have been invented to address the problems associated with this overexpression.

Abstract: The invention provides functionalized polypeptides, especially therapeutic polypeptides (e.g., scFv), comprising a linker sequence that can be rapidly and specifically functionalized by the addition of one or functional moieties (e.g., PEG) or binding specificities (e.g., an amino acid sequence with a particular binding specificity). Such functionalized polypeptides are advantageous in that they have improved pharmacokinetic properties (e.g., improved in vivo half-life, tissue penetration and tissue residency time) over non-functionalized polypeptides. Methods for the rapid and reproducible generation of functionalized polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: In various embodiments, aspiration tubing connecting a handpiece to a surgical console may include a high compliant section, a transition section, and a low compliant section. In some embodiments, the high compliant section may have a lower durometer and/or different geometry than the low compliant section. The transition section may take a number of forms, including a connector or a continuous section of tubing that gradually increases in durometer and/or changes geometry through the length of the tubing. In the various embodiments, the high compliant section may provide flexibility near the handpiece to make the handpiece easier to hold and maneuver while the low compliant section may reduce the effects of occlusion break surge. In some embodiments, the high compliant section may include, for example, ribs, stiffening rings, a stiffening sleeve, or a stiffening sock to increase the stiffness of the high compliant section.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an ophthalmic injection device may include a dispensing chamber, a first thermal sensor coupled to the dispensing chamber, a temperature control layer coupled to the dispensing chamber, a second thermal sensor coupled to the dispensing chamber, and a first processing device. The first processing device may be configured to receive temperature information from the first thermal sensor and the second thermal sensor and control the temperature control layer using the received temperature information. In some embodiments, the first processing device may receive temperature information directly from the second thermal sensor (e.g., in analog form) and may compare the temperature information from the first thermal sensor (e.g., received from the second processing device in digital form) and the second thermal sensor to detect temperature offsets between the two sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) a bioerodible water insoluble polymer matrix comprising a polyester polymer, wherein the polymer matrix has a melting point of less than 60° C. and (b) an active agent dispersed within the polymer matrix, wherein the composition is formulated to controllably release the active agent for a pre -determined period of time to a target site. Also disclosed are methods of treating a disease or condition with the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides interfering RNA molecule-ligand conjugates useful as a delivery system for delivering interfering RNA molecules to a cell in vitro or in vivo. The conjugates comprise a ligand that can bind to a low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) or LDLR family member. Therapeutic uses for the conjugates are also provided.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a phacoemulsification cutting tip with a straight shaft and an angled portion off of the straight shaft may include a hook on the angled portion to move an axis of rotation of the cutting tip closer to alignment with an extended centerline of the shaft. The cutting tip may be configured to torsionally rotate back and forth on an axis perpendicular to a centerline of the shaft (e.g., rotation around a y-axis). In some embodiments, lateral vibrations (e.g., side to side along an x-axis or z-axis perpendicular to the y-axis) that result from torsional rotation around the y-axis in a cutting tip without the hook may be reduced through use of the hook to balance the otherwise eccentrically weighted hook.

Abstract: The present invention relates to soluble and stable anti-VEGF immunobinders comprising CDRs from rabbit monoclonal antibodies. Said antibodies are designed for the diagnosis and/or treatment of VEGF-mediated disorders. The hybridomas, nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expression of the recombinant antibodies of the invention, methods for isolating them and the use of said antibodies in medicine are also disclosed.

Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of histamine receptor H1 mRNA expression, in particular, for treating patients having an HRH1-related condition or at risk of developing an HRH1-related condition such as allergic conjunctivitis, ocular inflammation, dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma, or allergy.

Abstract: A post-occlusion chamber collapse canceling system for a surgical apparatus that detects the breaking of occlusions by tissue fragments in the distal end of the aspiration path and produces a response comprising a transitory blockage of the distal end the aspiration path to terminate the chamber collapse and a simultaneous transitory venting of the aspiration line to relieve the vacuum, in a way that post-occlusion chamber collapses are cancelled.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compounds having NPR-B agonistic activity. Preferred compounds are linear peptides containing 8-13 conventional or non-conventional L- or D-amino acid residues connected to one another via peptide bonds.

Abstract: The invention provides antibodies that are modified to reduce aggregration propensity, and methods of producing such antibodies. The present invention also provides particularly stable and soluble scFv antibodies and Fab fragments specific for TNF, which comprise specific light chain and heavy chain sequences that are optimized for stability, solubility, in vitro and in vivo binding of TNF, and low immunogenicity. The nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expression of the recombinant antibodies of the invention, methods for isolating them and the use of said antibodies in medicine are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compounds having NPR-B agonistic activity. Preferred compounds are linear peptides containing 8-13 conventional or non-conventional L- or D-amino acid residues connected to one another via peptide bonds.

Abstract: A method of testing visual performance includes determining a difficulty rating for each of a plurality of visual recognition tests. The method further includes displaying one of the visual recognition tests to a subject and receiving from the subject a response to the visual recognition test. After receiving the response to the visual recognition test, a subsequent visual recognition test is selected to have a difficulty rating determined based on the response received from the subject, the subsequent visual recognition test is displayed, and a response is received from the subject. The subsequent visual recognition tests are repeated until a predetermined number of responses is reached. A visual performance score is determined based on the set of responses received from the subject and the difficulty ratings for the visual recognition tests displayed to the subject is then output.

Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of tumor necrosis factor ? (TNF?) by silencing TNF? cell surface receptor TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) mRNA expression, or by silencing TNF? converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM17) mRNA expression. Silencing such TNF? targets, in particular, is useful for treating patients having a TNF?-related condition or at risk of developing a TNF?-related condition such as the ocular conditions dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis, or ocular inflammation, or such as dermatitis, rhinitis, or asthma, for example.

Abstract: Glaucoma drainage devices including vario-stable valves and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A glaucoma drainage device includes a drainage lumen and a valve system coupled to the drainage lumen to control the flow of fluid through the drainage lumen. The valve system includes an adjustable valve with a diaphragm that is in communication with the drainage lumen and is movable to occupy varying amounts of the drainage lumen. In some embodiments, the valve system is maintained in a desired position without the use of power such that power is only needed when changing a position of the adjustable valve.

Abstract: A method for performing multi-level eye registration comprising: obtaining a first initial reference eye image by a first diagnostic device and defining a reference coordinate system; obtaining a second eye image by a surgery device, said second eye image being obtained in a pre-surgery phase before the surgery has started; performing a first registration between said first eye image and said second eye image to obtain a first registration result; obtaining a third eye image by said surgery device, said third eye image being obtained after surgery has started; performing a second registration between said second eye image and said third eye image to obtain a second registration result; combining said first and second registration results to obtain a combined registration result to thereby obtain a registration between said initial reference eye image obtained by said diagnostic device and said third eye image obtained by said surgery device after surgery has started.