Abstract: Provided herein are gene repressor systems comprising fusion proteins, such as fusion proteins comprising a DNA binding domain such as a TALE, zinc finger or catalytically-dead CRISPR protein and guide nucleic acid (gRNA), which are useful in the repression of a proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) gene. Also provided are methods of using such systems to repress transcription of PCSK9.

Abstract: Provided herein are gene repressor systems comprising fusion proteins, such as fusion proteins comprising a DNA binding domain such as a TALE, zinc finger or catalytically-dead CRISPR protein and guide nucleic acid (gRNA), which are useful in the repression of a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) gene. Also provided are methods of using such systems to repress transcription of PCSK9.

Abstract: Intraocular drainage devices are provided. An intraocular drainage device includes a drainage tube that provides for increased drainage of aqueous humour from the anterior chamber of the eye. A self-clearing device is disposed within the drainage tube. The self-clearing device provides an increased fluid flow path within the drainage tube in response to clotting from the body or clogging from debris in the aqueous humour. Methods of manufacturing intraocular drainage devices and methods of inserting intraocular drainage devices into the eye are also provided.

Abstract: Ophthalmic devices include a housing and a cannula extending from the housing, the cannula having a lumen for fluid flow, a reservoir for holding fluid and an activation assembly. The activation assembly includes a rotatable wheel and a moveable housing ring coupled to the wheel, the coupled rotatable wheel and moveable housing ring configured to move inward together towards an interior of the housing when an inward force is applied to the wheel and to move outward together away from the interior of the housing when an outward force is applied to the coupled wheel and the moveable housing ring. Methods of operating ophthalmic devices are also provided.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a first connector member, selected from one of a connector element and an element receiver, and a second connector member, selected from the other of the connector element and the element receiver, is coupled to a patient. The connector element and element receiver cooperate to secure and release the orthodontic appliance to and from the patient. The connector receiver includes a housing and a clip, wherein the housing receives the connector element and the clip is movable along an axis between a release and blocked positions, but is biased toward the blocked position. The connector element is capable of being inserted into and removed from the housing when the clip is in the release position, and the connector element is captured within the housing when the clip is in the blocked position. A method for coupling an orthodontic appliance to a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance includes a first connector member, selected from one of a connector element and an element receiver, and a second connector member, selected from the other of the connector element and the element receiver, is coupled to a patient. The connector element and element receiver cooperate to secure and release the orthodontic appliance to and from the patient. The connector receiver includes a housing and a clip, wherein the housing receives the connector element and the clip is movable along an axis between a release and blocked positions, but is biased toward the blocked position. The connector element is capable of being inserted into and removed from the housing when the clip is in the release position, and the connector element is captured within the housing when the clip is in the blocked position. A method for coupling an orthodontic appliance to a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus includes an orthodontic bracket and an orthodontic member removably coupled thereto. The orthodontic member includes an engaging member configured to engage a tie wing of the bracket in non-contact relation with the archwire such that the member exerts no active forces on the archwire. A bumper extends from the engaging member so as to cover a side of the bracket and thereby prevent or reduce contact between the bracket and opposing teeth. The orthodontic member may include a support pad and/or nubs for limiting movement of the member relative to the bracket. The orthodontic member may also include decorative elements for aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance for correcting malocclusions including a device having first and second operating components, at least one of the operating components configured to be coupled to at least one tooth of a patient. The operating components are coupled together in a manner allowing controlled movement of at least one of the operating components for purposes of correcting the malocclusion. A connector element includes an eyelet coupled to at least one of the first or second operating components, and an orthodontic screw includes a threaded portion and a head. The connector element may be removed from the screw while the threaded portion remains implanted in skeletal structure of a patient.