Abstract: There is a need for robust and portable system, and apparatus for ophthalmology. We propose use of foldable ophthalmic system. Our system will have a chin-rest (or face-rest or forehead rest) that can be folded so that the ocular device could be transported in a brief-case type casing. Our system can be used for many modalities including optical coherence tomography.

Abstract: Combination vaccine compositions as well as methods for their manufacture have a relatively low amount of antigen and/or a relatively low amount of aluminium, but they can nevertheless have immunogenicity which is comparable to combination vaccines with a relatively high amount of antigen and/or a relatively high amount of aluminium. Aluminium-free combination vaccine compositions are also provided e.g. compositions which are adjuvanted with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant.

Abstract: Influenza vaccines are administered using solid biodegradable microneedles. The microneedles are fabricated from the influenza vaccine in combination with solid excipient(s) and, after penetrating the skin, they dissolve in situ and release the vaccine to the immune system. The influenza vaccine is (i) a purified influenza virus surface antigen vaccine, rather than a live vaccine or a whole-virus or split inactivated vaccine (ii) an influenza vaccine prepared from viruses grown in cell culture, not eggs, (iii) a monovalent influenza vaccine e.g. for immunising against a pandemic strain, (iv) a bivalent vaccine, (v) a tetravalent or >4-valent vaccine, (vi) a mercury-free vaccine, or (vii) a gelatin-free vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to homogeneous suspensions of small molecule immune potentiators (SMIPs) that are capable of stimulating or modulating an immune response in a subject in need thereof. The homogeneous suspensions may be used in combinations with various antigens or adjuvants for vaccine therapies.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing depth-resolved real-time visual feedback to a physician during cosmetic dermal filler injections with micrometer spatial resolution utilizing a noninvasive optical coherence tomography/elastography, 2D-3D virtual and real time system. This system can be automated to direct proper volumes and viscosity of the necessary injection substances. The methods and systems allow for assessment of the elasticity of the tissue before and after the injection to evaluate the efficacy of the injection, with predetermined virtual results before and matched post injection images. The elasticity assessment method preferably utilizes a focused air-pulse to induce a micrometer scale displacement in the skin and the optical coherence tomography system to image this displacement. By utilizing a model-based reconstruction method, the viscoelasticity of the tissue at a specific measurement position can be obtained and virtual and post injection real time projections can be imaged.

Abstract: The invention improves TdaP vaccines by including a TLR agonist in them. This agonist can provide stronger protection, longer-lasting protection, and/or can reduce the amount of antigen which is required to achieve a particular immune response.

Abstract: Combination vaccine compositions as well as methods for their manufacture have a relatively low amount of antigen and/or a relatively low amount of aluminium, but they can nevertheless have immunogenicity which is comparable to combination vaccines with a relatively high amount of antigen and/or a relatively high amount of aluminium. Aluminium-free combination vaccine compositions are also provided e.g. compositions which are adjuvanted with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel class of compounds, immunogenic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with Toll-Like Receptors 7. In one aspect, the compounds are useful as adjuvants for enhancing the effectiveness of a vaccine.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a centrifugal pump is configured to accommodate both forward and reverse axial thrust, and to be lubricated by process fluid. A pump incorporating a dual acting bearing assembly that is lubricated by process fluid and that is located between the final two impeller stages of the pump. A desalination system comprises a pump with an inlet for receiving seawater at a first end, an outlet for discharging high pressure seawater at a second end, one or more impellers coupled to a rotatable shaft between the first end and the second end for increasing a pressure of the seawater, and a bearing assembly lubricated by the seawater for absorbing axial thrust in both directions along the shaft.

Abstract: The invention improves TdaP vaccines by including a TLR agonist in them. This agonist can provide stronger protection, longer-lasting protection, and/or can reduce the amount of antigen which is required to achieve a particular immune response.

Abstract: Oil-in-water emulsions with small droplet sizes can be formed without requiring either microfluidisation or heating to cause phase inversion, but rather by simple mixing of a pre-mixed composition of oil and surfactant with aqueous material. The oil/surfactant compositions can be mixed with an excess volume of aqueous material to spontaneously form an oil-in-water emulsion with droplets having a diameter<250 nm which shows good adjuvant activity. In general the oil makes up more than 50% by volume of the oil/surfactant composition, and the surfactant makes up the remainder.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a centrifugal pump is configured to accommodate both forward and reverse axial thrust, and to be lubricated by process fluid. A pump incorporating a dual acting bearing assembly that is lubricated by process fluid and that is located between the final two impeller stages of the pump. A desalination system comprises a pump with an inlet for receiving seawater at a first end, an outlet for discharging high pressure seawater at a second end, one or more impellers coupled to a rotatable shaft between the first end and the second end for increasing a pressure of the seawater, and a bearing assembly lubricated by the seawater for absorbing axial thrust in both directions along the shaft.

Abstract: There is a need for robust and portable system, and apparatus for ophthalmology. We propose use of foldable ophthalmic system. Our system will have a chin-rest (or face-rest or forehead rest) that can be folded so that the ocular device could be transported in a brief-case type casing. Our system can be used for many modalities including optical coherence tomography.

Abstract: A wireless device determines (300) that wireless transmissions to a network are not possible. The wireless device suspends (310) passing of measurement report messages to a lower layer of the wireless device for transmission to the network by the wireless device if the wireless device determines that wireless transmissions to the network are not possible. In an example, while passing of measurement report messages to the lower layer of the wireless device is suspended, the wireless device buffers (320) less than a predetermined number of measurement report messages.

Abstract: Influenza vaccines are administered using solid biodegradable microneedles. The microneedles are fabricated from the influenza vaccine in combination with solid excipient(s) and, after penetrating the skin, they dissolve in situ and release the vaccine to the immune system. The influenza vaccine is (i) a purified influenza virus surface antigen vaccine, rather than a live vaccine or a whole-virus or split inactivated vaccine (ii) an influenza vaccine prepared from viruses grown in cell culture, not eggs, (iii) a monovalent influenza vaccine e.g. for immunizing against a pandemic strain, (iv) a bivalent vaccine, (v) a tetravalent or >4-valent vaccine, (vi) a mercury-free vaccine, or (vii) a gelatin-free vaccine.

Abstract: Particle compositions comprising adsorbed RNA replicons as well as methods of making and using the same are described.

Abstract: An excitation force (internal or external) and phase-sensitive optical coherence elastography (OCE) system, used in conjunction with a data analyzing algorithm, is capable of measuring and quantifying biomechanical parameters of tissues in situ and in vivo. The method was approbated and demonstrated on an example of the system that combines a pulsed ultrasound system capable of producing an acoustic radiation force on the crystalline lens surface and a phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for measuring the lens displacement caused by the acoustic radiation force. The method allows noninvasive and nondestructive quantification of tissue mechanical properties. The noninvasive measurement method also utilizes phase-stabilized swept source optical coherence elastography (PhS-SSOCE) to distinguish between tissue stiffness, such as that attributable to disease, and effects on measured stiffness that result from external factors, such as pressure applied to the tissue.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to cationic oil-in-water emulsions that can be used to deliver nucleic acid molecules, such as an RNA molecule. The emulsion particles comprise an oil core and a cationic lipid. The emulsion particles have an average diameter of about 80 nm to about 180 nm, and the emulsion have an N/P ratio of at least 1.1:1.

Abstract: There is a need for robust and portable system, and apparatus for ophthalmology. We propose use of folding apparatus for ocular purposes for the first time. Our system will have a chin-rest (or face-rest or forehead rest) that can be folded so that the ocular device could be transported in a brief-case type casing.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to cationic oil-in-water emulsions that contain high concentrations of cationic lipids and have a defined oil:lipid ratio. The cationic lipid can interact with the negatively charged molecule thereby anchoring the molecule to the emulsion particles. The cationic emulsions described herein are useful for delivering negatively charged molecules, such as nucleic acid molecules to cells, and for formulating nucleic acid-based vaccines.