Rabies prophylaxis after an animal attack that caused a ruptured eye and traumatic cataract: a case report

Introduction: We report on a patient with an animal bite eye injury, his surgical treatment and proper rabies immunoglobulin administration. Case presentation: A 33-year-old Turkey hunter was attacked by a bobcat and his injuries included a ruptured globe with corneal laceration, two iris sphincter tears, and a ruptured anterior capsule with a traumatic cataract. Rabies vaccination was started, primary closure of the corneal laceration, an anterior chamber washout and one week later cataract surgery were performed. Three months postoperatively he achieved an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/50 and a best corrected visual acuity of 20/20. Conclusion: Bobcat attacks on humans are very rare and extremely suspicious for rabies infection of the animal. Ophthalmologists need to be aware of the importance of immediate and appropriate post exposure rabies vaccination. Proper rabies immunoglobulin administration in the setting of globe injuries is challenging and we report on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for globe injuries

Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV: Mapping the Milky Way, Nearby Galaxies, and the Distant Universe

We describe the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV (SDSS-IV), a project encompassing three major spectroscopic programs. The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment 2 (APOGEE-2) is observing hundreds of thousands of Milky Way stars at high resolution and high signal-to-noise ratios in the near-infrared. The Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey is obtaining spatially resolved spectroscopy for thousands of nearby galaxies (median $z\sim 0.03$). The extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS) is mapping the galaxy, quasar, and neutral gas distributions between $z\sim 0.6$ and 3.5 to constrain cosmology using baryon acoustic oscillations, redshift space distortions, and the shape of the power spectrum. Within eBOSS, we are conducting two major subprograms: the SPectroscopic IDentification of eROSITA Sources (SPIDERS), investigating X-ray AGNs and galaxies in X-ray clusters, and the Time Domain Spectroscopic Survey (TDSS), obtaining spectra of variable sources. All programs use the 2.5 m Sloan Foundation Telescope at the Apache Point Observatory; observations there began in Summer 2014. APOGEE-2 also operates a second near-infrared spectrograph at the 2.5 m du Pont Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, with observations beginning in early 2017. Observations at both facilities are scheduled to continue through 2020. In keeping with previous SDSS policy, SDSS-IV provides regularly scheduled public data releases; the first one, Data Release 13, was made available in 2016 July

Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV: mapping the Milky Way, nearby galaxies, and the distant universe

We describe the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV (SDSS-IV), a project encompassing three major spectroscopic programs. The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment 2 (APOGEE-2) is observing hundreds of thousands of Milky Way stars at high resolution and high signal-to-noise ratios in the near-infrared. The Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey is obtaining spatially resolved spectroscopy for thousands of nearby galaxies (median ). The extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS) is mapping the galaxy, quasar, and neutral gas distributions between and 3.5 to constrain cosmology using baryon acoustic oscillations, redshift space distortions, and the shape of the power spectrum. Within eBOSS, we are conducting two major subprograms: the SPectroscopic IDentification of eROSITA Sources (SPIDERS), investigating X-ray AGNs and galaxies in X-ray clusters, and the Time Domain Spectroscopic Survey (TDSS), obtaining spectra of variable sources. All programs use the 2.5 m Sloan Foundation Telescope at the Apache Point Observatory; observations there began in Summer 2014. APOGEE-2 also operates a second near-infrared spectrograph at the 2.5 m du Pont Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, with observations beginning in early 2017. Observations at both facilities are scheduled to continue through 2020. In keeping with previous SDSS policy, SDSS-IV provides regularly scheduled public data releases; the first one, Data Release 13, was made available in 2016 July

Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV : mapping the Milky Way, nearby galaxies, and the distant universe

We describe the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV (SDSS-IV), a project encompassing three major spectroscopic programs. The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment 2 (APOGEE-2) is observing hundreds of thousands of Milky Way stars at high resolution and high signal-to-noise ratios in the near-infrared. The Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey is obtaining spatially resolved spectroscopy for thousands of nearby galaxies (median z ~ 0.03). The extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS) is mapping the galaxy, quasar, and neutral gas distributions between z ~ 0.6 and 3.5 to constrain cosmology using baryon acoustic oscillations, redshift space distortions, and the shape of the power spectrum. Within eBOSS, we are conducting two major subprograms: the SPectroscopic IDentification of eROSITA Sources (SPIDERS), investigating X-ray AGNs and galaxies in X-ray clusters, and the Time Domain Spectroscopic Survey (TDSS), obtaining spectra of variable sources. All programs use the 2.5 m Sloan Foundation Telescope at the Apache Point Observatory; observations there began in Summer 2014. APOGEE-2 also operates a second near-infrared spectrograph at the 2.5 m du Pont Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, with observations beginning in early 2017. Observations at both facilities are scheduled to continue through 2020. In keeping with previous SDSS policy, SDSS-IV provides regularly scheduled public data releases; the first one, Data Release 13, was made available in 2016 July

Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV: Mapping the Milky Way, Nearby Galaxies, and the Distant Universe

We describe the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV (SDSS-IV), a project encompassing three major spectroscopic programs. The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment 2 (APOGEE-2) is observing hundreds of thousands of Milky Way stars at high resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio in the near-infrared. The Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey is obtaining spatially-resolved spectroscopy for thousands of nearby galaxies (median redshift of z = 0.03). The extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS) is mapping the galaxy, quasar, and neutral gas distributions between redshifts z = 0.6 and 3.5 to constrain cosmology using baryon acoustic oscillations, redshift space distortions, and the shape of the power spectrum. Within eBOSS, we are conducting two major subprograms: the SPectroscopic IDentification of eROSITA Sources (SPIDERS), investigating X-ray AGN and galaxies in X-ray clusters, and the Time Domain Spectroscopic Survey (TDSS), obtaining spectra of variable sources. All programs use the 2.5-meter Sloan Foundation Telescope at Apache Point Observatory; observations there began in Summer 2014. APOGEE-2 also operates a second near-infrared spectrograph at the 2.5-meter du Pont Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, with observations beginning in early 2017. Observations at both facilities are scheduled to continue through 2020. In keeping with previous SDSS policy, SDSS-IV provides regularly scheduled public data releases; the first one, Data Release 13, was made available in July 2016

Collimation for the LHC high intensity beams

The unprecedented design intensities of the LHC require several important advances in beam collimation. With its more than 100 collimators, acting on various planes and beams, the LHC collimation system is the biggest and most performing such system ever designed and constructed. The solution for LHC collimation is explained, the technical components are introduced and the initial performance is presented. Residual beam leakage from the system is analysed. Measurements and simulations are presented which show that collimation efficiencies of better than 99.97 % have been measured with the 3.5 TeV proton beams of the LHC, in excellent agreement with expectations.peer-reviewe

Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV: mapping the Milky Way, nearby galaxies, and the distant universe

We describe the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV (SDSS-IV), a project encompassing three major spectroscopic programs. The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment 2 (APOGEE-2) is observing hundreds of thousands of Milky Way stars at high resolution and high signal-to-noise ratios in the near-infrared. The Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey is obtaining spatially resolved spectroscopy for thousands of nearby galaxies (median ). The extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS) is mapping the galaxy, quasar, and neutral gas distributions between and 3.5 to constrain cosmology using baryon acoustic oscillations, redshift space distortions, and the shape of the power spectrum. Within eBOSS, we are conducting two major subprograms: the SPectroscopic IDentification of eROSITA Sources (SPIDERS), investigating X-ray AGNs and galaxies in X-ray clusters, and the Time Domain Spectroscopic Survey (TDSS), obtaining spectra of variable sources. All programs use the 2.5 m Sloan Foundation Telescope at the Apache Point Observatory; observations there began in Summer 2014. APOGEE-2 also operates a second near-infrared spectrograph at the 2.5 m du Pont Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, with observations beginning in early 2017. Observations at both facilities are scheduled to continue through 2020. In keeping with previous SDSS policy, SDSS-IV provides regularly scheduled public data releases; the first one, Data Release 13, was made available in 2016 July

Femtosecond laser-assisted corneal flap cuts: morphology, accuracy and histopathology. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci.

PURPOSE. Precision in corneal flap cutting is essential in LASIK surgery. Current mechanical microkeratomes have a very good performance record; however, in a few cases, complications can occur during the microkeratome pass and flap cut. Femtosecond lasers offer an alternative to the mechanical cut and can provide additional features regarding the flap morphology. In this study, we analyzed femtosecond laser flaps regarding their morphology, cut accuracy, and histopathology. METHODS. Forty-five fresh porcine cadaveric eyes were prepared for femtosecond laser flap cutting with the Femtec femtosecond laser system (20/10 Perfect Vision, Heidelberg, Germany). The eyes were assigned to three different thickness groups, with 120-, 140-, or 180-m cut depth, respectively. In addition, different flap diameters ranging from 8.0 to 9.5 mm and rim edge angulations between 60°and 90°were performed. After the cut, the eyes were examined under a microscope regarding accuracy and potential defects, and flap thickness and diameter were measured. In addition, flaps were prepared for further histopathologic examination. RESULTS. All flap cuts were easily performed without any intraoperative complications. Flap thickness measurements revealed a median (in micrometers) of 110.5 (intended thickness 120), 142.5 (intended 140), and 180.0 (intended 180), respectively. The flap diameter for an intended size between 8.0 and 9.5 mm was within a range of Ϯ0.4 mm, the median at the maximum was 0.3 mm off. Histopathology revealed very low to almost no changes in the stromal structure of the cornea and correct hinge angulations. CONCLUSIONS. LASIK flap cuts were easily performed without any complications. The accuracy and morphology were very precise and consistent. Histopathology revealed a smooth cut with hinge angulations, as expected. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006;47:2828 -2831) DOI:10.1167/iovs.05-1123 P recisely cut corneal flaps are essential for successful laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) treatments and calculation of ablation profiles. Even with modern mechanical microkeratomes, variations in flap thickness and morphology can be found. Differences in flap thickness can be related to several factors, including the microkeratome model used. 1 The manufacturers have made extensive improvements in their microkeratomes over the past years, to create more precise flaps. However, many complications of LASIK surgery are still related to the flap-cutting process. 2 An alternative way of producing LASIK flaps involves modern lasers that are based on the femtosecond laser technology. At the moment, two femtosecond laser systems are commercially available on the market and are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the creation of LASIK flaps. One of these systems is the Femtec femtosecond laser system (20/10 Perfect Vision, Heidelberg, Germany). The wavelength of this laser is 1 m infrared, and the spot size adjustable to several micrometers. By photodisruption of the corneal tissue-a nonthermal ablation processthe stromal layers can be divided and a LASIK flap created. The laser-induced vaporized tissue forms a cavitation gas bubble that mainly consists of CO 2 , N 2 , and H 2 O and diffuses out of the cornea through normal mechanisms. 3,4 The advantage in comparison to conventional mechanical microkeratomes is that common complications of LASIK surgery like button holes, free caps, or high variations in flap thickness can be avoided, and the shape of the flap can be individualized to the needs of the patient and surgeon. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of the Femtec femtosecond laser system in regard to quality of flap cutting as well as accuracy, reliability, and histopathologic characteristics of corneal flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS In an experimental laboratory setup, 45 fresh porcine eyes were used for cutting corneal flaps. Before the procedure the corneal epithelium was removed with a corneal scraper in all eyes, to have consistent smooth corneal surfaces, which is important to measure an exact thickness of the created flap. Afterward, the eyes were fixed in an interface, positioned, and attached, by applying suction energy, to the Femtec laser system (20/10 Perfect Vision). The laser spots were applied in a single-pass spiral pattern disc move from the periphery to the center of the cornea, followed by an anterior movement of the spots to cut through the anterior corneal surface. The laser settings were as follows: stromal bed energy of 3 J; bed spacing 8/10 (8-m line separation and 10-m spot separation); rim energy of 4.4 J; rim spacing 3/6 (3-m line separation and 6-m spot separation); edge angulation of 60°, 75°, or 90°; and flap diameter of 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, or 9.5 mm. The intended flap thickness was set at 120, 140, or 180 m. After completion of the laser cut, each eye was observed under the microscope for any damage or complications due to the laser cut. A flap spatula (15470 spatula; Geuder, Heidelberg, Germany) was introduced into the interface, and, by slight movements to both sides, the flap was separated from the underlying stroma. The intent was to cut the flap completely free, to facilitate the investigation of the shape and thickness of the flap. After the flap was removed from the eye, in a subgroup of 12 eyes, the diameter was measured and recorded with a millimeter scale. Thirty eyes were used for thickness measurements, with 10 being in each thickness group. The thickness measurements were performed with a micrometer (Digimatic; Mitutoyo Inc., Kangawa, Japan) measuring instrument (accuracy, 1 m) by positioning the flap immediately after completion of the laser cut without any further manipulation, between two microscope coverslips. The coverslips were compressed with a locking screw with the lowest pressure possible until the first stop of the screw, and the thickness was noted

Photodynamic Therapy with Verteporfin in a Rabbit Model of Corneal Neovascularization

PURPOSE. To determine the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne; Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland) for treatment of corneal neovascularization in a rabbit eye model. METHODS. Corneal neovascularization was induced in Dutch belted rabbits by placing an intrastromal silk suture near the limbus. Verteporfin was administered by intravenous injection at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg, and the pharmacokinetics of verteporfin distribution in the anterior segment or PDT-induced (laser energy levels 17, 50, and 150 J/cm 2 ) regression of corneal blood vessels were then determined. To assess PDT-induced toxicity of the anterior segment, corneal and iris/ciliary body histology, and IOP were evaluated after PDT. RESULTS. Verteporfin accumulation in vascularized regions of the cornea and the iris/ciliary body tissue were time dependent and maximum levels achieved at 60 minutes after injection. In rabbits, PDT of corneal vessels using laser energy of 17 or 50 J/cm 2 resulted in 30% to 50% regression of corneal neovascularization; however, in these animals, a rapid regrowth of new blood vessels occurred between 3 and 5 days. In the rabbits receiving PDT using laser energies of 150 J/cm 2 , the mean vessel regression was 56%. During the nine days of the laser therapy follow-up period, no vessel regrowth was observed in these rabbits. Histologic examination of the anterior segment after PDT (150 J/cm 2 ) showed localized degeneration of the corneal blood vessels without observable change in other anterior segment structures. CONCLUSIONS. These results provide evidence that PDT can produce significant regression of neovascular corneal vessels with no observable toxicity to the anterior segments. However, the optimal laser energy necessary to induce long-term regression (150 J/cm 2 ) was three times that used to treat choroidal neovascularization. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003;44: 2954 -2958) DOI:10.1167/iovs.02-0572 C orneal neovascularization affects an estimated 1.4 million Americans and is a major cause of blindness worldwide. 1 Several corneal disorders including infections, chemical burns, immunologic diseases, degenerative disorders, and prior trauma can induce corneal neovascularization. In the United States, the most frequently associated etiology is long-time contact lens wear, especially that of soft hydrogel lenses. The primary treatment for actively proliferating corneal vessels is topical corticosteroids. 2 However, in corneas where vessels have been established for an extended period, corticosteroid treatment is often ineffective. Recently, angiogenic inhibitors have also been used to treat corneal neovascularization. 3,4 Photodynamic treatment (PDT) offers another potential treatment for corneal neovascularization. In PDT, systemically administered porphyrin derivatives accumulate in proliferating endothelial cells. Laser energy is then used to activate the porphyrin derivates 2,5-9 liberating cytotoxic oxygen free radicals. The ensuing cytotoxic response results in occlusion of neovascular vessels. Photodynamic treatment using verteporfin (Visudyne; Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland), a benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A, has been recently approved for the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization. -12 The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the FDA-approved verteporfin formulation and dose and laser treatment for corneal neovascularization. These studies examined the pharmacokinetic characteristics of verteporfin in the anterior segment of rabbit eyes with corneal neovascularization, the PDT-induced toxicity of adjacent ocular structures (e.g., the corneal endothelium and iris/ciliary body), and the optimal laser parameters for treatment of corneal neovascularization. Our results demonstrate that significant amounts of verteporfin can be found in vascularized areas of the cornea as early as 15 minutes after drug injection and that PDT is efficacious in producing and maintaining regression of corneal blood vessels up to 9 days after PDT. However, the optimal laser energy necessary to induce long-term regression (150 J/cm 2 ) was three times that used to treat choroidal neovascularization. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dutch-belted rabbits, weighing 1.5 to 2 kg were maintained in a standard 12-hour light-dark cycle with free access to food and water. Corneal neovascularization was induced using a modified technique described by Schmidt-Erfurth et al. To determine the area of corneal neovascularization, slit-lamp photographs in a standardized magnification were taken on days 1, 4, 7