Findings through the AsiaFlux network and a view toward the future

The preliminary results of long-term CO_(2)flux measurements at forest sites in East Asia are explained and compared with each other.The features of seasonal variation of CO_(2)fluxes are different among deciduous-broadleaf,evergreen-coniferous,deciduous-coniferous and tropical forests in East Asia,and the causes of difference are discussed.The integrated yearly NEP(net ecosystem production)estimated from the CO_(2)flux by eddy covariance method in various forests of East Asia has a notable difference in the range of 2 to 8 tC ha^(-1)yr^(-1).The main factors of this difference are the annual mean temperature and tree species.Furthermore,the remaining issues are discussed,such as the quantitative estimation of the CO_(2)flux by the eddy covariance method and the synthetic analysis of the carbon budget under collaborations with biological survey.

视网膜分支静脉阻塞相关性黄斑水肿行玻璃体切割联合或不联合动静脉鞘膜切开术效果的观察

compare the results of vitrectomy with or without arteriovenous (AV) crossing sheathotomy for macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRV O). Interventional case series. A retrospective study of 36 eyes with BRVO-asso ciated macular edema. Twenty eyes underwent AV sheathotomy (AS group), and 16 ey es underwent posterior vitreous detachment (PVD group). Best-corrected visual a cuity (BCVA), fluorescein angiography (FA), and optical coherence tomography to determine foveal thickness were conducted preoperatively and at 12 months postop eratively. The mean postoperative BCVAs were significantly better in both the AS and the PVD group (P =. 008 and P=. 001, respectively). Foveal thickness decrea sed significantly 1 month after surgery in both groups (P=. 002 and P=. 007) and continued to decrease up to 12 months. The postoperative mean BCVA and improvem ent of BCVA and foveal thickness were not significantly different for the two gr oups at any postoperative period. Postoperative FA showed reperfusion of the occ luded vein in 10 eyes in the AS group and 2 eyes in the PVD group, and formation of shunt vessels at the AV crossing site or around the macular region in all of the other eyes of both groups. Both AV sheathotomy and simple PVD significantly reduced macular edema associated with BRVO. However, there was no significant d ifference in the improvement of macular function following either procedure. Pos toperative improvement of retinal circulation by either reperfusion of the occlu ded vein or collateral vessel formation was found. This accounted for functional and morphologic improvements.

视网膜中央静脉阻塞行放射状视神经切开术后导致视网膜中央动脉阻塞1例

To describe a patient with a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) who developed central retinal artery occlusion after radial optic neurotomy. Interventional case report. A 70- year old woman with CRVO underwent a radial optic neurotomy on her right eye. Her preoperative visual acuity in the affected eye was 20/400. Radial optic neurotomy was performed after phacoemulsification and aspiration for a cataract with intraocular lens implantation. At the insertion of a CRVO knife, pulsating bleeding occurred from the cup of the optic disk; the bleeding was stopped within 2 minutes by elevating the intraocular pressure to 80 mm Hg. On the following day, the patient noticed that she had lost light perception. Fluorescein angiography showed a marked delay of arterial filling, indicating a central retinal artery occlusion. Retinal circulation returned to normal 2 months later; however, her vision was still no light perception. Ophthalmologists should be aware that severe complications such as central retinal artery occlusion can be associated with radial optic neurotomy,which is an unproven surgical procedure with a questionable pathophysiologic mechanism.

动脉注射5-氟尿嘧啶联合皮下注射α干扰素治疗晚期肝癌可导致间质性肺炎

Previously we reported combined chemoimmunotherapy, using interferon (IFN) αand 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and this regimen improved the prognosis. Recently, we experienced an HCC patient who died of severe interstitial pneumonia during the combined IFN αand 5-FU therapy. This is the first report of the occurrence of interstitial pneumonia during combined IFN αand 5-FU treatment. A 60-year old man was admitted to Osaka University Hospital to receive systemic chemo immunotherapy for recurrent HCC. In the second week of the chemo immunotherapy, he showed a decreased level of consciousness, and respiratory insufficiency. Emergency roentgenogram revealed diffuse infiltration in both lungs. Respiratory dysfunction due to interstitial pneumonia was suspected, and steroid pulse therapy was started. However, the patient showed respiratory failure, and he died 32 days after the start of the therapy. Autopsy findings showed atelectasis in the bilateral lungs, which showed elastic hard solidity and a dark red color; esophageal varices were also shown, and there was cirrhosis with a large tumor in the liver. Microscopically, the alveolar wall showed marked fibrous thickness and moderate inflammatory change, which is consistent with acute interstitial pneumonia, and the acute pulmonary change was suspected to have been the cause of death. The association of IFN with the development of interstitial pneumonia has been reported. However, the prognosis of IFN induced interstitial pneumonia has mostly been favorable when the medication was discontinued. It has been postulated that interstitial pneumonia induced by the combination of IFN and 5-FU may be therapy resistant. The combination of IFN αand 5-FU is a useful therapy for patients with advanced HCC, such as that with portal vein invasion or multiple metastatic foci. Thus, interstitial pneumonia in these patients should be carefully managed.