BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the effectiveness of intravenous fluid warmers at low and moderate flow rates below 1,000 ml/h. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of three different fluid warmers at a low flow rate (440 ml/h). METHODS: We experimentally investigated the fluid warming performances of Mega Acer Kit® (Group M, n = 10), Ranger™ (Group R, n = 10), and ThermoSens® (Group T, n = 10) at 440 ml/h for 60 min. All devices were set at a warming temperature of 41℃ with preheating for 10 min. Intravenous fluids were then delivered through them. The fluid temperature (primary endpoint) was measured at 76 cm from the device after infusion for 60 min. The expected decrease in mean body temperature (secondary endpoint) after 5 h infusion for a 70 kg patient (ΔMBT5) was also calculated. RESULTS: The fluid temperature (mean [95% CI]) at 76 cm from the device, 60 minutes after the infusion was higher in group M (36.01 [35.73–36.29]℃), compared to groups T (29.81 [29.38–30.24]℃) and R (29.12 [28.52–29.72]℃) (P < 0.001). The ΔMBT5 (mean [95% CI]) was significantly smaller in group M (−0.04 [−0.04 to −0.03]℃) than that in groups T (−0.27 [−0.28 to −0.29]℃; P < 0.001) and R (−0.30 [−0.32 to −0.27]℃; P < 0.001). However, none of the fluid warmers provided a constant normothermic temperature above 36.5℃. CONCLUSIONS: Mega Acer Kit® was more effective in warming the intravenous fluid with the smallest expected change in the mean body temperature, compared to Ranger™ and ThermoSens®, at a flow rate of 440 ml/h.
Acer* ; Body Temperature ; Humans

BACKGROUND: The Mega Acer Kit(R) (MAK) is a newly designed heated and humidified breathing circuit that warms fluid passing through the circuit lumen. In this study, we investigated the system's efficacy for the perioperative prevention of hypothermia and fluid warming. METHODS: Ninety patients undergoing spinal surgery were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to 3 groups based on the fluid warming device used: no fluid warming system (Group C, n = 30), via a Standard Ranger (Group R, n = 30), or via the MAK (Group M, n = 30). Distal esophageal temperatures (Teso) and infusion fluid temperature (TF) were recorded at 15 min intervals for duration of 180 min during surgery. If Teso was < 35.0degrees C, a forced-air convective warming device was used. RESULTS: Final Teso values were 34.8 +/- 0.3degrees C, 35.1 +/- 0.1degrees C, and 35.8 +/- 0.3degrees C in groups C, R, and M, respectively (P < 0.01). Teso was significantly higher in group M when compared with that in groups C and R throughout the study period (P < 0.05). The number of patients requiring a forced-air convective warming device was significantly lower in group M (n = 0) when compared with that in groups R (n = 17) and C (n = 30) (P < 0.05). The final infusion fluid temperature was higher in group M when compared with that in groups C and R throughout the study period (35.4 +/- 1.0 vs. 23.0 +/- 0.3 and 32.8 +/- 0.6degrees C; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The MAK is more effective for preventing hypothermia and for warming fluid than the Standard Ranger.
Acer ; Esophagus ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Hypothermia* ; Respiration

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze cost-effectiveness of two most-commonly used statins from the perspective of the Korean national health system. METHODS: The scope of the analysis included rosuvastatin (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg) and atorvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg). Effectiveness was defined as percentage (%) and absolute (mg/dL) reductions of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from the baseline. They were derived from published randomized controlled studies for rosuvastatin and atorvastatin. Effectiveness was defined as reductions in LDL-C levels per mg dose of the drugs. The annual direct medical costs including drug acquisition costs and monitoring costs over the one-year time horizon were calculated for each alternative. The average cost-effectiveness ratios (ACERs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for each statin dose were calculated. RESULTS: The ACERs for all doses of rosuvastatin (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg) were lower than those for all doses of atorvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg). Rosuvastatin 10 mg was the most cost-effective statin for LDL-C reduction. In cost-effectiveness analyses for corresponding doses of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin, rosuvastatin was the superior strategy which suggests both higher effectiveness and lower costs than atorvastatin. However, we have to consider this analysis is highly influenced by current price of statins in each market. CONCLUSIONS: For reduction of LDL-C levels in Korean patients with dyslipidemia, rosuvastatin 10mg is the most cost-effective statin in the current Korean market.
Acer ; Atorvastatin Calcium* ; Cholesterol ; Cost-Benefit Analysis* ; Dyslipidemias* ; Humans ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors ; Lipoproteins ; Rosuvastatin Calcium*

BACKGROUND: Pigmented basal cell carcinomas (PBCC) may be confused with melanoma and other benign pigmented skin lesions. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive technique that is known to increase the diagnostic accuracy of benign versus malignant pigmented skin lesions. Menzies et al recently proposed a simple dermoscopic model for the diagnosis of PBCCs. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate whether this criteria was adequate for Korean PBCC patients and seek other characteristic dermoscopic findings in Korean PBCCs. METHODS: Dermoscopic images of 50 biopsy-proven PBCCs were examined. RESULTS: Negative features such as a pigment network were not observed in all PBCCs. Positive features-ulceration, large blue-gray ovoid nests, multiple blue-gray globules, maple leaf-like areas, spoke wheel areas and arborizing (treelike) telangiectasia were present in 39 (78.0%), 41 (82.0%), 33 (66.0%), 21 (42.0%), 1 (2.0%) and 32 (64.0%) of 50 PBCCs respectively. All PBCCs satisfied the dermoscopic criteria for diagnosis of PBCC suggested by Menzies et al. Other dermoscopic features were as follows; multiple blue-gray dots (28.0%), milia-like cysts (8.0%), granules (6.0%), diffuse blue-white area (6.0%) and hairpin vessels (2%). Forty-four % of lesions had less than 50% pigmentation of the area and 38.0% of lesions had more than 75% pigmentation. CONCLUSION: The criteria of PBCC proposed by Menzies et al was useful for dermoscopic diagnosis of Korean PBCCs. Ulceration and pigmentary features such as large blue-gray ovoid nests, multiple blue-gray globules, maple leaf-like areas, multiple blue-gray dots, granules and larger pigmented areas were more frequently observed in Korean PBCCs. However, other specific dermoscopic findings for diagnosis of PBCC in Koreans were not present.
Acer ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell* ; Dermoscopy ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Melanoma ; Pigmentation ; Skin ; Telangiectasis ; Ulcer

The stem barks, heartwoods, and leaves of Acer tegmentosum (Aceraceae) are widely used in Korea to treat hepatic or cerebral disorders mainly due to alcohol poisoning. This study was aimed to analyze phenolic substances in A. tegmentosum. Quantitative analysis of the three phenolic substances (salidroside, (+)-catechin and scopoletin) was performed by HPLC and the identification of volatile phenolic substances were done by GC-MS. The contents of the three compounds in the three MeOH extracts were higher in the stem bark (salidroside: 80.22 mg/g, (+)-catechin: 23.31 mg/g, and scopoletin: 9.45 mg/g) compared to the heartwoods and leaves. And GC-MS analysis of the stem bark extract demonstrated that p-tyrosol is a main substance of twenty-one compounds identified.
Acer* ; Aceraceae ; Catechin ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid* ; Korea ; Phenol* ; Poisoning ; Scopoletin

Maple syrup urine disease is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a deficiency of the branched-chain alpa-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex. The disease is often suspected because of the peculiar odor of maple syrup in urine. Maple syrup urine disease is usually confirmed by amino acid analysis and urine organic acid analysis showing marked elevations of leucine, isoleucine, valine, and respective ketoacids in blood and urine. We experienced a case of a newborn patient with maple syrup urine disease, who suffered from poor feeding, irritability, hypotonicity and generalized convulsions. She was promptly treated with peritoneal dialysis and branched-chain amino acid free diet. The patient was controlled successfully and discharged.
Acer* ; Diet* ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Isoleucine ; Leucine ; Maple Syrup Urine Disease* ; Odors ; Oxidoreductases ; Peritoneal Dialysis* ; Seizures ; Valine

OBJECTIVES: Single-pill combination therapy (amlodipine/atorvastatin) might be more effective than double-pill therapy (amlodipine+atorvastatin) in patients with diabetes and concomitant hypertension requiring statin therapy. We compared the cost-effectiveness of a single-pill with that of double-pill for control of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, with the ultimate goal of cardiovascular disease prevention, in these patients using a cost-effectiveness analysis model that considered medication adherence. METHODS: Effectiveness was defined as the percentage (%) attainment of target LDL-C levels (<100 mg/dL) based on adherence for each therapy. Adherence was defined as compliance to medication (> or =80% proportion of days covered). A systematic review of the literature was conducted to determine the proportion of patients who were adherent and target goal attainment based on adherence level. The annual medication costs were based on the adherence levels for each regimen. The average cost-effectiveness ratio (ACER) was calculated as the cost per % attainment of the target LDL-C level. RESULTS: The ACER for the single-pill regimen was lower than for the double-pill regimen (4,123 vs. 6,062 Korean won per 1% achievement of target goal). Compared with the double-pill, the medication costs were approximately 32% lower with the single-pill. CONCLUSION: A single-pill for reductions in LDL-C is cost-effective compared with double-pill in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes.
Acer ; Amlodipine ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cholesterol, LDL ; Compliance ; Humans ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors ; Hypertension ; Korea* ; Lipoproteins* ; Medication Adherence ; Atorvastatin Calcium

In the present study, the anti-depressant like effect of methyl gallate (MG) isolated from the stem bark of Acer barbinerve was examined in ICR mice. Body weight (BDW) and blood glucose (BDG) levels significantly decreased in the repeated restraint stress (RRS) group (2 h/day for 14 days) compared to the no stress (NS) group. To examine the effect of MG on RS-induced BDW loss and hypoglycemia, MG (10 mg/kg) and the anti-depressant fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) were administered daily for 14 days. Orally administered MG and fluoxetine significantly attenuated the RS-induced BDW loss and hypoglycemia. Interestingly, MG administered mice showed increased BDG levels in the normal and glucose feeding condition. Chronic RS-subjected mice showed immobilized and depressed behaviors. The effect of MG on the depressed behaviors was evaluated using the tail-suspension test (TST) and the forced swimming test (FST). In both tests, RS-induced immobilized behaviors were significantly reversed in MG and fluoxetine administered groups. Taken together, MG significantly attenuated the RS-induced BDW loss, hypoglycemia, and depressed behaviors. Considering that decreased BDG levels (hypoglycemia) can cause depression, MG may exert its anti-depressant like effect by preventing hypoglycemia. Our results suggest that MG isolated from A. barbinerve can exert anti-depressant like effect, and could be used as a new and natural anti-depressant therapy.
Acer* ; Animals ; Blood Glucose ; Body Weight ; Depression ; Fluoxetine ; Gallic Acid ; Glucose ; Hypoglycemia ; Mice* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Physical Exertion

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive disorder. Impaired activity of the branched-chain 2-oxo acid dehydrogenase complex causes accumulation of branched-chain L-amino and 2-oxo acid that can exert neurotoxic effects. MSUD presents heterogeneous clinical and molecular phenotypes. Severity of the disease, ranging from classical to mild variant types, is commonly classified on the basis of indirect parameters, e.g. onset, leucine tolerance and/or residual enzyme activity in cell. Since early 1990's, tandem mass spectrometry has been applied to newborn screening, because it is amenable to population-wide testing for a large number of disorders of fatty acid, organic acid, and amino acid metabolism. And so, we report a case of MSUD in 15 days old boy detected by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry.
3-Methyl-2-Oxobutanoate Dehydrogenase (Lipoamide) ; Acer* ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn* ; Leucine ; Male ; Maple Syrup Urine Disease* ; Mass Screening* ; Metabolism ; Phenotype ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry*

BACKGROUND: Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease that is usually observed in patients with an individual or familial history of atopic diseases, and AD is precipitated by environmental factors, including mite antigens. AD is known to be generated by an imbalance of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines. However, the exact etiology of AD is unclear. The leaves of Acer ginnala (AGL) have been demonstrated to have an anti-oxidant effect. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to investigate the effect of AGL on AD-like skin lesions and the other factors related to an immune response. METHODS: The AGL was applied to the AD-like skin lesions on the backs of NC/Nga mice. The efficacy of AGL in the NC/Nga mice was evaluated by the changes of severity of the skin lesions (a modified SCORAD). Blood was collected from the retro-orbital area and the abdominal vena cava. The levels of eosinophils, immunoglobulin (Ig) E and Th2-related cytokines in the blood were measured. RESULTS: The topical application of AGL suppressed the development of AD-like skin lesions. The percent of blood eosinophils was decreased after treatment with AGL. The serum IgE and Th2-related cytokine levels were decreased after treatment with AGL compared with those treated with base cream (the vehicle treated AD group). The IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels were lower than those of the vehicle treated AD group. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that AGL may exert an inhibitory effect on atopic dermatitis.
Acer ; Animals ; Antioxidants ; Cytokines ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Eosinophils ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulins ; Interleukin-13 ; Interleukin-4 ; Interleukin-5 ; Mice ; Mites ; Skin ; Skin Diseases