Accuracy of Imputation of Microsatellite Markers from BovineSNP50 and BovineHD BeadChip in Hanwoo Population of Korea

Until now microsatellite (MS) have been a popular choice of markers for parentage verification. Recently many countries have moved or are in process of moving from MS markers to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for parentage testing. FAO-ISAG has also come up with a panel of 200 SNPs to replace the use of MS markers in parentage verification. However, in many countries most of the animals were genotyped by MS markers till now and the sudden shift to SNP markers will render the data of those animals useless. As National Institute of Animal Science in South Korea plans to move from standard ISAG recommended MS markers to SNPs, it faces the dilemma of exclusion of old animals that were genotyped by MS markers. Thus to facilitate this shift from MS to SNPs, such that the existing animals with MS data could still be used for parentage verification, this study was performed. In the current study we performed imputation of MS markers from the SNPs in the 500-kb region of the MS marker on either side. This method will provide an easy option for the labs to combine the data from the old and the current set of animals. It will be a cost efficient replacement of genotyping with the additional markers. We used 1,480 Hanwoo animals with both the MS data and SNP data to impute in the validation animals. We also compared the imputation accuracy between BovineSNP50 and BovineHD BeadChip. In our study the genotype concordance of 40% and 43% was observed in the BovineSNP50 and BovineHD BeadChip respectively.

Protective effect of dietary chitosan on cadmium accumulation in rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cadmium is a toxic metal that is an occupational and environmental concern especially because of its human carcinogenicity; it induces serious adverse effects in various organs and tissues. Even low levels of exposure to cadmium could be harmful owing to its extremely long half-life in the body. Cadmium intoxication may be prevented by the consumption of dietary components that potentially reduce its accumulation in the body. Dietary chitosan is a polysaccharide derived from animal sources; it has been known for its ability to bind to divalent cations including cadmium, in addition to other beneficial effects including hypocholesterolemic and anticancer effects. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of dietary chitosan in reducing cadmium accumulation using an in vivo system. MATERIALS/METHODS: Cadmium was administered orally at 2 mg (three times per week) to three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats: control, low-dose, and high-dose (0, 3, and 5%, respectively) chitosan diet groups for eight weeks. Cadmium accumulation, as well as tissue functional and histological changes, was determined. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, rats fed the chitosan diet showed significantly lower levels of cadmium in blood and tissues including the kidneys, liver, and femur. Biochemical analysis of liver function including the determination of aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels showed that dietary chitosan reduced hepatic tissue damage caused by cadmium intoxication and prevented the associated bone disorder. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that dietary chitosan has the potential to reduce cadmium accumulation in the body as well as protect liver function and bone health against cadmium intoxication.

The relationship between primary headache and constipation in children and adolescents / 소아과

PURPOSE: Many patients presenting with headache also complain of constipation; the relationship between these two symptoms has not been explored in detail. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between primary headache and constipation. METHODS: This retrospective study included all children who attended the Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital complaining of headache, and who had been followed up for at least 100 days. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A, in whom the headache improved after treatment for constipation, and group B, in whom headache was not associated with constipation. RESULTS: Of the 96 patients with primary headache, 24 (25.0%) also had constipation (group A). All 24 received treatment for constipation. Follow-up revealed an improvement in both headache and constipation in all patients. Group B contained the remaining 72 children. Comparison of groups A and B indicated a significant difference in sex ratio (P=0.009, chi-square test). Patients with probable tension-type headache were more likely to be in Group A (P=0.006, chi-square test). CONCLUSION: Resolution of constipation improves headache in many patients diagnosed with primary headache, especially those with probable tension-type headache. We suggest that either constipation plays a key role in triggering headache, or that both constipation and headache share a common pathophysiology.

A Case of Diffuse Cutaneous Mastocytosis in a Newborn / 대한주산의학회잡지

Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) is a rare variant of mast cell disease with widespread erythema and is clinically apparent in early infancy. We report the case of a 1-day-old female neonate who presented with diffuse flush, pruritus, and extensive blistering. DCM was diagnosed by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD117, which revealed mast cell infiltration. DCM is a severe and heterogeneous cutaneous disease, and is associated with mast cell mediator-related symptoms and risk of anaphylactic shock. We describe this case and provide the first literature review of neonatal onset DCM in Korea.

Anesthetic management of a patient with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome with intractable epilepsy: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 34-month-old female patient who had a prior history of generalized tonic-clonic seizures had been diagnosed with the Lennox-Gastuat syndrome. She was scheduled for epiblepharon repairs in both lower lids under general anesthesia. Preoperatively, her tonic seizure was poorly controlled with antiepileptic drugs. General anesthesia with thiopental and isoflurane was provided and the intraoperative course and the emergence of anesthesia were uneventful and smooth.

The effect of midazolam dose and age on the paradoxical midazolam reaction in Korean pediatric patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Although midazolam administration may occasionally induce a paradoxical episode, such as threatened crying and violent behavior in children, systematic studies on the causes of paradoxical reaction are limited. We investigated the effect of children's age and a dose of midazolam on the paradoxical reaction. METHODS: A total of one hundred sixty four children of 1-3 years and 3-5 years, were enrolled in this study. Each age group randomly received 0.05 mg/kg or 0.1 mg/kg of intravenous midazolam (41 patients/group). RESULTS: The incidence of paradoxical midazolam reaction in the study groups, 1-3 years with 0.1 mg/kg of intravenous midazolam, 1-3 years with 0.05 mg/kg, 3-5 years with 0.1 mg/kg, and 3-5 years with 0.05 mg/kg were as follows: 29.3%, 12.2%, 7.3% and 2.4%, respectively. The incidence among the 4 groups was significantly different (P = 0.002), highest in the 1-3 years receiving 0.1 mg/kg of midazolam (29.3%). Both age (P = 0.004, OR [95%CI] = 5.3 [1.7-16.8]) and dose of midazolam (P = 0.036, OR [95%CI] = 3.0 [1.1-8.4]) were risk factors. Perioperative clinical data including anxiety scales of children were not associated with the paradoxical midazolam reaction. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we suggest that children less than 3 years old receiving higher dose of intravenous midazolam are at risk for the paradoxical midazolam reaction.

Hearing Rehabilitation of Single-Sided Deafness: Benefit and Selection Criteria of Bone Anchored Hearing Aid and Contralateral Routing of Signal Hearing Aid / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are two ways to route sound from a deaf hemifield to a functional ear: the bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) and the contralateral routing of signal hearing aid (CROS HA). BAHA uses transcranial bone conduction; on the other hand, CROS HA uses air conduction. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the benefit of these auditory rehabilitation devices objectively and subjectively, and to analyze factors that affect daily using time. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 19 patients who selected BAHA and 9 patients who selected CROS HA to undergo rehabilitation of unilateral hearing loss. Preoperative pure tone air and bone conduction thresholds, BAHA-aided thresholds and CROS HA-aided thresholds were measured. Hearing in noise test (HINT) was measured with unaided and aided in signal to noise ratio 10 (signal 75 dB HL, noise 65 dBA). Bern Benefit in Single-Sided Deafness Questionnaire (BBSS) was evaluated for all patients to assess subjective satisfaction and also, daily device using time was investigated. RESULTS: The aided pure tone audiometry was 44.58 dB HL, 42.71 dB HL for in BAHA and CROS HA, respectively, whereas the unaided PTA was 111.29, 103.28 dB HL for BAHA and CROS HA, respectively. The aided HINT was 63.03 and 64.06%, whereas the unaided HINT was 22.13% and 37.44% for BAHA and CROS, respectively. BBSS showed more satisfactory results with BAHA and CROS HA when compared unaided in all items. Daily using time did not correlate with the degree of satisfaction, better ear hearing levels or etiology. CONCLUSION: It was found that not only the preoperative BAHA rod test and HA trials but also the customized and detail counseling were needed for single sided deaf patients to use auditory rehabilitation devices frequently.

Effects of Different Types of Dietary Fat on Muscle Atrophy According to Muscle Fiber Types and PPARdelta Expression in Hindlimb-Immobilized Rats

This study investigated how dietary fat affects muscle atrophy and lipid metabolism in various muscles during hindlimb immobilization in rats. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats had their left hindlimb immobilized and were divided into four groups by dietary fat content and composition. The contralateral hindlimb (control) was compared with the immobilized limb in all dietary groups. Rats (n = 6/group) were fed a 4% corn oil diet (CO), 2.6% corn oil + 1.4% fish oil diet (FO), 30% corn oil diet (HCO), or a 30% beef tallow diet (HBT)after their hind limbs were immobilized for 10 days. Data were collected for the gastrocnemius, plantaris and soleus muscles. Muscle atrophy was induced significantly after 10 days of hindlimb immobilization, resulting in significantly decreased muscle mass and total muscle protein content. The protein levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor delta (PPARdelta) in the plantaris, gastrocnemius, and soleus increased following hindlimb immobilization irrespective of dietary fat intake. Interestingly, the PPARdelta mRNA level in the plantaris decreased significantly in all groups and that in the FO group was lower than that in the other groups. The soleus PPARdelta mRNA level decreased significantly following hindlimb immobilization in the FO group only. Muscle carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (mCPT1) mRNA level was not affected by hindlimb immobilization. However, the mCPT1 mRNA level in the FO group was significantly lower in the plantaris but higher in the soleus than that in the other groups. The pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) mRNA level in the plantaris decreased significantly, whereas that in the soleus increased significantly following hindlimb immobilization. The plantaris, but not soleus, PDK4 mRNA level was significantly higher in the FO group than that in the CO group. The increased PPARdelta protein level following hindlimb immobilization may have suppressed triglyceride accumulation in muscles and different types of dietary fat may have differentially affected muscle atrophy according to muscle type. Our results suggest that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may suppress muscle atrophy and lipid accumulation by positively affecting the expression level and activity of PPARdelta and PPARdelta-related enzymes, which are supposed to play an important role in muscle lipid metabolism.

Effects of a Low Calcium Diet and Oxalate Intake on Calcium Deposits in Soft Tissues and Bone Metabolism in Ovariectomized Rats

It is controversial whether low calcium intake, commonly associated with osteoporosis, results in calcium accumulation in soft tissues. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of low calcium (Ca) and oxalate (ox) intake on soft-tissue Ca deposits and bone metabolism in ovariectomized (ovx) rats. Eight week old female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and divided into four groups. The rats were fed experimental diets containing low (0.1%, w/w) or normal (0.5%, w/w) Ca with or without sodium oxalate (1%, w/w); Sham/NCa, Ovx/NCa, Ovx/LCa, Ovx/NCa-ox, Ovx/LCa-ox for 6 weeks. All ovx rats showed a remarkable increase in body and tissue weight, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase, and decreases in weight, ash, and Ca contents, as well as bone breaking force compared to those in sham rats. Serum Ca concentration was not significantly affected by dietary Ca levels or ox intake. Kidney Ca, ox acid content, and microscopic Ca deposition increased remarkably in the Ovx/LCa-ox group compared to those in the other groups. Ca content in the spleen and aorta also increased significantly, but the weight contents, Ca, bone breaking force, and Ca and oxalic acid in feces decreased significantly in the Ovx/LCa-ox group. Serum parathyroid hormone levels were not significantly different among the groups. These results indicate that low Ca intake decreased bone mineral content and increased Ca deposits in soft tissues, which was aggravated by ox intake in ovx rats. Thus, high ox intake may result in a kidney disorder in patients with osteoporosis who eat a low Ca diet.

Effects of Iron Overload during Pregnancy on Oxidative Stress in Maternal Rats

Although iron is an essential mineral, excess iron intake during pregnancy may increase oxidative stress in tissues. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of iron overload during pregnancy on iron status and oxidative stress in maternal rats. Ten week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were mated with male rats. Non-pregnant (control) and pregnant rats were fed diets containing normal Fe (35 mg/kg diet), high Fe (350 mg/kg diet), or excess Fe (1,050 mg/kg diet) during pregnancy. Rats were sacrificed on pregnancy day 19. No significant difference in weight gain, diet intake, or litter size was observed according to iron intake levels. Furthermore, serum iron, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were not different among the rats administered the three levels of Fe both in the control and pregnant groups. However, the iron levels were lower in pregnant rats than those in the control. The liver and spleen iron contents increased significantly in the excess Fe group. An increase in liver ferritin levels with increasing iron intake was observed. Protein carbonyl content, as a marker of oxidative stress, increased significantly in liver with increasing iron intake but not malondialdehyde. Glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver of pregnant rats fed excess iron decreased significantly. Bcl-2 protein expression in the liver declined remarkably with increasing maternal iron intake in pregnant rats. Taken together, iron overload during pregnancy had little effect on hematology. However, the deposits of iron in the liver and the decline in antioxidant enzyme activity implied increased oxidative stress in tissues of the excess Fe group. These results suggest that excess iron intake during pregnancy increases oxidative stress in maternal tissues and may also affect fetal tissues.

Effects of Soy Protein, its Hydrolysate and Peptide Fraction on Lipid Metabolism and Appetite-Related Hormones in Rats

This study was aimed to investigate whether soy protein hydrolysates had beneficial effects on serum and tissue lipid contents and appetite-related hormones as compared with intact soy protein. Four-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed AIN-93M diet containing high fat (18% w/w) with low protein (10% w/w). After four weeks, the rats were divided into four groups (n = 8/group) and fed experimental diets with different nitrogen sources and levels, respectively; 10% soy protein isolate (10SPI), 25% soy protein isolate (25SPI), 25% soy protein hydrolysates (25SPH) and 25% soy macro-peptide fractions (25SPP, MW > or = 10,000) for six weeks. Weight gain was significantly higher in 25% nitrogen sources-fed groups than in 10% group (10SPI). In 25SPP, perirenal fat mass and serum total lipid were significantly lower than in other groups. As for appetite-related hormones, serum ghrelin concentration was not shown to be different among groups but leptin concentration was significantly decreased in 25SPP. It can be concluded that soy macro-peptide fractions as compared with intact soy protein may have beneficial effects on reducing fat mass and serum lipid.

Otogenic Pneumocephalus Associated with a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

Otogenic pneumocephalus is a condition of intracranial air originating from the middle ear or mastoid air cells. This communication between the intracranial cavity and the pneumatic cavities is usually associated with trauma after cranial fractures or iatrogenic trauma. We present a rare case of otogenic pneumocephalus arising in the left posterior fossa from wellpneumatized mastoid air cells. The patient complained of roaring tinnitus that developed 29 months after ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion due to brain tumor surgery. High resolution computed tomography scan of the temporal bones revealed a large pneumocephalus below the left tentorium, and a bony dehiscent route was clearly identified in a sagittal view. A left mastoidectomy with preservation of the posterior wall of the external auditory canal was performed, and the expected bony dehiscent site was identified in the posterior fossa dura plate, just posterior to the posterior semicircular canal, below the Donaldson's line. This communication was sealed with a temporalis muscle plug from the deep temporalis muscle fascia and bone dust. Pneumocephalus may be caused by negative intracranial pressure in a patient with very well-pneumatized mastoid bone, and it can be a possible cause of 'wind-like' sound in the ear.

The Effect of Conversion from Cyclosporine to Tacrolimus in Renal Allograft Recipient with Hyperlipidemia / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Management of cardiovascular risk factors is of major importance in renal transplant recipients to determine long-term outcomes. While calcineurin inhibitors improve the clinical course after kidney transplantation, they have been implicated in contributing to increased cardiovascular risk. This study investigated the influence of conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus on cardiovascular risks and graft function in renal allograft recipients with hyperlipidemia. METHODS: Twenty three adult renal recipients who were receiving cyclosporine-based regimen for more than one year after transplantation and had hyperlipidemia (serum total cholesterol > or =200 mg/dL) were enrolled. The effect of conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus was evaluated with blood pressure, fasting lipid profile, glucose and HbA1c. They were measured at baseline and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after conversion. The change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGRF) was also compared between before and after conversion. RESULTS: Though conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus did not cause significant differences in the serum triglyceride level, there was a noticeable decline in total cholesterol level (213.78+/-16.28 to 185.96+/-38.62 mg/dL, p<0.01). Conversion did not trigger new onset or worsening of diabetes mellitus with no meaningful differences in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels. The eGFR stabilized with Tacrolimus in comparison with the cyclosporine (-2.9+/-13.4 mL/min vs. -7.3+/-13.8 mL/min). CONCLUSION: Conversion to tacrolimus would be preferable to cyclosporine for maintenance immunesuppression in renal recipient with hyperlipidemia, as it meliorates hyperlipidemia and leads to stabilization of allograft function.

Effects of sn-2 palmitic acid-fortified vegetable oil and fructooligosaccharide on calcium metabolism in growing rats fed casein based diet

This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of sn-2 palmitic acid-fortified vegetable oil (Sn2PA) on calcium absorption and to confirm the synergistic effects of fructooligosaccharide on calcium absorption. Male SD rats were fed 6 kinds of casein based diets containing vegetable oil (control), sn-2 palmitic acid-fortified vegetable oil (Sn2PA) and Sn2PA with fructooligosaccharide(Sn2PAFO) in two levels of calcium (normal 0.5% and high 1.0%) for 3 weeks. Total lipids, cholesterol, triglyceride and calcium in blood were measured. Feces were collected using cages for 4 days. Serum concentrations of total lipids and calcium were not significantly different among groups. However, serum triglyceride was significantly decreased by fructooligosaccharide supplementation regardless of dietary calcium level. The lipid absorption was not significantly different among experimental groups. Calcium absorption was significantly higher in Sn2PAFO group than other groups. Calcium solubility of intestine was increased by sn-2 palmitic acid supplementation. These results suggest that sn-2 palmitic acid and fructooligosaccharide supplementation could be beneficial for baby foods including infant formula, with regard to increasing absorption of calcium by more soluble calcium in the small intestinal content.

The Effect of Cool Dialysate & Sodium Profiling on Hemodynamics in Patients with Intradialytic Hypotension / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: There are methods to prevent intradialytic hypotension such as cool dialysate and sodium profiling but hemodynamic effects of these methods are not proved yet. We studied hemodynamic effects of cool dialysate and sodium profiling through brachial pulse monitoring which is simple and not invasive. METHODS: Ten patients selected by single, blind, randomized study are enforced control phase, cool dialysate phase, and sodium profiling phase and checked brachial pulse for 10 minutes after dialysis and 10 minutes before finishing. Hemodynamics is checked by DynaPulse 5200A (Pulse metric, Inc. San Diego, CA, USA). RESULTS: In control, central artery systolic blood pressure is decreased after dialysis. Brachial and central artery compliance is increased but brachial artery resistance is decreased. The central artery systolic pressure, brachial mean artery pressure, and brachial artery resistance is increased, but compliance is decreased in cool dialysate as compared with control dialysis. The comparison of intradialytic changes of hemodynamic parameters between control dialysis and sodium profiling shows that intradialytic changes of hemodynamic parameters are similar, but pre-hemodialytic weight is increased in sodium profiling. Number of episodes of symptomatic hypotension per dialysis treatment in cool dialysate and sodium profiling is decreased more than in control dialysis. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests changes of compliance and resistance are most important in hemodynamic parameters of intradialytic hypotension, especially changes of compliance and resistance of vessel in cool dialysate are useful in preventing intradialytic hypotension.

Effects of Genistein Supplementation on Fatty Liver and Lipid Metabolism in Rats Fed High Fat Diet

This study was performed to investigate the effects of genistein, a kind of soy isoflavones, on fatty liver and lipid metabolism in rats fed high fat diet. Twenty four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups by dietary fat and genistein contents then raised for six weeks. The rats (n = 6 / group) were fed normal fat diet (NOR), high fat diet (HF), high fat with 0.1% genistein (HF + 0.1%G) or high fat with 0.2% genistein (HF + 0.2%G). Hepatic total lipid, triglyceride, total cholesterol and Serum GPT, as a marker for fatty liver, were significantly increased by high fat diet. Also, serum total lipid, triglyceride, total cholesterol, glucose and insulin concentration, hepatic lipogenic enzyme (fatty acid synthase and malic enzyme) activities were significantly increased by high fat diet. However, hepatic total lipid, triglyceride, total cholesterol and Serum GPT were significantly decreased by genistein intake. Also, genistein supplementation decreased serum total lipid, triglyceride, glucose and insulin concentration, hepatic lipogenic enzyme (fatty acid synthase and malic enzyme) activities. There were no differences by genistein level except for serum insulin. These results suggest that fatty liver induced by high fat diet was caused by increased serum lipid profiles and hepatic lipogenesis, whereas, genistein may be useful in inhibiting of fatty liver by reducing serum lipid profiles and hepatic lipogenesis.

A Case of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) with Myoglobulinemic Acute Renal Failure and Lithium Intoxication due to Lithium-olanzapine Combination / 대한신장학회잡지

We report a patient developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) with myoglobulinemic acute renal failure and lithium intoxication due to lithium-olanzapine combination, who was successfully treated by hemodiafiltration. A 34-year-old woman with a 14-year history of bipolar disorder had been treated with lithium-olanzapine during last four days. She was admitted to our hospital for muscular rigidity, hyperthermia and altered consciousness. On admission, rhabdomyolsis was demonstratd by biochemical methods and serum level of lithium was 3.78 mEq/L which was far above toxic level. After the diagnosis of NMS with acute renal failure and lithium intoxication, olanzapine and lithium were discontinued and conservative measures and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration were instituted. She recovered without any neurologic sequelae.

The Current Status of Complementary-Alternative Medicine for Asthmatics in Korea: Experience in One Tertiary Care Hospital / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: There has no known epidemiologic survey on the frequency of complementary-alternative medicine (CAM) use in the treatment of adult asthma in Korea. This study examined the current use of CAM by asthma patients in Korea. METHODS: One hundred adults with asthma, who had been admitted to Kyunghee university hospital between January 2000 and December 2003, were enrolled in this survey. They received a structured questionnaire interview and a clinical assessment of prevalence and pattern of CAM use. RESULTS: 53% patients had an experience of at least one type of CAM during their asthma management. Users of CAM had more hospital visits than those who had never used CAM(1.46+/-0.68 vs. 2.11+/-1.20, p=0.001). Those in their 50th decades had more experience of CAM (80%) than the other age groups. The methods of CAM used by our patients are as follows: Diet/nutritional therapy in 35 patients(69%), herbal therapy in 28 patients(53%), acupuncture in 9 patients(17%), moxa treatment in 6 patients(11%), breathing exercises in 1 patient(2%). CONCLUSIONS: More than 50% of patients with bronchial asthma have used CAM. A more detailed and large scaled study will be needed to define the actual status of the use of CAM in the treatment for asthma. Inaddition, further research on the scientific validation of the clinical efficacy of CAM in asthma management should be followed.

A Case of Ischemic Colitis with Deep Vein Thrombosis and Patent Foramen Ovale / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Colonic ischemia is the most prevalent form of gastrointestinal ischemia and causes 3~9% of all acute lower intestinal bleeding. Most common cause is known to be cardiac embolus. A 67-year-old female patient presented with rectal bleeding. The patient had cerebral infarction 15 days ago. A colonoscopy showed a large ulcer with hemorrhage in the rectum. Computed tomography showed deep vein thrombosis from the left popliteal vein to infrarenal inferior vena cava. Transthoracic echocardiography was carried out, but no abnormal feature was found. Then, transesophageal echocardiography, with agitated saline contrast to find out a right to left shunt, was performed, patent foramen ovale was found. This patient was treated with anticoagulation and inferior vena cava filtering. We suggest this ischemic colitis may be due to arterial embolization from deep vein thrombosis through PFO.

Effects of Calcium Supplementations on Mineral Metabolism during Pregnancy with Calcium-Deficient Young Adult Rats

We examined the effects of calcium intake levels on mineral metabolism during pregnancy using calcium-deficient young adult rats. Five week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed normal Ca (NCa, 0.5%) and low Ca (LCa, 0.15%) diets for five weeks (pre-pregnancy). The low Ca intake group was then divided into three groups and fed low Ca (0.15%), normal Ca (0.5%) and high Ca (1.5%) diets for 3 weeks (pregnancy). All of the rats were mated with normal male rats. The control group was fed a consistently normal Ca (0.5%) diet during pre-pregnancy and pregnancy. On the day after delivery, dams and their pups were sacrificed. We measured total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase and mineral content in serum and weight, length, breaking force, ash and mineral content in the femur and lumbar (L2-L4) of the dams. Whole body mineral content was measured in the pups. There was no difference in weight gain and food intake among the groups. Serum total protein and albumin were in the normal range but a little lower during pregnancy. High Ca supplementation decreased serum Mg and Fe during pregnancy. Weight, ash and Ca of the femur and lumbar significantly decreased in rats fed a chronically low Ca diet during pre-pregnancy and pregnancy. Calcium supplementation levels were above normal during pregnancy and increased the bone weight and breaking force of rats fed the low Ca diet during pre-pregnancy. However, Ca supplementation did not increase the ash and Ca contents in the bones. High Ca supplementation during pregnancy significantly decreased Mg in the bones and increased Ca and P in the kidneys. Ash content of pups from dams fed the chronically low Ca diet decreased but there was no difference in whole body Ca among the groups. Mg and Fe in the whole body decreased in pups from dams fed the high Ca diet. Pregnancy performance was reduced in dams fed the low Ca diet. These results suggest that above normal Ca supplementation levels during pregnancy restored maternal bone status to some extent in rats fed the chronically low Ca diet. The same could not be said for mineral content. Also, high Ca supplementation during pregnancy may deteriorate mineral composition in bones and other tissues. Therefore, more detailed research is needed to facilitate sound recommendations on appropriate calcium intake during pregnancy.