Oestrogen-progestogen oral contraceptives and urinary calcium excretion

To examine the effects of age and use of oestrogen-progestogen oral contraceptive agents (OCA) on urinary calcium excretion, 24 h urine collections were obtained from 525 women aged 16-69 years during a health survey, and measurements made of the amounts of calcium, creatinine, sodium, potassium and magnesium excreted. Younger women using OCA excreted more potassium and creatinine but less calcium, and less calcium and magnesium relative to creatinine, than corresponding controls using no OCA. Older women excreted less creatine, but significantly greater amounts of calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium relative to creatinine than younger women. It is postulated that the diminished urinary calcium excretion observed in women using OCA resulted from suppression of bone resorption by oestrogens in OCA.     

Circadian rhythms of rat internal temperatures and thermal ambiance (author's transl)]

Chronic recording of cerebellar and subcutaneous temperatures were carried out in rats maintained at different ambient temperatures in a 12 h light-dark cycle (light from 7 to 19 h). Cerebellar and subcutaneous temperatures followed a rhythm with a period of 24 h with acrophase at 1 h and an amplitude of 0.75 degrees C. The amplitude and acrophase were not altered by modification of the ambient temperature (20-25-30-34 or 35 degrees C), but each elevation of ambient temperature produced a rise in the mean internal temperature of the rat. This rise, hardly perceptible at ambient temperatures of 25 and 30 degrees C, reaches 0.5 degrees C between 20 and 25 degrees C and 1 degrees C between 30 and 34 degrees C. This elevation of temperature was maintained for the duration of the 10 days of observation. These results pose at least three questions: the degree of liaison between the rhythms of activity (waking) and temperature; the lability of the mean internal temperature, which alter with ambient temperature while the amplitude of the circadian rhythm is unaltered and the absence of reduction of mean interanl temperature several days exposure to a raised ambient temperature, even when activity and metabolism are reduced by the second day of exposure.     

Malignant melanoma in Europe: changes in mortality rates (1970-90) in European Community countries

We measured metabolic rates (mL O2 h-1, converted to kcal d-1), deep body temperatures (degree C), and skin temperatures (degree C) and calculated whole-animal thermal conductances (mL O2 g-1 h-1 degree C-1) of five 3-yr-old harbor seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) at air temperatures between -20 degrees and 35 degrees C. The mean thermal neutral zone of these seals extended from a lower critical temperature of -12.9 degrees +/- 1.6 degrees C (SD) to an upper critical temperature of 28.6 degrees +/- 1.7 degrees C. Hyperthermia was observed at an ambient air temperature of 35 degrees C. Mean standard metabolic rate was 1,553.6 +/- 168.2 kcal d-1, about 1.2 times the value expected for adult animals of similar body mass (mean mass = 49.2 +/- 7.5 kg). Mean deep body temperature increased from 37.5 degrees +/- 0.30 degrees C at an ambient temperature of 30 degrees C and reached 39.3 degrees +/- 0.33 degrees C at an ambient temperature of 35 degrees C. Skin temperature decreased with decreasing ambient temperature but remained well above ambient temperature. Mean whole-animal thermal conductance decreased from an ambient temperature of 35 degrees C until it reached a minimum value of 0.007 mL O2 g-1 h-1 degree C-1 at -4.0 degrees C; it then increased with a further decrease in ambient temperature. In comparison to the thermal limits of the same seals during their first year of life, the results indicate a broadening of the thermal neutral zone with age: an 11 degrees C decrease in the lower critical temperature and a 3.5 degrees C increase in the upper critical temperature. These findings suggest that warm ambient air temperatures should not pose any particular thermoregulatory problems for larger and older harbor seals, even beyond the limits of their current annual distribution.     

Excretion of DNA adducts of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine and 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline, PhIP-dG, PhIP-DNA and DiMeIQx-DNA from the rat

The heterocyclic aromatic amines, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx) are formed during frying of meat. PhIP and 4,8-DiMeIQx have, after metabolic activation, been shown to form adducts with DNA at the C8 of guanine both in vitro and in vivo. In order to investigate possible urinary biomarkers for estimation of the genotoxic dose of PhIP and 4,8-DiMeIQx, [3H]PhIP-dG, [3H]PhIP-DNA and [14C]4,8-DiMeIQx-DNA were injected i.p. to rats and the excretion of radioactivity in urine and faeces were measured. For all three [3H]PhIP-dG, [3H]PhIP-DNA and [14C]4,8-DiMeIQx-DNA 15-20% of the dose were excreted in the urine and 80-85% of the dose were excreted in the faeces. Urinary excretion showed maximum to 24 h (90%) with a rapid decline, 10% to 48 h and 0% to 72 h. Faecal excretion also showed maximum to 24 h (60%) with a slower decline, 30% to 48 h and 10% to 72 h. HPLC analysis of samples of urine and extracts from faeces, from rats dosed with [3H]PhIP-dG, showed that approximately 90% of the radioactivity co-eluted with PhIP-dG, indicating that PhIP-dG is excreted unmetabolized. HPLC analysis of samples of urine and extracts from faeces, from rats dosed with [3H]PhIP-DNA, showed that approximately 85% of the radioactivity co-eluted with PhIP-dG, indicating that PhIP-DNA adducts is mainly excreted as nucleoside adducts. Approximately 5% of the radioactivity excreted in the urine co-eluted with PhIP-G, indicating loss of deoxyribose. HPLC analysis of samples of urine and extracts from faeces, from rats dosed with [14C]4,8-DiMeIQx-DNA, showed that approximately 90% of the radioactivity co-eluted with 4,8-DiMeIQx-dG, indicating that 4,8-DiMeIQx-DNA adducts is mainly excreted as nucleoside adducts. Man is able to eliminate compounds of a higher mol. wt in the urine than the rat, the percentage of PhIP-dG and 4,8-DiMeIQx eliminated in the urine of man would therefore be expected to be higher than in the rat. Measurement of urinary nucleoside adducts of PhIP and 4,8-DiMeIQx could therefore provide a basis for the development of a biomonitoring strategy for the genotoxic dose of these food derived HAA.     

The mass outbreak of dysentery in a kindergarten

A study was conducted to examine the effect of magnesium lithospermate B on both the urinary and renal total and active kallikrein and prokallikrein in rats with adenine-induced renal failure. In rats given magnesium lithospermate B at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight/day for 12 days, significant increases of urinary total and active kallikrein were associated with significant increases of urine volume and urinary total and active kallikrein were associated with significant increases of urine volume and urinary creatinine excretion. The renal total and active kallikrein levels were also significantly elevated by the treatment with magnesium lithospermate B. On day 24, the urinary excretion of total and active kallikrein and prokallikrein was significantly increased. Concomitantly, a significant increase in renal kallikrein (total, active and pro-) was found in the rats given magnesium lithospermate B. A significant relationship existed between the urinary creatinine and active kallikrein excretion. These results suggest that magnesium lithospermate B may stimulate the synthesis of kallikrein and/or conversion to active kallikrein, thus improving renal function.     

Jackrabbit ears: surface temperatures and vascular responses

Blood flow to the ear pinnae is curtailed at ambient temperatures of between 1.4 degrees and 24 degrees C, which minimizes heat loss across the pinnae and allows the surfaces of erect pinnae to approach ambient temperature. The pinnae are warmed by steady or pulsatile vasodilation in some animals when the ambient temperature is between 1 degree and 9 degrees C below body temperature, a response favoring heat loss. When ambient temperature exceeds body temperature by 4 degrees to 5 degrees C, the pinnae are circulated with blood cooler than ambient temperature; this response favors heat influx.     

Seasonal variations in vitamin D status and calcium absorption do not influence bone turnover in young women

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of seasonal variations in UV B-exposure on calcium absorption and bone turnover in young women with the overall goal to assess the potential benefit of a vitamin D supplementation during wintertime. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Area of Bonn, Germany (51 degrees N). SUBJECTS: Thirty-eight women (24.5+/-0.5 y) studied in winter and 38 females of the same age (24.7+/-0.4 y) studied in summer. RESULTS: As estimated by a 4 d food record, both groups had similar dietary calcium and phosphorus intakes (> 1200 mg/d, respectively) covering actual recommendations. Significant reductions in serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and calcitriol, fractional calcium absorption (Fc220, measured by means of a stable strontium test), 24h urinary calcium and 24h urinary phosphorus excretion were observed during wintertime. 25OHD but not calcitriol was correlated with Fc220 values and with 24h urinary phosphorus excretion. Moreover, Fc220 was related to 24 h urinary calcium excretion. Fasting 2 h-urinary deoxypyridinoline concentrations (biomarker of bone resorption) and serum levels of carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (biomarker of bone formation) showed no differences between summer and winter. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate a decrease in intestinal calcium and phosphorus absorption during wintertime, most likely because of a reduction in serum 25OHD levels. Since bone turnover was not affected by the seasonal differences in mineral metabolism, there is no objective for young women with high calcium intake to supplement vitamin D during wintertime.     

Urinary fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products in nephrotic syndrome

The urinary concentration of fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (F.D.P.) was measured in 90 patients with proteinuria above 2 g/1 and correlated with proteinuria, differential protein clearances, serum urea and creatinine, and renal biopsy findings. There was a linear correlation (r equals 0-7; P less than 0-001) between the urinary F.D.P. excretion and the selectivity of the proteinuria such that patients with highly selective proteinuria excreted only small amounts of F.D.P. whereas those with non-selective proteinuria excreted much higher levels. There was a significant correlation between the urinary F.D.P. excretion and the urine:serum (U:S) ratio of IgG excretion but not with the U:S ratio or urinary excretion of albumin or transferrin. Sephadex G200 column chromatography of the concentrated urine in 26 cases showed that patients with highly selective proteinuria excreted predominantly F.D.P. of low molecular weight in the urine whereas those with non-selective proteinuria excreted mainly fibrinogen and products of high molecular weight. Hence the type and quantity of F.D.P. in the urine are determined primarily by the differential filtration of fibrinogen and the various degradation products from the plasma through the glomerular basement membrane, which in turn is determined by the "pore size" of the basement membrane. In clinical nephrology measurement of the urinary F.D.P. level provides a rapid and convenient means of estimating the differential protein clearance.     

Urinary retinol excretion and kidney function in children with shigellosis

BACKGROUND: Acute infections, including diarrhea, are associated with an increased risk of vitamin A deficiency. Urinary retinol excretion during such infections may contribute to this risk. The mechanism accounting for urinary retinol loss has not been clearly defined. OBJECTIVE: This study attempted to determine whether urinary retinol loss in children with acute infection is associated with impaired kidney function, particularly impaired tubular protein reabsorption. DESIGN: Urinary retinol excretion and kidney function were examined in 66 hospitalized children 5 mo to 5 y of age with acute Shigella dysentery. RESULTS: Urinary retinol loss occurred in 59% of children and was substantial (>0.1 micromol/d) in 8% of them. Children with more severe disease excreted higher concentrations of urinary retinol; those with a body temperature > or =40 degrees C excreted a mean of 0.10 +/- 0.18 micromol/d compared with 0.005 +/- 0.008 micromol/d for other children (P < 0.0001). Children with more severe disease also had impaired tubular reabsorption of low-molecular-weight proteins beta2-microglobulin and retinol binding protein (RBP)], although other measures of tubular and glomerular function were not similarly impaired. In multiple regression analysis, severity of disease indicators were the best predictors of tubular reabsorption of beta2-microglobulin (R2 = 0.53) whereas tubular reabsorption of beta2-microglobulin and RBP were found to be the best predictors of urinary retinol loss (R2 = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: A significant amount of retinol was excreted in the urine in children with shigellosis: 8% excreted >0.10 micromol/d (15% of the daily metabolic requirement). Impaired tubular reabsorption of low-molecular-weight proteins, such as RBP transporting retinol, appeared to be the cause of this urinary retinol loss.     

Immunologic aspects of leprosy with reference to extravascular immunoglobulins: their excretion profile in urine

An aliquot of 24-hour urine collected from leprosy patients was concentrated and examined for the presence of albumin, transferrin, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, D3, kappa and lambda light chains by the gel diffusion technic using respective monospecific antisera. Urinary protein excretion profile in lepromatous leprosy patients showed that while excretion of transferrin in the urine was negligible; that of IgG molecules, a substance of higher molecular weight, was significant. It is suggested that the immunoglobulins excreted in the urine may not be plasma-derived, but extravascular in origin. They are probably synthesized in the urinary tract. In the present study, out of 25 leprosy patients, 2 female patients having severe lepra reactions developed urinary tract infections. E. coli and Klebsiella were isolated from their urine. The urinary IgG levels in those two cases were found to be the highest in the series.     

Should diastasis recti be corrected?

From theoretical considerations animals with a higher protein-fat ratio in the body should have a higher maintenance energy requirement (MEm). The literature on this problem shows a non-uniform picture with deviating results. From the results of a series of experiments it is possible to compare the heat production (HP) of male and female animals of the Vietnamese Sway-back breed pigs which vary quite widely in their body composition. The protein-fat ratio was 1.2 for the male and 0.2 for the female animals. In the experiments 4 male and 4 female animals in the live weight range of 20-33 kg and 33-42 kg, respectively, were involved. The HP measurements were carried out in climatized respiration chambers on two levels of energy intake at ambient temperatures of 6 degrees C, 12 degrees C, 18 degrees C, 24 degrees C, 30 degrees C, and 35 degrees C. The dependence of HP on the ambient temperature has been described by a cubic regression function. Thermoneutral temperatures are lower in the female animals caused by the better insulation effect of the backfat. The difference in HP which was expected by the large difference in body composition, was not found. The absolute protein mass determined the correlation to HP. Certainly the difference increased after lowering the ambient temperature. The influence of different factors on HP is discussed.     

Small changes in ambient temperature cause large changes in 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced serotonin neurotoxicity and core body temperature in the rat

The amphetamine derivative 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a drug of abuse and has been shown to be neurotoxic to 5-HT terminals in many species. MDMA-engendered neurotoxicity has been shown to be affected by both ambient temperature and core body temperature. We now report that small (2 degreesC) changes in ambient temperature produce changes in core temperature in MDMA-treated rats, but the same changes in ambient temperature do not affect core temperature of saline-treated animals. Furthermore, increases in core temperature of MDMA-treated animals increase neurotoxicity. Rats were given MDMA (20 or 40 mg/kg) or saline and placed in an ambient temperature of 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, or 30 degreesC using a novel temperature measurement apparatus that controls ambient temperature +/-0.5 degrees C. Two weeks after MDMA treatment, the rats were killed, and regional 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid levels were analyzed as a measure of neurotoxicity. Rats treated with MDMA at 20 and 22 degrees C showed a hypothermic core temperature response. Treatment with MDMA at 28 and 30 degreesC produced a hyperthermic response. At ambient temperatures of 20-24 degrees C, neurotoxicity was not observed in the frontal cortex, somatosensory cortex, hippocampus, or striatum. At ambient temperatures of 26-30 degrees C, neurotoxicity was seen and correlated with core temperature in all regions examined. These data indicate that ambient temperature has a significant affect on MDMA neurotoxicity, core temperature, and thermoregulation in rats. This finding has implications on both the temperature dependence of the mechanism of MDMA neurotoxicity and human use because fatal hyperthermia is associated with MDMA use in humans.     

Incidence and magnitude of hypoxaemia with ketamine in a rural African hospital

The excretion of sevoflurane metabolites in the urine collected every 12 h after sevoflurane anaesthesia was measured by ion exchange chromatography. A metabolite, which was converted on incubation with glucuronidase to hexafluoroisopropanol was detected in the urine. The maximum excretion was found in the first 12 h after anaesthesia, none was found in the last collection 3 days after anaesthesia. The excretion half-life for the metabolite was calculated to be 55 h. A significant increase in the urinary excretion of organic and inorganic fluoride was also observed during the first 12 h after anaesthesia. The cumulative organic and inorganic fluoride excretion in the 3 days after sevoflurane anaesthesia was 1588 and 856 mumol, respectively (ratio = 1.85). The excreted half-lives for organic and inorganic fluoride were calculated to be 4028 and 2069 min, respectively. Our study showed that a hexafluoroisopropanol glucuronide is excreted in the urine, and the major part of urinary metabolites of sevoflurane, organic and inorganic fluoride, are excreted within 2 days of sevoflurane inhalation in man.     

Sodium excretion in children with lithogenic disorders

INTRODUCTION: The causes of nephrolithisis are multifactorial and have not yet been enough investigated [1]. Hypercalciuria is the most common cause of metabolic nephrolithiasis [2-4]. Close relationship between urinary calcium and urinary sodium has been a subject of reported observations in the past, showing that high urinary sodium is associated with high urinary calcium [5-7]. Hyperoxaluria, hyperuricosuria and cystinuria are also metabolic disorders that can lead to nephrolithiasis. Recent studies have indicated that urinary elimination of cystine is influenced by urinary sodium excretion. Based on these observations it has been hypothesised that patients with high urinary sodium excretion are at high risk of urinary stone disease. The purpose of the study was to investigate sodium excretion in a 24-hour urine and first morning urine collected from children with lithogenic metabolic abnormalities (hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, hyperuricosuria, cystinuria), both with nephrolithiasis and without it, in order to determine its significance in urinary calculi formation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Urinary sodium excretion was investigated in 2 groups of children: patients with lithogenic metabolic abnormalities, but without urinary stone disease (L group) and patients with nephrolithiasis (C group). Both groups were divided into 2 subgroups: patients with hypercalciuria and without it. There were 22 patients in group L (mean age 11.97 +/- 4.13 years), of whom 17 formed a hypercalciuric subgroup and 5 formed a non-hypercalciuric subgroup (3 patients with hyperuricosuria and 2 patients with hyperoxaluria). Group C consisted of 21 patients with nephrolithiasis (mean age 12.67 +/- 3.44 years), of whom 6 formed a hypercalciuric subgroup and 15 formed a non-hypercalciuric group (2 patients with cystinuria and 13 patients without lithogenic metabolic abnormalities). Control group consisted of 42 healthy age-matched children. All subjects had a normal renal function. A detailed history and clinical examination were done, and ultrasonography was performed in all patients. A 24-hour urine, first morning urine and serum specimen were analysed for sodium, potassium, calcium, uric acid, urea and creatinine. Fractional excretion of sodium, as well as urinary sodium to creatinin ratio and urinary sodium to potassium ratio, were calculated from the findings. Sodium and potassium levels were determined by flame photometry, calcium was measured by atomic absorption technique (Beckman Atomic Spectrophotometer, Synchron CX-5 model, USA), uric acid by carbonate method and creatinine by Jaffe technique. Cystine and dibasic amino acids were quantified by ion chromatography. Urinary oxalate excretion was determined by enzyme spectrophotometry. Hypercalciuria was defined by 24-hour calcium excretion greater than 3.5 mg/kg per day and/or calcium to creatinine ratio greater than 0.20 [8]. Uric acid excretion was expressed as uric acid excretion factored for glomerular filtration, according to Stapleton's and Nash's formula [9]. Normal values were lower than 0.57 mg/dl of glomerular filtration rate in 24-hour samples. Mean values were statistically analyzed by Pearson's linear correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Urinary sodium concentration values including urinary sodium to potassium ratios, are shown in Table 1. We found that urinary sodium excretion was significantly increased in patients of both L and C groups when compared with controls (p < 0.05). Further analysis of the subgroups showed that urinary sodium excretion was significantly higher only in patients with hypercalciuria of both L and C groups in comparison to controls (p < 0.05) (Table 2). A significant positive correlation was found between 24-hour urinary sodium to creatinine ratio and urinary calcium to creatinine ratio (r = 0.31; p < 0.001) (Graph 1), as well as between urinary sodium to potassium ratio in 24-hour and first morning urine (r = 0.69; p < 0.001) (Graph 2). (A     

Synthesis and excretion profile of 1,4-[14C]phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate in the rat

1,4-Phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate (p-XSC) inhibits chemically induced tumors in several laboratory animal models. To understand its mode of action, we synthesized p-[14C]XSC, examined its excretion pattern in female CD rats and also the nature of its metabolites. p-[14C]XSC was synthesized from alpha,alpha-dibromo-p-[ring-14C]xylene in 80% yield. The excretion profile of p-[14C]XSC (15.8 mg/kg body wt, 200 microCi/rat, oral administration, in 1 ml corn oil) in vivo was monitored by measuring radioactivity and selenium content. On the basis of radioactivity, approximately 20% of the dose was excreted in the urine and 68% in the feces over 3 days. The cumulative percentages of the dose excreted over 7 days were 24% in urine and 75% in feces, similar to excretion rates of selenium. According to selenium measurement, <1% of the dose was detected in exhaled air; radioactivity was not detected. Only 15% of the dose was extractable from the feces with EtOAc and was identified as tetraselenocyclophane (TSC). Most of the radioactivity remained tightly bound to the feces. Approximately 10% of this bound material converted to TSC on reduction with NaBH4. Organic soluble metabolites in urine did not exceed 2% of the dose; sulfate (9 % of urinary metabolites) and glucuronic acid (19.5% of urinary metabolites) conjugates were observed but their structural identification is still underway. Co-chromatography with a synthetic standard led to the detection of terephthalic acid (1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid) as a minor metabolite. The major urinary conjugates contained selenium. Despite the low levels of selenium in the exhaled air, the reductive metabolism of p-XSC to H2Se cannot be ruled out. Identification of TSC in vivo indicates that a selenol may be a key intermediate responsible for the chemopreventive action of p-XSC.     

The effect of noradrenaline, injected into the hypothalamus, on thermoregulation in the cat

1. Noradrenaline (NA) was microinjected into the anterior hypothalamic/preoptic area(AH/POA) of unanaesthetized cats held at ambient temperatures of 10, 22 or 35 degrees C. Loci in which injection of NA caused body temperature changes were also found to be sensitive to the febrile action of PGE1. 2. At all ambient temperatures, NA caused a dose-dependent fall in body temperature. However the mechanisms by which these temperature changes were brought about varied at different ambient temperatures. In cats maintained at the higher ambient temperature, NA activated heat loss mechanisms whereas in the cats maintained in the 10degrees C environment, the major effect of NA injection was an inhibition of heat conservation and heat production mechanisms. 3. We conclude that NA acts in cats not only as an inhibitor of heat conservation and production, but also acts in an excitatory manner on an active heat loss pathway within the AH/POA.     

Ethanol anapyrexia in rats

In the present series of experiments we tested whether ethanol decreases body temperature by impairing thermal regulation (poikilothermia) or by shifting the set point downwards. The central temperature of rats kept in a thermocline and the selected ambient temperature were recorded by telemetry. After an IP injection of 2 g/kg of ethanol the rats selected an ambient temperature 7 degrees C lower than the one they selected before the ethanol injection and 8 degrees C lower than the one selected by the same rats after saline injection. At the same time the central temperature decreased by 2.5 degrees C. After about 40 min the rats preferred warmer ambient temperatures and 10 min later the central temperature began to rise. When, after ethanol, the rats were kept at 30 degrees C the central temperature remained at the normal level. At 35-36 degrees C the central temperature of normal rats without ethanol rose, in 1 h, from 37 degrees C to 39.75 degrees C. The results suggest that ethanol hypothermia is due to a downward shift of the set point and, in fact, is an anapyrexia, a condition inverse to fever.     

Metabolic responses of White Pekin ducks to ambient temperature

Metabolic responses of unrestrained White Pekin ducks, Anas platyrhynchos, were determined at ambient temperatures of -5 degrees, 1 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, and 30 degrees C. Temperatures from the pectoralis and the subcutaneous back were monitored. Unrestrained ducks exhibited two metabolic states, a high response (540 cc. O2/kg/hr. at 20 degrees C.) and a low response (427 cc. O2/kg./hr. at 20 degrees C). Pectoralis muscle temperature did not vary greatly over the range of ambient temperatures tested and was considered to be a good representative of body temperature.     

Lymph node metastasis in breast cancer: common prognostic markers lack predictive value

Isoflavones are present in soybeans and its products in concentrations up to 300 mg/100 g, have estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties, and may be protective against hormone-related cancers. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between urinary isoflavone excretion and self-reported soy intake. A total of 102 women of Caucasian, Native Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino ancestry completed a dietary questionnaire for soy products consumed during the last year and during the 24-h period before urine collection. Overnight urine samples were analyzed for coumestrol and the soy isoflavones genistein, daidzein, and glycitein and their main human metabolites by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. Soy protein and isoflavone intake (predominantly from tofu) were estimated using published nutritional databases. Wilcoxon's rank-sum test scores and Spearman rank correlation coefficients were computed. Japanese women excreted more daidzein, genistein, and glycitein than did Caucasian women, whereas Caucasian women excreted slightly more coumestrol. Soy intake differed significantly among ethnic groups. Dietary soy protein and isoflavone intakes during the previous 24 h were positively related to urinary isoflavone excretion [rs = 0.61 (P < 0.0001) and 0.62 (P < 0.0001), respectively]. Urinary excretion of isoflavones was also related to annual dietary soy protein and isoflavone intake [rs = 0.32 (P < 0.0012) and 0.31 (P < 0.0016), respectively]. The strong correlation between urinary isoflavone excretion and self-reported soy intake validates the dietary history questionnaire that is now used in a study exploring dietary risk factors for breast cancer.