Ectopic Cushing' syndrome caused by a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the mesentery

BACKGROUND: ACTH overproduction within the pituitary gland or ectopically leads to hypercortisolism. Here, we report the first case of Cushing' syndrome caused by an ectopic ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine carcinoma of the mesentery. Moreover, diagnostic procedures and pitfalls associated with ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors are demonstrated and discussed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41 year-old man presented with clinical features and biochemical tests suggestive of ectopic Cushing's syndrome. First, subtotal thyroidectomy was performed without remission of hypercortisolism, because an octreotide scan showed increased activity in the left thyroid gland and an ultrasound revealed nodules in both thyroid lobes one of which was autonomous. In addition, the patient had a 3 mm hypoenhancing lesion of the neurohypophysis and a 1 cm large adrenal tumor. Surgical removal of the pituitary lesion within the posterior lobe did not improve hypercortisolism and we continued to treat the patient with metyrapone to block cortisol production. At 18-months follow-up from initial presentation, we detected an ACTH-producing neuroendocrine carcinoma of the mesentery by using a combination of octreotide scan, computed tomography scan, and positron emission tomography. Intraoperatively, use of a gamma probe after administration of radiolabeled (111)In-pentetreotide helped identify the mesenteric neuroendocrine tumor. After removal of this carcinoma, the patient improved clinically. Laboratory testing confirmed remission of hypercortisolism. An octreotide scan 7 months after surgery showed normal results. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the diagnostic challenge in identifying an ectopic ACTH-producing tumor and the pluripotency of cells, in this case of mesenteric cells that can start producing and secreting ACTH. It thereby helps elucidate the pathogenesis of neuroendocrine tumors. This case also suggests that patients with ectopic Cushing's syndrome and an octreotide scan positive in atypical locations may benefit from explorative radioguided surgery using (111)In-pentetreotide and a gamma probe

Effect of high air and soil temperature on yield and some yield components of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

This research was conducted as a main crop in University of Cukurova, Faculty of Agriculture Field Crops Department in 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of high air and soil temperature on pod yield and some yield component of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) breeding lines in main crop growing season in Mediterranean region in Turkey. In this study, 22 peanut lines (F6 and F7) belonging to Brantley x Halisbey crossing and NC-7 variety (st) were used as a plant material. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with three replications. The main yield component such as pod number, pod weight, 100-seed weight, and pod yield per hectare values of lines were investigated. The maximum air temperature data was recorded day by day during the growing period in both years and average daily maximum air temperatures were higher in 2017 than in 2016. When the pod yield compared in 2016 and 2017, it is found that the pod yield was lower (21.5%) in 2017 than in 2016. The high air and soil temperature was negatively affected the pod yield of peanut breeding lines. It was found that the breeding lines differ in their sensitivity to high temperatures. © 2018, Society of Field Crops Science. All rights reserved

The effect of harvesting dates on some agronomic and quality characteristics of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties grown as a main crop in Mediterranean region (Turkey)

This study was conducted at the experimental area of the Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cukurova University as a main crop in 2015 and 2016. The objective of this study was to determinate the effect of harvesting dates on some agronomic and quality characteristics of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties grown as a main crop in Mediterranean region (Turkey). The experimental design was a split plot with three replications. The Halisbey, Sultan, Arioglu-2003, Osmaniye-2005, NC-7, Batem-5025, Flower-22, Flower-32, Flower-36, Brantley and Wilson peanut varieties (Virginia market type) were used as a plant material in this research. The plants were harvested at 149, 156, 163 and 170 days after sowing (DAS). In this research; the pod yield per hectare, shelling percentage, 100-seed weight, maturity index, pod number per plant, pod weight per plant, protein and oil percentage characteristics and fatty acids composition of varieties were investigated. The results indicated that the pod yield per hectare, shelling percentage, 100-seed weight, maturity index, pod number per plant, pod weight per plant, oil percentage, stearic and oleic acids percentage values were increased when the harvesting delayed, but the protein content, palmitic and linoleic acids percentage were decreased. The pod yield was increased from 4185 kgha-1 to 5682 kgha-1 when the harvesting delayed from 149 DAS to 170 DAS in a two year average. © 2018, Society of Field Crops Science. All rights reserved

The effect of harvesting date on some agronomic and quality characteristics of peanut grown in the Mediterranean region of Turkey

This study was conducted at the experimental area of the Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cukurova University as a main crop in 2013 and 2014. The objective of this study was to determinate the effect of harvesting dates on yield and some agronomic traits, seed and oil quality of peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) grown in the Mediterranean region. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The Halisbey peanut variety (Virginia market type) was used as a plant material in this research. Pod yield per hectare, shelling percentage, 100-seed weight, protein and oil percentage, fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids) composition and oil quality (oleic acid to linoleic acid ratio, iodine value) traits were investigated. According to a two-year average, the highest pod weight (84.24 g plant-1) and pod number (36.83 no. plant-1) per plant was obtained when the plants were harvested at 180 days after planting (DAP). The shelling percentage and 100-seed weight increased when the harvesting was delayed. The highest pod (8002.6 kg ha-1) was obtained when the plants were harvested at 180 DAP. The oil and protein percentage ranged from 48.66-49.66% and 24.65-25.89% respectively. The oleic and linoleic acid content varied between 51.54-54.94% and 24.65-26.78%, respectively. Oleic acid to linoleic acid ratio (O/L) increased when the harvesting time was delayed. © 2016, Society of Field Crops Science. All rights reserved

Sexual problems of women with spinal cord injury in Turkey

Objectives: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic event that affects many facets of the injured people's lives. One aspect is sexual functioning. The purpose of this study is to identify the sexual problems of women with SCI and determine their level of knowledge about sexuality. Methods: Twenty-six women with SCI for longer than 6 months were evaluated. Demographic information, sexual experiences were surveyed. Patients were also asked if and how they received sexual health consultation after SCI. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory were evaluated. Results: In this study, average age of the women with SCI was 32.96 +/- 8.23 years (22-50 years). Eight patients had regular sexual intercourse while one married woman did not have any sexual relationship after SCI. Twenty-four of the patients in the study received no information about pregnancy or sexual health after SCI. All women were willing to receive information about sexuality after SCI. These patients expected the doctors to start the conversation about sexuality rather than asking about it. FSFI survey revealed that all the patients had sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: Sexual rehabilitation should thus be fully addressed in all spinal units and rehabilitation centers, along with other aspects of rehabilitation

A comparison of urinary bladder weight in male and female mice across five models of diabetes and obesity

Introduction: Diabetes often leads to lower urinary tract dysfunction. The most frequently assessed parameter of urinary bladder dysfunction in animal models of diabetes is an enlargement of the bladder, which is consistently observed in type 1 and less consistently in type 2 diabetes. The vast majority of studies on bladder weight in animal models of diabetes and obesity has been performed in males, and no studies have directly compared this outcome parameter between sexes.Methods: Therefore, we have compared bladder weight and bladder/body weight ratio in five mouse models of obesity and diabetes (RIP-LCMV, db/db, ob/ob (two studies), insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) knock-out mice and mice on a high-fat diet; pre-specified secondary analysis of a previously reported study).Results: In a pooled analysis of the control groups of all studies, females exhibited slightly lower glucose levels, lower body weight, and lower bladder weight, but bladder/body weight ratio was similar in both sexes (0.957 vs. 0.986 mg/g, mean difference 0.029 [−0.06; 0.118]). Among the six diabetic/obese groups, bladder/body weight ratio was similar in both sexes in three but smaller in female mice in three other groups. The mRNA expression of a panel of genes implied in the pathophysiology of bladder enlargement and/or fibrosis and inflammation did not differ systematically between sexes.Conclusions: We conclude that sex differences in diabetes/obesity-associated bladder enlargement may be model dependent.</jats:p

A comparison of urinary bladder weight in male and female mice across five models of diabetes and obesity

Introduction: Diabetes often leads to lower urinary tract dysfunction. The most frequently assessed parameter of urinary bladder dysfunction in animal models of diabetes is an enlargement of the bladder, which is consistently observed in type 1 and less consistently in type 2 diabetes. The vast majority of studies on bladder weight in animal models of diabetes and obesity has been performed in males, and no studies have directly compared this outcome parameter between sexes. Methods: Therefore, we have compared bladder weight and bladder/body weight ratio in five mouse models of obesity and diabetes (RIP-LCMV, db/db, ob/ob (two studies), insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) knock-out mice and mice on a high-fat diet; pre-specified secondary analysis of a previously reported study). Results: In a pooled analysis of the control groups of all studies, females exhibited slightly lower glucose levels, lower body weight, and lower bladder weight, but bladder/body weight ratio was similar in both sexes (0.957 vs. 0.986 mg/g, mean difference 0.029 [−0.06; 0.118]). Among the six diabetic/obese groups, bladder/body weight ratio was similar in both sexes in three but smaller in female mice in three other groups. The mRNA expression of a panel of genes implied in the pathophysiology of bladder enlargement and/or fibrosis and inflammation did not differ systematically between sexes. Conclusions: We conclude that sex differences in diabetes/obesity-associated bladder enlargement may be model dependent