Exogenous application of mycotoxin fusaric acid improve the morphological, cytogenetic, biochemical and anatomical parameters in salt (NaCl) stressed Allium cepa L

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stress factors that negatively affect plant growth and development. In contrast, fusaric acid (FA), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium and Giberella fungal genera, has biological and metabolic effects in various plants. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the protective effect of externally applied FA (0.1 nM) against the damage caused by salt (0.15 M NaCl) stress in onion (Allium cepa L.) plant. Salt stress resulted in an increase in the chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and micronucleus (MN) frequency, a decrease in the mitotic index (MI), fresh weight, root number, germination percentage, and root length. It promoted CAs such as irregular mitosis, bilobulated nuclei, chromosome loss, bridge, unequal seperation of chromosome, vagrant chromosome and polar slip in root meristem cells. In addition, salt stress caused a enhancement in free proline (PR), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the roots of onion plant. Moreover, it revealed damage and changes that include the accumulation of some chemical substances such as proline and sugars in epidermis and cortex layer cells, epidermal cell injury, flattening of the cell nucleus, wall thickening in cortex cells, necrotic areas and indistinct transmission tissue in the anatomical structure of onion roots. On the other hand, FA application promoted bulb germination and mitotic activity, strengthened the antioxidant defense system, and reduced chromosome and anatomical structure damages. In conclusion; it has been revealed that exogenous FA application may have a positive effect on increasing the resistance of onion plants to salt stress.

Optic neuritis in Turkish children and adolescents: A multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Various etiologies may underlie optic neuritis, including autoantibody-mediated disorders described in the last decade. We re-examined demographic, clinical, laboratory features and prognostic factors in pediatric patients with autoimmune optic neuritis according to current knowledge.

METHODS

Cases of pediatric ON from 27 centers in Türkiye diagnosed between 2009 and 2022 were included for retrospective evaluation.

RESULTS

The study included 279 patients, 174 females and 105 males, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.65. The average age at onset was 12.8 ± 3.4 years, and mean follow-up, 2.1 years (range: 1-12.1 years). Patients <10 years old were grouped as "prepubertal" and those ≥10 years old as "others". The diagnoses made at the end of follow-up were multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis (n = 90, 32.3 %), single isolated optic neuritis (n = 86, 31 %), clinically isolated syndrome (n = 41, 14.7 %), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis (n = 22, 7.9 %), and relapsing isolated optic neuritis (n = 18, 6.5 %). Predominant diagnoses were myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis associated optic neuritis in the prepubertal group and multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis in the older group. Recurrences were observed in 67 (24 %) patients, including 28 with multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis, 18 with relapsing isolated optic neuritis, 11 with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis, 8 with aquaporin-4 antibody related optic neuritis, and 2 with chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy. Recurrences were more common among female patients. Findings supporting the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis included age of onset ≥ 10 years (OR=1.24, p = 0.027), the presence of cranial MRI lesions (OR=26.92, p<0.001), and oligoclonal bands (OR=9.7, p = 0.001). Treatment in the acute phase consisted of intravenous pulse methylprednisolone (n = 46, 16.5 %), pulse methylprednisolone with an oral taper (n = 212, 76 %), and combinations of pulse methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, or intravenous immunoglobulin (n = 21, 7.5 %). Outcome at 12 months was satisfactory, with 247 out of 279 patients (88.5 %) demonstrating complete recovery. Thirty-two patients exhibited incomplete recovery and further combination treatments were applied. Specifically, patients with relapsing isolated optic neuritis and aquaporin-4 antibody related optic neuritis displayed a less favorable prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest optic neuritis is frequently bilateral in prepubertal and unilateral in peri‑ or postpubertal patients. Age of onset 10 or older, presence of oligoclonal bands, and brain MRI findings reliably predict the development of multiple sclerosis. The risk of developing multiple sclerosis increases mostly during the second and third years of follow-up. Relapsing isolated optic neuritis remains a separate group where the pathogenesis and outcome remain unclear. Investigation of predisposing and diagnostic biomarkers and long follow-up could help to define this group.

Retracted: Clinical and genetic evaluations of rare childhood epilepsies in Turkey's national cohort

Aycan Ünalp, Yiğithan Güzin, Bülent Ünay, Ayşe Tosun, Dilek Çavuşoğlu, Hande Gazeteci Tekin, Semra Hız Kurul, Ebru Arhan, Selvinaz Edizer, Gülten Öztürk, Uluç Yiş, Ünsal Yılmaz, Turkish Rare Epilepsies Study Group, Clinical and genetic evaluations of rare childhood epilepsies in Turkey's national cohort, Epileptic Disorders, 2023, (https://doi.org/10.1002/epd2.20150) The above article, published online on 16 August 2023 on Wiley Online Library (www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the Editor-in-Chief, Sándor Beniczky, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The authors asked for a retraction based on an experimental error which would alter the results of the study if corrected.

A multicenter study of radiologically isolated syndrome in children and adolescents: Can we predict the course?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate clinical characteristics, imaging features and etiological profile of Radiologically Isolated Syndrome (RIS) along with clinical and radiological follow-up.

METHODS

Demographic, clinical and radiological data of patients younger than 18 years fulfilling the criteria for RIS were retrospectively analyzed. RIS was defined by the detection of lesions meeting the revised 2010 McDonald Criteria for dissemination in space on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the absence of any symptoms of demyelinating disease or an alternative cause for the MRI findings.

RESULTS

There were total 69 patients (38 girls, 31 boys). The median age at index MRI was 15.7 years, and median follow-up time was 28 months. The most common reason for neuroimaging was headache (60.9%). A first clinical event occurred with median 11 months in 14/69 (20%) of cases. Those with oligoclonal bands (OCB) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and follow-up longer than 3 years were more likely to experience a clinical event (p<0.05): 25% of those with OCB manifested clinical symptoms within the first year and 33.3% within the first two years compared to 6.3% and 9.4%, respectively in those without OCB. Radiological evolution was not associated with any variables: age, sex, reason for neuroimaging, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, elevated IgG index, OCB positivity, total number and localization of lesions, presence of gadolinium enhancement, achievement of 2005 criteria for DIS and duration of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Children and adolescents with RIS and CSF OCB should be followed-up for at least 3 years in order to detect any clinical symptoms suggestive of a demyelinating event. Because disease-modifying treatments are not approved in RIS and no consensus report justifies their use especially in pediatric RIS, close follow-up of OCB-positive patients is needed for early recognition of any clinical event and timely initiation of specific treatment.

Evaluation of MicroRNAs in Pediatric Epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

The pathophysiology of epilepsy remains unknown. Recent research has shown that microRNA expression changes in epileptic adults. In the present work, we aimed to identify serum microRNA expression in drug-responsive and resistant children with idiopathic general- ized epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 43 (20 male and 23 female) epilepsy patients and 66 (43 male and 23 female) control subjects. The mean ages of the groups were 113.41 ± 61.83 and 105.46 ± 62.31 months, respectively. Twenty-eight epileptic patients were classi- fied as drug resistant. Thirteen of the controls were the siblings of patients with epilepsy. The study only included children with idiopathic generalized epilepsy who had normal brain mag- netic resonance imaging. The serum microRNA expressions (microRNA-181a, microRNA-155, microRNA-146, and microRNA-223) were investigated. Expressions of serum microRNA-181a, microRNA-155, microRNA-146, and microRNA-223 were previously investigated in epilepsy patients and children with febrile seizures. Therefore, these microRNAs were chosen. The expressions of serum levels of microRNAs were determined using quantitative real-time poly- merase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the expressions of serum microRNA-155 and microRNA-223 were elevated in epileptic children (P < .05). The expression of the same microRNAs was also elevated in individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy compared to healthy controls (P < .05). microRNA-146a, microRNA-155, and microRNA-223 expressions were higher in drug-resistant patients than in drug-responsive children (P < .05). A logistic regression study determined that an increase of microRNA-155 was a risk for epilepsy, while a decrease of microRNA-146a risk for epilepsy.

CONCLUSION

Few researchers have investigated the function of microRNAs in the develop- ment of childhood epilepsy. Our findings revealed that epilepsy patients have abnormal microRNAexpression.

Investigation of the potential role of fusicoccin, a fungal phytotoxin, in mitigating salt stress in onion roots

Fusicoccin is a diterpene glycoside that plays an important role in the regulation of plant growth and development. Fusicoccin produced by Fusicoccum amydali fungus is known to affect plant growth positively with external applications due to its potential to stimulate the tolerance system of plants under stress conditions. In this study, it was aimed to reduce the negative effects of salt (0.15 M NaCl) stress on the germination and growth of onion (Allium cepa L.) bulbs by external fusicoccin (3 µM) application. For this purpose, the germination percentage, root length, root number, fresh weight, mitotic activity, micronucleus frequency, chromosomal abnormality, antioxidant enzyme activity, osmolyte accumulation, cell membrane damage and root anatomical structure were investigated in the current study. Salt stress caused a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in all examined parameters. External application of fusicoccin to onion bulbs germinated under salt stress conditions was found to be promising as a plant growth promoter and mitosis stimulator. In addition, fusicoccin application alleviated the harmful effects of salt stress on the chromosome structure and root anatomical structure and protected the cells from the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of salt. Moreover, this application contributed to the fight against reactive oxygen species of onion plant and increased salt tolerance by regulating the accumulation of osmolyte substances such as proline and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and by minimizing cell membrane damage in root cells. In conclusion, this study showed that exogenous application of 3 µM fusicoccin reduced the damage caused by oxidative stress in onion bulbs and served for healthy germination and growth.

Potential toxicity assessment of mycotoxin fusaric acid with the spectral shift profile on DNA

In this study, the multiple toxicities induced by three different doses (1, 5, and 10 μM) of fusaric acid (FA), a mycotoxin, was investigated with Allium test. Physiological (percent germination, root number, root length, and weight gain), cytogenetic (micronucleus = MN, chromosomal abnormalities = CAs, and mitotic index = MI), biochemical (proline level, malondialdehyde = MDA level, catalase = CAT activity, and superoxide dismutase = SOD activity), and anatomical parameters were used as indicators of toxicity. Allium cepa L. bulbs were divided into four groups as one control and three applications. The bulbs in the control group were germinated with tap water for 7 days, and the bulbs in the treatment groups were germinated with three different doses of FA for 7 days. As a result, FA exposure caused a decrease in all physiological parameters examined at all three doses. Besides, all FA doses caused a decrease in MI and an increase in the frequency of MN and the number of CAs. FA promoted CAs such as nucleus with vacuoles, nucleus buds, irregular mitosis, bridge, and misdirection in root meristem cells. DNA and FA interactions, which are the possible causes of genotoxic effects, were examined by spectral analysis, and FA could interact with DNA through intercalation, causing bathochromic and hypochromic shifts in the spectrum. FA also causes toxicity by inducing oxidative stress in cells, confirming this; dose-related increases in root MDA and proline levels were measured as a result of FA exposure. In the root SOD and CAT enzyme activities, increases up to 5 μM doses and decreases at 10 μM doses were measured. FA exposure induced anatomical damage such as necrosis, epidermis cell damage, flattened cell nucleus, thickening of the cortex cell wall, and unclear vascular tissue in root tip meristem cells. As a result, FA caused a comprehensive toxicity by showing an inhibitory effect in A. cepa test material, and the Allium test was a very useful test in determining this toxicity.

Modulation of NaCl-induced osmotic, cytogenetic, oxidative and anatomic damages by coronatine treatment in onion (Allium cepa L.)

Coronatine (COR), a bacterial phytotoxin produced by Pseudomonas syringae, plays important roles in many plant growth processes. Onion bulbs were divided four groups to investigate the effects of COR against sodium chloride (NaCl) stress exposure in Allium cepa L. root tips. While control group bulbs were soaked in tap water medium, treatment group bulbs were grown in 0.15 M NaCl, 0.01 µM COR and 0.01 µM COR + 0.15 M NaCl medium, respectively. NaCl stress seriously inhibited the germination, root lenght, root number and fresh weight of the bulbs. It significantly decreased the mitotic index (MI), whereas dramatically increased the micronucleus (MN) frequency and chromosomal aberrations (CAs). Moreover, in order to determine the level of lipid peroxidation occurring in the cell membrane, malondialdehyde (MDA) content was measured and it was determined that it was at the highest level in the group germinated in NaCl medium alone. Similarly, it was revealed that the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and free proline contents in the group germinated in NaCl medium alone were higher than the other groups. On the other hand, NaCl stress caused significant injuries such as epidermis/cortex cell damage, MN formation in epidermis/cortex cells, flattened cells nuclei, unclear vascular tissue, cortex cell wall thickening, accumulation of certain chemical compounds in cortex cells and necrotic areas in the anatomical structure of bulb roots. However, exogenous COR application significantly alleviated the negative effects of NaCl stress on bulb germination and growth, antioxidant defense system, cytogenetic and anatomical structure. Thus, it has been proven that COR can be used as a protective agent against the harmful effects of NaCl on onion.

Comparative investigation of toxicity induced by UV-A and UV-C radiation using Allium test

Organisms are increasingly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays of sunlight, due to the thinning of the ozone layer and its widespread use in sterilization processes, especially against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The present study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the damages of UV-A and UV-C radiations in Allium cepa L. roots. The effects of two different types of UV on some physiological, biochemical, cytogenotoxic, and anatomical parameters were investigated in a multifaceted study. Three groups were formed from Allium bulbs, one of which was the control group. One of the other groups was exposed to 254 nm (UV-C) and the other to 365 nm (UV-A) UV. Growth retardation effect of UV was investigated with respect to germination percentage, total weight gain, and root elongation, while cytogenotoxicity arisen from UV exposure was analyzed using mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) frequency. Oxidative stress due to UV application was investigated based on the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the total activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes. Also, anatomical changes induced by UV-A and UV-C were analyzed in root meristematic cells. UV treatments caused significant reductions in growth-related parameters. Both UV treatments caused a significant increase in MDA levels and induction of SOD and CAT enzymes in root meristematic cells. A decrease in MI and an increase in the frequency of MN and CAs were observed in root tip cells, indicating the cytogenotoxic effect of UV application. Anatomical damages such as epidermis cell damage, cortex cell damage, necrotic zones, giant cell nucleus, and indistinct transmission tissue occurred in cells exposed to UV. All of the physiological, biochemical, cytogenetic, and anatomical damages observed in this study were more severe in cells treated with UV-C compared to UV-A. This study suggested that UV exposure triggered growth inhibition, cytogenotoxicity, oxidative stress, and meristematic cell damages in A. cepa roots depending on the wavelength.

Mitigative effect of green tea extract against mercury(II) chloride toxicity in Allium cepa L. model

Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic heavy metal for all organisms. In the present study, the mitigative role of 190 mg/L and 380 mg/L doses of green tea extract (GTex) against mercury(II) chloride (HgCI₂)-induced toxicity was evaluated in Allium cepa L. For this aim, selected physiological, genotoxicity, and biochemical parameters as well as meristematic cell injuries in the roots were investigated. Ratios of catechin and caffeine in GTex were determined by HPLC analysis. Also, free radical scavenging activity of GTex was tested against superoxide and hydrogen peroxide radicals. As a result of HgCI₂ application, germination percentage, root elongation, weight gain, and mitotic index (MI) declined, while the frequency of micronucleus (MN), chromosomal abnormalities (CAs), and meristematic cell damages increased. HgCI₂ administration also led to a significant increase in malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities which are signs of oxidative stress. On contrary, applications of GTex together with HgCI₂ reduced HgCI₂-induced adverse effects in all parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Antioxidant components in GTex were listed as caffeine, epigallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and catechin according to their abundance. GTex exhibited a strong scavenging ability in the presence of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide radicals. The present study revealed the strong protective capacity of GTex against HgCI₂-induced toxicity in A. cepa owing to its high antioxidant content with a multifaceted perspective. With this study, a reliable starting point was established for future studies investigating the more common and diverse use of GTex against toxic substances.

Powerful toxic activity of citrinin, a fungal phytotoxin, and its mode of action in onion cells

The dose-related effects of citrinin (CTN) on various physiological, cytogenetic, biochemical, and anatomical parameters using Allium cepa L. bulbs as a test material were researched in the present study. The physiological parameters examinated were fresh weight, root length, root number, and germination percentage; the cytogenetic parameters were micronucleus (MN) frequency, chromosome aberration (CA), and mitotic index (MI); the biochemical parameters were catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and free proline contents. And the anatomical changes in root tip cells were investigated by cross-sections. For this aim, onion bulbs were splitted four groups as three applications and one control. The bulbs in the control group were treated with distilled water; the bulbs in the application groups were treated with 1 μM, 5 μM, and 10 μM doses of CTN for 7 days. CTN application caused a decrease in the physiological parameters compared to the control group. This treatment created an increase in the frequency of MN and CA, and a reduce in the MI. In addition, it induced a dose-dependent increase in CAT and SOD activities and MDA and proline contents compared to the control group. Moreover, after CTN application, anatomical changes such as flattened nucleus, cell wall thickening, and cell deformation were identified and it was found that these changes reached their maximum at 10 mg/L dose CTN. Concequently, CTN caused inhibitory effects and the Allium test material was found to be a useful bioindicator for monitoring these effects.

Multi-protective role of Echinacea purpurea L. water extract in Allium cepa L. against mercury(II) chloride

Mercury (Hg) is a persistent and dangerous heavy metal with genotoxic properties. Echinacea purpurea L. is a well-known therapeutic plant with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. In this study, multi-protective role of Echinacea purpurea L. extract against toxicity caused by mercury(II) chloride (HgCI2) on Allium cepa L. investigated in a multifaceted way. As a consequence of 100 mgL-1 HgCI2 administration, root elongation, weight increase, germination rate, and mitotic index were reduced, whereas micronucleus frequency, chromosomal abnormalities frequency, meristematic cell injuries severity, malondialdehyde level, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activity were increased. On the other hand, co-administration of increasing doses of E. purpurea extract (265 mgL-1 and 530 mgL-1) and HgCI2 gradually alleviated all observed toxic effects of HgCI2. Protective role of E. purpurea extract against HgCI2-toxicity on A. cepa were clearly demonstrated in this study. The results of this study will lead to future researches investigating use of E. purpurea extract against genotoxic contaminants.

Genotoxic effects and molecular docking of 1,4-dioxane: combined protective effects of trans-resveratrol

In this study, the protective effects of trans-resveratrol (t-resv) against 1,4-dioxane-induced toxicity in meristematic cells were investigated. For this purpose, Allium test was used and the alterations in all experimental groups were examined by using physiological, cytogenetic, biochemical, and anatomical parameters. In order to elucidate the toxicity mechanism, interactions of 1,4-dioxane and intracellular antioxidant molecules were investigated by molecular docking. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that 1,4-dioxane causes serious abnormalities in Allium cepa meristematic cells. In 1,4-dioxane-treated group, germination percentage was regressed 1.6 times, root length was reduced 12.7 times, and weight gain was decreased 7.7 times compared to control group. T-resv administration with 1,4-dioxane resulted in an improvement in physiological parameters and reduced the relative injury rate from 0.4 to 0.16. Mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), and chromosomal abnormality (CAs) frequencies were investigated as cytogenetic parameters. 1,4-Dioxane decreased MI index, and increased CAs and MN frequency. In addition, it was determined by the comet test that 1,4-dioxane caused deterioration in DNA integrity. T-resv treatment was found to cause a dose-dependent improvement in genotoxic effects. Changes in the antioxidant system in all experimental groups were determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities. 1,4-Dioxane caused alterations in all tested parameters, causing deterioration in the oxidant/antioxidant balance in the cell. A 200-mg/L t-resv+1,4-dioxane treatment caused a 1.9-fold decrease in MDA level which is indicator of lipid peroxidation compared to only 1,4-dioxane-treated group. The mechanism of the disruption in antioxidant/oxidant dynamics and genetic integrity was elucidated by molecular docking analysis of 1,4-dioxane with antioxidant molecules and DNA. In 1,4-dioxane treatment group, anatomical changes such as cell deformation, flattened cell nucleus, and thickening of cortex cell wall were observed. The frequency of these changes decreased with t-resv administration. As a result, it was determined that 1,4-dioxane caused a versatile toxicity in A. cepa meristematic cells, while t-resv was found to have a dose-dependent protective feature against 1,4-dioxane-induced toxicity.

Molecular docking and toxicity assessment of spirodiclofen: protective role of lycopene

In this study, toxic effects of spirodiclofen and protective role of lycopene against toxic effects were investigated by using physiological, cytogenetic, anatomical, and biochemical parameters. Allium cepa L. bulbs were used as test material. The bulbs were divided into six groups as one control and five application groups. Bulb in the control group was germinated with tap water, and in treatment groups, 20-mg L^-1 dose of spirodiclofen 215- and 430-mg L^-1 doses of lycopene were applied. Spirodiclofen application caused a decrease in physiological parameters such as germination percentage, root length, and weight increase. Spirodiclofen administration caused a decrease in the percentage of mitotic index (MI) and an increase in DNA fragmentation, micronucleus (MN), and chromosomal aberration (CA) frequency. Spirodiclofen application caused an increase in the level of the oxidant compound malondialdehyde (MDA), changes in the level of antioxidant enzymes, and disruption of the oxidant/antioxidant balance in the cell. Molecular interactions between spirodiclofen and antioxidant enzymes were determined by molecular docking analysis. In addition to physiological, biochemical, and genetic abnormalities, spirodiclofen also caused deformations in the anatomy of the A. cepa root tip meristematic cells. Lycopene treatment showed a protective effect by suppressing the toxic effects of spirodiclofen, causing a significant improvement in the values of selected physiological, cytogenetic, anatomical, and biochemical parameters. As a result, spirodiclofen insecticide caused toxic effects on various parameters in A. cepa, which is a eukaryotic model organism. In order to elucidate the toxicity mechanism, each parameter is associated with each other. Molecular docking method has revealed the effects of spirodiclofen on antioxidant enzymes. Lycopene application together with spirodiclofen resulted in the regression of all toxic effects and improvement in the root tissue. This result shows that lycopene has a strong protective property against spirodiclofen toxicity.

Extenuating role of lycopene against 254-nm UV-C radiation-mediated damages in Allium cepa L. roots

UV-C exposure has become a crucial risk for living organisms due to its widespread use in sterilization. In this study, the mitigating potential of lycopene was investigated against UV-C-mediated toxicity in Allium cepa L. roots. Allium bulbs were separated into six groups which treated with tap water, 215 mg/L lycopene, 430 mg/L lycopene, 254-nm UV radiation, 215 mg/L lycopene + 254-nm UV radiation, and 430 mg/L lycopene + 254-nm UV radiation. Germination percentage, root length, weight gain, mitotic index, micronucleus frequency, and other chromosomal aberrations as well as meristematic cell damages were investigated in all groups. Malondialdehyde level and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes were also analyzed to understand the severity of oxidative stress. UV-C radiation was revealed to negatively affect all parameters investigated, while the mitigating activities of lycopene against UV-C-mediated toxicity were dose-dependent. Therefore, the study evidently demonstrated the promising potential of lycopene in the protection against the detrimental effects of UV-C exposure in A. cepa.

Pediatric case of persistent hiccups associated with hypertrophic olivary degeneration

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD) is a rare degenerative disorder that is thought to occur subsequent to a disruption of the dentate-rubro-olivary pathway.

CASE

We report a pediatric case of unilateral HOD presented with persistent hiccups and palatal tremor. Radiological examination of diaphragm was normal considering ultrasound and chest x-ray. On T2WI (weighted images) and Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) images, hyperintense enlargement of the right inferior olivary nucleus was seen. No abnormal enhancement was detected on post-contrast scans and no evidence of restricted diffusion was seen. Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) sequences revealed a chronic hemorrhage involving the medulla oblongata and cerebellum. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were consistent with unilateral HOD. Palatal tremor and dentate-rubral tremor are frequent presentation of HOD, however to our knowledge persistent hiccups had not yet been reported in children with HOD.

CONCLUSION

We highlight a pediatric case of unilateral HOD, which presented with persistent hiccups. Awareness of clinical and radiological findings of HOD is important to avoid misinterpretation as a mass lesion, an ischemic event, or a demyelinating disease and provide adequate management.

The first pediatric case of leukoencephalopathy with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and lactate elevation (LBSL) from Turkey

Çavuşoğlu D, Olgaç-Dündar N, Öztekin Ö, Özdemir TR, Arıcan P, Gençpınar P. The first pediatric case of leukoencephalopathy with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and lactate elevation (LBSL) from Turkey. Turk J Pediatr 2018; 60: 216-220. Leukoencephalopathy with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and lactate elevation (LBSL) is defined as an autosomal recessive inheritance disorder characterized by slowly progressive cerebellar, pyramidal and dorsal column dysfunction. The diagnosis is based on specific magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities (MRI) in the cerebral and cerebellar white matter and selective involvement of white matter tracts in the brain stem and spinal cord. LBSL is caused by mutations in the DARS2 gene which encodes the mitochondrial aspartyl-tRNA synthetase. Herein, we report the first pediatric case from Turkey with a typical MRI course of LBSL associated with a compound heterozygous mutation in DARS2 gene.

Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) treated with immunomodulation in an 8-year-old boy and review of the literature

Alparslan C, Kamit-Can F, Anıl AB, Olgaç-Dündar N, Çavuşoğlu D, Göç Z. Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) treated with immunomodulation in an 8-year-old boy and review of the literature. Turk J Pediatr 2017; 59: 463-466. Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a catastrophic epilepsy syndrome which is characterized by acute onset of refractory status epilepticus following a febrile infection occurring in previously normal children. Despite the various treatment options that have been tried, exact treatment strategy is still undetermined. This is the first pediatric case of FIRES from Turkey which was successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). A previously healthy 8-year-old boy was referred to our hospital with a pre-diagnosis of status epilepticus and encephalitis. He presented with acute onset of convulsions and unconsciousness following fever and malaise lasting 7 days. On physical examination Glasgow coma scale was 12, his pupils were miotic. He had cafe-au-lait spots on his body. His fundus examination, cerebrospinal fluid findings and cranial magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any abnormality. Results of comprehensive search for metabolic, toxicological, infectious and autoimmune etiologies were all negative. Generalized slowing was seen on the electroencephalography (EEG) of the patient indicating possible encephalopathy. The patient developed convulsive status epilepticus and was intubated on day 5. His seizures were controlled by continuous infusion of midazolam, thiopental and used for 4 days. Phenytoin, levetiracetam, topiramate were used simultaneously. IVIG was administered as an immunomodulator for refractory seizures on day-9. The patient was extubated on day 11. The diagnosis was made after a comprehensive negative search for central nervous system infection, autoimmune and metabolic diseases. At follow up it was learnt that he had had only two seizures in two years. Status epilepticus did not recur. Clinicians should keep in mind FIRES which is a diagnosis of exclusion especially in refractory status epilepticus. IVIG treatment could have a benefit in these patients.

Nonketotic hyperglycinemia: novel mutation in the aminomethyl transferase gene. Case report

Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is an exotoxin that is produced by many strains of Staphylococcus aureus, and an important virulence factor. A PVL-positive S. aureus infection leads to rapid and severe infections of soft tissue and necrotizing pneumonia in healthy adolescents, and has a high mortality. This case report included a 12-year-old male patient who admitted for fever, respiratory distress and hip pain and was identified with necrotizing pneumonia with septic pulmonary embolism, psoas abscess, cellulitis and osteomyelitis. The PVL positive methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) was isolated in the patient blood culture.