Evaluation of sulfate rhizofiltration by Carpobrotus chilensis for treating mining waters.

Chile, the world's leading copper producer, generates significant volumes of mining waters, some of which cannot be recirculated into the production process. These mining waters are characterized by elevated sulfate (SO42-) concentrations, requiring sustainable management strategies for potential reuse. This study aims to evaluate the rhizofiltration technique using Carpobrotus chilensis for treating mining waters with a high SO42- concentration. Initially, the mining waters exhibited a pH of 7.97 ± 0.16 and a SO42- concentration of 2,743 ± 137 mg L-1, while the control water had a pH of 7.88 ± 0.08 and a SO42- concentration of 775 ± 19.0 mg L-1. The plants were hydroponically cultivated in 40 L containers with mining waters and drinking water as a control. Over an 8-week period, the pH of the mining water decreased to 3.12 ± 0.01, and the SO42- concentration declined to 2,200 ± 110 mg L-1. Notably, the fresh weight of roots was significantly higher in plants grown in mining water (22.2 ± 6.66 g) compared to those in the control treatment (14.3 ± 4.28 g). However, an undesirable increase in the acidity was observed in the mining waters after rhizofiltration, which was attributed to hydrogen sulfate (HSO4-) and/or root exudates. Despite the unexpected increase in acidity, C. chilensis effectively reduced the concentration of SO42- in mining waters by 20%. Additionally, the C. chilensis roots accumulated 4.84 ± 1.40% of sulfur (S), a level comparable to thiophore plants. This study provides evidence that this non-aquatic plant can be used in sulfate rhizofiltration.

Caprobrotus chilensis is a good candidate for sulfate rhizolfiltration in mining waters.The accumulation of sulfur by the roots of Carpobrotus chilensis reached 4.84%Mining waters with a high concentration of sulfates require control of the redox potential.

Identification by molecular techniques of halophilic bacteria producing important enzymes from pristine area in Campeche, Mexico

Abstract Isla Arena is located in the coordinate 20° 70´ N - 90° 45´ W, from Campeche, Mexico. In these estuaries, the ocean mixes with fresh water, and ecosystems are concentrated where petenes and pink flamingos proliferate. Crustaceans and mollusks abound in the sea. Despite its enormous marine wealth, there are no studies carried out on which halophilic microorganisms are present in these waters. In this work, the diversity and structure of the microbial community was investigated through a metagenomics approach and corroborated for sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. It was found that the phylum Fimicutes predominates with more than 50%, in almost the same proportion of the class Bacilli and with almost 41% of relative abundance of the order Bacillales. The sequencing results showed that one of the samples presented a high percentage of similarity (99.75%) using the Nucleotide BLAST program with a peculiar microorganism: Bacillus subtilis. This microorganism is one of the best characterized bacteria among the gram-positive ones. Our results demonstrate that B. subtilis can be an efficient source of proteases, lipases and cellulases, from halophilic microbial communities located in poorly explored areas.

Resumo Isla Arena está localizada na coordenada 20°70N - 90°45W, de Campeche, México. Nesses estuários, o oceano se mistura com a água doce e os ecossistemas se concentram onde proliferam petenos e flamingos rosa. Crustáceos e moluscos abundam no mar. Apesar de sua enorme riqueza marinha, não há estudos realizados sobre a presença de microrganismos halofílicos nessas águas. Neste trabalho, a diversidade e estrutura da comunidade microbiana foram investigadas através de uma abordagem metagenômica e corroboradas para o sequenciamento de genes 16S rRNA. Verificou-se que o filo Fimicutes predomina com mais de 50%, quase na mesma proporção da classe Bacilli e com quase 41% de abundância relativa da ordem Bacillales. Os resultados do sequenciamento mostraram que uma das amostras apresentou alto percentual de similaridade (99,75%) pelo programa Nucleotide BLAST com um microrganismo peculiar: Bacillus subtilis. Nossos resultados demonstram que B. subtilis pode ser uma fonte eficiente de proteases, lipases e celulases, provenientes de comunidades microbianas halofílicas localizadas em áreas pouco exploradas.

Identification by molecular techniques of halophilic bacteria producing important enzymes from pristine area in Campeche, Mexico / Identificação por técnicas moleculares de bactérias halofílicas que produzem enzimas importantes em área intocada de Campeche, México

Abstract Isla Arena is located in the coordinate 20° 70´ N - 90° 45´ W, from Campeche, Mexico. In these estuaries, the ocean mixes with fresh water, and ecosystems are concentrated where petenes and pink flamingos proliferate. Crustaceans and mollusks abound in the sea. Despite its enormous marine wealth, there are no studies carried out on which halophilic microorganisms are present in these waters. In this work, the diversity and structure of the microbial community was investigated through a metagenomics approach and corroborated for sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. It was found that the phylum Fimicutes predominates with more than 50%, in almost the same proportion of the class Bacilli and with almost 41% of relative abundance of the order Bacillales. The sequencing results showed that one of the samples presented a high percentage of similarity (99.75%) using the Nucleotide BLAST program with a peculiar microorganism: Bacillus subtilis. This microorganism is one of the best characterized bacteria among the gram-positive ones. Our results demonstrate that B. subtilis can be an efficient source of proteases, lipases and cellulases, from halophilic microbial communities located in poorly explored areas.

Resumo Isla Arena está localizada na coordenada 20°70'N - 90°45'W, de Campeche, México. Nesses estuários, o oceano se mistura com a água doce e os ecossistemas se concentram onde proliferam petenos e flamingos rosa. Crustáceos e moluscos abundam no mar. Apesar de sua enorme riqueza marinha, não há estudos realizados sobre a presença de microrganismos halofílicos nessas águas. Neste trabalho, a diversidade e estrutura da comunidade microbiana foram investigadas através de uma abordagem metagenômica e corroboradas para o sequenciamento de genes 16S rRNA. Verificou-se que o filo Fimicutes predomina com mais de 50%, quase na mesma proporção da classe Bacilli e com quase 41% de abundância relativa da ordem Bacillales. Os resultados do sequenciamento mostraram que uma das amostras apresentou alto percentual de similaridade (99,75%) pelo programa Nucleotide BLAST com um microrganismo peculiar: Bacillus subtilis. Nossos resultados demonstram que B. subtilis pode ser uma fonte eficiente de proteases, lipases e celulases, provenientes de comunidades microbianas halofílicas localizadas em áreas pouco exploradas.

Identification by molecular techniques of halophilic bacteria producing important enzymes from pristine area in Campeche, Mexico / Identificação por técnicas moleculares de bactérias halofílicas que produzem enzimas importantes em área intocada de Campeche, México

Isla Arena is located in the coordinate 20° 70´ N - 90° 45´ W, from Campeche, Mexico. In these estuaries, the ocean mixes with fresh water, and ecosystems are concentrated where petenes and pink flamingos proliferate. Crustaceans and mollusks abound in the sea. Despite its enormous marine wealth, there are no studies carried out on which halophilic microorganisms are present in these waters. In this work, the diversity and structure of the microbial community was investigated through a metagenomics approach and corroborated for sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. It was found that the phylum Fimicutes predominates with more than 50%, in almost the same proportion of the class Bacilli and with almost 41% of relative abundance of the order Bacillales. The sequencing results showed that one of the samples presented a high percentage of similarity (99.75%) using the Nucleotide BLAST program with a peculiar microorganism: Bacillus subtilis. This microorganism is one of the best characterized bacteria among the gram-positive ones. Our results demonstrate that B. subtilis can be an efficient source of proteases, lipases and cellulases, from halophilic microbial communities located in poorly explored areas.

Isla Arena está localizada na coordenada 20°70’N - 90°45’W, de Campeche, México. Nesses estuários, o oceano se mistura com a água doce e os ecossistemas se concentram onde proliferam petenos e flamingos rosa. Crustáceos e moluscos abundam no mar. Apesar de sua enorme riqueza marinha, não há estudos realizados sobre a presença de microrganismos halofílicos nessas águas. Neste trabalho, a diversidade e estrutura da comunidade microbiana foram investigadas através de uma abordagem metagenômica e corroboradas para o sequenciamento de genes 16S rRNA. Verificou-se que o filo Fimicutes predomina com mais de 50%, quase na mesma proporção da classe Bacilli e com quase 41% de abundância relativa da ordem Bacillales. Os resultados do sequenciamento mostraram que uma das amostras apresentou alto percentual de similaridade (99,75%) pelo programa Nucleotide BLAST com um microrganismo peculiar: Bacillus subtilis. Nossos resultados demonstram que B. subtilis pode ser uma fonte eficiente de proteases, lipases e celulases, provenientes de comunidades microbianas halofílicas localizadas em áreas pouco exploradas.

Identification by molecular techniques of halophilic bacteria producing important enzymes from pristine area in Campeche, Mexico.

Isla Arena is located in the coordinate 20° 70´ N - 90° 45´ W, from Campeche, Mexico. In these estuaries, the ocean mixes with fresh water, and ecosystems are concentrated where petenes and pink flamingos proliferate. Crustaceans and mollusks abound in the sea. Despite its enormous marine wealth, there are no studies carried out on which halophilic microorganisms are present in these waters. In this work, the diversity and structure of the microbial community was investigated through a metagenomics approach and corroborated for sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. It was found that the phylum Fimicutes predominates with more than 50%, in almost the same proportion of the class Bacilli and with almost 41% of relative abundance of the order Bacillales. The sequencing results showed that one of the samples presented a high percentage of similarity (99.75%) using the Nucleotide BLAST program with a peculiar microorganism: Bacillus subtilis. This microorganism is one of the best characterized bacteria among the gram-positive ones. Our results demonstrate that B. subtilis can be an efficient source of proteases, lipases and cellulases, from halophilic microbial communities located in poorly explored areas.

Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Electrospun Polycaprolactone Scaffolds: Effect of Applied Voltage.

The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of the applied voltage on the morphological and mechanical properties of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for potential use in tissue engineering. The morphology of the scaffolds was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the BET techniques for measuring the surface area and pore volume. Stress-strain curves from tensile tests were obtained for estimating the mechanical properties. Additional studies for detecting changes in the chemical structure of the electrospun PCL scaffolds by Fourier transform infrared were performed, while contact angle and X-ray diffraction analysis were realized for determining the wettability and crystallinity, respectively. The SEM, AFM and BET results demonstrate that the electrospun PCL fibers exhibit morphological changes with the applied voltage. By increasing the applied voltage (10 to 25 kV) a significate influence was observed on the fiber diameter, surface roughness, and pore volume. In addition, tensile strength, elongation, and elastic modulus increase with the applied voltage, the crystalline structure of the fibers remains constant, and the surface area and wetting of the scaffolds diminish. The morphological and mechanical properties show a clear correlation with the applied voltage and can be of great relevance for tissue engineering.

Damage Evolution and Fracture Events Sequence Analysis of Core-Shell Nanoparticle Modified Bone Cements by Acoustic Emission Technique.

In this research, damage in bone cements that were prepared with core-shell nanoparticles was monitored during four-point bending tests through an analysis of acoustic emission (AE) signals. The core-shell structure consisted of poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) as rubbery core and methyl methacrylate/styrene copolymer (P(MMA-co-St)) as a glassy shell. Furthermore, different core-shell ratios 20/80, 30/70, 40/60, and 50/50 were prepared and incorporated into the solid phase of the bone cement formulation at 5, 10, and 15 wt %, respectively. The incorporation of a rubbery phase into the bone cement formulation decreased the bending strength and bending modulus. The AE technique revealed that the nanoparticles play an important role on the fracture mechanism of the bone cement, since a higher amount of AE signals (higher amplitude and energy) were obtained from bone cements that were prepared with the nanoparticles in comparison with those without nanoparticles (the reference bone cement). The SEM examination of the fracture surfaces revealed that all of the bone cement formulations exhibited stress whitening, which arises from the development of crazes before the crack propagation. Finally, the use of the AE technique and the fracture surface analysis by SEM enabled insight into the fracture mechanisms that are presented during four-point bending test of the bone cement containing nanoparticles.

Tiroides ectópica dual hiperfuncionante: abordaje quirúrgico dual / Dual hyperfunctioning thyroid ectopia: dual surgical approach

RESUMEN Paciente de 36 años en tratamiento de leucemia mieloide crónica con nilotinib a quien se le diagnostica hipertiroidismo por síntomas clínicos y exámenes de laboratorio. Se inicia tratamiento con metimazol más propanolol. Los estudios imagenológicos muestran un tejido ectópico tiroideo cervical infrahiodeo lateralizado a la izquierda y un nódulo en la base de la lengua. Presentó toxicidad hepática atribuida al tratamiento por lo que se decide extirpación quirúrgica de tiroides ectópica dual. Por la edad de la paciente y preocupación acerca del resultado estético, se realiza una tiroidectomía videoasistida por via axilar de la tiroides ectópica cervical y una resección transoral de la tiroides ectópica lingual. La patología confirma tejido tiroideo en ambas localizaciones sin signos de malignidad. La paciente se recuperó sin complicaciones y sin cicatriz cervical.

ABSTRACT A 36-year-old female patient with chronic myeloid leukemia being treated with nilotinib who was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism both on clinical and laboratory examination is presented. Imaging studies found left lateralized ectopic thyroid tissue of infrahyoid localization and a nodule at the base of the tongue. Hepatic toxicity was attributed to medical treatment, surgical removal of the dual thyroid ectopia was proposed. Due to the patients age and cosmetical concerns, a minimally invasive surgery was undertaken thru a video assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy for the cervical thyroid ectopia and a video assisted trans oral approach for the lingual thyroid ectopia. Post op pathology confirmed thyroid tissue at both locations and also excluded malignancy. The patient fully recovered without any complicaction and witout a residual cervical scar.

Self-Sensing of Damage Progression in Unidirectional Multiscale Hierarchical Composites Subjected to Cyclic Tensile Loading.

The electrical sensitivity of glass fiber/multiwall carbon nanotube/vinyl ester hierarchical composites containing a tailored electrically-percolated network to self-sense accumulation of structural damage when subjected to cyclic tensile loading-unloading is investigated. The hierarchical composites were designed to contain two architectures differentiated by the location of the multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), viz. MWCNTs deposited on the fibers and MWCNTs dispersed within the matrix. The changes in electrical resistance of the hierarchical composites are associated to their structural damage and correlated to acoustic emissions. The results show that such tailored hierarchical composites are able to self-sense damage onset and accumulation upon tensile loading-unloading cycles by means of their electrical response, and that the electrical response depends on the MWCNT location.

Phytostabilization of arsenic in soils with plants of the genus Atriplex established in situ in the Atacama Desert.

In the ChiuChiu village (Atacama Desert, Chile), there is a high concentration of arsenic (As) in the soil due to natural causes related to the presence of volcanoes and geothermal activity. To compare the levels of As and the growth parameters among plants of the same genus, three species of plants were established in situ: Atriplex atacamensis (native of Chile), Atriplex halimus, and Atriplex nummularia. These soils have an As concentration of 131.2 ± 10.4 mg kg(-1), a pH of 8.6 ± 0.1, and an electrical conductivity of 7.06 ± 2.37 dS m(-1). Cuttings of Atriplex were transplanted and maintained for 5 months with periodic irrigation and without the addition of fertilizers. The sequential extraction of As indicated that the metalloid in these soils has a high bioavailability (38 %), which is attributed to the alkaline pH, low organic matter and Fe oxide content, and sandy texture. At day 90 of the assay, the As concentrations in the leaves of A. halimus (4.53 ± 1.14 mg kg(-1)) and A. nummularia (3.85 ± 0.64 mg kg(-1)) were significantly higher than that in A. atacamensis (2.46 ± 1.82 mg kg(-1)). However, the three species accumulated higher levels of As in their roots, indicating a phytostabilization capacity. At the end of the assay, A. halimus and A. nummularia generated 30 % more biomass than A. atacamensis without significant differences in the As levels in the leaves. Despite the difficult conditions in these soils, the establishment of plants of the genus Atriplex is a recommended strategy to generate a vegetative cover that prevents the metalloid from spreading in this arid area through the soil or by wind.

El pólipo plano: un desafío / Flat polyp: a real challenge

The relevance and interest in discussing on flat polyps is mainly due to the various challenges involved in its diagnosis and therapeutical difficulties, being the endoscopic route the state of the art nowadays, as well as their follow up and subsequent controls. Available diagnostic technologies have improved significantly and are widespread among digestive endoscopy units. Endoscopy treatment includes EMR(endoscopic mucosal resection), ESD(endoscopic submucosal dissection), ablation and even transmural resections. Prevention and treatment of complications is a major issue in these endoscopic solutions. Multiple variables related with flat lesions are analysed in this review, such as serrated lesions, laterally spreading tumors, and flat lesions meaning dysplasia and cancer in inflammatory bowel disease patients, among others. Complete resections should be ensured in order to avoid interval colon polyps and cancer, preventing the development of colon cancer, which is our major goal.

El interés actual y la relevancia de discutir sobre el pólipo planoestá en los desafíos que se enfrentan tanto en el terreno del diagnóstico como en su resolución terapéutica, mayormente endoscópica, su seguimiento y controles posteriores. Los medios diagnósticos endoscópicos se han perfeccionado y se encuentran disponibles en muchos centros. Las armas disponibles en esta terapia incluyen hoy la EMR (endoscopic mucosal resection), ESD (endoscopic submucosal dissection), la ablación y terapias transmurales. Se cuenta con elementos para prevenir y tratar complicaciones de su manejo. Múltiples variables de las lesiones planas se discutirán en esta revisión, como las lesiones serradas, los tumores de extensión lateral (laterally spreading tumors; LSTs) y las lesiones planas que significan displasia y cáncer en pacientes portadores de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, entre otros. Debemos preocuparnos de su resección completa, evitando así recidivas y cáncer colorrectal de intervalo, avanzando en nuestra lucha en la prevención de esta patología.

Evaluation of damage progression and mechanical behavior under compression of bone cements containing core-shell nanoparticles by using acoustic emission technique.

In this work, the effect of the incorporation of core-shell particles on the fracture mechanisms of the acrylic bone cements by using acoustic emission (AE) technique during the quasi-static compression mechanical test was investigated. Core-shell particles were composed of a poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) rubbery core and a methyl methacrylate/styrene copolymer (P(MMA-co-St)) outer glassy shell. Nanoparticles were prepared with different core-shell ratio (20/80, 30/70, 40/60 and 50/50) and were incorporated into the solid phase of bone cement at several percentages (5, 10 and 15 wt%). It was observed that the particles exhibited a spherical morphology averaging ca. 125 nm in diameter, and the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) thermograms revealed the desired structuring pattern of phases associated with core-shell structures. A fracture mechanism was proposed taking into account the detected AE signals and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. In this regard, core-shell nanoparticles can act as both additional nucleation sites for microcracks (and crazes) and to hinder the microcrack propagation acting as a barrier to its growth; this behavior was presented by all formulations. Cement samples containing 15 wt% of core-shell nanoparticles, either 40/60 or 50/50, were fractured at 40% deformation. This fact seems related to the coalescence of microcracks after they surround the agglomerates of core-shell nanoparticles to continue growing up. This work also demonstrated the potential of the AE technique to be used as an accurate and reliable detection tool for quasi-static compression test in acrylic bone cements.

Authentication of Alicante's Mountain cherries protected designation of origin by their mineral profile.

Chemometric analysis of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) data was employed to verify the origin of cherry samples of different areas of Spain: Aragón, Cáceres, Castellón, Huesca and Alicante's Mountain Protected Geographic Indication (PGI). The ability of multivariate analysis methods, such as discriminant analysis (DA), was used to achieve cherry classification from their mineral content. The study was performed using 22 variables (concentrations of Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Ti and Te) and 23 variables (concentrations of Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Ti, Tl and V), for cherry stone and edible part, respectively, and the best discrimination was found on using edible part mineral composition which permits a correct classification of 100% of the considered samples.

Cloning, expression and decoding of the cold adaptation of a new widely represented thermolabile subtilisin-like protease.

AIMS: Cloning, expression and characterization of a new cold-adapted protease with potential biotechnological application, isolated from Antarctic bacteria. METHOD AND RESULTS: A subtilisin-like gene was isolated from several Antarctic bacterial genus using CODPEHOP-designed primers and a genome walking method. This gene encodes a precursor protein, which undergoes an autocatalytic cleavage resulting in a 34.6 kDa active cold-adapted protease with a maximum activity at 25-35°C and optimum pH of 8.0-9.0. It showed a higher catalytic efficiency at lower temperatures compared to its mesophilic counterpart. Heat-induced inactivation resulted in a very low melting point. Local packing analysis using the homology model indicated Ala284 as an important cold-adaptation determinant, which was corroborated by the site-directed mutagenesis. CONCLUSIONS: A new thermolabile subtilisin-like protease has been successfully cloned and analysed, and an important hot spot in the evolution of the cold adaptation and substrate specificity of this enzyme was identified and tested. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work reports a new cold-adapted protease with a vast representation amongst Antarctic genus, suggesting therefore its evolutionary success in this cold environment. Likewise, important sites for genetic potentiation have been identified, which are extrapolated to other enzymes of the same kind.

Degradation of biogenic amines by vineyard ecosystem fungi. Potential use in winemaking.

AIMS: To evaluate the ability of grapevine ecosystem fungi to degrade histamine, tyramine and putrescine in synthetic medium and in wines. METHODS AND RESULTS: Grapevine and vineyard soil fungi were isolated from four locations of Spain and were subsequently identified by PCR. A total of 44 fungi were evaluated for in vitro amine degradation in a microfermentation system. Amine degradation by fungi was assayed by reversed-phase (RP)-HPLC. All fungi were able to degrade at least two different primary amines. Species of Pencillium citrinum, Alternaria sp., Phoma sp., Ulocladium chartarum and Epicoccum nigrum were found to exhibit the highest capacity for amine degradation. In a second experiment, cell-free supernatants of P. citrinum CIAL-274,760 (CECT 20782) grown in yeast carbon base with histamine, tyramine or putrescine, were tested for their ability to degrade amines in three different wines (red, white and synthetic). The highest levels of biogenic amine degradation were obtained with histamine-induced enzymatic extract. CONCLUSION: The study highlighted the ability of grapevine ecosystem fungi to degrade biogenic amines and their potential application for biogenic amines removal in wine. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: The fungi extracts described in this study may be useful in winemaking to reduce the biogenic amines content of wines, thereby preventing the possible adverse effects on health in sensitive individuals and the trade and export of wine.

Meningiomas clinoideos / Meningiomas clinoideos

Los meningiomas clinoideos se asocian con altas tasas de morbi-mortalidad y continúan siendo motivo de clasificaciones; estas lesiones son difíciles de manejar y su resección radical sigue siendo un reto para el cirujano; las escisiones subtotales presagian su recurrencia. La experiencia ha demostrado que este tipo de tumores puede clasificarse en IV grupos y dependiendo de éste, la resección radical será o no posible.

Anatomía microneuro-quirúrgica del Foramen de Vicq d'Azyr / Microneurosurgical anatomy of the foramen of Vicq d'Azyr

El foramen de Vicq d'Azyr es una expansión en forma triangular de la fisura mediana anterior en la cara ventral del bulbo, en su porción más rostral, justo por debajo de la unión ponto-bulbar. Múltiples ramas vasculares perforantes lo atraviesan para dar irrigación a los núcleos y tractos pontinos y bilbares del tallo cerebral; además, guarda estrecha relación con la unión vértebro-basilar y demás estructuras circundantes. El conocimiento de la microanatomía vascular de esta región es importante para llevar a cabo múltiples procedimientos microneuro-quirúrgicos a la hora de tratar diferentes patologías que afecten esta zona.

Two cases of cyclic vomiting syndrome in systemic autoimmune conditions: SLE and autoimmune hepatitis.

Vomiting directly attributable to SLE occurs in approximately 8% of patients, and its causes are sometimes obscure when common conditions are ruled out. Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a common functional disorder which usually starts from childhood. We report the first two cases of patients affected by systemic autoimmune conditions associated to cyclic vomiting syndrome. Identification and proper treatment may guide to diagnosis and alleviate neglected manifestations of autoimmune patients.

Influence of tryptophan tags on the purification of cutinase, secreted by a recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae, using cationic expanded bed adsorption and hydrophobic interaction chromatography.

During cationic bed adsorption (EBA), with cutinase with varying length tryptophan tags (WP)(2)and (WP)(4), 33% and 10% of adsorption capacity and 80% and 32% eluted specific activity were observed in relation to wild type (wt)-cutinase in the conventional process. Therefore, as the hydrophobicity of the protein increases, it is important to integrate the EBA step with a hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) process. As the length of the hydrophobic tag-(WP) increases from n = 2 to n = 4, the purification factor obtained by HIC was 1.8 and 2.2-fold higher than wt-cutinase. However, the recovery yield obtained in HIC decreases substantially as the length of hydrophobic tag increases (97%, 84% and 70% for wt-cutinase, cutinase-(WP)(2) and cutinase-(WP)(4)). The integration of two purification steps, EBA followed by HIC, resulted in the highest overall purity level for cutinase-(WP)(2), and the highest overall recovery yield for wt-cutinase. When optimizing the design of a hydrophobic tag fused to a protein secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae it must be considered that the cultivation parameters could impair the downstream process, and consequently the optimum tag is not necessarily the one that presents the highest purification factor in HIC.