Effect of biofertilizers and rhizospheric bacteria on growth and root ultrastucture of lettuce

Montesdeoca-Flores David,Alfayate-Casañas Carmen,Hernández-Bolaños Eduardo,Hernández-González Mercedes,Estupiñan-Afonso Zuleima,Abreu-Acosta Néstor 한국원예학회 2024 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.65 No.1

Biofertilization is a technique that uses plant and animal wastes to add organic matter and nutrients to the soil. It can also use microorganisms that can metabolize these by-products to facilitate their absorption by the plant roots. In this study, we tested the eff ects of rhizospheric bacteria inoculation (T 1 ), a combination of rhizospheric bacteria with liquid fertilizer (T 2 ) and uncombined liquid fertilizer (T 3 ), on the growth, nutritional content, root tissue, and root cells of lettuce plants. The results showed signifi cant positive diff erences in all treatments compared to control plants, in terms of morphologi cal, nutritional, and productivity parameters. The combination of rhizospheric bacteria with liquid SEFEL fertilizer (T 2 ) yielded the best results, showing increased fresh and dry weight, and diameter. There were no diff erences between treat ments for nutritional content, but each treatment outperformed the control by more than 700% for all macronutrients. The best result was phosphorus content for T 1 , with 1272.22% more than control. Regarding root structure and ultrastructure, there was no variation in tissue organization compared to control plants, but increases in root hairs (T 1 ), development of transfer cells (T 2 ), and secondary growth (T 3 ) were observed. Additionally, colonization of roots by rhizospheric bacteria was confi rmed in all three treatments. In conclusion, this study suggests that inoculating with rhizospheric bacteria is a viable and environmentally friendly biofertilization for lettuce plants.

Curcumin-loaded Polycaprolactone/Collagen Composite Fibers as Potential Antibacterial Wound Dressing

E. San Martín-Martínez,Casañas-Pimentel,A. Almaguer-Flores,G. Prado-Prone,A. García-García,C. Landa-Solís,A. Hernández-Rangel 한국섬유공학회 2022 Fibers and polymers Vol.23 No.11

The development of wound dressings with therapeutical benefits is of great importance in skin tissue engineeringapplications, adding bioactive molecules into biomaterials is a strategy to achieve a better biological response. In this study,four different concentrations of curcumin (CUR; 5, 10, 15 and 20 by weight in relation to the PCL content) were incorporatedinto solutions composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and collagen (COL) for the manufacture of electrospun fibers. The PCLCOL-CUR fibers were physicochemically characterized in terms of their morphology, wettability, degradation rate,mechanical behavior, and cumulative curcumin release. The in vitro biological properties of the composite membranes werealso evaluated. The results indicated that the membranes have diameters on average of approximately 200 nm. The wateruptake was adequate for exudates remotion in a wound, and the degradation rate of the fibers was highly appropriate toachieve complete skin tissue regeneration. The addition of CUR to composite membranes produced a significant increase inthe mechanical properties which indicate a satisfactory clinical handling. The incorporation of CUR produced a significantdecrease in the planktonic growth of S. aureus over time, however, the antibacterial effect against E. coli was limited, thepresence of CUR did not cause the inhibition of its growth. Finally, the viability of human dermal fibroblasts seeded on thetop of the membranes indicated the cytotoxic dosage effect of CUR, the two highest CUR concentrations produced asignificant loss of cell viability. Overall, our results suggested that the CUR-loaded PCL-COL composite membranes arepromising candidates for use as antibacterial dressings to enhance clinical wound management.

ACHIEVING PARETO SUPERIORITY UNDER FREE TRADE : AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE DIXIT - NORMAN SCHEME

CASAS, FRANCOIS R .,HAN,JAE DONG 한국국제경제학회 1988 International Economic Journal Vol.2 No.4

This paper proposes a tax-cum-subsidy redistribution scheme which establishes the Pareto superiority of free trade over autarky in a stronger sense than the well-known Dixit-Norman scheme by ensuring that each consumer is better off under free trade prior to the distribution of the not revenue accruing to the government from the scheme. While the cost of its implementation may be higher than that of the Dixit-Norman proposal, the latter is likely to be perceived as more protectionist than the proposed alternative.

ON SOLVABILITY AND NILPOTENCY OF ALGEBRAS WITH BRACKET

Casas, Jose Manuel Korean Mathematical Society 2017 대한수학회지 Vol.54 No.2

We analyze properties of solvable and nilpotent algebras with bracket. The class of solvability and nilpotency of the tensor square of an algebra with bracket is obtained. Homological characterizations of nilpotent algebras with bracket are presented.

Short-term outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for deep infiltrative endometriosis with rectal involvement: a single-center experience of 168 cases

Casas Sara Gortázar de las,Spagnolo Emanuela,Saverio Salomone Di,Álvarez-Gallego Mario,Carrasco Ana López,López María Carbonell,Cobos Sergio Torres,Campo Constantino Fondevila,Gutiérrez Alicia Hernánd 대한대장항문학회 2023 Annals of Coloproctolgy Vol.39 No.3

Purpose: The surgical management of deep infiltrative endometriosis (DE) involving the rectum remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to assess the outcomes from a single tertiary center over a decade with an emphasis on the role of a protective loop ileostomy (PI).Methods: A retrospective review of outcomes for 168 patients managed between 2008 and 2018 is presented including 57 rectal shaves, 23 discoid excisions, and 88 segmental rectal resections.Results: The nodule size (mean±standard deviation) in the segmental resection group was 32.7±11.2 mm, 23.4±10.5 mm for discoid excision, and 18.8±6.0 mm for rectal shaves. A PI was performed in 19 elective cases (11.3%) usually for an ultra-low anastomosis <5 cm from the anal verge. All Clavien-Dindo grade III/IV complications occurred after segmental resections and included 5 anastomotic leaks, 6 rectovaginal fistulas, 2 ureteric fistulas, and 1 ureteric stenosis. Of 26 stomas (15.5%), there were 19 PIs, 3 secondary ileostomies (after complications), and 4 end colostomies. The median time to PI closure was 5.8 months (range, 0.4–16.7 months) in uncomplicated disease compared with 9.2 months (range, 4.7–18.4 months) when initial postoperative complications were recorded (P=0.019). Only 1 patient with a recurrent rectovaginal fistula had a permanent colostomy.Conclusion: In patients with DE and rectal involvement a PI is selectively used for low anastomoses and complex pelvic reconstructions. Protective stomas and those used in the definitive management of a major postoperative complication can usually be reversed.

Atomic defects during ordering transitions in LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4and their relationship with electrochemical properties

Casas-Cabanas, Montse,Kim, Chunjoong,Rodrí,guez-Carvajal, Juan,Cabana, Jordi The Royal Society of Chemistry 2016 Journal of Materials Chemistry A Vol.4 No.21

<P>Decoupling the relevant parameters determining the electrochemical performance of spinel-type LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4would contribute to promote its commercialization as cathode material for Li-ion batteries with high energy density. These parameters mainly comprise Ni/Mn ordering and non-stoichiometry, but their drivers and individual contribution to electrochemical performance remain to be fully ascertained. A series of samples annealed at different temperatures in the vicinity of an ordering transition have been thoroughly characterized by means of neutron powder diffraction to accurately establish composition-structure-property relationships in this material. The analysis revealed that deviations from a perfectly ordered crystal are possible through two different types of defects with significantly different effects on properties. These structural defects are in addition to previously described compositional defects, involving the creation of Mn<SUP>3+</SUP>in the spinel lattice and Ni-rich rock salt secondary phases. Among the two types, the formation of antiphase boundaries is detrimental to transport, leading to poor rate performance of the electrode. In contrast, Ni/Mn mixing in an ordered framework can lead to behavior competitive with fully disordered samples, even at much lower Mn<SUP>3+</SUP>contents that theoretically impart enhanced electronic conductivity. This work establishes design guidelines for fast transport in materials close to full stoichiometry, avoiding deleterious effects of rock salt impurities and Mn<SUP>3+</SUP>dissolution.</P>

Determination of potentially mycotoxigenic fungi in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) from Nayarit

Casas-Junco, Paloma Patricia,Ragazzo-Sanchez, Juan Arturo,Ascencio-Valle, Felipe de Jesus,Calderon-Santoyo, Montserrat 한국식품과학회 2018 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.27 No.3

A total of fourteen roasted coffee samples were collected from different local markets in Nayarit, Mexico. Twenty-two fungi isolates were related to the genera Aspergillus (54.54%) and Penicillium (4.5%). The strains R16 ($0.33{\mu}g/kg$), 6N ($1.16{\mu}g/kg$) and 11 ($0.36{\mu}g/kg$) tested positive for OTA (ochratoxin A) production in PDA, the other fungi samples were not toxigenic. According to the sequence analysis of their ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region, fungi OTA producers correspond to A. niger, A. versicolor and Byssochlamys spectabilis. These three strains were able to produce OTA when inoculated in roasted coffee in concentrations ranging from 75 to $90{\mu}g/kg$, after 21 days. Different production stages of roasted coffee (crop management, postharvest practices and storage) along with environmental conditions do not ensure mycotoxigenic fungi free products. This is the first report of OTA natural occurrence in roasted coffee from Nayarit.

TRANSPORT INNOVATION AND WELFARE UNDER VARIABLE RETURNS TO SCALE

CASAS, FRANCOIS R.,CHOI, E. KWAN 한국국제경제학회 1990 International Economic Journal Vol.4 No.1

Technological innovations improve the welfare of a country facing fixed terms of trade, but may lead to immiserization when the terms of trade are adversely affected. This paper establishes that transport innovation can be immiserizing for a small country when the transport sector exhibits variable returns to scale. The release of resources from the transport sector triggers Rybczynski like effects, and the resulting expansion (contraction) in the volume of trade and in the demand for transport services raises unit costs of these services, and may reduce welfare in the presence of decreasing (increasing) returns to scale.

Neuropsychological Outcome One Year after Carotid Revascularization: A before-and-after Study

Laura Casas-Hernanz,Maite Garolera,Dolors Badenes,Salvador Quintana,Susana Millán,Noemi Calzado,Jorge de Francisco,Josep Royo,Miquel Aguilar 대한혈관외과학회 2017 Vascular Specialist International Vol.33 No.4

Purpose: The aim of our study was to determine the clinical profile of patients considered cognitive ‘responders’ to surgery in order to establish clinical variables associated with a favorable cognitive performance. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 patients were included in the study. A wellvalidated, comprehensive standardized neurocognitive battery of tests of about 2 hours was administered. Patients were examined twice, 1-week before surgery and 1-year postoperatively. The criterion to be included in the ‘responder’ group was the following: to obtain a positive difference between post-revascularization and pre-revascularization neuropsychological assessment ≥1 standard deviation in ≥2 tests. Results: Twenty-seven patients (38.6%) were cognitive responders to treatment. In bivariate analysis between responders and non-responders, presence of atrophy (P=0.003), small vessels (P=0.577), symptoms (P=0.046), and age (P=0.030) were the factors statistically significant. When comparing cognitive performance before and after carotid revascularization, significant differences were observed in semantic fluency with a lower performance after 12 months (P=0.004, d=0.29), and in the Language index (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status) (P=0.005, d=0.34). Conclusion: Patients without neurological symptoms, of a younger age and without atrophy and white matter small vessel lesions are better cognitive responders 1-year after carotid revascularization.

Sufficient Structural Conditions for Diagnosability and Heuristic Diagnoser Design in Timed Continuous Petri Nets

Ricardo Casas Carrillo,Ofelia Begovich Mendoza,Antonio Ramírez Treviño,Javier Ruiz León 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2021 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.19 No.11

This work is concerned with a structural characterization of the diagnosability property in Timed Continuous Petri Nets (TCPNs) systems under infinite server semantics. Regarding this problem, three novel results are presented. The first one is the introduction of structural sufficient conditions for diagnosability in TCPNs, which are based on the concepts of relative degree, system distinguishability, and parameter identification. To this aim, the concept of a simple directed path from other works is extended to diagnosable directed paths. These new paths include attribution-places, pre-join-places and post-join-places, which allows to deal with multiple non-concurrent tokens-leak faults, and enlarging the class of systems that can be analyzed. Based on these structural conditions, a novel methodology to place a reduced number of sensors that guarantees the net diagnosability is proposed. Finally, a diagnoser based on a modified Differential Evolution algorithm is presented, which introduces individual searching sets in orthogonal spaces to diagnose (detect, locate, and identify) faults when an error is detected, avoiding the use of a bank of diagnosers of other approaches. The effectiveness and applicability of the main results are illustrated through an illustrative example.