Aortic Diameters and Calcifications in Former World-Class Cyclists.

PURPOSE: Concerns on whether athletes--particularly older ones--are at an increased risk of pathological aortic dilation exist, and the prevalence of aortic calcifications in these individuals is unknown. We aimed to compare the dimensions, distensibility, and prevalence of calcifications in the thoracic aorta between former male professional cyclists (cases) and sex/age-matched controls. METHODS: We used a retrospective cohort design, where cases were former finishers of at least one Grand Tour (Tour de France, Giro d' Italia or Vuelta a España) and controls were untrained individuals with no previous sports history and free of cardiovascular risk. All participants underwent magnetic resonance and computer tomography assessments for the measurement of aortic dimensions and calcifications, respectively. RESULTS: Cases showed larger ( P < 0.05) dimensions than controls for aortic annulus, sinus, and arch, as well as for ascending and descending aorta. However, none of the participants presented with pathological aortic dilation (all diameters <40 mm). A slightly higher prevalence of calcifications in the ascending aorta was observed in cases (13% vs 0% in controls, P = 0.020). Subanalyses confirmed that cases who were still competing (masters category, n = 8) had larger aortic diameters ( P < 0.05) and a greater presence of calcifications in the ascending/descending aorta (38% vs 0% for both segments, P = 0.032) than those who had become inactive ( n = 15). No between-group differences were found for aortic distensibility. CONCLUSIONS: Former professional cyclists, particularly those who are still competing after retirement, show enlarged aortic diameters (albeit without exceeding upper limits of normality). Former professional cyclists also showed a slightly higher prevalence of calcifications in the ascending aorta than controls, although aortic distensibility was not compromised. The clinical relevance of these findings should be the subject of future studies.

Handleable TiO2-coated zeolitic material for photodecomposition of caffeine boosted by urine matrix.

The photocatalytic decomposition of caffeine under UV-light irradiation was observed for the first time in a matrix of synthetic urine using granules of hydrogenated and iron-exchanged natural zeolite, coated with two loadings of TiO2. A natural clinoptilolite-mordenite blend was used to prepare photocatalytic adsorbents coated with TiO2 nanoparticles. The performance of the obtained materials was tested in the photodegradation of caffeine, a water contaminant of emerging concern. The photocatalytic activity was better in the urine matrix, due to the formation of surface complexes on the TiO2 coating, cation exchange performed by the zeolite support, and use of the carrier electrons in the reduction of ions, affecting recombination of the electrons and holes during photocatalysis. The composite granules maintained photocatalytic activity for at least four cycles, with more than 50% of caffeine removal in the synthetic urine matrix.

Myocardial Fibrosis and Coronary Calcifications Caused by Endurance Exercise? Insights from Former Professional Cyclists.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of myocardial fibrosis and coronary calcification in individuals who have performed very high levels of strenuous endurance exercise (SEE; former male professional cyclists) and sex/age-matched controls. METHODS: We used a retrospective cohort study design, where cases were former finishers of ≥1 Grand Tour (Tour de France, Giro d' Italia or Vuelta a España) and controls were untrained individuals free of cardiovascular risk. All participants underwent cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac computer tomography in the same center during years 2020-2021 to detect myocardial fibrosis (late gadolinium enhancement) and to quantify coronary calcium, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-three cases (age, 46 ± 6 yr) and 59 controls (47 ± 7 yr) were studied. Fibrotic patches were evidenced only in the left ventricle, with a higher prevalence in cases (23% vs 2% in controls, P = 0.006). However, fibrotic tissue was nonischemic and of low extension (0.6% ± 0.4% of left ventricle mass), and no significant differences were found between cases and controls for native T1 or T2 values. No between-group differences were found for coronary calcium indicators, including Agatston or density scores. Subanalyses revealed no differences attending to whether cases were still performing regular SEE ( n = 8) or not ( n = 15) after professional retirement. CONCLUSIONS: Although former professional cyclists seemed to show a greater prevalence of myocardial fibrosis, the extension of fibrotic tissue was minimal and no alterations were found in coronary calcification indicators. While keeping in mind the low sample size of the cases' group, our results do not support evidence for major cardiac maladaptations with long-term exposure to SEE, at least in middle-age adults.

On the demand for telemedicine: Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Telemedicine can expand access to health care at relatively low cost. Historically, however, demand for telemedicine has remained low. Using administrative records and a difference-in-differences methodology, we estimate the change in demand for telemedicine experienced after the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic and the imposition of mobility restrictions. We find that the number of telemedicine calls made during the pandemic increased by 230 percent compared to the pre-pandemic period. The effects were mostly driven by older individuals with preexisting conditions who used the service for internal medicine consultations. The demand for telemedicine remained relatively high even after mobility restrictions were relaxed, which is consistent with telemedicine being an "experience good." These results are a proof of concept for policy makers to use such relatively low-cost medical consultations, made possible by new technologies, to provide needed expansion of access to health care.

Blue Titania: The Outcome of Defects, Crystalline-Disordered Core-Shell Structure, and Hydrophilicity Change.

In this research, changes in several characteristics of partially reduced titania were studied. The reduction process used made it possible to gradually observe changes in the material depending on the amount of reducing agent used. We used NaBH4 to impregnate commercial TiO2 with isopropyl alcohol. Impregnated TiO2 nanoparticles were dried and thermally treated in a nitrogen flow to obtain blue titania samples. Thorough spectroscopic characterization showed that oxygen atoms from hydroxyl groups, as well as from the surface, and the lattice of TiO2 was consumed. This caused changes in the surface and even in the bulk of TiO2 when the amount of reducing agent used was increased. Structural, optical, superficial, and textural characteristics were studied using XRD, Raman, DRS UV-Vis-NIR, Mid-DRIFT, XPS, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. A photocatalytic test of the degradation of methylene blue dye was performed. Among different effects on the mentioned characteristics, we found evidence of changes in the surface properties of the blue titania samples and their probable effect on the photocatalytic properties. The reduction process implied a preponderant decrease in the surface hydrophilicity of the reduced samples, an effect shown for the first time in this type of material.

Safety and tolerability of regadenoson in comparison with adenosine stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance: Data from a multicentre prospective registry.

To assess the feasibility and incidence of immediate complications of stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with regadenoson in comparison with adenosine in a large referral population. This is a large, multicenter, prospective registry of vasodilator stress-CMR in a referral population. We recorded the clinical and demographic data, quality of test, CMR findings, hemodynamic data, and complications. Between January 2016 and July 2019, 2908 patients underwent stress-CMR, 2253 with regadenoson and 655 with adenosine. 25.1% of patients had previously known coronary artery disease (CAD). In 305 patients regadenoson was used due to presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, while in 1948 subjects regadenoson was used as first-line vasodilator. Quality was optimal in 90.0%, suboptimal in 9.5%, and poor in 0.5%. Images were diagnostic in 98.9%. After stress with regadenoson, aminophylline 200 mg was administered intravenously in all patients. No patient died or had severe immediate complications with regadenoson as opposed to 2 severe bronchospasm with adenosine (p = 0.05). 11 patients (0.5%) had non-severe complications with regadenoson and five patients (0.8%) with adenosine (p = n.s.). Only two patients (0.088%) had non-severe bronchospasm after regadenoson administration. All complications were solved in the CMR unit, with no need for further specific care. Factors significantly associated with presence of complications were history of COPD or asthma and detection of inducible ischaemia. Patients had significantly more minor symptoms when adenosine was used (66.0% vs. 18.4%, p < 0.0001). Stress-CMR with regadenoson is feasible, providing diagnostic information in a referral population. Regadenoson had an excellent safety profile and better tolerability than adenosine, with no serious immediate complications and low incidence of non-severe complications. Only inducible ischaemia and previous history of COPD or asthma were associated with complications after regadenoson-CMR. The incidence of minor symptoms was low.

[Hypercalcemia in a pediatric patient with ovarian dysgerminoma: A case report]. / Hipercalcemia en paciente pediátrica con disgerminoma ovárico: a propósito de un caso.

Hypercalcemia associated with malignant tumors is a rare entity in pediatrics (0.5-1.3 % of pediatric cancers). It responds to different pathophysiological mechanisms and the typical symptoms shown are usually nonspecific, but potentially serious. We present a clinical case of a 12-year-old patient with a bilateral ovarian dysgerminoma who was diagnosed with severe hypercalcemia at the onset, which required hyperhydration associated with loop diuretics, bisphosphonates and, eventually, the tumor resection surgery that allowed the final resolution of the clinical picture. Despite being a rare hydroelectric disorder in pediatrics, given the potential severity of hypercalcemia, early detection and treatment are important in order to avoid potential short- and long-term complications.

La hipercalcemia asociada a tumores malignos es una entidad poco frecuente en pediatría (0,5-1,3 % de los cánceres pediátricos). Es causada por diferentes mecanismos fisiopatológicos y los síntomas de presentación suelen ser inespecíficos, pero potencialmente graves. Presentamos un caso clínico de una paciente de 12 años con diagnóstico de disgerminoma ovárico bilateral. La enfermedad se presentó con hipercalcemia grave, tratada con hiperhidratación asociada a diuréticos de asa, bifosfonatos y, por último, la resección quirúrgica del tumor, que permitió la resolución definitiva del cuadro. A pesar de tratarse de un trastorno hidroeléctrico poco habitual en pediatría, dada la potencial gravedad de la hipercalcemia, es importante la detección y el tratamiento tempranos, con el fin de evitar complicaciones en el corto y el largo plazo.

Hipercalcemia en paciente pediátrica con disgerminoma ovárico: a propósito de un caso / Hypercalcemia in a pediatric patient with ovarian dysgerminoma: A case report

La hipercalcemia asociada a tumores malignos es una entidad poco frecuente en pediatría (0,5-1,3 % de los cánceres pediátricos). Es causada por diferentes mecanismos fisiopatológicos y los síntomas de presentación suelen ser inespecíficos, pero potencialmente graves. Presentamos un caso clínico de una paciente de 12 años con diagnóstico de disgerminoma ovárico bilateral. La enfermedad se presentó con hipercalcemia grave, tratada con hiperhidratación asociada a diuréticos de asa, bifosfonatos y, por último, la resección quirúrgica del tumor, que permitió la resolución definitiva del cuadro. A pesar de tratarse de un trastorno hidroeléctrico poco habitual en pediatría, dada la potencial gravedad de la hipercalcemia, es importante la detección y el tratamiento tempranos, con el fin de evitar complicaciones en el corto y el largo plazo

Hypercalcemia associated with malignant tumors is a rare entity in pediatrics (0.5-1.3 % of pediatric cancers). It responds to different pathophysiological mechanisms and the typical symptoms shown are usually nonspecific, but potentially serious. We present a clinical case of a 12-year-old patient with a bilateral ovarian dysgerminoma who was diagnosed with severe hypercalcemia at the onset, which required hyperhydration associated with loop diuretics, bisphosphonates and, eventually, the tumor resection surgery that allowed the final resolution of the clinical picture.Despite being a rare hydroelectric disorder in pediatrics, given the potential severity of hypercalcemia, early detection and treatment are important in order to avoid potential short- and long-term complications.

Profile of Terpenoid Compounds Mediating a Plant-Herbivore Interaction: Screening by Static Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography/Q-ToF Mass Spectrometry.

Conotrachelus dimidiatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) interacts with immature guava fruits (Psidium guajava L.) for feed, sleep, mate and oviposit. Determination of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the insect and immature fruits can help improve understanding of plant-insect and intraspecific insect interactions between females and males of C. dimidiatus. Daytime fruit setting emissions of immature guava consist mainly of limonene, caryophyllene, and aromadendrene. In addition to the host's volatiles, the aim of this study was to assess the VOCs released by the insect. Static headspace-solid phase microextraction (SHS-SPME), combined with gas chromatography/quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (GC/Q-ToF-MS), allowed the identification of the C10 terpenoids: grandlure I, II, II, IV, grandisoic acid, papayanol and papayanal bioactive compounds released by female and male C. dimidiatus under laboratory conditions. These chemical compounds are candidates for the preparation of a lure formulation.

Behavioral and Electroantennographic Responses of Adults of Guava Weevil, Conotrachelus dimidiatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), to Synthetic Host-Associated and Conspecific Volatiles.

Immature guava fruits (Psidium guajava L.) of commercial orchards in Mexico are affected by adults of Conotrachelus dimidiatus (Champion) causing economic losses to producers. The aim of this study was to assess the behavioral and electrophysiological responses of the weevil to selected semiochemicals emitted by the host plant fruit and to conspecifics. Volatile organic compounds isolated from host plant as ß-caryophyllene, (S)-(-)-limonene, hexanal, and nonanal significantly attracted adults of both sexes in behavioral bioassays. Electroantennogram recordings showed largest responses to papayanal and grandlure III + IV released by C. dimidiatus and C. nenuphar, respectively. Our results indicate that behavioral and electroantennographic assays using synthetic compounds from host plant volatiles and insect volatile pheromones produce olfactometry and electroantennographic responses in C. dimidiatus. This is the first report of intraspecific chemical communication in this weevil. We discuss the significance of these responses for the natural behavior in guava orchards and their potential use in a pest management strategy.

Unpredicted photocatalytic activity of clinoptilolite-mordenite natural zeolite.

Zeolites are not often used directly as photocatalysts. Their framework and nanocavities have served as support or hosts for photoactive materials or traces of transition metals functioning as photoactive sites for catalysing decomposition and oxidation reactions in the gas phase. Research in this area has been limited to a few synthetic zeolites and in this context, efforts are directed to the preparation of new zeolite-based photocatalysts, when in nature there is an abundance of materials with properties yet to be discovered. We report the application of a natural clinoptilolite-mordenite zeolite as an efficient self-photocatalytic material for the decomposition of caffeine in aqueous solution. Adsorption experiments, combined with textural, crystallographic, and spectroscopic characterization were performed comparatively for the natural zeolite, a synthetic homologue, and the iron-exchanged zeolite. The neat zeolite containing 1.2 wt% of endogenous iron exhibited 99% decomposition of caffeine after 4 h irradiation and a faster reaction rate, followed by the synthetic sample. In contrast, the iron-loaded sample was the less effective zeolite because of pore blocking. Caffeine adsorption occurred on the outer zeolite surface and the photoproducts were hydroxylated pyrimidine rings and linear amide derivatives.

EFFECT OF LACTOBACILLUS POSTBIOTICS ON ENTAMOEBA HISTOLYTICA TROPHOZOITES.

BACKGROUND: Amebiasis is an infectious disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica. It represents one of the three worldwide leading causes of death by parasites and a public health problem due to its frequency, morbidity, mortality, and easy dispersion. OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of Lactobacillus spp. postbiotics on E. histolytica trophozoites (HM1-IMSS strain) and to determine morphometric changes in trophozoite membrane by atomic force microscopy (AFM). METHODS: Bioassays on trophozoites were conducted with lyophilized postbiotics at 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mg/mL concentrations, and trophozoite samples were obtained for AFM analysis. RESULTS: Results indicated postbiotic inhibitory activity; the highest percentage inhibition was 89.63% at 0.5 mg/mL. Trophozoites nanomechanical analysis showed 28.32% increase in ruggedness and 56% decrease in size with treatments compared to the control. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the synergy of Lactobacillus postbiotics inhibited E. histolytica HM1-IMSS in vitro growth under axenic conditions, inducing morphometric alterations in trophozoites' cell membrane. These results would allow designing strategies or treatments aimed at E. histolytica control in the future.

Effect of lactobacillus postbiotics on entamoeba histolytica trophozoites

ABSTRACT Background Amebiasis is an infectious disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica. It represents one of the three worldwide leading causes of death by parasites and a public health problem due to its frequency, morbidity, mortality, and easy dispersion. Objective The study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of Lactobacillus spp. postbiotics on E. histolytica trophozoites (HM1-IMSS strain) and to determine morphometric changes in trophozoite membrane by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Methods Bioassays on trophozoites were conducted with lyophilized postbiotics at 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mg/mL concentrations, and trophozoite samples were obtained for AFM analysis Results Results indicated postbiotic inhibitory activity; the highest percentage inhibition was 89.63% at 0.5 mg/mL. Trophozoites nanomechanical analysis showed 28.32% increase in ruggedness and 56% decrease in size with treatments compared to the control. Conclusion Our study showed that the synergy of Lactobacillus postbiotics inhibited E. histolytica HM1-IMSS in vitro growth under axenic conditions, inducing morphometric alterations in trophozoites’ cell membrane. These results would allow designing strategies or treatments aimed at E. histolytica control in the future.

Conotrachelus dimidiatus Champion, 1904 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae): morphological re-description of the immature stages, keys, tribal comparisons and biology.

The mature larva and pupa of Conotrachelus dimidiatus Champion, 1904 (Curculionidae: Molytinae) are morphologically re-described, keyed and, for the first time, compared with known larvae and pupae of other Conotrachelus species. The chaetotaxy of the larval and pupal body in the genus Conotrachelus is probably strictly uniform. The immature stages of described species are also compared with available data on the immature stages of genera from several tribes in the subfamily Molytinae. All larvae of Conotrachelus have a distinct endocranial line of a different size and a frons with only three setae. The states of these two distinct characteristics in larvae of the eight known Conotrachelus species are constant and unique compared to other tribes in the subfamily Molytinae. In Central Mexico, overwintering Conotrachelus beetles emerge in July and then feed and mate on host plants. Larvae are endophagous within the fruits. In September and October, the larvae pupate in the soil. This new information will be very useful in the application of pesticides to the fight against this well-known pest in Mexico.

Volatile compounds in different parts of the fruit Psidium guajava L. cv. "Media China" identified at distinct phenological stages using HS-SPME-GC-QTOF/MS.

INTRODUCTION: Determination of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by immature fruits furthers our understanding of plant-pest interactions and by fruits in a ripe state concerns food quality. OBJECTIVES: To apply headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-QTOF/MS) to compare the volatiles emitted by different parts of guava (Psidium guajava L. cv. "Media China") at different maturation stages. METHODOLOGY: HS-SPME combined with GC-QTOF/MS was used to characterise the VOCs of entire guavas in the orchard and under laboratory conditions. For chemical analysis X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, refractometry, titration, complexometry, diode array detector high-performance liquid chromatography (DAD-HPLC) and refractive index detector (RI)-HPLC were used. RESULTS: The guava variety was rich in potassium and poor in sodium. A total of 44 VOCs were identified in different phenological stages and parts of the fruits. Release of VOCs was influenced by the temperature in the plantation, and transformation of innate fruit VOCs started immediately after cutting. CONCLUSION: The most abundant VOC released by the immature fruit in the plantation overnight was (S)-limonene, and it concentrated in the outer skin (pericarp). The esters ethyl benzoate, ethyl octanoate, butyl-2-methylbutanoate, ethyl hexanoate, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, and ethyl butanoate were emitted by ripe whole fruits. During ripening ethyl benzoate reached a maximum production after three to five days, while the formation of the aldehydes benzaldehyde, hexanal and trans-2-hexen-1-al started thereafter.

Carbofuran degraded by iron-doped anatase: Weakening the cholinesterase inhibitory activity in the photoproducts mixture.

Carbofuran is a toxic carbamate pesticide, and its use has increased in recent years. While marketing information indicates stability in different chemical media, carbofuran exhibits relative photolability. The aim of this research was to decompose carbofuran and to identify the photoproducts achieved when two different doped titania photocatalysts were employed under UV irradiation. The iron-doped TiO2 materials were obtained (a) via a hydrothermal method and (b) by an ultrasound-assisted sol-gel method. The precursors were TiOSO4⋅xH2O and Fe3(NO3)·9H2O. X-ray studies confirmed that the anatase phase of the iron-doped TiO2 resulted from the two preparation methods. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared materials was monitored by LC/ESI-QTOF-MS, enabling the identification of photoproducts: oxo-carbamates, hydroxylated benzofuranes, a carboxamide, and one amine. By using the iron-doped TiO2 materials, 2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-3,7-diol was the most abundant photoproduct, and N,2,2-trimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-amine was the only compound that had not been previously reported in the photolysis and photocatalysis of carbofuran. The product 3-hydroxy carbofuran, a cholinesterase inhibitor, was quantified and was found to be transformed into compounds that lack this inhibitive property.

Removal of gadolinium-based contrast agents: adsorption on activated carbon.

Three carbon samples were employed in this work, including commercial (1690 m2 g-1), activated carbon prepared from guava seeds (637 m2 g-1), and activated carbon prepared from avocado kernel (1068 m2 g-1), to study the adsorption of the following gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs): gadoterate meglumine Dotarem®, gadopentetate dimeglumine Magnevist®, and gadoxetate disodium Primovist®. The activation conditions with H3PO4 were optimized using a Taguchi methodology to obtain mesoporous materials. The best removal efficiency by square meter in a batch system in aqueous solution and model urine was achieved by avocado kernel carbon, in which mesoporosity prevails over microporosity. The kinetic adsorption curves were described by a pseudo-second-order equation, and the adsorption isotherms in the concentration range 0.5-6 mM fit the Freundlich equation. The chemical characterization of the surfaces shows that materials with a greater amount of phenolic functional groups adsorb the GBCA better. Adsorption strongly depends on the pH due to the combination of the following factors: contrast agent protonated forms and carbon surface charge. The tested carbon samples were able to adsorb 70-90% of GBCA in aqueous solution and less in model urine. This research proposes a method for the elimination of GBCA from patient urine before its discharge into wastewater.

Carboxyl-terminal domain of MUC16 imparts tumorigenic and metastatic functions through nuclear translocation of JAK2 to pancreatic cancer cells.

MUC16 (CA125) is a type-I transmembrane glycoprotein that is up-regulated in multiple cancers including pancreatic cancer (PC). However, the existence and role of carboxyl-terminal MUC16 generated following its cleavage in PC is unknown. Our previous study using a systematic dual-epitope tagged domain deletion approach of carboxyl-terminal MUC16 has demonstrated the generation of a 17-kDa cleaved MUC16 (MUC16-Cter). Here, we demonstrate the functional significance of MUC16-Cter in PC using the dual-epitope tagged version (N-terminal FLAG- and C-terminal HA-tag) of 114 carboxyl-terminal residues of MUC16 (F114HA). In vitro analyses using F114HA transfected MiaPaCa-2 and T3M4 cells showed enhanced proliferation, motility and increased accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase with apoptosis resistance, a feature associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs). This was supported by enrichment of ALDH+ CSCs along with enhanced drug-resistance. Mechanistically, we demonstrate a novel function of MUC16-Cter that promotes nuclear translocation of JAK2 resulting in phosphorylation of Histone-3 up-regulating stemness-specific genes LMO2 and NANOG. Jak2 dependence was demonstrated using Jak2+/+ and Jak2-/- cells. Using eGFP-Luciferase labeled cells, we demonstrate enhanced tumorigenic and metastatic potential of MUC16-Cter in vivo. Taken together, we demonstrate that MUC16-Cter mediated enrichment of CSCs is partly responsible for tumorigenic, metastatic and drug-resistant properties of PC cells.

TiO2 immobilized on Manihot carbon: optimal preparation and evaluation of its activity in the decomposition of indigo carmine.

Applications of carbon-TiO2 materials have attracted attention in nanotechnology due to their synergic effects. We report the immobilization of TiO2 on carbon prepared from residues of the plant Manihot, commercial TiO2 and glycerol. The objective was to obtain a moderate loading of the anatase phase by preserving the carbonaceous external surface and micropores of the composite. Two preparation methods were compared, including mixing dry precursors and immobilization using a glycerol slurry. The evaluation of the micropore blocking was performed using nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The results indicated that it was possible to use Manihot residues and glycerol to prepare an anatase-containing material with a basic surface and a significant SBET value. The activities of the prepared materials were tested in a decomposition assay of indigo carmine. The TiO2/carbon eliminated nearly 100% of the dye under UV irradiation using the optimal conditions found by a Taguchi L4 orthogonal array considering the specific surface, temperature and initial concentration. The reaction was monitored by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and LC-ESI-(Qq)-TOF-MS, enabling the identification of some intermediates. No isatin-5-sulfonic acid was detected after a 60 min photocatalytic reaction, and three sulfonated aromatic amines, including 4-amino-3-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid, 2-(2-amino-5-sulfophenyl)-2-oxoacetic acid and 2-amino-5-sulfobenzoic acid, were present in the reaction mixture.

Photoproducts of carminic acid formed by a composite from Manihot dulcis waste.

Carbon-TiO2 composites were obtained from carbonised Manihot dulcis waste and TiO2 using glycerol as an additive and thermally treating the composites at 800 °C. Furthermore, carbon was obtained from manihot to study the adsorption, desorption and photocatalysis of carminic acid on these materials. Carminic acid, a natural dye extracted from cochineal insects, is a pollutant produced by the food industry and handicrafts. Its photocatalysis was observed under different atmospheres, and kinetic curves were measured by both UV-Vis and HPLC for comparison, yielding interesting differences. The composite was capable of decomposing approximately 50% of the carminic acid under various conditions. The reaction was monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy and LC-ESI-(Qq)-TOF-MS-DAD, enabling the identification of some intermediate species. The deleterious compound anthracene-9,10-dione was detected both in N2 and air atmospheres.