Charge identification of fragments with the emulsion spectrometer of the FOOT experiment

The FOOT (FragmentatiOn Of Target) experiment is an international project designed to carry out the fragmentation cross-sectional measurements relevant for charged particle therapy (CPT), a technique based on the use of charged particle beams for the treatment of deep-seated tumors. The FOOT detector consists of an electronic setup for the identification of Z ≥ 3 fragments and an emulsion spectrometer for Z ≤ 3 fragments. The first data taking was performed in 2019 at the GSI facility (Darmstadt, Germany). In this study, the charge identification of fragments induced by exposing an emulsion detector, embedding a C2 H4 target, to an oxygen ion beam of 200 MeV/n is discussed. The charge identification is based on the controlled fading of nuclear emulsions in order to extend their dynamic range in the ionization response

Performance of the ToF detectors in the foot experiment

The FOOT (FragmentatiOn Of Target) experiment aims to deter- mine the fragmentation cross-sections of nuclei of interest for particle therapy and radioprotection in space. The apparatus is composed of several detectors that allow fragment identification in terms of charge, mass, energy and direction. The frag- ment time of flight (ToF) along a lever arm of ∼2 m is used for particle ID, requiring a resolution below 100ps to achieve a sufficient resolution in the fragment atomic mass identification. The timing performance of the ToF system evaluated with 12C and 16O beams is reviewed in this contribution

Charge identification of fragments with the emulsion spectrometer of the FOOT experiment

The FOOT (FragmentatiOn Of Target) experi- ment is an international project designed to carry out the fragmentation cross-sectional measurements relevant for charged particle therapy (CPT), a technique based on the use of charged particle beams for the treatment of deep-seated tumors. The FOOT detector consists of an electronic setup for the identification of Z >= 3 fragments and an emulsion spectrometer for Z <= 3 fragments. The first data taking was performed in 2019 at the GSI facility(Darmstadt, Germany). In this study, the charge identifi-cation of fragments induced by exposing an emulsion detector, embedding a C2H4 target, to an oxygen ion beam of 200 MeV/n is discussed. The charge identifica-tion is based on the controlled fading of nuclear emulsions in order to extend their dynamic range in the ionization response

Measuring the Impact of Nuclear Interaction in Particle Therapy and in Radio Protection in Space: the FOOT Experiment

In Charged Particle Therapy (PT) proton or 12C beams are used to treat deep-seated solid tumors exploiting the advantageous characteristics of charged particles energy deposition in matter. For such projectiles, the maximum of the dose is released at the end of the beam range, in the Bragg peak region, where the tumour is located. However, the nuclear interactions of the beam nuclei with the patient tissues can induce the fragmentation of projectiles and/or target nuclei and needs to be carefully taken into account when planning the treatment. In proton treatments, the target fragmentation produces low energy, short range fragments along all the beam path, that deposit a non-negligible dose especially in the first crossed tissues. On the other hand, in treatments performed using 12C, or other (4He or 16O) ions of interest, the main concern is related to the production of long range fragments that can release their dose in the healthy tissues beyond the Bragg peak. Understanding nuclear fragmentation processes is of interest also for radiation protection in human space flight applications, in view of deep space missions. In particular 4He and high-energy charged particles, mainly 12C, 16O, 28Si and 56Fe, provide the main source of absorbed dose in astronauts outside the atmosphere. The nuclear fragmentation properties of the materials used to build the spacecrafts need to be known with high accuracy in order to optimise the shielding against the space radiation. The study of the impact of these processes, which is of interest both for PT and space radioprotection applications, suffers at present from the limited experimental precision achieved on the relevant nuclear cross sections that compromise the reliability of the available computational models. The FOOT (FragmentatiOn Of Target) collaboration, composed of researchers from France, Germany, Italy and Japan, designed an experiment to study these nuclear processes and measure the corresponding fragmentation cross sections. In this work we discuss the physics motivations of FOOT, describing in detail the present detector design and the expected performances, coming from the optimization studies based on accurate FLUKA MC simulations and preliminary beam test results. The measurements planned will be also presented

Linking early-life NMDAR hypofunction and oxidative stress in schizophrenia pathogenesis.

Molecular, genetic and pathological evidence suggests that deficits in GABAergic parvalbumin-positive interneurons contribute to schizophrenia pathophysiology through alterations in the brain's excitation-inhibition balance that result in impaired behaviour and cognition. Although the factors that trigger these deficits are diverse, there is increasing evidence that they converge on a common pathological hub that involves NMDA receptor hypofunction and oxidative stress. These factors have been separately linked to schizophrenia pathogenesis, but evidence now suggests that they are mechanistically interdependent and contribute to a common schizophrenia-associated pathology

Inulin, phenolic content and antioxidant potential of burdock (Artium lappa L.) roots extracts obtained by green extraction mrthods

Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) roots are traditionally used in folk medicine as diuretic and curing rheumatism, gastritis, gout, throat pain, arthritis and rashes. These pharmacological properties are due to many bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and fructooligosaccharides. Nowadays the the application of green methods for extraction of natural compounds gains more and more attention. The object of the current research was to determine inulin and sugars content, phenolic content and antioxidant potential in 70% ethanol and water extracts obtained by two “green“ extraction methods, namely pressure-liquid extraction and ultrasound-assisted techniques. The content of total fructans, as well as inulin and sugars were analyzed by resorcinol-thiourea and high-performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detection. Total phenols and flavonoids were determined by Folin-Chiocalteu and Al(NO3)3 reagents. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by four reliable methods (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and CUPRAC). The established inulin content varied from 0.27 to 4.0 g/100 g dw in prevalence of the ultrasound-assisted extract obtained with water. Additionally, the established phenolic compounds content (from 10.35 to 18.16 mg GAE/g dw) and antioxidant activities demonstrated the budrock roots as potential source with beneficial properties

The Role of Mass Spectrometry in the "Omics" Era.

Mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the key analytical technology on which the emerging "-omics'' approaches are based. It may provide detection and quantization of thousands of proteins and biologically active metabolites from a tissue, body fluid or cell culture working in a "global'' or "targeted'' manner, down to ultra-trace levels. It can be expected that the high performance of MS technology, coupled to routine data handling, will soon bring fruit in the request for a better understanding of human diseases, leading to new molecular biomarkers, hence affecting drug targets and therapies. In this review, we focus on the main advances in the MS technologies, influencing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics and metabolomics fields, up to the most recent MS applications to meta-omic studies

Buku Ajar “Kesehatan Reproduksi Remaja”

Kesehatan reproduksi tidak hanya berarti terbebas dari penyakit atau gangguan selama proses reproduksi, tetapi kondisi ketika proses reproduksi tercapai dalam situasi kesehatan fisik, mental, dan sosial yang sempurna. meliputi seluruh proses, dan sistem reproduksi pada tahapan kehidupan manusia secara lebih khusus pada masa peralihan ke remaja, studi kesehatan reproduksi mempelajari bagaimana individu dapat terbebas dari berbagai gangguan kesehatan yang disebabkan oleh proses atau bekerjanya fungsi dan sistem reproduksi. Buku ini merupakan sintesa dari berbagai referensi dan hasil studi penulis. Isi buku membahas tentang Ruang lingkup dan kesehatan reproduksi, fisiologi organ reproduksi, tumbuh kembang remaja, kebutuhan gizi tumbuh kembang untuk remaja, risiko tinggi melahirkan di usia remaja, IMS atau ISR, HIV/AIDS, Napza, kekerasan seksual, gender, dan PKHS. Maksud penyusunan buku ini tidak lain agar remaja memiliki akses informasi tentang Kesehatan reproduksi sebagai upaya peningkatan Kesehatan remaja secara optimal. Masa remaja merupakan masa transisi dari masa kanak-kanak menuju dewasa. Artinya secara fisik remaja telah dapat bereproduksi, namun secara psikologis, sosial, dan ekonomi mereka belum siap memiliki anak dan membangun keluarga. Karena itulah, pentingnya pengetahuan tentang kesehatan reproduksi bagi mereka. Remaja yang lebih sadar akan pentingnya menjaga kesehatan reproduksi berpotensi lebih kecil mengalami kehamilan di usia dini. Seperti kita ketahui, hamil di usia remaja berisiko melahirkan bayi prematur dan berat badan lahir rendah (BBLR) yang berkaitan erat dengan risiko stunting. Selain itu masa remaja adalah waktu terbaik untuk membangun kebiasaan baik terutama dalam menjaga kebersihan organ reproduki yang menjadi aset sangat penting dalam jangka panjang

The α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibition Capacity of Grape Pomace: A Review

The concept of functional foods is gaining more importance due to its role in maintaining a healthy status and preventing some metabolic diseases. The control of diabetes, in particular type-2 (T2DM), could be considered a big challenge since it involves other factors such as eating habits. From the pharmacological point of view, inhibiting digestive enzymes, such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase, is one of the mechanisms mainly used by synthetic drugs to control this disease; however, several side efects are described. For that reason, using bioactive compounds may appear as an alternative without presenting the complications synthetic drugs available on the market have. The winemaking industry generates tons of waste annually, and grape pomace (GP) is the most important. GP is recognized for its nutritional value and as a source of bioactive compounds that are helpful for human health. This review highlights the importance of GP as a possible source of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors. Also, it is emphasized the components involved in this bioactivity and the possible interactions among them. Especially, some phenolic compounds and fber of GP are the main ones responsible for interfering with the human digestive enzymes. Preliminary studies in vitro confirmed this bioactivity; however, further information is required to allow the specific use of GP as a functional ingredient inside the market of products recommended for people with diabete

Immigration: Interventions in sanitary management in Veneto region

Objectives: In this article measures as regards immigration and health, in particular in relation to the control of infectious diseases, enacted by Veneto Region from 1990 to 1998 are analyzed. Methods: Experiences and political directives carried out in the last decade by Veneto region are considered. Results and conclusions: The management of immigration phenomenon, relatively new in consistence and growth in Italian and in particular in Venetian socio-cultural contest, in matter of health policy particularly addresses its interests in the control and valutation of socio- sanitary aspects linked with infectious and diffusive diseases epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment, because known as one of the risk factors in for health status of this new demographic component of the population. The collection of epidemiological informations at regional level, permits to formulate a correct management and sanitary planning and in the end to prevent alarmist attitudes in host people maintaining a good level of 'social tollerance'