Application of the ESR spectroscopy to estimate the original dose in irradiated chicken bone

The paper discusses the results of an investigation aimed to use the ESR spectroscopy as a quantitative procedure to estimate the original dose in irradiated chicken. The time stability of the ESR signal was at first carried out, to obtain a correction factor to be applied to the dose estimated with the added dose method. Our results show that this procedure gives an estimation of the original dose within ±25%

Properties of HO2• radicals induced by γ-ray irradiation in silica nanoparticles

We report an experimental investigation on the effects of γ-ray irradiation in several types of silica nanoparticles previously loaded with O2 molecules. They differ in specific surface and average diameter. By electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements we observe the generation of about 1018 HO2•/cm3 interstitial radicals. These radicals are induced by reaction of interstitial O2 molecules with radiolytic H atoms, as previously suggested for O2-loaded bulk a-SiO2 samples. However, at variance with respect to bulk materials, our experimental evidences suggest a different generation process of HO2• radical. In fact, by a detailed study of samples exposed to D2O, our results prove that radiolytic hydrogen atoms reacting with O2 to produce HO2• mainly arise from a radiation induced breaking of H2O molecules in the layers surrounding the nanoparticles or in the interstices. Also, by the correlation of HO2• paramagnetic centers concentration, determined by EPR measurements, and O2 Raman/PL signal we further considered the issue of the direct estimation of the O2 concentration in silica nanoparticles from Raman/PL spectra giving an independent conversion factor (the ratio between these latter two quantities), which is in good agreement with those previously proposed by other authors basing on optical measurements

Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric and microbiological analyses on irradiated chicken

Ionizing radiation is widely used as treatment technique for food preservation. It involves among others reduction of microbial contamination, disinfestations, sprout inhibition and extension of shelf life of food. However, the commercialization of irradiated food requires the availability of reliable methods to identify irradiated foodstuffs. In this paper, we present results on the application to irradiated chicken of this method, based on the detection, in muscle and skin samples, of the peaks of ions 98 Da and 112 Da, in a ratio approximately 4:1, typical of radiation induced 2-dodecylcyclobutanones (2-DCB). Aim of the work was also to study the time stability of the measured parameters in samples irradiated at 3 and 5 kGy, and to verify the efficacy of the treatment from a microbiological point of view. Our results show that, one month after irradiation at 3 kGy, the method is suitable using the skin but not the muscle, while the measured parameters are detectable in both samples irradiated at 5 kGy. The microbial population was substantially reduced even at 3 kGy. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Trigeminal neuralgia and persistent trigeminal artery

We report a case of trigeminal neuralgia caused by persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) associated with asymptomatic left temporal cavernoma. Our patient presented unstable blood hypertension and the pain of typical trigeminal neuralgia over the second and third divisions of the nerve in the right side of the face. The attacks were often precipitated during physical exertion. MRI and Angio-MRI revealed the persistent carotid basilar anastomosis and occasionally left parietal cavernoma. After drug treatment of blood hypertension, spontaneous recovery of neuralgia was observed and we planned surgical treatment of left temporal cavernoma

ISO 14470:2011 and EU legislative background on food irradiation technology: The Italian attitude

Our work aim is to produce an overview of food irradiation technology at European Union level, with a focus on the Italian context, by specifying the legislative background, detection methods and labelling obligations. We highlight how consumers are too often misinformed about this technology and its benefits. For this purpose, a series of tools aimed at improving the amount of information have been proposed, allowing the consumer to make a free choice about whether or not to buy irradiated food based on the correct information received, independent from socio-economic factors. Finally, we show the common effort at EU and International level, represented by the ISO 14470:2011 quality standard