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Wang Y, Li K, Shen W, Huang X, Wu L. Point-of-care testing of methamphetamine and cocaine utilizing wearable sensors. Anal Biochem 2024; 691:115526. [PMID: 38621604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2024.115526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The imperative for the point-of-care testing of methamphetamine and cocaine in drug abuse prevention necessitates innovative solutions. To address this need, we have introduced a multi-channel wearable sensor harnessing CRISPR/Cas12a system. A CRISPR/Cas12a based system, integrated with aptamers specific to methamphetamine and cocaine, has been engineered. These aptamers function as signal-mediated intermediaries, converting methamphetamine and cocaine into nucleic acid signals, subsequently generating single-stranded DNA to activate the Cas12 protein. Additionally, we have integrated a microfluidic system and magnetic separation technology into the CRISPR system, enabling rapid and precise detection of cocaine and methamphetamine. The proposed sensing platform demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, achieving a detection limit as low as 0.1 ng/mL. This sensor is expected to be used for on-site drug detection in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Ke Li
- Center for Materials Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Weijian Shen
- Animal, Plant and Food Inspection Center of Nanjing Customs District, Nanjing, 210000, PR China
| | - Xingxu Huang
- International Research Center of Synthetic Biology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Lina Wu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China; Food Laboratory of Zhongyuan, Luohe, 462300, Henan, PR China.
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2
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Marchei E, Graziano S, Varì MR, Minutillo A, Aquilina V, Pichini S, Rotolo MC. NPS-EQA PART I: Four years' experience in external quality assessment program in Italy for classical and new psychoactive substances analysis in oral fluid. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 243:116084. [PMID: 38452420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
In 2019, Italian National Institute of Health established an external quality assessment program (EQA) to evaluate the performance of oral fluid testing for classical and new psychoactive substances by laboratories participating in the National Early Warning System collaborative centres. This report presents the results of four rounds between 2019 and 2023. Eleven oral fluid specimens, including 3 blank samples, were prepared by adding different classes of and new psychoactive drugs at known concentrations to pre-screened drug-free oral fluid. False-negative and false-positive results were calculated for the qualitative data evaluation. The quantitative evaluation measured the imprecision and accuracy of the results, in terms of coefficient of variation (CV%) and percent error (ERR%), respectively, with respect to a mean value obtained by reference laboratories. Z-score values were then calculated. Over the years, there has been a significant improvement in false-negative results (from 42.7% in the first year to 19.4% in the last year), but not in false-positive results (from 33.3% in the first year to 22.2% in the last one). In addition to the classic drugs of abuse (e.g. cocaine, amphetamine, methadone), the substances found in false positive samples belonged to the class of synthetic cannabinoids (e.g 5-fluoro CUMYL-PINACA and 5-fluoro-EDMB-PICA), synthetic opioids (e.g butyrylfentanyl) and tryptamines (e.g. 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine). The four rounds yielded a mean ERR% of approximately 22.1% and a mean CV% of around 41.5%. The participating laboratories demonstrated variable performances in relation to the class of analysed psychoactive substances, as evidenced by the calculated Z-scores. Between 25% and 60% of the reported results in all rounds should be considered satisfactory. EQA is a crucial element of laboratory quality management systems. It promotes continuous improvement and maintains high standards in the field of forensic and clinical drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Marchei
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Graziano
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Varì
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Adele Minutillo
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Aquilina
- Investigation, Crime and International Security, Università degli Studi Internazionali di Roma - UNINT, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Bonsu DNO, Higgins D, Simon C, Henry JM, Austin JJ. Metal-DNA interactions: Exploring the impact of metal ions on key stages of forensic DNA analysis. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:779-793. [PMID: 37638716 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Forensic DNA analysis continues to be hampered by the complex interactions between metals and DNA. Metal ions may cause direct DNA damage, inhibit DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification or both. This study evaluated the impact of metal ions on DNA extraction, quantitation, and short tandem repeat profiling using cell-free and cellular (saliva) DNA. Of the 11 metals assessed, brass exhibited the strongest PCR inhibitory effects, for both custom and Quantifiler Trio quantitation assays. Metal ion inhibition varied across the two quantitative PCR assays and the amount of DNA template used. The Quantifiler Trio internal PCR control (IPC) only revealed evidence of PCR inhibition at higher metal ion concentrations, limiting the applicability of IPC as an indicator of the presence of metal inhibitor in a sample. Notably, ferrous ions were found to significantly decrease the extraction efficiency of the DNA-IQ DNA extraction system. The amount of DNA degradation and inhibition in saliva samples caused by metal ions increased with a dilution of the sample, suggesting that the saliva matrix provides protection from metal ion effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Nana Osei Bonsu
- Chemistry and Forensic Science, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
- Forensic Research Group, Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD), School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Denice Higgins
- Forensic Research Group, Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD), School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Dentistry, Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Claire Simon
- Forensic Science SA, Attorney-General's Department, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Julianne M Henry
- Forensic Science SA, Attorney-General's Department, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremy J Austin
- Forensic Research Group, Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD), School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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4
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Cai FS, Tang B, Zheng J, Yan X, Ding XF, Liao QL, Luo XJ, Ren MZ, Yu YJ, Mai BX. First Insight into Fetal Exposure to Legacy and Emerging Plasticizers Revealed by Infant Hair and Meconium: Occurrence, Biotransformation, and Accumulation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5739-5749. [PMID: 38456395 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c11032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the embryonic and developmental toxicity of plasticizers. Thus, understanding the in utero biotransformation and accumulation of plasticizers is essential to assessing their fate and potential toxicity in early life. In the present study, 311 infant hair samples and 271 paired meconium samples were collected at birth in Guangzhou, China, to characterize fetal exposure to legacy and emerging plasticizers and their metabolites. Results showed that most of the target plasticizers were detected in infant hair, with medians of 9.30, 27.6, and 0.145 ng/g for phthalate esters (PAEs), organic phosphate ester (OPEs), and alternative plasticizers (APs), and 1.44, 0.313, and 0.066 ng/g for the metabolites of PAEs, OPEs, and APs, respectively. Positive correlations between plasticizers and their corresponding primary metabolites, as well as correlations among the oxidative metabolites of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH), were observed, indicating that infant hair retained the major phase-I metabolism of the target plasticizers. While no positive correlations were found in parent compounds or their primary metabolites between paired infant hair and meconium, significant positive correlations were observed among secondary oxidative metabolites of DEHP and DINCH in hair and meconium, suggesting that the primary metabolites in meconium come from hydrolysis of plasticizers in the fetus but most of the oxidative metabolites come from maternal-fetal transmission. The parent compound/metabolite ratios in infant hair showed a decreasing trend across pregnancy, suggesting in utero accumulation and deposition of plasticizers. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report in utero exposure to both parent compounds and metabolites of plasticizers by using paired infant hair and meconium as noninvasive biomonitoring matrices and provides novel insights into the fetal biotransformation and accumulation of plasticizers across pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Shan Cai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
| | - Bin Tang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Disease Monitoring of Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Yan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Disease Monitoring of Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Fan Ding
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Building E12, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau 999078, P. R. China
| | - Qi-Long Liao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Jun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
| | - Ming-Zhong Ren
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
| | - Yun-Jiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Research Center of Emerging Contaminants, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
| | - Bi-Xian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
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5
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Shukla S, Khanna S, Gani Mir TU, Dalal J, Sankhyan D, Khanna K. Emerging global trends and development in forensic toxicology: A review. J Forensic Leg Med 2024; 103:102675. [PMID: 38522117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of forensic toxicology research trends, publication patterns, author's contributions, and collaboration. Utilizing the Scopus database, we scrutinized 3259 articles across 348 journals spanning from 1975 to 2023. Analysis employed diverse software tools such as VOSviewer, RStudio, MS Excel, and MS Access to dissect various publication aspects. We observed a notable surge in publications post-2007, indicating heightened research interest. Leading contributors included the United States, Germany, and Italy, with Logan B.K. emerging as the most prolific author. Forensic Science International stood out as the primary journal, publishing 888 articles and accruing significant citations. Keyword co-occurrences such as "forensic toxicology," "forensic science," and "toxicology" underscored core thematic areas in the field. Moreover, extensive research collaboration, especially among Western nations in Europe, was evident. This study underscores the imperative for enhanced collaboration between developing and developed nations to foster further advancements in forensic science. Strengthened partnerships can catalyze innovation, facilitate knowledge dissemination, and address emerging challenges, thereby propelling the field of forensic toxicology toward new frontiers of discovery and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Shukla
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India.
| | | | - Tahir Ul Gani Mir
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Jyoti Dalal
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Deeksha Sankhyan
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Kushagra Khanna
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia
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Franzin M, Ruoso R, Concato M, Radaelli D, D’Errico S, Addobbati R. Applicability of a Chemiluminescence Immunoassay to Screen Postmortem Bile Specimens and Its Agreement with Confirmation Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3825. [PMID: 38612632 PMCID: PMC11011420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Bile has emerged as an alternative matrix for toxicological investigation of drugs in suspected forensic cases of overdose in adults and intoxications in children. Toxicological investigation consists in screening and, subsequently, confirming the result with specific techniques, such as liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). As there is no screening test on the market to test postmortem bile specimens, the novelty of this study was in investigating the applicability of a chemiluminescence immunoassay, designed for other matrices and available on the market, on bile and validate its use, testing the agreement with LC-MS/MS analysis. Bile specimens were obtained from 25 forensic cases of suspected death from overdose and intoxication. Sample preparation for bile screening consists simply in centrifugation and dilution. Confirmation analysis allows simultaneous identification of 108 drugs and was validated on bile. Kappa analysis assessed a perfect agreement (0.81-1) between the assays for benzodiazepines, methadone, opiates, cocaine, oxycodone, cannabinoids, buprenorphine and pregabalin; a substantial agreement (0.41-0.6) was reported for barbiturates. No agreement was assessed for amphetamines, due to an abundance of putrefactive amines in postmortem specimens. In conclusion, this fast and easy immunoassay could be used for initial screening of bile specimens, identifying presence of drugs, except amphetamines, with reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Franzin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (M.F.); (R.R.)
| | - Rachele Ruoso
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (M.F.); (R.R.)
| | - Monica Concato
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.C.); (D.R.); (S.D.)
| | - Davide Radaelli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.C.); (D.R.); (S.D.)
| | - Stefano D’Errico
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.C.); (D.R.); (S.D.)
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Addobbati
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (M.F.); (R.R.)
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7
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Lee-Easton MJ, Magura S, Abu-Obaid R, Reed P, Allgaier B, Fish E, Maletta A, Amaratunga P, Lorenz-Lemberg B, Levitas M, Achtyes E. Direct-To-Definitive Urine and Oral Fluid Test Results for Unscreened and Rarely Screened Drugs in Individuals Applying for Methadone Treatment in 7 U.S. States. J Psychoactive Drugs 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38329134 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2024.2314220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The standard protocol in addiction treatment/pain management is to conduct immunoassay screens for major drugs subject to misuse, followed by confirmatory testing of positive results. However, this may miss unscreened or rarely screened drugs that could pose risks, especially to polydrug users. We sought to determine the prevalences of unscreened/rarely screened drugs in a sample of individuals misusing drugs in 7 U.S. states, and to compare the results of urine vs. oral testing for these drugs by direct-to-definitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). The five drugs with the highest prevalences were: gabapentin (16.8%), quetiapine (6.2%), chlorpheniramine (5.3%), hydroxyzine (4.9%), and ephedrine (3.5%). All have clinical significance as indicated by severity of possible side effects, interactions with other drugs, and/or misuse potential. Drugs were generally detected more frequently in oral fluid than urine, but gabapentin was more frequently detected in urine. The prevalences of the included drugs seem high enough, and their clinical significance important enough, to warrant consideration of expanding clinical drug test panels, either by direct-to-definitive testing or the addition of selected immunoassay screens when available. Oral fluid was usually more suitable than urine as the test matrix, given the higher rates of detection in oral fluid for most substances included in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda J Lee-Easton
- Evaluation Center, The Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Stephen Magura
- Evaluation Center, The Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Ruqayyah Abu-Obaid
- Evaluation Center, The Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Pete Reed
- Forensic Fluids Laboratories, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | | | - Emily Fish
- Forensic Fluids Laboratories, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - EricD Achtyes
- School of Medicine, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
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Valerio C, Romano MC, Sarma R, Stern AW. Immunoassay testing for barbiturates using alternative matrices in postmortem tissues from cats and dogs. J Anal Toxicol 2024; 48:54-61. [PMID: 37978839 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkad087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The barbiturate drug pentobarbital is commonly used by veterinarians for the euthanasia of domestic animals. During the veterinary forensic autopsy, it is sometimes necessary to determine whether the animal was chemically euthanized with pentobarbital. The use of a human immunochromatographic test for barbiturate screening utilizing dog or cat urine has been previously validated; however, the use of alternative matrices for this purpose is yet to be explored when urine is not available. Postmortem heart, liver, spleen, skeletal muscle, blood and/or urine samples from 20 dogs and 26 cats with a reported chemical euthanasia status were processed using two different methods, bead homogenization and sonication, and screened for barbiturates using a human immunochromatographic test. There was 100% agreement of the immunochromatographic test results using the sonication method with the reported euthanasia status of both dogs and cats. Using the bead homogenization method, agreement with the reported euthanasia status was 93.3% and 96.7% for dogs and cats, respectively, due to invalid test results from four dog and two cat samples. A subset of liver samples (10 canine and 10 feline) was analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and there was 100% agreement between the immunochromatographic test results and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results for both cats and dogs. Overall, our results support the use of a variety of alternative matrices for barbiturate screening in cats and dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Valerio
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Megan C Romano
- University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 1490 Bull Lea Road, Lexington, KY 40512, USA
| | - Rupam Sarma
- University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 1490 Bull Lea Road, Lexington, KY 40512, USA
| | - Adam W Stern
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Šoša I. Quetiapine-Related Deaths: In Search of a Surrogate Endpoint. TOXICS 2024; 12:37. [PMID: 38250993 PMCID: PMC10819769 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Quetiapine is a second-generation antipsychotic drug available for two and half decades. Due to increased misuse, prescription outside the approved indications, and availability on the black market, it is being encountered in medicolegal autopsies more frequently. For instance, it has been linked to increased mortality rates, most likely due to its adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Its pharmacokinetic features and significant postmortem redistribution challenge traditional sampling in forensic toxicology. Therefore, a systematic literature review was performed, inclusive of PubMed, the Web of Science-core collection, and the Scopus databases; articles were screened for the terms "quetiapine", "death", and "autopsy" to reevaluate each matrix used as a surrogate endpoint in the forensic toxicology of quetiapine-related deaths. Ultimately, this review considers the results of five studies that were well presented (more than two matrices, data available for all analyses, for instance). The highest quetiapine concentrations were usually measured in the liver tissue. As interpreted by their authors, the results of the considered studies showed a strong correlation between some matrices, but, unfortunately, the studies presented models with poor goodness of fit. The distribution of quetiapine in distinct body compartments/tissues showed no statistically significant relationship with the length of the postmortem interval. Furthermore, this study did not confirm the anecdotal correlation of peripheral blood concentrations with skeletal muscle concentrations. Otherwise, there was no consistency regarding selecting an endpoint for analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Šoša
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
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10
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Čanović V, Slović Ž, Todorović D, Todorović M, Andrić I, Radojević D, Ilić M, Vitošević K. The use of vitreous humour as a potential source of DNA for postmortem identification in forensic science. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12024-023-00760-w. [PMID: 38170325 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00760-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Vitreous humour (VH) is routinely collected for toxicological analyses. However, only a few studies have examined its possible use in genotyping. Because of its isolation from the rest of the body, later onset of postmortem changes, and availability, VH could be a potential source of DNA for postmortem identification and other molecular analyses in forensic genetics. During forensic autopsies, samples of different VH volumes (5 ml, 4 ml, 3 ml, 2 ml, 1 ml, and 0.5 ml) were taken from 66 cadavers 24-48 h after death. DNA was also isolated from the samples immediately after collection and after a specific time of storage (1, 2, and 6 months). DNA was isolated using phenol‒chloroform‒isoamyl alcohol (PCI), and the yield and purity of the obtained DNA were determined spectrophotometrically using a FastGene NanoView Photometer. The integrity of the isolated DNA molecule was determined by PCR amplification of the hTERT (113 bp) gene. The results showed that VH could be a reliable source of genetic material for forensic analysis, and the method used for DNA extraction was effective. The yield of the isolated DNA ranged from 6.20 to 609.5 ng/µl, and the purity of the samples was 1.24-2.34. The isolated DNA concentration and integrity depend on the sample volume, but the DNA purity does not. It is also shown that DNA can be extracted from VH samples that have been stored for up to 6 months at - 20 °C. Therefore, using VH can be a valuable material for DNA identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Čanović
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Živana Slović
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia.
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - Danijela Todorović
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Miloš Todorović
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivana Andrić
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Dušan Radojević
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milena Ilić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Katarina Vitošević
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
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11
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Rosendo LM, Antunes M, Simão AY, Brinca AT, Catarro G, Pelixo R, Martinho J, Pires B, Soares S, Cascalheira JF, Passarinha L, Rosado T, Barroso M, Gallardo E. Sensors in the Detection of Abused Substances in Forensic Contexts: A Comprehensive Review. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:2249. [PMID: 38138418 PMCID: PMC10745465 DOI: 10.3390/mi14122249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Forensic toxicology plays a pivotal role in elucidating the presence of drugs of abuse in both biological and solid samples, thereby aiding criminal investigations and public health initiatives. This review article explores the significance of sensor technologies in this field, focusing on diverse applications and their impact on the determination of drug abuse markers. This manuscript intends to review the transformative role of portable sensor technologies in detecting drugs of abuse in various samples. They offer precise, efficient, and real-time detection capabilities in both biological samples and solid substances. These sensors have become indispensable tools, with particular applications in various scenarios, including traffic stops, crime scenes, and workplace drug testing. The integration of portable sensor technologies in forensic toxicology is a remarkable advancement in the field. It has not only improved the speed and accuracy of drug abuse detection but has also extended the reach of forensic toxicology, making it more accessible and versatile. These advancements continue to shape forensic toxicology, ensuring swift, precise, and reliable results in criminal investigations and public health endeavours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana M. Rosendo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mónica Antunes
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Y. Simão
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Teresa Brinca
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Catarro
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Pelixo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - João Martinho
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Bruno Pires
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sofia Soares
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Francisco Cascalheira
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Departamento de Química, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luís Passarinha
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Chemistry Department, NOVA School of Science and Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Tiago Rosado
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
- Centro Académico Clínico das Beiras (CACB)—Grupo de Problemas Relacionados com Toxicofilias, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mário Barroso
- Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Instituto de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses—Delegação do Sul, 1169-201 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
- Centro Académico Clínico das Beiras (CACB)—Grupo de Problemas Relacionados com Toxicofilias, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
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12
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Tusiewicz K, Kuropka P, Workiewicz E, Wachełko O, Szpot P, Zawadzki M. Nitrites: An Old Poison or a Current Hazard? Epidemiology of Intoxications Covering the Last 100 Years and Evaluation of Analytical Methods. TOXICS 2023; 11:832. [PMID: 37888684 PMCID: PMC10611400 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11100832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
In recent times, there has been a concerning and noteworthy rise in the global use of sodium nitrite for suicidal purposes. This is facilitated either through the employment of specialized "suicide kits" or by acquiring sodium nitrite through alternative means. Additionally, another occurrence contributing to nitrite poisoning is the recreational utilization of nitrites in the form of volatile aliphatic esters of nitrous acid, commonly referred to as "poppers". Based on current available papers and reports on the subject of nitrates, nitrites, and poppers intoxications, an epidemiological analysis and evaluation of analytical methods were performed. A total of 128 papers, documenting a collective count of 492 intoxication cases, were identified. Additionally, in order to complete the epidemiological profile of nitrite poisoning, the authors briefly examined six cases of nitrite intoxication that were under investigation in our laboratory. Furthermore, a review of nitrite poisoning cases over the past 100 years shows that the old poison is still in use and poses a substantial risk to society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Tusiewicz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 4 J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego Street, 50345 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.T.); (P.S.)
| | - Patryk Kuropka
- Institute of Toxicology Research, 45 Kasztanowa Street, 55093 Borowa, Poland; (P.K.); (E.W.)
| | - Elżbieta Workiewicz
- Institute of Toxicology Research, 45 Kasztanowa Street, 55093 Borowa, Poland; (P.K.); (E.W.)
| | - Olga Wachełko
- Institute of Toxicology Research, 45 Kasztanowa Street, 55093 Borowa, Poland; (P.K.); (E.W.)
| | - Paweł Szpot
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 4 J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego Street, 50345 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.T.); (P.S.)
| | - Marcin Zawadzki
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 27 Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego Street, 50370 Wroclaw, Poland
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13
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Szpot P, Wachełko O, Zawadzki M. Determination of Prostaglandins (Carboprost, Cloprostenol, Dinoprost, Dinoprostone, Misoprostol, Sulprostone) by UHPLC-MS/MS in Toxicological Investigations. TOXICS 2023; 11:802. [PMID: 37888653 PMCID: PMC10611191 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11100802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Prostaglandins have stimulative influence on the human uterus and therefore were introduced to medical treatment in reproductive healthcare as labor inductors or abortifacients. The UHPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS method was developed for six prostaglandins: carboprost, cloprostenol, dinoprost (PGF2α), dinoprostone (PGE2), misoprostol and sulprostone (substances for pregnancy termination) in pharmaceutical samples and was applied for the toxicological examination of pills containing misoprostol (collected during gynecological examination). There were used two internal standards: misoprostol-d5 and PGF2α-d4. The quantification of analytes was performed in the MRM mode. The linearity of method was in the range from 0.1 to 10 µg/mL, with a coefficient of determination above 0.997 (R2) for each compound. The precision and accuracy values did not exceed ±5.0%. Analysis of the pills revealed the presence of two substances: misoprostol and diclofenac. Misoprostol and diclofenac dose per sample were as follows: 608.8 ng (sample 1), 708.4 ng (sample 2), 618.8 ng (sample 3) and 67.7 mg (sample 1), 65.3 mg (sample 2) 67.3 mg (sample 3), respectively. A simple, precise and reliable method can be applied for routine examinations in terms of clinical and forensic toxicology examinations as well as in quality control of drugs for pharmaceutical purposes (original drugs and counterfeit medications).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Szpot
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 4 J. Mikulicza-Radeckiego Street, 50345 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Olga Wachełko
- Institute of Toxicology Research, 45 Kasztanowa Street, 55093 Borowa, Poland
| | - Marcin Zawadzki
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50370 Wroclaw, Poland
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14
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Ossanes DS, Birk L, Petry AUS, de Menezes FP, Gonzaga AP, Schlickmann PF, Eller S, de Oliveira TF. Cork sheet as an efficient biosorbent for forensic toxicology: Application to vitreous humor analysis. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 47:580-587. [PMID: 37506044 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkad045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing number of people affected worldwide by mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. One of the main courses of treatment, along with psychotherapy, is the use of psychoactive medications, like antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Also, the unprescribed use of these substances is a concerning public health issue. Hence, the analysis of psychotropic medications is mandatory in postmortem toxicology and various biological samples can be used for this detection, among them the vitreous humor (VH) stands out. Also, there is a demand for more sustainable and more efficient extraction methodologies according to green chemistry. An example is solid phase microextraction techniques (SPME), which use a solid sorbent and small solvent amounts. Biosorbents are substances of natural origin with sorptive properties, and they have been successfully used in SPME in environmental toxicology for water analysis, mainly. This study aimed to develop a sustainable, fast, cheap and simple SPME methodology using cork sheet strips as a biosorbent, to extract antidepressants, benzodiazepines and others from VH samples by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The extraction was conducted in a 96-well plate using 200 µL of VH and optimization of relevant parameters for extraction was performed. For solvent optimization, two simplex-centroid experiments were planned for extraction and desorption and to evaluate time and pH, a Doehlert design experiment was performed. The analytical method for the determination and quantification of 17 substances was validated. The quantification limits were 5 ng/mL for all analytes and the calibration curves were linear between 5 and 30 ng/mL. This study was able to develop an efficient, cheap, simple and fast microextraction method for 17 analytes in VH, using strips of cork sheet for extraction and a 96-well plate as a container. Furthermore, this approach system could be automated for routine toxicology laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Souza Ossanes
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Letícia Birk
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Adriana Ubirajara Silva Petry
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
- Division of Postmortem Inspection, Associação Hospitalar Vila Nova, Porto Alegre, RS 91750-040, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Pathology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Francisco Paz de Menezes
- Division of Postmortem Inspection, Associação Hospitalar Vila Nova, Porto Alegre, RS 91750-040, Brazil
| | - Alexsandro Pinto Gonzaga
- Division of Postmortem Inspection, Associação Hospitalar Vila Nova, Porto Alegre, RS 91750-040, Brazil
| | - Paula Flores Schlickmann
- Division of Postmortem Inspection, Associação Hospitalar Vila Nova, Porto Alegre, RS 91750-040, Brazil
| | - Sarah Eller
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Tiago Franco de Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS 90050-170, Brazil
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15
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Nuñez-Montero M, Lombroni C, Maida NL, Rotolo MC, Pichini S, Papaseit E, Hladun O, Ventura M, Poyatos L, Pérez-Mañá C, Farré M, Marchei E. GC-MS/MS Determination of Synthetic Cathinones: 4-chloromethcathinone, N-ethyl Pentedrone, and N-ethyl Hexedrone in Oral Fluid and Sweat of Consumers under Controlled Administration: Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119387. [PMID: 37298339 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study presents a validated GC-MS/MS method for the detection and quantification of 4-chloromethcathinone or clephedrone (4-CMC), N-ethyl Pentedrone (NEP), and N-ethyl Hexedrone (NEH, also named HEXEN) in oral fluid and sweat and verifies its feasibility in determining human oral fluid concentrations and pharmacokinetics following the administration of 100 mg of 4-CMC orally and 30 mg of NEP and NEH intranasally. A total of 48 oral fluid and 12 sweat samples were collected from six consumers. After the addition of 5 μL of methylone-d3 and 200 μL of 0.5 M ammonium hydrogen carbonate, an L/L extraction was carried out using ethyl acetate. The samples, dried under a nitrogen flow, were then derivatized with pentafluoropropionic anhydride and dried again. One microliter of the sample reconstituted in 50 μL of ethyl acetate was injected into GC-MS/MS. The method was fully validated according to international guidelines. Our results showed how, in oral fluid, the two cathinones taken intranasally were absorbed very rapidly, within the first hour, when compared with the 4-CMC which reached its maximum concentration peak in the first three hours. We observed that these cathinones were excreted in sweat in an amount equivalent to approximately 0.3% of the administered dose for 4-CMC and NEP. The total NEH excreted in sweat 4 h after administration was approximately 0.2% of the administered dose. Our results provide, for the first time, preliminary information about the disposition of these synthetic cathinones in the consumers' oral fluid and sweat after controlled administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melani Nuñez-Montero
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Claudia Lombroni
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Univesità degli Studi di Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 5, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Nunzia La Maida
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Rotolo
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Esther Papaseit
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Olga Hladun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Mireia Ventura
- Energy Control, Associació Benestar i Desenvolupament, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lourdes Poyatos
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Clara Pérez-Mañá
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Magí Farré
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP-IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Emilia Marchei
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Identification and quantification of diphenhydramine, haloperidol, and its metabolite, reduced haloperidol in a saponified brain specimen that was immersed in the sea water for more than 10 years. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 61:102188. [PMID: 36603491 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2022.102188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In forensic toxicology, blood and urine specimens are commonly used for detecting and quantifying drugs and their metabolites. When the cadaver is so damaged or decomposed such that the specimens mentioned above cannot be collected, it is necessary to perform drug analysis using alternative specimens such as hair, nails, oral fluids and meconium. Adipocere is resistant to further degradation; it is thus possible to be used as an alternative specimen to analyze drugs and their metabolites. Some researchers indeed have reported drug concentrations in saponified samples that were collected years after decedents' deaths. In this study, we subjected saponified brain, which remained under sea for over 10 years after death, to forensic toxicological analysis using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Using product ion scan analysis, we confirmed the presence of diphenhydramine, haloperidol, and reduced haloperidol, a metabolite of haloperidol. In addition, drugs and metabolite quantification were performed using the standard addition method. Correlation coefficients of the calibration curves were over 0.98. Analyte concentrations in the saponified brain were as follows: diphenhydramine was 1.84 ng/g, haloperidol was 1.30 ng/g, and reduced haloperidol was 3.02 ng/g. Our results suggest that it can be possible to quantify not only parent drugs but also their metabolites in saponified brain. These findings indicate that saponified tissues could be applied as alternative specimens for forensic toxicology, and could be useful as supporting information for victim identification.
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17
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Tomsia M, Chełmecka E, Głaz M, Nowicka J. Epiglottis Cartilage, Costal Cartilage, and Intervertebral Disc Cartilage as Alternative Materials in the Postmortem Diagnosis of Methanol Poisoning. TOXICS 2023; 11:152. [PMID: 36851027 PMCID: PMC9964933 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Alternative materials for postmortem diagnosis in the case of fatal poisonings are much needed when standard materials, such as blood and urine, are unavailable. The study presents a case of fatal mass methanol intoxication resulting from industrial alcohol consumption. The study aimed to determine methanol and formic acid concentrations in epiglottis cartilage, costal cartilage, and intervertebral disc cartilage and to analyze the correlation between their concentrations in cartilage tissues and the femoral blood. Methanol and formic acid concentrations in samples collected from 17 individuals (n = 17) were estimated using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Methanol concentration in the costal cartilage correlated with its concentration in the femoral blood (r = 0.871). Similar correlations were found for epiglottis cartilage (r = 0.822) and intervertebral disc cartilage (r = 0.892). Formic acid concentration in the blood correlated only with its concentration in urine (r = 0.784) and the epiglottis (r = 0.538). Cartilage tissue could serve as an alternative material for methanol analyses in postmortem studies. Formic acid, a methanol metabolite, does not meet the requirements for its presence determination in cartilage tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Tomsia
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Medical University of Silesia, 18 Medyków Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Chełmecka
- Department of Statistics, Department of Instrumental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, Ostrogórska 30 Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Głaz
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Medical University of Silesia, 18 Medyków Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Nowicka
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Medical University of Silesia, 18 Medyków Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
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18
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da Costa BRB, da Silva RR, Bigão VLCP, Peria FM, De Martinis BS. Hybrid volatilomics in cancer diagnosis by HS-GC-FID fingerprinting. J Breath Res 2023; 17. [PMID: 36634358 DOI: 10.1088/1752-7163/acb284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Assessing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as cancer signatures is one of the most promising techniques toward developing non-invasive, simple, and affordable diagnosis. Here, we have evaluated the feasibility of employing static headspace extraction (HS) followed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) as a screening tool to discriminate between cancer patients (head and neck-HNC,n= 15; and gastrointestinal cancer-GIC,n= 19) and healthy controls (n= 37) on the basis of a non-target (fingerprinting) analysis of oral fluid and urine. We evaluated the discrimination considering a single bodily fluid and adopting the hybrid approach, in which the oral fluid and urinary VOCs profiles were combined through data fusion. We used supervised orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis for classification, and we assessed the prediction power of the models by analyzing the values of goodness of prediction (Q2Y), area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. The individual models HNC urine, HNC oral fluid, and GIC oral fluid successfully discriminated between healthy controls and positive samples (Q2Y = 0.560, 0.525, and 0.559; AUC = 0.814, 0.850, and 0.926; sensitivity = 84.8, 70.2, and 78.6%; and specificity = 82.3; 81.5; 87.5%, respectively), whereas GIC urine was not adequate (Q2Y = 0.292, AUC = 0.694, sensitivity = 66.1%, and specificity = 77.0%). Compared to the respective individual models, Q2Y for the hybrid models increased (0.623 for hybrid HNC and 0.562 for hybrid GIC). However, sensitivity was higher for HNC urine and GIC oral fluid than for hybrid HNC (75.6%) and hybrid GIC (69.8%), respectively. These results suggested that HS-GC-FID fingerprinting is suitable and holds great potential for cancer screening. Additionally, the hybrid approach tends to increase the predictive power if the individual models present suitable quality parameter values. Otherwise, it is more advantageous to use a single body fluid for analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Ruiz Brandão da Costa
- Department of Clinical, Toxicological and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical, Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto CEP 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Roberto da Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto CEP 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Vítor Luiz Caleffo Piva Bigão
- Department of Clinical, Toxicological and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical, Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto CEP 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Maris Peria
- Division of Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto CEP 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno Spinosa De Martinis
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto CEP 14040-901, Brazil
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Bordin DM, Bishop D, de Campos EG, Blanes L, Doble P, Roux C, De Martinis BS. Analysis of Stimulants in Sweat and Urine Using Disposable Pipette Extraction and Gas Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry in the Context of Doping Control. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 46:991-998. [PMID: 34792146 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Urine is initially collected from athletes to screen for the presence of illicit drugs. Sweat is an alternative sample matrix that provides advantages over urine including reduced opportunity for sample adulteration, longer detection-time window and non-invasive collection. Sweat is suitable for analysis of the parent drug and metabolites. In this study, a method was developed and validated to determine the presence of 13 amphetamine- and cocaine-related substances and their metabolites in sweat and urine using disposable pipette extraction (DPX) by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The DPX extraction was performed using 0.1 M HCl and dichloromethane:isopropanol:ammonium hydroxide (78:20:2, v/v/v) followed by derivatization with N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide at 90°C for 20 min. DPX extraction efficiencies ranged between 65.0% and 96.0% in urine and 68.0% and 101.0% in sweat. Method accuracy was from 90.0% to 104.0% in urine and from 89.0% to 105.0% in sweat. Intra-assay precision in urine and in sweat were <15.6% and <17.8%, respectively, and inter-assay precision ranged from 4.70% to 15.3% in urine and from 4.05% to 15.4% in sweat. Calibration curves presented a correlation coefficient -0.99 for all analytes in both matrices. The validated method was applied to urine and sweat samples collected from 40 professional athletes who knowingly took one or more of the target illicit drugs. Thirteen of 40 athletes were positive for at least one drug. All the drugs detected in the urine were also detected in sweat samples indicating that sweat is a viable matrix for screening or confirmatory drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayanne Mozaner Bordin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil.,The Atomic Medicine Initiative, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - David Bishop
- The Atomic Medicine Initiative, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Eduardo Geraldo de Campos
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, Brazil.,Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, 13083-888, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Blanes
- Laboratory for Applied Science and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rua Prof. Algacyr Munhoz Mader, 3775, Curitiba 81350010, Brazil
| | - Philip Doble
- The Atomic Medicine Initiative, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Claude Roux
- The Atomic Medicine Initiative, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Bruno Spinosa De Martinis
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, Brazil
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20
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Application of Fabric Phase Sorptive Extraction (FPSE) Engaged to Tandem LC-MS/MS for Quantification of Brorphine in Oral Fluid. J Xenobiot 2022; 12:356-364. [PMID: 36547469 PMCID: PMC9782742 DOI: 10.3390/jox12040025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Brorphine (1-[1-[1-(4-bromophenyl) ethyl]-piperidin-4-yl]-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzo [d]imidazol-2-one) is one of the most recent novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) on the novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) market, involved in over 100 deaths in 2020. Brorphine is a substituted piperidine-benzimidazolone analogue that retains structural similarities to fentanyl, acting as a full agonist at the μ-opioid receptor. Oral Fluid (OF) is an alternative matrix, frequently analyzed for the detection of NPS. Fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE) is a superior, green-sample -preparation technology recently applied for drug analysis. This contribution presents the development and validation of a method, based on the application of FPSE and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), to determine/quantitate brorphine in OF. The method's linearity ranged between 0.05 and 50 ng/mL (R2 = 0.9993), the bias ranged between 12.0 and 16.8%, and inter- and intra-day precisions ranged between 6.4 and 9.9%. Accuracy and extraction efficiency lied between 65 and 75%. LOD/LOQ were 0.015 ng/mL/0.05 ng/mL. Analyte's post-preparative stability was higher than 95%, while no matrix interferences and carryover between runs were observed. This is the first report introducing the application of FPSE for NPS determination, specifically, the quantification of brorphine in OF, thereby presenting a simple, rapid, sensitive, specific, effective, and reliable procedure engaged to LC-MS/MS that is suitable for routine application and the analysis of more NPSs.
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21
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Bioanalytical method for simultaneous determination of benzodiazepines in vitreous humor using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 91:102434. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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22
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Razlansari M, Ulucan-Karnak F, Kahrizi M, Mirinejad S, Sargazi S, Mishra S, Rahdar A, Díez-Pascual AM. Nanobiosensors for detection of opioids: A review of latest advancements. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 179:79-94. [PMID: 36067954 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are generally used as analgesics in pain treatment. Like many drugs, they have side effects when overdosing and causeaddiction problems.Illegal drug use and misuse are becoming a major concern for authorities worldwide; thus, it is critical to have precise procedures for detecting them in confiscated samples, biological fluids, and wastewaters. Routine blood and urine tests are insufficient for highly selective determinations and can cause cross-reactivities. For this purpose, nanomaterial-based biosensors are great tools to determine opioid intakes, continuously monitoring the drugs with high sensitivity and selectivity even at very low sample volumes.Nanobiosensors generally comprise a signal transducer nanostructure in which a biological recognition molecule is immobilized onto its surface. Lately, nanobiosensors have been extensively utilized for the molecular detection of opioids. The usage of novel nanomaterials in biosensing has impressed biosensing studies. Nanomaterials with a large surface area have been used to develop nanobiosensors with shorter reaction times and higher sensitivity than conventional biosensors. Colorimetric and fluorescence sensing methods are two kinds of optical sensor systems based on nanomaterials. Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs), such as silver and gold, are the most frequently applied nanomaterials in colorimetric techniques, owing to their unique optical feature of surface plasmon resonance. Despite the progress of an extensive spectrum of nanobiosensors over the last two decades, the future purpose of low-cost, high-throughput, multiplexed clinical diagnostic lab-on-a-chip instruments has yet to be fulfilled. In this review, a concise overview of opioids (such as tramadol and buprenorphine, oxycodone and fentanyl, methadone and morphine) is provided as well as information on their classification, mechanism of action, routine tests, and new opioid sensing technologies based on various NPs. In order to highlight the trend of nanostructure development in biosensor applications for opioids, recent literature examples with the nanomaterial type, target molecules, and limits of detection are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Razlansari
- Inorganic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Fulden Ulucan-Karnak
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, İzmir 35100, Turkey.
| | | | - Shekoufeh Mirinejad
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan 98167-43463, Iran.
| | - Saman Sargazi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan 98167-43463, Iran.
| | - Sachin Mishra
- NDAC Centre, Kwangwoon University, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01897, South Korea; RFIC Lab, Department of Electronic Engineering, Kwangwoon University, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01897, South Korea.
| | - Abbas Rahdar
- Department of Physics, University of Zabol, Zabol, P.O. Box. 98613-35856, Iran.
| | - Ana M Díez-Pascual
- Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.6, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
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23
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Homemade Pipette Tip Solid-Phase Extraction for the Simultaneous Determination of 40 Drugs of Abuse in Urine by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry. SEPARATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/separations9090233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pipette tip solid-phase extraction facilitates the handling of low-volume samples and organic solvents in order to achieve more environmentally friendly pre-treatment sample techniques. The use of pipette tip extraction was examined for the quick and simple determination of a heterogeneous group of 40 drugs of abuse and some of their metabolites in urine by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Several parameters were studied and optimized, including those which can affect extraction efficiencies, such as the amount of sorbent and the volumes and number of aspirating/dispensing cycles of the sample and organic solvents. The linear range of this method was between the quantification limit and 75 or 100 ng mL−1. Detection limits between 0.025 and 0.500 ng mL−1 and quantification limits from 0.100 to 1.500 ng mL−1 were achieved, which are adequate to determine the studied compounds in urine from drug users. Finally, in order to prove its suitability in toxicological and forensic analyses, the method was successfully applied to 22 urine specimens from women who were starting a detoxification program. Cocaine was the most frequently detected substance, as its presence or the presence of its main metabolite was found in 86% of the analyzed samples.
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Chinaglia KDO, Arantes ACF, Cunha KFD, Campos EGD, Kahl JMM, Rodrigues LC, Costa JL. Development of analytical method for the determination of methylphenidate, the analog ethylphenidate and their metabolite ritalinic acid in oral fluid samples by micro-QuEChERS and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2022; 1205:123330. [PMID: 35716546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2022.123330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative method for the analysis of methylphenidate, the analog ethylphenidate and their metabolite ritalinic acid in oral fluid, using micro-QuEChERS extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Oral fluid samples were collected with Quantisal™ device, extracted by micro-QuEChERS technique and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. The developed method met the validation criteria of Academy Standards Board (ASB) Standard Practices for Method Validation in Forensic Toxicology (Standard 036, 2019) with limits of detection and quantification of 0.5 ng/mL and calibration curve from 0.5 to 50 ng/mL. Within-run imprecision was greater than 18.7% while between-run imprecision was greater than 17.0 % for all analytes. Bias did not vary more than 7.7 %. No evidence of carryover was found. Stability studies presented satisfactory results for 24 h on autosampler (10 °C), after 3 cycles of freeze/thaw, 7 days on freezer (-20 °C) and until 7 days on refrigerator (4 °C) for methylphenidate. The validated method was further successfully applied to the analysis of 5 authentic oral fluid samples collected from volunteers at parties and music festivals from different cities in Brazil. Four samples had positive results for methylphenidate and ritalinic acid, and only one sample was positive for methylphenidate. Ethylphenidate was not detected in the samples. The method showed acceptable analytical performance and is environmentally friendly, requiring reduced use of solvents and reagents, with potential to be applied to clinical and forensic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kauê de Oliveira Chinaglia
- Campinas Poison Control Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Furiozo Arantes
- Campinas Poison Control Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil
| | - Kelly Francisco da Cunha
- Campinas Poison Control Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Geraldo de Campos
- Campinas Poison Control Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil; Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, United States
| | - Júlia Martinelli Magalhães Kahl
- Campinas Poison Control Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Costalonga Rodrigues
- Campinas Poison Control Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil
| | - Jose Luiz Costa
- Campinas Poison Control Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083‑859, Brazil
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25
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Pascual-Caro S, Borrull F, Calull M, Aguilar C. Recent chromatographic and electrophoretic based methods for determining drugs of abuse in urine and oral fluid: A review from 2018 to June 2021. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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26
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Argo A, Zerbo S, Buscemi R, Trignano C, Bertol E, Albano GD, Vaiano F. A Forensic Diagnostic Algorithm for Drug-Related Deaths: A Case Series. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10040152. [PMID: 35448413 PMCID: PMC9024928 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The best evidence provided in the literature worldwide suggests the importance of harmonizing the investigation in drug-related fatalities. In this study, the application of a multidisciplinary approach in eight cases of drug-related deaths is presented. Although death scene findings could be highly suggestive of drug intoxication, external examination and toxicological screening test alone are insufficient. There are several variables, and it is not always easy to give the proper interpretation of the drug detection. A complete autopsy is necessary to correctly complete organ and tissues sampling for further histological and toxicological studies and obtain body fluids. The use of peripheral blood is recommended to avoid artifacts. The collection of many specimens is warranted to get more responses. The sampling aims to provide a picture of the distribution of the substance in the body. The sample and the selection of the drugs and the matrices to investigate are case-dependent. The presented diagnostic algorithm provides the coroner with all the elements to investigate drug-related deaths and cooperate with toxicologists. Toxicological forensic diagnosis is still extremely heterogeneous in regional and national contexts. Funding for method development, research, networking, facilities, and technologies improvement is mandatory to standardize the toxicological investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonina Argo
- PROMISE Department, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (A.A.); (S.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Stefania Zerbo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 7100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Roberto Buscemi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 7100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Claudia Trignano
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (E.B.); (F.V.)
| | - Elisabetta Bertol
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 7100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Davide Albano
- PROMISE Department, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (A.A.); (S.Z.); (R.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3312264328
| | - Fabio Vaiano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 7100 Sassari, Italy;
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Nižnanský Ľ, Nižnanská Ž, Kuruc R, Szórádová A, Šikuta J, Zummerová A. Ayahuasca as a Decoction Applied to Human: Analytical Methods, Pharmacology and Potential Toxic Effects. J Clin Med 2022; 11:1147. [PMID: 35207420 PMCID: PMC8880227 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ahyahuasca is a term commonly used to describe a decoction prepared by cooking the bark or crushed stems of the liana Banisteriopsis caapi (contains β-carbolines) alone or in combination with other plants, most commonly leaves of the shrub Psychotria viridis (contains N,N-dimethyltryptamine-DMT). More than 100 different plants can serve as sources of β-carbolines and DMT, which are the active alkaloids of this decoction, and therefore it is important to know the most accurate composition of the decoction, especially when studying the pharmacology of this plant. The aim was to summarize the latest sensitive methods used in the analysis of the composition of the beverage itself and the analysis of various biological matrices. We compared pharmacokinetic parameters in all of the studies where decoction of ayahuasca was administered and where its composition was known, whereby minimal adverse effects were observed. The therapeutic benefit of this plant is still unclear in the scientific literature, and side effects occur probably on the basis of pre-existing psychiatric disorder. We also described toxicological risks and clinical benefits of ayahuasca intake, which meant that the concentrations of active alkaloids in the decoction or in the organism, often not determined in publications, were required for sufficient evaluation of its effect on the organism. We did not find any post-mortem study, in which the toxicological examination of biological materials together with the autopsy findings would suggest potential lethality of this plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ľuboš Nižnanský
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Žofia Nižnanská
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská Dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Roman Kuruc
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Szórádová
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ján Šikuta
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Anežka Zummerová
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Antolská 11, 85107 Bratislava, Slovakia; (R.K.); (A.S.); (J.Š.); (A.Z.)
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinková 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
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28
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Developments in high-resolution mass spectrometric analyses of new psychoactive substances. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:949-967. [PMID: 35141767 PMCID: PMC8921034 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03224-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has necessitated the development and improvement of current practices for the detection and identification of known NPS and newly emerging derivatives. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is quickly becoming the industry standard for these analyses due to its ability to be operated in data-independent acquisition (DIA) modes, allowing for the collection of large amounts of data and enabling retrospective data interrogation as new information becomes available. The increasing popularity of HRMS has also prompted the exploration of new ways to screen for NPS, including broad-spectrum wastewater analysis to identify usage trends in the community and metabolomic-based approaches to examine the effects of drugs of abuse on endogenous compounds. In this paper, the novel applications of HRMS techniques to the analysis of NPS is reviewed. In particular, the development of innovative data analysis and interpretation approaches is discussed, including the application of machine learning and molecular networking to toxicological analyses.
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