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Chen S, Yang H, Zhang S, Zhu F, Liu S, Gao H, Diao Q, Ding W, Chen Y, Luo P, Liu Y. Simultaneous determination of 28 illegal drugs in sewage by high throughput online SPE-ISTD-UHPLC-MS/MS. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27897. [PMID: 38524584 PMCID: PMC10957417 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study developed an online solid-phase extraction ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (Online-SPE-UHPLC-MS/MS) method for the analysis of 28 illegal drugs in sewage. To achieve this, 28 isotope internal standards (ISTDs) were added to 3 mL sewage samples, the pH was adjusted to 7-8 using hydrochloric acid or 20% ammonia water, followed by centrifugation, filtration, and analysis using UHPLC-MS/MS. The results indicated an excellent linearity of 1-300 ng L-1, and cotinine in the concentration range of 20-6000 ng L-1, linear correlation coefficient R2 > 0.995, with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01-6 ng L-1, and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1-20 ng L-1. The addition of three concentrates of low (2 ng L-1/40 ng L-1), medium (20 ng L-1/400 ng L-1), and high concentration (200 ng L-1/4000 ng L-1) demonstrated the matrix effect of the target compound between ± 22.0%. The extraction recovery was 70.0-119.4%, and a percent accuracy of 75.7-118.1%. Similarly, the intra- and inter-day precisions were 1.8-20.0% and 1.5-18.9%, respectively. The results cemented the sensitivity, accuracy, reliability, strong specificity, and reproducibility, which can be used to screen 28 illegal drugs in sewage for trace analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunqin Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550001, China
| | - Han Yang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550001, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550001, China
| | - Faze Zhu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550001, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Guiyang City Public Security Bureau Drug Testing Center, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550008, China
| | - Huan Gao
- Guiyang City Public Security Bureau Drug Testing Center, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550008, China
| | - Qing Diao
- Guizhou Wanfu Xianyi Testing Technology Co., Ltd, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550009, China
| | - Wenbo Ding
- Guizhou Wanfu Xianyi Testing Technology Co., Ltd, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550009, China
| | - Yuemeng Chen
- Guiyang City Public Security Bureau Drug Testing Center, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550008, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550001, China
| | - Yubo Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550001, China
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Dawnay N, Sheppard K. From crime scene to courtroom: A review of the current bioanalytical evidence workflows used in rape and sexual assault investigations in the United Kingdom. Sci Justice 2023; 63:206-228. [PMID: 36870701 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Sexual assault casework requires the collaboration of multiple agency staff to formalise an investigative pipeline running from crime scene to court. While the same could be said of many other forensic investigations, few require the additional support of health care staff and the combined forensic involvement of body-fluid examiners, DNA experts and analytical chemists. The sheer amount of collaborative effort between agencies is laid out through a detailed examination of the investigative workflow from crime scene to courtroom with each step in the pipelines detailed and discussed. Beginning with a review of sexual assault legislation in the United Kingdom this article details how sexual assault investigations are initiated by police and supported by sexual assault referral centre (SARC) staff who are often the first responders providing primary healthcare and patient support to victims while simultaneously collecting and assessing forensic evidence. Detailing the myriad of evidential material that can be documented and collected at the SARC, the review identifies and categorises key forensic tests to first detect and identify body-fluids recovered from evidence through to the secondary analysis of DNA to help identify the suspect. This review also focusses on the collection and analysis of biological material used to support the allegation that the sexual activity was non-consensual and provides a breakdown of common marks and trauma as well as a review of common analytical methods used to infer Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA). The culmination of the investigative pipeline is discussed by reviewing the Rape and Serious Sexual Assault (RASSO) workflow used by the Crown Prosecution Service before providing our thoughts on the future of forensic analysis and possible changes to the described workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Dawnay
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, United Kingdom.
| | - Kayleigh Sheppard
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, United Kingdom
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Moslah B, Smaoui O, Nouioui MA, Araoud M, Chaouali N, Laribi M, Amira D, Ben Salah N, Hedhili A. Sewage analysis as an alternative tool for assessing drug of abuse and new psychoactive substances in Tunisia. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 347:111672. [PMID: 37023613 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Many studies attest to the pollution of wastewaters by organic molecules including drug of abuse (DAs) residues and new psychoactive substances (NPS) at trace levels. The occurrence of these emerging micropollutants in influent wastewaters (IWW) from three Tunisian Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) was assessed. Influent wastewater composite samples (24 h) were collected over 7 consecutive days in November 2019. The determination and quantification of 11 drug of abuse or their metabolites was performed by the application of an optimized multi-residue method liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MDMA, THC and the cocaine metabolite benzoyl ecgonine were the most detected substances across the three investigated sewage plants. A new wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach was applied in this study to estimate illicit drug consumption. This innovative approach was used to calculate and to assess collective drug consumption of illicit drug at a community level, based on the concentration of selected illicit substances and their major metabolites in influent wastewater. The average MDMA consumption found in the selected cities ranged between 35,8-1531,1 mg day- 1/1000 inhabitants and increased during the weekends. Cocaine consumption varied from 24.5 to 179.8 mg day- 1/1000 inhabitants. Complementary qualitative investigation of new psychoactive substances was monitored for the first time for an African country, examining the occurrence of 33 NPS in wastewaters samples. Out of 33 totals screened NPS across all sampling sites, 16 were tentatively identified with this approach. The 16 detected NPS covered most of the representative and used molecules of different NPS classes; including synthetic opioids, synthetic cathinones, amphetamines derivatives and synthetic cannabinoids.
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Onaolapo OJ, Olofinnade AT, Ojo FO, Adeleye O, Falade J, Onaolapo AY. Substance use and substance use disorders in Africa: An epidemiological approach to the review of existing literature. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:1268-1286. [PMID: 36389088 PMCID: PMC9641378 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i10.1268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between man and substances that have abuse potentials, and whose use has been associated with the development or progression of substance use disorders has continued to evolve in terms of geography, economic implications, and time. History shows that local plants with psychoactive constituents can get exported worldwide through global travel, commerce, or even conquest. Time and globalization also change people’s relationship with substances of abuse; hence, an area that was initially alien to certain substances might evolve to becoming a trafficking hub, and then a destination. A case in point is Africa where a rapidly increasing prevalence of substance use/abuse and substance use disorder among adolescents and young adults is putting enormous strain on the economy, healthcare system, and society at large. However, there appears to be a paucity of scientific literature and data on the epidemiology, risk assessment, and contributing factors to substance use and the development of substance use disorders across Africa. In this narrative review, we examine extant literature (PubMed, Google scholar, Medline) for information on the prevalence, trends, and influencers of substance use and the development of substance use disorders. This is with a view of understanding the determinants of substance use and factors that influence the development of substance use disorders in the region, and how this information can be channeled towards developing a comprehensive intervention and treatment program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olakunle James Onaolapo
- Behavioral Neuroscience Unit, Neuropharmacology Subdivision, Department of Pharmacology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214 Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Anthony Tope Olofinnade
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University, Ikeja 100001, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Foluso Olamide Ojo
- Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Olufunto Adeleye
- Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Joshua Falade
- Department of Mental Health, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti 360282, Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Adejoke Yetunde Onaolapo
- Behavioral Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Subdivision, Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo, Nigeria
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Jagerdeo E, Auger S. Rapid screening procedures for a variety of complex forensic samples using laser diode thermal desorption (LDTD) coupled to different mass spectrometers. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2022; 36:e9244. [PMID: 34984743 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The applications shared in this paper demonstrate the wide variety of samples that can be analyzed when Laser Diode Thermal Desorption (LDTD) is interfaced with a high-resolution mass spectrometer and show the speed at which high quality data can be generated from complex matrices. METHODS Samples are solvent extracted and spotted in a 96-well plate. In the case of biological fluids, hydrolysis followed by solid-phase extraction is required. The solvent in the 96-well plate is evaporated followed by mass spectrometric (MS) analysis with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. Where applicable, the instrument is operated in data-dependent mode, with a full-scan mass spectrum followed by MS/MS spectra of the top 10 ions with a total runtime of 0.4 min. RESULTS Four applications (MAAQ and Tear Gas, twelve rodenticides, seven explosives, and 40 drugs of abuse) are reported in this paper. MAAQ, tear gas, and rodenticides were identified by full-scan, followed by MS/MS experiments at levels of 125 μg/L, 125 μg/L, and 500 μg/L, respectively. Explosives were all identified at 102 μg/L by full-scan experiments. The drugs of abuse were identified by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) experiments at defined cutoff levels from 2 to 1000 μg/L. CONCLUSIONS Interfacing LDTD with a mass spectrometer allows for rapid screening of a wide range of samples, with either minimal or complex sample preparation. Using a high-resolution mass spectrometer with the combination to perform full-scan and MS/MS experiments adds a high level of specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshwar Jagerdeo
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory, Quantico, VA, USA
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Chaouali N, Moslah B, Salem KB, Amira D, Hedhili A, Salah NB. Illicit substances identified in the urine of 11.170 suspected drug users in North Tunisia. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 38:20. [PMID: 34567345 PMCID: PMC8444253 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.38.20.26781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction according to the latest World Drug Report, 271 million people worldwide (5.5% of the global population) aged 15-64 years are drug users. Drug addiction and trafficking became an urgent public health problem that affects human health and social life. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2016 to December 2018, to identify the socio-demographic profile of drug users captured by the anti-narcotics squad in North of Tunisia (North African country) and to type, through toxicological analysis, the nature of the substances consumed. Methods data were collected from expertise files of 11170 suspected drug users. Fresh urine samples were collected from suspected drugs users and submitted in the toxicology laboratory of the center for Urgent Medical Assistance (Tunis) for forensic urinalysis. Drugs screening was carried out by immunochemical methods. Positive samples were analyzed with gas chromatography coupled to mass selective detector (GC-MS) for confirmation. Results the investigation revealed that drug users were mainly males 97.4% (sex ratio 37), the median age was 29 ± 7.91 years, 91.3% were singles and 79% were daily workers. On a total of 11170 urine samples screened, 5 409 (48.4%) were positives for illicit drugs. The prevalence of positive samples was 55.4% in 2016; 50.45% in 2017 and 40.8% in 2018. Cannabis was the most widely consumed drug (95%), followed by Benzodiazepines (1.2%), Buprenorphine (1%), cocaine (0.95%), MDMA (0.24%) and opiates (0.13%). Polydrug abuse was observed in 79 specimens (1.5%). Conclusion this study provides an overview of the illicit drug consumption in the north of Tunisia (knowing that nowadays epidemiological data are almost same since 2016) in order to set up an effective policy to fight against drugs and addictive behaviors and to provide health professionals with the epidemiological elements necessary for better medical care of drug users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Chaouali
- Toxicology and Environmental Research Laboratory LR12SP07, Center for Urgent Medical Assistance, Montfleury 1008 Tunis Cedex, Tunisia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Bilel Moslah
- Toxicology and Environmental Research Laboratory LR12SP07, Center for Urgent Medical Assistance, Montfleury 1008 Tunis Cedex, Tunisia
| | | | - Dorra Amira
- Toxicology and Environmental Research Laboratory LR12SP07, Center for Urgent Medical Assistance, Montfleury 1008 Tunis Cedex, Tunisia
| | - Abderazzek Hedhili
- Toxicology and Environmental Research Laboratory LR12SP07, Center for Urgent Medical Assistance, Montfleury 1008 Tunis Cedex, Tunisia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Nabil Ben Salah
- Intensive Care Unit, Center for Urgent Medical Assistance, Montfleury 1008 Tunis Cedex, Tunisia
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Elboraie MZ, Elbashir AA, Eid EEM, Aboul-Enein HY. Dispersive solid-phase extraction for simultaneous determination of four amphetamines drugs in urine using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE IRANIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13738-021-02339-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Highly sensitive electrochemical sensor based on Pt nanoparticles/carbon nanohorns for simultaneous determination of morphine and MDMA in biological samples. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.137803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Paknahad S, Akhgari M, Ghadipasha M. An alarming rise in the prevalence of deaths with methamphetamine involved in Tehran, Iran 2011-2018. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2020; 17:208-215. [PMID: 33237521 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-020-00339-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine is one of the most commonly abused illicit drugs in Iran. Despite this fact, there has been relatively little research on methamphetamine-associated deaths in Iran. The present study aimed to investigate the cause of death in methamphetamine positive cases based on forensic toxicology findings In this data base descriptive study, individuals with methamphetamine-associated deaths that were referred to the Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran (2011-2018) were assessed. Deaths including those from natural causes, toxicity, accident and suicides with positive forensic toxicology analyses for methamphetamine and its metabolite amphetamine in postmortem samples were investigated. All cases were examined to determine trends in methamphetamine-associated deaths, and in the manner and causes of deaths. During the eight year study there were 1389 methamphetamine-associated deaths. The mean age was 37.47±10.87 years, with a male/female ratio of 12.36:10. The methamphetamine-associated death rate increased significantly during the study period (2.05 vs. 21.93 per 106 Tehran province populations). The most common cause of death was cardiac arrest due to stimulant abuse with supportive histologic findings of acute myocardial infarction, myocardial fiber hypertrophy, aortic dissection and perivascular fibrosis (25%). Opioids (methadone, tramadol and morphine), tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines were frequently present in postmortem samples of study cases. Methamphetamine-associated deaths significantly contribute to illicit drug-associated deaths in Tehran and represent a substantial clinical and public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Paknahad
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAUPS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Akhgari
- Forensic Toxicology Department, Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Masoud Ghadipasha
- Forensic Toxicology Department, Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
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Paknahad S, Akhgari M, Ghadipasha M. An alarming rise in the prevalence of deaths with methamphetamine involved in Tehran, Iran 2011-2018. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2020. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-020-00339-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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