1
|
Matos F, Castanheira F, Barroso M, Antunes M, Franco J, Fonseca S. Development and validation of a multi-substance method for routine analysis of pesticides in post-mortem samples by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 245:116176. [PMID: 38701535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Pesticides play an important role in forensic toxicology and are usually classified as a single class of chemicals. Despite their commonly perceived unity, pesticides encompass a spectrum of compounds, including organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids or organochlorines, among others, each with varying degrees of toxicity. Pesticide analysis in post-mortem samples can be difficult due to the complexity of the samples and to the high toxicity of these compounds. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an easy to use, sensitive, and robust method, using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to be incorporated in the routine flow for pesticide analysis in post-mortem blood samples. Described herein is a streamlined, expeditious, yet highly efficient method facilitating the screening, qualitative assessment, and quantitative confirmation of 15 pesticides, including acetamiprid, azinphos-ethyl, bendiocarb, carbofuran, chlorfenvinphos, dimethoate, imidaclopride, malathion, methiocarb, methomyl, parathion, pirimicarb, strychnine, tetrachlorvinphos, and thiacloprid in post-mortem blood, recognizing the pivotal role blood plays in forensic investigations. The developed method was linear from 10 to 200 ng/mL; limits of detection were between 1 and 10 ng/mL, depending on the compound; it was successfully evaluated a dilution ratio of 1-2, 5 and 10; and 8 substances showed maximum stability for the time interval studied. This UHPLC-MS/MS method is useful and a powerful tool in a toxicology lab because it is fast, simple, effective, and trustworthy. The results of this validation highlight the robustness of the analytical method, providing a valuable tool for the accurate and sensitive detection of pesticides in post-mortem blood. Poised for routine implementation, this method has already found success in suspected intoxication cases, promising to elevate the standards of forensic pesticide analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Matos
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, I.P., Delegação do Sul, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Fernando Castanheira
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, I.P., Delegação do Centro, Portugal
| | - Mário Barroso
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, I.P., Delegação do Sul, Portugal
| | - Mónica Antunes
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, I.P., Delegação do Sul, Portugal; CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal
| | - João Franco
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, I.P., Delegação do Sul, Portugal
| | - Suzana Fonseca
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, I.P., Delegação do Sul, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen Y, Liu J, Song T, Zou X, Li L, Nie Q, Zhang P. Gaps in forensic toxicological analysis: The veiled abrin. Toxicon 2024; 242:107684. [PMID: 38513827 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Abrus precatorius is an herbaceous, flowering plant that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Its toxic component, known as abrin, is classified as one of the potentially significant biological warfare agents and bioterrorism tools due to its high toxicity. Abrin poisoning can be utilized to cause accidents, suicides, and homicides, which necessitates attention from clinicians and forensic scientists. Although a few studies have recently identified the toxicological and pharmacological mechanisms of abrin, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Furthermore, the clinical symptoms and pathological changes induced by abrin poisoning have not been fully characterized, and there is a lack of standardized methods for identifying biological samples of the toxin. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further toxicopathologic studies and the development of detection methods for abrin in the field of forensic medicine. This review provides an overview of the clinical symptoms, pathological changes, metabolic changes, toxicologic mechanisms, and detection methods of abrin poisoning from the perspective of forensic toxicology. Additionally, the evidence on abrin in the field of forensic toxicology and forensic pathology is discussed. Overall, this review serves as a reference for understanding the toxicological mechanism of abrin, highlighting the clinical applications of the toxin, and aiding in the diagnosis and forensic identification of toxin poisoning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinyu Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (tropical forensic medicine), Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570102, China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (tropical forensic medicine), Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Xing Zou
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (tropical forensic medicine), Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Leilei Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (tropical forensic medicine), Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Qianyun Nie
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine and Life Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China; Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570102, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (tropical forensic medicine), Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Naviaux W, Hedman C, Barkholtz H. Strategies to detect trace methamphetamine contamination on hard surfaces: Assessing realistic performance of commercially available presumptive tests and a laboratory-based LC-MS/MS method. J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:1011-1020. [PMID: 38351585 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Recreational methamphetamine production and heavy use can result in dwelling contamination that is difficult to detect. First responders and public health officials may use commercially available trace methamphetamine detection (presumptive) test kits to understand apparent and hidden dangers in impacted dwellings. Here, we assessed the limit of detection (LOD) of several commercially available presumptive test kits using simulated contaminated hard surfaces. Pyrex petri dishes were spiked with aliquots of methanolic methamphetamine solutions to reach desired simulated contamination levels. Commercially available presumptive tests were conducted according to manufacturer instructions and using included sample preparation materials, when available. Additionally, a laboratory-based liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) trace methamphetamine quantification method was developed and validated using the EZSTATSG2 tool. For the LC-MS/MS method, samples were collected using 2-ply alcohol prep pads and methamphetamine was extracted using a 1:1 (v:v) methanol: water solution. Most presumptive tests considered were able to detect trace levels of methamphetamine extracted from hard surfaces, with LOD ranging from 0.10-15.00 μg/sample. Comparatively, the laboratory-based LC-MS/MS LOD was 0.05 μg/sample and limit of quantitation was 0.10 μg/sample. The LC-MS/MS method may be useful when the presence of dust or other contaminants interferes with presumptive test interpretation or reliability. Costs of presumptive tests varied from several dollars to tens of dollars, which is included alongside LOD results to aid stakeholders in identifying which test(s) are the best fit for purpose. Therefore, first responders, public health officials, and other stakeholders have several options for assessing trace methamphetamine contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Naviaux
- Forensic Toxicology Section, Environmental Health Division, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Program, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Curtis Hedman
- Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Heather Barkholtz
- Forensic Toxicology Section, Environmental Health Division, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Saito K, Mamiya Y, Kawakami M, Ito R. An improved Simon reaction method to discriminate between methamphetamine and false-positive substances. J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:1021-1024. [PMID: 38362738 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The conventional methamphetamine (MA) detection method using the Simon reaction can be affected by false positives owing to compounds similar to aliphatic secondary amines. In this study, we examined the new Simon reaction to improve the qualitative accuracy of MA detection to discriminate substances that give false positives in a conventional Simon reaction. After the conventional Simon reaction for MA and false positives (N-isopropylbenzylamine (NIP-BA), N-methylbenzylamine (NMe-BA), L-proline (Pro), and L-hydroxyproline (HYP)), which are colored blue, di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (t-Boc) reagent was added, and color tone changes were observed. When t-Boc was added to the false positives (NIP-BA, NMe-BA, Pro, and HYP), the colors of MA, Pro, and HYP changed to purple; NIP-BA changed to blue; and NMe-BA changed to light pink after 3 min. These results suggested that MA can be differentiated from NIP-BA and NMe-BA. Furthermore, the solid-phase chromogenic method was examined, and it was confirmed that MA could be differentiated from Pro and HYP. The method developed in this study should increase the accuracy of MA appraisal at crime scenes and contribute to the reduction of misclassifications arising from false-positive substances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Saito
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Mamiya
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Marie Kawakami
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rie Ito
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Arbouche N, Farrugia A, Gheddar L, Ameline A, Blanchot A, Raul JS, Kintz P. Is it really possible to kill with insulin without leaving traces? From lifesaver to killer, the issues surrounding the analytical characterization of postmortem insulin illustrated by an exemplary case. J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:1106-1113. [PMID: 38481368 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Evidence of an insulin overdose is very complicated in the medico-legal field. The analysis and subsequent interpretation of results is complex, especially when treating postmortem blood samples. The instability of insulin, the special pre-analytical conditions and the absence of specific analytical methods has led most laboratories not to analyze insulin in their routine with a consequent underestimation of cases. This paper aims to assess the difficulties associated with the analytical characterization of insulin by describing a case that typically represents most of the inconveniences encountered following a suspected insulin overdose. The case concerns a man found dead at home by his brother. After an external examination, which did not reveal a specific cause of death, toxicological analysis was requested which did not reveal any substance of toxicological interest. Only 9 months later, it was reported to the toxicologist that the subject was diabetic, on insulin lispro treatment and that three empty syringes were found next to his body. Following analysis by LC-high-resolution mass spectrometry, the presence of insulin lispro at a concentration of 1.1 ng/mL, a therapeutic concentration, was evidenced. Despite the low concentration found, overdose cannot be excluded and this paper will describe the criteria evaluated to reach this conclusion. This case highlights that the interpretation of a postmortem insulin concentration is very complex and requires the evaluation of various elements including the circumstances of death, the subject's medical history, the interval between death and sampling and the sample storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pascal Kintz
- Institut de Médecine Légale, Strasbourg, France
- X-Pertise Consulting, Mittelhausbergen, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
de Souza Schwarz P, Dos Santos BP, Birk L, Eller S, de Oliveira TF. Development of an innovative analytical method for forensic detection of cocaine, antidepressants, and metabolites in postmortem blood using magnetic nanoparticles. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:3239-3250. [PMID: 38573343 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05273-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Cocaine and antidepressants rank high globally in substance consumption, emphasizing their impact on public health. The determination of these compounds and related substances in biological samples is crucial for forensic toxicology. This study focused on developing an innovative analytical method for the determination of cocaine, antidepressants, and their related metabolites in postmortem blood samples, using unmodified commercial Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a sorbent for dispersive magnetic solid-phase extraction (m-d-SPE), coupled with liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. An aliquot of 100 µL of whole blood and 5 µL of the internal standard pool were added to 30 mg of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were separated from the sample using a neodymium magnet inserted into a 3D-printed microtube rack. The liquid was then discarded, followed by desorption with 300 µL of 1/1/1 acetonitrile/methanol/ethyl acetate. The sample was vortexed and separated, and 1.5 µL of the organic supernatant was injected into the LC-MS/MS. The method was acceptably validated and successfully applied to 263 postmortem blood samples. All samples evaluated in this study were positive for at least one substance. The most frequent analyte was benzoylecgonine, followed by cocaine and cocaethylene. The most common antidepressants encountered in the analyzed samples were citalopram and fluoxetine, followed by fluoxetine's metabolite norfluoxetine. This study describes the first report of this sorbent in postmortem blood analysis, demonstrating satisfactory results for linearity, precision, accuracy, and selectivity for all compounds. The method's applicability was confirmed, establishing it as an efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional techniques for forensic casework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia de Souza Schwarz
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
| | - Bruno Pereira Dos Santos
- 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
| | - 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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Di Candia D, Giordano G, Boracchi M, Bailo P, Primignani P, Piccinini A, Zoja R. Chemical investigation of biological trace evidence; toxicological screening of waste residues obtained from DNA extraction processes. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:721-730. [PMID: 37968478 PMCID: PMC11003886 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03119-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
In a forensic scenario, if biological stains are found in very small quantities, these are usually collected for DNA analyses, considered essential for the forensic investigation and thus excluding possible investigations by other forensic disciplines as forensic toxicology. We developed an experimental study to evaluate the feasibility of analyzing DNA extraction residues obtained from DNA extraction procedures to perform toxicological analysis, with the aim to extract both genetic and toxicological information without affecting or compromising the genetic sample and/or DNA extraction. DNA extraction from four blood samples (fortified with 5 molecules of interest with a final concentrations of 1 µg/mL, 100 ng/mL, 10 ng/mL and 5 ng/mL, respectively) were analyzed with QIAGEN QIAmp® DNA Mini kit. Three waste residues collected from the DNA extraction were analyzed for the toxicological investigation via Solid-Phase Extraction and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry analyses (Thermo Scientific™ TSQ Fortis™ II Triple-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer). The analytical investigation revealed that our analytes of interest were detected in two different residues of the DNA extraction procedure, allowing both genetic and toxicological analyses without affecting the DNA identification. At last, the experimental protocol was applied to a hypothetical case, with encouraging results and allowing the identification of our molecules of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Di Candia
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Istituto Di Medicina Legale E Delle Assicurazioni, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Giordano
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Istituto Di Medicina Legale E Delle Assicurazioni, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michele Boracchi
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Istituto Di Medicina Legale E Delle Assicurazioni, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Bailo
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Istituto Di Medicina Legale E Delle Assicurazioni, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Primignani
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Istituto Di Medicina Legale E Delle Assicurazioni, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Piccinini
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Istituto Di Medicina Legale E Delle Assicurazioni, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zoja
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Istituto Di Medicina Legale E Delle Assicurazioni, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yamagishi Y, Nagasawa S, Iwase H, Ogra Y. Evaluation of organophosphorus pesticide tyrosine adducts for postmortem change by human serum albumin with liquid chromatography quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:40-48. [PMID: 38366941 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) having a phosphate ester moiety, such as malathion (MA) and methidathion (DMTP), are widely used and have been detected in many fatal cases of accidental exposure or suicide in Japan. In forensic toxicology, the accurate determination of blood OPP concentration is mandatory to prove death by OPP poisoning. However, fatal pesticide concentration in blood at autopsy varies depending on the circumstances surrounding the dead body. In this study, we found that 16 OPPs were degraded by human serum albumin (HSA) in a temperature-dependent fashion. The mechanism underlying MA, DMTP, azinphos-methyl, etrimfos, fenthion (MPP), pirimiphos-methyl, (E)-dimethylvinphos, (Z)-dimethylvinphos, vamidothion, edifenphos (EDDP), fosthiazate, and pyraclofos degradation involves the formation of adducts with tyrosine residues in HSA. The mass spectra obtained by liquid chromatography quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry revealed that phosphate ester amino acid adducts such as Y-adduct1, Y-adduct2, Y-adduct3, Y-adduct4, and Y-adduct5 were formed in HSA solution incubated with OPPs. These results indicate that the 16 OPPs are postmortem changed by HSA. The detection of phosphate ester amino acid adducts such as Y-adduct1, Y-adduct2, Y-adduct3, Y-adduct4, and Y-adduct5, instead of MA, DMTP, azinphos-methyl, etrimfos, MPP, pirimiphos-methyl, (E)-dimethylvinphos, (Z)-dimethylvinphos, vamidothion, EDDP, fosthiazate, and pyraclofos per se, may be used to determine death by these OPPs poisoning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Yamagishi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Sayaka Nagasawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
- Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chuo, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Hirotaro Iwase
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Yasumitsu Ogra
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
- Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chuo, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chuo, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bates MN, Helm AE, Barkholtz HM. Screening for Forensically Relevant Drugs Using Data-Independent High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Chem Res Toxicol 2024; 37:571-579. [PMID: 38575522 PMCID: PMC11022238 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.3c00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Forensic and clinical laboratories are expected to provide a rapid screening of samples for a wide range of analytes; however, the ever-changing landscape of illicit substances makes analysis complicated. There is a great need for untargeted methods that can aid these laboratories in broad-scope drug screening. Liquid chromatography hyphenated with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) has become a popular technique for untargeted screening and presumptive identification of drugs of abuse due to its superior sensitivity and detection capabilities in complex matrices. An untargeted extraction and data acquisition method was evaluated for the broad screening of high-priority drugs of abuse in whole blood. A total of 35 forensically relevant target analytes were identified and extracted at biologically relevant low and high (10× low) concentrations from whole blood using supported liquid extraction. Data-independent acquisition was accomplished using ultraperformance liquid chromatography and a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Results were acceptable for screening assays, with limits of detection at or below the recommended low-concentration cutoffs for most analytes. Analyte ionization varied from 30.1 to 267.6% (average: 110.5%) at low concentrations and from 8.6 to 383.5% (average: 93.6%) at high concentrations. Extraction recovery ranged from 8.5 to 330.5% (average: 105.3%) at low concentrations and from 9.4 to 127.5% (average: 82.7%) at high concentrations. This variability was also captured as precision, ranging from 4.7 to 135.2% (average: 36.5%) at low concentrations and from 0.9 to 59.0% (average: 21.7%) at high concentrations. The method described in this work is efficient and effective for qualitative forensic toxicology screening, as demonstrated by analysis of 166 authentic suspected impaired driver and postmortem specimens. That said, it is critical that laboratories establishing untargeted LC-HRMS screening assays be aware of the strengths and limitations across diverse drug categories and chemical structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maia N. Bates
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Letters and Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Forensic
Toxicology Section, Environmental Health Division, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, 2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53718, United States
| | - Abby E. Helm
- Pharmaceutical
Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University
of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Heather M. Barkholtz
- Forensic
Toxicology Section, Environmental Health Division, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, 2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53718, United States
- Pharmaceutical
Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University
of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Truver MT, Brogan SC, Jaeschke EA, Kinsey AM, Hoyer JL, Chronister CW, Crosby MM, Goldberger BA. A quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis of Xylazine, p-Fluorofentanyl, Fentanyl and Fentanyl-Related compounds in postmortem blood. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2024; 1237:124059. [PMID: 38489939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a method to quantitate the veterinary sedative xylazine as well as 4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (4-ANPP), acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl, norfentanyl, and p-fluorofentanyl in blood utilizing liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. This method also qualitatively monitors for the presence of o-fluorofentanyl and m-fluorofentanyl isomers. UCT Clean Screen® DAU extraction columns were utilized to isolate the analytes in postmortem blood samples. The extracts were eluted, evaporated, reconstituted, and then analyzed using a Waters Acquity™ UPLC coupled a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The lower limit of quantitation was determined to be 0.1 ng/mL for all analytes, except for xylazine (0.2 ng/mL). The upper limit of quantitation for all analytes was 100 ng/mL. No interferences from matrix, internal standard, or common drug analytes were observed. Bias (-13.1-4.6 %) and precision (-13.14-10.3 %) fell within the acceptable ± 20 % criteria range. Dilution integrity at x2, x10, and x100 was evaluated and all results were within ± 20 % of the target concentration. Processed extract stability was evaluated after 72 h and all results were within ± 20 % of the analyte initial concentration. Matrix effects were the most prominent with xylazine, but deemed acceptable as the deuterated internal standard also observed comparable enhancement. Analysis of 89 postmortem blood samples by this method resulted in positive results for fentanyl (0.27-66 ng/mL, n = 82), xylazine (0.24-958 ng/mL, n = 21), 4-ANPP (0.10-38 ng/mL, n = 72), acetyl fentanyl (0.18-1.5 ng/mL, n = 3), p-fluorofentanyl (0.11-33 ng/mL, n = 30), and norfentanyl (0.10-98 ng/mL, n = 73).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Truver
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Sara C Brogan
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Emma A Jaeschke
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL 33606, USA
| | - Amy M Kinsey
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jennifer L Hoyer
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Chris W Chronister
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Michele M Crosby
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL 33606, USA.
| | - Bruce A Goldberger
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Franzin M, Ruoso R, Peruch M, Stocco G, D'Errico S, Addobbati R. Quantification of 108 illicit drugs and metabolites in bile matrix by LC-MS/MS for the toxicological testing of sudden death cases. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:135-149. [PMID: 38051366 PMCID: PMC10761401 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03631-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Sudden death could occur after assumption of illicit drugs for recreational purposes in adults or after intoxication in children, and toxicological testing would help identify the cause of the death. Analytical methods sensitive and specific for the quantification of a great number of drugs and metabolites in at least 2 matrices should be used. Bile, collected postmortem, may be considered a specimen alternative to blood and urine to perform toxicological testing because of its extended detection window. The present study proposed a LC-MS/MS method to quantify 108 drugs and metabolites in bile. Compounds belonging to the drugs of abuse classes of amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine derivatives, barbiturates, opioids, z-drugs, and psychedelics were analyzed. The sample preparation is simple and does not require solid-phase extraction. The proposed method showed an appropriate selectivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision of the calibrators and quality controls tested (precision < 15%; accuracy < 100 ± 15%). The sensitivity allowed to identify low amounts of drugs (e.g., morphine limit of detection = 0.2 µg/L; limit of quantification = 1.1 µg/L). There is no significant matrix effect, except for buprenorphine and 11-Nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Carry-over was not present. Analytes were stable at least for 1 month at - 20 °C. Analyzing 13 postmortem specimens, methadone (50%), and cocaine (37.5%) resulted to be the most prevalent consumed substances; the concentrations quantified in bile resulted to be higher than the ones in blood suggesting bile as a potential new matrix for identifying illicit drugs and their metabolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Franzin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Rachele Ruoso
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Michela Peruch
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Stocco
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Addobbati
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cox J, Morris K, Miller AC, Champion JL, Reisinger AJ, Pandey M, Kraner JC, Arroyo-Mora LE. Oral Cavity Fluid as an Alternative Postmortem Matrix: Comparison to Simultaneously Collected Blood and Urine Specimens. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2023; 44:258-266. [PMID: 37417473 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In postmortem toxicology analysis, a variety of specimens consisting of fluids and tissues are often collected, each with an intrinsic value. Oral cavity fluid (OCF) is emerging as an alternative matrix in forensic toxicology for contributing to a diagnosis in postmortem cases; especially when blood is limited or not available. The aim of this study was to assess the analytical results obtained from OCF and compare them with blood, urine, and other traditional matrices collected from the same postmortem subjects. Of the 62 decedents studied (including 1 stillborn, 1 charred, and 3 decomposed subjects), 56 had quantifiable drugs and metabolites data in the OCF, blood, and urine. Notable findings were benzoylecgonine (24 cases), ethyl sulfate (23 cases), acetaminophen (21 cases), morphine (21 cases), naloxone (21 cases), gabapentin (20 cases), fentanyl (17 cases), and 6-acetylmorphine (15 cases), which were detected more frequently in OCF than in blood (heart, femoral, or body cavity) or urine. This study suggests that OCF is a suitable matrix for detecting and quantifying analytes in postmortem subjects compared with traditional matrices, particularly when other matrices are limited or difficult to collect because of body condition or putrefaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Cox
- From the Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Kylea Morris
- From the Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Autumn C Miller
- SteelFusion Clinical Toxicology Laboratory, LLC, Monessen, PA
| | - Jana L Champion
- SteelFusion Clinical Toxicology Laboratory, LLC, Monessen, PA
| | - Amy J Reisinger
- SteelFusion Clinical Toxicology Laboratory, LLC, Monessen, PA
| | - Maneesha Pandey
- Forensic Pathologist, The Forensic Pathologists LLC, Holland, OH
| | | | - Luis E Arroyo-Mora
- From the Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fogarty MF, Krotulski AJ, Papsun DM, Walton SE, Lamb M, Truver MT, Chronister CW, Goldberger BA, Logan BK. N,N-Dimethylpentylone (dipentylone)-A new synthetic cathinone identified in a postmortem forensic toxicology case series. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 47:753-761. [PMID: 37329303 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkad037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones emerged on the novel psychoactive substance (NPS) drug market as alternatives to controlled stimulants and entactogens such as methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. The majority of synthetic cathinones can be subclassified into two groups: beta-keto amphetamines (i.e., NPS with the suffix "drone") and beta-keto methylenedioxyamphetamines (i.e., NPS with the suffix "lone"). Although a significant number of beta-keto amphetamines have been identified, beta-keto methylenedioxyamphetamines have dominated the NPS market, including notable drugs like methylone, butylone, N-ethyl pentylone (ephylone), eutylone and now N,N-dimethylpentylone. N,N-Dimethylpentylone, also known as dipentylone or beta-keto-dimethylbenzodioxolylpentanamine, emerged into the illicit drug supply <2 months of the international control of eutylone (September 2021). A novel standard addition method was developed and validated for N,N-dimethylpentylone, pentylone and eutylone, and 18 postmortem cases were quantitated using the method described in this manuscript. The resulting blood concentration range for N,N-dimethylpentylone in this case series was 3.3 to 970 ng/mL (median: 145 ng/mL, mean: 277 ± 283 ng/mL). Pentylone, a metabolite of N,N-dimethylpentylone, was detected in all cases (range: 1.3-420 ng/mL, median: 31 ng/mL and mean: 88 ± 127 ng/mL). Due to the rise in identifications of N,N-dimethylpentylone in postmortem investigations as well as the potential misidentification of N,N-dimethylpentylone as N-ethyl pentylone, samples testing positive for pentylone should be additionally confirmed for the presence of N,N-dimethylpentylone. Based on prior trends of new synthetic cathinones, it can be theorized that N,N-dimethylpentylone may predominate the US synthetic stimulant market for the next 1-2 years; however, given the emergence of additional closely related isomeric compounds, it is important to utilize methodology capable of differentiating N,N-dimethylpentylone from its isomers (N-isopropylbutylone, N-ethyl pentylone, N-ethyl N-methyl butylone, hexylone, N-propylbutylone, diethylone and tertylone).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa F Fogarty
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Avenue, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | - Alex J Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Avenue, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | | | - Sara E Walton
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Avenue, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | - Michael Lamb
- NMS Labs, 200 Welsh Road, Horsham, PA 19044, USA
| | - Michael T Truver
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, 4800 SW 35th Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Chris W Chronister
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, 4800 SW 35th Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Bruce A Goldberger
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, 4800 SW 35th Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Barry K Logan
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, 2300 Stratford Avenue, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
- NMS Labs, 200 Welsh Road, Horsham, PA 19044, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Maskell PD, Elliott S, Desharnais B, Findell M, Jackson G. A model of evaluative opinion to encourage greater transparency and justification of interpretation in postmortem forensic toxicology. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 47:563-573. [PMID: 37566485 PMCID: PMC10503647 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkad055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, the calls to improve the robustness of interpretation in forensic science have increased in magnitude. Forensic toxicology has seen limited progress in this regard. In this work, we propose a transparent interpretive pathway for use in postmortem forensic toxicology cases. This process allows the selection of the interpretive methodology based on the amount of previous information that is available for the drug(s) in question. One approach is an assessment of various pharmacological and circumstantial considerations resulting in a toxicological significance score (TSS), which is particularly useful in situations where limited information about a drug is available. When there is a robust amount of case data available, then a probabilistic approach, through the evaluation of likelihood ratios by the forensic toxicologist and of prior probabilities by the fact finder, is utilized. This methodology provides a transparent means of making an interpretive decision on the role of a drug in the cause of death. This will allow the field of forensic toxicology to take a step forward in using best practice in evaluative reporting, a tool already used by many other forensic science disciplines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Maskell
- Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services, Glasgow G69 8AE, UK
- Forensic Medicine and Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Simon Elliott
- Elliott Forensic Consulting, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Brigitte Desharnais
- Department of Toxicology, Laboratoire de sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale, 1701 Parthenais Street, Montréal, QC H2K 3S7, Canada
| | - Martin Findell
- Division of Psychology and Forensic Science, School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK
| | - Graham Jackson
- Division of Psychology and Forensic Science, School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK
- Advance Forensic Science, St. Andrews, Scotland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ellefsen KN, Smith CR, Taylor EA, Hall BJ. Emergence of fentanyl-related deaths in Travis County, Texas and surrounding areas: A retrospective review of postmortem fentanyl-related drug toxicities from 2020 to 2022. J Forensic Sci 2023; 68:1662-1674. [PMID: 37194396 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The opioid epidemic has affected the United States (US) for decades with fentanyl and its analogs accounting for a recent surge in morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is a relative lack of information characterizing fentanyl-related fatalities specifically in the Southern US. A retrospective study was conducted to examine all postmortem fentanyl-related drug toxicities in Travis County, Texas, encompassing Austin (one of the fastest-growing cities in the US), from 2020 to 2022. Fentanyl contributed to 2.6% and 12.2% of deaths submitted for toxicology between 2020 and 2022, respectively, representing a 375% increase in fentanyl-related deaths over this 3-year period (n = 517). Fentanyl-related fatalities primarily occurred in males in their mid-30s. Fentanyl and norfentanyl concentrations ranged from 0.58 to 320 ng/mL and 0.53 to 140 ng/mL with mean (median) concentrations of 17.2 ± 25.0 (11.0) and 5.6 ± 10.9 (2.9) ng/mL, respectively. Polydrug use was present in 88% of cases, with methamphetamine (or other amphetamines) (25%), benzodiazepines (21%), and cocaine (17%) representing the most frequently identified concurrent substances. Co-positivity rates of various drugs and drug classes widely varied over time. Scene investigations reported illicit powder(s) (n = 141) and/or illicit pill(s) (n = 154) in 48% (n = 247) of fentanyl-related deaths. Illicit oxycodone (44%, n = 67) and illicit "Xanax" (38%, n = 59) pills were frequently reported on scene; however, toxicology only identified oxycodone and alprazolam in 2 and 24 of these cases, respectively. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the fentanyl epidemic in this region creating an opportunity to promote increased awareness, shift focus to harm reduction, and aid in minimizing public health risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Brad J Hall
- Travis County Medical Examiner, Austin, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Forensic toxicology laboratories are navigating a period of time with increasing drug overdose deaths, an opioid epidemic, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the illicit drug market flooded with novel psychoactive substances. In New York City, the Department of Forensic Toxicology has experienced a 56% increase in postmortem casework in the past decade with fentanyl detected in 80% of all overdose deaths. Over a period of 2.5 years, 15,638 postmortem cases were tested for the presence of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs using liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS). Fentanyl was detected in approximately one third of cases and of these 4447 cases with femoral blood. A twofold increase in cases with high concentrations of fentanyl (>100 ng/mL) was observed between 2021 and 2022. The minor metabolite and precursor chemical, 4-ANPP (4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine) may help differentiate between illicit and licit fentanyl. 4-ANPP blood concentrations were <10 ng/mL in 98% of the cases and the 4-ANPP:fentanyl ratio was <0.67 for 99.1% of blood specimens. Only six cases had 4-ANPP concentrations higher than the corresponding fentanyl blood concentration. This study also highlights, the changing fentanyl analogs found in postmortem cases since 2016 in NYC with the emergence of fluorofentanyl initially identified in 2020 and continuing to dominate in comparison with the prevalence of other analogs, many of which are no longer detected in casework. The detection of one of the latest drugs to be mixed with fentanyl, namely xylazine, has also increased in prevalence by 36.7% in 2022 compared with 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gail Cooper
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York City, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wissenbach DK, Binz TM, Steuer AE. Advances in testing for sample manipulation in clinical and forensic toxicology-part B: hair samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:5117-5128. [PMID: 37115212 PMCID: PMC10404185 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04706-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
As a continuation of part A, focusing on advances in testing for sample manipulation of urine samples in clinical and forensic toxicology, part B of the review article relates to hair, another commonly used matrix for abstinence control testing. Similar to urine manipulation, relevant strategies to manipulate a hair test are lowering drug concentrations in hair to undercut the limits of detection/cut-offs, for instance, by forced washout effects or adulteration. However, distinguishing between usual, common cosmetic hair treatment and deliberate manipulation to circumvent a positive drug test is often impossible. Nevertheless, the identification of cosmetic hair treatment is very relevant in the context of hair testing and interpretation of hair analysis results. Newly evaluated techniques or elucidation of specific biomarkers to unravel adulteration or cosmetic treatment often focused on specific structures of the hair matrix with promising strategies recently proposed for daily routine work. Identification of other approaches, e.g., forced hair-washing procedures, still remains a challenge in clinical and forensic toxicology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk K Wissenbach
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Tina M Binz
- Center for Forensic Hairanalytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea E Steuer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine (ZIFM), University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Roosendaal J, Oosting R, Kloos DP, de Boer HH, van den Berg JDJ, Oldenhof S, Bosman IJ. A fatal mono-intoxication with 4-fluoroisobutyrylfentanyl: Case report with postmortem concentrations. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 47:541-546. [PMID: 37315188 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkad034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
We report on a case of a 35-year-old man who died suddenly and unexpectedly due to a 4-fluoroisobutyrylfentanyl (4-FIBF) mono-intoxication. Pathological, toxicological and chemical investigations were conducted at the Netherlands Forensic Institute. A full three-cavity forensic pathological examination was performed according to international guidelines. Biological samples obtained during autopsy were comprehensively investigated for the presence of toxic substances using headspace gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection, liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS), GC-MS, high-performance LC with diode array detection and LC-tandem MS (LC-MS-MS). The seized crystalline substance found next to the body was investigated using a presumptive color test, GC-MS, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. Pathological investigation identified minor lymphocytic infiltrates in the heart, considered irrelevant for the cause of death. Toxicological analysis of the victims' blood indicated the presence of a fluorobutyrylfentanyl (FBF) isomer, with no other compounds detected. The FBF isomer was identified in the seized crystalline substance as 4-FIBF. 4-FIBF concentrations were quantified in femoral blood (0.030 mg/L), heart blood (0.12 mg/L), vitreous humor (0.067 mg/L), brain tissue (>0.081 mg/kg), liver tissue (0.44 mg/kg) and urine (approximately 0.01 mg/L). Based on the outcomes of the pathological, toxicological and chemical investigations, the cause of death of the deceased was attributed to a fatal 4-FIBF mono-intoxication. The presented case underlines the added value of a combined bioanalytical and chemical investigative approach to identify and subsequently quantify fentanyl isomers in postmortem cases. Furthermore, it demonstrates the importance of investigating the postmortem redistribution of novel fentanyl analogs to establish reference values and to subsequently allow for correct interpretation of cause of death analysis in future casework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Roosendaal
- Department of Toxicology, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, The Hague, 2497 GB, The Netherlands
| | - Roelof Oosting
- Department of Toxicology, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, The Hague, 2497 GB, The Netherlands
| | - Dick-Paul Kloos
- Department of Toxicology, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, The Hague, 2497 GB, The Netherlands
| | - Hans H de Boer
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, 65 Kavanagh St, Southbank, VIC 3006, Australia
| | - Jorrit D J van den Berg
- Department of Illicit Drugs, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, The Hague, 2497 GB, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Oldenhof
- Department of Illicit Drugs, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, The Hague, 2497 GB, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid J Bosman
- Department of Toxicology, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, The Hague, 2497 GB, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wachholz P, Skowronek R, Pawlas N. Assessing the applicability of cerebrospinal fluid collected from the spinal cord for the determination of ethyl alcohol in post-mortem toxicology. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023; 19:44-49. [PMID: 36441476 PMCID: PMC9707177 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-022-00560-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a study on the applicability of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from the spinal canal in the post-mortem determination of ethyl alcohol. The present study reviewed data of autopsy cases (n = 45), in which ethyl alcohol was detected in CSF using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (HS-GC-FID), to investigate ethyl alcohol concentrations in CSF, compared with blood. As a result of statistical analysis of the obtained data, a high positive correlation was found between blood ethanol concentration and cerebrospinal fluid collected from the spinal canal ethanol concentration. The Pearson correlation coefficient was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001) (r = 0.9503). The data obtained allowed us to conclude that cerebrospinal fluid collected from the spinal canal can be collected during an autopsy as an alternative biological specimen to assess the ethanol content. Cerebrospinal fluid collected from the spinal canal can corroborate and lend credibility to the results obtained for blood and, in special cases, when blood is drawn from putrefied bodies and may even be a superior specimen to blood for assessing ethyl alcohol intoxication status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Wachholz
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, 38 Jordana Street, 41-808, Zabrze, Poland
- Toxicology Laboratory ToxLab, 6 Kossutha Street, 40-844, Katowice, Poland
| | - Rafał Skowronek
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 18 Medyków Street, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Natalia Pawlas
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, 38 Jordana Street, 41-808, Zabrze, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Boumba VA. Modeling Postmortem Ethanol Production/Insights into the Origin of Higher Alcohols. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030700. [PMID: 35163964 PMCID: PMC8840458 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The forensic toxicologist is challenged to provide scientific evidence to distinguish the source of ethanol (antemortem ingestion or microbial production) determined in the postmortem blood and to properly interpret the relevant blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results, in regard to ethanol levels at death and subsequent behavioral impairment of the person at the time of death. Higher alcohols (1-propanol, 1-butanol, isobutanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol (isoamyl-alcohol), and 3-methyl-2-butanol (amyl-alcohol)) are among the volatile compounds that are often detected in postmortem specimens and have been correlated with putrefaction and microbial activity. This brief review investigates the role of the higher alcohols as biomarkers of postmortem, microbial ethanol production, notably, regarding the modeling of postmortem ethanol production. Main conclusions of this contribution are, firstly, that the higher alcohols are qualitative and quantitative indicators of microbial ethanol production, and, secondly that the respective models of microbial ethanol production are tools offering additional data to interpret properly the origin of the ethanol concentrations measured in postmortem cases. More studies are needed to clarify current uncertainties about the origin of higher alcohols in postmortem specimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vassiliki A Boumba
- Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chernova AP, Shormanov VK, Davydkina AE. [Propofol: use, toxicology and assay features]. Sud Med Ekspert 2022; 65:46-51. [PMID: 36196840 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20226505146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The study objective is to review the literature on the use, pharmacological properties, toxicology, and assay methods for intravenous anesthetic propofol. The scope and forms of propofol use, its pharmacokinetics, biotransformation features, which occurs more than 90% in the liver, and side effects associated with propofol use for anesthesia, are addressed. Propofol infusion syndrome (also known as PrIS) and deaths from propofol overdose due to medical errors, abuse, suicide attempts, and homicide are reported. Propofol identification and assay methods based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography (LC) are described. The features of the methods performance are outlined; biological materials (the study objects) are listed: mainly blood and plasma, as well as urine, bile, hair, etc. The relevance of a comprehensive forensic chemical study of propofol is indicated, though there are few forensic studies of propofol.
Collapse
|
22
|
Krotulski AJ, Papsun DM, Walton SE, Logan BK. Metonitazene in the United States-Forensic toxicology assessment of a potent new synthetic opioid using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:1697-1711. [PMID: 34137194 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Metonitazene is considered a new psychoactive substance (NPS) and emerging potent synthetic opioid, causing increased public health concern beginning in 2020. Metonitazene joins a growing list of new synthetic opioids (NSOs) contributing to deaths among people who use drugs in the United States and other parts of the world. Metonitazene (a 2-benzylbenzimidazole analogue) first appeared in mid-2020 in the recreational drug supply and subsequently began proliferating in death investigation casework towards the end of 2020. Screening and metabolite discovery were performed by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Quantitative confirmation was performed by liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry. Metonitazene was confirmed in 20 authentic forensic postmortem cases with an average concentration in blood at 6.3 ± 7.5 ng/ml (median: 3.8 ng/ml, range: 0.5-33 ng/ml, n = 18) and in urine at 15 ± 13 ng/ml (median: 11 ng/ml, range: 0.6-46 ng/ml, n = 14). Metonitazene was the only opioid identified in 30% of cases but was also found in combination with fentanyl (55%) and NPS benzodiazepines, opioids, and hallucinogens (45%). Medical examiners included metonitazene as a drug responsible for the cause of death, and the manner of death was always ruled to be an accident. The metabolism of metonitazene was found to be similar to that of isotonitazene, a closely related analogue. Toxicology laboratories and death investigators should ensure that metonitazene is included in forensic testing protocols, all while remaining vigilant for subsequent NSOs to emerge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, USA
- College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Sara E Walton
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, USA
- College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Barry K Logan
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, USA
- College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- NMS Labs, Horsham, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mueller F, Losacco GL, Nicoli R, Guillarme D, Thomas A, Grata E. Enantiomeric methadone quantitation on real post-mortem dried matrix spots samples: Comparison of liquid chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1177:122755. [PMID: 34107411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.122755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study describes two bioanalytical methods for the quantitation of the two methadone enantiomers in dried matrix spots using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and high performance supercritical chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPSFC-MS/MS). Dried matrix spots were obtained by spotting 10 µL of each sample fluid on a Whatman paper. Methadone and its main metabolite, EDDP, were extracted with 100 µL methanol and subsequently injected into the LC-MS/MS and SFC-MS/MS systems. Enantiomeric separation was achieved with AGP-column for the LC conditions and with Chiralpak IH-3 in SFC. The two methods were fully validated and 93 post-mortem samples were analysed with both analytical methods. Results from validation parameters and results obtained for all post-mortem samples were compared with a significant spearman correlation of rs = 0.9978 for R-methadone and rs = 0.9981 for S-methadone. The LC method provided better results in terms of uncertainty, retention factor and resolution, whereas SFC provides better sensitivity, with lower LOD. Median R-/S-methadone ratio in peripheral blood was found equal to 1.60 (N = 32), varying from 0.79 to 4.23. The reported values were in good agreement with previously published results. Based on the results obtained here, SFC-MS/MS can be considered a reliable alternative to the widely used LC-MS/MS for the quantitation of methadone enantiomers in bioanalysis and should be evaluated for other bioanalytical methods. Both methods can be easily and quickly used in toxicological routine analysis for the methadone quantitation in human fluids matrices, even if considering that the polysaccharide coated column IH-3 used in SFC does not allow the enantiomeric EDDP separation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Mueller
- Alpine Foundation for Life Sciences (FASV), 6718 Olivone, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - G L Losacco
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - R Nicoli
- Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne & Gevena, Lausanne University Hospital & University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - D Guillarme
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - A Thomas
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne University Hospital-Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland; Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Lausanne University Hospital, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - E Grata
- Alpine Foundation for Life Sciences (FASV), 6718 Olivone, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pope JD, Black MJ, Drummer OH, Schneider HG. Urine toxicology screening by liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry in a quaternary hospital setting. Clin Biochem 2021; 95:66-72. [PMID: 33989561 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Validation of a non-targeted method for urine drug screening (UDS) by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF), and comparison to an established GC-MS method in a hospital setting. METHODS 217 UDS specimens sent to a quaternary hospital pathology department, were analysed by a CEDIA® immunoassay screen (six drug panels; amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine metabolites, cannabinoids and opiates) on an Abbott Architect instrument. Specimens were subsequently analysed by an established non-targeted qualitative GC-MS method and results compared with a general unknown screening method by LC-QTOF that was under evaluation as a replacement method. RESULTS 42 selected drugs were evaluated; limits of identification ranged from 2 to 100 µg/L and most drugs (n = 39) were stabile for 24 h after preparation. Matrix effects greater than 25% were observed in seven of the selected drugs. 87% of the specimens tested positive to 1 or more drug panels in a CEDIA® screen. A total of 537 positive drug findings were identified by GC-MS compared to 1,267 positive findings by LC-QTOF. On average, each GC-MS screen identified 2.5 ± 1.8 drugs and the LC-QTOF screen identified 5.8 ± 3.2 drugs. No drugs were identified in 11.3% of the GC-MS screens, whereas drugs were detected in 99% of these by the LC-QTOF. In almost all instances, the LC-QTOF screen could provide mass spectrometric confirmatory results of positive immunoassay screens and was able to identify a wider range of additional drugs and drug metabolites. CONCLUSIONS The described general unknown screening (non-targeted, qualitative) LC-QTOF method can detect a larger range of drugs encountered in a hospital setting. The method has been shown to be suitable for comprehensive toxicology screening in a clinical toxicology laboratory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Pope
- Clinical Biochemistry, Alfred Health, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Monash University, Australia.
| | - Marion J Black
- Clinical Biochemistry, Alfred Health, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Olaf H Drummer
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Monash University, Australia; Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh St, Southbank 3006, Australia
| | - Hans G Schneider
- Clinical Biochemistry, Alfred Health, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Monash University, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abbott DL, Limoges JF, Virkler KJ, Tracy SJ, Sarris GG. ELISA Screens for Fentanyl in Urine are Susceptible to False-Positives in High Concentration Methamphetamine Samples. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:457-459. [PMID: 33835171 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunoassay techniques are commonly used for urine drug screening in forensic and clinical toxicology laboratories. While these techniques are excellent for the non-specific detection of a wide variety of drug classes, their very nature renders them vulnerable to false negatives and false positives. The New York State Police Forensic Toxicology Laboratory investigated a trend of false positive fentanyl urine drug screens and determined that urine methamphetamine levels in excess of 40 μg/mL can cause a false positive urine fentanyl screening result using the Neogen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit at a 1 ng/mL fentanyl decision point.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dustin L Abbott
- New York State Police, Toxicology, 1220 Washington Avenue, Building 30, Albany, NY 12226, USA
| | - Jennifer F Limoges
- New York State Police, Toxicology, 1220 Washington Avenue, Building 30, Albany, NY 12226, USA
| | - Kelly J Virkler
- New York State Police, Toxicology, 1220 Washington Avenue, Building 30, Albany, NY 12226, USA
| | - Seth J Tracy
- New York State Police, Toxicology, 1220 Washington Avenue, Building 30, Albany, NY 12226, USA
| | - Gregory G Sarris
- New York State Police, Toxicology, 1220 Washington Avenue, Building 30, Albany, NY 12226, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Johnson KM, Gunsolus IL, Tlomak W. Critical Analysis of Laboratory Testing Methodologies When Interpreting Conflicting Results at Autopsy. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2021; 42:51-53. [PMID: 32897894 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Toxicological analysis is an important diagnostic component of a postmortem examination and may involve both antemortem and postmortem specimens. Here, we present a case in which an antemortem specimen, when reanalyzed in the forensic toxicology laboratory, resulted in values that contradicted the reported values from the medical record and required further investigation. This case involves a 51-year-old man decedent with a medical history of chronic alcohol abuse. His antemortem urine drug screen, performed upon admission to an emergency department, was negative. His serum blood alcohol level at presentation was reported as 0.960 g/dL and, repeated 4 hours later, was 0.500 g/dL with a comment indicating that there was significant lipemia interfering with the results. At autopsy, the antemortem blood sample collected from the hospital, postmortem blood, and vitreous humor samples were analyzed and all 3 samples were found to be negative for ethanol. The hospital laboratory used an enzymatic assay for ethanol detection, which is known to be impacted by lipemia, and the forensic laboratory used head-space gas chromatography, which is not impacted by lipemia. This highlights the need to critically analyze laboratory testing methodologies when interpreting conflicting results at autopsy.
Collapse
|
27
|
Ntoupa PSA, Armaos KP, Athanaselis SA, Spiliopoulou CA, Papoutsis II. Study of the distribution of antidepressant drugs in vitreous humor using a validated GC/MS method. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 317:110547. [PMID: 33129048 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Vitreous humor has become in recent years an important alternative biological fluid in forensic toxicological analysis especially for the investigation of cases where alcohol and drugs of abuse are involved but there is limited scientific information regarding the distribution of antidepressant drugs in this material. This work aimed to study the distribution of antidepressant drugs in vitreous humor and to estimate the blood/vitreous humor concentration ratios of these drugs. For this purpose, a GC/MS method for the simultaneous determination of 9 antidepressant drugs, namely amitriptyline, nortriptyline, citalopram, clomipramine, fluoxetine, maprotiline, mirtazapine, sertraline and venlafaxine, and 4 of their metabolites, namely desmethylmaprotiline, desmethylmirtazapine, desmethylsertraline, O-desmethylvenlafaxine, was developed and validated. The developed method includes solid-phase extraction followed by derivatization with Heptafluorobutyric Anhydride. For all analytes, LOD and LOQ were 1.50 and 5.00ng/mL, respectively, and the calibration curves were linear within the dynamic range of 5.00-500.0ng/mL (R2≥0.990). The absolute recovery was found to be ≥86.3 % for all analytes. The accuracy (%Er) was found to range between -6.58 and 6.18 %, whereas the precision (%RSD) was less than 10.9 % for all analytes. The developed method was successfully applied to vitreous humor samples from 43 blood positive cases for antidepressant drugs. Whenever antidepressant drugs were detected in blood, they were also detected in the respective vitreous humor samples. The vitreous humor/blood concentration ratios were also calculated and were found to range from 0.04-7.07. Citalopram, mirtazapine, and its metabolite desmethylmirtazapine as well as venlafaxine and its metabolite O-desmethylvenlafaxine were the most identified substances in these samples (n≥4) and their results were better statistically evaluated. Our results suggest that vitreous humor could be an appropriate matrix for the determination of antidepressants in postmortem toxicology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagoula-Stamatina A Ntoupa
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias street, 11527 Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos P Armaos
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias street, 11527 Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotiris A Athanaselis
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias street, 11527 Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Chara A Spiliopoulou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias street, 11527 Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis I Papoutsis
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias street, 11527 Goudi, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Jin S, Murakami M, Matoba K, Matoba T, Haga S, Ozaki M, Takeuchi A, Hyodoh H. Sample preparation method with ultrafiltration for whole blood thiosulfate measurement. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2020; 47:101765. [PMID: 32769017 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative analysis of thiosulfate is useful for diagnosing hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) enables more rapid and sensitive measurements than previous methodologies. As simple measurements of blood thiosulfate concentration are affected by the blood matrix, blood is used as the solvent to prepare the standard solution for calibration curve generation. Thus, a large amount of blood devoid of thiosulfate is required. We developed a preparation method by incorporating an ultrafiltration step to overcome this limitation and generate a calibration curve using a standard solution prepared with pure water. We used this improved method to investigate the stability of thiosulfate in refrigerated samples. To compare the effects of refrigeration, blood samples were prepared using the following two methods: one sample was treated with a 50-kDa exclusion ultrafiltration membrane and the other was not treated. The samples were stored at 4 °C, and then measured at 0, 3, 6, 24, 48, and 96 h. The incorporation of the ultrafiltration step in the measurement procedure enabled the quantification of thiosulfate, by plotting a calibration curve using a standard of pure water; it did not require a blood standard. Additionally, the reduction in whole blood thiosulfate concentration was within 10% during 2 days of refrigeration. Thus, the need for a large amount of blood to prepare the standard solution was resolved by the ultrafiltration step in test sample preparation. This method is useful to measure thiosulfate concentration and is not hindered by sample refrigeration for a few days.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shigeki Jin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Manabu Murakami
- International Relations Office, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Kotaro Matoba
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan; Center for Cause of Death Investigation, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan.
| | - Tomoko Matoba
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Sanae Haga
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Michitaka Ozaki
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akiko Takeuchi
- Center for Cause of Death Investigation, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Hideki Hyodoh
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan; Center for Cause of Death Investigation, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mastrovito R, Strathmann FG. Distributions of alcohol use biomarkers including ethanol, phosphatidylethanol, ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate in clinical and forensic testing. Clin Biochem 2020; 82:85-89. [PMID: 32142735 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Laboratory tests vary widely in their utility and each test has unique advantages and disadvantages. For the detection of ethanol use and abuse, a variety of direct and indirect markers are available. Alcohol biomarkers provide objective measures for numerous areas of testing including clinical trials, alcohol abuse, postmortem assessment, and drugs of abuse screening. Because the utility of alcohol biomarkers vary depending on the context in which the results will be used, knowing the analogous distribution of results is of value. Herein we report distributions of ethanol in blood, phosphatidylethanol in blood, ethyl glucuronide in urine, and ethyl sulfate in urine for results reported in the last twelve months by our laboratory. Positivity rates were higher for directed analyses when compared to broad screening or panel tests with the highest overall positivity for ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate. The distribution of results for ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate were higher in clinical testing scenarios compared to forensic and a significant correlation between ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate was found consistent with previous reports. Phosphatidylethanol was rarely ordered for forensic use while distributions between routine clinical and clinical trial use were similar. Approximately 21% of all phosphatidylethanol results were in the moderate to chronic alcohol use category. These results provide a summary of four commonly used direct markers for alcohol use with positivity rates and overall quantitative distributions. These data supply insights broken out by various disciplines where applicable providing a concise comparison of results for these markers.
Collapse
|
30
|
Savini F, Tartaglia A, Coccia L, Palestini D, D’Ovidio C, de Grazia U, Merone GM, Bassotti E, Locatelli M. Ethanol Determination in Post-Mortem Samples: Correlation between Blood and Vitreous Humor Concentration. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25122724. [PMID: 32545471 PMCID: PMC7355602 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethanol (ethylic alcohol) represents the most commonly used drug worldwide and is often involved in clinical and forensic toxicology. Based on several reports, excessive alcohol consumption is the main contributing factor in traffic accidents, drownings, suicides, and other crimes. For these reasons, it becomes essential to analyze the alcohol concentration during autopsy. Although blood is usually used for alcohol analysis in post-mortem cases, it could suffer alterations, putrefaction, and microbial contaminations. As an alternative to whole blood, vitreous humor has been successfully used in medico-legal studies. In this work, post-mortem specimens were analyzed for ethanol determination. The analysis of blood and vitreous humor were carried-out using gas chromatography-flame ionized detector (GC-FID) with a total run time of 6 min. The method was validated in terms of limit of detection, limit of quantification, dynamic range, sensibility, recovery, precision and trueness. A linear regression analysis indicated a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9981. The study confirmed no statistically differences between alcohol concentration in blood and vitreous humor, leading vitreous humor as an excellent matrix that could be used as an alternative to whole blood in toxicological analysis in cases where blood is not available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Savini
- Pharmatoxicology Laboratory—Hospital “Santo Spirito”, Via Fonte Romana 8, 65124 Pescara, Italy;
| | - Angela Tartaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chieti–Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.T.); (L.C.)
| | - Ludovica Coccia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chieti–Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.T.); (L.C.)
| | - Danilo Palestini
- Head of Anti-Degradation Intervention Group (G.I.O.N.A.) of the Municipal Police of the City of Pescara, Commander f.f. of the Municipal Police of Pescara, Via del Circuito 26, 65100 Pescara, Italy;
| | - Cristian D’Ovidio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Chieti–Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Ugo de Grazia
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Laboratory of Neurological Biochemistry and Neuropharmacology, Via Celoria 11, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Maria Merone
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University of Chieti–Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Elisa Bassotti
- R&D Department Eureka Lab Division, 60033 Chiaravalle, Italy;
| | - Marcello Locatelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chieti–Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.T.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0871-3554590; Fax: +39-0871-3554911
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lehner AF, Johnson M, Buchweitz JP. Phosphine detection in veterinary samples using headspace gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry with multiple reaction monitoring. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2020; 34:e8738. [PMID: 31981253 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Determination of phosphine exposure from zinc or aluminum phosphide fumigants continues to be a routine analytical requirement in veterinary forensic toxicology. There is a need for a more reliable and specific method than simple gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of sample solvent extracts, as GC/MS of extracts on capillary columns used for general screens involves significant interference from air peaks. METHODS GC/MS/MS headspace analysis of acid-generated phosphine gas enabled study of the feasibility of devising multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) approaches to the determination of phosphine with greater specificity. RESULTS Collision-induced dissociation in GC/MS/MS showed that phosphine generated m/z 34 → 31, 32 and 33 ion transitions by sequential proton release as well as minor transitions m/z 34 → 47, 34 → 63 and 63 → 31.5 by intermolecular collisions and double charging. Study of the formation of these product ions enabled development of MRM settings for a highly useful headspace method for phosphine detection. CONCLUSIONS The method was validated over a working range of 5-100 ppm of phosphide generating phosphine gas which enabled retention of regular screen capillary columns without necessitating separation from air components. The method should have adequate sensitivity and reliability for veterinary toxicology laboratories confronting specimens from animals poisoned by crop fumigants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas F Lehner
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, 48910, USA
| | - Margaret Johnson
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, 48910, USA
| | - John P Buchweitz
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, 48910, USA
- Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology & Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48910, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pelletti G, Rossi F, Garagnani M, Barone R, Roffi R, Fais P, Pelotti S. Optimization of cloned enzyme donor immunoassay cut-offs for drugs of abuse in post-mortem whole blood. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 312:110291. [PMID: 32353744 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunoassay (IA) tests are not widely applied in post-mortem samples, since they are based on technologies requiring relatively non-viscous specimens, and compounds originating from the degradation of proteins and lipids during the post-mortem interval can alter the efficiency of the test. However, since the extraction techniques for IA tests are normally rapid and low-cost, IA could be used as near-body drug-screening for the classes of drugs most commonly found in Italy and Europe. In this study, semi-quantitative results on post-mortem whole blood samples obtained through CEDIA analysis (cannabinoids, cocaine, amphetamine compounds, opiates and methadone), were compared with results of confirmatory analysis obtained using GC-MS. Screening cut-offs for all drugs were retrospectively optimized. METHODS Post-mortem whole blood samples from autopsy cases of suspected fatal intoxication were collected over 3 years. Samples were initially analyzed through CEDIA (CEDIA, ILab 650, Werfen). Confirmatory analyses were then performed by GC-MS (QP 2010 Plus, Shimadzu). Screening cut-offs were retrospectively optimized using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS CEDIA results were available for 125 samples. Two-hundred-eighty-nine (289) positive screening results were found. Among these, 162 positive confirmation results were obtained. Optimized screening cut-offs were as follows: 6.5ng/ml for THC; 4.2ng/ml for THC-COOH; 12.0ng/ml for cocaine; 6.6ng/ml for benzoylecgonine; 6.4ng/ml for opiates; 2.0ng/ml for methadone. Analysis of ROC-curves showed a satisfying degree of separation in all tests except for amphetamine compounds, with areas under the curve (AUC) between 0.915 (THC) and 0.999 (for benzoylecgonine and methadone). DISCUSSION The results of the study showed that CEDIA screening at the optimized cut-offs exhibits a very high sensitivity and good specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) for cannabinoids, cocaine and metabolites, opiates and methadone. A high number of false positives (n=19) for amphetamine compounds was observed at the optimized cut-off, resulting in a very low PPV, which is also influenced by the very low number of TP (n=4). CONCLUSION The results of the study show that the CEDIA is a valuable screening test on post-mortem whole blood for cannabinoids, cocaine and metabolites, opiates and methadone, but it is not recommended for amphetamine compounds, due to the high number of false positives. The strengths of the study are the large sample size, the inclusion of post-mortem cases only and the high level of sensitivity and specificity obtained at the optimized cut-offs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guido Pelletti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Marco Garagnani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Rossella Barone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Roffi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Paolo Fais
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Susi Pelotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Davidsen AB, Mardal M, Holm NB, Andreasen AK, Johansen SS, Noble C, Dalsgaard P, Linnet K. Ketamine analogues: Comparative toxicokinetic in vitro-in vivo extrapolation and quantification of 2-fluorodeschloroketamine in forensic blood and hair samples. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2019; 180:113049. [PMID: 31881397 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.113049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the new psychoactive substance (NPS) ketamine analogue 2-fluoro-deschloroketamine (2FDCK) was observed in driving-under-the-influence-of-drugs whole blood samples and in a forensic hair investigation case in Denmark. The molecular structure variations among the NPS subgroups may alter the metabolic fate and drug potency, thereby posing a threat for drug users. This study reports quantification of 2FDCK in whole blood samples and forensic hair and compares the following toxicokinetic parameters: unbound fraction (fu) and in vitro-in vivo-extrapolation (IVIVE) of hepatic clearance for ketamine, norketamine, 2FDCK, methoxetamine and deschloroketamine. The fu was investigated with ultrafiltration, while clearance studies were conducted at 1 μM with pooled human liver microsomes. Samples were analysed by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. For the first time, 2FDCK was determined in a concentration range between 0.005 and 0.48 mg/kg in blood samples. Segmental hair analysis demonstrated 2FDCK at concentrations from 0.007 to 0.034 ng/mg throughout the three investigated segments. Toxicokinetic comparison of the five compounds gave a fu between 0.54 and 0.84, with ketamine being the most bound and deschloroketamine being the least bound, in accordance with the logP of the compounds. Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between the molecular weight of the halogen in the ortho-position and IVIVE hepatic clearance. The IVIVE of hepatic clearance, CLparallel-tube, gave values from 18.1 to 5.44 mL/min/kg for ketamine and methoxetamine, respectively. The deschloroketamine IVIVE was disregarded due to low drug elimination under the experimental conditions used. This study provides a basis for toxicokinetic understanding of ketamine analogues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Bork Davidsen
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Marie Mardal
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Sykehusvegen, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - Niels Bjerre Holm
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Katrine Andreasen
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sys Stybe Johansen
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carolina Noble
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Petur Dalsgaard
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Linnet
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
He SY, Gong FJ, Lian R, Sheng ZH, Xu JL, Sun WJ, Zheng SQ. Identification of Tiletamine, Zolazepam and Their Metabolites in Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault by GC-QTOF-MS. Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi 2019; 35:581-585. [PMID: 31833293 DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective To identify tiletamine, zolazepam and their metabolites in samples from drug facilitated sexual assault by gas chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-QTOF-MS). Methods Urine samples of victims were collected, and detected by GC-QTOF-MS after liquid-liquid extraction and concentration. The molecular formula of fragments ions was identified by determination of accurate mass numbers, to detect related substances. Results Tiletamine, zolazepam, three metabolites of tiletamine and two metabolites of zolazepam were identified in urine samples from actual cases. Conclusion GC-QTOF-MS provides abundant and accurate information of fragment ions mass numbers, which can be used for qualitative identification of tiletamine, zolazepam and their metabolites in drug facilitated sexual assault.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Y He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Criminal Scene Evidence, Institute of Forensic Science of Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - F J Gong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Criminal Scene Evidence, Institute of Forensic Science of Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - R Lian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Criminal Scene Evidence, Institute of Forensic Science of Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - Z H Sheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Criminal Scene Evidence, Institute of Forensic Science of Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - J L Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Criminal Scene Evidence, Institute of Forensic Science of Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - W J Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Criminal Scene Evidence, Institute of Forensic Science of Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| | - S Q Zheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Criminal Scene Evidence, Institute of Forensic Science of Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Shanghai 200083, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Basilicata P, Pieri M, Simonelli A, Faillace D, Niola M, Graziano V. Application of a chemiluminescence immunoassay system and GC/MS for toxicological investigations on skeletonized human remains. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 300:120-124. [PMID: 31102900 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hair, larvae and cardiac muscle, the only biological samples present on a skeletonized human body found in a rural area, were used for forensic toxicological analyses in order to determine possible causes of death. Since no information about the victim or the circumstances of death was available (except for the place where the corpse was found, known to be a gathering place for drug addicts), the first approach for the analysis of non-conventional matrices involved the screening of different classes of active principles, using a chemiluminescence-based screening assay designed for whole blood. The immunoassay test results showed positivity to amphetamines, cocaine and opiates on water/methanol extract from cardiac tissue, larvae and hair samples. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses confirmed the immunoassay results, except for amphetamines. The minimal sample preparation (hydration and extraction in an ultrasonic bath), the reduced sample volume required for the analyses, together with the correctness of results as confirmed by GC/MS, showed the suitability of the screening test for forensic applications on non-conventional matrices. Quantitative analyses in GC/MS allowed the cause of death to be ascertained on the basis of the ratio between parent drugs and metabolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Basilicata
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Legal Medicine Section, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - M Pieri
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Legal Medicine Section, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - A Simonelli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Legal Medicine Section, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - D Faillace
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Legal Medicine Section, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - M Niola
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Legal Medicine Section, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - V Graziano
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Legal Medicine Section, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Nie B, Henion J, Ryona I. The Role of Mass Spectrometry in the Cannabis Industry. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom 2019; 30:719-730. [PMID: 30993637 PMCID: PMC6502781 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-019-02164-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The focus of this critical insight article is a brief overview of analytical challenges the cannabis industry faces and how analytical chemists have new opportunities to demonstrate the merits of employing mass spectrometry for the chemical analysis of cannabis and its products. The current range of cannabis products extends from recreational use to medicines, edibles, beverages, and beyond. The standards employed to assure product quality, integrity, and safety are lacking compared to those currently used by the pharmaceutical, food, and beverage industries. This manuscript overviews some of the important analytical issues that exist for the growth and harvest of the cannabis plant to the production of a wide variety of its products. Currently, the topics of interest for safety in cannabis testing where mass spectrometry can play an important role include what are currently referred to as potency, pesticides, terpenes, heavy metals, and mycotoxins from bacteria. Since each state in the USA as well as several countries has their own regulations, the analytical opportunities and challenges vary depending upon which jurisdiction a laboratory is supporting. This Critical Insight report will suggest where mass spectrometry can play an important role and provide valuable input on these topics. Graphical Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Nie
- Advion, Inc., 61 Brown Rd., Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Jack Henion
- Advion, Inc., 61 Brown Rd., Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
- Q2 Solutions, LLC, 19 Brown Rd., Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
| | - Imelda Ryona
- Q2 Solutions, LLC, 19 Brown Rd., Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Fagiola M. Current and future directions of high resolution and tandem mass spectrometry in postmortem and human performance toxicology. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2019; 37:86-94. [PMID: 30797132 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fagiola
- Nassau County Medical Examiner - Department of Forensic Toxicology, 2251 Hempstead Turnpike - Building R, East Meadow, NY 11554, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kalekin RA, Orlova AM, Savchuk SA, Barsegyan SS. [The study of fenspiride: goals and objectives for chemical and toxicological studies]. Sud Med Ekspert 2019; 62:37-41. [PMID: 31407704 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20196204137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this work is to study fenspiride for the purposes and tasks of chemical and toxicological research. The technique of chemical-toxicological study of fenspiride in urine by preliminary and confirming methods is proposed. The authors proposed a method of thin - layer chromatography in the solvent system of acetone - 25% ammonia solution (9:1) in a preliminary study of fenspiride. The Rf value of fenspiride is 0.80±0.02. The degree of extraction when used as an extractant mixture of chloroform-propanol (9:1) is 28.1±1.4% The conditions for identification of fenspiride by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (fenspiride retention time 11.1±0.1 minutes), followed by quantitative determination of the analyte, are proposed as a confirming method. The conditions for qualitative (retention time of fenspiride 8.1±0.1 minutes) and quantitative determination of fenspiride by high-performance liquid chromatography are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Kalekin
- Federal Center for Forensic Medical Expertise of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, 125284
| | - A M Orlova
- Federal Center for Forensic Medical Expertise of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, 125284
| | - S A Savchuk
- Federal Center for Forensic Medical Expertise of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, 125284
| | - S S Barsegyan
- Federal Center for Forensic Medical Expertise of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, 125284
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Isenberg SL, Carter MD, Miller MA, Noras AI, Mojica MA, Carlson ST, Bulathsinghala CP, Thomas JD, Johnson RC. Quantification of Ricinine and Abrine in Human Plasma by HPLC-MS-MS: Biomarkers of Exposure to Ricin and Abrin. J Anal Toxicol 2018; 42:630-636. [PMID: 29931062 PMCID: PMC6214751 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bky040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ricin and abrin are toxic ribosome-inactivating proteins found in plants. Exposure to these toxins can be detected using the biomarkers ricinine and abrine, which are present in the same plant sources as the toxins. The concentration of the biomarkers in urine and blood will be dependent upon the purification of abrin or ricin, the route of exposure, and the length of time between exposure and sample collection. Here, we present the first diagnostic assay for the simultaneous quantification of both ricinine and abrine in blood matrices. Furthermore, this is the first-ever method for the detection of abrine in blood products. Samples were processed by isotope-dilution, solid-phase extraction, protein precipitation and quantification by HPLC-MS-MS. This analytical method detects abrine from 5.00 to 500 ng/mL and ricinine from 0.300 to 300 ng/mL with coefficients of determination of 0.996 ± 0.003 and 0.998 ± 0.002 (n = 22), respectively. Quality control material accuracy was determined to have <10% relative error, and precision was within 19% relative standard deviation. The assay's time-to-first result is three hours including sample preparation. Furthermore, the method was applied for the quantification of ricinine in the blood of a patient who had intentionally ingested castor beans to demonstrate the test was fit-for-purpose. This assay was designed to support the diagnosis of ricin and abrin exposures in public health investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Isenberg
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Melissa D. Carter
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Michael A. Miller
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Texas A&M, Christus Spohn Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Corpus Christi, TX
| | - Aleksandra I. Noras
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Mike A. Mojica
- Battelle Memorial Institute at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sean T. Carlson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Texas A&M, Christus Spohn Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Corpus Christi, TX
| | | | - Jerry D. Thomas
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Rudolph C. Johnson
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
|
41
|
Abstract
Background and aims Hair analysis for drug detection is one of the widely accepted imperative techniques in the field of forensic toxicology. The current study was designed to investigate the efficacy of chromatography for detection of drugs of abuse in hair. Method A comprehensive review of articles from last two decades on hair analyses via PubMed and similar resources was performed. Issues concerning collection, decontamination and analytical techniques are summarised. Physiochemical nature of hair, mechanism of drug incorporation and its stability in hair are briefly discussed. Furthermore, various factors affecting results and interpretation are elucidated. Result A hair sample is chosen over traditional biological samples such blood, urine, saliva or tissues due to its inimitable ability to provide a longer time frame for drug detection. Its collection is almost non-invasive, less cumbersome and does not involve any specialised training/expertise. Recent advances in analytical technology have resulted in better sensitivity, reproducibility and accuracy, thus providing a new arena of scientific understanding and test interpretation. Conclusion Though recent studies have yielded many insights into drug binding and drug incorporation in hair, the major challenge in hair analysis lies in the interpretation of results, which may be affected by external contamination and thus lead to false-positives. Therefore, there is a need for more sensitive and selective analysis methods to be developed in order to minimise factors that induce the effect of melanin, age and so on, and this would certainly provide a new dimension to hair analysis and its applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ashish Badiye
- 2 Department of Forensic Science, Government Institute of Forensic Science, India
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Song BY, Gwak S, Jung M, Nam G, Kim NY. Tracing the source of methomyl using stable isotope analysis. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2018; 32:235-240. [PMID: 29205561 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Pesticide self-poisoning is a major method of suicide in many agricultural communities worldwide. In addition, there are a number of known crime cases related to people being harmed by insecticides. Methomyl, a prohibited insecticide in the Republic of Korea, has high toxicity and is frequently used for self-poisoning. In this study, we investigated the source of origin of methamyl in a fatal poisoning case using stable isotope ratio analysis. METHODS Two bottles of Soju from a crime scene were seized and nine different brands of methomyl products were collected from the neighborhood for analysis. In addition, the gastric contents and energy drink from the person who had committed suicide were analyzed. Isotope analysis using GC/Isolink/IRMS was conducted to determine the source of the methomyl by comparing their carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios. Linear discriminant analysis was utilized to verify the results. RESULTS Isotope ratio analysis showed that the isotope ratio ranges of methomyl found in the Soju, the gastric contents of the suicide victim, and the energy drink bottle were similar to those of a seized methomyl product, Samgong methomyl 2011 (SG11). Thus, it was assumed that SG11 was used in this fatal poisoning case. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the potential of stable isotope ratio analysis for the determination of insecticide origin in fatal poisoning cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byeong-Yeol Song
- Forensic Chemistry Division, National Forensic Service, Wonju, 26460, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongshin Gwak
- Forensic Chemistry Division, National Forensic Service, Wonju, 26460, Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Jung
- Forensic Chemistry Division, National Forensic Service, Wonju, 26460, Republic of Korea
| | - Geummun Nam
- Forensic Chemistry Division, National Forensic Service, Wonju, 26460, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Yee Kim
- Forensic Chemistry Division, National Forensic Service, Wonju, 26460, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Drummond-Lage AP, Freitas RGD, Cruz G, Perillo L, Paiva MA, Wainstein AJA. Correlation between blood alcohol concentration (BAC), breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) and psychomotor evaluation in a clinical monitored study of alcohol intake in Brazil. Alcohol 2018; 66:15-20. [PMID: 29277283 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Policies that establish maximum blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) or breath alcohol concentration (BrACs) for drivers while driving can reduce traffic accidents by approximately 20%. In Brazil, the National Transit Council (CONTRAN) considers positive BAC and/or BrAC tests or signs of psychomotor capacity alterations as evaluated by a police authority to be an administrative infraction or even a crime. The observed clinical symptoms of alcohol intoxication based on a subject's appearance may not necessarily reflect the quantified BAC and/or BrAC. This study compared the clinical symptoms identified by a medical authority (M) and a non-medical authority (NM) with BAC and BrAC measurements. METHODS Brazilian health volunteers (n = 15) drank ethanol (40% v/v) and, at scheduled times, the subjects underwent blood draws for BAC analysis, were tested for BrAC analysis, and underwent psychomotor alteration assessments performed by M and NM. RESULTS Concentration-time profiles of the BACs and BrACs of the volunteer subjects were generated. The BAC values reached a peak at 60 min and subsequently decreased with time. The average BrAC values decreased with time after ingestion. During the evaluations, M was able to identify a lack of static equilibrium until 240 min and a lack of dynamic equilibrium until 120 min. A lack of upper limb motor coordination was observed until 90 min, and a lack of coordination in the lower limbs was observed only during the first hour. Regarding the tests performed by NM, the signs related to the subjects' appearances were observed more frequently, until 60 min. The other analyzed symptoms were not identified. Naturally, the signs reported by both M and NM disappeared with time. CONCLUSION The evaluations of psychomotor changes performed by Brazilian M were superior to those performed by NM. However, independent of the examiner, at the alcohol concentrations reached in this study, the psychomotor alteration evaluations were ineffective compared with the BAC and BrAC results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Drummond-Lage
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Alameda Ezequiel Dias 275, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Instituto Medico Legal, Rua Nícias Continentino, 1291, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Gomes de Freitas
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Alameda Ezequiel Dias 275, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Instituto Medico Legal, Rua Nícias Continentino, 1291, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Cruz
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Alameda Ezequiel Dias 275, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luigi Perillo
- Instituto Medico Legal, Rua Nícias Continentino, 1291, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marco Antonio Paiva
- Instituto Medico Legal, Rua Nícias Continentino, 1291, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Alberto Julius Alves Wainstein
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Alameda Ezequiel Dias 275, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Instituto Medico Legal, Rua Nícias Continentino, 1291, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Shormanov VK, Pravdyuk MF, Kuzovlev VY, Shabunina NV. [The distribution of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl-(1-hydroxycyclopentyl)(phenyl)acetate in the organism of the warm-blooded animals after its intra-gastric administration]. Sud Med Ekspert 2018; 61:36-44. [PMID: 29667636 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed201861236-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to elucidate the distribution of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl-(1-hydroxycyclopentyl)(phenyl)acetate in the organism of the warm-blooded animals after its intra-gastric administration. The methods applied in the study included thin layer chromatography in silicagel, aci-nitroprosalt staining reaction, UV-spectrophotometry,, and GC-mass spectrometry. The identification and the quantitation of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl-(1-hydroxycyclopentyl)(phenyl)acetate in the organs and blood of the warm-blooded animals were carried out within 20, 150, and 360 min after a single intra-gastric administration of 1300 ml of this poisonous substance. It was shown that the largest amounts of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl-(1-hydrpxycyclopentyl)(phenyl)acetate at the above time-points were present in the tissue of the stomach and small intestine, brain, muscles, spleen, and lungs of the animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V K Shormanov
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Toxicological and Аnalytical Chemistry, Kursk State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russia, Kursk, Russia, 305041
| | - M F Pravdyuk
- Republican Narcological Dispensary, Ministry of Health of Republic North Ossetia-Alania, Vladikavkaz, Russia, 262027
| | - V Yu Kuzovlev
- Department of Doping and Drug Control, D.I. Mendeleev Russian Chemical Technological University, Moscow, Russia, 125047
| | - N V Shabunina
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Toxicological and Аnalytical Chemistry, Kursk State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russia, Kursk, Russia, 305041
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Anılanmert B, Narın I, Aydın I, Acıkkol M. Report: Fast chromatographic screening method for 7 drugs of potential threat in drug facilitated crimes. Pak J Pharm Sci 2018; 31:231-235. [PMID: 29348108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In cases where pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical candidates are involved in drug facilitated crimes (DFC), like organ theft, robbery, rape and suicides, the analysis of drug powders or solution residues found in crime scenes may give idea on what the victims have ingested. An easy and fast simultaneous determination of 7 drugs; GHB (γ-hydroxybutyrate), GBL (γ-butyrolactone), norketamine, ketamine, fenobarbital, fenitoin and thiopental which have the potential to be used in DFC was performed. The method required no sample preparation and has 12 minutes elution time with a good chromatographic separation. The separation was carried out on a C18 monolithic column with UV detection at 215 and 237nm. All r2 values were ≥0.99 and the linear ranges were between 0.9956-1.0000. The LOD and LOQ values were between 0.56-5.55μgmL-1 and 1.69-16.82μgmL-1 respectively. The repeatability values were <7.35%. This is the first study in the simultaneous screening of the above mentioned drugs using HPLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beril Anılanmert
- Istanbul University Institute of Forensic Sciences, Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Narın
- Erciyes University Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Melikgazi, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Aydın
- Erciyes University Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Melikgazi, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Munevver Acıkkol
- Istanbul University Institute of Forensic Sciences, Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Golubev RS, Lyust EN, Malkova TL. [The choice of the conditions for the preparation of the pregabalin samples from the biological fluids with the use of the liquid-liquid and solid phase extraction techniques]. Sud Med Ekspert 2018; 61:40-43. [PMID: 29863719 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed2018613-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was the development of the methods for the isolation and identification of pregabalin for the purpose of chemical toxicological analysis (CTA). The authors describe the methods used to obtain pregabalin from the model mixtures of urine and blood plasma with the use of liquid-liquid and solid phase extraction. In addition, a method for the quantitative determination of pregabalin by means of combined gas chromatography mass-spectrometry was applied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R S Golubev
- Department of Toxicological Chemistry, Perm State Pharmaceutical Academy, Ministry of Health of the Russia, Perm, Russia, 614070
| | - E N Lyust
- Department of Toxicological Chemistry, Perm State Pharmaceutical Academy, Ministry of Health of the Russia, Perm, Russia, 614070
| | - T L Malkova
- Department of Toxicological Chemistry, Perm State Pharmaceutical Academy, Ministry of Health of the Russia, Perm, Russia, 614070
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Currently, law enforcement agencies rely upon presumptive tests such as color tests (or spot tests) for on-site, real-time identification of forensic evidence, such as controlled substances. These tests are simple and easy to use and require no instrumentation. However, they are unreliable and have a large false positive rate. On the other hand, confirmatory tests are done in analytical laboratories using sophisticated instrumentation by expert analysts, and have lower false positive rates. However, they are bulky and impractical for on-site real-time analysis. To provide more accurate identification of forensic evidence on-site, in real-time, it is important to develop portable confirmatory instrumentation using information-rich technologies. Moreover, because the analysis of controlled substances could be complicated by the existence of various isomers (including optical isomers) it is desirable that the portable instruments have the capability to separate structural and optical isomers of the controlled substances, because scheduling is some times dependent upon which isomer is present. To this end, we have developed a portable ultrafast capillary electrophoresis (UFCE) system for the separation of controlled substances and their structural and optical isomers. The UFCE instrument has an integrated porous tip for facile interfacing with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The technique has been successfully applied to the analysis of mixtures of several controlled substances such as amphetamines, cathinones, nor-mephedrone, and pregabalin and their optical isomers in about a minute.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Moini
- Department of Forensic Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Teunissen SF, Fedick PW, Berendsen BJA, Nielen MWF, Eberlin MN, Graham Cooks R, van Asten AC. Novel Selectivity-Based Forensic Toxicological Validation of a Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry Method for the Quantitative Determination of Eight Amphetamines in Whole Blood. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom 2017; 28:2665-2676. [PMID: 28879579 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-017-1790-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Paper spray tandem mass spectrometry is used to identify and quantify eight individual amphetamines in whole blood in 1.3 min. The method has been optimized and fully validated according to forensic toxicology guidelines, for the quantification of amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine (MDEA), para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA), para-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA), and 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA). Additionally, a new concept of intrinsic and application-based selectivity is discussed, featuring increased confidence in the power to discriminate the amphetamines from other chemically similar compounds when applying an ambient mass spectrometric method without chromatographic separation. Accuracy was within ±15% and average precision was better than 15%, and better than 20% at the LLOQ. Detection limits between 15 and 50 ng/mL were obtained using only 12 μL of whole blood. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiaan F Teunissen
- ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, 13083-970, Brazil
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Analytical Instrumentation, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Patrick W Fedick
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Analytical Instrumentation, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Bjorn J A Berendsen
- RIKILT, Wageningen Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michel W F Nielen
- RIKILT, Wageningen Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcos N Eberlin
- ThoMSon Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, 13083-970, Brazil
| | - R Graham Cooks
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Analytical Instrumentation, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Arian C van Asten
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, P.O. Box 24044, 2490 AA, The Hague, The Netherlands.
- Faculty of Science, Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, 1090 GD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- CLHC, Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, P.O. Box 94157, 1090 GD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Perry PJ, Doroudgar S, Van Dyke P. Ethanol Forensic Toxicology. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law 2017; 45:429-438. [PMID: 29282233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ethanol abuse can lead to negative consequences that oftentimes result in criminal charges and civil lawsuits. When an individual is suspected of driving under the influence, law enforcement agents can determine the extent of intoxication by measuring the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and performing a standardized field sobriety test. The BAC is dependent on rates of absorption, distribution, and elimination, which are influenced mostly by the dose of ethanol ingested and rate of consumption. Other factors contributing to BAC are gender, body mass and composition, food effects, type of alcohol, and chronic alcohol exposure. Because of individual variability in ethanol pharmacology and toxicology, careful extrapolation and interpretation of the BAC is needed, to justify an arrest and assignment of criminal liability. This review provides a summary of the pharmacokinetic properties of ethanol and the clinical effects of acute intoxication as they relate to common forensic questions. Concerns regarding the extrapolation of BAC and the implications of impaired memory caused by alcohol-induced blackouts are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Perry
- Dr. Perry is a Emeritus Professor and Dr. Doroudgar is an Assistant Professor, Clinical Sciences Department, Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA. Dr. Van Dyke is an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist, Kaiser Permanente, Walnut Creek, CA
| | - Shadi Doroudgar
- Dr. Perry is a Emeritus Professor and Dr. Doroudgar is an Assistant Professor, Clinical Sciences Department, Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA. Dr. Van Dyke is an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist, Kaiser Permanente, Walnut Creek, CA.
| | - Priscilla Van Dyke
- Dr. Perry is a Emeritus Professor and Dr. Doroudgar is an Assistant Professor, Clinical Sciences Department, Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA. Dr. Van Dyke is an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist, Kaiser Permanente, Walnut Creek, CA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kataev SS, Dvorskaya ON, Krokhin IP. [Optimization of the solid-phase extraction procedure for the screening of the medicinal and narcotic substances in the blood by gas chromatography with mass-spectrometric detection]. Sud Med Ekspert 2017; 60:29-35. [PMID: 28252615 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed201760129-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper was designed to describe the application of the method for solid-phase extraction of the medicinal and narcotic substances having different physicochemical composition by gas chromatography with mass-spectrometric detection (GC-MS) for the purpose of their screening in the blood. The solid-phase extraction technique was optimized by means of the Box-Behnken modeling with the evaluation of the influence on the effectiveness of extraction of various factors including pH of the buffer solution, eluent composition, the type and the volume of the solutions used to wash the sorbent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S S Kataev
- Perm Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise, Perm, Russia, 614077
| | - O N Dvorskaya
- Perm State Pharmaceutical Academy, Russian Ministry of Health, Perm, Russia, 614990
| | - I P Krokhin
- Perm Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise, Perm, Russia, 614077
| |
Collapse
|