Analysis of Illicit Drugs in Human Biological Samples by LC-MS n

New natural and synthetic compounds are continuously introduced into the illicit drug market. Their origin, composition, main and side-effects are often not exactly known by the users themselves. Thus, the control of these substances is extremely difficult. Aims: In year 2008, a new synthetic drug called mephedrone (2-metilamino-1-(4-metilfenil) propan-1-on) appeared in Hungary. This work summarizes its frequency in biological samples investigated for illicit drugs, and experiences of the medical examination of mephedrone-users. Methods: Toxicological analyses of biological samples (urine and/or blood) were carried by GC-MS at the Institute of National Toxicology and at Department of Forensic Medicine, University Szeged. Results: Altogether 5386 samples were analyzed in 2010 (4922 in Budapest and 464 in Szeged), and mephedrone was identified in 363 cases (7%). Conclusions: mephedrone is banned in Hungary since 1st of January 2011 but it still present in the illegal drug market. At present we do not have sufficient experience with its long-term effects, tolerance, addiction, withdrawal symptoms or toxic dose. Thus, it is difficult to establish whether addiction and/or mental disorder occurred. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1192–1196.

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An Efficient Statistic for Determining the Diameter of Thin Sectioned Uniform Spheres from Measurements of Biological Samples

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100050585 ◽

1974 ◽

Vol 32 ◽

pp. 114-115

Author(s):

W. R. Schucany ◽

G. H. Kelsoe ◽

V. F. Allison

Keyword(s):

Biological Samples ◽

Traditional Method ◽

Cell Types ◽

Accurate Estimation ◽

Morphological Identification ◽

Sectioned Material ◽

Maximal Diameter ◽

Similar Cell

Accurate estimation of the size of spheroid organelles from thin sectioned material is often necessary, as uniquely homogenous populations of organelles such as vessicles, granules, or nuclei often are critically important in the morphological identification of similar cell types. However, the difficulty in obtaining accurate diameter measurements of thin sectioned organelles is well known. This difficulty is due to the extreme tenuity of the sectioned material as compared to the size of the intact organelle. In populations where low variance is suspected the traditional method of diameter estimation has been to measure literally hundreds of profiles and to describe the “largest” as representative of the “approximate maximal diameter”.

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The Application of Ultra-Thin Sectioning Techniques to Non-Biological Samples

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100101402 ◽

1968 ◽

Vol 26 ◽

pp. 332-333

Author(s):

C. F. Oster

Keyword(s):

Biological Sciences ◽

Epoxy Resin ◽

Cross Sections ◽

Biological Samples ◽

Industrial Applications ◽

Photographic Film ◽

Silver Particles ◽

Thin Sectioning ◽

Embedding Medium

Although ultra-thin sectioning techniques are widely used in the biological sciences, their applications are somewhat less popular but very useful in industrial applications. This presentation will review several specific applications where ultra-thin sectioning techniques have proven invaluable.The preparation of samples for sectioning usually involves embedding in an epoxy resin. Araldite 6005 Resin and Hardener are mixed so that the hardness of the embedding medium matches that of the sample to reduce any distortion of the sample during the sectioning process. No dehydration series are needed to prepare our usual samples for embedding, but some types require hardening and staining steps. The embedded samples are sectioned with either a prototype of a Porter-Blum Microtome or an LKB Ultrotome III. Both instruments are equipped with diamond knives.In the study of photographic film, the distribution of the developed silver particles through the layer is important to the image tone and/or scattering power. Also, the morphology of the developed silver is an important factor, and cross sections will show this structure.

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Artefacts in the x-ray microanalysis of frozen-hydrated biological samples

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100127724 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 45 ◽

pp. 658-659

Author(s):

Patrick Echlin

Keyword(s):

Electron Scattering ◽

Biological Samples ◽

Fracture Face ◽

Detailed Structure ◽

X Ray ◽

Morphological Appearance ◽

The Poor ◽

Freeze Dried

A number of papers have appeared recently which purport to have carried out x-ray microanalysis on fully frozen hydrated samples. It is important to establish reliable criteria to be certain that a sample is in a fully hydrated state. The morphological appearance of the sample is an obvious parameter because fully hydrated samples lack the detailed structure seen in their freeze dried counterparts. The electron scattering by ice within a frozen-hydrated section and from the surface of a frozen-hydrated fracture face obscures cellular detail. (Fig. 1G and 1H.) However, the morphological appearance alone can be quite deceptive for as Figures 1E and 1F show, parts of frozen-dried samples may also have the poor morphology normally associated with fully hydrated samples. It is only when one examines the x-ray spectra that an assurance can be given that the sample is fully hydrated.

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Emergency Department Admission and Mortality Rate for Suicidal Behavior

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000282 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 35 (6) ◽

pp. 406-414 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Raimondo Maria Pavarin ◽

Angelo Fioritti ◽

Francesca Fontana ◽

Silvia Marani ◽

Alessandra Paparelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Metropolitan Area ◽

Suicidal Behavior ◽

Mortality Risk ◽

Illicit Drugs ◽

Attempted Suicide ◽

Cox Model ◽

Emergency Department Admission ◽

Completed Suicide

Background: The international literature reports that for every completed suicide there are between 8 and 22 visits to an Emergency Department (ED) for attempted suicide/suicidal behavior. Aims: To describe the characteristics of admission to emergency departments (EDs) for suicide-related presenting complaints in the metropolitan area of Bologna; to estimate the risk for all-cause mortality and for suicide; to identify the profiles of subjects most at risk. Method: Follow-up of patients admitted to the EDs of the metropolitan area of Bologna between January 2004 and December 2010 for attempted suicide. A Cox model was used to evaluate the association between sociodemographic variables and the general mortality risk. Results: We identified 505 cases of attempted suicide, which were more frequent for female subjects, over the weekend, and at night (8:00 p.m./8:00 a.m.). The most used suicide methods were psychotropic drugs, sharp or blunt objects, and jumping from high places. In this cohort, 3.6% of subjects completed suicide (4.5% of males vs. 2.9% of females), 2.3% within 1 year of the start of follow-up. The most common causes of death were drug use and hanging. In the multivariate analysis, those who used illicit drugs 24 hr prior to admission to the ED (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.46, 95% CI = 1.23–9.73) and patients who refused the treatment (HR = 6.74, 95% CI = 1.86–24.40) showed an increased mortality risk for suicide. Conclusion: Deliberate self-harm patients presenting to the ED who refuse treatment represent a specific target group for setting up dedicated prevention schemes.

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The Use of Prescription Drugs and Drugs of Abuse for Neuroenhancement in Europe

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040/a000228 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 155-166 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

Larissa J. Maier ◽

Michael P. Schaub

Keyword(s):

Prescription Drugs ◽

Illicit Drugs ◽

Adverse Reactions ◽

Low Dose ◽

Drugs Of Abuse ◽

Mental Performance ◽

Or Education ◽

Learning Techniques ◽

Monitoring The Future ◽

Definition Of

Abstract. Pharmacological neuroenhancement, defined as the misuse of prescription drugs, illicit drugs, or alcohol for the purpose of enhancing cognition, mood, or prosocial behavior, is not widespread in Europe – nevertheless, it does occur. Thus far, no drug has been proven as safe and effective for cognitive enhancement in otherwise healthy individuals. European studies have investigated the misuse of prescription and illicit stimulants to increase cognitive performance as well as the use of tranquilizers, alcohol, and cannabis to cope with stress related to work or education. Young people in educational settings report pharmacological neuroenhancement more frequently than those in other settings. Although the regular use of drugs for neuroenhancement is not common in Europe, the irregular and low-dose usage of neuroenhancers might cause adverse reactions. Previous studies have revealed that obtaining adequate amounts of sleep and using successful learning techniques effectively improve mental performance, whereas pharmacological neuroenhancement is associated with ambiguous effects. Therefore, non-substance-related alternatives should be promoted to cope with stressful situations. This paper reviews the recent research on pharmacological neuroenhancement in Europe, develops a clear definition of the substances used, and formulates recommendations for practitioners regarding how to react to requests for neuroenhancement drug prescriptions. We conclude that monitoring the future development of pharmacological neuroenhancement in Europe is important to provide effective preventive measures when required. Furthermore, substance use to cope with stress related to work or education should be studied in depth because it is likely more prevalent and dangerous than direct neuroenhancement.

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