scholarly journals Simultaneous analysis of ten drugs of abuse in blood and urine matrix by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry: Implications for air crash investigation

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
pp. 65-70
Author(s):  
SR Santhosh ◽  
S Sampath ◽  
A Gupta ◽  
A Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Drugs Of Abuse ◽  
Simultaneous Detection ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Drugged Driving ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Pure Compounds ◽  
Selective Ion Monitoring ◽  
Analytical Tools ◽  
Urine Matrix

Introduction: Many of abuse drugs can alter a person’s thinking and judgment, leading to health risks, including addiction, drugged driving and infectious disease. Use of illicit drugs by aviation employees is associated with a significantly increased risk of accidents. The detection and quantitation of drugs of abuse in blood is of growing interest in forensic and clinical toxicology. Generally, the screening for drugs of abuse is carried out by using commercially available immunoassay based urine cassettes; however, such results needs to be confirmed by advanced analytical tools like HPLC, GCMS and LCMS. There have been several attempts to develop confirmatory methods for drugs of abuse in blood and urine. Material and Methods: In the present study in our laboratory, a single method was attempted for simultaneous detection and quantification of 10 drugs of abuse in whole blood and urine matrix by GC-MS Selective Ion Monitoring (SIM) method. Results: Chromatographic separation was optimized and achieved for separation of all 10 compounds using Agilent DB-5MS column. Retention time (Rt), selectivity and sensitivity were achieved by measuring each analyte in Selective Ion Monitoring (SIM) mode. A simple sample preparation method was standardized for extraction of all 10 compounds from blood and urine. Conclusion: The developed method in the study permits identification of these analytes from same biological specimen in small quantities and the method is tested on blood and urine matrix spiked with known concentration of pure compounds.

scholarly journals Simultaneous analysis of eight benzodiazepines in blood and urine matrix by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry: Implications for air crash investigation

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
pp. 2-7
Author(s):  
SR Santosh ◽  
S Sampath ◽  
A Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Gas Chromatography ◽  
Biological Samples ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Simultaneous Detection ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Selective Ion Monitoring ◽  
Urine Matrix ◽  
Detection And Quantification

Introduction: Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed class of drugs in India and are capable of impairing the performance of an aviator in therapeutic to subtherapeutic levels. Detection of benzodiazepines, particularly in blood, is not easy, since the concentrations present, especially following prescribed medical use, can be very low. Several publications have addressed estimation of benzodiazepines in plasma or serum; however, few have attempted their detection in whole blood. Urine, although a better specimen, benzodiazepines due to their extensive metabolism, its metabolites are excreted in urine instead of the parent compounds. Materials and Methods: In our laboratory, a method was developed for simultaneous detection and quantification of eight benzodiazepines in whole blood and urine matrix by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry selective ion monitoring (SIM) method. Chromatographic separation was optimized and achieved for separation of all 8 compounds using Agilent DB-5MS column. Retention time, selectivity and sensitivity were achieved by measuring each analyte in SIM mode. The developed method was tested and validated on actual biological samples for lorazepam, temazepam, diazepam, clonazepam, and nitrazepam. Conclusion: A single method was developed for the detection and quantification of eight benzodiazepines in whole blood and urine matrix by GC–MS SIM method. The method was also tested on limited number of actual biological samples for the lorazepam, temazepam, diazepam, clonazepam, and nitrazepam.

Ethylone: A synthetic cathinone emerging in Barcelona

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s860-s860
Author(s):  
M. de Dios ◽  
E. Monteagudo ◽  
A. Trabsa ◽  
M. Grifell ◽  
L. Galindo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Drugs Of Abuse ◽  
Sample Selection ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Bath Salts ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Report Analysis ◽  
Synthetic Cathinone ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionSynthetic cathinones, the active component in “bath salts”, have surfaced as a popular alternative to other illicit drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and methamphetamine, due to their potent psychostimulant and empathogenic effects.ObjectivesTo describe the presence of Ethylone in samples delivered to energy control from 2014 to 2015 in Spain.MethodsThe total number of samples analyzed from 2014 to 2015 was 8324. Only those samples containing ethylone were studied. They were analyzed by energy control, a Spanish harm reduction NGO that offers the possibility of analysing the substances that users report. Analysis was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom June 2014 to December 2015, 8324 samples were delivered to EC. From this samples 28 (0.336%) contained ethylone. Twelve (0.144%) were delivered as MDMA, representing a 0.783% of the samples delivered as such, and only one sample (0.012%) delivered as MDMA presented ethylene as an adulterant along with MDMA. Other 6 samples (0.072%) were delivered as ethylone and 10 samples (0.120%) were delivered as unknown pills.DiscussionEthylone consumption is found to be an emerging issue according to the results of our samples, an increase of such is found during 2015. This might be traduced as an increase of ethylone in the drug market, but a sample selection bias should be considered as samples were voluntary delivered by consumers. An alarming phenomenon is that in some occasions ethylone is sold as MDMA, but effects take longer to occur and last longer, which may lead to an overdose if used as MDMA.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

A Practical Approach to Determine Cutoff Concentrations for Opiate Testing with Simultaneous Detection of Codeine, Morphine, and 6-Acetylmorphine in Urine

1999 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 510-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buddha D Paul ◽  
Eric T Shimomura ◽  
Michael L Smith
Keyword(s):  
Department Of Defense ◽  
Extraction Method ◽  
Human Services ◽  
Simultaneous Detection ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Heroin Use ◽  
Single Extraction ◽  
Health And Human Services ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Selective Ion Monitoring

Abstract Background: Both the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) currently require two confirmation tests to verify use of heroin, one test for total morphine and a separate test for 6-acetylmorphine (6-AM). Our aim was to determine appropriate free-codeine, free-morphine, and 6-AM cutoff concentrations that could be substituted for total-morphine, total-codeine, and 6-AM cutoff concentrations and to develop a less labor-intensive method for measuring codeine, morphine, and 6-AM. Methods: Urine samples containing opiates were extracted, derivatized, and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with selective ion monitoring. Results: The limits of detection for codeine, morphine, and 6-AM were 6, 5, and 0.5 μg/L, respectively. Recoveries were >90%. Quantification was linear over the concentration range of 6–1000 μg/L for codeine, 5–5000 μg/L for morphine, and 0.5–800 μg/L for 6-AM. Cutoff concentrations for confirmation of opiates were 100, 100, and 10 μg/L for free codeine, free morphine, and 6-AM. Conclusion: The proposed cutoff concentrations for free morphine and 6-AM provide better detection windows for morphine and heroin use than the cutoff concentrations for total morphine and 6-AM used at present. Detection of free codeine, instead of total codeine, simplifies interpretation of codeine use. The single-extraction method enables simultaneous, less labor-intensive analysis of morphine, codeine, and 6-AM.

A Systematic Review of Solid-Phase Microextraction Applications in the Forensic Context

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-297
Author(s):  
Nadia De Giovanni ◽  
Daniela Marchetti
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Solid Phase Microextraction ◽  
Drugs Of Abuse ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Simultaneous Detection ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Forensic Sciences ◽  
Excessive Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Chronic Alcohol Abuse ◽  
Hair Testing

Abstract Since the introduction in 1990, the solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technology has brought significant progress in many fields of forensic sciences due to the versatility of this fast and solventless alternative to conventional extraction techniques. A systematic review about SPME applications in forensic context from January 1995 to June 2018 was carried out according to systematic review guidelines. The majority of the reviewed articles (40/133) aimed to identify drugs (cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, simultaneous detection of different drugs of abuse, prescribed drugs); 29 of the 133 articles focused on the investigation of fatalities; 28 of the 133 papers used headspace SPME technique for the identification of markers of chronic alcohol abuse. Sixteen papers involved this technique for the isolation of volatile organic compounds for the human odor profile and 20 concerned forensic applications regarding living people. Solid-phase microextraction was preferably employed in the headspace mode and many kinds of fibers were employed, although polydimethylsiloxane was the most adaptable to many forensic realities. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was more frequently used, probably for the well-established coupling with SPME. Most of the papers validated their method to harmonize the scientific approaches of procedures development. Good outcomes are reported on biological material collected from living people as well as on cadaveric samples. The results obtained by most of the studies about alcohol biomarkers on scalp hair have been adopted by the “Society of Hair Testing” to demonstrate abstinence over a pre-defined time period and to assess chronic excessive alcohol consumption.

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

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-166 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Plasma F2-Isoprostanes and Coronary Artery Calcification: The CARDIA Study

2005 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myron Gross ◽  
Michael Steffes ◽  
David R Jacobs ◽  
Xinhua Yu ◽  
Linda Lewis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Early Development ◽  
Coronary Artery Calcification ◽  
Continuous Variable ◽  
Oxidation Products ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Agatston Score ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis

Abstract Background: Oxidation of lipids in lipoproteins and cells may initiate and enhance the early development of cardiovascular disease. Method and Results: We assayed F2-isoprostanes, oxidation products of arachidonic acid, by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in a biracial cohort of 2850 young healthy adult men and women. Coronary artery calcification (CAC), a component of coronary artery atherosclerosis, was detectable in 10% of the cohort and appeared to be in its initial stages (Agatston scores <20 in 47% and <100 in 83% of CAC-positive participants). After adjusting for sex, clinical site, age, and race, the presence of any CAC was 24% more likely among those with high vs low concentrations of F2-isoprostanes [odds ratio (OR) = 1.24 per 92.2 pmol/L (32.7 ng/L; 1 SD of F2-isoprostanes); 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09–1.41]. The OR was only slightly attenuated [1.18 per 92.2 pmol/L (32.7 ng/L); CI, 1.02–1.38] after further adjustment for body mass index, smoking, serum lipids, C-reactive protein, antioxidant supplementation use, diabetes, and blood pressure. As a continuous variable, the Agatston score increased by 6.9% per 92.2 pmol/L (32.7 ng/L) of F2-isoprostane concentration (P <0.01). Whereas CAC prevalence was lower in women than men, mean (SD), F2-isoprostanes were higher in women {190 (108.9) pmol/L [67.4 (38.6) ng/L]} than in men {140.4 (55.6) pmol/L [49.8 (19.7) ng/L]}. Nevertheless, F2-isoprostanes were associated with an increased risk of CAC in both sexes. Conclusion: This association between increased concentrations of circulating F2-isoprostanes and CAC in young healthy adults supports the hypothesis that oxidative damage is involved in the early development of atherosclerosis.

Cannabinoids and myocardial ischemia: Novel insights, updated mechanisms, and implications for myocardial infarction

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karim Seif El-Dahan ◽  
Dima Machtoub ◽  
Gaelle Massoud ◽  
Suzanne A. Nasser ◽  
Bassam Hamam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Increased Risk

: Cannabis is the most widely trafficked and abused illicit drug due to its calming psychoactive properties. It has been increasingly recognized as having potential health benefits and relatively less adverse health effects as compared to other illicit drugs; however, growing evidence clearly indicates that cannabis is associated with considerable adverse cardiovascular events. Recent studies have linked cannabis use to myocardial infarction (MI); yet, very little is known about the underlying mechanisms. A MI is a cardiovascular disease characterized by a mismatch in the oxygen supply and demand of the heart, resulting in ischemia and subsequent necrosis of the myocardium. Since cannabis is increasingly being considered a risk factor for MI, there is a growing need for better appreciating its potential health benefits and consequences. Here, we discuss the cellular mechanisms of cannabis that lead to an increased risk of MI. We provide a thorough and critical analysis of cannabinoids’ actions, which include modulation of adipocyte biology, regional fat distribution, and atherosclerosis, as well as precipitation of hemodynamic stressors relevant in the setting of a MI. By critically dissecting the modulation of signaling pathways in multiple cell types, this paper highlights the mechanisms through which cannabis may trigger life-threatening cardiovascular events. This then provides a framework for future pharmacological studies which can identify targets or develop drugs that modulate cannabis’ effects on the cardiovascular system as well as other organ systems. Cannabis’ impact on the autonomic outflow, vascular smooth muscle cells, myocardium, cortisol levels and other hemodynamic changes are also mechanistically reviewed.

scholarly journals A High Level of Circulating Valine Is a Biomarker for Type 2 Diabetes and Associated with the Hypoglycemic Effect of Sitagliptin

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyu Liao ◽  
Bingyao Liu ◽  
Hua Qu ◽  
LinLin Zhang ◽  
Yongling Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Amino Acids ◽  
Aromatic Amino Acids ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Normal Glucose ◽  
Potential Strategy ◽  
High Level

Background. High levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs) were associated with an increased risk of hyperglycemia and the onset of diabetes. This study is aimed at assessing circulating valine concentrations in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and in T2D patients and high-fat diet- (HFD-) fed mice treated with the hypoglycemic agent sitagliptin (Sit) and analyzing the association of valine concentrations with metabolic parameters. Methods. Metabolomics in HFD-fed mice were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) systems. Plasma valine concentrations were detected with a commercial kit in 53 subjects with normal glucose levels (n=19), newly diagnosed T2D (n=20), placebo-treated T2D (n=7), or Sit-treated T2D (n=7). Biochemical parameters were also assessed in all participants. Results. Sit treatment markedly changed the pattern of amino acid in HFD-fed mice, especially by reducing the level of the BCAA valine. Compared with the healthy controls, the plasma valine concentrations were significantly higher in the T2D patients (p<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the plasma valine concentration was positively correlated with the level of fasting plasma glucose (p<0.05). Moreover, the plasma valine concentrations were notably reduced after Sit treatment in T2D patients (p<0.05). Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate an important effect of Sit on the BCAA valine in T2D patients and HFD-fed mice, revealing a new hypoglycemic mechanism of it. Furthermore, the results suggest that the circulating valine level might be a novel biomarker for T2D and restoring the level of valine might be a potential strategy for diabetes therapy.

Evaluation of Infectious Disease Test Ordering and Positivity Rates in Illicit Fentanyl Users

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Lloyd ◽  
Eric M Ransom ◽  
Neil W Anderson ◽  
Christopher W Farnsworth
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Urine Drug ◽  
Inpatient Settings ◽  
Illicit Use ◽  
Considerable Morbidity ◽  
Outpatient Settings

Abstract Background The emergence of illicit fentanyl use has resulted in considerable morbidity and mortality. Although illicit use of other opioids has been associated with transmission of viral and bacterial infections, limited data exist for the prevalence of infectious diseases among illicit fentanyl users. The purpose of this study was to assess the likelihood of infectious disease testing and infection prevalence among illicit fentanyl users. Methods Results from urine drug screens (UDSs) performed from August 13, 2019, to October 16, 2019, were obtained from the laboratory information system with concurrent microbial testing. Patients were categorized based on UDS results, and illicit drug use was inferred from physician encounter notes in the electronic medical record. Results Suspected illicit drugs users with fentanyl detected by UDS were more likely to be screened [odds ratio (OR): 1.7; 95% CI, 1.26–2.4] and test positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) by immunoassay (OR: 5.89; 95% CI, 2.93–11.31) than patients without drugs detected. Patients with suspected illicit fentanyl use who were discharged from the emergency department (ED) were less likely to be tested for HCV than patients in outpatient settings (OR: 3.47; 95% CI, 1.05–10.4) and inpatient settings (OR: 17.43; 95% CI, 6.53–45.88). Patients with suspected illicit fentanyl use were more likely to have infected abscesses or wounds (OR: 5.12; 95% CI, 2.07–13.7) and Staphylococcus aureus infections (OR: 4.5; 95% CI, 1.59–12.28) than patients without drugs detected. Conclusions Patients with a positive UDS for fentanyl and suspected illicit use were more likely to test positive for HCV, were rarely screened for HCV in the ED, and had an increased risk of invasive S. aureus wound or abscess infection. These findings may represent considerable barriers to care for patients who use fentanyl illicitly.

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