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Rubicondo J, Scuffi L, Pietrosemoli L, Mineo M, Terranova F, Bartucca M, Trignano C, Bertol E, Vaiano F. A New Multi-Analyte LC-MS-MS Screening Method for the Detection of 120 NPSs and 49 Drugs in Hair. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 46:e262-e273. [PMID: 36453750 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has been increasingly used for screening purposes in forensic toxicology. High versatility and low time/resource consumption are the main advantages of this technology. Numerous multi-analyte methods have been validated in order to face the analytical challenge of new psychoactive substances (NPSs). However, forensic toxicologists must focus the attention also on "classical" NPSs and medicines, such as benzodiazepines (BDZs) and prescription opioids. In this paper, a new method for the simultaneous detection of 169 substances (120 NPSs and 49 other drugs) in hair by LC-MS-MS is described. After the decontamination of hair samples with dichloromethane, a 20-mg aliquot of the sample was mixed with 1 mL of methanol (MeOH; 0.1% of formic acid) and then sonicated at room temperature for 2 h. The mixture was then dried under nitrogen stream and reconstituted with 100 µL of MeOH. LC separation was achieved with a 100-mm-long C18 column in 35 min, and mass acquisition was performed in dynamic multiple reaction monitoring mode and in positive ionization. The analysis results were very sensitive, with the limit of quantification ranging from 0.07 to 10.0 pg/mg. Accuracy and precision were always within the acceptable criteria. Matrix effect and recovery rate ranges were from -21.3 to + 21.9% and from 75.0 to 99.3%, respectively. The new method was successfully applied in a preliminary study on the prevalence of NPSs, BDZs and other substances in case of driving license issuance. In 14% of cases, BDZs/antidepressants (mainly trazodone, diazepam/nordiazepam and flunitrazepam) were found. Codeine, ketamine, methylone and mephedrone were also detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rubicondo
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - L Scuffi
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - L Pietrosemoli
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - M Mineo
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - F Terranova
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - M Bartucca
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - C Trignano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43c, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - E Bertol
- U.R.I.To.N.-Unit of Research, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - F Vaiano
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy.,U.R.I.To.N.-Unit of Research, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy
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Almofti N, Ballesteros-Gómez A, Rubio S, Girela-López E. Analysis of conventional and nonconventional forensic specimens in drug-facilitated sexual assault by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Talanta 2022; 250:123713. [PMID: 35779361 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) has dramatically increased in the last decades. Forensic analytical scientists continuously seek new methods and specimens to prove the incidence of intoxication for the judiciary system. Factors influencing sample selection include the ease of obtaining the samples and the window of detection of the drugs, among others. Both conventional (blood, urine) and non-conventional specimens (hair, nails, fluids) have been proposed as suitable in DFSA cases. Reported sample treatments include a variety of liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction as well as dilute-and-shoot procedures and microextraction techniques. Regarding analysis, liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has emerged as the preferred confirmatory technique, due to its sensitivity, selectivity, and wide-scope applicability. In this review, we critically discuss the most common specimens and sample treatments/analysis procedures (related to LC-MS/MS) that have been reported during the last ten years. As a final goal, we intend to provide a critical overview and suggest analytical recommendations for the establishment of suitable analytical strategies in DFSA cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Almofti
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemistry and Nanochemistry, Marie Curie Annex Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Section of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Department of Morphological and Sociosanitary Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - A Ballesteros-Gómez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemistry and Nanochemistry, Marie Curie Annex Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - S Rubio
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemistry and Nanochemistry, Marie Curie Annex Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - E Girela-López
- Section of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Department of Morphological and Sociosanitary Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
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3
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A Quantitative LC–MS/MS Method for the Detection of 16 Synthetic Cathinones and 10 Metabolites and Its Application to Suspicious Clinical and Forensic Urine Samples. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050510. [PMID: 35631341 PMCID: PMC9145040 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Synthetic cathinones currently represent one of the most predominant (sub)-classes of new psychoactive substance (NPS) in illicit drug markets. Despite the increased concerns caused by the constant introduction of new analogues, these drugs are not commonly assayed in routine drug testing procedures and may not be detected in standard screening procedures. This study presents a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the detection and quantification of 16 synthetic cathinones and 10 metabolites in human urine. Methods: The method was validated for all analytes using published guidelines. The evaluated parameters achieved acceptable values according to the set criteria. Potential abuse of synthetic cathinones was investigated in suspicious urine samples from Saudi Arabia originating from workplace drug testing, pre-employment and Accident & Emergency (A&E). Such samples generated a presumptive positive immunoassay for amphetamine; however, they yielded a negative LC–MS/MS confirmation for this analyte, following the recommended cutoff values of Substance of Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines. Results: 5.8% of the analyzed samples were found to contain at least one target analyte, namely mephedrone and N-ethylpentylone, as well as their dihydro-metabolites. The results also revealed polydrug use with the synthetic cathinones being present together with other classical stimulant drugs. Conclusions: This is the first report of NPS use in Saudi Arabia with respect to designer stimulant drugs. Confirmatory urine analyses for suspicious stimulant use should extend beyond classical stimulants to cover a broad range of NPSs and their metabolites in order to report any otherwise potentially undetected/new analyte.
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Musiał J, Czarny J, Gadzała-Kopciuch R. Overview of analytical methods for determining novel psychoactive substances, drugs and their metabolites in biological samples. Crit Rev Toxicol 2022; 52:239-258. [PMID: 36040410 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2022.2091424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a growing in interest in psychoactive substances, particularly those available in e-commerce. These have led to an increase in the number of drug-related poisonings, deaths, and road accidents. Illegal drugs are available on an unprecedented scale and cause previously unknown adverse effects, which creates a challenge for analysts to find rapid methods for identifying these substances and taking appropriate action in the shortest possible time. New psychoactive substances (NPSs) can be lethal at very low concentrations, which give particularly serious cause for concern. These drugs are easily accessible and often regarded (or claimed) to be safe, which encourages many people, in particular young people, to try them. The widespread use of these substances is compounded by the awareness that they are difficult to detect with the existing rapid screening tests. Simple, fast, sensitive, and specific methods for determining the largest possible number of black-market psychoactive substances and their metabolites are therefore essential. Such methods will facilitate treatment and increase the effectiveness of measures aiming to reduce drug addiction. The objective of this review article was to critically compare the most commonly used analytical methods for determining NPS and their metabolites in biological material, with special emphasis on the sample preparation process, and to highlight the possibilities offered by the existing analytical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadwiga Musiał
- Institute of Forensic Genetics, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Jakub Czarny
- Institute of Forensic Genetics, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Renata Gadzała-Kopciuch
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
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Gao Y, Xu F, Wu J, Zhao H, Ebadi AG. Detection and adsorption of cathinone drug by magnesium oxide nanostructure: DFT study. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2021.113507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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Dragan AM, Parrilla M, Feier B, Oprean R, Cristea C, De Wael K. Analytical techniques for the detection of amphetamine-type substances in different matrices: A comprehensive review. Trends Analyt Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Florou D, Boumba VA. Hair analysis for New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Still far from becoming the tool to study NPS spread in the community? Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:1699-1720. [PMID: 34646750 PMCID: PMC8501677 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of 280 NPS has been reported to be enabled through hair analysis. The LODs/ LOQs for these NPS are as low as pg/mg of hair. The NPS hair concentrations in clinical/forensic samples are considerably higher than the respective LOD. Untargeted-mass spectroscopic detection techniques could advance NPS hair analysis. NPS hair analysis could become the tool to monitor the extent of NPS use worldwide.
In this review article, we performed an overview of extraction and chromatographic analysis methods of NPS in hair from 2007 to 2021, evaluating the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), limit of reporting (LOR), and limit of identification (LOI) values reported for each NPS. Our review aimed to highlight the limitations of modern hair analytical techniques, and the prerequisites for the proper evaluation and use of analytical results in relation to the objectives of NPS hair analysis. In the selected studies the detection of a total of 280 NPS was reported. The detected NPS belonged to seven classes: synthetic cannabinoids with 109 different substances, synthetic opioids with 58, cathinones with 50, phenethylamines with 34, other NPS with 15, tryptamines with ten, and piperazines with four substances. The NPS hair analysis of real forensic/ clinical cases reported the detection of only 80 NPS (out of the 280 targeted), in significantly higher levels than the respective LODs. The analytical protocols reviewed herein for NPS hair analysis showed continuously growing trends to identify as many NPS as possible; the extraction methods seem to have a limited potential to improve, while the various mass spectroscopic techniques and relevant instrumentation provide an enormous field for development and application. Hair is a biological indicator of the past chronic, sub-chronic, and, even, in certain cases, acute exposure to xenobiotics. Therefore, future research in the field could progress NPS hair analysis and aim the monitoring of NPS expansion and extent of use in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Florou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vassiliki A Boumba
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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8
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New Synthetic Cathinones and Phenylethylamine Derivatives Analysis in Hair: A Review. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26206143. [PMID: 34684725 PMCID: PMC8538434 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of psychoactive substances in hair is of great importance for both clinical and forensic toxicologists since it allows one to evaluate past and continuative exposure to xenobiotics. In particular, a new challenge is represented by new psychoactive substances: Among this new class of drugs of abuse, synthetic cathinone and phenethylamine derivatives are often detected in biological samples. Hence, there is a growing need to develop new analytical procedures or improve old ones in order to conduct evaluations of these emerging substances. This study is a systematic review of all the instrumental and experimental data available in the literature. A total of 32 articles were included in the review. Acidic solvents proved to be the most reliable solutions for extraction. Gas chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometric and high-resolution mass spectrometric systems represent the majority of the involved instrumental techniques. Sensitivity must be maintained at the pg/mg level to detect any occurrences up to occasional consumption. In total, 23 out of 32 articles reported real positive samples. The most frequently detected substance in hair was mephedrone, followed by butylone, methylone, MDPV, and α-pyrrolidinophenone-type substances.
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Fabregat-Safont D, Sancho JV, Hernández F, Ibáñez M. The key role of mass spectrometry in comprehensive research on new psychoactive substances. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2021; 56:e4673. [PMID: 33155376 DOI: 10.1002/jms.4673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a wide group of compounds that try to mimic the effects produced by the 'classical' illicit drugs, including cannabis (synthetic cannabinoids), cocaine and amphetamines (synthetic cathinones) or heroin (synthetic opioids), and which health effects are still unknown for most of them. Nowadays, more than 700 compounds are being monitored by official organisms, some of which have been recently identified in seizures and/or intoxication cases. Toxicological analysis plays a pivotal role in NPS research. A comprehensive investigation on NPS, from the first identification of a novel substance until its detection in drug users to help in diagnostics and medical treatment, requires the use of a wide variety of instruments and analytical strategies. This paper illustrates the key role of mass spectrometry (MS) along a comprehensive investigation on NPS. The synthetic cannabinoid XLR-11 and the synthetic cathinone 5-PPDi have been chosen as representative substances of the most consumed NPS families. Moreover, both compounds have been investigated at our laboratory in different stages of the three-step strategy considered in this article. The initial identification and characterisation of the compound in consumption products, the first reported metabolic pathway and the development of analytical methodologies for its determination (and/or their metabolites) in different toxicological samples are described. The analytical strategies and MS instruments are briefly discussed to show the reader the possibilities that MS instrumentation offer to analytical scientists. This publication aims to be a starting point for those interested on the NPS research field from an analytical chemistry point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fabregat-Safont
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, Castellón, 12071, Spain
| | - Juan V Sancho
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, Castellón, 12071, Spain
| | - Félix Hernández
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, Castellón, 12071, Spain
| | - María Ibáñez
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, Castellón, 12071, Spain
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Cardoso MS, Lanaro R, Dolores RC, Morais DR, Arantes ACF, Oliveira KD, Costa JL. Determination of Drugs of Abuse in Hair by LC-MS/MS: Application to Suicide Attempts Investigation. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:577-581. [PMID: 34050658 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering that the use of psychoactive substances (PS) is a risk factor to either higher intensity or frequency of suicidal behavior, hair analysis was conducted to investigate the most consumed PS (opiates, amphetamine stimulants, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin) in patients who attempted suicide and received urgent care at Emergency Service. Hair samples were extracted using methanol and sonicated under heating, and then analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. During validation, the method complied with international recommended criteria, with limits of detection between 0.0025 and 0.05 ng/mg and linearity between 0.1 to 4 ng/mg for methamphetamine, MDMA, morphine, amphetamine, 6-acetylmorphine, MDA, fenproporex, diethylpropion, codeine; between 0.025 to 1 ng/mg for THC, benzoylecgonine and cocaethylene; and between 0.25 to 10 ng/mg for cocaine and mazindol. A total of 109 hair samples were analyzed and segmented in 404 parts. Among all analyzed samples, 30.3% were positive for at least one PS (n=33), such as: cocaine (90.9%), codeine (12.1%), morphine (3.0 %), MDMA (3.0%) and THC (3.0%). In segmental analysis of cocaine positive samples (n=30), 76.7% of the samples indicated recent exposure to cocaine (<1 month). This same behavior was observed when analyzing codeine (n=4) and morphine (n=1). THC positive samples indicated exposure dated approximately 4 months prior. In conclusion, the method was validated following international recommendations for the twelve most consumed psychoactive substances in Brazil, as well as two of the most common found metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilia S Cardoso
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126 Cidade Universitária, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-887, Brazil
- Campinas Poison, Control Center, University of Campinas, R. Vital Brasil, 251 Barão Geraldo, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-881, Brazil
| | - Rafael Lanaro
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126 Cidade Universitária, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-887, Brazil
- Campinas Poison, Control Center, University of Campinas, R. Vital Brasil, 251 Barão Geraldo, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-881, Brazil
| | - Raul C Dolores
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126 Cidade Universitária, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-887, Brazil
- R. Mário Giordano, 146 Antiga 33, Jardim America, Paulínia, São Paulo 13140-614, Brazil
| | - Damila R Morais
- Shimadzu Brazil, Av. Tambore, 576 Tamboré, Barueri, São Paulo 06460-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Furiozo Arantes
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126 Cidade Universitária, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-887, Brazil
- Campinas Poison, Control Center, University of Campinas, R. Vital Brasil, 251 Barão Geraldo, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-881, Brazil
| | - Karina Diniz Oliveira
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126 Cidade Universitária, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Jose Luiz Costa
- Campinas Poison, Control Center, University of Campinas, R. Vital Brasil, 251 Barão Geraldo, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-881, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, R. Cândido Portinari, 200 Cidade Universitária, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-871, Brazil
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Yang CA, Liu HC, Liu RH, Lin DL, Wu SP. Simultaneous Quantitation of Seven Phenethylamine-Type Drugs in Forensic Blood and Urine Samples by UHPLC-MS/MS. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:246-256. [PMID: 33575738 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abuse of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) has become a health and social issue of global concern. p-Methoxyamphetamine (PMA)/p-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) with fluoro- or chloro-derivatives of amphetamine and methamphetamine were among the most common drugs found in specimens from fatal cases in Taiwan during the January 2011 to December 2018 period. A liquid-liquid extraction sample preparation protocol with highly sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) approach was developed for the simultaneous analysis of seven phenethylamine-type drugs - PMA, PMMA, p-methoxyethylamphetamine (PMEA), 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA), 4-fluoromethamphetamine (4-FMA), 4-chloroamphetamine (4-CA), and 4-chloromethamphetamine (4-CMA) - in postmortem blood and urine specimens. Separation by liquid chromatography was performed by Agilent Zorbax SB-Aq column. Tandem mass spectrometry was operated in Agilent Jet Stream Technology electrospray ionization in positive-ion multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. An analytical methodology was evaluated using drug-free blood and urine after fortification with 100-2000 ng/mL of the seven target analytes. Average extraction recoveries were >80%; slightly higher ion suppression was observed for PMA and 4-CA; intra-/inter-day precision (%CV) and accuracy were in the ranges of 0.52-12.3% and 85-110%, respectively. Limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) for these seven analytes were both in the 0.5-5 ng/mL range. Interference and carryover were not significant. This relatively simple methodology was found effective and reliable for routine identification and quantitation of these seven analytes in postmortem and antemortem blood and urine specimens received in 2018. Analytical data obtained from these actual cases indicated: (i) compared to findings reported during the 2007-2011 period, the use of substituted phenethylamine-type drugs decreased in 2018; (ii) ketamine and 7-aminonimetazepam (the main metabolite of nimetazepam) were the most common co-ingested substances in specimens containing PMA/PMMA, 4-FA/4-FMA, or 4-CA/4-CMA; and (iii) in drug fatalities, the concentration of PMA was significantly higher than the concentration of PMMA in both urine and blood, while the reverse was true in urine specimens from antemortem cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-An Yang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan.,Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City 23548, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chuan Liu
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City 23548, Taiwan
| | - Ray H Liu
- Department of Criminal Justice, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Dong-Liang Lin
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City 23548, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Pao Wu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
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Akhunov S, Ashurov K, Axmedov S, Kasimov B, Rotshteyn V, Radjabov A, Usmanov D. Development of surface ionization mass spectrometry for detection of stimulants in human urine. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2021; 27:29-38. [PMID: 33745338 DOI: 10.1177/14690667211002777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper demonstrates direct detection of stimulants such as amphetamine, methamphetamine and cocaine spiked with untreated urine and a real world sample using surface ionization mass spectrometry. Spiked samples were analyzed without preliminary chromatographic separation and extraction procedure using the developed method. Moreover, in order to check the analytical capabilities of the method non-extracted real world sample was analyzed. After liquid-liquid extraction, the same sample was analyzed using the method for comparative study. Limit of detection of spiked samples was in the range of 10 pg (10 ng/ml) to 100 pg (100 ng/ml). Linear ranges of samples were two orders of magnitude or more than two orders of magnitude. It was revealed these spiked samples and real world sample can be analyzed without preliminary chromatographic separation and preliminary extraction procedure due to high selectivity of the method and the presence of the indicator lines of studied analytes in the mass spectra. The surface ionization mass spectrometry data was attested by the GC/MS analysis of these samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovkatjon Akhunov
- Laboratory of Adsorption and Emission Phenomenon, Institute of Ion-Plasma and Laser Technologies, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Khatam Ashurov
- Laboratory of Adsorption and Emission Phenomenon, Institute of Ion-Plasma and Laser Technologies, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Sherzod Axmedov
- Laboratory of Adsorption and Emission Phenomenon, Institute of Ion-Plasma and Laser Technologies, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Beknazar Kasimov
- Laboratory of Adsorption and Emission Phenomenon, Institute of Ion-Plasma and Laser Technologies, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Vladimir Rotshteyn
- Laboratory of Adsorption and Emission Phenomenon, Institute of Ion-Plasma and Laser Technologies, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Azim Radjabov
- Laboratory of Adsorption and Emission Phenomenon, Institute of Ion-Plasma and Laser Technologies, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Dilshadbek Usmanov
- Laboratory of Adsorption and Emission Phenomenon, Institute of Ion-Plasma and Laser Technologies, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
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Zhu B, Meng L, Cao J, Yang W, Conlan XA. Simultaneous determination of 10 new psychoactive piperazine derivatives in urine using ultrasound-assisted low-density solvent dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Forensic Sci 2020; 66:748-757. [PMID: 33369734 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
With the rapid development of synthetic drugs, novel piperazine derivatives, as an increasingly important class of new psychoactive substances (NPS), have attracted global attention owing to their increasing demand in the illicit drug market. In this study, ten piperazine derivatives were analyzed in urine samples after pre-treatment with ultrasound-assisted low-density solvent dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (UA-LDS-DLLME) combined with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). This simple approach involved the use of urine samples (1 mL) adjusted to pH 12, which was added to 100 µL of n-hexane and subjected to ultrasonication for 3 min to completely disperse the sample in the n-hexane solution. The resulting turbid suspension was centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 3 min, and the supernatant was extracted and analyzed using GC-MS/MS. Under the optimized conditions presented in this study, the linear relationship between the analytes was good within 10-1500 ng/mL, and the correlation coefficient (r) was between .9914 and .9983. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.3-2 ng/mL (S/N = 3), and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 10 ng/mL (S/N = 10) with the recovery of the analytes of interest from the spiked samples being 76.3%-93.3%. This method has been used to analyze real-world samples; our study shows that the UA-LDS-DLLME approach can be used for rapid analysis while consuming minimal solvent for the simultaneous determination of a range of analytes. This method has the potential for use in clinical analyses and forensic toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binling Zhu
- Department of Forensic Science, Fujian Police College, Fuzhou, China.,The Engineering Research Center, Fujian Police College, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liang Meng
- Department of Forensic Science, Fujian Police College, Fuzhou, China.,The Engineering Research Center, Fujian Police College, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Department of Forensic Science, Fujian Police College, Fuzhou, China.,The Engineering Research Center, Fujian Police College, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenrong Yang
- Faculty of Science Engineering, Deakin University School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geelong, Australia
| | - Xavier A Conlan
- Faculty of Science Engineering, Deakin University School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geelong, Australia
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14
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Aldubayyan AA, Castrignanò E, Elliott S, Abbate V. Stability of synthetic cathinones in clinical and forensic toxicological analysis-Where are we now? Drug Test Anal 2020; 13:44-68. [PMID: 33283466 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the stability of analyzed drugs in biological samples is a crucial part for an appropriate interpretation of the analytical findings. Synthetic cathinones, as psychoactive stimulants, belong to a major class of new psychoactive substances. As they are subject to several degradation pathways, they are known to clinical and forensic toxicologists as unstable analytes in biological samples. When interpreting analytical data of synthetic cathinones in biological samples, analysts must be aware that the concentration of analytes may not accurately reflect the levels at the time they were acquired owing to many factors. This review provides (i) an overview of the current scientific knowledge on the stability of synthetic cathinones and/or metabolites in various human biological samples with a focus on factors that may deteriorate their stability-such as storage temperature, length of storage, matrix, pH, type of preservatives, concentration of analytes, and the chemistry of the analytes-and (ii) possible solutions on how to avoid such degradation. The PubMed database as well as Google Scholar was thoroughly searched to find published studies on the stability of synthetic cathinones since 2007 by searching specific keywords. A total of 23 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Synthetic cathinones that carry methylenedioxy or N-pyrrolidine ring showed higher degradation resistance over other substituted groups. Acidification of samples pH plays a crucial role at increasing the stability of cathinones even with analytes that were frequently considered as poorly stable. This review also provides several recommendations for best practice in planning the experimental design, preservation, and storage conditions in order to minimize synthetic cathinones' degradation in human biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz A Aldubayyan
- Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Toxicology, Central Military Laboratory and Blood Bank, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Erika Castrignanò
- Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Elliott
- Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.,Elliott Forensic Consulting Ltd., Birmingham, UK
| | - Vincenzo Abbate
- Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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15
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Recent bionalytical methods for the determination of new psychoactive substances in biological specimens. Bioanalysis 2020; 12:1557-1595. [PMID: 33078960 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2020-0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the problems associated with the consumption of new psychoactive substances is that in most scenarios of acute toxicity the possibility of quick clinical action may be impaired because many screening methods are not responsive to them, and laboratories are not able to keep pace with the appearance of new substances. For these reasons, developing and validating new analytical methods is mandatory in order to efficiently face those problems, allowing laboratories to be one step ahead. The goal of this work is to perform a critical review regarding bionalytical methods that can be used for the determination of new psychoactive substances (phenylethylamines, cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, opioids, benzodiazepines, etc), particularly concerning sample preparation techniques and associated analytical methods.
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16
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Validation of an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of 16 drugs and metabolites in hair in the context of driving license granting. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 315:110428. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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17
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Liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry for the determination of three cannabinoids, two (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol metabolites, and six amphetamine-type stimulants in human hair. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2020; 1149:122157. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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18
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Development and validation of fast UHPLC-MS/MS screening method for 87 NPS and 32 other drugs of abuse in hair and nails: application to real cases. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:5125-5145. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02462-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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19
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Lee JH, Park HN, Kim NS, Park S, Lee YM, Kang H. Development of a specific fragmentation pattern-based quadrupole-Orbitrap™ mass spectrometry method to screen drugs in illicit products. Sci Justice 2020; 60:86-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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20
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Larabi IA, Fabresse N, Etting I, Nadour L, Pfau G, Raphalen JH, Philippe P, Edel Y, Alvarez JC. Prevalence of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and conventional drugs of abuse (DOA) in high risk populations from Paris (France) and its suburbs: A cross sectional study by hair testing (2012-2017). Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 204:107508. [PMID: 31670189 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study is to describe the prevalence of NPS and conventional DOA in Paris and its suburbs over a six-year period using hair testing approach. METHOD Hair was sampled in patients admitted to different departments of Paris hospitals between 2012 and 2017. Two high-risk populations were mainly considered: 1) drug-dependent and 2) acutely intoxicated patients. Segmental hair analysis was performed by validated LC-MS/MS method to screen for DOA and 83 NPS. RESULTS 480 patients (280 M/200 F, 15-70 years) were included. 141 patients tested positive for NPS (99 M/42 F; median age: 33). NPS prevalence was 29%, that of amphetamines, cocaine and opioids were 32%, 38.5% and 52%, respectively. 27 NPS were identified, 4-MEC and mephedrone (number of cases n = 24 each) were the most detected cathinones. JWH-122 (n = 1) was the only detected synthetic cannabinoid while ketamine (n = 104) was present in numerous NPS users (67%). 3-fluorofentanyl (n = 1), furanylfentanyl (n = 1), N-ethylpentylone (n = 2), pentedrone (n = 2), mexedrone (n = 1), methcathinone (n = 3), 6-APDB (n = 2), TFMPP (n = 2), 2-CE (n = 1), 3,4-MD-αPHP (n = 1) and dextromethorphan (n = 27) were identified for the first time in hair. Users were found to have more than one NPS in 53% of cases, mostly in combination with conventional DOA. The number of detected NPS rose from 5 in 2012 to 42 in 2017. A broad range of hair concentrations (0.001-318 ng/mg) was found, but the low median concentrations seem to show an occasional exposure more than chronic use. CONCLUSION NPS screening should be assessed in routine clinical practice, especially in high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Larabi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University, Inserm U-1173, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, AP-HP, 104, Raymond Poincaré Blvd., 92380 Garches, France
| | - N Fabresse
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University, Inserm U-1173, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, AP-HP, 104, Raymond Poincaré Blvd., 92380 Garches, France
| | - I Etting
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University, Inserm U-1173, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, AP-HP, 104, Raymond Poincaré Blvd., 92380 Garches, France
| | - L Nadour
- Talan Solutions, 21 Dumont d'Urville Street, 75016, Paris, France
| | - G Pfau
- Addiction Clinic, Pitié Salpétrière Hospital, AP-HP, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - J H Raphalen
- Intensive Care Unit, AP-HP, Necker Hospital, 149 Sèvres Street, 75015 Paris, France
| | - P Philippe
- Intensive Care Unit, AP-HP, Necker Hospital, 149 Sèvres Street, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Y Edel
- Addiction Clinic, Pitié Salpétrière Hospital, AP-HP, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - J C Alvarez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University, Inserm U-1173, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, AP-HP, 104, Raymond Poincaré Blvd., 92380 Garches, France.
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21
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Potentiometric Signal Transduction for Selective Determination of 1-(3-Chlorophenyl)piperazine “Legal Ecstasy” Through Biomimetic Interaction Mechanism. CHEMOSENSORS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/chemosensors7030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP) is a wide spread new psychoactive substance produces stimulant and hallucinogenic effects similar to those sought from ecstasy. Hence, in the recent years, mCPP has been introduced by the organized crime through the darknet as a part of the illicit ecstasy market with a variable complex profile of pharmacologically active substances that pose problematic risk patterns among people who take these seized products. Accordingly, the design of selective sensors for the determination of mCPP is a very important demand. In this respect, a supramolecular architecture; [Na(15-crown-5)][BPh4] from the assembly of 15-crown-5 and sodium tetraphenylboron has been utilized as an ionophore, for the first time in the selective recognition of mCPP in conjunction with potassium tetrakis(p-chlorophenyl)borate and dioctylphthalate through polymeric membrane ion sensors. The ionophore exhibited a strong binding affinity that resulted in a high sensitivity with a slope closed to the ideal Nernstian value; 58.9 ± 0.43 mV/decade, a larger dynamic range from 10−6 to 10−2 M, a lower limit of detection down to 5.0 × 10−7 M and a fast response time of 5 s. Very important also is it was afforded excellent selectivity towards mCPP over psychoactive substances of major concern, providing a potentially useful system for the determination of mCPP in the illicit market. On comparison with the natural β-cyclodextrin as an ionophore, it exhibited more sensitivity and selectivity estimated to be the superior.
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22
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Yen YT, Chen TY, Chen CY, Chang CL, Chyueh SC, Chang HT. A Photoluminescent Colorimetric Probe of Bovine Serum Albumin-Stabilized Gold Nanoclusters for New Psychoactive Substances: Cathinone Drugs in Seized Street Samples. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 19:E3554. [PMID: 31443204 PMCID: PMC6721205 DOI: 10.3390/s19163554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Screening of illicit drugs for new psychoactive substances-namely cathinone-at crime scenes is in high demand. A dual-emission bovine serum albumin-stabilized gold nanoclusters probe was synthesized and used for quantitation and screening of 4-chloromethcathinone and cathinone analogues in an aqueous solution. The photoluminescent (PL) color of the bovine serum albumin-stabilized Au nanoclusters (BSA-Au NCs) probe solution changed from red to dark blue during the identification of cathinone drugs when excited using a portable ultraviolet light-emitting diodes lamp (365 nm). This probe solution allows the PL color-changing point and limit of detection down to 10.0 and 0.14 mM, respectively, for 4-chloromethcathinone. The phenomenon of PL color-changing of BSA-Au NCs was attributed to its PL band at 650 nm, quenching through an electron transfer mechanism. The probe solution was highly specific to cathinone drugs, over other popular illicit drugs, including heroin, cocaine, ketamine, and methamphetamine. The practicality of this BSA-Au NCs probe was assessed by using it to screen illicit drugs seized by law enforcement officers. All 20 actual cases from street and smuggling samples were validated using this BSA-Au NCs probe solution and then confirmed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results reveal this BSA-Au NCs probe solution is practical for screening cathinone drugs at crime scenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Te Yen
- Department of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau, Xindian District, New Taipei City 23149, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Ting-Yueh Chen
- Department of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau, Xindian District, New Taipei City 23149, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Chen
- Department of Chemistry, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Lun Chang
- Department of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau, Xindian District, New Taipei City 23149, Taiwan
| | - San-Chong Chyueh
- Department of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau, Xindian District, New Taipei City 23149, Taiwan
| | - Huan-Tsung Chang
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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23
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López-Rabuñal Á, Lendoiro E, Concheiro M, López-Rivadulla M, Cruz A, de-Castro-Ríos A. A LC-MS/MS method for the determination of common synthetic cathinones in meconium. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1124:349-355. [PMID: 31279971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2019.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances have been introduced into the market in the last years due to their unregulated status. Synthetic cathinones are one of their main representatives, and they have shown to produce neonatal complications. It is important to have objective tools to identify in utero exposure to drugs that have shown to produce neonatal complications. An analytical method was developed and fully validated for the determination of common synthetic cathinones, including methylone, methedrone, mephedrone, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), (±)-4-fluoromethamphetamine and 4-fluoromethcathinone in meconium. Meconium (0.25 ± 0.02 g) was homogenized with methanol by sonication for 30 min. After centrifugation, the sample was extracted with Oasis MCX columns. The analysis was performed by LC-MS/MS using an Atlantis T3 column (3 μm, 2.1 × 50 mm) and a gradient with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water. Method validation included the following parameters: selectivity (no endogenous or exogenous interferences), limits of detection (n = 3, 0.5-1 ng/g) and quantification (n = 3, 1-2 ng/g), linearity (n = 5, LOQ-200 ng/g), imprecision (n = 15, 0% to 10%), accuracy (n = 15, 87.3% to 97.8%), matrix effect (n = 10, -76% to -28.1%), extraction efficiency (n = 6, 63.7% to 91.3%), total process efficiency (n = 6, 16% to 60.2%) and stability for 72 h in the autosampler (n = 3, %loss = -6.7% to 5.1%). The method was applied to 28 meconium specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela López-Rabuñal
- Servizo de Toxicoloxía, Instituto de Ciencias Forenses, Facultade de Medicina, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Elena Lendoiro
- Servizo de Toxicoloxía, Instituto de Ciencias Forenses, Facultade de Medicina, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Marta Concheiro
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, New York, USA.
| | - Manuel López-Rivadulla
- Servizo de Toxicoloxía, Instituto de Ciencias Forenses, Facultade de Medicina, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Angelines Cruz
- Servizo de Toxicoloxía, Instituto de Ciencias Forenses, Facultade de Medicina, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Ana de-Castro-Ríos
- Servizo de Toxicoloxía, Instituto de Ciencias Forenses, Facultade de Medicina, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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24
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Shin Y, Kong TY, Cheong JC, Kim JY, Lee JI, Lee HS. Simultaneous determination of 75 abuse drugs including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opioids, piperazines, zolpidem and metabolites in human hair samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Biomed Chromatogr 2019; 33:e4600. [PMID: 31116452 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous determination of 75 abuse drugs and metabolites, including 19 benzodiazepines, 19 amphetamines, two opiates, eight opioids, cocaine, lysergic acid diethylamide, zolpidem, three piperazines and 21 metabolites in human hair samples, was developed and validated. Ten-milligram hair samples were decontaminated, pulverized using a ball mill, extracted with 1 mL of methanol spiked with 28 deuterated internal standards in an ultrasonic bath for 60 min at 50°C, and purified with Q-sep dispersive solid-phase extraction tubes. The purified extracts were evaporated to dryness and the residue was dissolved in 0.1 mL of 10% methanol. The 75 analytes were analyzed on an Acquity HSS T3 column using gradient elution of methanol and 0.1% formic acid and quantified in multiple reaction monitoring mode with positive electrospray ionization. Calibration curves were linear (r ≥ 0.9951) from the lower limit of quantitation (2-200 pg/mg depending on the drug) to 2000 pg/mg. The coefficients of variation and accuracy for intra- and inter-assay analysis at three QC levels were 4.3-12.9% and 89.2-109.1%, respectively. The overall mean recovery ranged from 87.1 to 105.3%. This method was successfully applied to the analysis of 11 forensic hair samples obtained from drug abusers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongho Shin
- BK21 PLUS Team for Creative Leader Program for Pharmacomics-based Future Pharmacy and Drug Metabolism and Bioanalysis Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Yeon Kong
- BK21 PLUS Team for Creative Leader Program for Pharmacomics-based Future Pharmacy and Drug Metabolism and Bioanalysis Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Cheol Cheong
- Forensic Genetics and Chemistry Division, Supreme Prosecutor's Office, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Kim
- Forensic Genetics and Chemistry Division, Supreme Prosecutor's Office, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Il Lee
- Forensic Genetics and Chemistry Division, Supreme Prosecutor's Office, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Suk Lee
- BK21 PLUS Team for Creative Leader Program for Pharmacomics-based Future Pharmacy and Drug Metabolism and Bioanalysis Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
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25
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Freni F, Bianco S, Vignali C, Groppi A, Moretti M, Osculati AMM, Morini L. A multi-analyte LC–MS/MS method for screening and quantification of 16 synthetic cathinones in hair: Application to postmortem cases. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 298:115-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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26
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An Z, Chen S, Tong X, He H, Han J, Ma M, Shi Y, Wang X. Widely Applicable AIE Chemosensor for On-Site Fast Detection of Drugs Based on the POSS-Core Dendrimer with the Controlled Self-Assembly Mechanism. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:2649-2654. [PMID: 30672709 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b03275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A novel fluorescence chemosensor that can quickly on-site detect synthetic drugs and undergo prescreening is first reported. An eight tetraphenylethene (TPE)-modified polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) dendrimer is designed and synthesized as an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) chemosensor, which exhibits great enhancement of unique monomer emission in pure tetrahydrofuran (THF) and AIE emission in THF/water, thanks to forming different self-assembly morphologies. In addition, POSS-TPE can sensitively detect methamphetamine and ketamine even in artificial saliva by noncovalent interaction forces. It has great potential to be a new widely applicable AIE chemosensor for aromatic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihang An
- College of Materials Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou 310014 , China
| | - Si Chen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou 310014 , China
| | - Xiaoqian Tong
- College of Materials Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou 310014 , China
| | - Huiwen He
- College of Materials Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou 310014 , China
| | - Jin Han
- College of Materials Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou 310014 , China
| | - Meng Ma
- College of Materials Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou 310014 , China
| | - Yanqin Shi
- College of Materials Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou 310014 , China
| | - Xu Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering , Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou 310014 , China
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27
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Biavardi E, Massera C. Crystal structure of a host-guest complex between mephedrone hydro-chloride and a tetra-phospho-nate cavitand. Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun 2019; 75:277-283. [PMID: 30800467 PMCID: PMC6362660 DOI: 10.1107/s2056989019001464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A new supra-molecular complex (I) between the tetra-phospho-nate cavitand Tiiii[C3H7,CH3,C6H5] [systematic name: 2,8,14,20-tetra-propyl-5,11,17,23-tetra-methyl-6,10:12,16:18,22:24,4-tetra-kis-(phenyl-phospho-nato-O,O')resorcin[4]arene] and mephedrone hydro-choride {C11H16NO+·Cl-; systematic name: meth-yl[1-(4-methyl-phen-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl]aza-nium chloride} has been obtained and characterized both in solution and in the solid state. The complex of general formula (C11H16NO)@Tiiii[C3H7,CH3,C6H5]Cl·CH3OH or C11H16NO+·Cl-·C68H68O12P4·CH3OH, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with one lattice methanol mol-ecule per cavitand, disordered over two positions with occupancy factors of 0.665 (6) and 0.335 (6). The mephedrone guest inter-acts with the P=O groups at the upper rim of the cavitand through two charge-assisted N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, while the methyl group directly bound to the amino moiety is stabilized inside the π basic cavity via cation⋯π inter-actions. The chloride counter-anion is located between the alkyl legs of the cavitand, forming C-H⋯Cl inter-actions with the aromatic and methyl-enic H atoms of the lower rim. The chloride anion is also responsible for the formation of a supra-molecular chain along the b-axis direction through C-H⋯Cl inter-actions involving the phenyl substituent of one phospho-nate group. C-H⋯O and C-H⋯π inter-actions between the guest and adjacent cavitands contribute to the formation of the crystal structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Biavardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Massera
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
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Efficient determination of amphetamine and methylamphetamine in human urine using electro-enhanced single-drop microextraction with in-drop derivatization and gas chromatography. Anal Chim Acta 2019; 1045:162-168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2018.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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29
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Silva ATMD, Bessa CDPB, Borges WDS, Borges KB. Bioanalytical methods for determining ecstasy components in biological matrices: A review. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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30
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Rapid tentative identification of synthetic cathinones in seized products taking advantage of the full capabilities of triple quadrupole analyzer. Forensic Toxicol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0432-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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31
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Accioni F, García-Gómez D, Girela E, Rubio S. SUPRAS extraction approach for matrix-independent determination of amphetamine-type stimulants by LC-MS/MS. Talanta 2018; 182:574-582. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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32
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Kyriakou C, Pellegrini M, García-Algar O, Marinelli E, Zaami S. Recent Trends in Analytical Methods to Determine New Psychoactive Substances in Hair. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 15:663-681. [PMID: 27834146 PMCID: PMC5771044 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666161111112545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) belong to several chemical classes, including phenethylamines, piperazines, synthetic cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids. Development and validation of analytical methods for the determination of NPS both in traditional and alternative matrices is of crucial importance to study drug metabolism and to associate consumption to clinical outcomes and eventual intoxication symptoms. Among different biological matrices, hair is the one with the widest time window to investigate drug-related history and demonstrate past intake. The aim of this paper was to overview the trends of the rapidly evolving analytical methods for the determination of NPS in hair and the usefulness of these methods when applied to real cases. A number of rapid and sensitive methods for the determination of NPS in hair matrix has been recently published, most of them using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Hair digestion and subsequent solid phase extraction or liquid-liquid extraction were described as well as extraction in organic solvents. For most of the methods limits of quantification at picogram per milligram hair were obtained. The measured concentrations for most of the NPS in real samples were in the range of picograms of drug per milligram of hair. Interpretation of the results and lack of cut-off values for the discrimination between chronic consumption and occasional use or external contamination are still challenging. Methods for the determination of NPS in hair are continually emerging to include as many NPS as possible due to the great demand for their detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystalla Kyriakou
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336 (00185) Rome. Italy
| | - Manuela Pellegrini
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome. Italy
| | - Oscar García-Algar
- Department of Pediatrics, Group of Research on Childhood and Environment (GRIE), Institute Hospital del Mar of Medical Research (IMIM), Hospital del Mar, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Spain
| | - Enrico Marinelli
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336 (00185) Rome. Italy
| | - Simona Zaami
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336 (00185) Rome. Italy
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Abstract
Bioanalysis of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is very challenging due to the growing number of compounds with new chemical structures found on the drugs of abuse market. Screening, identification, and quantification in biosamples are needed in clinical and forensic toxicology settings, and these procedures are more challenging than the analysis of seized drug material because of extremely low concentrations encountered in biofluids but also due to diverse metabolic alterations of the parent compounds. This article focuses on bioanalytical single- and multi-analyte procedures applicable to a broad variety of NPS in various biomatrices, such as blood, urine, oral fluid, or hair. Sample preparation, instrumentation, detection modes, and data evaluation are discussed as well as corresponding pitfalls. PubMed-listed and English-written original research papers and review articles published online between 01 October 2012 and 30 September 2017 were considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Wagmann
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hans H Maurer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
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34
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Boumba VA, Di Rago M, Peka M, Drummer OH, Gerostamoulos D. The analysis of 132 novel psychoactive substances in human hair using a single step extraction by tandem LC/MS. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 279:192-202. [PMID: 28910664 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A rapid LC-MS/MS method for the targeted screening of 132 NPS in hair is described. Drugs include cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids, as well as amphetamine-type stimulants, piperazines and other hallucinogenic compounds. This method utilizes hair pulverization in acidified methanol followed by analysis using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem MS. The limit of detection varied from 0.001 to 0.1ng/mg hair among the various analytes. The method was validated in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, repeatability and stability. The limit of reporting was set at 0.1ng/mg of hair. The method was successfully applied to 23 medico-legal cases where NPS were detected in blood or where NPS use was suspected. The identified NPS included acetyl fentanyl, 25C-NBOMe, MDPV, PB-22 and AB-FUBINACA, allowing hair to be used where historical or retrospective information on use of NPS is sought. This technique has proven to be efficient for the one step extraction from hair of different classes of NPS in routine toxicological investigations; from unstable and volatile compounds, such as most of the cathinones, to hydrophobic compounds such as synthetic cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassiliki A Boumba
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Australia; Laboratory of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Matthew Di Rago
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Australia; Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh St., Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
| | - Melissa Peka
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh St., Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
| | - Olaf H Drummer
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Australia; Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh St., Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
| | - Dimitri Gerostamoulos
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Australia; Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh St., Southbank, Victoria 3006, Australia
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35
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Palamar JJ, Salomone A, Gerace E, Di Corcia D, Vincenti M, Cleland CM. Hair testing to assess both known and unknown use of drugs amongst ecstasy users in the electronic dance music scene. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 48:91-98. [PMID: 28810159 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on both known and unknown drug use in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene is important to inform prevention and harm reduction. While surveys are the most common method of querying drug use, additional biological data can help validate use and detect unknown/unintentional use of drugs such as new psychoactive substances (NPS). We sought to determine the extent of both known and unknown use of various substances in this high-risk scene. METHODS We hair-tested 90 self-reported past-year ecstasy/MDMA/Molly users attending EDM parties in New York City during the summer of 2016 using UHPLC-MS/MS. Results were compared to self-reported past-year use. RESULTS Three quarters (74.4%) tested positive for MDMA, a third (33.3%) tested positive for an NPS, and 27.8% tested positive specifically for one or more synthetic cathinones (e.g., butylone, ethylone, pentylone, methylone, alpha-PVP). Half (51.1%) of participants tested positive for a drug not self-reported, with most testing positive for synthetic cathinones (72.0%), methamphetamine (69.0%), other NPS stimulants (e.g., 4-FA, 5/6-APB; 66.7%), or new dissociatives (e.g., methoxetamine, diphenidine; 60.0%). Attending parties every other week or more often, reporting higher-frequency ecstasy pill use, having tested one's ecstasy, and having found out one's ecstasy was adulterated, were risk factors for testing positive for synthetic cathinones and NPS in general. CONCLUSION Hair testing appears to be a valuable addition to drug epidemiology studies. Many EDM party attendees-even those who test their ecstasy-are unknowingly using NPS and/or other drugs. Prevention information and harm reduction may help reduce unknown/unintentional use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Palamar
- New York University Langone Medical Center, Department of Population Health, New York, NY, USA; Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Alberto Salomone
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia "A. Bertinaria", Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Gerace
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia "A. Bertinaria", Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Corcia
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia "A. Bertinaria", Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Vincenti
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia "A. Bertinaria", Orbassano, Turin, Italy; Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Charles M Cleland
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, NY, USA; New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
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36
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Salomone A, Palamar JJ, Gerace E, Di Corcia D, Vincenti M. Hair Testing for Drugs of Abuse and New Psychoactive Substances in a High-Risk Population. J Anal Toxicol 2017; 41:376-381. [PMID: 28334805 PMCID: PMC5427665 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkx020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have emerged in the drug market over the last decade. Few drug surveys in the USA, however, ask about use of NPS, so prevalence and correlates of use are largely unknown. A large portion of NPS use is unintentional or unknown as NPS are common adulterants in drugs like ecstasy/Molly, and most NPS are rapidly eliminated from the body, limiting efficacy of urine, blood and saliva testing. We utilized a novel method of examining prevalence of NPS use in a high-risk population utilizing hair-testing. Hair samples from high-risk nightclub and dance music attendees were tested for 82 drugs and metabolites (including NPS) using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Eighty samples collected from different parts of the body were analyzed, 57 of which detected positive for at least one substance-either a traditional or new drug. Among these, 26 samples tested positive for at least one NPS-the most common being butylone (25 samples). Other new drugs detected include methylone, methoxetamine, 5/6-APB, α-PVP and 4-FA. Hair analysis proved a powerful tool to gain objective biological drug-prevalence information, free from possible biases of unintentional or unknown intake and untruthful reporting of use. Such testing can be used actively or retrospectively to validate survey responses and inform research on consumption patterns, including intentional and unknown use, polydrug-use, occasional NPS intake and frequent or heavy use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Salomone
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia “A. Bertinaria”, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Joseph J. Palamar
- Department of Population Health, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
| | - Enrico Gerace
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia “A. Bertinaria”, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Corcia
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia “A. Bertinaria”, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Vincenti
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia “A. Bertinaria”, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Torino, Turin, Italy
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37
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Lin Z, Li J, Zhang X, Qiu M, Huang Z, Rao Y. Ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the determination of seven recreational drugs in human whole blood using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2017; 1046:177-184. [PMID: 28189103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2017.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recreational drugs have large impact on public health and security, and to monitor them is of urgent demand. In the present study, ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with the detection of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied to the determination of seven common recreational drugs, including amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, meperidine, methadone and ketamine in 200μL of human whole blood. A series of factors which would affect the extraction efficiency were systematically investigated, including the nature and the volume of extraction and dispersing solvents, ultrasonication time, salting-out effect and pH value. The method consumed small amount of sample. The limits of detection and limits of quantification for each analyte were 10 and 40ng/mL, respectively, and the linearity was in the range of 0.04-25μg/mL (R2 higher than 0.99). Good specificity, precision (1.5-8.2% for the intra-day study and 2.6-12.8% for the inter-day study), satisfactory accuracy (85.0-117.1%) and extraction recovery (77.0-92.4%) were obtained, which makes it a high performance method for the determination of recreational drugs in human whole blood samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zebin Lin
- Department of Forensic Medicine (Center of Forensic Science), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiaolun Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine (Center of Forensic Science), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine (Center of Forensic Science), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Meihong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhibin Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine (Center of Forensic Science), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yulan Rao
- Department of Forensic Medicine (Center of Forensic Science), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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38
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Montesano C, Vannutelli G, Massa M, Simeoni MC, Gregori A, Ripani L, Compagnone D, Curini R, Sergi M. Multi-class analysis of new psychoactive substances and metabolites in hair by pressurized liquid extraction coupled to HPLC-HRMS. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:798-807. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Montesano
- Department of Chemistry; Sapienza University of Rome; 00185 Rome Italy
| | | | - Maristella Massa
- Department of Chemistry; Sapienza University of Rome; 00185 Rome Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Simeoni
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment; University of Teramo; 64023 Mosciano Sant'Angelo TE Italy
| | - Adolfo Gregori
- Department of Scientific Investigation (RIS); Carabinieri; 00191 Rome Italy
| | - Luigi Ripani
- Department of Scientific Investigation (RIS); Carabinieri; 00191 Rome Italy
| | - Dario Compagnone
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment; University of Teramo; 64023 Mosciano Sant'Angelo TE Italy
| | - Roberta Curini
- Department of Chemistry; Sapienza University of Rome; 00185 Rome Italy
| | - Manuel Sergi
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment; University of Teramo; 64023 Mosciano Sant'Angelo TE Italy
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