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Hachem M, Mizouni R, Alawadhi IM, Altamimi MJ. Digital forensic intelligence for illicit drug analysis in forensic investigations. iScience 2023; 26:108023. [PMID: 37860773 PMCID: PMC10582396 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108023] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In forensic investigations, forensic intelligence is required for illicit drug profiling in order to allow police officers and law enforcements to recognize crime developments and adjust their actions. In the present paper, we propose a novel framework for Digital Forensic Drug Intelligence (DFDI) by fusing digital forensic and drug profiling data through intelligent cycles, where a targeted and iterative collection of evidence from diverse sources is a core step in the process of drug profiling. Drug profiling data combined with digital data from seized devices collected, examined, and analyzed will allow authorities to generate valuable information about illicit drug trafficking routes and manufacturing. Such data can be stored in seized illicit drug databases to build in an intelligent way, all findings, hypotheses and recommendations, allowing law enforcement to make decisions. Our framework will potentially provide a better understanding of profiling, trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayssa Hachem
- Department of Chemistry and Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University of Sciences and Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rabeb Mizouni
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Khalifa University of Sciences and Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohamad J. Altamimi
- Dubai Police, General Department of Forensic Science and Criminology, Drug Surveillance Center, Drug Profiling Section, Dubai P.O. Box 1493, United Arab Emirates
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2
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The use of liquid phase separation techniques for heroin chemical profiling. Forensic Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2022.100455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2022]
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3
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Ahmed R, Altamimi MJ, Hachem M. State-of-the-Art Analytical Approaches for Illicit Drug Profiling in Forensic Investigations. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196602. [PMID: 36235138 PMCID: PMC9571531 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In forensic chemistry, when investigating seized illicit drugs, the profiling or chemical fingerprinting of drugs is considered fundamental. This involves the identification, quantitation and categorization of drug samples into groups, providing investigative leads such as a common or different origin of seized samples. Further goals of drug profiling include the elucidation of synthetic pathways, identification of adulterants and impurities, as well as identification of a drug's geographic origin, specifically for plant-derived exhibits. The aim of this state-of-art-review is to present the traditional and advanced analytical approaches commonly followed by forensic chemists worldwide for illicit drug profiling. We discussed numerous methodologies for the physical and chemical profiling of organic and inorganic impurities found in illicit drug. Applications of powerful spectroscopic and chromatographic tools for illicit drug profiling including isotope-Ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-IRMS), ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were discussed. Altogether, the techniques covered in this paper to profile seized illicit drugs could aid forensic chemists in selecting and applying a suitable method to extract valuable profiling data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamad J. Altamimi
- Dubai Police, General Department of Forensic Science and Criminology, Forensic Chemistry Section, Dubai P.O. Box 1493, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mayssa Hachem
- Department of Chemistry and Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
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4
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Hendijani F, Hosseini FS. Interindividual variability in diabetic patients’ response to opium poppy: an overview of impressive factors. Per Med 2022; 19:155-163. [PMID: 35220727 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2021-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic patients always seek alternative treatments to lower their blood glucose level efficiently, because antidiabetic drugs produce adverse effects and many patients experience reduced response after a treatment period. Opium poppy ( Papaver somniferum) is frequently consumed by diabetic patients for reduction of blood glucose level. Scientific studies found controversial results in the investigation of the blood glucose-lowering effects of opium poppy. In this regard, we explored the antidiabetic effect of opium poppy more closely. The antidiabetic or antihyperglycemic effect of P. somniferum alkaloids were reviewed. Next, opioid receptors and their role in diabetes were explored. In the final part origins of interindividual variabilities in opioid receptors and metabolizing enzymes’ functions including genetic and epigenetic factors were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hendijani
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadat Hosseini
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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5
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Applicability of liquid and supercritical fluid chromatographic separation techniques with diode array ultraviolet detection for forensic analysis. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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6
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Thompson RA, Morello DR, Panicker S, Toske SG, Li L. Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopic Analysis of Morphine from Opium and Heroin Samples Originating in the Four Major Heroin Producing Regions. Drug Test Anal 2021; 14:505-513. [PMID: 34794203 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The forensic analysis of stable isotopes is a valuable tool to geo-source natural or semi-synthetic drugs such as cocaine and heroin. The present study describes a novel methodology to isolate morphine from opium for isotopic analysis. Furthermore, this isotopic data from regional sources is corroborated with morphine data obtained from seized heroin (de-acetylated to morphine) from the same regions. All five primary alkaloids of opium, namely morphine, codeine, thebaine, noscapine and papaverine, were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography with PDA before the preparative experiment to gather a complete major alkaloidal profile. Morphine fractions of authentic opium submissions from Mexico, South America, Southwest Asia, and Southeast Asia were isolated and collected using preparative high performance liquid chromatography, and the collected morphine samples were subsequently analyzed by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Carbon and nitrogen isotope data are presented. The data demonstrates that nitrogen ratios are capable of differentiating samples from Mexico and South America while carbon ratios are able to distinguish Southwest Asian samples from other source regions. Analogous results have routinely been observed (as part of Heroin Signature Program analysis) for morphine obtained from de-acetylated authentic heroin samples from the same source regions. The results suggest that the poppy growing region has a greater influence on the carbon and nitrogen isotope values than the heroin manufacturing processes employed. When utilized in conjunction with existing signature methodologies, carbon and nitrogen isotope ratio data can enhance the ability to geo-source heroin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Thompson
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, Dulles, Virginia, USA
| | - David R Morello
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, Dulles, Virginia, USA
| | - Sini Panicker
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, Dulles, Virginia, USA
| | - Steven G Toske
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, Dulles, Virginia, USA
| | - Li Li
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, Dulles, Virginia, USA
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7
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Andersen JM, Bogen IL, Karinen R, Brochmann GW, Mørland J, Vindenes V, Boix F. Does the preparation for intravenous administration affect the composition of heroin injections? A controlled laboratory study. Addiction 2021; 116:3104-3112. [PMID: 33739552 DOI: 10.1111/add.15492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To study whether the preparation procedure, and its acidic and heating conditions, used by heroin users to prepare heroin for intravenous administration affects the final composition of the fluid to be injected. METHODS Samples from different seizures of illegal heroin provided by the Norwegian police were prepared by adding water and ascorbic acid before heating under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Further, three seizures were prepared with different amounts of ascorbic or citric acid relative to their diacetylmorphine content. Pure diacetylmorphine base or salt was also submitted to the procedure applying two different heating intensities. The seizures and the final product after preparation were analysed for diacetylmorphine, 6-acetylmorphine and morphine using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). RESULTS After preparation, a decrease of 19.8% (25th and 75th percentiles = -29.2 and -15.3) in the initial diacetylmorphine content was observed. Both the 6-acetylmorphine and morphine content increased but, due to their low content in the initial product, diacetylmorphine still represented 83.9% (25th and 75th percentiles = 77.3 and 88.0) of the sum of these three opioids in the final solution. The loss of water during preparation caused an increase in the concentration of diacetylmorphine, 6-acetylmorphine and morphine, depending on the heating intensity applied. The content of these opioids was affected by the quantity and type of acid added in relation to the heroin purity and the level of diacetylmorphine dissolved being proportional to the amount of ascorbic acid, but not citric acid, in the sample with high heroin purity. CONCLUSIONS Preparation of heroin for intravenous injection appears to change the amount or concentration of diacetylmorphine and its active metabolites, 6-acetylmorphine and morphine in the final product, depending on heroin purity, amount and type of acid used or heating conditions. These circumstances can contribute to unintentional variations in the potency of the final injected solution, and therefore affect the outcome after injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannike M Andersen
- Section for Drug Abuse Research, Dept. of Forensic Sciences, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Inger Lise Bogen
- Section for Drug Abuse Research, Dept. of Forensic Sciences, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Ritva Karinen
- Section for Drug Abuse Research, Dept. of Forensic Sciences, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gerd Wenche Brochmann
- Section for Drug Abuse Research, Dept. of Forensic Sciences, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørg Mørland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.,Division of Health Data and Digitalization, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vigdis Vindenes
- Section for Drug Abuse Research, Dept. of Forensic Sciences, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Fernando Boix
- Section for Drug Abuse Research, Dept. of Forensic Sciences, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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8
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Collins M. Illicit drug profiling: A historical perspective. Drug Test Anal 2021; 14:404-410. [PMID: 34402191 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
For many years following the Second World War trafficking in cocaine, heroin and methylamphetamine was on a comparatively small scale. However, by the 1970s heroin usage increased to a point where it had became a serious worldwide problem creating concern at high levels in many governments. In 1977 the United Nations International Drug Control Program convened a special meeting of experts to explore ways of 'profiling' or geo-locating heroin to aid in determining trafficking routes used to move the drug around the world. The Panel was tasked with developing a concerted research program into the chemical profiling of heroin with the express aim of using chemistry for geo-location. Eventually the scope of the program was expanded to include cocaine because it was a major problem in the United States and was being increasingly seen in European cities. The amphetamine type stimulants, methylamphetamine, amphetamine and 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), were also included and research into profiling techniques for these five major drugs became common. Today many countries have dedicated drug profiling programs employing large staff numbers and using sophisticated analytical technology. Drug profiling, especially the chemistry that underpins it, is an interesting field and will continue to be valuable as long as it remain relevant to the law enforcement community and its attempts to disrupt drug manufacture and trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Collins
- National Measurement Institute, Australian Forensic Drug Laboratory, National Measurement Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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9
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Cui X, Wang R, Hua Z, Yin H, Wu Z, Lian R, Chen G, Liang C, Zhang Y. Estimation of synthetic route of methamphetamine samples seized in China by direct analysis in real time with high-resolution mass spectrometry and chemometric analysis of organic impurities. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.105481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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10
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Jovanov P, Petrin-Miličević M, Radosavljević-Stevanović N, Vraneš M, Belić S, Sakač M, Nikolov J, Gadžurić S. Rapid Determination of the Primary Alkaloids in Illicit Heroin by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). ANAL LETT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2020.1798454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Jovanov
- Institute of Food Technology, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | | | - Milan Vraneš
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Sanja Belić
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Marijana Sakač
- Institute of Food Technology, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jovana Nikolov
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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11
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Young B, Roman MG, LaRue B, Gangitano D, Houston R. Evaluation of 19 short tandem repeat markers for individualization of Papaver somniferum. Sci Justice 2020; 60:253-262. [PMID: 32381242 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Papaver somniferum, commonly known as opium poppy, is the source of natural opiates, which are used as analgesics or as precursors in the creation of semi-synthetic opioids such as heroin. An increase in opioid addiction in the United States has resulted in high rates of illicit opioid use and overdoses. It has recently been shown that P. somniferum DNA suitable for genetic analysis can be recovered from heroin samples. The development of a comprehensive genetic individualization tool for opium poppy could serve to link cases and strengthen programs such as the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Heroin Signature Program, which seeks to combat rising opioid use. The purpose of this study was to develop a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) method for the quantification of opium poppy DNA, compare three commercial DNA extraction kits for their ability to isolate DNA from poppy seeds, and evaluate nineteen opium poppy short tandem repeat (STR) markers for their use in a forensic identification panel. Such a panel could be used for individualizing samples and determining the geographic origin in heroin or poppy seed tea cases. The qPCR method was proven to be reproducible and reliable, specific for P. somniferum, and sensitive enough for forensic case-type samples. Of the three kits tested, the nexttec™ one-step DNA Isolation Kit for Plants was the optimal method and facilitated rapid extraction of DNA from poppy seeds. The majority of evaluated STR primer sets were unreliable or had low discriminatory power, limiting their use for individualization of poppy samples. A six-locus STR multiplex was developed and evaluated according to Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) and International Society of Forensic Genetics (ISFG) guidelines, including the use of a sequenced allelic ladder. The multiplex was found to have low discriminatory power, with greater than two-thirds of samples analyzed having just two different genotypes. The multiplex was determined to be unsuitable for individualization; however, a genotype map was developed as a proof of concept that these markers may be useful for determining the biogeographical origin of samples. Searching the poppy genome for new STR markers and developing new primer sets may be necessary for the creation of a powerful genetic tool for the individualization of P. somniferum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake Young
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd., Huntsville, TX 77340-2525, United States
| | - Madeline G Roman
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd., Huntsville, TX 77340-2525, United States.
| | - Bobby LaRue
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd., Huntsville, TX 77340-2525, United States.
| | - David Gangitano
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd., Huntsville, TX 77340-2525, United States
| | - Rachel Houston
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd., Huntsville, TX 77340-2525, United States.
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12
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Cui X, Lian R, Chen J, Ni C, Liang C, Chen G, Zhang Y. Source identification of heroin by rapid detection of organic impurities using direct analysis in real time with high-resolution mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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13
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Li L, Panicker S, Casale EM. UHPLC–MS/MS quantitation of porphyroxine in opium and application of porphyroxine‐acetylated products as signature markers for heroin. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:999-1008. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Special Testing and Research LaboratoryU.S. Drug Enforcement Administration 22624 Dulles Summit Court Dulles Virginia 20166 USA
| | - Sini Panicker
- Special Testing and Research LaboratoryU.S. Drug Enforcement Administration 22624 Dulles Summit Court Dulles Virginia 20166 USA
| | - Ellen M. Casale
- Special Testing and Research LaboratoryU.S. Drug Enforcement Administration 22624 Dulles Summit Court Dulles Virginia 20166 USA
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14
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Devereaux AL, Mercer SL, Cunningham CW. DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Morphine. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:2395-2407. [PMID: 29757600 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As the major psychoactive agent in opium and direct precursor for heroin, morphine is a historically critical molecule in chemical neuroscience. A structurally complex phenanthrene alkaloid produced by Papaver somniferum, morphine has fascinated chemists seeking to disentangle pharmacologically beneficial analgesic effects from addiction, tolerance, and dependence liabilities. In this review, we will detail the history of morphine, from the first extraction and isolation by Sertürner in 1804 to the illicit use of morphine and proliferation of opioid use and abuse disorders currently ravaging the United States. Morphine is a molecule of great cultural relevance, as the agent that single-handedly transformed our understanding of pharmacognosy, receptor dynamics, and substance abuse and dependence disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Devereaux
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wisconsin 53097, United States
| | - Susan L. Mercer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tennessee 37204, United States
| | - Christopher W. Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wisconsin 53097, United States
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15
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Critical review of reports on impurity and degradation product profiling in the last decade. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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16
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Marciano MA, Panicker SX, Liddil GD, Lindgren D, Sweder KS. Development of a Method to Extract Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) DNA from Heroin. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2590. [PMID: 29416103 PMCID: PMC5803222 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20996-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study is the first to report the successful development of a method to extract opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) DNA from heroin samples. Determining of the source of an unknown heroin sample (forensic geosourcing) is vital to informing domestic and foreign policy related to counter-narcoterrorism. Current profiling methods focus on identifying process-related chemical impurities found in heroin samples. Changes to the geographically distinct processing methods may lead to difficulties in classifying and attributing heroin samples to a region/country. This study focuses on methods to optimize the DNA extraction and amplification of samples with low levels of degraded DNA and inhibiting compounds such as heroin. We compared modified commercial-off-the-shelf extraction methods such as the Qiagen Plant, Stool and the Promega Maxwell-16 RNA-LEV tissue kits for the ability to extract opium poppy DNA from latex, raw and cooked opium, white and brown powder heroin and black tar heroin. Opium poppy DNA was successfully detected in all poppy-derived samples, including heroin. The modified Qiagen stool method with post-extraction purification and a two-stage, dual DNA polymerase amplification procedure resulted in the highest DNA yield and minimized inhibition. This paper describes the initial phase in establishing a DNA-based signature method to characterize heroin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Marciano
- Forensic & National Security Sciences Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, 13244, USA.
| | - Sini X Panicker
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, Dulles, VA, 20166, USA
| | - Garrett D Liddil
- Forensic & National Security Sciences Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, 13244, USA
| | - Danielle Lindgren
- Forensic & National Security Sciences Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, 13244, USA
| | - Kevin S Sweder
- Forensic & National Security Sciences Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, 13244, USA
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17
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Profiling of heroin and assignment of provenance by 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio analysis. Inorganica Chim Acta 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2017.07.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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18
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Characterization of a heroin manufacturing process based on acidic extracts by combining complementary information from two-dimensional gas chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry. Forensic Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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19
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Yusoff MZ, Chang KH, Abdullah AFL. Attenuated total reflectance – Fourier transform infra-red spectral profiling of illicit heroin for forensic intelligence. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2016.1275794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Zawawi Yusoff
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia , 16150 Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- Department of Chemistry Malaysia, Kelantan Branch , 16100 Panji, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Kah Haw Chang
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia , 16150 Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Fahmi Lim Abdullah
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia , 16150 Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
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20
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Liu C, Hua Z, Meng X. Applicability of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry for cocaine profiling. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:1152-1161. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cuimei Liu
- National Narcotics Laboratory; Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security; Beijing China
| | - Zhendong Hua
- National Narcotics Laboratory; Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security; Beijing China
| | - Xin Meng
- National Narcotics Laboratory; Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security; Beijing China
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21
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Pichini S, Busardò FP, Gregori A, Berretta P, Gentili S, Pacifici R. Purity and adulterant analysis of some recent drug seizures in Italy. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:485-490. [PMID: 27860443 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The data collected in this study describe an initial attempt to systematically introduce the qualitative and quantitative analysis of adulterants present in seized street drugs in Italy with the aim of improving surveillance and data sharing and for this purpose, the implementation of validated and standardized procedures are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pichini
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Adolfo Gregori
- Sezione di Chimica, Esplosivi ed Infiammabili, R.I.S., Roma
| | - Paolo Berretta
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Gentili
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Pacifici
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Liu C, Hua Z, Bai Y. Classification of Opium by UPLC-Q-TOF Analysis of Principal and Minor Alkaloids. J Forensic Sci 2016; 61:1615-1621. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cuimei Liu
- National Narcotics Laboratory; Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security; Beijing 100193 China
| | - Zhendong Hua
- National Narcotics Laboratory; Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security; Beijing 100193 China
| | - Yanping Bai
- National Narcotics Laboratory; Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center of the Ministry of Public Security; Beijing 100193 China
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Kawashima H. The Measurement of Stable Carbon Isotope Ratios of Eight Methamidophos Samples. J Forensic Sci 2015; 60:1360-4. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroto Kawashima
- Department of Management Science and Engineering; Faculty of Systems Science and Technology; Akita Prefectural University; 84-4 Ebinokuchi, Tsuchiya Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture Japan
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