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Niebel A, Pragst F, Krumbiegel F, Hartwig S. Prevalence of cathinones and other new psychoactive substances in hair of parents and children of families with known or suspected parental abuse of conventional illegal drugs. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 331:111148. [PMID: 34923263 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111148] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hair analysis of parents and their children was regularly used since 2011 as a diagnostic tool in a social support project for families with known or suspected abuse of conventional illegal drugs and revealed a high incidence of cocaine, cannabinoids, amphetamines, ecstasy and heroin. In this context, the prevalence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in these families should be important for a realistic estimate of the situation. METHODS The extracts of 1537 hair samples from 318 children (age 1-14 years), 44 adolescents and 611 adults, which were collected and tested for conventional drugs between June 2016 and April 2021 and frozen at -20 °C, were reanalyzed by a validated LC-MS/MS method (limits of quantitation 5-24 pg/mg) for 33 cathinones, 10 phenylethylamines, 5 piperazines including the antidepressant trazodone, 2 tryptamines, 9 designer benzodiazepines, 4 synthetic opioids and 4 ketamine-like substances including phencyclidine. RESULTS Between one and up to five from 42 of these substances were detected in 227 samples (14.8%). The most frequently detected substances were benzedrone (62x), α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (41x), N-ethylamphetamine (29x), dimethyltryptamine (13x) and pyrovalerone (11x). The quantification was possible only for 34 results of 15 drugs and the remaining majority of the results were unambiguously identified below LLOQ. The relative frequency of conventional drugs in the 227 NPS positive samples was higher than in all 1310 NPS negative samples for cocaine (69.6% vs. 56.0%), heroin (6-acetylmorphine 8.8% vs. 4.9%), amphetamine (16.3% vs. 7.7%) and MDMA (16.3% vs. 7.0%) but was similar for THC (38.3% vs. 36.3%) and benzodiazepines (1.8% vs. 1.7%). The high prevalence of N-ethylamphetamine can be explained as a byproduct of the illicit amphetamine synthesis from benzaldehyde and nitroethane rather than as a separate drug or as a combined metabolite of amphetamine and ethanol. The isolated appearance of 3-trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine in 9 hair samples collected in January 2017 can be caused either by its use as an NPS or by its formation as a metabolite of the medical drug flibanserin. The results were compared within 17 families whose members were tested at the same time and showed positive NPS results. The detected drugs agreed between both parents only in about half of the cases whereas the drugs found in children's hair was always detected also in hair of one or both parents. CONCLUSION The re-testing of hair extracts for NPS after long-time storage in frozen state enables an impression about the relative high prevalence in the tested population group, despite the limitation by partial degradation of the substances and the corresponding impossibility in quantitative assessments. In addition to conventional drugs, the hair test for these substances should be useful in unclear cases of child's welfare endangerment and in family law.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Niebel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Turmstraße 21 (Haus N), 10559 Berlin, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Königin-Luise-Straße 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Fritz Pragst
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Turmstraße 21 (Haus N), 10559 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Franziska Krumbiegel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Turmstraße 21 (Haus N), 10559 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Hartwig
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Turmstraße 21 (Haus N), 10559 Berlin, Germany
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Blair AL, Chiaf AL, Crockett EK, Teague TK, Croff JM. Validation of hair ethyl glucuronide using transdermal monitoring and self-reported alcohol use in women of childbearing potential. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2021; 41:144-151. [PMID: 33650766 PMCID: PMC8340845 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The present study aimed to evaluate the validity of hair ethyl glucuronide concentrations compared with transdermal alcohol concentration and self‐reported alcohol use. Methods This trial included 25 adolescent and young adult females, aged 16‐24, who reported at least one heavy drinking episode (≥4 drinks) in the two weeks prior to baseline. All participants were asked to wear an alcohol biosensor over a one‐month prospective study. Detailed self‐report of drinking behaviors was assessed weekly. Estimates of blood alcohol concentration were computed from self‐report data using the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration equation. Transdermal alcohol concentration and estimated blood alcohol concentration data were categorized into at‐risk (>0.05 g/dL alcohol) and high‐risk (>0.08 g/dL alcohol) drinking events. Hair ethyl glucuronide concentration, total number of drinking events, moderate (>0.05 g/dL) and high level (>0.08 g/dL) of transdermal alcohol concentration, and estimated blood alcohol concentration drinking events were analyzed with Spearman's rank correlation test for validity comparisons. Results No significant correlations were found between hair ethyl glucuronide values and total number, and moderate or high levels of detected drinking events by estimated blood alcohol concentration or transdermal alcohol concentration. Total number of drinking events detected and number of drinking events >0.08 g/dL using estimated blood alcohol concentration and transdermal alcohol concentration methods were significantly correlated with each other (respectively, R = .33, P < .05; R = .42, P < .05). Conclusion Our findings indicate that, due to the number of false negatives, hair ethyl glucuronide concentrations should be used with caution for monitoring abstinence from alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Blair
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, National Center for Wellness & Recovery, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Ashleigh L Chiaf
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, National Center for Wellness & Recovery, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Erica K Crockett
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, National Center for Wellness & Recovery, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Tracy Kent Teague
- Integrative Immunology Lab, Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Julie M Croff
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, National Center for Wellness & Recovery, Tulsa, OK, USA.,Department of Rural Health, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
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Müller A, Iwersen-Bergmann S. Determination of ethyl glucuronide in human hair samples: Decontamination vs extraction. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:948-956. [PMID: 32171047 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Decontamination of samples prior to analysis is common practice and recommended for ethyl glucuronide (EtG) hair testing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applied decontamination procedure during routine hair EtG analysis by monitoring the ethyl glucuronide concentrations in the washing solutions from a representative cohort of individual hair samples. Hair samples from 150 individuals were tested for hair EtG by a validated routine procedure (liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry). A four-step decontamination procedure (ethanol, water, acetone, dichloromethane) was applied to all samples prior to analysis. Hair samples from 20 individuals were analyzed along with the complete set of individual washing solutions. Hair samples from an additional 130 individuals were analyzed along with the corresponding aqueous wash fraction only. No EtG was detected in the washing solutions from hair samples that tested negative for EtG (n = 42). Hair samples positive for ethyl glucuronide (n = 108) were found to liberate different amounts of EtG during decontamination: whereas no, or low portions of, EtG (< 10% of extracted hair EtG) were found in the corresponding washing solutions of the majority (n = 91) of individual samples, there was a minority of samples (n = 6) with more than half of the extracted hair EtG present in the decontamination solvent. No correlation of the decontaminated amount of EtG and the extracted hair EtG was observed. Further experimental studies are necessary to investigate if the observed easily removable fraction of EtG is associated with external contamination and if analysis of wash solutions could be helpful for identifying external contamination in hair testing for ethyl glucuronide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Müller
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Iwersen-Bergmann
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Positive findings of ethyl glucuronide in hair of young children from families with addiction background. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:523-532. [PMID: 31965236 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02236-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Small children are expected to be abstinent from alcohol, and children's hair is frequently used as the blank matrix for calibration of the alcohol consumption marker ethyl glucuronide (EtG). The basal EtG concentrations of total abstainers were described to be 0.3-2.1 pg/mg (Pirro et al. 2013). It is examined whether this assumption is valid for children from families with addiction background. METHODS In a social support system for families with drug and/or alcohol addicted parents, 161 hair samples from 126 children (age 1-14 years, hair segment 0-3 cm) were analyzed for EtG by a validated LC-MS/MS method (LOD 0.56 pg/mg, LLOQ 2.3 pg/mg). For comparison, ethyl palmitate (EtPa) was measured and hair samples from parents were included. EtG ≥ 3 pg/mg was considered as an alarming result for children. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION EtG concentrations between 3.0 and 42.6 pg/mg (mean 9.55 pg/mg, median 6.40 pg/mg) were measured for 25 samples (15.5%, age 22 × 1-5 years, 3 × 9-11 years). Elevated EtPa (0.15-0.46 ng/mg) was found in 6 samples and cocaethylene (0.02-0.07 ng/mg) was detected in 5 samples with high cocaine findings. Hair results of one or both parents indicated drug abuse in 12 from 14 cases (85.7%) if both parents were tested. CONCLUSION Although accidental or voluntary intake of alcoholic beverages cannot be excluded, the external contamination of children's hair by EtG-containing wine and sweat or urine of the alcohol abusing parents is assumed to be the most probable explanation for the positive EtG results in hair of 1-5-year-old children.
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Boroujerdi R, Abdelkader A, Paul R. State of the Art in Alcohol Sensing with 2D Materials. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2020; 12:33. [PMID: 34138082 PMCID: PMC7770777 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-019-0363-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of graphene, the star among new materials, there has been a surge of attention focused on the monatomic and monomolecular sheets which can be obtained by exfoliation of layered compounds. Such materials are known as two-dimensional (2D) materials and offer enormous versatility and potential. The ultimate single atom, or molecule, thickness of the 2D materials sheets provides the highest surface to weight ratio of all the nanomaterials, which opens the door to the design of more sensitive and reliable chemical sensors. The variety of properties and the possibility of tuning the chemical and surface properties of the 2D materials increase their potential as selective sensors, targeting chemical species that were previously difficult to detect. The planar structure and the mechanical flexibility of the sheets allow new sensor designs and put 2D materials at the forefront of all the candidates for wearable applications. When developing sensors for alcohol, the response time is an essential factor for many industrial and forensic applications, particularly when it comes to hand-held devices. Here, we review recent developments in the applications of 2D materials in sensing alcohols along with a study on parameters that affect the sensing capabilities. The review also discusses the strategies used to develop the sensor along with their mechanisms of sensing and provides a critique of the current limitations of 2D materials-based alcohol sensors and an outlook for the future research required to overcome the challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Boroujerdi
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK.
| | - Amor Abdelkader
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK.
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0FS, UK.
| | - Richard Paul
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK.
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Bastiani MF, Lizot LLF, Da Silva ACC, Hahn RZ, Dries SS, Perassolo MS, Antunes MV, Linden R. An Optimized Solid-Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Assay for the Determination of Ethyl Palmitate in Hair. J Anal Toxicol 2020; 44:402-409. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkz085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The use of hair as a matrix for the evaluation of chronic ethanol drinking behavior presents the advantage of a longer window of detection and higher specificity when compared to classical biochemical markers. The most recent recommendations the Society of Hair Testing (SOHT) indicate that ethyl palmitate (EtP) hair levels can be used to estimate the ethanol drinking behavior, alternatively to the combined measurement of four main fatty acid ethyl esters. In this study, solid-phase microextraction (SPME) conditions for the extraction of EtP from hair were optimized using response surface analysis, after a Box–Behnken experiment. Analyses were performed by GC-MS. The optimized HS-SPME conditions, using a PDMS-DVB (65 μm) fiber, were pre-adsorption time of 6 min, extraction time of 60 min and incubation temperature of 94°C. The linear range was 0.05 to 3 ng mg−1, with accuracy within 95.15–109.91%. Between-assay and within-assay precision were 8.58–12.53 and 6.12–6.82%, respectively. The extraction yield was 61.3–71.9%. The assay was applied to hair specimens obtained from 46 volunteers, all presenting EtP levels within the linear range of the assay. Using a statistically designed experiment, a sensitive SPME-GC-MS assay for the measurement of EtP in hair was developed and validated, requiring only 20 mg of hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Bastiani
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
- National Institute of Forensic Science and Technology (INCT Forense), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program on Toxicology and Analytical Toxicology, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
| | - L L F Lizot
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
- National Institute of Forensic Science and Technology (INCT Forense), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program on Toxicology and Analytical Toxicology, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
| | - A C C Da Silva
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
- Graduate Program on Toxicology and Analytical Toxicology, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
| | - R Z Hahn
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
| | - S S Dries
- Graduate Program on Toxicology and Analytical Toxicology, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
| | - M S Perassolo
- Graduate Program on Toxicology and Analytical Toxicology, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
| | - M V Antunes
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
- Graduate Program on Toxicology and Analytical Toxicology, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
| | - R Linden
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
- National Institute of Forensic Science and Technology (INCT Forense), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program on Toxicology and Analytical Toxicology, Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
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Bastiani M, Lizot L, Da Silva A, Hahn R, Dries S, Perassolo M, Antunes M, Linden R. Improved measurement of ethyl glucuronide concentrations in hair using UPLCMS/MS for the evaluation of chronic ethanol consumption. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 306:110071. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Biondi A, Freni F, Carelli C, Moretti M, Morini L. Ethyl glucuronide hair testing: A review. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 300:106-119. [PMID: 31096163 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a minor, non-oxidative ethanol metabolite that can be detected in several matrices (e.g. blood, urine, hair, meconium) for variable periods of time. Quantification of EtG in hair (hEtG) has established itself, over recent years, as one of the most reliable biomarkers of long-term alcohol consumption habits, with the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) offering cut-off values for assessment of both abstinence and heavy drinking (>60 g/day). Despite its high diagnostic performance, however, issues concerning inter- and intra-laboratory variability as well as data interpretation are still being investigated and represent the ultimate barrier to widespread acceptance of hEtG in the forensic context. The aim of this review is to summarize currently available analytical methods of hEtG testing, provide a framework to understand current hEtG cut-offs and their possible upcoming changes (in particular, a lower abstinence cut-off has been proposed for the 2019 revision of the SoHT consensus), and offer a schematic but exhaustive overview of the pitfalls in result reproducibility and interpretation that may limit applications of hEtG testing in the forensic context. Ultimately, the purpose of the authors is not to undermine the reliability of hEtG as an alcohol use marker, but rather to enhance it by promoting familiarization with all aspects related to it, from ethanol pharmacokinetics and EtG incorporation into hair, to sample preparation and analytical methods, to specific cases warranting close attention and additional tests for correct interpretation of hEtG results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Biondi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Freni
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Carelli
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Moretti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Morini
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Oppolzer D, Santos C, Gallardo E, Passarinha L, Barroso M. Alcohol consumption assessment in a student population through combined hair analysis for ethyl glucuronide and fatty acid ethyl esters. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 294:39-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Becker R, Lô I, Sporkert F, Baumgartner M. The determination of ethyl glucuronide in hair: Experiences from nine consecutive interlaboratory comparison rounds. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 288:67-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Alladio E, Biosa G, Seganti F, Di Corcia D, Salomone A, Vincenti M, Baumgartner MR. Systematic optimisation of ethyl glucuronide extraction conditions from scalp hair by design of experiments and its potential effect on cut-off values appraisal. Drug Test Anal 2018; 10:1394-1403. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Alladio
- Centro Regionale Antidoping ‘A. Bertinaria’; Turin Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica; Universita` degli Studi di Torino; Turin Italy
| | - Giulia Biosa
- Dipartimento di Chimica; Universita` degli Studi di Torino; Turin Italy
| | | | | | | | - Marco Vincenti
- Centro Regionale Antidoping ‘A. Bertinaria’; Turin Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica; Universita` degli Studi di Torino; Turin Italy
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Alladio E, Giacomelli L, Biosa G, Corcia D, Gerace E, Salomone A, Vincenti M. Development and validation of a Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) model based on the determination of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) in hair for the diagnosis of chronic alcohol abuse. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 282:221-230. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Pragst F, Suesse S, Salomone A, Vincenti M, Cirimele V, Hazon J, Tsanaclis L, Kingston R, Sporkert F, Baumgartner MR. Commentary on current changes of the SoHT 2016 consensus on alcohol markers in hair and further background information. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 278:326-333. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Meier U, Briellmann T, Scheurer E, Dussy F. Distribution pattern of ethyl glucuronide and caffeine concentrations over the scalp of a single person in a forensic context. Drug Test Anal 2017; 9:1594-1603. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Meier
- Institute of Legal Medicine of the University of Basel; Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology; Pestalozzistrasse 22 CH-4056 Basel Switzerland
| | - Thomas Briellmann
- Institute of Legal Medicine of the University of Basel; Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology; Pestalozzistrasse 22 CH-4056 Basel Switzerland
| | - Eva Scheurer
- Institute of Legal Medicine of the University of Basel; Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology; Pestalozzistrasse 22 CH-4056 Basel Switzerland
| | - Franz Dussy
- Institute of Legal Medicine of the University of Basel; Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology; Pestalozzistrasse 22 CH-4056 Basel Switzerland
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Alladio E, Martyna A, Salomone A, Pirro V, Vincenti M, Zadora G. Evaluation of direct and indirect ethanol biomarkers using a likelihood ratio approach to identify chronic alcohol abusers for forensic purposes. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 271:13-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Oppolzer D, Barroso M, Passarinha L, Gallardo E. Determination of ethyl glucuronide and fatty acid ethyl esters in hair samples. Biomed Chromatogr 2016; 31. [DOI: 10.1002/bmc.3858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Oppolzer
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI); Universidade da Beira Interior; Covilhã Portugal
| | - Mário Barroso
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses - Delegação do Sul; Lisbon Portugal
| | - Luís Passarinha
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI); Universidade da Beira Interior; Covilhã Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical; Universidade da Beira Interior; Covilhã Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI); Universidade da Beira Interior; Covilhã Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical; Universidade da Beira Interior; Covilhã Portugal
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Kummer N, Wille SMR, Poll A, Lambert WEE, Samyn N, Stove CP. Quantification of EtG in hair, EtG and EtS in urine and PEth species in capillary dried blood spots to assess the alcohol consumption in driver's licence regranting cases. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 165:191-7. [PMID: 27364378 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Belgium, the analysis of indirect biomarkers such as carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT%), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), is currently used to monitor the alcohol consumption in cases of fitness to drive assessment. We evaluated the use of direct ethanol markers for this purpose, exclusively determined in matrices obtained via non- or minimally invasive sampling. METHODS Three validated quantitative methods (ethylglucuronide (EtG) in hair and urine, ethylsulfate (EtS) in urine, and phosphatidylethanol species (PEth 16:0/18:1, PEth 18:1/18:1 and PEth 16:0/16:0) in capillary dried blood spots (C-DBS)) were used. Fifty volunteers, for whom fitness to drive had to be assessed and for whom a blood analysis for indirect biomarkers was requested, were included in the study. The sampling and analysis of hair, urine and C-DBS were added to the process currently used. RESULTS Hair EtG (24/50) and C-DBS PEths (29/50) are more sensitive than the currently used indirect biomarkers (13/50 for CDT%) to detect excessive and chronic alcohol consumption and allow to disprove an abstinence period. Urinary EtG and EtS are useful parameters to determine recent alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION The combined use of the three strategies allows better inference about the evolution of the alcohol consumption prior to the sampling. Moreover, the exclusive use of non- or minimally invasive sampling (hair, urine and C-DBS) allows this to be performed directly during the fitness to drive assessment by regular staff members. This approach offers the potential to improve the Belgian driver's licence regranting process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Kummer
- Federal Public Service Justice, National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah M R Wille
- Federal Public Service Justice, National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Willy E E Lambert
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele Samyn
- Federal Public Service Justice, National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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18
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Alternative sampling strategies for the assessment of alcohol intake of living persons. Clin Biochem 2016; 49:1078-91. [PMID: 27208822 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring of alcohol consumption by living persons takes place in various contexts, amongst which workplace drug testing, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving licence regranting programs, alcohol withdrawal treatment, diagnosis of acute intoxication or fetal alcohol ingestion. The matrices that are mostly used today include blood, breath and urine. The aim of this review is to present alternative sampling strategies that allow monitoring of the alcohol consumption in living subjects. Ethanol itself, indirect (carbohydrate deficient transferrin, CDT%) as well as direct biomarkers (ethyl glucuronide, EtG; ethyl sulphate, EtS; fatty acid ethyl esters, FAEEs and phosphatidylethanol species, PEths) of ethanol consumption will be considered. This review covers dried blood spots (CDT%, EtG/EtS, PEths), dried urine spots (EtG/EtS), sweat and skin surface lipids (ethanol, EtG, FAEEs), oral fluid (ethanol, EtG), exhaled breath (PEths), hair (EtG, FAEEs), nail (EtG), meconium (EtG/EtS, FAEEs), umbilical cord and placenta (EtG/EtS and PEth 16:0/18:1). Main results, issues and considerations specific to each matrix are reported. Details about sample preparation and analytical methods are not within the scope of this review.
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19
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Bioanalytical procedures and developments in the determination of alcohol biomarkers in biological specimens. Bioanalysis 2016; 8:229-51. [DOI: 10.4155/bio.15.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol consumption is a global problem, and consequently its evaluation is of great clinical and forensic interest. Alcohol biomarkers have been the focus of several research works in the past decades, with new compounds being studied in more recent years. The main objective of this review is to discuss topics for an analyst to consider when evaluating alcohol consumption through the analysis of alcohol biomarkers in biological specimens. For this, existing alcohol biomarkers will be reviewed, including carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, 5-hydroxytryptophol, ethanol, hemoglobin-associated acetaldehyde, fatty acid ethyl esters, ethyl glucuronide, ethyl sulfate and phosphatidylethanol. Additionally, their potential will be discussed, as well as analytical considerations, main challenges, limitations, data interpretation and existing methodologies for their determination in biological specimens.
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Oppolzer D, Barroso M, Gallardo E. Determination of ethyl glucuronide in hair to assess excessive alcohol consumption in a student population. Anal Bioanal Chem 2015; 408:2027-34. [PMID: 26537927 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-015-9155-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hair analysis for ethyl glucuronide (EtG) was used to evaluate the pattern of alcohol consumption amongst the Portuguese university student population. A total of 975 samples were analysed. For data interpretation, the 2014 guidelines from the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) for the use of alcohol markers in hair for the assessment of both abstinence and chronic excessive alcohol consumption were considered. EtG concentrations were significantly higher in the male population. The effect of hair products and cosmetics was evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA), and significant lower concentrations were obtained when conditioner or hair mask was used or when hair was dyed. Based on the analytical data and information obtained in the questionnaires from the participants, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed in order to determine the ideal cut-offs for our study population. Optimal cut-off values were estimated at 7.3 pg/mg for abstinence or rare occasional drinking control and 29.8 pg/mg for excessive consumption. These values are very close to the values suggested by the SoHT, proving their adequacy to the studied population. Overall, the obtained EtG concentrations demonstrate that participants are usually well aware of their consumption pattern, correlating with the self-reported consumed alcohol quantity, consumption habits and excessive consumption close to the time of hair sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Oppolzer
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mário Barroso
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses-Delegação do Sul, Rua Manuel Bento de Sousa, 3, 1169-201, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506, Covilhã, Portugal
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Ghanbari B, Malakouti SK, Nojomi M, De Leo D, Saeed K. Alcohol Abuse and Suicide Attempt in Iran: A Case-Crossover Study. Glob J Health Sci 2015; 8:58-67. [PMID: 26925903 PMCID: PMC4965666 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v8n7p58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use and its disorders are associated with increased risk of suicidal behaviors Research has shown that 6-8% of those who use alcohol have a history of suicide attempt. Given the prohibition of alcohol use legally, the increased alcohol consumption, and the lack of strong evidence in favor of its use associated with suicide in Iran, this study was conducted to determine the link between suicide attempt and alcohol abuse. The case-crossover method was used in this research. Out of 305 referrals to the emergency room due to a suicide attempt, 100 reported drinking alcohol up to six hours before their attempt. Paired Matching and Usual Frequency were employed to analyze the data with STATA 12.0. The probability of attempting suicide up to six hours after drinking alcohol appeared increased by 27 times (95% CI: 8.1-60.4). Separate analysis for each of these hours from the first to the sixth hour after alcohol use was also performed. Fifty percent of attempted suicides happened one hour after alcohol use. Relative risk for the first and second hour was 10% and 5% respectively. Alcohol use is a strong proximal risk factor for attempted suicide among Iranian subjects. Prevention of alcohol use should be considered in setting up of the national Suicide attempt prevention program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrooz Ghanbari
- Mental Health Research Center (MHRC), Tehran Institute of Psychiatry, School of behavioral sciences and mental health, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
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Nanau RM, Neuman MG. Biomolecules and Biomarkers Used in Diagnosis of Alcohol Drinking and in Monitoring Therapeutic Interventions. Biomolecules 2015; 5:1339-85. [PMID: 26131978 PMCID: PMC4598755 DOI: 10.3390/biom5031339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quantitative, measurable detection of drinking is important for the successful treatment of alcohol misuse in transplantation of patients with alcohol disorders, people living with human immunodeficiency virus that need to adhere to medication, and special occupational hazard offenders, many of whom continually deny drinking. Their initial misconduct usually leads to medical problems associated with drinking, impulsive social behavior, and drunk driving. The accurate identification of alcohol consumption via biochemical tests contributes significantly to the monitoring of drinking behavior. METHODS A systematic review of the current methods used to measure biomarkers of alcohol consumption was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases (2010-2015). The names of the tests have been identified. The methods and publications that correlate between the social instruments and the biochemical tests were further investigated. There is a clear need for assays standardization to ensure the use of these biochemical tests as routine biomarkers. FINDINGS Alcohol ingestion can be measured using a breath test. Because alcohol is rapidly eliminated from the circulation, the time for detection by this analysis is in the range of hours. Alcohol consumption can alternatively be detected by direct measurement of ethanol concentration in blood or urine. Several markers have been proposed to extend the interval and sensitivities of detection, including ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate in urine, phosphatidylethanol in blood, and ethyl glucuronide and fatty acid ethyl esters in hair, among others. Moreover, there is a need to correlate the indirect biomarker carbohydrate deficient transferrin, which reflects longer lasting consumption of higher amounts of alcohol, with serum γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, another long term indirect biomarker that is routinely used and standardized in laboratory medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radu M Nanau
- In Vitro Drug Safety and Biotechnology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada.
| | - Manuela G Neuman
- In Vitro Drug Safety and Biotechnology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada.
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Cabarcos P, Álvarez I, Tabernero MJ, Bermejo AM. Determination of direct alcohol markers: a review. Anal Bioanal Chem 2015; 407:4907-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-015-8701-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Suesse S, Blueml M, Pragst F. Effect of the analyzed hair length on fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) concentrations in hair – Is there congruence of cut-offs for 0–3 and 0–6 cm hair segments? Forensic Sci Int 2015; 249:1-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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25
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Kintz P, Nicholson D. Testing for ethanol markers in hair: Discrepancies after simultaneous quantification of ethyl glucuronide and fatty acid ethyl esters. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 243:44-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kintz P. In hair, a positive FAEE result cannot overrule a negative EtG result. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
Alcohol misuse is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although clinical history, examination, and the use of self-report questionnaires may identify subjects with harmful patterns of alcohol use, denial or under-reporting of alcohol intake is common. Existing biomarkers for detecting alcohol misuse include measurement of blood or urine ethanol for acute alcohol consumption, and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and gamma-glutamyl transferase for chronic alcohol misuse. There is a need for a biomarker that can detect excessive alcohol consumption in the timeframe between 1 day and several weeks. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a direct metabolite of ethanol detectable in urine for up to 90 h and longer in hair. Because EtG has high specificity for excess alcohol intake, it has great potential for use in detecting "binge" drinking. Using urine or hair, this noninvasive marker has a role in a variety of clinical and forensic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie E Walsham
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Lewisham, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roy A Sherwood
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
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28
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Determination of ethyl glucuronide in hair: a rapid sample pretreatment involving simultaneous milling and extraction. Int J Legal Med 2013; 128:69-72. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-013-0939-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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29
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Interpretation of a highly positive ethyl glucuronide result together with negative fatty acid ethyl esters result in hair and negative blood results. Forensic Toxicol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-013-0209-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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30
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Kratz EM, Waszkiewicz N, Kałuża A, Szajda SD, Zalewska-Szajda B, Szulc A, Zwierz K, Ferens-Sieczkowska M. Glycosylation Changes in the Salivary Glycoproteins of Alcohol-Dependent Patients: A Pilot Study. Alcohol Alcohol 2013; 49:23-30. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agt152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Vincenti M, Salomone A, Gerace E, Pirro V. Application of mass spectrometry to hair analysis for forensic toxicological investigations. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2013; 32:312-32. [PMID: 23165962 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The increasing role of hair analysis in forensic toxicological investigations principally owes to recent improvements of mass spectrometric instrumentation. Research achievements during the last 6 years in this distinctive application area of analytical toxicology are reviewed. The earlier state of the art of hair analysis was comprehensively covered by a dedicated book (Kintz, 2007a. Analytical and practical aspects of drug testing in hair. Boca Raton: CRC Press and Taylor & Francis, 382 p) that represents key reference of the present overview. Whereas the traditional organization of analytical methods in forensic toxicology divided target substances into quite homogeneous groups of drugs, with similar structures and chemical properties, the current approach often takes advantage of the rapid expansion of multiclass and multiresidue analytical procedures; the latter is made possible by the fast operation and extreme sensitivity of modern mass spectrometers. This change in the strategy of toxicological analysis is reflected in the presentation of the recent literature material, which is mostly based on a fit-for-purpose logic. Thus, general screening of unknown substances is applied in diverse forensic contexts than drugs of abuse testing, and different instrumentation (triple quadrupoles, time-of-flight analyzers, linear and orbital traps) is utilized to optimally cope with the scope. Other key issues of modern toxicology, such as cost reduction and high sample throughput, are discussed with reference to procedural and instrumental alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Vincenti
- Centro Regionale Antidoping e di Tossicologia A. Bertinaria, Orbassano, Turin, Italy.
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32
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Mönch B, Becker R, Nehls I. Quantification of Ethyl Glucuronide in Hair: Effect of Milling on Extraction Efficiency. Alcohol Alcohol 2013; 48:558-63. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agt059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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33
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Fatty acid ethyl esters in hair as alcohol markers: estimating a reliable cut-off point by evaluation of 1,057 autopsy cases. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2013; 9:184-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-013-9425-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Detecting alcohol abuse: traditional blood alcohol markers compared to ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) measurement in hair. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2013; 9:471-7. [PMID: 23504201 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-013-9416-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol abuse is a common problem in society; however, the technical capabilities of evaluating individual alcohol consumption using objective biomarkers are rather limited at present. In recent years research has focused on alcohol markers using hair analysis but data on performance and reliable cut-off values are still lacking. In this study 169 candidates were tested to compare traditional biomarkers, such as carbohydrate-deficient-transferrin (CDT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and the mean corpuscular volume of the erythrocytes, with alcohol markers detectable in hair such as ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs). This study revealed that EtG, GGT and CDT showed the best results, demonstrating areas under the curve calculated from receiver operating characteristics of 0.941, 0.943 and 0.899 respectively. The lowest false-negative and false-positive rates were obtained by using a combined interpretation system for hair EtG and FAEEs. All markers demonstrated only low to moderate correlations. Optimum cut-off values for differentiation between social and chronic excessive drinking calculated for hair EtG and FAEEs were 28 pg/mg and 0.675 ng/mg, respectively. The critical values published in the "Consensus on Alcohol Markers 2012" by the Society of Hair Testing were confirmed.
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Mönch B, Becker R, Jung C, Nehls I. The homogeneity testing of EtG in hair reference materials: A high-throughput procedure using GC–NCI–MS. Forensic Sci Int 2013; 226:202-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Abstract
Background: A chemometric class modeling strategy (unequal dispersed classes [UNEQ]) is applied for the first time to evaluate harmful alcohol drinking within large population screening programs, in comparison with traditional strategies of data interpretation. Five inexpensive indirect biomarkers (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, mean corpuscular volume and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin) were determined in blood samples from 423 patients, classified as low-risk or harmful drinkers, according to their ethanol consumption. Results: The multivariate UNEQ approach remarkably improves the diagnostic performances of indirect biomarkers in harmful drinking evaluation, leading to reliable decision rules, with few doubtful classifications to be reviewed through complex confirmation procedures. Conclusion: This UNEQ model represents an innovative general approach for clinical evaluation that efficiently extracts the information content present in each biomarker to provide a new synthetic multivariate parameter, to be directly used in diagnostic protocols.
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