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Skov K, Johansen SS, Linnet K, Klose Nielsen MK. Uncovering forensic evidence of drug-facilitated sexual assault: Toxicological findings from Eastern Denmark from 2015-2022. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 65:102325. [PMID: 37783000 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
In drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA), the victim is unable to provide consent or resists sexual activity due to substance intoxication by voluntary or covert consumption. Obtaining forensic evidence of the assault is challenged by rapid drug metabolism and late sample collection. The objective of this study was to present toxicological findings and associated demographics from police reported sexual assault cases in Eastern Denmark from 2015 to 2022. A total of 369 sexual assault cases were submitted for analysis and a subgroup of 268 cases were categorized as suspected DFSA cases. The majority of the total sexual assault victims were women at the age 15-25 and the perpetrators were often unknown or an acquaintance. Time from assault to sample collection was slightly longer for suspected DFSA cases (12-24 h) compared to non-DFSA (<12 h). Positive toxicology was observed in 86 % of cases and the most common drug groups included alcohol (45 %), drugs of abuse (38 %), antidepressants (14 %), antihistamines (12 %), and benzodiazepines (11 %). Hypnotics were detected to a smaller extent (7 %). A total of 77 drugs were detected and the most commonly observed were cocaine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cetirizine, amphetamine, diazepam and sertraline. The high level of observed alcohol and drugs of abuse indicated that most DFSA cases in Eastern Denmark were of an opportunistic approach rather than proactive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrine Skov
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Sys Stybe Johansen
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Linnet
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Katrine Klose Nielsen
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Anilanmert B, Yonar FC. Speedy Gonzales analysis method in one drop of beverage, for crimes committed with drugs from three different groups. ANAL SCI 2023; 39:843-849. [PMID: 36862317 DOI: 10.1007/s44211-023-00282-z] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Sertraline, zolpidem and fentanyl, are drugs with potential to be used in cases of rape, property theft and organ theft. In this study, a 15 min dilute-and-shoot analysis method was developed for the simultaneous confirmation and quantification of these drugs, using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), in the residues of fruit juice types (mixed fruit juice, cherry juice and apricot juice), frequently consumed soft drinks. A C18 phenomenex column (3 µm × 100 mm × 3 mm) was used in LC-MS/MS analysis. Validation parameters were determined by means of linearity, linear range, LOD, LOQ, repeatability and intermediate precision studies. The linearity of the method was shown up to 2.0 μgmL-1 concentration and r2 was ≥ 0.99, for each analyte. LOD and LOQ values were found in the ranges of 4.9-10.2 and 13.0-57.5 ngmL-1 for all the analytes. Accuracies were between 74 and 126%. HorRat values calculated (between 0.57 and 0.97), revealed that the inter-day precisions (RSD% ≤ 15.5%) are acceptable. The simultaneous extraction and determination of these analytes in beverage residues in very low amounts as 100 µL is challenging because of the difficulty arising from the different chemical properties, the complexity of mixed fruit juice matrix. The method is important for hospitals (especially in emergency-toxicology cases), criminal and special laboratories from the point of determining the combined or single use of these drugs in drug facilitated crimes (DFC) and finding out the reasons of deaths related to these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beril Anilanmert
- Institute of Forensic Sciences and Legal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Cavus Yonar
- Institute of Forensic Sciences and Legal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
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3
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Sadrabadi EA, Khosravi F, Benvidi A, Shiralizadeh Dezfuli A, Khashayar P, Khashayar P, Azimzadeh M. Alprazolam Detection Using an Electrochemical Nanobiosensor Based on AuNUs/Fe-Ni@rGO Nanocomposite. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:945. [PMID: 36354454 PMCID: PMC9687846 DOI: 10.3390/bios12110945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite all the psychological advantages of alprazolam, its long list of toxic properties and interactions has caused concern and highlighted the need for a reliable sensing method. In this study, we developed a simple, highly sensitive electrochemical nanobiosensor to determine the desirable dose of alprazolam, averting the undesirable consequences of overdose. Gold nanourchins (AuNUs) and iron-nickel reduced graphene oxide (Fe-Ni@rGO) were immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode, which was treated beforehand. The electrode surface was characterized using cyclic voltammetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and differential pulse voltammetry. The fabricated sensor showed two linear ranges (4 to 500 µg L-1 and 1 to 50 mg L-1), low limit of detection (1 µg L-1), high sensitivity, good repeatability, and good recovery. Increased -OH and carboxyl (-COOH) groups on the electrode surface, resulting in improved the adsorption of alprazolam and thus lower limit of detection. This nanobiosensor could detect alprazolam powder dissolved in diluted blood serum; we also studied other benzodiazepine drugs (clonazepam, oxazepam, and diazepam) with this nanobiosensor, and results were sensible, with a significant difference.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Khosravi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd 8915173143, Iran
| | - Ali Benvidi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Yazd University, Yazd 8915818411, Iran
| | - Amin Shiralizadeh Dezfuli
- Center of Excellence in Electrochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tehran, Tehran 1439957131, Iran
- Ronash Technology Pars Company, Tehran 1439817435, Iran
| | - Pouria Khashayar
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G3 8QP, UK
| | - Patricia Khashayar
- Center for Microsystem Technology, Imec and Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Mostafa Azimzadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd 8915173143, Iran
- Medical Nanotechnology & Tissue Engineering Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd 8916877391, Iran
- Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd 8916877391, Iran
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4
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Balint N, David M, Fegert JM, Fryszer LA, Helling-Bakki A, Herrmann B, Hirchenhain C, Schmidt U, Winter SM. Statement of the DGGG - Recommendations on the Care and Support of Female Minors Suspected of Having Been Subjected to Acute Sexual Violence or Rape. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2022; 82:694-705. [PMID: 35815100 PMCID: PMC9262634 DOI: 10.1055/a-1860-0562] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Ziele Die vorgelegten Empfehlungen sollen zur weiteren Verbesserung und Standardisierung der ärztlichen Versorgung von Betroffenen sexualisierter Gewalt, insbes. von einer Vergewaltigung betroffenen weiblichen Minderjährigen in Deutschland beitragen. Sie wendet sich vor allem an Frauenärztinnen und Frauenärzte in der Klinik und in der Niederlassung und ergänzt die umfangreiche Kinderschutzleitlinie der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Methoden Unter Einbeziehung der Ergebnisse einer umfassenden selektiven Literaturrecherche wurden von einer interdisziplinär besetzten Gruppe von Expertinnen und Experten in einem 3-stufigen Verfahren im Auftrag des Vorstands der DGGG diese Empfehlungen erarbeitet und im Konsens verabschiedet. Zusammenfassung Diese DGGG-Stellungnahme ist entsprechend dem Alter der Betroffenen (ca. 14 bis 17 Jahre/pubertär; 0 bis ca. 13 Jahre/präpubertär) zweigeteilt. Dies hat medizinische, strukturelle und forensische Gründe. Es werden zahlreiche Empfehlungen zum Umgang mit den mutmaßlich von akuter sexualisierter Gewalt bzw. einer Vergewaltigung betroffenen Minderjährigen, zur Erstversorgung, zu Versorgungsformen (z. B. Vertrauliche Spurensicherung), zur Anamneseerhebung, zur medizinisch-forensischen Untersuchung, zur medizinischen, psychischen und psychosozialen Versorgung sowie zur Nachbetreuung gegeben.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Balint
- Klinik für Gynäkologie, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias David
- Klinik für Gynäkologie, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg M. Fegert
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie/Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lina Ana Fryszer
- Klinik für Gynäkologie mit Brustzentrum, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Astrid Helling-Bakki
- World Childhood Foundation (Deutschland), Stiftung für hilfsbedürftige Kinder, Geschäftsführung, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Bernd Herrmann
- Ärztliche Kinderschutzambulanz, Klinik für Neonatologie und allgemeine Pädiatrie, Klinikum Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Christine Hirchenhain
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus an der Technischen Universität Dresden, Dresden,
Germany
| | - Ulrike Schmidt
- Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sibylle Maria Winter
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Childhood-Haus Berlin,
Berlin, Germany
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5
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Fryszer LA, Büttner M, Etzold S, Muetzel E, Rall K, Schellong J, David M. Recommendations for Care and Support of Female Rape Victims. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2022; 82:384-391. [PMID: 35392070 PMCID: PMC8983109 DOI: 10.1055/a-1687-9584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction According to prevalence studies, at least 5% of all women in the Federal Republic of Germany experience rape during their lifetime. While the effects vary according to the individual, rape has serious consequences for the somatic, psychological, and psychosocial health of the victim. The medical care that is provided to presumed rape victims is of special importance, as this care can have a positive influence on the patient's ability to process their experience and engage in healing following such a traumatic event. Furthermore, doctors are the professionals whose help is most often sought in this context. Primary care following rape consists of three aspects: the forensic medical examination, medical care, and psychological care. In this position paper, each of these aspects are discussed in detail. Recommendations for follow-up care are also provided. Methods In a multi-tiered process, a selective literature review was performed and a consensus among representative experts from different areas of specialization was formulated. Goals The goal of this paper is to contribute to the further improvement and standardization of the medical care provided to women who are presumed rape victims.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Saskia Etzold
- Gewaltschutzambulanz, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin
| | - Elisabeth Muetzel
- Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München
| | - Katharina Rall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen
| | - Julia Schellong
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden
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Lewandowski K, Kretschmer B, Schmidt KW. [175 years of anesthesia and narcosis-Towards a "human right to unconsciousness"]. Anaesthesist 2021; 70:811-831. [PMID: 34529093 PMCID: PMC8444521 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-021-01043-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The Ether Day, a key moment in the history of mankind, commemorates its 175th anniversary on 16 October 2021. On that day the dentist William T. G. Morton successfully gave the first public ether anesthesia in Boston. From then on it was possible to save people from pain with justifiable risk and at the same time to protect them from psychological damage by inducing unconsciousness. The German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk, one of the most renowned and effective philosophers of our times, deduced that from then on humans, to some extent, had a right to unconsciousness when in psychophysical distress. This postulate unfolded from his concept of "anthropotechnics" developed around 1997, meaning the idea of treating human nature as an object of possible improvements. According to Sloterdijk, in favorable cases a synthesis of man and technology can result in a significant improvement of human capabilities in the sense of "enhancement", i.e. an increase, an improvement or even an expansion of intellectual, physical or psychological possibilities, as it were in a transgression of the human (so-called transhumanism). Man should go into vertical tension, i.e. strive for higher aims and exploit his inherent potential, he should not dwell in the horizontal. This is not meant as an appeal but as an imperative: "You must change your life!". In this context modern anesthesia may prove helpful: be operated on by others in order to undergo an enhancement. Or, in its most extreme form, the operation in the "auto-operational curved space", a person can even operate on himself as has been dramatically demonstrated by Rogozov, a young Russian physician and trainee surgeon who successfully performed a self-appendectomy under local anesthesia at the Novolazarevskaya Antarctic Station in 1961; however, the implementation of this idea is a long way off. On the one hand, many countries lack qualified personnel in sufficiently large numbers to perform even vital operations with patients under anesthesia. On the other hand, over the decades it has become clear that anesthesia is obviously beneficial for mankind in that it offers relief from pain and psychological stress but that it can also often show its dark side: substance abuse, use of anesthetics in torture and in executions. In addition, the role of anesthetics in resuscitation, palliative care, and allaying executions is unclear or controversial. Finally, the necessary formal legal steps to acknowledge a "human right to unconsciousness" have not yet been implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lewandowski
- Anästhesiologie und operative Intensivmedizin, Charité (extern), Berlin, Deutschland.
| | | | - K W Schmidt
- Zentrum für Ethik in der Medizin, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Frankfurt a. M., Deutschland
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7
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Boonmee W, Samoson K, Yodrak J, Thiagchanya A, Phonchai A, Limbut W. Adsorptive Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry for Quantification of Alprazolam. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26102958. [PMID: 34065709 PMCID: PMC8156809 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26102958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A simple and highly sensitive electrochemical sensor was developed for adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry of alprazolam. Based on an electrochemically pretreated glassy carbon electrode, the sensor demonstrated good adsorption and electrochemical reduction of alprazolam. The morphology of the glassy carbon electrode and the electrochemically pretreated glassy carbon electrode were characterized by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviors of alprazolam were determined by cyclic voltammetry, and the analytical measurements were studied by adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry. Optimized operational conditions included the concentration and deposition time of sulfuric acid in the electrochemical pretreatment, preconcentration potential, and preconcentration time. Under optimal conditions, the developed alprazolam sensor displayed a quantification limit of 0.1 mg L-1, a detection limit of 0.03 mg L-1, a sensitivity of 67 µA mg-1 L cm-2 and two linear ranges: 0.1 to 4 and 4 to 20 mg L-1. Sensor selectivity was excellent, and repeatability (%RSD < 4.24%) and recovery (82.0 ± 0.2 to 109.0 ± 0.3%) were good. The results of determining alprazolam in beverages with the developed system were in good agreement with results from the gas chromatography-mass spectrometric method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waree Boonmee
- Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand; (W.B.); (K.S.); (A.T.); (A.P.)
- Forensic Innovation Center, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand
| | - Kritsada Samoson
- Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand; (W.B.); (K.S.); (A.T.); (A.P.)
- Forensic Innovation Center, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Trace Analysis and Biosensor, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, HatYai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand
| | - Janjira Yodrak
- Satun Provincial Police Forensic Science, Police Forensic Science Center 9, Office of Police Forensic Science, Royal Thai Police, Mueangsatun, Satun 91000, Thailand;
| | - Adul Thiagchanya
- Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand; (W.B.); (K.S.); (A.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Apichai Phonchai
- Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand; (W.B.); (K.S.); (A.T.); (A.P.)
- Forensic Innovation Center, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand
| | - Warakorn Limbut
- Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand; (W.B.); (K.S.); (A.T.); (A.P.)
- Forensic Innovation Center, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Trace Analysis and Biosensor, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, HatYai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-74-288563
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8
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Küting T, Madea B, Hess C, Krämer M. Comparative Study: Postmortem Long-Term Stability of Endogenous GHB in Cardiac Blood, Femoral Blood, Vitreous Humor, Cerebrospinal Fluid, and Urine with and Without Sodium Fluoride Stabilization. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:519-527. [PMID: 33893805 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interpretation of postmortem γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) concentrations is challenging due to endogenous existence and postmortem GHB-production in body tissues and fluids. As an additional complication, formation of GHB was also described in stored postmortem samples. We examined cardiac blood, femoral blood, vitreous humor, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine of eight different corpses (male/female 5/3, aged 33-92 years, postmortem interval 1-6 days) where no intake of GHB or one of its precursors was assumed. All samples were collected during autopsy and divided into two aliquots. To one of the aliquots sodium fluoride (NaF, 1% w/v) was added. Both aliquots were vortexed, further divided into seven aliquots and stored at -20 °C. GHB concentrations were measured immediately and subsequently one day, seven days, two weeks, four weeks, three months, and six months, after sample collection using trimethylsilyl derivatization and gas chromatography, coupled to single quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Similar progression curves of GHB concentrations were obtained for the different matrices in the individual corpses. Femoral and cardiac blood GHB concentrations were always found to be higher than in vitreous humor, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine irrespective of stabilization and storage time. None of the obtained GHB concentrations exceed the cut-off values for postmortem matrices commonly used for the identification of an exogenous GHB intake (urine, venous blood, and cerebrospinal fluid: 30 mg/l, cardiac blood, and vitreous humor 50 mg/l). No significant differences were found for the GHB concentrations measured immediately and six months after autopsy. However, we found a significant increase for the GHB concentrations four weeks as well as three months after sample collection which was followed by a decrease nearly to initial values. There were no significant differences between samples with and without NaF addition. The data presented are useful for the interpretation of GHB concentrations in upcoming death cases with special attention to storage conditions and different postmortem matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Küting
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Bonn
| | - Burkhard Madea
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Bonn
| | | | - Michael Krämer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital Bonn
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Antonacci A, Scognamiglio V, Mazzaracchio V, Caratelli V, Fiore L, Moscone D, Arduini F. Paper-Based Electrochemical Devices for the Pharmaceutical Field: State of the Art and Perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:339. [PMID: 32391344 PMCID: PMC7190989 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The current international pharmaceutical scenario encompasses several steps in drug production, with complex and extremely long procedures. In the last few decades, scientific research has been trying to offer valid and reliable solutions to replace or support conventional techniques, in order to facilitate drug development procedures. These innovative approaches may have extremely positive effects in the production chain, supplying fast, and cost-effective quality as well as safety tests on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and their excipients. In this context, the exploitation of electrochemical paper-based analytical devices (ePADs) is still in its infancy, but is particularly promising in the detection of APIs and excipients in tablets, capsules, suppositories, and injections, as well as for pharmacokinetic bioanalysis in real samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Antonacci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Materials Technologies, Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Scognamiglio
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Materials Technologies, Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaracchio
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Caratelli
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Fiore
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Danila Moscone
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Arduini
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.,SENSE4MED, Rome, Italy
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10
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Honeychurch KC. Review of Electroanalytical-Based Approaches for the Determination of Benzodiazepines. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2019; 9:bios9040130. [PMID: 31684040 PMCID: PMC6955736 DOI: 10.3390/bios9040130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The benzodiazepine class of drugs are characterised by a readily electrochemically reducible azomethine group. A number are also substituted by other electrochemically active nitro, N-oxide, and carbonyl groups, making them readily accessible to electrochemical determination. Techniques such as polarography, voltammetry, and potentiometry have been employed for pharmaceutical and biomedical samples, requiring little sample preparation. This review describes current developments in the design and applications of electrochemical-based approaches for the determination of the benzodiazepine class of drugs form their introduction in the early 1960s to 2019. Throughout this period, state-of-the-art electroanalytical techniques have been reported for their determination. Polarography was first employed focused on mechanistic investigations. Subsequent studies showed the adsorption of many the benzodiazepines at Hg electrodes allowed for the highly sensitive technique of adsorptive stripping voltammetry to be employed. The development and introduction of other working electrode materials such as carbon led to techniques such as voltammetry to become commonly reported, and the modification of these electrodes has now become the most commonly employed approach using molecularly imprinting and nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Honeychurch
- Centre for Research in Biosciences, Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK.
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11
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De-Giorgio F, Bilel S, Ossato A, Tirri M, Arfè R, Foti F, Serpelloni G, Frisoni P, Neri M, Marti M. Acute and repeated administration of MDPV increases aggressive behavior in mice: forensic implications. Int J Legal Med 2019; 133:1797-1808. [PMID: 31154497 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
MDPV is a synthetic cathinone illegally marketed and consumed for its psychostimulant effects, which are similar to those produced by cocaine, amphetamines, and MDMA. Clinical reports indicate that MDPV produces euphoria, increases alertness, and at high doses causes agitation, psychosis, tachycardia and hypertension, hallucinations, delirium, hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, and even death. In rodents, MDPV reproduces the typical physiological effects of psychostimulant drugs, demonstrating greater potency than cocaine. Nevertheless, its role in aggressive behavior has been reported but not yet experimentally confirmed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute and repeated MDPV (0.01-10 mg/kg i.p.) administration on aggressive behavior in mice and to compare them with those of cocaine (0.01-10 mg/kg i.p.) administration. To this purpose, the resident-intruder test in isolated mice and the spontaneous and stimulated aggressiveness tests for group-housed mice were employed. The present study shows for the first time that MDPV enhances aggressive behavior and locomotion in mice with greater potency and efficacy than cocaine treatment. Moreover, the aggressive and locomotor responses are enhanced after repeated administration, indicating that a sensitization mechanism comes into play. These results, although from preclinical investigation, are suggestive that human MDPV intake could be a problem for public health and the criminal justice system. Thus, investigation by police officers and medical staff is needed to prevent interpersonal violence induced by the consumption of synthetic cathinones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio De-Giorgio
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Ossato
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Foti
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paolo Frisoni
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Ferrara, Italy. .,Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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12
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Neu P. [Course and complications of GHB detoxification treatment: a 1-year case series]. DER NERVENARZT 2018; 90:509-515. [PMID: 30362026 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-018-0636-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursors have gained popularity over the last decade as a drug in the party and club scene; however, the clinical knowledge of these substances is low. In the literature there have been case reports of severe dependence and withdrawal but there is a lack of systematic knowledge about the clinical course and complications of detoxification treatment. OBJECTIVE The aim of this article is to evaluate the prevalence, treatment course, complications and compliance of GHB patients seeking inpatient qualified detoxification treatment (QDT). METHODS A retrospective evaluation of the hospital charts of all patients admitted to this clinic in 2017 for QDT of GHB. The Jewish Hospital in Berlin (Jüdisches Krankenhaus Berlin) provides specialized inpatient units for addictive diseases and a general intensive care unit. The control population came from a prospective study of all patients with addictive diseases who were treated in the same hospital in 2012. RESULTS In 2017 a total of 18 patients with GHB addiction were treated in this hospital. This corresponds to a 1‑year prevalence of 2.28% of all addictive diseases in this year. During detoxification treatment 52% of the GHB patients had to be temporarily transferred to the intensive care unit, 5% had to be temporarily mechanically ventilated and 26% suffered from withdrawal delirium. Of the patients 42% terminated treatment prematurely against medical advice. CONCLUSION Withdrawal treatment from GHB is a severe and potentially dangerous condition, the prevalence of complications was higher than for most other drugs and the rate of intensive care and withdrawal delirium was very high. Further studies are urgently needed with the aim of reducing the complication rates of GHB withdrawal and enhancing therapy adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Neu
- Jüdisches Krankenhaus Berlin - Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Heinz-Galinksi-Str. 1, 13347, Berlin, Deutschland.
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13
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Mehling LM, Spottke A, Heidbreder A, Young P, Madea B, Hess C, Courts C. Alterations in gene expression after gamma-hydroxybutyric acid intake—A pilot study. Int J Legal Med 2017; 131:1261-1270. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1609-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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14
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Mehling LM, Piper T, Spottke A, Heidbreder A, Young P, Madea B, Thevis M, Hess C. GHB-O-β-glucuronide in blood and urine is not a suitable tool for the extension of the detection window after GHB intake. Forensic Toxicol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-016-0352-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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15
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Singh SP, Kaur S, Singh D, Aggarwal A. Lorazepam: a weapon of offence. J Clin Diagn Res 2015; 9:HD01-2. [PMID: 25954635 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2015/11677.5667] [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: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The use of knock out drugs for perpetuation of crime has significantly increased in recent years. These drug facilitated crimes mainly involve robbery and sexual offences. Most of the drugs employed for these purposes affect the nervous system and bring a state of incapacitation and amnesia. The miscreants exploit these properties of drugs to commit such crimes. The unsuspecting travellers on public transport vehicles and women in disco parties are most vulnerable to such crimes. The unrestricted and unregulated sale of prescription drugs and general ignorance of such incidents is a challenge that needs to be addressed promptly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satinder Pal Singh
- Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh, India
| | - Sumeet Kaur
- Demonstrator, Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College and Hospital , Sector 32, Chandigarh, India
| | - Dalbir Singh
- Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh, India
| | - Akashdeep Aggarwal
- Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College , Patiala, Punjab, India
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16
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Müller D, Desel H. Common causes of poisoning: etiology, diagnosis and treatment. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 110:690-9; quiz 700. [PMID: 24194796 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2013.0690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2011, German hospitals treated approximately 205 000 patients suffering from acute poisoning. Change is seen over time both in the types of poisoning that occur and in the indications for specific treatment. METHODS This article is based on a selective review of the literature, with special attention to the health reports of the German federal government, the annual reports of the GIZ-Nord Poisons Center (the poison information center for the four northwestern states of Germany, i.e. Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein), and the recommendations of international medical associations. RESULTS From 1996 to 2011, the GIZ-Nord Poisons Center answered more than 450 000 inquiries, most of which involved exposures to medical drugs, chemicals, plants, foods, or cosmetics. Poisoning was clinically manifest in only a fraction of these cases. Ethanol intoxication is the commonest type of acute poisoning and suicide by medical drug overdose is the commonest type of suicide by poisoning. Death from acute poisoning is most commonly the result of either smoke inhalation or illegal drug use. Severe poisoning is only rarely due to the ingestion of chemicals (particularly detergents and cleaning products), cosmetics, or plant matter. Medical procedures that are intended to reduce the absorption of a poison or enhance its elimination are now only rarely indicated. Antidotes (e.g., atropine, 4-dimethylaminophenol, naloxone, toluidine blue) are available for only a few kinds of poisoning. Randomized clinical trials of treatment have been carried out for only a few substances. CONCLUSION Most exposures to poisons can be treated with general emergency care and, if necessary, with symptomatic intensive-care measures. Poison information centers help ensure that cases of poisoning are dealt with efficiently. The data they collect are a useful aid to toxicological assessment and can serve as a point of departure for research projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Müller
- GIZ-Nord Poisons Center, University Medical Center Göttingen-Georg-August-Universität
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