液相色谱-质谱联用同时检测17种常见毒品的定性分析方法

目的 建立同时检测17种常见毒品的液相色谱-质谱联用定性分析方法.方法 对海洛因、吗啡、冰毒、氯胺酮等17种毒品的色谱行为进行了研究,对流动相梯度程序和质谱参数进行了细致考察和优化.采用岛津Shim-pack XR-ODS（100mm×2.0mm,2.2μm）色谱柱,流动相A：0.3％甲酸;流动相B：0.3甲酸乙腈,梯度洗脱程序0min～3min～8min～15min～20min,3％B～18％B～23％B～93％B～93％B,雾化电压5kV,扫描速度3750u/sec,雾化气流量1.5L/min,干燥气流量10L/min.结果 所测17种毒品的21种组分均获得了良好的分离效果和质谱响应,scan模式下检测限（S/N≥3）1.9pg/μL～40.0pg/μL.结论 该方法快速、简便、高效,适合公安办案中对未知毒品进行定性检测.     

Determination of tramadol in hair using solid phase extraction and GC-MS

Tramadol is a centrally acting synthetic analgesic with mu-opioid receptor agonist activity, it is a widely prescribed analgesic used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain and as an alternative to opiates. Tramadol causes less respiratory depression than morphine at recommended doses. Its efficacy and low incidence of side effects lead to its unnecessary prescribing in patients with mild pain. Tramadol was classified as a "controlled drug" long after its approval for use in Jordan. Analysis of drugs of abuse in hair has been used in routine forensic toxicology as an alternative to blood in studying addiction history of drug abusers. A method for the determination of tramadol in hair using solid phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is presented, the method offers excellent precision (3.5-9.8%, (M)=6.77%), accuracy (6.9-12%, M=9.4%) and limit of detection 0.5 ng/mg. The recovery was in the range of 87-94.3% with an average of 90.75%. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range 0.5-5.0 ng/mg hair with correlation coefficient of 0.998. The developed method was tested on 11 hair samples taken from patients using tramadol as prescribed by their physician along with other different drugs in treating chronic illnesses. Tramadol was detected in all hair samples at a concentration of 0.176-16.3 ng/mg with mean concentration of 4.41 ng/mg. The developed method has the potential of being applied in forensic drug hair testing. In Jordan, hair drug testing started to draw the attention of legal authorities which stimulated forensic toxicologists in recent years to develop methods of analysis of drugs known or have the potential to be abused.     

挥发性有机溶剂的危害及滥用

本文简要介绍了挥发性有机溶剂对人体的危害及其存在的可能性,分析了几类人群对此类物质形成滥用、依赖的因素及与此相关的部分规定,提醒注意此类具有隐匿性的滥用物质。     

The Effects of Dextromethorphan on Driving Performance and the Standardized Field Sobriety Test

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is abused most commonly among adolescents as a recreational drug to generate a dissociative experience. The objective of the study was to assess driving with and without DXM ingestion. The effects of one‐time maximum daily doses of DXM 120 mg versus a guaifenesin 400 mg dose were compared among 40 healthy subjects using a crossover design. Subjects’ ability to drive was assessed by their performance in a driving simulator (STISIM^® Drive driving simulator software) and by conducting a standardized field sobriety test (SFST) administered 1‐h postdrug administration. The one‐time dose of DXM 120 mg did not demonstrate driving impairment on the STISIM^® Drive driving simulator or increase SFST failures compared to guaifenesin 400 mg. Doses greater than the currently recommended maximum daily dose of 120 mg are necessary to perturb driving behavior.     

Abused South Korean women: a comparison of those who do and those who do not resort to lethal violence

This study compares two groups of women in South Korea: one group incarcerated for the deaths of their male partners and the other staying in a shelter for battered women. The analysis serves to answer two questions: First, are the findings regarding women who kill their intimate partners in Western societies generally applicable to their counterparts in South Korea? Second, how are abused South Korean women who resort to lethal violence against their abusers different from those who do not? Regarding both abused and nonabused women incarcerated for criminal homicide against their partners, results indicate that they have less experience of psychological and physical abuse by their partners and that they are less educated, underemployed, and more supportive of traditional patriarchal norms than are the women who utilize domestic violence shelters. This research explores implications for intervention strategies to encourage abused women to seek help from legal and extralegal sources.     

Analysis of cannabis in oral fluid specimens by GC-MS with automatic SPE

Methamphetamine (MA) is the most commonly abused drug in Korea, followed by cannabis. Traditionally, MA analysis is carried out on both urine and hair samples and cannabis analysis in urine samples only. Despite the fact that oral fluid has become increasingly popular as an alternative specimen in the field of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) and work place drug testing, its application has not been expanded to drug analysis in Korea. Oral fluid is easy to collect and handle and can provide an indication of recent drug abuse.In this study, we present an analytical method using GC–MS to determine tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its main metabolite 11-nor-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH) in oral fluid. The validated method was applied to oral fluid samples collected from drug abuse suspects and the results were compared with those in urine. The stability of THC and THC-COOH in oral fluid stored in different containers was also investigated.Oral fluid specimens from 12 drug abuse suspects, submitted by the police, were collected by direct expectoration. The samples were screened with microplate ELISA. For confirmation they were extracted using automated SPE with mixed-mode cation exchange cartridge, derivatized and analyzed by GC-MS using selective ion monitoring (SIM).The concentrations of THC and THC-COOH in oral fluid showed a large variation and the results from oral fluid and urine samples from cannabis abusers did not show any correlation. Thus, detailed information about time interval between drug use and sample collection is needed to interpret the oral fluid results properly. In addition, further investigation about the detection time window of THC and THC-COOH in oral fluid is required to substitute oral fluid for urine in drug testing.     

Fatal overdoses of tramadol: is benzodiazepine a risk factor of lethality?

Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic agent used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It has a low affinity to opioid receptors and inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrin and serotonin producing an analgesic action by blocking nociceptive impulses in the spine. Although 21 drug-combined fatalities including tramadol have been reported, only two fatal overdoses in adults with tramadol alone have been reported to date. We report four additional lethal intoxications, assess the toxicity of tramadol, the detection method and the possible interaction with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, particularly benzodiazepines. Similarities between tramadol and buprenorphine are discussed, and a possible cytochrome P450-based interaction between tramadol and benzodiazepine is considered. To our knowledge, this relationship has never been reported in the literature.     

Differentiation of Commercially Available Kratom by Purported Country of Origin using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry,

Kratom is a plant material exhibiting both analgesic and stimulant effects and is also forensically relevant since it is abused as a “legal high.” It is regulated in several countries but not scheduled in the United States at the federal level. This study used inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) to measure the concentrations of 13 elements in 19 kratom samples obtained from an online distributor selling kratom, from Borneo, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, for the purpose of using the elements to discriminate among purported country of origin, “suborigin,” and strain. Analysis of variance revealed statistical differences in concentrations of elements from each group, while discriminant function analysis (using leave-one-out classification) successfully classified kratom samples by their purported country of origin (100%), “suborigin,” (100%), and strain (86%). Our method illustrates the possibility of utilizing ICP–MS for determination of commercially available kratom samples by purported origin, “subororign,” or by product line.     

Immunohistochemical study of tyrosine phosphorylation signaling in the involuted thymus

Thymic involution has been reported to be an important parameter of the degree and duration of child abuse. In the present study, we assessed the status of tyrosine phosphorylation signaling, which is known to play a key role in the physiological function of the thymus, in involuted thymuses of abused children through immunohistological studies performed with anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies. We found that tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were present in high amounts in Hassall's corpuscles (HC) in the medulla of control thymuses. In involuted thymuses of abused children, expression of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins was reduced with accompanying morphological changes of HC, such as reduction in size or calcification. These findings lead us to the suggestion that tyrosine phosphorylation signaling is reduced in involuted thymuses of abused children and that reduction of the signaling may be associated with morphological changes of HC as observed in involuted thymuses of abused children. In order to certify the suggestion, we investigated expression of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in involuted thymuses of stressed rats as well as in control thymuses. Immunohistochemistry revealed that tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were expressed in control thymuses, more abundantly in the medulla, and reduced remarkably in involuted thymuses of stressed rats. Further, immunoblot analysis also showed that expression of phosphotyrosine-containing proteins was reduced in thymus extracts of involuted thymuses of stressed rats, thus supporting the suggestion. Our results also raise the possibility that components of tyrosine phosphorylation signaling could be a molecular marker for thymic involution.     

Pregabalin--a drug with abuse potential?

A case of pregabalin misuse associated with delusional ideas in a drug addict is reported. Pregabalin has been approved as an adjunct therapy for epilepsy, but also for neuropathic pain and generalized anxiety disorders and is widely used today. It has also been used in clinical trials to study its potential utility as a treatment for tobacco, alcohol and benzodiazepine addiction. Web sites, case reports and an epidemiological study (Swedish National Register of Adverse Drug Reactions) suggest that the drug may be abused, especially by substance-dependent individuals. Pregabalin was analyzed by LC/MS/MS following precipitation of serum proteins. Vigabatrin was used as internal standard. The concentration of 25 pg pregabalin/mL serum determined in the present case is the second highest value published so far after misuse of the substance. Due to paradoxical agitation, anxiety attacks and abnormal thinking, the man was exculpated. Further studies are required to assess the actual abuse potential of pregabalin.     

Childhood abuse and neurocognitive performance in adulthood: a preliminary study of executive functioning in offenders

Childhood abuse has an important negative influence on long-term executive functioning performance. Although this has been studied in non-offenders (controls), few investigations have examined offender samples. The aims of this study were: to study the influence of childhood abuse history on adulthood executive functioning in offenders, and to examine whether executive performance is affected differentially by different abusive events. It was found that in comparison with controls (n?=?17) and with non-abused offenders (n?=?22), the abused offenders (n?=?18) have poorer performance on psychomotor-cognitive processing speed and cognitive flexibility. In abused offenders, it was also found that physical abuse events primarily and significantly affected adulthood performance in these cognitive abilities. In conclusion, this study helps us to know, preliminarily, the neurocognitive profile of abused offenders and how different abusive events suffered in childhood (e.g. physical and emotional abuse) differentially affect executive functioning of this sample.     

Immunohistochemical study of tyrosine phosphorylation signaling in the involuted thymus

Thymic involution has been reported to be an important parameter of the degree and duration of child abuse. In the present study, we assessed the status of tyrosine phosphorylation signaling, which is known to play a key role in the physiological function of the thymus, in involuted thymuses of abused children through immunohistological studies performed with anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies. We found that tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were present in high amounts in Hassall’s corpuscles (HC) in the medulla of control thymuses. In involuted thymuses of abused children, expression of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins was reduced with accompanying morphological changes of HC, such as reduction in size or calcification. These findings lead us to the suggestion that tyrosine phosphorylation signaling is reduced in involuted thymuses of abused children and that reduction of the signaling may be associated with morphological changes of HC as observed in involuted thymuses of abused children. In order to certify the suggestion, we investigated expression of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in involuted thymuses of stressed rats as well as in control thymuses. Immunohistochemistry revealed that tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were expressed in control thymuses, more abundantly in the medulla, and reduced remarkably in involuted thymuses of stressed rats. Further, immunoblot analysis also showed that expression of phosphotyrosine-containing proteins was reduced in thymus extracts of involuted thymuses of stressed rats, thus supporting the suggestion. Our results also raise the possibility that components of tyrosine phosphorylation signaling could be a molecular marker for thymic involution.     

New technology and new initiatives in U.S. workplace testing

A current perspective of workplace drug testing in the USA is presented covering three major issue areas: (1) epidemiology, (2) new technology and (3) initiatives to reach out and assist small business. First, national illegal drug-use self-reported survey data is compared with national laboratory drug testing results, illustrating a number of inconsistencies. During the 17-year period (1988-2004) the number of laboratory positive test results has decreased by 66% while during the same period self-reported drug-use has increased by 30%. The lack of concurrence between lab results and self-report surveys are examined in light of the typical panel of drugs being tested in U.S. laboratories, the increased specificity of immunoassay screening tests, and the critical issues of adulteration and substitution. Second, a brief review of the state-of-the-science in rapid point-of-collection (POCT) oral fluid drug-testing devices is presented along with some device evaluation findings. In general the window of drug detection in oral fluid is measured in hours. Most of the available oral fluid POCT devices can detect methamphetamine and amphetamines and opiates very well. The ability to detect cocaine appears to vary significantly across devices, while the ability to detect cannabis use is generally poor across all devices. Finally, efforts to reach out and assist small businesses in the development of workplace anti-drug programs are discussed in the context of increasing workplace programs in the European Union.     

论单位犯罪的自首制度

既然单位犯罪已经得到理论和立法的广泛认可,那么就应认可单位犯罪的自首制度。对确立单位犯罪自首制度的可能性与必要性、单位犯罪自首的认定及单位犯罪自首的处罚三个方面的问题进行了探讨。     

Analysis of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in spiked water and beverage samples using solid phase microextraction (SPME) on fiber derivatization/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS)

Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a CNS depressant that has been abused recreationally for its purported euphoric and relaxation effects and for the purposes of drug facilitated sexual assault due to its sedative and amnesic effects at higher doses. The dramatic increase in the abuse of GHB and association in criminal investigations over the past decade has created the need for forensic laboratories to develop analytical methods to detect GHB in a variety of matrices. The method developed in this work used solid-phase microextraction (SPME) to extract GHB from aqueous samples followed by on-fiber derivatization and analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). This method detected GHB in aqueous matrices with good sensitivity, high precision, excellent linearity from 0.01 mg/mL to 0.25 mg/mL, and without the need for sample manipulation that could cause interconversion between GHB and its lactone, GBL. The method was successfully applied for detection of GHB in spiked water and beverage samples.     

A study of the use of Ephedra in the manufacture of methamphetamine

The Ephedra plant has been identified as an excellent source of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, both of which can be chemically reduced to form the widely abused illicit drug methamphetamine. Ephedra contains several additional alkaloids that undergo analogous reductions to form amphetamine and N,N-dimethylamphetamine (also drugs of abuse). The main alkaloids obtained from the Ephedra plant have been reduced using four common methods used by the clandestine operator. The intermediates and byproducts of these reductions have been identified and/or tentatively assigned and the mechanism of formation discussed.     

Simultaneous analysis of psychotropic phenylalkylamines in oral fluid by GC-MS with automated SPE and its application to legal cases

Phenylalkylamine derivatives, such as methamphetamine (MA), amphetamine (AM), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), phentermine (PT), fenfluramine (FFA) and phenmetrazine (PM), and ketamine (KT) are widely abused recreational or anorectic drugs in Korea and are regulated under the Controlled Substance Act in Korea. Phenylalkylamines and ketamine analysis is normally performed using both urine and hair samples but there is no established method for the simultaneous analysis of all these phenylalkylamines and ketamine in oral fluids. Oral fluid is easy to collect/handle and can provide an indication of recent drug abuse. In this study, to confirm the presence of phenylalkylamine derivatives and ketamine in oral fluid after screening with an immunoassay, an analytical method using automated solid phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed and fully validated according to international guidelines. The applicability of the assay was demonstrated by analyzing of authentic oral fluid samples and the results of oral fluid analysis were compared with those in urine and hair to to evaluate the feasibility of oral fluid in forensic cases. The recovery of phenylalkylamines and ketamine from oral fluid collection devices was also assessed. Oral fluid specimens from 23 drug abuse suspects submitted by the police were collected using Salivette (Sarstedt, Nümbrecht, Germany), Quantisal (Immunalysis, Pomona, CA) or direct expectoration. The samples were screened using a biochip array analyzer (Evidence Investigator, Randox, Antrim, UK). For confirmation, the samples were analyzed by GC-MS in selected-ion monitoring (SIM) mode after extraction using automated SPE (RapidTrace, Zymark, MA, USA) with a mixed-mode cation exchange cartridge (CLEAN SCREEN, 130 mg/3 ml, UCT, PA, USA) and derivatization with trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFA). The results from the immunoassay were consistent with those from GC-MS. Twenty oral fluid samples gave positive results for MA, AM, PT and/or PM among the 23 cases, which gave positive results in urine and/or hair. Although large variations in the MA, AM, PT and PM concentrations were observed in three different specimens, the oral fluid specimen was useful for demonstrating phenylalkylamines and ketamine abuse as an alternative specimen for urine.     

韩国社会服务令对我国社区矫正制度的启示

我国借鉴西方经验对监外执行制度改革,在新修订的刑法、刑诉法中分别首次确认了社区矫正刑罚制度及其运行机制。韩国刑罚制度中已将社会服务令引入法制体系十几年,目前已发展为一种综合性惩治犯罪的选择性措施广泛的适用。对韩国社区服务令进行深入研究,对推动我国社区矫正刑罚制度的进一步完善具有重要的理论与实践意义。     

Determining the Toxicological Significance of Pregabalin in Fatalities

Pregabalin has become more widely prescribed and abused in recent years but is still not always included in laboratory analysis. An LC‐MS‐MS method has been developed and applied to measure pregabalin in 93 postmortem cases, including drug‐related deaths, alternative causes of death, and fatalities where pregabalin was likely to have contributed to death. Other drugs or alcohol was detected, and the most common drug types (in decreasing frequency) were antidepressants, opioids, benzodiazepines, opiates, alcohol, antipsychotics, cocaine, cardiac drugs, amphetamines, cannabis, anticonvulsants, and antihistamines. New psychoactive substances (methoxphenidine and synthetic cannabinoids) were only found in two cases. The results provide further data to assist in evaluating the significance of postmortem pregabalin concentrations and a toxicologically significant concentration of 25 mg/L is proposed. Pregabalin, especially with concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs, presents a significant toxicological risk and existing laboratory protocols should be reviewed for their suitability to detect pregabalin.