Validation of an ion-trap gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for the determination of cocaine and metabolites and cocaethylene in post mortem whole blood

The coingestion of cocaine (COC) and ethanol is a very frequent occurrence and is known to increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. The formation occurs of a transesterification product, the cocaethylene (CE), which is even more toxic than cocaine. In order to study the role of ethanol as an agent of interaction in lethal cocaine intoxication, and to establish its influence in post mortem cocaine concentrations, an ion-trap gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method (GC-MS) was validated to quantify simultaneously the agent and its biotransformation products, benzoylecgonine (BE), ecgoninemethylester (EME) and the 'biomarker' of the interaction, the CE present in whole blood. Deuterated internal standards were added to 2 ml of post mortem whole blood and extracted in Bond Elut Certify columns. The residues were evaporated and derivatized with N-methyl-N-t-butyldimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide (MTBSTFA). Detection was performed by electron impact ionization. The monitored ions were m/z 82/85 for EME-tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS)/EME-d3-TBDMS; m/z 182/185 for COC/COC-d3; m/z 196/199 for CE/CE-d3 and m/z 282/285 for BE-TBDMS/BE-d3-TBDMS. The limits of detection and quantification were found to be 25 ng and 50 ng ml(-1), respectively, for COC and CE, and 50 and 100 ng ml(-1) for BE and EME. Accuracy was different for each of the compounds, varying from 65 to 98%. The dynamic range of the assay was 50-2000 ng ml(-1).     

Determination of Herbicides Paraquat,Glyphosate, and Aminomethylphosphonic Acid in Marijuana Samples by Capillary Electrophoresis

In this work, two methods were developed to determine herbicides paraquat, glyphosate, and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in marijuana samples by capillary electrophoresis. For paraquat analysis, sample was extracted with aqueous acetic acid solution and analyzed by capillary zone electrophoresis with direct UV detection. The running electrolyte was 50 mmol/L phosphate buffer (pH 2.50). For glyphosate and AMPA, indirect UV/VIS detection was used, as these substances do not present chromophoric groups. Samples were extracted with 5 mmol/L hydrochloric acid. The running electrolyte was 10 mmol/L gallic acid, 6 mmol/L TRIS, and 0.1 mmol/L CTAB (pH = 4.7). The methods presented good linearity, precision, accuracy, and recovery. Paraquat was detected in 12 samples (n = 130), ranging from 0.01 to 25.1 mg/g. Three samples were positive for glyphosate (0.15–0.75 mg/g), and one sample presented AMPA as well. Experimental studies are suggested to evaluate the risks of these concentrations to marijuana user.     

Problem solving and youth violence: an evaluation of the Boston Gun Project

The Boston Gun Project is a problem-solving policing initiativeaimed at reducing homicide victimization among young peoplein the city of Boston. It represented an innovative partnershipbetween researchers and practitioners to assess the city's youthhomicide problem and implement an intervention intended to havepowerful impacts in the near term. In early 1996, a workinggroup representing a variety of law enforcement and social serviceagencies implemented an intervention that strategically respondedto gang violence, focused enforcement efforts on gun trafficking,and emphasized communication of the strategy to generate deterrence.The intervention is associated with a 60% decline in youth homicidevictimization (i.e., two fewer victims per month). There aresmaller declines in other measures of violence. The declinein youth homicide is sharp and occurs coincident with the introductionof the intervention. Competing hypotheses appear unable to accountfor the decline.     

The Kerala model of development A debate (Part 1)

Abstract

BCAS has invited noted Kerala scholars to comment on the critical position regarding the “Kerala model of development” that Joseph Tharamangalam articulated in his article in the January-March 1998 issue of the Bulletin of Concerned Asian Scholars (Vol. 30, No. 1), “The Perils of Social Development without Economic Growth: The Development Debacle of Kerala, India,” The responses will be published in two installments. Part 1 appears below; part 2 will appear in the October-December 1998 issue of the Bulletin.