The GC/MS analysis of some commonly used non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in pharmaceutical dosage forms and in urine

All the commonly used non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), except mefenamic acid, when extracted from the pharmaceutical dosage forms or the urines of users, and derivatized by silylation and then analysed by GC/MS, gave the mono- or the di-trimethylsilyl derivatives (depending on the number of derivatized groups in the drug) as the sole products. Mefenamic acid gave a mixture of products. When extracted from pharmaceutical dosage froms or from the urines of users, and analysed by GC/MS without derivatization, some of the NSAIDs were separated and detected as the unchanged molecules as the sole products, while others were separated and detected in altered forms as sole products or mixtures, depending on: (a) the solvent in which the extract was dissolved for injection into GC/MS, (b) the chemical structure of the drug, and (c) specifically for diflunisal, the presence or absence of potential methylating and/or acetylating agents on the GC column and/or septum. The main thermally-induced reactions of the underivatized NSAIDs included (i) methyl ester formation at the COOH group when the extract was dissolved in methanol, (ii) decarboxylation (i.e., loss of CO2), (iii) dehydration (i.e., loss of H2O) when the chemical structure permitted, such as for diclofenac, and (iv) cleavage at a carbon-heterocyclic nitrogen bond when one is present in an NSAID. Heating the urine in approximately 2 M HCl at 100 degrees C for 30 min, has been found to be a satisfactory means for effecting hydrolysis of the NSAIDs glucuronide conjugates. No metabolites, resulting from aromatic-ring hydroxylation, have been detected in urine for any of the NSAIDs studied.     

Freedom of association in labour relations in the context of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Maqasid</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">al</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Shari’ah</Emphasis> principles

Labour relations are an important chapter in economic and industrial development. Labour relations are divided into personal employer-employer relationship and collective relationship between employer and trade union. The collective relationship forms the core of the employees’ right to freedom of association. This article discusses the right of employees to freedom of association including the right to strike from the Islamic perspective. The Islamic principles applicable in this context are Maqasid-al-Shari’ah (the higher objective of Islamic law), Haqq and Jama’ah (the functional concepts in Islamic law). Freedom of association in labour relations which is basically a western concept suits the three Islamic principles and the Islamic principles are in line with the ILO standards and European law. This article is written by using pure legal research method, i.e. adopting a content analysis approach with the Islamic sources such as the Qur’an and Hadith as a point of reference.     

Do Remittances Diminish Social Violence?

This paper represents the first attempt to formalise the relationship between remittances and social violence by developing a model that predicts that migrants’ remittances lead to the reduction of social violence in the recipient economy under the condition that remittances increase the average product of labour. Using homicide data as an indicator of social violence, we tested our model’s prediction. Controlling for the endogeneity problem with appropriate instruments, we found that remittances tend to reduce social violence. We performed sensitivity analysis on remittances in the empirical specification and found it robust with an unchanged negative sign.     

Imam Samudra's Justification for Bali Bombing 1

The primary objective of this article is to provide a map of Imam Samudra's thinking behind Bali bombing I as written in his book Aku Melawan Teroris to those who are not able to read the book in its original Indonesian language with an assumption that counterideological effort cannot be executed effectively without understanding the ideas held by terrorism perpetrators. To add value, the article also offers a comparative study between Samudra's thinking and Al Qaeda's ideology. It then points out and provides brief alternative viewpoints to Samudra's thinking. The article ends with some policy recommendations pertaining to counterideological work.     

Methadone-related deaths in Norway

IntroductionThe use of methadone in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) is potentially associated with a number of adverse effects and the risk of fatal toxicity. Increased methadone availability may lead to an increase in methadone-related deaths. We have investigated methadone-related deaths in Norway over the period 2000–2006.Materials and methodsMethadone-positive samples over the period 2000–2006 were identified from forensic toxicological investigations, and demographic and toxicological data were retrieved. The cases were cross-linked with the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry and regional OMT registers.ResultsA total of 312 individuals had died after taking methadone over the period 2000–2006, predominantly men with a mean age of 36. In 85% of cases (n = 264), the deceased had died of a methadone-related intoxication, most often in combination with other drugs, including benzodiazepines, cannabis and other opioids. Only 22% of the deceased had been in OMT at the time of death. A larger proportion of OMT patients had died of causes other than intoxications compared to those not in OMT (30% vs. 8%, respectively), most commonly related to disease.ConclusionsOne methadone-related death occurred, on average, every week over the time period investigated. Only 22% of the deceased were registered in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) programs. The findings underline the need to control diversion of medication from OMT programs.