Drug Samples Research Articles

Beyond fentanyl test strips: investigating other urine drug test strips for drug checking applications

Use of immunoassay test strips for the detection of fentanyl in drug samples has become commonplace in harm reduction, law enforcement, public health, customs, and forensic science settings for testing drug product. With the recent increase of xylazine in the drug supply, use of xylazine test strips has also increased. As use of test strips expands, a desire to implement them for other drugs may emerge. However, since these strips are designed for urine testing, it is important to understand their applicability to testing drug product. In this work, we investigate the utility of seven types of urine immunoassay test strips – amphetamine, benzodiazepine, cocaine, methamphetamine, nitazene, opiate, and xylazine – for drug checking applications. Reproducibility, sensitivity, cross-reactivity, and the effect of prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures were studied. Generally, the tests were found to be reproducible, able to detect trace (µg/mL) levels of the analyte of interest, and minimally affected by prolonged storage at elevated temperatures. Nearly all tests showed cross-reactivity with compounds other than the analyte of interest, highlighting the need to better understand these limitations prior to implementation in a drug checking scenario. The viability of expired cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine test strips was also interrogated, and little to no change in sensitivity was found even though the tests were multiple years expired.

Mercury Levels in Selected Medicines and Dietary Supplements in Poland.

Current trends are promoting youth, beauty, health, and fitness. Individuals often seek out remedies, such as medicines or dietary supplements (DS), to achieve these goals. However, highly processed foods, chronic stress, and environmental pollution contribute to the development of civilization diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mercury (Hg) content in medicines and DS that are available in Poland. A total of 139 preparations were tested (75 drugs, 64 DS). The medicines contained preparations belonging to antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal; analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory; heart and blood vessel disease preventatives; respiratory tract infections treatment; diuretics; aiding digestion; supplements; antidiarrhoeals; anti-allergics; anti-rheumatics; antibiotics; and others. The tested dietary supplements had an effect on the following: improve the condition of skin, hair, and nails; vitamins; minerals; probiotics; weight loss; special for women; and others. The Hg content of the samples was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The Hg content of all the preparations varied widely (0.1-57.4µg/kg), with a median Hg concentration of 1.2µg/kg. The median Hg concentration for medicines was 0.8µg/kg, prescription medicines having higher Hg concentrations (0.9µg/kg) than over-the-counter (OTC) drugs (0.5µg/kg). For DS, the Hg content was found to be higher than for drugs, at 2.0µg/kg. The herbal preparations showed the highest Hg content among the individual DS groups (3.4µg/kg). The Hg concentrations in the tested drug and DS samples did not exceed acceptable standards. However, if multiple pharmaceutical preparations are taken simultaneously over a long period of time, and there is existing environmental exposure, there is a possibility of Hg concentration accumulation and adverse health effects.

Indicator displacement-based colorimetric assay for dibutyl phthalate in pharmaceutical products with titanium(IV)-pyridylazo resorcinol (PAR)

Taking advantage of the competitive binding affinity towards Ti(IV) between 4-(2-pyridylazo) resorcinol (PAR) and phthalate, a simple indicator displacement (ID)–based colorimetric assay was designed for indirect determination of a well-known phthalic acid ester, dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The indicator PAR and Ti(IV) formed a purplish-red-colored Ti(IV)-PAR complex (λmax = 540 nm) at a 1:1 ratio. In the presence of pre-hydrolyzed DBP, colorless complex formation of phthalate ion (emerging from alkaline hydrolysis of DBP) with Ti(IV) resulted in a hypsochromic shift in absorbance maximum, accompanying a color change from purplish-red to yellowish-orange (λmax = 390 nm) by the release of PAR from Ti(IV)-PAR system. Based on this mechanism, the linear response range of the system for DBP was found to lie between 0.16 and 0.37 mmol L–1 with an experimental detection limit of 11.6 µmol L–1. The recommended Ti(IV)-PAR system was successfully applied to DBP-containing pharmaceutical products (as real sample) after a simple clean-up process for removing possible water-soluble interferents. The analytical results obtained from the recommended method (by applying the standard addition approach) and the reference liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) method were statistically compared using DBP-extract of the drug samples. Consequently, a simple and selective colorimetric ID strategy was proposed for the analysis of DBP in pharmaceuticals for the first time.

Nanocarrier optimization: Encapsulating Hydrastis canadensis in chitosan nanoparticles for enhanced antibacterial and dye degradation performance

This study focuses on the optimization of Hydrastis canadensis-based nanocarriers in environmental and microbial applications like antibacterial and dye degradation. Hydrastis canadensis (H. canadensis) is loaded into the nanocarrier using a gelation method. Characterization involves pH analysis, UV-VIS spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, high-performance liquid chromatography, encapsulation efficiency. Further antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were tested. Dye degradation was evaluated at concentrations of 1 % of high molecular (HM) and 1.5 % of low molecular (LM) chitosan nanoparticles with both 3C and 1000C concentrations of the drug. The obtained results confirm the presence of chitosan nanocarrier alongside the pure drug in 1 % HM and 1.5 % LM chitosan particles with a notable encapsulation efficiency activity in both 3C and 1000C concentrations. Antimicrobial studies were carried out using the agar well diffusion method and revealed a significant zone of inhibition of 20 mm and 25 mm for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively in chitosan nanocarrier-loaded samples compared to pure drug and chitosan nanocarriers samples. The dye degradation studies of four dyes methylene blue, methylene orange, methylene red, and safranin using both pure drugs and chitosan nanocarrier-loaded drugs showed the highest percentage of degradation (76 %) against methylene blue in the chitosan nanocarrier-drug loaded formulation. These findings cumulatively underscore chitosan nanoparticles can be used as an effective carrier for Hydrastis Canadensis, with enhanced antimicrobial and dye degradation capabilities. Varied concentrations and molecular weights highlight the versatility of the ionotropic gelation method in optimizing drug delivery. Enhanced efficacy of the nanocarrier was evident in the observed zone of inhibition in antimicrobial testing. The substantial degradation percentage in methylene blue emphasizes the formulation's applicability in environmental dye removal processes, with potential avenues for improvement explored through interactions between the chitosan nanocarrier and H. canadensis characteristics. Future investigations may focus on scaling up the optimized formulation for large-scale applications and exploring release kinetics and comprehensive toxicity assessments for a holistic understanding of potential environmental and biomedical implications.

Hydrothermal synthesis of modified lignin-based carbon dots derived from biomass waste for fluorescence determination of valsartan.

Recently, carbon dots (CDs) have been extensively investigated as potential tools for numerous applications. Modified lignin-based CDs have been synthesized and used in the field of drug detection. They were found to be highly selective and sensitive to valsartan (VAL). Using a simple hydrothermal method, phosphorus and chlorine co-doped CDs were synthesized using lignin extracted from date seeds. The fluorescence properties of the synthesized CDs are influenced by several factors, which were investigated in detail. The optimal synthesis conditions were 1.50 g of lignin, 18 mL of 2 M NaOH, 1 mM H3PO4, 3 mM HCl and the mixture was heated at 220 °C for 16 hours. The synthesized lignin-based CDs have excellent FL properties and are well soluble in water with reasonable stability. Characterization of the prepared CDs revealed that they have various functional groups with a graphene oxide-like structure. The developed CDs show a good quantum yield of 37.7%. The FL of the CDs is quenched by VAL at λ em 313 nm after λ ex at 275 nm by a combination of static and dynamic quenching mechanisms. The response of VAL was linear in the range of 4.0-100.0 μg mL-1. The detection and quantification limits of VAL were 1.23 and 3.71 μg mL-1, respectively. The nanoprobe was successfully used to analyze VAL in drug samples and provided satisfactory results.

Whether Present Era Demand Change in Pharmaceutical Promotional Ways to be More Eco- and Doctor-Friendly? An Observational Study.

Pharmaceutical promotion is the principal aspect of the healthcare system. In this study, we aimed to portray the opinion of doctors and medical representatives (MRs) on conventional pharmaceutical ways (usage of promotional or educational paper materials and physician drug samples) for pharmaceutical promotion. In this cross-sectional observational study, data were collected from doctors and MRs across India using self-administered Google forms. Data were analyzed, and results were drawn. A total of 314 doctors and 272 MRs participated in the study. As per 95.5% of doctors, continuing medical education (CME)/books/online information is the most common and convenient method to update medical knowledge, whereas 67.9% of MRs also think the same. Only 5.5% of doctors prefer paper material provided by pharmaceutical companies to update their knowledge. Most doctors say paper materials provided by pharmaceutical companies contribute less than 25% to product information, rather CME, books, and online information contribute significantly. MRs also think similarly. 66.2% of MRs agree that more than 25% of paper material gets wasted due to non-distribution. 73.2% of doctors and 75.4% of MRs agree that the use of paper materials for product promotion is not cost-effective, even if it contributes to deforestation. Only 51% of doctors use more than 50% of medical samples in patient care and only half of doctors and MRs think expired medical samples are disposed of correctly. 56.1% of doctors and 71.4% of MRs think a significant amount of medical samples are wasted and are hazardous to the environment. Both doctors and MRs are of the opinion that the conventional method of paper promotion, that is, paper material and drug samples, is not cost-effective and also not eco-friendly. Hence, need to rethink - is there a need to change with time?

Xylazine awareness, desire, use and exposure: Preliminary findings from the Rhode Island community-based drug checking cohort study

BackgroundXylazine is an ⍺2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a veterinary sedative that can cause severe health complications yet interventions to detect and treat human exposure remain underdeveloped. Community-based drug checking services (DCS) involve the testing of small amounts of drugs to increase community knowledge of unregulated supplies and decrease harms. This study characterized xylazine awareness, desire, use and exposure among people who use drugs (PWUD) in Rhode Island, US. MethodsWe analyzed data from an ongoing PWUD cohort study. In 2023, 125 PWUD were enrolled and surveyed. Using point-of-care Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-S), we tested a drug sample from each participant onsite and confirmed the results offsite at a laboratory. Results were conveyed in real-time, along with harm reduction education, referrals to resources and care. ResultsVirtually all participants (99.2 %) wanted to avoid xylazine exposure. Half (51.2 %) knew what xylazine was, and a quarter (26.1 %) suspected previous exposure. Xylazine exposure was primarily surmised through sedating (45.2 %) and ulcerative (29.0 %) effects. Only 8.8 % of participants submitted a sample that they expected to contain xylazine. Xylazine was detected in 14.5 % of samples using FTIR-S and in 21.4 % of samples using a dual laboratory approach of gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Participants thought that these xylazine-positive samples were fentanyl (78.3 %), heroin (13.0 %), or Percocet® (8.7 %). ConclusionImplementing point-of-care DCS at harm reduction organizations could be useful in rapidly increasing xylazine awareness and engaging at-risk individuals in prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and rapid care for xylazine-related wounds.

"Coke in the Dope": The Underrecognized Complications of a Cocaine-Adulterated Fentanyl Supply.

The opioid crisis, particularly the "fourth wave" involving fentanyl and stimulants, has been responsible for an alarming increase in overdose deaths in the United States. Although fentanyl contamination in cocaine has gained significant attention, the converse-cocaine-adulterated fentanyl-has been largely overlooked despite its health implications. The rise in concurrent cocaine and fentanyl overdose deaths could be attributed to various factors, from intentional polysubstance use to unintentional adulterations. Cocaine-related health issues may amplify the problem. Four potential pathways for the increased risk of overdose with cocaine-adulterated opioids include enhanced drug reinforcement, potential overdose risk with switching drug samples, altered metabolism of medications used for opioid use disorder, and increased myocardial demand juxtaposed with opioid-induced respiratory depression. With these risks, the importance of drug testing becomes paramount in the unregulated drug market. As polysubstance use overdoses surge, there is an urgent need to understand how drug supplies are changing in order to effectively identify appropriate harm reduction strategies. Specifically, further research is needed evaluating complications of low-level cocaine exposure with chronic/persistent opioid use. The hazards associated with cocaine-adulterated fentanyl emphasize the significance of understanding not only fentanyl's presence in cocaine but also cocaine's role in the fentanyl supply.

Boron carbide decorated tungsten disulfide nanosheet composite for determination of chloramphenicol in food and pharmaceutical samples

Making the nanocomposites of metal oxides or metal sulfides with carbon source materials has a huge impact on the electrochemical determination of toxic chemicals. To determine the adverse side effects of the antibiotics, electrochemical sensors have been used as they can peek into the sensitivity of the drug sample. This work has done the sensitive amperometric evaluation of a chloramphenicol antibiotic by modifying the electrode of tungsten disulfide decorated boron carbide. Here, tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanosheets and boron carbide (B4C) materials were synthesized by conventional methods which give a good amount of yield. The composite was prepared by the green and cost-effective sonochemical approach with good morphology. The conductivity of the nanocomposite and the response to chloramphenicol were determined by cyclic voltammetry. The sensitivity, limit of detection (LOD), and the linear range were observed by the highly sensitive amperometric technique. From the amperometric analysis, the prepared nanocomposite shows nominal LOD as a 17.4 nM, a broad linear range (0.025–1134.6 µM), and good sensitivity of 1.52 µA µM−1 cm−2. Practicability of the modified sensor was studied in food and pharmaceutical samples with adequate recovery performances. Moreover, the modified electrode shows good stability, repeatability, reproducibility, and anti-interfering properties against the array of food and biological interferences.

Enhancing simultaneous determination of some angiotensin II receptor antagonists and amlodipine in plasma using HPTLC with fluorescence densitometry: Independent fluorescence detection of the co-administrative drugs in the mixture across various pH conditions

A novel and highly sensitive high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method was developed and validated to quantify a combination of five pharmaceutical mixtures spiked to human plasma. The compounds comprised Amlodipine (AML) along with five angiotensin II receptor antagonist drugs (AIIRAs), namely Olmesartan (OLM), Telmisartan (TLM), Candesartan (CAN), Losartan (LOS), and Irbesartan (IRB). HPTLC was performed on silica gel 60 F254 plates using a mobile phase of Toluene: ethyl acetate: methanol: acetone: acetic acid (6:1.5:1:0.5:1, v/v/v/v/v). In a pioneering move, a reflectance/fluorescence detection mode was employed to identify two concurrently administered drugs at different pH levels for the first time. This method utilized the same chromatographic system, incorporating a specific measurement for AML at a neutral medium to achieve its maximum fluorescence at a 360 nm excitation wavelength, and measuring emission using a 540 nm optical filter. The process involved obtaining a very low fluorescence response from AIIRA. Subsequently, to enhance AIIRA’s fluorescence, the plate was sprayed with perchloric acid to transition to a strong acidic medium, ultimately attaining the maximum fluorescence of AIIRA using various excitation wavelengths and a 400 nm emission filter. Through this strategic process, we could optimize the fluorescence signals of both drugs, thereby elevating the sensitivity of detection for this drug combination. AML demonstrated a linear range of 18–300 ng/band, while AIIRAs drugs exhibited a linear range of 6–150 ng/band. The method satisfied the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) criteria for recovery, precision, repeatability, and robustness, showcasing exceptional sensitivity. The approach was successfully applied to quantify AML and AIIRAs drugs in both bulk drug and plasma samples, achieving high recovery percentages and minimal standard deviations.

Enantiomeric profile of amphetamines in seized drug samples and in blood of impaired drivers in Iceland: The rise of (R)-methamphetamine?

Amphetamine (AMP) and methamphetamine (METH) use is increasing globally. Illegal AMP is generally a racemic mixture, whereas AMP-containing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder drugs prescribed in Iceland consist of S-AMP. AMP is also a main metabolite of interest after METH intake. Distinguishing between legal and illegal AMP intake is vital in forensic toxicology. A chiral UPLC-MS-MS method was used to determine the enantiomeric profile of AMP and METH in circulation in Iceland by analysing blood samples from drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) and seized drug samples from 2021 and 2022. All seized AMP samples (n = 48) were racemic, whereas all but one seized METH sample (n = 26) were enantiopure. Surprisingly, a large portion of the enantiopure METH samples was R-METH. DUID blood samples positive for AMP (n = 564) had a median blood concentration of 180 ng/mL (range 20-2770 ng/mL) and a median enantiomeric fraction (EFR) of 0.54 (range 0-0.73), whereas samples positive for METH (n = 236) had a median blood concentration of 185 ng/mL (range 20-2300 ng/mL) and a median EFR of 0.23 (range 0-1). The findings of this study show a significantly lower blood concentration in drivers with only S-AMP detected compared with when the R-isomer is also detected. No significant difference in blood concentration was detected between the sample groups containing S-METH, R-METH or both enantiomers. The occurrence of R-METH in both seized drug samples and DUID cases indicates a change in drug supply and a need for better scientific knowledge on R-METH abuse.

Profiling of seized Cannabis sativa L. flowering tops by means of microwave-assisted hydro distillation and gas chromatography analyses

This research aimed to support police forces in their battle against illicit drug trafficking by means of a multi-technique approach, based on gas chromatography. In detail, this study was focused on the profiling of volatile substances in narcotic Cannabis sativa L. flowering tops. For this purpose, the Scientific Investigation Department, RIS Carabinieri of Messina, provided 25 seized samples of Cannabis sativa L. The content of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), useful to classify cannabis plant as hemp (≤ 0.2 %) or as marijuana (> 0.2 %), was investigated. Essential oils of illicit drug samples were extracted using a microwave-assisted hydro-distillation (MAHD) system; GC–MS and GC-FID analytical techniques were used for the characterization of the terpenes and terpenoids fingerprint. Furthermore, the enantiomeric and carbon isotopic ratios of selected chiral compounds were investigated using a heart-cutting multidimensional GC (MDGC) approach. The latter exploited a combination of an apolar column in the first dimension, and a chiral cyclodextrin-based column in the second one, prior to parallel isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (C-IRMS) and MS detection. Finally, all the data were gathered into a statistical model, to demonstrate the existence of useful parameters to be used for the classification of seized samples.

Tuning quantum dots emission on DNA tetrahedron/silica nanosphere/graphene oxide nanointerface for ratiometric fluorescence assay of Pb2+ in multiplex samples

BackgroundAssembling framework nucleic acid (FNA) nanoarchitectures and tuning luminescent quantum dots (QDs) for fluorescence assays represent a versatile strategy in analytical territory. Rationally, FNA constructs could offer a preferential orientation to efficiently recognize the target and improve detection sensitivity, meanwhile, regulating size-dependent multicolor emissions of QDs in one analytical setting for ratiometric fluorescence assay would greatly simplify operation procedures. Nonetheless, such FNA/QDs-based ratiometric fluorescence nanoprobes remain rarely explored. ResultsWe designed a sensitive and signal amplification-free fluorescence aptasensor for lead ions (Pb2+) that potentially cause extensive contamination to environment, cosmetic, food and pharmaceuticals. Red and green emission CdTe quantum dots (rQDs and gQDs) were facilely prepared. Moreover, silica nanosphere encapsulating rQDs served as quantitative internal reference and scaffold to anchor a predesigned FNA and DNA sandwich containing Pb2+ binding aptamer and gQD modified DNA signal reporter. On binding of Pb2+, the gQD-DNA signal reporter was set free, resulting in fluorescence quenching at graphene oxide (GO) interface. Owing to the rigid structure of FNA, the fluorescence signal reporter orderly arranged at the silica nanosphere could sensitively respond to Pb2+ stimulation. The dose-dependent fluorescence signal-off mode enabled ratiometric analysis of Pb2+ without cumbersome signal amplification. Linear relationship was established between fluorescence intensity ratio (I555/I720) and Pb2+ concentration from 10 nM to 2 μM, with detection limit of 1.7 nM (0.43 ppb), well addressing the need for Pb2+ routine monitoring. The designed nanoprobe was applied to detection of Pb2+ in soil, cosmetic, milk, drug, and serum samples, with the sensitivity comparable to conventional ICP-MS technique. SignificanceGiven the programmable design of FNA and efficient recognition of target, flexible tuning of QDs emission, and signal amplification-free strategy, the present fluorescence nanoprobe could be a technical criterion for other heavy metal ions detection in a straightforward manner.

3D-printed portable device for illicit drug identification based on smartphone-imaging and artificial neural networks

In this manuscript, a 3D-printed analytical device has been successfully developed to classify illicit drugs using smartphone-based colorimetry. Representative compounds of different families, including cocaine, 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), amphetamine and cathinone derivatives, pyrrolidine cathinones, and 3,4-methylenedioxy cathinones, have been analyzed and classified after appropriate reaction with Marquis, gallic acid, sulfuric acid, Simon and Scott reagents. A picture of the colored products was acquired using a smartphone, and the corrected RGB values were used as input data in the chemometric treatment. ANN using two active layers of nodes (6 nodes in layer 1 and 2 nodes in layer 2) with a sigmoidal transfer function and a minimum strict threshold of 0.50 identified illicit drug samples with a sensitivity higher than 83.4 % and a specificity of 100 % with limits of detection in the microgram range. The 3D printed device can operate connected to a rechargeable lithium-ion cell portable battery, is inexpensive, and requires minimal training. The analytical device has been able to discriminate the analyzed psychoactive substances from cutting and mixing agents, being a useful tool for law enforcement agents to use as a screening method.

ABC-VEN analysis of drug use in outpatients at a neurology department in Indonesia

ABC-VEN analysis of drug use in outpatients at a neurology department in Indonesia

LC-MS/MS characterization of stress degradation products of Gilteritinib and establishment of HPLC method for analysis of process related impurities of Gilteritinib

Background: The current investigation entails the characterization of seven degradation products (DPs) formed in different stress conditions of gilteritinib employing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Methodology: This study developed a stability-indicating reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for precisely determining gilteritinib in the presence of its process-related impurities in bulk drug and formulation samples. To explore the stability profile of gilteritinib, it was exposed to forced degradation experiments conducted under various conditions, including acidic, basic, oxidative, photolytic, and thermal stress. These experiments revealed the degradation of gilteritinib under basic, acidic, and photolytic conditions, forming seven distinct DPs. Result: The chromatographic resolution of gilteritinib and its impurities along with DPs was effectively achieved using a Waters Symmetry C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column using equal volumes of solvent A and B (pH 4.5 phosphate buffer and acetonitrile in 25:75 (v/v) as solvent A, acetonitrile and methanol in 75: 25 (v/v) as solvent B) pumped isocratically at 0.7 mL/min and 230 nm wavelength. The method produces an accurate fit calibration curve in 25-175 μg/mL for gilteritinib and LOQ (0.025 μg/mL) – 0.175 μg/mL for its impurities with acceptable precision, accuracy, and recovery. Conclusion: The efficacy of this method was validated through LC-MS/MS, which allowed for the verification of the chemical structures of newly generated degradation products of gilteritinib. Hence, this method is appropriate for the resolution and evaluation of process-related impurities of gilteritinib and can also be applied for evaluating stress degradation products.

Recovery of DNA from acetaminophen exploring physical state and sampling methods

Research into the recovery of DNA from illicit drug samples has shown it is possible to get forensically useful profiles from such substrates. However, it is not yet known if the different physical states that drugs can be found in influences the quantity and quality of DNA that can be recovered or what is the best sampling method to adopt for powdered samples. This research used acetaminophen in four different states – large crystalline, powder, in solution, or residue – to determine the efficacy of current DNA technology in recovery and analysis of the resulting sample. Five replicates of each were prepared. Human blood was deposited on or mixed with the drug and left for 1 hour. The surface of the drug was sampled by wet/dry swabbing (where appropriate), or the entire sample was deposited in a tube, and the DNA then extracted using DNA-IQ™. The amount of DNA recovered (ng), degradation index, number of PCR cycles (Ct) required for the IPC to reach threshold, number of alleles in the DNA profile and average peak height (APH) were assessed. All samples, irrespective of the physical state they were collected from, returned full DNA profiles that corresponded to the DNA profile of the blood donor, with no degradation or inhibition detected. It was also found the wet/dry swabbing method returned higher levels of DNA than inclusion of the entire sample into the tube for powdered acetaminophen and the appropriate method to use will be dependent on casework circumstances. The findings of this research further develops our understanding of the recovery of DNA from drugs, and supports the need for further investigation to understand under what conditions DNA can be recovered from illicit substances.

Portable wireless electrochemical sensing of breviscapine using core-shell ZIFs-derived Co nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanotube polyhedra-modified electrode.

Acore-shell ZIF-67@ZIF-8-derived Co nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanotube polyhedra (Co/C-NCNP) hybrid nanostructure was preparedby a pyrolysis method. The synthesized Co/C-NCNP was modified on the screen-printed carbon electrode and used for the portable wireless sensitive determination of breviscapine (BVC) by differential pulse voltammetry. The Co/C-NCNP had a large surface area and excellent catalytic activity with increasing Co sites to combine with BVC for selective determination, which led to the improvement of the sensitivity of the electrochemical sensor. Under optimized conditions, the constructed sensor had linear ranges from 0.15 to 20.0µmol/L and 20.0 to 100.0µmol/L with the limit of detection of 0.014µmol/L (3S0/S). The sensor was successfully applied to BVC tablet sample analysis with satisfactory results. This work provided the potential applications of zeolitic imidazolate framework-derived nanomaterials in the fabrication of electrochemical sensors for the sensitive detection of drug samples.

Estimating changes in overdose death rates from increasing methamphetamine supply in Ohio: Evidence from crime lab data

BackgroundWe investigate the relationship between the supply of methamphetamine and overdose death risk in Ohio. Ohio and the overall US have experienced a marked increase in overdose deaths from methamphetamine combined with fentanyl over the last decade. The increasing use of methamphetamine may be increasing the risk of overdose death. However, if people are using it to substitute away from more dangerous synthetic opioids, it may reduce the overall risk of overdose death. MethodsOhio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s crime lab data include a detailed list of the content of drug samples from law enforcement seizures, which are used as a proxy for drug supply. We use linear regressions to estimate the relationship between the proportion of methamphetamine in lab samples and unintentional drug overdose death rates from January 2015 through September 2021. ResultsRelatively more methamphetamine in crime lab data in a county-month has either no statistically significant relationship with overdose death rates (in small and medium population counties) or a negative and statistically significant relationship with overdose death rates (in large population counties). Past overdose death rates do not predict future increases in methamphetamine in crime lab data. ConclusionsThe results are consistent with a relatively higher supply of methamphetamine reducing the general risk of overdose death, possibly due to substitution away from more dangerous synthetic opioids. However, the supply of methamphetamine appears unrelated to the past illicit drug risk environment. The non-lethal and yet serious health effects of MA use were not explored and, thus, even if the presence of MA reduces the population-level overdose mortality rate, the rise of other adverse health effects may counteract any public health benefits of fewer deaths.

Real-World Performance Benchmarks in the Reading Ability of Prescription Drug Labels by Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Background: Despite known recommendations regarding standards for print size and the intuitive importance of vision in reading prescription labels, the predictive nature of vision and prescription label readability remains largely undefined. Furthermore, while the importance of vision is recognized, various demographic factors associated with the ability to read prescription labels have not been fully elucidated. Objective: Describe relationships between visual acuity, point size, and readability of prescription labels and provide insight into demographic factors associated with prescription label readability. Methods: Cross-sectional examination of prescription label readability by older, community-dwelling adults. Subjects were evaluated as to demographics, visual acuity, and ability to read test instruments consisting of unaltered prescription label features of five medications dispensed by community pharmacies and two drug samples. Descriptive statistics in conjunction with a logit predictive model were employed for data analysis. Results: Instructions for medication use were most recognizable, identified and correctly read by 95.60% of the study cohort while directions for the use of drug samples were lowest (34.91%). Among prescription label features, auxiliary labels consistently demonstrated poor readability. Level of visual acuity was statistically related to the ability to read prescription labels while identifying prescription label components increased proportionally with point size. Race, gender, and history of a recent eye examination were statistically significant predictors of prescription label reading ability. Visual acuity alone was found to explain approximately 26% of the variablity in ability to read Rx labels. Conclusion: Visual acuity is predictive of the ability to access Rx label information and should be considered a modifiable variable for improving prescription label reading ability amenable by appropriate eye care and spectacle correction.