In this study,we developed a novel on-line solid phase extraction(SPE)-ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS)-based analytical method for simultaneously quantifying 12 illic...In this study,we developed a novel on-line solid phase extraction(SPE)-ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS)-based analytical method for simultaneously quantifying 12 illicit drugs and metabolites(methamphetamine,amphetamine,morphine,codeine,6-monoacetylmorphine,benzoylecgonine,3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine,3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine,cocaine,ketamine,norketamine,and methcathinone)and cotinine(COT)in wastewater samples.The analysis was performed by loading 2 m L of the sample onto an Oasis hydrophilic-lipophilic balance cartridge and using a cleanup step(5%methanol)to eliminate interference with a total run time of 13 min.The isotope-labeled internal standard method was used to quantify the target substances and correct for unavoidable losses and matrix effects during the on-line SPE process.Typical analytical characteristics used for method validation were sensitivity,linearity,precision,repeatability,recovery,and matrix effects.The limit of detection(LOD)and limit of quantification(LOQ)of each target were set at 0.20 ng/L and 0.50 ng/L,respectively.The linearity was between 0.5 ng/L and250 ng/L,except for that of COT.The intra-and inter-day precisions were<10.45%and 25.64%,respectively,and the relative recovery ranged from 83.74%to 162.26%.The method was used to analyze various wastewater samples from 33 cities in China,and the results were compared with the experimental results of identical samples analyzed using off-line SPE.The difference rate was between 19.91%and-20.44%,and the error range could be considered acceptable.These findings showed that on-line SPE is a suitable alternative to off-line SPE for the analysis of illicit drugs in samples.展开更多
In the present work,dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction(DLLME)was used to extract six synthetic cannabinoids(JWH-018,JWH-019,JWH-073,JWH-200,or WIN 55,225,JWH-250,and AM-694)from oral fluids.A rapid baseline sepa...In the present work,dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction(DLLME)was used to extract six synthetic cannabinoids(JWH-018,JWH-019,JWH-073,JWH-200,or WIN 55,225,JWH-250,and AM-694)from oral fluids.A rapid baseline separation of the analytes was achieved on a bidentate octadecyl silica hydride phase(Cogent Bidentate C18;4.6 mm×250 mm,4μm)maintained at 37℃,by eluting in isocratic conditions(water:acetonitrile(25:75,V/V)).Detection was performed using positive electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.The parameters affecting DLLME(pH and ionic strength of the aqueous phase,type and volume of the extractant and dispersive solvent,vortex and centrifugation time)were optimized for maximizing yields.In particular,using 0.5 mL of oral fluid,acetonitrile(1 mL),was identified as the best option,both as a solvent to precipitate proteins and as a dispersing solvent in the DLLME procedure.To select an extraction solvent,a low transition temperature mixture(LTTM;composed of sesamol and chlorine chloride with a molar ratio of 1:3)and dichloromethane were compared;the latter(100μL)was proved to be a better extractant,with recoveries ranging from 73%to 101%by vortexing for 2 min.The method was validated according to the guidelines of Food and Drug Administration bioanalytical methods:intra-day and inter-day precisions ranged between 4%and 18%depending on the spike level and analyte;limits of detection spanned from 2 to 18 ng/mL;matrixmatched calibration curves were characterized by determination coefficients greater than 0.9914.Finally,the extraction procedure was compared with previous methods and with innovative techniques,presenting superior reliability,rapidity,simplicity,inexpensiveness,and efficiency.展开更多
A total of twenty-three psychiatric pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs were analyzed in tap water covering seven basins in Eastern China.The residual concentrations of these substances were detected up to 22.4 ng L^(-1...A total of twenty-three psychiatric pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs were analyzed in tap water covering seven basins in Eastern China.The residual concentrations of these substances were detected up to 22.4 ng L^(-1).Among the substances,benzodiazepines were more often detected with higher median concentrations than those of illicit drugs.Generally,the higher residual levels of psychoactive substances were detected in the upstream of the basins compared with the downstream.For example,the concentrations of diazepam,temazepam,and oxazepam in the downstream were much higher than those in the upstream in OJ.Among the basins,YH was the most polluted region.Exposure assessment indicated the median exposure doses of diazepam and temazepam were from 85 to 99 and 3.5e4.1 pg kg^(-1) bw d^(-1) in the basins,respectively.Benchmark quotient for the nine detected substances was calculated in each basin with the range from 0.0001 to 0.0389,indicating low risk in the tap water for human health under current concentrations.展开更多
Wastewater analysis offers objective and complementary information to illicit drug agencies by monitoring patterns of illicit drug consumption.In this study,wastewater samples from three different wastewater treatment...Wastewater analysis offers objective and complementary information to illicit drug agencies by monitoring patterns of illicit drug consumption.In this study,wastewater samples from three different wastewater treatment plants in Sydney,Australia were collected in March 2016.Ten targeted drugs were analysed and temporal and geographical analyses were performed to obtain a better understanding of the type and amount of illicit drugs consumed in Sydney in comparison with similar studies conducted around Australia and in Europe.Among the targeted drugs,methamphetamine was consumed the most,followed by cocaine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine(MDMA).Weekly patterns were observed where a peak during the weekend was present.The geographical analysis showed differences between the regions targeted.This observation may be related to socio-demographic aspects.The comparison of our study to other data sources from Australia showed a high consumption of methamphetamine in Sydney and Western Australia.The comparison between Sydney and different European cities revealed a difference in consumption,which is in line with traditional market indicators.The information obtained through wastewater analysis provides complementary information regarding illicit drug consumption,the size,and the evolution of the illicit drug market.This,ultimately,will assist authorities in making informed decisions.展开更多
In 2006,a large quantity of clandestine sensitive radioactive materials surfaced at an abandoned scrap metal and lead recovery facility in the city Gaziemir,Izmir,Türkiye.In April,2007 the TAEK(Turkish Atomic Ene...In 2006,a large quantity of clandestine sensitive radioactive materials surfaced at an abandoned scrap metal and lead recovery facility in the city Gaziemir,Izmir,Türkiye.In April,2007 the TAEK(Turkish Atomic Energy Agency)official experts surveyed the 70,000 m^(2)site including the storage buildings.They reported that 20-300 microRad/h of radiation was detected throughout the site,especially high readings of more than 300 micRad/h were recorded inside the storage building containing about 1,100 tons of commercially valuable waste.About 15 tons of waste were taken from the storage building and sent to TAEK’s lab in Ankara to be analyzed.In April,2008 TAEK issued a press release(No:04/2012)on its official website confirming that their analysis of samples taken from the Aslan facility showed that,there is a scattered radioactive contamination in the Aslan lead-recovering factory.The radioactive isotopes of Europium-152 and Europium-154 were found in the landfilled area,additionally,these isotopes were more concentrated(higher readings)in the commercially valuable waste(approx.1,100 tons)which was kept in the storage building,a clear indication of the fact that at the Aslan facility,sensitive nuclear reactor parts,including but not limited to nuclear reactors control rods were being melted.展开更多
A quantitative structure-retention relationship（QSRR） study has been carried out on the gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry（GC-MS） system retention time（RT） of two sets of illicit drugs by using molecular struct...A quantitative structure-retention relationship（QSRR） study has been carried out on the gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry（GC-MS） system retention time（RT） of two sets of illicit drugs by using molecular structural descriptors.Heuristic method（HM） was utilized to construct the linear models.Appropriate models with low standard errors and high correlation coefficients were obtained（R2=0.9873,F=390.18 for data set 1 and R2=0.9881,F=749.13 for data set 2）.The results of leave-one-out cross validation showed good predictive ability of these proposed models（R c2v= 0.9812 and R c2v= 0.9824,respectively）.Each molecular descriptor in the two models was disputed to unfold the relationship between the molecular structures and RT.展开更多
The pharmaceutical compounds were analyzed in 14 sampling sites and pointed out the pollution sources related to raw sewage input and urban drainage discharge. Five medicine compounds, one illicit drug, and its metabo...The pharmaceutical compounds were analyzed in 14 sampling sites and pointed out the pollution sources related to raw sewage input and urban drainage discharge. Five medicine compounds, one illicit drug, and its metabolite were the higher measured content using analytical improvements tailored to identify and quantify organic compounds in low water content. The use of SPE cartridges followed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) points out the Guavirutuba tributary as the primary water pollution source with higher concentrations in 2011 for pharmaceuticals, cocaine, and benzoylecgonine (metabolite) in the range of 6.7 ± 0.9 ng L-1 to 27.386 ± 142 ng L-1. The Jaceguay stream also located in Guarapiranga was the most preserved area and provided analytical values correspondent which lowered contamination content. Such concentrations mean a possible and feasible water restoration target. The most common compounds (above 90% samples) were: caffeine, atenolol, carbamazepine, cocaine, and benzoylecgonine. The integrated risk index for aquatic chemical pollution (IRICAP) confirms the higher contamination near Guavirutuba stream and the lower near the Jaceguay stream. Published results of cocaine and benzoylecgonine content in Guarapiranga basin corroborated with the analytical results.展开更多
Drugs related to morphine represent not only large range of important therapeutic applications for the relief of moderate to severe pain but also give rise to a relatively large series of novel opioids that mimic the ...Drugs related to morphine represent not only large range of important therapeutic applications for the relief of moderate to severe pain but also give rise to a relatively large series of novel opioids that mimic the action of this naturally occurring analgesic.Most of these are based on fentanyl structures that are much more potent,and dangerous,than fentanyl itself.This publication reviews reports of fatalities attributed to 15 novel opioids with the view to assessing mortality associated with their misuse as well as reviewing published analytical procedures that would be able to detect these and other novel opioids.These drugs include reports of deaths to acetylfentanyl,acrylfentanyl,butr(yl)fentanyl,carfentanil,2-and 4-fluorofentanyls,4-fluorobutyrfentanyl,4-fluoroisobutyrfentanyl,furanylfentanyl,a-and 3-methylfentanyls,4-methoxyfentanyl,ocfentanil,as well as AH-7921,U-47700 and MT-45.Most of these cases reporting a drug-caused death involved other drugs in addition to the opioid.No obvious minimum fatal concentration was discerned for any of the opioids for which details were provided,however,the more potent members required detection limits well under 1 ng/mL and often even well below 0.1 ng/mL requiring use of the most sensitive mass spectral detection procedures,particularly when screening specimens using a non-targeted mode.Four other novel opioids have been reported in admissions to hospitals include 4-chloroisobutryfentanyl,cyclopentylfentanyl and tetrahydrofuranfentanyl,all of which are likely to have the potential to cause death.It is also likely that other analogues will appear with time.展开更多
Traditionally, tricuspid valve endocarditis is uncommon in the Middle East region. However, recent global data indicate growing trends in the use of illicit drug abuse, specifically injectable heroin, in the Middle Ea...Traditionally, tricuspid valve endocarditis is uncommon in the Middle East region. However, recent global data indicate growing trends in the use of illicit drug abuse, specifically injectable heroin, in the Middle East Gulf region. The presence of many transit port services in the Middle East Gulf States has led to smuggling of substance abuse drugs in the region. The Middle East Gulf States, currently a transit market, are also becoming a growing consumer market in view of the increased substance abuse in the youth. However, there is a paucity of data with respect to the prevalence or incidence of tricuspid valve endocarditis in the region, probably due to underdiagnosis or underreporting. A high index of suspicion of tricuspid valve endocarditis is essential in patients with a history of intravenous drug abuse. This article reviews the epidemiology of illicit drug abuse in the Middle East Gulf region, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of tricuspid valve endocarditis, and calls for all physicians in the region to be vigilant while dealing with intravenous drug abuse.展开更多
The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites in surface waters has to be considered a new type of hazard, still unknown, for both the human health and the aquatic ecosystem, due to the potent pharmacological ac...The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites in surface waters has to be considered a new type of hazard, still unknown, for both the human health and the aquatic ecosystem, due to the potent pharmacological activities of all the illicit drugs. Our research was aimed at evaluating the presence of illicit drugs in the Sarno River (Campania region, Italy), crossing a densely populated area, the basin of the Sarno River, one of the largest and most important economic areas in Campania region, famous for the presence of zones with high landscape-environmental value. The drugs selected for this study were the most used in Campania region. The presence of illicit drugs in surface water was analyzed by a selective multi-residue assay based on liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry. The analysis showed the presence of all the illicit drugs investigated: cocaine and its main metabolites (benzoylecgonine, nor-benzoylecgonine), morphine, THC-COOH and codeine;cocaine was the most abundant illicit drug. The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites in the Sarno River suggests new potential risk for the basin’s inhabitants, using water in the food chain, via field irrigation and animal feed, and for the health of the aquatic fauna.展开更多
Affordability and availability of alcohol are factors that have been associated with alcohol dependence. Ethanol content in the alcoholic beverages is an important determinant in alcohol dependence. Quality control of...Affordability and availability of alcohol are factors that have been associated with alcohol dependence. Ethanol content in the alcoholic beverages is an important determinant in alcohol dependence. Quality control of alcoholic beverages available in the market is important in safeguarding the health of alcohol consumers. Few studies in Kenya have determined the chemical composition of alcohol used by the study participants. Objective: To determine the chemical composition of alcoholic beverages used by a group of alcohol dependent study participants. Design: The study was a clinical trial with pre and post measurements. Method: The CIDI and WHO-ASSIST were administered to 188 alcohol-dependent persons at intake and after six months. A researcher-designed socio demographic questionnaire was also administered at intake. Alcohol beverages were randomly collected from the location of the study area and their chemical composition analyzed using gas chromatography. Results: The mean AUDIT score of the participant was 28.6 for male and 26.6 for females. Three of the alcohol samples collected was illicit brews collected while 11 were licit. Four out of the eleven licit brews had ethanol levels that did not complied with the set government standards. Conclusion: Illicit brews with high ethanol content are available in the Kenyan market, while some of the manufacturers of the licit brew do not comply with government set content recommendations.展开更多
This study is the first attempt to investigate the relationship between the annual GDP growth rate and money laundering in the Republic of Albania during the period 2007-2011. The main result of the study: there is a ...This study is the first attempt to investigate the relationship between the annual GDP growth rate and money laundering in the Republic of Albania during the period 2007-2011. The main result of the study: there is a negative correlation between money laundering process and economic growth rate in Albania during the specified period;there is a negative correlation between money laundering and import, but there is a positive correlation between money laundering and the government expenditure, as well a positive correlation between money laundering and export.展开更多
Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by the bite of female Anopheles mosquito and particularly affects the tropical areas of the world. According to national statistics it is the leading cause of consultations and ho...Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by the bite of female Anopheles mosquito and particularly affects the tropical areas of the world. According to national statistics it is the leading cause of consultations and hospitalizations. Nowadays, despite the surveillance systems for efficient malaria control and access to generic drugs, Benin is witnessing an increased development of illicit drug markets with a large part of the population going towards such markets. However, this is not without adverse impact on the health of individuals, as well as, the economic status of the country. Therefore, the situation needs to be seriously considered by policy makers at various levels, health professionals but also the entire international community in order to thwart this scourge.Regarding the aforementioned situation, the current study was undertaken aiming to perform a quality control of selected antimalarial drugs of the illegal market in Porto-Novo city. Therefore, 40 antimalarial batches were randomly collected in the illicit drug market and submitted to analytical tests such as: macroscopic examination (a visual and critical examination);mass uniformity test;disintegration test;identification test and active ingredients’ content measurement. At the end of the study, the percentages of non-compliance is 97.5%, 5%, 15% and 27.5%, respectively for the content uniformity tests, disintegration, identification and assay. Over-all, 42.5% of noncompliance was recorded. The findings of this study prove that street vended drugs offer no guarantee of good quality and pose a threat to the health of populations. Also, the rate of non-compliance denotes a flaw in the security of the drug distribution system.展开更多
Cocaine and crack cocaine are usually seized with a great diversity of adulterants, such as benzocaine, lidocaine, caffeine, and procaine. The forensic identification of cocaine in these drug mixtures is normally perf...Cocaine and crack cocaine are usually seized with a great diversity of adulterants, such as benzocaine, lidocaine, caffeine, and procaine. The forensic identification of cocaine in these drug mixtures is normally performed using colorimetric testing kits, but these tests may suffer from interferences providing false-positive or false-negatives. In this work, we describe the use of thin layer chromatography coupled to easy sonic-spray ambient ionization mass spectrometry (TLC/EASI-MS) for rapid and secure analysis of cocaine and crack cocaine. Fifteen cocaine samples were analyzed, and all of them revealed positive TLC/EASI-MS results for cocaine, but other drugs and adulterants were also detected such as lidocaine, caffeine, benzocaine, lactose, benzoylecgonine, and ecgonidine. False positives and false negatives, as judged by the TLC Rf values, were identified via on-spot characterization by EASI-MS. The TLC/EASI-MS combination seems therefore to provide an appropriate technique for secure forensic investigations of illicit drugs.展开更多
In recent years, increased attention from the media, the international community and policy makers has highlighted the destabilizing effects criminal networks have on the legitimacy of democratic politics, as well as ...In recent years, increased attention from the media, the international community and policy makers has highlighted the destabilizing effects criminal networks have on the legitimacy of democratic politics, as well as the capacity of democratic systems to deliver basic services. Indeed, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development highlighted in 2014 how illicit financial flows drain the state from resources needed to provide basic services （OECD, 2014）. While this problem affects not only developing and fragile states, these countries are particularly affected as this phenomenon tends to exacerbate inequality （Briscoe, Perdomo ＆ Uribe Burcher, 2014）. Mapping the factors that make politics vulnerable to the influence of organized crime is a key element in the effort to implement adequate strategies to prevent and mitigate this phenomenon. This paper explores 21 threat factors identified, understood as some of the conditions that may contribute to the likelihood that political corruption linked to organized crime takes place. These threat factors underline institutional weaknesses--including those related to illicit political fmance---and organized crime activities, which create opportunities for illicit networks to penetrate democratic political systems. The paper also discusses how these institutional weaknesses interrelate to specific criminal markets and networks. The paper draws from extensive desk research in 2015, which complements previous desk and field research on the same topic carded out in 2011-2014 in the Baltic States, Latin America and West Africa.展开更多
Illicit drug use is a critical and challenging issue globally,but there is a lack of thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms of drug use,which is essential for policy interventions,in many threatened place...Illicit drug use is a critical and challenging issue globally,but there is a lack of thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms of drug use,which is essential for policy interventions,in many threatened places.This study aims to explore the socioeconomic determinants of drug use to support policy design in Hong Kong and other regions with similar issues.Multiple linear regression models and fixed-effects models are employed to examine the socioeconomic determinants of drug use based on the most comprehensive data on drug use and population in Hong Kong from 1991 to 2016.The estimates show that demographic and socioeconomic characteristics are important predictors of illicit drug use.The highest rate of drug use is observed for people aged between 20 and 30,as well as for those with primary education.Compared with males,the female drug use rate is 15(or 46)per 10,000 people lower for the newly(or previously)addicted cases.A 10%increase in monthly income is associated with a 14%drop in drug use rate at the district level.The average annual expenditure on drug use is USD 32.6 million in Hong Kong.Drug policies shall pay more attention to these at-risk groups,and shall consider more financial support to lower the drug use rates.展开更多
This article addresses the everyday technologies of ＇extraction and redistribution＇ that young women and men use in order to adapt to a situation of increasing unemployment in Maputo, Mozambique and other African ci...This article addresses the everyday technologies of ＇extraction and redistribution＇ that young women and men use in order to adapt to a situation of increasing unemployment in Maputo, Mozambique and other African cities. In this neoliberal economy informal and illicit trade with sex, stolen goods and counterfeit products are on the rise and the article shows how technologies of survival are highly gendered and reconfigure masculinities and femininities. In this article I argue that technologies of survival in urban Africa are based on logics of extraction-of money, goods and other valuables from the well off- as an alternative to wage labor, salaries and more respected sources of income and redistribution of incomes to kin and social networks. Technologies of extraction are highly gendered and a division of ＂informal labor＂ exists in this shadow economy where many young women enter into transactional sex with sugar-daddies, called sponsors or patrons, who provide for them in exchange for sex while male peers often become street vendors, street artists or petty criminals engaged in the so-called ＇black＇ markets of theft, sale of counterfeits, and circulation of stolen goods, alcohol and drugs. As I show, these gendered markets are highly entangled and interdependent, and as I argue, male and female markets use many of the same technologies, sources and circuits of exchange.展开更多
Liver transplantation(LT) is the gold standard treatment for end-stage liver disease. Whatever the primary indication of LT, substance abuse after surgery may decrease survival rates and quality of life. Prevalence of...Liver transplantation(LT) is the gold standard treatment for end-stage liver disease. Whatever the primary indication of LT, substance abuse after surgery may decrease survival rates and quality of life. Prevalence of severe alcohol relapse is between 11 and 26%,and reduces life expectancy regardless of the primary indication of LT. Many patients on waiting lists for LT are smokers and this is a major risk factor for both malignant tumors and cardiovascular events post-surgery. The aim of this review is to describe psychoactive substance consumption after LT, and to assess the impact on liver transplant recipients. This review describes data about alcohol and illicit drug use by transplant recipients and suggests guidelines for behavior management after surgery. The presence of an addiction specialist in a LT team seems to be very important.展开更多
Illicit drug use is a significant problem that causes great material and moral losses and threatens the future of the society.For this reason,illicit drug use and related crimes are the most significant criminal cases...Illicit drug use is a significant problem that causes great material and moral losses and threatens the future of the society.For this reason,illicit drug use and related crimes are the most significant criminal cases examined by scientists.This paper aims at modeling the illegal drug use using the Atangana-Baleanu fractional derivative with Mittag-Leffler kernel.Also,in this work,the existence and uniqueness of solutions of the fractional-order Illicit drug use model are discussed via Picard-Lindelöf theorem which provides successive approximations using a convergent sequence.Then the stability analysis for both disease-free and endemic equilibrium states is conducted.A numerical scheme based on the known Adams-Bashforth method is designed in fractional form to approximate the novel Atangana-Baleanu fractional operator of order 0<a≤1.Finally,numerical simulation results based on different values of fractional order,which also serve as control parameter,are presented to justify the theoretical findings.展开更多
The main purpose of this study is to develop a mathematical model for calculating the probability of money laundering process, by monitoring the behavior of the client using 70 indicators of money laundering. The scie...The main purpose of this study is to develop a mathematical model for calculating the probability of money laundering process, by monitoring the behavior of the client using 70 indicators of money laundering. The scientific method used in this study （received from the Modern Criminology） has great investigative power and it is widely applicable. Hopefully the practical application of this study will increase greatly the probability of detection and punishment of the clients who are implicated in the process of money laundering. In particular, this study will be useful for banks, Financial Intelligence Unit （FIU） of Albania, Department of Economic Crime at the Ministry of Domestic Affairs and Albanian State Intelligence Service （SIS）. Also, the investigation of money laundering will be a useful tool to detect other crimes, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal arms trade, etc. The prevention of money laundering is simultaneously a powerful strike against terrorism both on national and international levels.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.:2018YFC0807402)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.:82073810)。
文摘In this study,we developed a novel on-line solid phase extraction(SPE)-ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS)-based analytical method for simultaneously quantifying 12 illicit drugs and metabolites(methamphetamine,amphetamine,morphine,codeine,6-monoacetylmorphine,benzoylecgonine,3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine,3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine,cocaine,ketamine,norketamine,and methcathinone)and cotinine(COT)in wastewater samples.The analysis was performed by loading 2 m L of the sample onto an Oasis hydrophilic-lipophilic balance cartridge and using a cleanup step(5%methanol)to eliminate interference with a total run time of 13 min.The isotope-labeled internal standard method was used to quantify the target substances and correct for unavoidable losses and matrix effects during the on-line SPE process.Typical analytical characteristics used for method validation were sensitivity,linearity,precision,repeatability,recovery,and matrix effects.The limit of detection(LOD)and limit of quantification(LOQ)of each target were set at 0.20 ng/L and 0.50 ng/L,respectively.The linearity was between 0.5 ng/L and250 ng/L,except for that of COT.The intra-and inter-day precisions were<10.45%and 25.64%,respectively,and the relative recovery ranged from 83.74%to 162.26%.The method was used to analyze various wastewater samples from 33 cities in China,and the results were compared with the experimental results of identical samples analyzed using off-line SPE.The difference rate was between 19.91%and-20.44%,and the error range could be considered acceptable.These findings showed that on-line SPE is a suitable alternative to off-line SPE for the analysis of illicit drugs in samples.
基金supported by the Sapienza University of Rome through the project RICERCA 2019(protocol number:RG11916B6451D44A)。
文摘In the present work,dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction(DLLME)was used to extract six synthetic cannabinoids(JWH-018,JWH-019,JWH-073,JWH-200,or WIN 55,225,JWH-250,and AM-694)from oral fluids.A rapid baseline separation of the analytes was achieved on a bidentate octadecyl silica hydride phase(Cogent Bidentate C18;4.6 mm×250 mm,4μm)maintained at 37℃,by eluting in isocratic conditions(water:acetonitrile(25:75,V/V)).Detection was performed using positive electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.The parameters affecting DLLME(pH and ionic strength of the aqueous phase,type and volume of the extractant and dispersive solvent,vortex and centrifugation time)were optimized for maximizing yields.In particular,using 0.5 mL of oral fluid,acetonitrile(1 mL),was identified as the best option,both as a solvent to precipitate proteins and as a dispersing solvent in the DLLME procedure.To select an extraction solvent,a low transition temperature mixture(LTTM;composed of sesamol and chlorine chloride with a molar ratio of 1:3)and dichloromethane were compared;the latter(100μL)was proved to be a better extractant,with recoveries ranging from 73%to 101%by vortexing for 2 min.The method was validated according to the guidelines of Food and Drug Administration bioanalytical methods:intra-day and inter-day precisions ranged between 4%and 18%depending on the spike level and analyte;limits of detection spanned from 2 to 18 ng/mL;matrixmatched calibration curves were characterized by determination coefficients greater than 0.9914.Finally,the extraction procedure was compared with previous methods and with innovative techniques,presenting superior reliability,rapidity,simplicity,inexpensiveness,and efficiency.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41977341)Public Technology Research Project of Zhejiang Province(LGC19B070004),Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics(MED202305)State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology,Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences,Chinese Academy of Sciences(KF2018-15).
文摘A total of twenty-three psychiatric pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs were analyzed in tap water covering seven basins in Eastern China.The residual concentrations of these substances were detected up to 22.4 ng L^(-1).Among the substances,benzodiazepines were more often detected with higher median concentrations than those of illicit drugs.Generally,the higher residual levels of psychoactive substances were detected in the upstream of the basins compared with the downstream.For example,the concentrations of diazepam,temazepam,and oxazepam in the downstream were much higher than those in the upstream in OJ.Among the basins,YH was the most polluted region.Exposure assessment indicated the median exposure doses of diazepam and temazepam were from 85 to 99 and 3.5e4.1 pg kg^(-1) bw d^(-1) in the basins,respectively.Benchmark quotient for the nine detected substances was calculated in each basin with the range from 0.0001 to 0.0389,indicating low risk in the tap water for human health under current concentrations.
基金Marie Morelato would like to acknowledge the UTS Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellowship.Frederic Been acknowledges the Swiss National Science Foundation[SNSF_P2LAP2_164892]the Research Foundation-Flanders[FWO,project 12Y8518N]for his postdoctoral fellowshipas well as the INTERWASTE[grant number 734522]project funded by the European Commission[grant number Horizon 2020].
文摘Wastewater analysis offers objective and complementary information to illicit drug agencies by monitoring patterns of illicit drug consumption.In this study,wastewater samples from three different wastewater treatment plants in Sydney,Australia were collected in March 2016.Ten targeted drugs were analysed and temporal and geographical analyses were performed to obtain a better understanding of the type and amount of illicit drugs consumed in Sydney in comparison with similar studies conducted around Australia and in Europe.Among the targeted drugs,methamphetamine was consumed the most,followed by cocaine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine(MDMA).Weekly patterns were observed where a peak during the weekend was present.The geographical analysis showed differences between the regions targeted.This observation may be related to socio-demographic aspects.The comparison of our study to other data sources from Australia showed a high consumption of methamphetamine in Sydney and Western Australia.The comparison between Sydney and different European cities revealed a difference in consumption,which is in line with traditional market indicators.The information obtained through wastewater analysis provides complementary information regarding illicit drug consumption,the size,and the evolution of the illicit drug market.This,ultimately,will assist authorities in making informed decisions.
文摘In 2006,a large quantity of clandestine sensitive radioactive materials surfaced at an abandoned scrap metal and lead recovery facility in the city Gaziemir,Izmir,Türkiye.In April,2007 the TAEK(Turkish Atomic Energy Agency)official experts surveyed the 70,000 m^(2)site including the storage buildings.They reported that 20-300 microRad/h of radiation was detected throughout the site,especially high readings of more than 300 micRad/h were recorded inside the storage building containing about 1,100 tons of commercially valuable waste.About 15 tons of waste were taken from the storage building and sent to TAEK’s lab in Ankara to be analyzed.In April,2008 TAEK issued a press release(No:04/2012)on its official website confirming that their analysis of samples taken from the Aslan facility showed that,there is a scattered radioactive contamination in the Aslan lead-recovering factory.The radioactive isotopes of Europium-152 and Europium-154 were found in the landfilled area,additionally,these isotopes were more concentrated(higher readings)in the commercially valuable waste(approx.1,100 tons)which was kept in the storage building,a clear indication of the fact that at the Aslan facility,sensitive nuclear reactor parts,including but not limited to nuclear reactors control rods were being melted.
基金supported by the key program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 90612016)
文摘A quantitative structure-retention relationship（QSRR） study has been carried out on the gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry（GC-MS） system retention time（RT） of two sets of illicit drugs by using molecular structural descriptors.Heuristic method（HM） was utilized to construct the linear models.Appropriate models with low standard errors and high correlation coefficients were obtained（R2=0.9873,F=390.18 for data set 1 and R2=0.9881,F=749.13 for data set 2）.The results of leave-one-out cross validation showed good predictive ability of these proposed models（R c2v= 0.9812 and R c2v= 0.9824,respectively）.Each molecular descriptor in the two models was disputed to unfold the relationship between the molecular structures and RT.
文摘The pharmaceutical compounds were analyzed in 14 sampling sites and pointed out the pollution sources related to raw sewage input and urban drainage discharge. Five medicine compounds, one illicit drug, and its metabolite were the higher measured content using analytical improvements tailored to identify and quantify organic compounds in low water content. The use of SPE cartridges followed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) points out the Guavirutuba tributary as the primary water pollution source with higher concentrations in 2011 for pharmaceuticals, cocaine, and benzoylecgonine (metabolite) in the range of 6.7 ± 0.9 ng L-1 to 27.386 ± 142 ng L-1. The Jaceguay stream also located in Guarapiranga was the most preserved area and provided analytical values correspondent which lowered contamination content. Such concentrations mean a possible and feasible water restoration target. The most common compounds (above 90% samples) were: caffeine, atenolol, carbamazepine, cocaine, and benzoylecgonine. The integrated risk index for aquatic chemical pollution (IRICAP) confirms the higher contamination near Guavirutuba stream and the lower near the Jaceguay stream. Published results of cocaine and benzoylecgonine content in Guarapiranga basin corroborated with the analytical results.
文摘Drugs related to morphine represent not only large range of important therapeutic applications for the relief of moderate to severe pain but also give rise to a relatively large series of novel opioids that mimic the action of this naturally occurring analgesic.Most of these are based on fentanyl structures that are much more potent,and dangerous,than fentanyl itself.This publication reviews reports of fatalities attributed to 15 novel opioids with the view to assessing mortality associated with their misuse as well as reviewing published analytical procedures that would be able to detect these and other novel opioids.These drugs include reports of deaths to acetylfentanyl,acrylfentanyl,butr(yl)fentanyl,carfentanil,2-and 4-fluorofentanyls,4-fluorobutyrfentanyl,4-fluoroisobutyrfentanyl,furanylfentanyl,a-and 3-methylfentanyls,4-methoxyfentanyl,ocfentanil,as well as AH-7921,U-47700 and MT-45.Most of these cases reporting a drug-caused death involved other drugs in addition to the opioid.No obvious minimum fatal concentration was discerned for any of the opioids for which details were provided,however,the more potent members required detection limits well under 1 ng/mL and often even well below 0.1 ng/mL requiring use of the most sensitive mass spectral detection procedures,particularly when screening specimens using a non-targeted mode.Four other novel opioids have been reported in admissions to hospitals include 4-chloroisobutryfentanyl,cyclopentylfentanyl and tetrahydrofuranfentanyl,all of which are likely to have the potential to cause death.It is also likely that other analogues will appear with time.
文摘Traditionally, tricuspid valve endocarditis is uncommon in the Middle East region. However, recent global data indicate growing trends in the use of illicit drug abuse, specifically injectable heroin, in the Middle East Gulf region. The presence of many transit port services in the Middle East Gulf States has led to smuggling of substance abuse drugs in the region. The Middle East Gulf States, currently a transit market, are also becoming a growing consumer market in view of the increased substance abuse in the youth. However, there is a paucity of data with respect to the prevalence or incidence of tricuspid valve endocarditis in the region, probably due to underdiagnosis or underreporting. A high index of suspicion of tricuspid valve endocarditis is essential in patients with a history of intravenous drug abuse. This article reviews the epidemiology of illicit drug abuse in the Middle East Gulf region, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of tricuspid valve endocarditis, and calls for all physicians in the region to be vigilant while dealing with intravenous drug abuse.
文摘The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites in surface waters has to be considered a new type of hazard, still unknown, for both the human health and the aquatic ecosystem, due to the potent pharmacological activities of all the illicit drugs. Our research was aimed at evaluating the presence of illicit drugs in the Sarno River (Campania region, Italy), crossing a densely populated area, the basin of the Sarno River, one of the largest and most important economic areas in Campania region, famous for the presence of zones with high landscape-environmental value. The drugs selected for this study were the most used in Campania region. The presence of illicit drugs in surface water was analyzed by a selective multi-residue assay based on liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry. The analysis showed the presence of all the illicit drugs investigated: cocaine and its main metabolites (benzoylecgonine, nor-benzoylecgonine), morphine, THC-COOH and codeine;cocaine was the most abundant illicit drug. The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites in the Sarno River suggests new potential risk for the basin’s inhabitants, using water in the food chain, via field irrigation and animal feed, and for the health of the aquatic fauna.
文摘Affordability and availability of alcohol are factors that have been associated with alcohol dependence. Ethanol content in the alcoholic beverages is an important determinant in alcohol dependence. Quality control of alcoholic beverages available in the market is important in safeguarding the health of alcohol consumers. Few studies in Kenya have determined the chemical composition of alcohol used by the study participants. Objective: To determine the chemical composition of alcoholic beverages used by a group of alcohol dependent study participants. Design: The study was a clinical trial with pre and post measurements. Method: The CIDI and WHO-ASSIST were administered to 188 alcohol-dependent persons at intake and after six months. A researcher-designed socio demographic questionnaire was also administered at intake. Alcohol beverages were randomly collected from the location of the study area and their chemical composition analyzed using gas chromatography. Results: The mean AUDIT score of the participant was 28.6 for male and 26.6 for females. Three of the alcohol samples collected was illicit brews collected while 11 were licit. Four out of the eleven licit brews had ethanol levels that did not complied with the set government standards. Conclusion: Illicit brews with high ethanol content are available in the Kenyan market, while some of the manufacturers of the licit brew do not comply with government set content recommendations.
文摘This study is the first attempt to investigate the relationship between the annual GDP growth rate and money laundering in the Republic of Albania during the period 2007-2011. The main result of the study: there is a negative correlation between money laundering process and economic growth rate in Albania during the specified period;there is a negative correlation between money laundering and import, but there is a positive correlation between money laundering and the government expenditure, as well a positive correlation between money laundering and export.
文摘Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by the bite of female Anopheles mosquito and particularly affects the tropical areas of the world. According to national statistics it is the leading cause of consultations and hospitalizations. Nowadays, despite the surveillance systems for efficient malaria control and access to generic drugs, Benin is witnessing an increased development of illicit drug markets with a large part of the population going towards such markets. However, this is not without adverse impact on the health of individuals, as well as, the economic status of the country. Therefore, the situation needs to be seriously considered by policy makers at various levels, health professionals but also the entire international community in order to thwart this scourge.Regarding the aforementioned situation, the current study was undertaken aiming to perform a quality control of selected antimalarial drugs of the illegal market in Porto-Novo city. Therefore, 40 antimalarial batches were randomly collected in the illicit drug market and submitted to analytical tests such as: macroscopic examination (a visual and critical examination);mass uniformity test;disintegration test;identification test and active ingredients’ content measurement. At the end of the study, the percentages of non-compliance is 97.5%, 5%, 15% and 27.5%, respectively for the content uniformity tests, disintegration, identification and assay. Over-all, 42.5% of noncompliance was recorded. The findings of this study prove that street vended drugs offer no guarantee of good quality and pose a threat to the health of populations. Also, the rate of non-compliance denotes a flaw in the security of the drug distribution system.
基金financial support from the Brazilian Science foundations CNPq,FAPESP,FINEP and Inmetro.
文摘Cocaine and crack cocaine are usually seized with a great diversity of adulterants, such as benzocaine, lidocaine, caffeine, and procaine. The forensic identification of cocaine in these drug mixtures is normally performed using colorimetric testing kits, but these tests may suffer from interferences providing false-positive or false-negatives. In this work, we describe the use of thin layer chromatography coupled to easy sonic-spray ambient ionization mass spectrometry (TLC/EASI-MS) for rapid and secure analysis of cocaine and crack cocaine. Fifteen cocaine samples were analyzed, and all of them revealed positive TLC/EASI-MS results for cocaine, but other drugs and adulterants were also detected such as lidocaine, caffeine, benzocaine, lactose, benzoylecgonine, and ecgonidine. False positives and false negatives, as judged by the TLC Rf values, were identified via on-spot characterization by EASI-MS. The TLC/EASI-MS combination seems therefore to provide an appropriate technique for secure forensic investigations of illicit drugs.
文摘In recent years, increased attention from the media, the international community and policy makers has highlighted the destabilizing effects criminal networks have on the legitimacy of democratic politics, as well as the capacity of democratic systems to deliver basic services. Indeed, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development highlighted in 2014 how illicit financial flows drain the state from resources needed to provide basic services （OECD, 2014）. While this problem affects not only developing and fragile states, these countries are particularly affected as this phenomenon tends to exacerbate inequality （Briscoe, Perdomo ＆ Uribe Burcher, 2014）. Mapping the factors that make politics vulnerable to the influence of organized crime is a key element in the effort to implement adequate strategies to prevent and mitigate this phenomenon. This paper explores 21 threat factors identified, understood as some of the conditions that may contribute to the likelihood that political corruption linked to organized crime takes place. These threat factors underline institutional weaknesses--including those related to illicit political fmance---and organized crime activities, which create opportunities for illicit networks to penetrate democratic political systems. The paper also discusses how these institutional weaknesses interrelate to specific criminal markets and networks. The paper draws from extensive desk research in 2015, which complements previous desk and field research on the same topic carded out in 2011-2014 in the Baltic States, Latin America and West Africa.
基金funded by the Beat Drugs Fund Association(170062).
文摘Illicit drug use is a critical and challenging issue globally,but there is a lack of thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms of drug use,which is essential for policy interventions,in many threatened places.This study aims to explore the socioeconomic determinants of drug use to support policy design in Hong Kong and other regions with similar issues.Multiple linear regression models and fixed-effects models are employed to examine the socioeconomic determinants of drug use based on the most comprehensive data on drug use and population in Hong Kong from 1991 to 2016.The estimates show that demographic and socioeconomic characteristics are important predictors of illicit drug use.The highest rate of drug use is observed for people aged between 20 and 30,as well as for those with primary education.Compared with males,the female drug use rate is 15(or 46)per 10,000 people lower for the newly(or previously)addicted cases.A 10%increase in monthly income is associated with a 14%drop in drug use rate at the district level.The average annual expenditure on drug use is USD 32.6 million in Hong Kong.Drug policies shall pay more attention to these at-risk groups,and shall consider more financial support to lower the drug use rates.
文摘This article addresses the everyday technologies of ＇extraction and redistribution＇ that young women and men use in order to adapt to a situation of increasing unemployment in Maputo, Mozambique and other African cities. In this neoliberal economy informal and illicit trade with sex, stolen goods and counterfeit products are on the rise and the article shows how technologies of survival are highly gendered and reconfigure masculinities and femininities. In this article I argue that technologies of survival in urban Africa are based on logics of extraction-of money, goods and other valuables from the well off- as an alternative to wage labor, salaries and more respected sources of income and redistribution of incomes to kin and social networks. Technologies of extraction are highly gendered and a division of ＂informal labor＂ exists in this shadow economy where many young women enter into transactional sex with sugar-daddies, called sponsors or patrons, who provide for them in exchange for sex while male peers often become street vendors, street artists or petty criminals engaged in the so-called ＇black＇ markets of theft, sale of counterfeits, and circulation of stolen goods, alcohol and drugs. As I show, these gendered markets are highly entangled and interdependent, and as I argue, male and female markets use many of the same technologies, sources and circuits of exchange.
文摘Liver transplantation(LT) is the gold standard treatment for end-stage liver disease. Whatever the primary indication of LT, substance abuse after surgery may decrease survival rates and quality of life. Prevalence of severe alcohol relapse is between 11 and 26%,and reduces life expectancy regardless of the primary indication of LT. Many patients on waiting lists for LT are smokers and this is a major risk factor for both malignant tumors and cardiovascular events post-surgery. The aim of this review is to describe psychoactive substance consumption after LT, and to assess the impact on liver transplant recipients. This review describes data about alcohol and illicit drug use by transplant recipients and suggests guidelines for behavior management after surgery. The presence of an addiction specialist in a LT team seems to be very important.
文摘Illicit drug use is a significant problem that causes great material and moral losses and threatens the future of the society.For this reason,illicit drug use and related crimes are the most significant criminal cases examined by scientists.This paper aims at modeling the illegal drug use using the Atangana-Baleanu fractional derivative with Mittag-Leffler kernel.Also,in this work,the existence and uniqueness of solutions of the fractional-order Illicit drug use model are discussed via Picard-Lindelöf theorem which provides successive approximations using a convergent sequence.Then the stability analysis for both disease-free and endemic equilibrium states is conducted.A numerical scheme based on the known Adams-Bashforth method is designed in fractional form to approximate the novel Atangana-Baleanu fractional operator of order 0<a≤1.Finally,numerical simulation results based on different values of fractional order,which also serve as control parameter,are presented to justify the theoretical findings.
文摘The main purpose of this study is to develop a mathematical model for calculating the probability of money laundering process, by monitoring the behavior of the client using 70 indicators of money laundering. The scientific method used in this study （received from the Modern Criminology） has great investigative power and it is widely applicable. Hopefully the practical application of this study will increase greatly the probability of detection and punishment of the clients who are implicated in the process of money laundering. In particular, this study will be useful for banks, Financial Intelligence Unit （FIU） of Albania, Department of Economic Crime at the Ministry of Domestic Affairs and Albanian State Intelligence Service （SIS）. Also, the investigation of money laundering will be a useful tool to detect other crimes, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal arms trade, etc. The prevention of money laundering is simultaneously a powerful strike against terrorism both on national and international levels.
