Enhancing Gentamicin Antibacterial Activity by Co-Encapsulation with Thymoquinone in Liposomal Formulation.

Background And Purpose: Gentamicin (GEN) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that cannot be prescribed freely because of its toxicity. Thymoquinone (THQ), a phytochemical, has antibacterial, antioxidant, and toxicity-reducing properties. However, its hydrophobicity and light sensitivity make it challenging to utilize.

Substance misuse disorder in Saudi Arabia: A comprehensive examination of current demographic patterns, trends, and intervention requirements.

Introduction: This review examines substance misuse disorder (SMD) in Saudi Arabia, drawing insights from 43 prior studies. It explores the prevalence and patterns of SMD across diverse demographics.

Methodology: Our analysis integrated data from various studies involving adolescents, university students, psychiatric patients, and the general population as well as postmortem cases.

A critical review of workplace drug testing methods for old and new psychoactive substances: Gaps, advances, and perspectives.

Workplace drug testing (WDT) is essential to prevent drug abuse disorders among the workforce because it can impair work performance and safety. However, WDT is limited by many challenges, such as urine adulteration, specimen selection, and new psychoactive substances (NPS). This review examined the issues related to WDT.

11-Nor-9-Carboxy Tetrahydrocannabinol Distribution in Fluid from the Chest Cavity in Cannabis-Related Post-Mortem Cases.

Unlabelled: In this study, the presence of 11-nor-Δ-carboxy tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) in postmortem fluid obtained from the chest cavity (FCC) of postmortem cases collected from drug-related fatalities or criminal-related deaths in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was investigated to evaluate its suitability for use as a complementary specimen to blood and biological specimens in cases where no bodily fluids are available or suitable for analysis. The relationships between THC-COOH concentrations in the FCC samples and age, body mass index (BMI), polydrug intoxication, manner, and cause of death were investigated.

Methods: Fifteen postmortem cases of FCC were analyzed using fully validated liquid chromatography-positive-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Metabolomics Analysis as a Tool to Measure Cobalt Neurotoxicity: An In Vitro Validation.

In this study, cobalt neurotoxicity was investigated in human astrocytoma and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells using proliferation assays coupled with LC-MS-based metabolomics and transcriptomics techniques. Cells were treated with a range of cobalt concentrations between 0 and 200 µM. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay revealed cobalt cytotoxicity and decreased cell metabolism in a dose and time-dependent manner was observed by metabolomics analysis, in both cell lines.

Heroin-Related Fatalities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 2008 and 2018.

To date, epidemiological studies have not evaluated heroin-related deaths in the Middle East and North African regions, especially Saudi Arabia. All heroin-related postmortem cases reported at the Jeddah Poison Control Center (JPCC) over a 10-year period (21 January 2008 to 31 July 2018) were reviewed. In addition, liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) was utilized to determine the 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), 6-acetylcodeine (6-AC), morphine (MOR), and codeine contents in unhydrolyzed postmortem specimens.

Statistical analysis, source apportionment, and toxicity of particulate- and gaseous-phase PAHs in the urban atmosphere.

Introduction: The concentrations of particulate and gaseous Polycyclic Hydrocarbons Carbon (PAHs) were determined in the urban atmosphere of Delhi in different seasons (winter, summer, and monsoon).

Methodology: The samples were collected using instrument air metric (particulate phase) and charcoal tube (gaseous phase) and analyzed through Gas chromatography. The principal component and correlation were used to identify the sources of particulate and gaseous PAHs during different seasons.

Ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate: a review of their roles in forensic toxicology analysis of alcohol postmortem.

Purpose: This review presents the current methods used for determining ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) concentrations in postmortem specimens, including sample preparation, analysis and the role of EtG and EtS in the postmortem assessment of the extent of alcohol abuse.

Methods: Papers pertaining to postmortem investigation were collected from scientific databases and reviewed. The papers were published between January 2006 and October 2020.

A literature perspective on the pharmacological applications of yohimbine.

Phytochemicals have garnered much attention because they are useful in managing several human diseases. Yohimbine is one such phytochemical with significant pharmacological potential and could be exploited for research by medicinal chemists. It is an indole alkaloid obtained from various natural/synthetic sources.

Post-Mortem Analysis of Heroin Biomarkers, Morphine and Codeine in Stomach Wall Tissue in Heroin-Related Deaths.

Toxicological analysis of some cases can be complicated by poor sample quality caused by decomposition. Although heroin-related deaths have been researched extensively, the interpretation of toxicology findings in these cases is challenging, especially in instances where blood samples are unavailable. Thus, it is important to develop analytical methods for different sample types.

Effects of postmortem interval, putrefaction, diabetes, and location of death on the analysis of ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate as ethanol biomarkers of antemortem alcohol consumption.

This study evaluated the forensic value of ethanol biomarkers ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) under different conditions, including diabetes mellitus, drug abuse, and advanced decomposition. In addition, we explored whether ethanol, EtG, or EtS formation occurred in patients who died as a result of diabetes mellitus. Fifty-two routine postmortem cases were divided into three groups.

Viridiflorol induces anti-neoplastic effects on breast, lung, and brain cancer cells through apoptosis.

All active natural molecules are not fully exploited as therapeutic agents, causing delays in the advancement of anticancer drug discovery. Viridiflorol is a natural volatile element that may work as anti-cancer compound. We tested the anticancer properties of viridiflorol at different concentrations ranging from 0.

Methamphetamine-related postmortem cases in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

A more than 500% increase in the number of deaths involving methamphetamine occurred between 2016 and 2018 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. As such, this report employed a validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method to quantify methamphetamine and its metabolites in bodily fluids from 47 postmortem cases in which methamphetamine was involved. The mean age of the deceased was 33 years old (median: 30, range: 16-63), and 94% were male.

Systematic Phytochemical Screening of Different Organs of and the Ovicidal Effect of Their Extracts to the Foodstuff Pest .

In developing countries, crop deterioration is mainly caused by inappropriate storage conditions that promote insect infestation. Synthetic pesticides are associated with serious adverse effects on humans and the environment. Thus, finding alternative "green" insecticides is a very pressing need.

Quantification of cannabinoids in human hair using a modified derivatization procedure and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

The aim of this work was to develop and validate a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for detecting of the main cannabinoids, cannabinol (CBN) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the primary metabolite 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) in hair samples. Extraction of the cannabinoids was carried out by a polymeric strong anion mixed-mode solid-phase extraction cartridge and then employing methanolic HCl followed by 2-fluoro-1-methylpyridinium-p-toluenesulfonate (FMP-TS) as a derivatization procedure of carboxyl and phenolic groups, respectively, offering enhanced sensitivity for the detection of THC-COOH in hair matrices. Formation of a methyl ester increased its lipophilicity and removed the negative charge on the carboxyl group.

Postmortem Liver and Kidney Tissue Concentrations of Heroin Biomarkers and Their Metabolites in Heroin-Related Fatalities*†.

A method was developed and validated for analyzing 6-monoacetylmorphine, morphine, 6-acetylcodeine, and codeine in routine postmortem liver and kidney specimens using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Samples were prepared with a Stomacher instrument followed by solid-phase extraction. All calibration curves [0.

The role of ethanol in fatalities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

In Saudi Arabia, alcohol consumption is prohibited by law, but interpreting postmortem ethanol can be complicated by its postmortem production. This study developed and validated a method using headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy to detect ethanol and its polar metabolites (ethyl glucuronide [EtG] and ethyl sulfate [EtS]) in postmortem blood and urine specimens, respectively. All calibration curves were linear with coefficients of determination greater than 0.

Method for Postmortem Tissue Quantification of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Metabolites Using LC-MS-MS.

A method for analyzing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-Δ9-THC (THC-OH) and 11-nor-Δ9-THC-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH) in postmortem solid specimens using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated. A Stomacher instrument was used to prepare these tissues before extraction. Prior to solid phase extraction, liver, kidney, stomach, lung, brain, muscle, bladder and intestine tissues were pretreated with alkaline hydrolysis.

Method for the identification and quantification of sixty drugs and their metabolites in postmortem whole blood using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

The aim of this work was to develop and validate a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for detecting sixty drugs and metabolites that are most commonly encountered in postmortem whole blood analysis. Although a large number of drugs were included in the panel, acceptance criteria for method validation were achieved. All calibration curves were found to be linear with coefficients of determination greater than 0.

Method for Postmortem Quantification of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Metabolites Using LC-MS-MS.

A specific, sensitive, fast and simple method for analysis of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-Δ9-THC (THC-OH) and 11-nor-Δ9-THC-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH) in routine postmortem cases using LC-MS-MS was developed and validated. Prior to solid phase extraction, urine, stomach contents and bile were pretreated using alkaline hydrolysis, while blood and vitreous humor were pretreated with protein precipitation. The distribution of THC, THC-OH and THC-COOH were investigated in 31 postmortem cases that tested positive for cannabinoids.

Postmortem Fluid Concentrations of Heroin Biomarkers and Their Metabolites.

Only limited data exist concerning the utility of complementary specimens in heroin-related deaths. As such, this report employed a validated LC-MS-MS method to quantify 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), 6-acetylcodeine (6-AC), and their metabolites morphine and codeine in blood with (BN) and without preservative (B) and the additional unpreserved specimens of vitreous humor, urine, stomach contents, and bile from 20 postmortem cases in which heroin was the primary cause of death. The median concentration of 6-MAM in BN was 0.

Direct determination of ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate in postmortem urine specimens using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.

This work was aimed at developing and validating a hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC)-electrospray ionization (ESI)-ion trap-tandem mass spectrometric method for identification and quantification of ethyl glucuronide (ETG) and ethyl sulfate (ETS) as ethanol biomarkers and at employing this method for analysis of postmortem urine samples. Analytes of interest were separated on a ZIC-HILIC column (150 x 2.1 mm, 3.

Oxycodone-related fatalities in the west of Scotland.

The intent of this study was to review fatalities involving oxycodone in the west of Scotland using a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method developed for the determination of oxycodone and N- and O-demethylated metabolites in unhydrolyzed postmortem specimens. Ten oxycodone positive postmortem cases were detected, and nine were drug-related fatalities. Five cases were attributed solely to oxycodone intoxication and four to polydrug intoxication.