Estimation of Measurement Uncertainty in Quantitation of Benzoylecgonine (BZE) and 11-nor-Δ9-THC-9-carboxylic acid (THCA).

Calculating measurement uncertainty is a helpful exercise for identifying components or steps in a forensic analytical procedure that contribute to measurement variance. In this study, we used a bottom up approach to identify components in our procedures that contribute to measurement variance in our Department of Defense (DoD) Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS) analytical procedures for benzoylecgonine (BZE) and the THC metabolite, 11-nor-Δ9-THC-9-carboxylic acid (THCA) at 125% the DDRP concentration threshold (cutoff). Each assay was run 10 times over 30 days, each assay containing five calibrators and five samples (125%).

Comparison of LC-MS-MS and GC-MS Analysis of Benzodiazepine Compounds Included in the Drug Demand Reduction Urinalysis Program.

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) offers specific advantages over gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) such as the ability to identify and measure a broader range of compounds with minimal sample preparation. Comparative analysis of LC-MS-MS versus GC-MS was performed for urinalysis detection of five benzodiazepine compounds currently part of the Department of Defense (DoD) Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) testing panel; alpha-hydroxyalprazolam, oxazepam, lorazepam, nordiazepam and temazepam. In the analyses of internally prepared control urine samples at concentrations around the DDRP administrative decision point for benzodiazepines (100 ng/mL), both technologies produced comparable results with average accuracies between 99.

Drug use among the Afghanistan National Police: a national assessment.

The Afghanistan Ministry of Interior (MoI) conducted nationwide urinary drug screening of Afghanistan National Police (ANP) officers for tetrahydrocannabinol, opiates, d-Methamphetamine, and benzoylecgonine -- commonly referred to as cocaine -- between November 2009 and July 2010. The testing was accomplished in concert with the MoI's Personnel Asset Inventory. ANP members used standardized kits from the United States.

Distribution of radio-labeled N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine in Sprague-Dawley rats and its effect on glutathione metabolism following single and repeat dosing by oral gavage.

The distribution of radio-labeled N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) and its impact on glutathione (GSH) metabolism was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats following single and multiple dosing with NAC by oral gavage. Radioactivity associated with administration of (14)C-NAC distributed to most tissues examined within 1 hour of administration with peak radioactivity levels occurring within 1 hour to 4 hours and for a majority of the tissues examined, radioactivity remained elevated for up to 12 hours or more. Administration of a second dose of 1,200 mg/kg NAC + (14)C-NAC 4 hours after the first increased liver, kidney, skin, thymus, spleen, eye, and serum radioactivity significantly beyond levels achieved following 1 dose.

Effect of method of euthanasia on sperm motility of mature Sprague-Dawley rats.

Euthanasia is one of the most commonly performed procedures in laboratory animal settings. The method of euthanasia may affect experimental results in studies using animals and must be compatible with research objectives including subsequent tissue analyses. Our present study was performed to evaluate the effects of 7 euthanasia methods on sperm motility in mature rats.

Characterization of the skin penetration of a hydrocarbon-based weapons maintenance oil.

Break-Free CLP is a commercial petroleum-based liquid used for cleaning, lubricating, and protecting firearms that is used in the United States by military personnel, police, and individual gun owners for maintaining a wide variety of firearms. According to its material safety data sheet (MSDS), Break-Free CLP is predominately polyalphaolefin oil but also contains dibasic ester and isoparaffinic hydrocarbons; all of these ingredients are known to induce skin irritation in laboratory animals. Studies completed in our labs found that repeated topical application of Break-Free CLP to the backs of CD-1 mice produced evidence of systemic effects.

Evaluation of the effect of implanted depleted uranium on male reproductive success, sperm concentration, and sperm velocity.

Depleted uranium (DU) projectiles have been used in battle in Iraq and the Balkans and will continue to be a significant armor-penetrating munition for the US military. As demonstrated in the Persian Gulf War, battle injury from DU projectiles and shrapnel is a possibility, and removal of embedded DU fragments from the body is not always practical because of their location in the body or their small size. Previous studies in rodents have demonstrated that implanted DU mobilizes and translocates to the gonads, and natural uranium may be toxic to spermatazoa and the male reproductive tract.

Disposition of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-nitrophenol (DBNP), a submarine atmosphere contaminant, in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

The phenol 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-nitrophenol (DBNP) is a contaminant found onboard submarines and is formed by the nitration of an antioxidant present in turbine lubricating oil TEP 2190. DBNP has been found on submarine interior surfaces, on eating utensils and dishes, and on the skin of submariners. DBNP exposure is a potential health concern because it is an uncoupler of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.

N-acetyl-L-Cysteine as prophylaxis against sulfur mustard.

Sulfur mustard (HD) is a blister agent targeting the eyes, respiratory system, skin, and possibly other organs. Extensive exposure can destroy the immune system by destruction of bone marrow cells. There is no antidote for HD or effective treatment other than rapid decontamination.

Fetal ADH2*3, maternal alcohol consumption, and fetal growth.

There is some evidence suggesting the allele for alcohol dehydrogenase 2*3 (ADH2*3) is associated with a protective effect against alcohol-related intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). This study was conducted to explore the affect of the ADH2*3 allele on fetal growth. Bloodspots (n = 1016) belonging to individual infants of a subgroup of the Baltimore-Washington Infant Study (BWIS) were assayed for the presence of the ADH2*3 allele by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method.

Assessment of the aquatic and terrestrial toxicity of five biodegradable polymers.

Radiofrequency countermeasures (i.e., chaff) may be released by fighter jets during tactical countermeasures training.

Radio frequency chaff: the effects of its use in training on the environment.

Chaff is a radiofrequency countermeasure released by military aircraft, ships, and vehicles to confuse enemy radar. Chaff consists of aluminum-coated glass fibers ranging in lengths from 0.8 to 0.

Effect of Navy chaff release on aluminum levels in an area of the Chesapeake Bay.

The U.S. Navy uses aluminized glass chaff as a passive countermeasure for radar-guided threats to aircraft and surface ships.