Green Analytical Toxicology procedure for determination of ketamine, its metabolites and analogues in oral fluid samples using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME).

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are often synthesized via small changes in the molecular structure, producing drugs whose effect and potency are not yet fully known. Ketamine is one of the oldest NPS, with therapeutic use in human and veterinary medicine authorized in several countries, being metabolized mainly into norketamine and 6-hydroxy-norketamine. Furthermore, two structural analogues of ketamine have recently been identified, deschloroketamine and 2-fluorodeschloroketamine, marketed as drugs of abuse.

The evolution of fentanyl-related substances: Prevalence and drug concentrations in postmortem biological specimens at the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner Department.

Since 2014, the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner Department (MDME) has observed a drastic increase in the number of fentanyl and fentanyl analog (fentanyl-related substances (FRSs)) fatalities since its introduction into the heroin and cocaine supply. Due to the prevalence of FRS in Miami-Dade County, the MDME toxicology laboratory began documenting each case in which fentanyl and/or a fentanyl analog was identified. Additional information monitored included demographics (age, race and sex), other drugs identified, cause of death (COD) and manner of death (MOD).

PM-bound trace metals in an urban area of Northern Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic: characterization, sources, and health risk.

Abstract: A field study was carried out in the Metropolitan Area of Monterrey (MAM), the second most populated city in Mexico, characterized by increasing urbanization, high traffic density, and intense industrial activity. These characteristics commonly present high concentrations of air pollutants leading to the degradation of air quality. PM was analyzed for heavy metals at two urban sites located within the MAM (Juarez and San Bernabe) in order to determine sources, health risk, morphology, and elemental content during the COVID-19 pandemic (autumn 2020 and spring 2021).

High-sensitivity method for the determination of LSD and 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD in oral fluid by liquid chromatography‒tandem mass spectrometry.

Purpose: We have developed and validated a high-sensitivity method to quantify lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD (OH-LSD) in oral fluid samples using liquid-liquid extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS). The method was applied to the quantification of both substances in 42 authentic oral fluid samples.

Methods: A liquid-liquid extraction was performed using 500 µL each of samples (oral fluid samples collected using Quantisal™ device) and dichloromethane/isopropanol mixture (1:1, v/v).