Forensic science international
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The organ distribution of 3-fluorophenmetrazine (3-FPM), pyrazolam, diclazepam as well as its main metabolites delorazepam, lormetazepam and lorazepam, was investigated. A solid phase extraction (SPE) and a QuEChERS (acronym for quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) - approach were used for the extraction of the analytes from human tissues, body fluids and stomach contents. The detection was performed on a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system (LCMS/MS). ⋯ Delorazepam showed the highest ratio of heart (C) and femoral blood (P) concentration (C/P ratio = 2.5), supported by the concentrations detected in psoas muscle (430 μg/kg) and stomach content (approx. 210 μg/L, absolute 84 μg). The C/P ratio indicates that delorazepam displays susceptibility for post-mortem redistribution (PMR), supported by the findings in muscle tissue. 3-FPM, pyrazolam, diclazepam, lorazepam and lormetazepam did apparently not exhibit any PMR. The cause of death, in conjunction with autopsy findings was concluded as a positional asphyxia promoted by poly-drug intoxication by arising from designer benzodiazepines and the presence of synthetic stimulants.
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Synthetic cannabinoids are gaining much popularity worldwide. Although the death rate associated with their use is rising, these drugs are the largest and fastest growing class of novel psychoactive substances. Despite increased concerns regarding adverse effects stemming from the use of synthetic cannabinoids, there is no published data on the subject for the Gulf region or Kuwait, specifically. ⋯ Our findings show that in Kuwait, the most common mix of synthetic cannabinoids is FUB-AMB with 5F-ADB. These two types were mixed, either together or individually, with methamphetamine, tramadol, heroin, Δ9THC, and ketamine. Most importantly, our results reveal the synthetic cannabinoid types that were associated with six reported deaths.
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With the increasing prevalence of obesity, the use of counterfeit drugs for weight loss is widespread owing to their easy and rapid availability. Since counterfeit weight-loss drugs are not prepared under the rigorous standard of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), they pose a risk to public health and cause significant side effects. To counteract the risk posed by counterfeit drugs, we investigated counterfeit weight-loss drugs seized by the Incheon Customs Services using UHPLC-PDA. ⋯ Their accurate masses corresponded to molecular formula of C34H22O7, C34H20O6, and C20H12O3, respectively. These compounds were identified as impurities, possibly produced during the synthesis of phenolphthalein or by improper removal during purification. These impurities were detected for the first time in counterfeit drugs.