Oral fluid analysis to monitor recent exposure to synthetic cannabinoids in a high-risk subpopulation

Among novel psychoactive substances, synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRA) seem to have the widest diffusion in the population with no limitation to any particular demographic group. Information on drug consumption relies mostly on anonymized surveys and less on clinical or analytical data; notwithstanding, the huge efforts constantly made to enroll subjects to gather epidemiological data. In the present study, we collected 66 oral fluid samples from volunteers in a drug rehabilitation center in 2019 and early 2020. A liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method previously developed and validated by our Unit was applied to detect SCRA (n = 10) in oral fluid. Results proved the presence of synthetic cannabinoids at a positivity rate of almost 20%, with detection frequency HU211(5/13) > UR144/JWH122 (3/13) > JWH019/JWH081/AM2201 (1/13). Concentrations were in the range < LOQ −0.36 ng/ml. Synthetic cannabinoids consumption had not been declared by any volunteer. This study enabled for the unprecedent detection of synthetic cannabinoids use in the territory of Parma (Italy) in a high-risk subpopulation. The identified SCRA proved the persistence into the market of the “first-generation” JWH family into the Italian territory and the marketing of relatively new ones (AM-2201). Public health consequences represented by NPS consumption are still scarce; therefore, further studies are needed to understand the real diffusion in the population

Strontium isotopes (Sr-87/Sr-86) reveal the life history of freshwater migratory fishes in the La Plata Basin

Strontium isotopes (Sr-87/Sr-86) were evaluated as a potential method for studying the geographical origin of populations and movements patterns of migratory fish from the La Plata Basin (Parana, Uruguay and Bermejo Rivers and Rio de la Plata Estuary, South America). Surface water samples were collected at 43 sites during austral summer and winter (2018) while, Surubi (Pseudoplatystoma corruscans), Pati (Luciopimelodus pati),dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) and sabalo (Prochilodus lineatus) fishes were collected at seven locations. Water Sr-87/Sr-86 ratio was analysed by MC-ICP-MS (N= 74) and otolith core-to-edge Sr-87/Sr-86 transects (N= 50) were measured by LAfs-MC-ICP-MS. Several water bodies presented significantly different (p < 0.05) water Sr-87/Sr-86 values. A similar to 1:1 relationship was found between Sr-87/Sr-86 measured in edge otolith and water. Data provide novel perspectives about migratory behaviour for all species, such as potential cross-border migrations between countries of more than 1,000 km recorded forL. pati, S. brasiliensis and P. lineatus. These species seem to move between the Parana and Uruguay rivers, which imply using the delta or the estuary as a corridor between them. Discriminant analysis based on otolith core Sr-87/Sr-86 suggested that the four species studied originate in sub-basins different from those that were collected and revelled the presence of several potential spawning/nursery areas. The otolith Sr-87/Sr-86 profiles also suggested movements between different environments such as reservoirs, large plain rivers, mountain streams, floodplain valleys and estuaries. These results show the potential of Sr-87/Sr-86 as a tool for tracking the life history of fishes, and depict for the first time a complex use of the La Plata basin by the fishes, providing new information for management plans at the regional level

Exposure to 19 elements via water ingestion and dermal contact in several South American environments (La Plata Basin): From Andes and Atlantic Forest to sea front

Nineteen elements were analyzed by ICP-MS in surface water from 44 sampling stations from La Plata Basin (South America), including 5 countries and 7 different environments (streams, rivers, meanders, flood valleys, wetland, dam, delta and estuary). A multi-elemental pollution index (EPI) was employed for classifying the water quality while, the potential non-carcinogenic risk through direct ingestion and skin contact were assessed using Hazard Quotients (HQ). Except Fe (2.5?692 μg/L), elements were in accordance to the quality standards for drinking and biota aquatic protection set by international guidelines. EPI indicated a critical scenario for 10 sampling sites (dam, estuary and some meanders, rivers and streams), while the remaining 34 sites were classified within the high pollution status. HQ indicated that water would not be safe (HQ = 1.0?2.11) for human consumption in 5 areas (wetland and river and estuary) while, results indicated that there would be no risk (HQ = 0.0005?0.01) through chronic water contact. The main contributors to the HQ indices were As (up to 6.3 μg/L) and Li (up to 49.9 μg/L). Correlations (r ≥ 0.8) such as LiB, LiAs, LiSr, LiBa, LiU, Li-conductivity, BAs, BSr, BBa, BU, B-conductivity, SrBa, SrU, Sr-conductivity provided powerful information about natural sources of some elements. Principal component analysis showed relations between elements and environments such as As, Li, Cs with Andes Mountains and Al and Fe with Atlantic forest. Results allowed to propose management policy recommendations based on strategies for reducing the direct water ingestion, removal methods, and implementation of monitoring programs in the most affected water bodies.Fil: Avigliano, Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Unidad Ejecutora de Investigaciones en Producción Animal. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Unidad Ejecutora de Investigaciones en Producción Animal; ArgentinaFil: Clavijo, C.. Museo Nacional de Historia Natural; UruguayFil: Scarabotti, Pablo Augusto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto Nacional de Limnología. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto Nacional de Limnología; ArgentinaFil: Sánchez, Sebastián. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Ictiología del Nordeste; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Llamazares Vegh, Sabina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Unidad Ejecutora de Investigaciones en Producción Animal. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Unidad Ejecutora de Investigaciones en Producción Animal; ArgentinaFil: del Rosso, F. R.. Programa BIOARCA; ArgentinaFil: Caffetti, Jacqueline Diana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical; ArgentinaFil: Facetti, J. F.. Universidad Nacional de Asunción ; ParaguayFil: Domanico, Alejandro. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Volpedo, Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Unidad Ejecutora de Investigaciones en Producción Animal. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Unidad Ejecutora de Investigaciones en Producción Animal; Argentin