Post mortem changes: challenges in drug analysis in the diagnosis of deaths from intoxication

In forensic toxicology, alternative matrices and sampling sites are required for a correlation of antemortem and postmortem concentrations with the least possible error. Postmortem redistribution phenomena and biochemical changes inherent to these processes are possible, and represent interferences in these analyses. This study aimed to perform a bibliographic review through Pubmed database within a 10-year period of time, using the keywords: forensic analysis AND redistribution. We observed that for quantitative analyses the preferred matrix is blood from peripheral vessels, and when it is not available, vitreous humor is a great specimen for choice.

STABILITY-INDICATING LC METHOD FOR THE QUANTIFICATION OF MIDAZOLAM ACTIVE PHARMACEUTICAL INGREDIENT AND IN PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS

A stability-indicating LC method was validated for the quantification of midazolam (MDZ) active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and in pharmaceutical formulations. Isocratic chromatography was performed on C18 column with mobile phase containing methanol/acetonitrile/water (45:35:20 v/v/v) with 0.4% of triethylamine pH 6.5. The validation included specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness. In specificity, after acid, basic, neutral, oxidant and thermal degradation, it was found that the concentration of MDZ decreased substantially, with the appearance of peaks representatives of the degradation products, proving the stability-indicating power of the method. The response was linear in the range 50.0 – 250.0 µg.mL-1, with 11.73 µg.mL-1 and 3.87 µg.mL-1 as LOQ and LOD, respectively. Recoveries ranged between 98.68 and 100.41%. The relative standard deviation values for intra and interday precision were 1.11%, 0.82% and 1.47%, respectively. The tablets and injections containing MDZ were approved in the assay and content uniformity. The method can be adopted by pharmacopeias and for routine quality control for analysis of MDZ API, tablets and injection

Lead evaluation in children's lipsticks through atomic absorption spectrometry

Lead is a metal with recognized toxicity and it is known that it may be a contaminant in lipsticks. In Brazil, the Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) determines that the maximum limit allowed for the presence of lead in lipsticks is 20 ppm. Children are more vulnerable to lead toxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of lead in infant lipsticks. Nineteen samples from four different brands sold in Brazil were evaluated. After sample extraction, analyses were performed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Lead was not detected in any of the tested lipsticks. Considering the presence of lead in adult makeup, the present study reinforces the need to use products intended for children considering kids are more vulnerable to lead toxic effects

Potencial antimicrobiano e caracterização fitoquímica de extratos da casca do caule de Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae)

Introdução: na área da saúde, a resistência aos antimicrobianos tem se constituído um grave problema, fazendo com que a busca por alternativas farmacológicas assuma grande importância. Produtos de origem natural, como extratos de plantas, têm sido pesquisados para uso potencial no tratamento antibacteriano. Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae) é uma árvore nativa do Brasil que tem sido utilizada como medicinal. Objetivo: investigar o perfil fitoquímico e a atividade antimicrobiana de amostras obtidas a partir de extratos da casca do caule de Drimys brasiliensis. Metodologia:  frações de características químicas variadas foram obtidas a partir de extratos da casca do caule da planta. Realizou-se o screening fitoquímico destas frações através de reações gerais de caracterização e cromatografia em camada delgada. As amostras foram testadas por difusão em ágar e por microdiluição contra bactérias Gram-positivas e Gram-negativas e contra uma levedura. Resultados: o perfil fitoquímico mostrou diferenças entre as frações analisadas. Alcaloides foram detectados nas frações mais apolares. Taninos e flavonoides estavam presentes nas amostras mais polares e obtidas sem o uso de calor. As amostras com maior atividade antimicrobiana foram as obtidas com os solventes hexano e diclorometano, de características mais apolares. Destaca-se a atividade contra Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina e Candida albicans. Conclusão: extratos da casca do caule de Drimys brasiliensis apresentam potencial antimicrobiano, com destaque para as frações mais apolares contra bactérias gram positivas

Eugenia pyriformis ('uvaia') intoxication of sheep / Intoxicação por Eugenia pyriformis ('uvaia') em ovinos

This study describes the clinical and pathological picture of a disease followed by death in sheep raised for subsistence, characterized by difficulty in locomotion, sternal decubitus, severe dyspnea, opisthotonos, and pedaling movements, followed by death. The disease occurred in February 2020 in the northern state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, due to the consumption of the fruits of Eugenia pyriformis ('uvaia'). All sheep that became ill later died, resulting in morbidity of 68.75% and mortality of 100%. An autopsy revealed the presence of E. pyriformis fruits with or without seeds in the rumen, in addition to the diet provided to the animals. The main histological findings consisted of edema and perivascular cuffs in the frontal telencephalon, nephrosis and glomerular necrosis, in addition to glomerulosclerosis. One sheep had heightened urea and creatinine and lower levels of non-protein thiols. Deaths ceased once animals were prevented from accessing E. pyriformis. These findings confirm that this plant was responsible for the deaths of the animals and point to the possibility of E. pyriformis having neurotoxic and nephrotoxic action on sheep

Post mortem changes: challenges in drug analysis in the diagnosis of deaths from intoxication

In forensic toxicology, alternative matrices and sampling sites are required for a correlation of antemortem and postmortem concentrations with the least possible error. Postmortem redistribution phenomena and biochemical changes inherent to these processes are possible, and represent interferences in these analyses. This study aimed to perform a bibliographic review through Pubmed database within a 10-year period of time, using the keywords: forensic analysis AND redistribution. We observed that for quantitative analyses the preferred matrix is blood from peripheral vessels, and when it is not available, vitreous humor is a great specimen for choice.

Lead evaluation in children's lipsticks through atomic absorption spectrometry

Lead is a metal with recognized toxicity and it is known that it may be a contaminant in lipsticks. In Brazil, the Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) determines that the maximum limit allowed for the presence of lead in lipsticks is 20 ppm. Children are more vulnerable to lead toxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of lead in infant lipsticks. Nineteen samples from four different brands sold in Brazil were evaluated. After sample extraction, analyses were performed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Lead was not detected in any of the tested lipsticks. Considering the presence of lead in adult makeup, the present study reinforces the need to use products intended for children considering kids are more vulnerable to lead toxic effects