Development and validation of a multi-substance method for routine analysis of pesticides in post-mortem samples by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Pesticides play an important role in forensic toxicology and are usually classified as a single class of chemicals. Despite their commonly perceived unity, pesticides encompass a spectrum of compounds, including organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids or organochlorines, among others, each with varying degrees of toxicity. Pesticide analysis in post-mortem samples can be difficult due to the complexity of the samples and to the high toxicity of these compounds. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an easy to use, sensitive, and robust method, using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to be incorporated in the routine flow for pesticide analysis in post-mortem blood samples. Described herein is a streamlined, expeditious, yet highly efficient method facilitating the screening, qualitative assessment, and quantitative confirmation of 15 pesticides, including acetamiprid, azinphos-ethyl, bendiocarb, carbofuran, chlorfenvinphos, dimethoate, imidaclopride, malathion, methiocarb, methomyl, parathion, pirimicarb, strychnine, tetrachlorvinphos, and thiacloprid in post-mortem blood, recognizing the pivotal role blood plays in forensic investigations. The developed method was linear from 10 to 200 ng/mL; limits of detection were between 1 and 10 ng/mL, depending on the compound; it was successfully evaluated a dilution ratio of 1-2, 5 and 10; and 8 substances showed maximum stability for the time interval studied. This UHPLC-MS/MS method is useful and a powerful tool in a toxicology lab because it is fast, simple, effective, and trustworthy. The results of this validation highlight the robustness of the analytical method, providing a valuable tool for the accurate and sensitive detection of pesticides in post-mortem blood. Poised for routine implementation, this method has already found success in suspected intoxication cases, promising to elevate the standards of forensic pesticide analysis.

Comparative study of sample preparation procedures to determine the main compounds in ayahuasca beverages by QuEChERS and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Ayahuasca is a psychoactive drink originally consumed by indigenous people of the Amazon. The lack of regulation of this drink leads to uncontrolled consumption, and it is often consumed in religious contexts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to compare three miniaturised extraction techniques for extracting the main ayahuasca compounds from beverages. METHODOLOGY: Three sample pretreatment techniques were evaluated (dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction [DLLME], microextraction by packed sorbent [MEPS] and QuEChERS [Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe]) for the simultaneous extraction of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), tetrahydroharmine (THH), harmine, harmaline, harmol and harmalol from ayahuasca beverage samples. Then, the most promising technique (QuEChERS) was chosen to pre-concentrate the analytes, subsequently detected by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). RESULTS: The procedure was optimised, with the final conditions being 500 µL of extractor solvent, 85 mg of primary secondary amine (PSA) and 4 s of vortexing. The analytical method was validated, showing to be linear between 0.16 and 10 µg/mL for ß-carbolines and between 0.016 and 1 µg/mL for DMT, with coefficients of determination (R2) between 0.9968 and 0.9993. The limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) were 0.16 µg/mL for all compounds, except for DMT (0.016 µg/mL) and extraction efficiencies varied between 60.2% and 88.0%. CONCLUSION: The analytical methodology proved to be accurate and precise, with good linearity, LODs and LLOQs. This method has been fully validated and successfully applied to ayahuasca beverage samples.

The Determination of Cannabinoids in Urine Samples Using Microextraction by Packed Sorbent and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Cannabis is the most consumed illicit drug worldwide, and its legal status is a source of concern. This study proposes a rapid procedure for the simultaneous quantification of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN) in urine samples. Microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) was used to pre-concentrate the analytes, which were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The procedure was previously optimized, and the final conditions were: conditioning with 50 µL methanol and 50 µL of water, sample load with two draw-eject cycles, and washing with 310 µL of 0.1% formic acid in water with 5% isopropanol; the elution was made with 35 µL of 0.1% ammonium hydroxide in methanol. This fast extraction procedure allowed quantification in the ranges of 1-400 ng/mL for THC and CBD, 5-400 ng/mL for CBN and 11-OH-THC, and 10-400 ng/mL for THC-COOH with coefficients of determination higher than 0.99. The limits of quantification and detection were between 1 and 10 ng/mL using 0.25 mL of sample. The extraction efficiencies varied between 26 and 85%. This analytical method is the first allowing the for determination of cannabinoids in urine samples using MEPS, a fast, simple, and low-cost alternative to conventional techniques.

Analysis of opiates in urine using microextraction by packed sorbent and gas Chromatography- Tandem mass spectrometry.

Opiates recreational consumption has always been a concern in society, public health, and in clinical toxicology analysis. The aim of this study was to develop and fully validate an analytical method, which was simple and rapid for the determination of tramadol, codeine, morphine, 6- acetylcodeine, 6-monoacetylmorphine and fentanyl using gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The procedure includes the use of microextraction by packed sorbent for sample clean-up. A mixed mode sorbent was used, allowing the minimal use of solvents. The method was validated in urine samples, with the ability to detect and quantify all analytes with satisfactory linearity (in the range of 1 - 1000 ng/mL for all analytes, except for fentanyl (10-1000 ng/mL)). Extraction efficiency varied from 17 to 107%, which did not impair sensitivity, taking into account the low LLOQs obtained (1 ng/ mL for all analytes; and 10 ng/mL for fentanyl). The developed procedure proved to be fast, selective, and accurate for use in routine analysis, with a low volume of sample (250 µL).

Optimization and validation of a procedure using the dried saliva spots approach for the determination of tobacco markers in oral fluid.

Exposure to tobacco smoke is one of the most common causes of premature death worldwide and is the cause of 8 million deaths annually. We have developed, optimized, and validated a procedure for the detection of nicotine, cotinine and trans-3-hydroxycotinine (biomarkers of tobacco exposure) in oral fluid using the dried saliva spots sampling approach and gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, thus allowing the distinction between active and passive smokers. For optimization, four parameters were evaluated, namely extraction solvent, extraction solvent volume, extraction time and spots drying time. During method validation, the parameters selectivity, linearity, precision and accuracy, recovery, stability, and dilution factor were assessed. Linearity was obtained for all target analytes in the concentration range of 10-200 ng/mL allowing the quantification of compounds up to 1000 ng/mL considering the dilution factor. The method recoveries ranged from 29.2% to 43.30% for nicotine, 66.60-89.10% for cotinine and 80.30-92.80% for trans-3-hydroxycotinine, while achieving intra-day, inter-day and intermediate precision and accuracy values never higher than 10.37% and ±6.62% respectively for all compounds. The herein described analytical method is the first to allow the determination of tobacco biomarkers in oral fluid using dried saliva spots, which is considered a sensitive, simple and low-cost alternative to conventional methods.

Recent Developments in the Determination of Biomarkers of Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Biological Specimens: A Review.

Environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) and smoking have been described as the most prevalent factors in the development of certain diseases worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 8 million people die every year due to exposure to tobacco, around 7 million due to direct ETS and the remaining due to exposure to second-hand smoke. Both active and second-hand exposure can be measured and controlled using specific biomarkers of tobacco and its derivatives, allowing the development of more efficient public health policies. Exposure to these compounds can be measured using different methods (involving for instance liquid- or gas-chromatographic procedures) in a wide range of biological specimens to estimate the type and degree of tobacco exposure. In recent years, a lot of research has been carried out using different extraction methods and different analytical equipment; this way, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction or even miniaturized procedures have been used, followed by chromatographic analysis coupled mainly to mass spectrometric detection. Through this type of methodologies, second-hand smokers can be distinguished from active smokers, and this is also valid for e-cigarettes and vapers, among others, using their specific biomarkers. This review will focus on recent developments in the determination of tobacco smoke biomarkers, including nicotine and other tobacco alkaloids, specific nitrosamines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc. The methods for their detection will be discussed in detail, as well as the potential use of threshold values to distinguish between types of exposure.

Determination of antipsychotic drugs in oral fluid using dried saliva spots by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

The present work describes the optimization and validation of an analytical method for the determination of six antipsychotic drugs (chlorpromazine, levomepromazine, cyamemazine, clozapine, haloperidol, and quetiapine) in oral fluid samples after solvent extraction from dried saliva spots, by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The method was fully validated, and the included parameters were selectivity, linearity, limits of quantification, precision and accuracy, stability, and recovery. The method was linear for all compounds from 10 to 400 ng/mL, except for haloperidol (5-100 ng/mL), presenting coefficients of determination higher than 0.99. Inter- and intra-day precision and accuracy were in conformity with the criteria usually seen in bioanalytical method validation; i.e., coefficients of variation were lower than 15% and an accuracy of 15% or better for all studied drugs. The recoveries obtained with this miniaturized technique ranged from 63 to 97%. The herein described method is the first to be reported using the dried saliva spots approach for the analysis of these antypshychotic drugs, proving great sensitivity apart from its simple and fast procedure. The method was considered a good alternative to the conventional techniques to be applied in clinical and toxicological analyses, even more taking into account the extremely low sample volume used (50 µL). Graphical abstract.

Determination of opiates in whole blood using microextraction by packed sorbent and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

In Portugal, and worldwide, the abuse of psychoactive substances is increasing, with a significant incidence of deaths related to their consumption. Opiates are one of the most prevalent group of substances in that context, and they are responsible for a significant impact of the mentioned harms. Therefore, it becomes necessary to equip labs with faster and effective methods to identify and quantify these substances. This work describes the development and validation of a novel analytical method for the simultaneous determination of morphine, codeine and 6-monoacetylmorphine in blood samples by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), using microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) for sample preparation. Before the MEPS procedure, a precipitation step with acetonitrile was performed. The MEPS parameters were optimized using the fractional factorial planning (2k-1) and surface response methodology. The final optimized conditions were: number of strokes (20), amount of formic acid in the washing solution (3.36%), number of washes of the sorbent (1), amount of ammonium hydroxide in the elution solution (2.36%) and number of elution cycles (11). After the extraction procedure, the analytes were derivatized with MSTFA with 5% TMS. Using a sample volume of 250 µL, the method was validated according to internationally accepted standards. The method proved to be linear in the range of 5-1000 ng/mL with coefficients of determination greater than 0.99 for all analytes. Intra-and inter-day precision and accuracy were in accordance with the above-mentioned criteria, presenting coefficients of variation ≤15% and relative errors within a range of ± 15% of the theoretical concentration. The absolute recoveries ranged from 6 to 23%. The validated method was applied to the analysis of real samples, being an advantageous tool for the detection of those substances in blood. This is the first time that GCMS/MS with MEPS was used for the determination of these compounds in biological fluids.

Determination of amphetamine-type stimulants in urine samples using microextraction by packed sorbent and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The aim of this work was the development, optimization and full validation of a method applying microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (MAMP), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxyethylmethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methyl-α-ethylfenilethylamine (MBDB), and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine (MDE) in urine samples. Using 200 µL of sample, the MEPS procedure was optimized concerning type of sorbent, sample dilution, number of strokes, activation of the ion exchange mechanism and composition of both washing and elution solvents. The method was fully validated according to the Food and Drug Administration and the Scientific Working Group of Forensic Toxicology guidelines for the validation of bioanalytical methods. The studied parameters included selectivity, calibration model and linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision, accuracy, stability, dilution integrity and recoveries. Linearity was obtained in the range of 25-1000 ng/mL for MAMP, MBDB and MDE, 35-1000 ng/mL for AMP and MDMA, and 50-1000 ng/mL for MDA, with coefficients of determination (R2) >0.99 for all analytes. Both intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy were adequate, and coefficients of variation lower than 15% and mean relative errors (RE) within a range of ±15% of the theoretical concentrations were obtained for all compounds under study. Analyte recoveries ranged from 19 to 71%, allowing LLOQs ≤50 ng/mL.

Determination of methadone and EDDP in oral fluid using the dried saliva spots sampling approach and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

The present work describes the development and validation of a novel approach to determine methadone (MTD) and its main metabolite (EDDP) in oral fluid samples, using the dried saliva spots (DSS) sampling approach and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Oral fluid samples (50 µL) were applied into Whatman™ 903 protein saver filter paper cards and were allowed to dry overnight. The extraction was carried out by immersion of the spot in 1 mL of isopropyl alcohol with agitation for 1 min. Afterwards, the extract was centrifuged for 15 min at 3500 rpm and the supernatant evaporated to dryness and reconstituted with 50 µL of methanol. The procedure was considered linear in the range of 10 to 250 ng/mL for both compounds, with determination coefficients greater than 0.99. Intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy revealed coefficients of variation (CVs) lower than 15% at the studied concentrations, with mean relative errors within ± 15% of the nominal concentrations. Recoveries ranged from 45 to 74%. The limits of detection and quantification were 5 and 10 ng/mL respectively for both analytes. All studied parameters complied with the defined criteria and the method enabled the successful determination of MTD and EDDP in oral fluid samples from patients undergoing opiate substitution/maintenance therapy.

Development and validation of a gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous quantitation of several antipsychotics in human plasma and oral fluid.

RATIONALE: Antipsychotic drugs are prescription medications used to treat psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or psychotic depression. With several antipsychotic drugs currently available all over the world, this class of drugs has quickly gained importance in both the clinical and forensic context. This work describes the development and validation of a methodology for the determination of seven antipsychotic drugs in plasma and oral fluid samples. METHODS: The antipsychotic drugs (chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, cyamemazine and, levomepromazine) were isolated from 0.2 mL of oral fluid and 0.5 mL of plasma using solid-phase extraction (SPE) following analysis by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). The method was validated according to the international guidelines in terms of selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision and recovery. RESULTS: The procedure was linear within 2-600 ng/mL (plasma) and 2-400 ng/mL (oral fluid), the intervals varying according to the compound; a mean R2 value of 0.99 was obtained and the calibrator's accuracy (mean relative error) was within a ±15 % interval for all concentrations. The limits of detection ranged from 1 to 10 ng/mL. Within- and between-run precision and accuracy were acceptable for all studied compounds. The extraction efficiency of the process ranged from 79% to 95%. The method was applied to authentic specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The described method was proven selective and sensitive for the determination of antipsychotics in low sample volumes using SPE and GC/MS/MS. This method was considered suitable not only for routine analysis of patients undergoing antipsychotic treatment (to evaluate compliance), but also in forensic scenarios where the studied compounds may be involved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that reports the determination of antipsychotic drugs in oral fluid using MS/MS.

Determination of ketamine and its major metabolite, norketamine, in urine and plasma samples using microextraction by packed sorbent and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Ketamine is a club drug widely abused for its hallucinogenic effects, being also used as a "date-rape" drug in recent years. We have developed an analytical method using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) for the identification and quantification of ketamine and its major metabolite in urine and plasma. No derivatization step is needed to accomplish analysis. The compounds were extracted from 0.25mL of sample using microextraction by packed sorbent on mixed mode (M1) cartridges. Calibration curves were linear in the range of 10-250ng/mL for urine and 10-500ng/mL for plasma, with determination coefficients higher than 0.99. The limit of detection (LOD) was 5ng/mL for both compounds in both specimens. Recoveries ranged from 63 to 101%, while precision and accuracy were below 14% and 15%, respectively. These low limits of detection and the quite high recoveries obtained, in very low sample amounts, allow detecting small quantities of the compounds, making this procedure suitable for those laboratories performing routine analysis in the field of forensic toxicology. Compared with existing methods, the herein described procedure is fast, since no derivatization step is required, and cost effective for the quantification of ketamine and norketamine in biological specimens by gas chromatography.

Características da atividade física nas instituições de longa permanência para idosos de Santa Catarina / Characteristics of physical activity in long - term care facilities for the elderly from the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

O estudo objetivou descrever as atividades físicas desenvolvidas nas Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) em Santa Catarina (SC). Participaram do estudo 71 profissionais responsáveis pelas atividades físicas em suas respectivas instituições. Os principais objetivos das atividades físicas realizadas foram reabilitação (n=60) e aptidão funcional (n=52). A maior frequência das sessões foi a de duas vezes por semana (n=26). Os tipos de atividades mais realizadas são alongamentos (n=41) e exercícios resistidos (n=41). A maior adesão dos idosos se deu na recreação (n=12). Sugerem-se estudos mais aprofundados para obter maior compreensão do desenvolvimento de atividade física nessas entidades.

The present study aimed to describe the physical activities (PA) in Santa Catarina’s Long-Term Care Facilities for the elderly (LTCs). Participants were 71 professionals responsible for the PA in their respective institutions. The LTCs’ physical activities main goals were rehabilitation (n=60) and functional fi tness (n=52). The main frequency of interventions was two times a week (n=26). The most applied kinds of PA were stretching (n=41) and resisted exercises (n=41). The main adherence by the elderly was in the recreational activities (n=12). More studies are suggested aiming to a better understanding of the physical activity development in these facilities.

Perfil de liderança de treinadores e desempenho de equipes em competição / Coaches' leadership profile and team performance in competition / Perfil de liderazgo de entrenadores y desempeño del equipo en competiciones

Este estudo analisou o perfil de liderança dos treinadores de voleibol feminino sub19 do estado de Santa Catarina, considerando a autopercepção dos treinadores e das atletas, e o desempenho das equipes na competição. Participaram seis equipes, 70 atletas e seis treinadores. Os instrumentos utilizados foram duas versões da Escala de Liderança no Desporto – autopercepção e perfil real. Baseados em estatística descritiva e inferencial, os resultados evidenciam equipes voltadas para o treino-instrução e reforço positivo. A autopercepção dos treinadores diverge da percepção das atletas no estilo de decisão. Com relação ao desempenho, destacam-se os times em que as atletas entendem seus treinadores como democráticos. As equipes que ficaram nas duas primeiras colocações não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas dimensões avaliadas...

This research assessed the leadership profile of under-19 women’s volleyball coaches from Santa Catarina, Brazil, considering coaches’ self-perception, athletes’ perception of their respective coach profile, and the volleyball teams’ competition performance. Six teams, 70 athletes and 6 coaches participated in the study. The instruments applied were two versions of the Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS) – the self-perception and real profile. Using both descriptive and inferential statistics, results show “Training and Instruction” and “Positive Feedback” as the six teams’ main preferences. Coaches’ self-perception diverges from athletes’ perception with regard to decision style. When performance was analyzed, the stand-out teams were those that considered their coaches’ profile to be democratic. There were no statistically significant differences between the champion team and the runner-up...

Este estudio examinó el perfil de liderazgo de los entrenadores de voleibol femenino Sub-19 del estado de Santa Catarina, teniendo en cuenta la percepción de los entrenadores, atletas percibidos por el perfil y el rendimiento de los equipos de la competición. Seis equipos participaron, con un total de 70 atletas y 6 entrenadores. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron dos versiones de la Escala de Liderazgo para el deporte – la percepción y el perfil actual. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Los resultados muestran que los equipos se centraron en la formación, la enseñanza y el refuerzo positivo. La percepción de los entrenadores se diferencia de la percepción de los atletas en el estilo de decisión. En cuanto al rendimiento, se destacan los tiempos en que los atletas entiendan sus entrenadores como democrático. Los equipos que estaban en las primeras dos colocaciones no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ellos...

Construção e validação preliminar de instrumento de avaliação do desempenho técnico-tático individual no basquetebol / Preliminary development and validation of an assessment instrument of basketball individual technical-tactical performance

O objetivo deste estudo foi construir e validar de forma preliminar um instrumento de avaliação do desempenho técnico-tático individual nas categorias de formação do basquetebol (IAD-BB). A elaboração dos indicadores baseou-se na literatura e em instrumentos de avaliação de desempenho. O processo de validação de conteúdo foi efetivado por 10 profissionais de Educação Física, especialistas da área dos esportes coletivos. A fidedignidade intra-avaliador e interavaliadores foi testada a partir da observação das ações de jogo desempenhadas por duas atletas. A análise dos dados ocorreu por meio de percentual, coeficientes de correlação (Spearman, intraclasse) e índices de concordância (Kappa). Os resultados apresentaram elevados percentuais de aceitação entre os avaliadores, tanto nos indicadores das ações quanto nas componentes técnico-táticos. Os dados de fidedignidade intra e interavaliadores evidenciaram índices de correlação e concordância considerados satisfatórios. Conclui-se que o IAD-BB revelou-se um instrumento cientificamente válido e útil como técnica de avaliação dentro dos estudos da análise do jogo.

The present study aimed to develop and validate preliminarily a Basketball individual technical-tactical performance assessment instrument in the initial Basketball categories (IAD-BB). The items selection was based upon specific literature and other performance assessment instruments. Ten Physical Education professionals have validated the instrument content. The intra-rater and inter-raters reliabilities were tested through two players games' actions observation. Data analysis included percentage calculation, correlation coefficients (Spearman, intra-class) and Kappa's inter-raters agreement index. Results presented high inter-raters agreement percentage both in action items and in technical-tactical components. The intra and inter-raters reliability data presented satisfactory correlation and agreement indexes. It was possible to conclude that the IAD-BB revealed itself to be a scientific valid instrument and an useful assessment technique in the game analysis researches.

Potencialidades e necessidades profissionais na formação de treinadores desportivos / Professional capabilities and needs in sport coaches training

Esta investigação buscou verificar quais as potencialidades e as necessidades percebidas na formação de treinadores. Participaram do estudo 213 treinadores, de modalidades coletivas e individuais do estado de Santa Catarina. Na coleta de dados foi empregada a Escala de Auto Percepção de Competência (EAPC), adaptada de Simão (1998). A análise estatística foi realizada com auxílio do pacote estatístico SPSS 11.0. Os resultados revelaram como potencialidades os conhecimentos de teoria e metodologia do treinamento desportivo, as habilidades de planejamento e gestão do desporto e comunicação e integração do desporto. Nas necessidades destacaram-se os conhecimentos de biodinâmica do desporto e as habilidades de avaliação e de autorreflexão. Estes resultados justificam a implementação de ações na formação de treinadores.

This study aimed to verify the potentialities and perceived needs in sport coaches training. Participated 213 coaches of collective and individual modalities of the state of Santa Catarina. For data collection was applied the Self Perception Competency Scale (EAPC), adapted from Simão (1998). Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical package SPSS 11.0. The results revealed the potential knowledge of the theory and methodology of sports training, the skills of sport planning and management, and sport communication and integration. As needs, there were highlighted the biodynamic knowledge of sport, assessment and self-reflection skills. These results justify the implementation ofactions for coach training.

Fatores que geram violência no futebol: uma análise psicológica na região sul do Brasil / Origins of violence in soccer: a psychological survey in southern Brazil

Este trabalho se propôs a analisar, junto a psicólogos do esporte, quais são os principais fatores que originam atitudes agressivas em uma partida de Futebol profissional. Foram investigados 16 psicólogos que trabalhavam em equipes das primeiras divisões estaduais da região sul do Brasil, no primeiro semestre de 2004, sendo que estes responderam a uma questão fechada, numerando 5 fatores por ordem de importância. Os dados foram analisados de forma quantitativa e qualitativa, e apresentaram os seguintes fatores como os mais preocupantes para os psicólogos do esporte: importância do jogo (41 pontos), provocações de adversários (37), comportamento do técnico (33), rendimento da equipe (25) e placar adverso (23). Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de atitudes internas aos clubes, com atuação dos psicólogos do esporte, e externas, no que se refere à mudança de regras da modalidade no sentido de minimizar a agressividade em campo.

This study aimed to analyze the opinions of sports psychologists on the main causes of aggressive attitudes during professional soccer games. Sixteen psychologists from first division teams in Brazil's Southern region were investigated during the first semester of 2004. They indicated the five most important items in a multiple choice list proposed by the researchers, numbering them in order of importance. The data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, and, in the opinions of this study's participants, the most worrying factors were the importance of a game (41 points), provocation by opponents (37), coaches' attitudes (33), team performance (25) and losing scorelines (23). Results suggest the need for professional teams to take measures internally, with the participation of sports psychologists, and also for external measuresto be taken, such as changing certain rules of the game in order to decrease aggressiveness on the soccer field.

A violência no futebol: revisão sócio-psicológica / Violence in soccer: a socio-psychological review

A violência no Futebol é um assunto que vem preocupando profissionais da Educação Física, Psicologia, Sociologia, Direito e Imprensa há anos e, apesar dos esforços em minimizá-la, seu índice continua crescente. Este artigo de revisão tem como objetivo levantar seu histórico e origens em livros, revistas e sites das ciências supra-citadas sobre o assunto. A literatura revista aponta para a existência de duas grandes teorias psico-sociais para a violência no Futebol: uma, interna e psicológica, e outra, externa e sociológica. Assim sendo, propõe-se duas soluções para amenizar os incidentes agressivos em campo: uma interna, onde a comissão técnica trabalha a questão de forma interdisciplinar junto ao atleta, e outra externa, onde mudanças de regras fariam com que o jogador sempre atuasse como se estivesse sob o risco de receber o segundo cartão amarelo na mesma partida ou o terceiro acumulativo antes de um jogo importante

Hair analysis for delta(9)-THC, delta(9)-THC-COOH, CBN and CBD, by GC/MS-EI. Comparison with GC/MS-NCI for delta(9)-THC-COOH.

A sensitive analytical method was developed for quantitative analysis of delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta(9)-THC), 11-nor-delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol-carboxylic acid (delta(9)-THC-COOH), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabidiol (CBD) in human hair. The identification of delta(9)-THC-COOH in hair would document Cannabis use more effectively than the detection of parent drug (delta(9)-THC) which might have come from environmental exposure. Ketamine was added to hair samples as internal standard for CBN and CBD. Ketoprofen was added to hair samples as internal standard for the other compounds. Samples were hydrolyzed with beta-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase for 2h at 40 degrees C. After cooling, samples were extracted with a liquid-liquid extraction procedure (with chloroform/isopropyl alcohol, after alkalinization, and n-hexane/ethyl acetate, after acidification), which was developed in our laboratory. The extracts were analysed before and after derivatization with pentafluoropropionic anhydride (PFPA) and pentafluoropropanol (PFPOH) using a Hewlett Packard gas chromatographer/mass spectrometer detector, in electron impact mode (GC/MS-EI). Derivatized delta(9)-THC-COOH was also analysed using a Hewlett Packard gas chromatographer/mass spectrometer detector, in negative ion chemical ionization mode (GC/MS-NCI) using methane as the reagent gas. Responses were linear ranging from 0.10 to 5.00 ng/mg hair for delta(9)-THC and CBN, 0.10-10.00 ng/mg hair for CBD, 0.01-5.00 ng/mg for delta(9)-THC-COOH (r(2)>0.99). The intra-assay precisions ranged from <0.01 to 12.40%. Extraction recoveries ranged from 80.9 to 104.0% for delta(9)-THC, 85.9-100.0% for delta(9)-THC-COOH, 76.7-95.8% for CBN and 71.0-94.0% for CBD. The analytical method was applied to 87 human hair samples, obtained from individuals who testified in court of having committed drug related crimes. Quantification of delta(9)-THC-COOH using GC/MS-NCI was found to be more convenient than GC/MS-EI. The latter may give rise to false negatives due to the detection limit.