A fatal intoxication related to MDPV and pentedrone combined with antipsychotic and antidepressant substances in Cyprus.

This is a case report of a fatal intoxication in Cyprus related to 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and 2-(methylamino)-1-phenylpentan-1-one (pentedrone) intake combined with antipsychotic and antidepressant substances. A 42- year old man with a history of serious psychiatric illness was found unresponsive in his bed. Seized materials were also found close to his body. The forensic autopsy reported myocardial infarction due to multidrug intoxication. Toxicology screening in blood and urine was applied. Biological specimens were analysed by enzyme immunoassay procedure and GC/MS. MDPV, pentedrone and etizolam detected and quantitated in blood and urine. Other drugs quantitated in blood were also olanzapine, mirtazapine, and ephedrine. This was the first fatal case reported in Cyprus associated with new psychoactive substances. Additionally, this was the first case reported to Early Warning System of the European Monitoring Center of Drugs and Drug Abuse (EMCDDA), related to multidrug intoxication, attributed to the consumption of cathinones, designer benzodiazepines, and other drugs.

Determinative and confirmatory method for residues of tetracyclines in honey by LC-MS/MS.

A limited number of substances are authorised for the treatment of bees. Maximum residue limits (MRLs) are set for tetracyclines in several matrices, but not for honey. Nevertheless, tetracycline antibiotics may be used in order to prevent bacterial diseases and the loss of honey bee populations. In this study, a sensitive multi-residue LC-MS/MS method was developed and optimised for the quantitative and qualitative determination of tetracycline residues in honey. Homogenisation of samples under acidic conditions was performed and solid-phase extraction was carried out. The eluate was evaporated under nitrogen and dissolved in an aqueous methanol solution prior to filtration. A mobile phase composed of acetic acid-water and acetic acid-acetonitrile was used. Separation of tetracycline, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline and doxytetracycline was achieved by using gradient elution on a C18 chromatography column. The analytical method was validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC by the analysis of spiked samples around the recommended concentration of 20 µg kg(-1) by EURL Guidance Paper, December 2007. A matrix effect was observed, so quantification was based on an external matrix calibration curve. Calculated decision limits (CCα) were lower than 10 µg kg(-1) for all tetracyclines. Good linearity, repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility were achieved.

Uranium levels in Cypriot groundwater samples determined by ICP-MS and α-spectroscopy.

The uranium concentration and the isotopic ratio (238)U/(234)U have been determined in Cypriot groundwater samples by ICP-MS after ultrafiltration and acidification of the samples and α-spectroscopy after pre-concentration and separation of uranium by cation-exchange (Chelex 100 resin) and electro-deposition on stainless steel discs. The uranium concentration in the groundwater samples varies strongly between 0.1 and 40 µg l(-1). The highest uranium concentrations are found in groundwater samples associated with sedimentary rock formations and the obtained isotopic ratio (238)U/(234)U varies between 0.95 and 1.2 indicating basically the presence of natural uranium in the studied samples. The pH of the groundwater samples is neutral to weak alkaline (7 < pH < 8) and this is attributed to the carbonaceous content of the sedimentary rocks and the ophiolitic origin of the igneous rocks, which form the background geology in Cyprus. Generally, in groundwaters uranium concentration in solution increases with decreasing pH (7 < pH < 8) and this is attributed to the fact that at lower pH dissolution of soil minerals occurs, and uranium, which is adsorbed or forms solid solution with the geological matrix enters the aqueous phase. This is also corroborated by the strong correlation between the uranium concentration and the electrical conductivity (e.g. dissolved solids) measured in the groundwaters under investigation.