Abstract Cannabis sativa L. is one of the most consumed drugs in the world and recent studies have associated its use with an increase in the number of traffic accidents in different countries. In many countries, like Brazil, simple and reliable methodologies are still needed for the detection of drugs on site, mainly cannabinoids, considering its prevalence of use and oral fluid (OF) has been proved as an appropriate biological matrix for this purpose. Considering that, this work aims to review previous studies on immunochromatographic devices for on-site detection of cannabinoids in OF, discussing their sensitivity, specificity, cut-offs values and confirmatory methods. This data shows the importance of choosing a screening device and it reinforces the need for its implementation in Brazil. The research was conducted on 5 databases and all original articles, published in the last 10 years, were selected. A total of 32 articles were found, providing data for 17 screening devices of distinct brands. Only 2 screening devices showed satisfactory sensitivity and specificity in the evaluated studies (≥80% and ≥90% respectively). However, it should be considered that the screening devices still have some limitations, such as a higher cut-off than those recommended by international guidelines (cut-off > 2 ng/mL), therefore demonstrating the need for more studies in the area and the importance of confirmatory analysis usually fulfilled by LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS or GC-MS. Thus, the screening analyzes should not be evaluated by itself, but in association with confirmatory results and observational traits (behavioral changes), for a better understanding of the traffic scenario.

RESUMO Objetivo. Descrever o perfil toxicológico de todas as vítimas de suicídio no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, de 2017 a 2019. Métodos. Neste estudo descritivo e transversal, foram consultados todos os laudos periciais e as ocorrências policiais relacionados aos óbitos por suicídio no estado. Foram realizadas análises de correspondência múltipla e construídos modelos independentes de regressão logística, tendo como variáveis dependentes o etanol, os ansiolíticos, os antidepressivos, as substâncias ilícitas e os agentes tóxicos não medicamentosos. Resultados. Foram realizados 2 978 exames de alcoolemia, com resultado positivo em 28,5%. A chance de resultados positivos para alcoolemia foi 0,5 (IC95%: 1,1 a 2,2) vez maior para suicídio durante a noite, 1,0 (IC95%: 1,4 a 2,9) vez maior para suicídio aos finais de semana e 0,9 (IC95%: 1,3 a 2,7) vez maior na presença de antecedentes criminais. A pesquisa de psicotrópicos (2 900 amostras) detectou algum medicamento em 30,4%. Os ansiolíticos foram a classe mais frequente, com chance 1,5 (IC95%: 1,6 a 4,1) vez maior em mulheres e 0,8 (IC95%: 1,2 a 2,7) vez maior para suicídios ocorridos no outono-inverno. As substâncias ilícitas (n = 338) tiveram chance 4,1 (IC95%: 1,9 a 14,4) vezes maior de detecção na macrorregião de Pelotas em relação à de Passo Fundo e 1,2 (IC95%: 1,3 a 3,6) vez maior em pessoas com resultados positivos para etanol. Não houve diferença significativa entre adolescentes e adultos. Conclusões. Embora sem evidência de causalidade, os resultados mostram um vínculo entre o suicídio e diversos psicoativos. Os médicos legistas devem ser orientados quanto à necessidade de realização de exames toxicológicos em todos os casos de suicídio.

ABSTRACT Objective. To describe the toxicology of suicide cases recorded in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 2017 to 2019. Method. The present descriptive, cross-sectional study examined all the medico-legal reports and police records related to suicide deaths in the state. Multiple correspondence analyses were performed along with independent logistic regression models having ethanol, anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs, illicit drugs, and non-medical substances as dependent variables. Results. Ethanol was investigated in 2 978 samples, with positive results in 28.5%. The odds of a positive ethanol finding were 0.5 time higher (95%CI: 1.1; 2.2) for suicides occurring at night, 1.0 (95%CI: 1.4; 2.9) time higher for suicides occurring on weekends, and 0.9 (95%CI: 1.3; 2.7) time higher in individuals with a prior criminal record. Investigation of psychotropic drugs (2 900 samples) was positive in 30.4% samples. Anxiolytics were the most common medication detected, with 1.5 (95%CI: 1.6; 4.1) time higher odds of occurrence in women and 0.8 time higher odds (95%CI: 1.2; 2.7) for suicides occurring in the fall-winter. The odds of detecting illicit drugs (n = 338) were 4.1 times higher (95%CI: 1.9; 14.4) in the regions of Pelotas (south of the state) vs. Passo Fundo (north), and 1.2 (95%CI: 1.3; 3.6) time higher in cases with positive ethanol results, without significant difference between adolescents and adults. Conclusions. Despite the lack of evidence on causality, the present results support a link between suicide and several psychoactive drugs. Medico-legal experts should be guided regarding the need to perform toxicological tests in all suicide cases.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Describir el perfil toxicológico de todas las víctimas de suicidio en Rio Grande do Sul desde el 2017 hasta el 2019. Métodos. En este estudio descriptivo y transversal se consultaron todos los informes periciales y policiales sobre las muertes por suicidio en el estado. Se realizaron análisis de correspondencia múltiple y se crearon modelos independientes de regresión logística, con empleo de etanol, productos ansiolíticos y antidepresivos, sustancias ilícitas y agentes tóxicos no medicamentosos como variables dependientes. Resultados. Se realizaron 2 978 exámenes de alcoholemia, con resultado positivo en un 28,5%. La probabilidad de obtener resultados positivos para alcoholemia aumentó 0,5 (IC95%: 1,1-2,2) en casos de suicidio durante la noche, 1,0 (IC95%: 1,4-2,9) en casos de suicidio en los fines de semana y 0,9 (IC95%: 1,3-2,7) cuando había antecedentes penales. En la investigación de productos psicotrópicos (2 900 muestras) se detectó algún medicamento en un 30,4%. Los ansiolíticos fueron la clase detectada con más frecuencia, con un aumento de la probabilidad de 1,5 (IC95%: 1,6-4,1) en las mujeres y de 0,8 (IC95%: 1,2-2,7) en casos de suicidio durante el otoño y el invierno. El aumento de la probabilidad de detección de sustancias ilícitas (n = 338) fue de 4,1 (IC95%: 1,9-14,4) en la macrorregión de Pelotas en comparación con la de Passo Fundo y de 1,2 (IC95%: 1,3-3,6) en personas con resultados positivos en la prueba de detección de etanol, sin que hubiera ninguna diferencia significativa entre adolescentes y adultos. Conclusiones. Aun sin haberse comprobado la causalidad, los resultados muestran que existe un vínculo entre el suicidio y diversos productos psicoactivos. Es preciso orientar a los médicos legistas con respecto a la necesidad de realizar exámenes toxicológicos en todos los casos de suicidio.

Abstract Introduction Brazil is one of the countries with the highest rates of alcohol-related traffic infractions, but little is known about the profile of the drivers who commit them. Identifying the characteristics of impaired drivers is essential for planning preventive actions. Objective To compare drug use and driving behavior profiles of drivers with and without alcohol-related infractions. Methods 178 drivers stopped at routine roadblocks were assessed by traffic agents who conducted standard roadblock procedures (document verification; request of a breathalyzer test [BT]). Drug use and driving behavior data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Subjects were divided into three groups: drivers who refused the BT (RDs, n = 72), drivers who tested positive on the BT (PDs, n = 34), and drivers who had committed other infractions (ODs, n = 72). Results The proportion of alcohol use in the last year was higher among RDs (100%) than in the PD and OD groups (97.1% and 72.2% respectively, p < 0.001). Lifetime prevalence of cannabis and cocaine use for the overall sample was 44.3% and 18.2%, respectively. Fewer individuals in the OD group (31.5%) reported having been stopped at roadblocks in the previous year compared to the PDs (55.9%) and RDs (48.6%, p = 0.03). However, a higher proportion of RDs reported drunk driving in the same period (87.5%; PD 69.7%; OD 26.9%; p < 0.001). Conclusion Essential differences among groups were observed. RDs had a higher proportion of alcohol use and drunk driving in the previous year; drivers who fit into this particular group may be unresponsive or less responsive to social deterrence and enforcement actions.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar o perfil epidemiológico e toxicológico de todas as vítimas de suicídio no Rio Grande do Sul em 2017. Métodos As vítimas foram classificadas por gênero, idade, ausência parental, cidade, forma de suicídio, contexto do óbito e resultados toxicológicos, utilizando as ocorrências policiais e os laudos emitidos pelo Instituto-Geral de Perícias do RS. A análise de correspondência múltipla e o teste Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel X 2 foram utilizados para avaliar associações entre os parâmetros estudados. Resultados Foram registrados 1.284 suicídios (11,3 casos/100 mil habitantes) no RS em 2017, sendo 80% homens e 46% jovens e idosos. Porto Alegre apresentou o maior número de vítimas e a região do Vale do Rio Pardo, o maior índice (20,8 casos/100 mil habitantes). O enforcamento foi o meio mais empregado e a depressão, o contexto mais citado nas ocorrências. A presença de etanol foi observada em 30% das amostras analisadas, com perfil masculino adulto associado à presença de outros psicotrópicos, cuja classe mais frequentemente detectada foi a dos ansiolíticos. O nitrito foi o veneno mais detectado entre as amostras encaminhadas para essa finalidade. Houve associação entre a ausência parental e os jovens, entre o método suicida intoxicação e as mulheres e entre os jovens e a presença de compostos ilícitos. Conclusão A mortalidade por suicídio segue aumentando no RS, que, historicamente, apresenta o maior índice brasileiro. As informações obtidas neste trabalho servem de apoio a novas pesquisas, promovendo ações de conscientização, orientação aos serviços de saúde e na elaboração de mais políticas públicas preventivas.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the epidemiological and toxicological profile of all suicide victims in 2017 in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods The victims were classified by gender, age, parental absence, city, suicide form, death context, and toxicological results, using the police occurrences and the reports issued by the Instituto-Geral de Perícias do RS. Multiple correspondence analysis and the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel X 2 test were used to evaluate associations between the parameters studied. Results There were 1,284 suicides (11.3 cases/100,000 inhabitants) in RS in 2017, 80% of which were men and 46% were young and old. Porto Alegre had the highest number of victims and the region of the Vale do Rio Pardo, the highest rate (20.8 cases/100,000 inhabitants). The hanging was the most used medium and the depression, the most mentioned context in the occurrences. The presence of ethanol was observed in 30% of the samples analyzed, with an adult male profile associated with the presence of other psychotropic substances, whose class was most frequently detected with anxiolytics. The nitrite was the most detected poison among the samples sent for this purpose. There was an association between parental absence and young people, between suicidal intoxication method and women and among young people and the presence of illicit compounds. Conclusion Mortality due to suicide continues to increase in RS, which, historically, has the highest Brazilian index. The information obtained in this study supports new research, promoting awareness raising, guidance to health services and the elaboration of more preventive public policies.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico e toxicológico dos casos de suicídio no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, em 2017 e 2018. Métodos: estudo transversal com dados das ocorrências policiais e laudos do Instituto-Geral de Perícias do estado; foram realizadas análises de correspondência múltipla e construídos modelos de regressão logística. Resultados: registraram-se 2.564 suicídios (11,3/100 mil habitantes/ano), majoritariamente do sexo masculino (79,4%) e na faixa etária de 50 a 54 anos (10,3%); o principal meio utilizado foi o enforcamento (72,5%); em 29,1% dos casos, houve resultado positivo para etanol, e, em 36,1%, para outros psicotrópicos; os jovens apresentaram 4,5 vezes (IC95% 2,7;7,7) e 2,4 vezes (IC95% 1,5;3,6) maior chance de serem vítimas quando havia resultados positivos para alguma substância ilícita ou ausência parental, respectivamente. Conclusão: predominaram vítimas do sexo masculino e adultas, o enforcamento foi o meio mais comum e, em um terço dos casos, havia presença de psicotrópicos.

Abstract Objective: to analyze the epidemiological and toxicological profile of suicide cases in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2017 and 2018. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study with data from police incident reports and state General Forensic Institute records; multiple correspondence analyses were performed and logistic regression models were built. Results: there were 2,564 suicides (11.3/100,000 inhabitants/year), mostly involving males (79.4%), and the 50-54 years age group (10.3%); the main method was hanging (72.5%); positive results for ethanol were found in 29.1% of cases and for other psychotropic drugs in 36.1% of cases; young people were 4.5 times (95%CI 2.7;7.7) and 2.4 times (95%CI 1.5;3.6) more likely to be the victims when there were positive results for an illegal substance or parental absence, respectively. Conclusion: male and adult victims predominated, hanging was the most common means, and, in one third of the cases, psychotropic drugs were present.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar el perfil epidemiológico y toxicológico de los casos de suicidio en Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, en 2017 y 2018. Métodos: estudio transversal con datos de informes policiales y del Instituto General Forense; se realizaron múltiples análisis de correspondencia y se construyeron modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: hubo 2.564 suicidios (11,3/100 mil habitantes/año), mayoritariamente de hombres (79,4%) y en el grupo de 50 a 54 años de edad (10.3%); el método principal fue ahorcamiento (72.5%); en el 29.1% de los casos hubo un resultado positivo para el etanol y en el 36.1% para otras drogas psicotrópicas; los jóvenes tenían 4.5 veces (IC95% 2.7;7,7) y 2.4 veces (IC95% 1.5;3,6) más probabilidades de ser las víctimas cuando había resultados positivos para alguna sustancia ilegal o ausencia parental, respectivamente. Conclusión: predominaban las víctimas masculinas y adultas, el ahorcamiento era el medio más común y, en un tercio de los casos había drogas psicotrópicas.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico e toxicológico dos casos de suicídio no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, em 2017 e 2018. Métodos: estudo transversal com dados das ocorrências policiais e laudos do Instituto-Geral de Perícias do estado; foram realizadas análises de correspondência múltipla e construídos modelos de regressão logística. Resultados: registraram-se 2.564 suicídios (11,3/100 mil habitantes/ano), majoritariamente do sexo masculino (79,4%) e na faixa etária de 50 a 54 anos (10,3%); o principal meio utilizado foi o enforcamento (72,5%); em 29,1% dos casos, houve resultado positivo para etanol, e, em 36,1%, para outros psicotrópicos; os jovens apresentaram 4,5 vezes (IC95% 2,7;7,7) e 2,4 vezes (IC95% 1,5;3,6) maior chance de serem vítimas quando havia resultados positivos para alguma substância ilícita ou ausência parental, respectivamente. Conclusão: predominaram vítimas do sexo masculino e adultas, o enforcamento foi o meio mais comum e, em um terço dos casos, havia presença de psicotrópicos.

Abstract Objective: to analyze the epidemiological and toxicological profile of suicide cases in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2017 and 2018. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study with data from police incident reports and state General Forensic Institute records; multiple correspondence analyses were performed and logistic regression models were built. Results: there were 2,564 suicides (11.3/100,000 inhabitants/year), mostly involving males (79.4%), and the 50-54 years age group (10.3%); the main method was hanging (72.5%); positive results for ethanol were found in 29.1% of cases and for other psychotropic drugs in 36.1% of cases; young people were 4.5 times (95%CI 2.7;7.7) and 2.4 times (95%CI 1.5;3.6) more likely to be the victims when there were positive results for an illegal substance or parental absence, respectively. Conclusion: male and adult victims predominated, hanging was the most common means, and, in one third of the cases, psychotropic drugs were present.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar el perfil epidemiológico y toxicológico de los casos de suicidio en Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, en 2017 y 2018. Métodos: estudio transversal con datos de informes policiales y del Instituto General Forense; se realizaron múltiples análisis de correspondencia y se construyeron modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: hubo 2.564 suicidios (11,3/100 mil habitantes/año), mayoritariamente de hombres (79,4%) y en el grupo de 50 a 54 años de edad (10.3%); el método principal fue ahorcamiento (72.5%); en el 29.1% de los casos hubo un resultado positivo para el etanol y en el 36.1% para otras drogas psicotrópicas; los jóvenes tenían 4.5 veces (IC95% 2.7;7,7) y 2.4 veces (IC95% 1.5;3,6) más probabilidades de ser las víctimas cuando había resultados positivos para alguna sustancia ilegal o ausencia parental, respectivamente. Conclusión: predominaban las víctimas masculinas y adultas, el ahorcamiento era el medio más común y, en un tercio de los casos había drogas psicotrópicas.

Brazilian Forensic Scientists are frequently asked about ballpoint pen manuscripts chronology in documents suspected to be forged. In the recent years, many methods like quantification of 2-PE (2-phenoxyethanol) have been developed on this subject. The validation of these methods only recently has been a concern between scientific forensic community. Researchers studied the behavior of ink on ageing, but few of them concerned about the influence of the paper on the extraction of 2-PE. This study performed the figures of merit evaluation of the quantification of 2-PE using GC/MS, testing the main parameters involved in the reliability of the method (linearity, repeatability, limits of detection and quantification, accuracy and robustness). After, based on a full factorial design with four factors and two repetitions, the authors tested kind of paper, grammage of paper, ink color and three ink ages, to verify the paper influence on the quantity of 2-PE from ink, trough GC/MS analysis. The merit parameters evaluation showed that the method is linear, precise, accurate and robust. The results for the effect of paper showed main effects of the factors and the existence of interactions effects between the kind of paper and paper grammage, and between the kind of paper and other factors.

RESUMO A associação de p-sinefrina, efedrina, salicina, e cafeína em suplementos alimentares e produtos para perda de peso é muito utilizada em todo o mundo, embora a efedrina tenha sido proibida em muitos países. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil de toxicidade à exposição oral de 28 dias à associação de p-sinefrina, efedrina, salicina e cafeína (na proporção de 10:4:6:80 m/m respectivamente) em ratos Wistar machos e fêmeas. Diariamente, os animais foram observados quanto ao peso corporal, sinais de toxicidade, morbidade e mortalidade. Após 28 dias, os animais foram sacrificados e o sangue coletado para avaliações hematológicas, bioquímicas e de estresse oxidativo. Não se observaram sinais clínicos de toxicidade, tampouco perda significativa de peso, mortes, ou quaisquer alterações significativas nos parâmetros hematológicos. Biomarcadores do estresse oxidativo e bioquímicos mostraram peroxidação lipídica, danos renais e hepáticos (p < 0,05; ANOVA/Bonferroni) em ratos machos (100 e 150 mg/kg) e a redução (p < 0,05; ANOVA/Bonferroni) nos níveis de glutationa reduzida (GSH) em todos os grupos de machos tratados. Nas fêmeas, não houve indícios de estresse oxidativo, nem alterações bioquímicas. O diferente perfil de toxicidade entre os gêneros sugere influência hormonal nos efeitos de mistura administrada. A associação testada pode alterar o estado oxidativo e promover danos renais e hepáticos.

ABSTRACT The association of p-synephrine, ephedrine, salicin, and caffeine in dietary supplements and weight loss products is very common worldwide, even though ephedrine has been prohibited in many countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate a 28-day oral exposure toxicity profile of p-synephrine, ephedrine, salicin, and caffeine mixture (10:4:6:80 w/w respectively) in male and female Wistar rats. Body weight and signs of toxicity, morbidity, and mortality were observed daily. After 28 days, animals were euthanized and blood collected for hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress evaluation. No clinical signs of toxicity, significant weight loss or deaths occurred, nor were there any significant alterations in hematological parameters. Biochemical and oxidative stress biomarkers showed lipid peroxidation, and hepatic and renal damage (p < 0.05; ANOVA/Bonferroni) in male rats (100 and 150 mg/kg) and a reduction (p < 0.05; ANOVA/Bonferroni) in glutathione (GSH) levels in all male groups. Female groups displayed no indications of oxidative stress or biochemical alterations. The different toxicity profile displayed by male and female rats suggests a hormonal influence on mixture effects. Results demonstrated that the tested mixture can alter oxidative status and promote renal and hepatic damages.

Drug trafficking and the introduction of new drugs onto the illicit market are one of the main challenges of the forensic community. In this study, the chemical profile of a new designer drug, 2-(4-iodine-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-n-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]etamine or 25I-NBOMe was explored using thin layer chromatography (TLC), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), attenuated total reflection with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(ATR-FTIR), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR MS). First, the TLC technique was effective for identifying spots related to 25C-, 25B- and 25I-NBOMe compounds, all with the same retention factor, Rf ≈ 0.50. No spot was detected for 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromoamphetamine, 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine or lysergic acid diethylamide compounds. ATR-FTIR preserved the physical-chemical properties of the material, whereas GC-MS and ESI-MS showed better analytical selectivity. ESI(+)FT-ICR MS was used to identify the exact mass (m/z428.1706 for the [M + H]+ ion), molecular formula (M = C18H22INO3), degree of unsaturation (DBE = 8) and the chemical structure (from collision induced dissociation, CID, experiments) of the 25I-NBOMe compound. Furthermore, the ATR-FTIR and CID results suggested the presence of isomers, where a second structure is proposed as an isomer of the 25I-NBOMe molecule.

Gunnera perpensa L. (Gunneraceae) é uma planta nativa do sul da África utilizada na medicina tradicional como antibiótico e antifúngico. Gunnera manicata L. é uma planta nativa do sul do Brasil também da família Gunneraceae e, apesar disso, não há informações sobre suas propriedades químicas e farmacológicas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil fitoquímico e farmacológico dos extratos aquoso e metanólico de G. manicata. Os resultados do ensaio microbiológico de difusão em ágar demonstraram que os extratos testados foram ativos contra Staphylococcus aureus e Candida albicans. A presença de compostos fenólicos foi investigada pela técnica de Cromatografia Líquida acoplada a espectrômetro de massas em Tandem (CL-EM/EM). Em todas as amostras analisadas verificou-se a presença de ácido gálico e somente o extrato metanólico das folhas apresentou hiperosídeo. Rutina, quercetina e ácido clorogênico não foram encontrados. O conteúdo total de compostos fenólicos foi maior nos extratos metanólicos e o conteúdo de flavonóides totais foi baixo em todos os extratos. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada pelo teste da atividade do radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picril-hidrazil (DPPH) e todas as amostras apresentaram boa a moderada atividade antioxidante. Esses resultados encorajam estudos complementares da composição química dos extratos com foco no isolamento e na elucidação estrutural dos compostos ativos.

Gunnera perpensa L. (Gunneraceae) is a native South African plant widely used in traditional medicine as an antibacterial and antifungal. In southern Brazil there is the native species called Gunnera manicata L. that also belongs to the Gunneraceae. Nevertheless, there is no information about chemical and pharmacological properties of South American Gunnera species. Therefore this study aimed at assessing the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of aqueous and methanol Brazilian G. manicata extracts. The results showed that antimicrobial activity in an agar diffusion assay was effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans . Phenolic compounds were investigated by liquid chromatography coupled with a tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) and all extracts presented gallic acid and only the methanol extract obtained from the leaves exhibited hyperoside. Rutin, quercetin and chlorogenic acid were not found in the samples analysed. Total phenolic content was higher in methanol extract and total flavonoid content was low in all extracts. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical test, and all samples presented good to moderate antioxidant activity. These results encourage complementary studies on the chemical composition of the plant extracts focusing on isolation and structure elucidation of their active compounds.

The genus Drimys presents the widest geographical distribution of the Winteraceae family, which comprises seven genera and about 120 species. In Brazil, the genus is found from Bahia to Rio Grande do Sul and occur in two species, Drimys angustifolia Miers, and D. brasiliensis Miers, Winteraceae, popularly known as "casca-de-anta", characterized by the presence of flavonoids and essential oils. It is used in folk medicine as an antiscorbutic, stimulant, antispasmodic, anti-diarrheal, antipyretic, antibacterial, and against asthma and bronchitis, besides having insecticidal properties. In addition to the known biological activities, it is very important to explore new applications in the treatment of physiological disorders or diseases caused by parasites. Based on this information, in this study we propose to evaluate volatile oils of the species D. brasiliensis and D. angustifolia, as an antioxidant, using the model of the DPPH radical as an antiviral against human herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1) and acute toxicity in vivo. The two species were not able to reduce the DPPH radical and showed interesting antiviral activity, significantly reducing the virus titers in vitro assays. Regarding the in vivo toxicity in female Wistar rats, treatment with the two species showed interesting signs in animals such as salivation, ptosis, tremor, decreased motor activity. In addition the oils of D. brasiliensis to other signs, some animals showed increased urination and diarrhea.

The species Drimys angustifolia Miers and D. brasiliensis Miers, commonly known as "casca-de-anta", have in their leaves essential oils that can confer cytotoxic effects. In this study, we evaluated the citotoxic effects of the volatile oils from these two species. We also proposed a nanoemulsion formulation for each of the species and assessed the in vitro cytotoxicity on U-138 MG (human glioblastoma) and T24 (human bladder carcinoma) cell lines. The plant chemical composition was evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer. Furthermore, the nanoemulsions were prepared and characterized. Our results showed that; bicyclogermacrene (19.6%) and cyclocolorenone (18.2%) were the most abundant for the D angustifolia oil and D brasiliensis oil, respectively. Both nanoemulsions, D angustifolia and D brasiliensis appeared macroscopically homogeneous and opalescent bluish liquids, with nanometric mean diameters of 168 nm for D brasiliensis and 181 nm for D angustifolia. The polydispersity indices were below 0.10, with an acid pH of 4.7-6.3, and negative zeta potentials about -34 mV. The results of transmission electron microscopy showed that droplets are present in the nanometer range. Only the D brasiliensis oil was efficient in reducing the cell viability of both U-138 MG (42.5%±7.0 and 67.8%±7.8) and T24 (33.2%±2.8, 60.3%±1.6 and 80.5%±8.8) cell lines, as assessed by MTT assay. Noteworthy, similar results were obtained with cell counting. Finally, D brasiliensis oil incubation caused an increase of annexin-V and propidium iodite population, according to evaluation by cytometry analysis, what is characteristic of late apoptosis. The results presented herein lead us to consider the potential therapeutic effects of the essential oils and nanoformulations as novel strategies to inhibit tumor growth.

Perfil para medicamentos na forma farmacêutica comprimidos contendo uma substância ativa pode ser obtido usando diferentes conjuntos de propriedades, incluindo aspectos físicos e químicos. As primeiras medições realizadas em comprimidos são de características físicas, também chamadas características pós-compressão. Tais dados podem ser valiosos para auxiliar na detecção de falsificações de medicamentos e ser utilizados em uma perspectiva de inteligência forense, quando inseridos em bancos de dados. Este trabalho está focado nas características físicas dos comprimidos de Cialis® e Viagra® apreendidos pela Polícia Federal no Estado brasileiro do Rio Grande do Sul. Com o emprego do Teste de Fisher (ANOVA), todas as amostras falsificadas de Viagra® (n = 28) e de Cialis® (n = 40) foram diferenciadas das amostras autênticas pelas seguintes características pós-compressão: comprimento (maior e menor), espessura e massa. Utilizando-se a Análise Hierárquica de Cluster (AHC), os comprimidos com perfis físicos semelhantes foram agrupados, o que pode indicar uma produção ilícita em comum. Observou-se a validade da utilização das características pós-compressão para gerar, de um modo rápido, confiável e sem preparo de amostra, um perfil tecnológico que se una aos demais métodos analíticos utilizados na rotina forense de detecção de falsificações de Cialis® e de Viagra®.

The profile of tablets containing an active pharmacological ingredient can be obtained using different sets of properties, including physical and chemical aspects. The first measurements carried out on tablets are the physical characteristics also called post-tabletting batch (post-TB) characteristics. These data may be valuable to assist in the detection of pharmaceutical product forgery and may also be used in a forensic intelligence perspective when inserted into databases. This work is focused on the physical characteristics of Cialis® and Viagra® tablets seized by the Brazilian Federal Police in the Rio Grande do Sul state. Using the F-test (ANOVA), all samples of counterfeit Viagra® (n = 28) and Cialis® (n = 40) were well distinguished from authentic samples by the following post-TB characteristics: length (major and minor), thickness, and mass. Using the exploratory statistical technique of Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), tablets with similar physical profiles were grouped. This result may indicate a common illicit production. We observed the validity of using post-TB properties to generate - in a fast and reliable manner and with no sample preparation - a technological profile that joins itself to the other analytical methods assisting in routine forensic detection of counterfeit Viagra® and Cialis®.

In the recent years, analytical toxicologists have been facing difficulties in detecting designer drugs due to the chemical modifications on the existing structures and the speed in which they are released into the market, requiring the development and improvement of specific and appropriate analytical methods. This work is a review of the literature which summarizes the characteristics of the drugs and the analytical validated methods using conventional and unconventional matrices currently used for correct identification and quantification of the following classes of emerging drugs of abuse: derivatives of opiates, amphetamines, tryptamines, piperazines and cannabinoids.