A5007228528- Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
- Poisoning and overdose treatments
- Neonatal Respiratory Health Research
- Alcohol Consumption and Health Effects
- Mass Spectrometry Techniques and Applications
- Respiratory Support and Mechanisms
- Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Studies
- Connective tissue disorders research
- Fibroblast Growth Factor Research
- Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research
- Psychedelics and Drug Studies
- Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
- Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
Office of Chief Medical Examiner
2024-2025
St. John's University
2022-2023
Nassau University Medical Center
2018-2023
Columbia Medical Practice
2023
Abstract This article is intended as a brief review on the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, Wegovy®), an antidiabetic medication that has gained significant popularity in United States for its role long-term weight-loss management. While current research GLP-1 agonists, including semaglutide, focuses primarily their therapeutic effects managing diabetes and obesity, information regarding forensic medicolegal significance limited. Concerns related to...
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are newly emerging compounds, natural and synthetic, that often sold as "legal" alternatives to controlled substances. These can include phenethylamines, tryptamines, synthetic cathinones, piperazines others. Most novel similar designer drugs based on the chemical backbone of classic abuse but not regularly encountered in postmortem casework. compounds may go undetected forensic toxicology labs where suitable identification methods for NPS exist. In order...
To better define the role of mechanical forces in pulmonary emphysema, we employed methods recently developed our laboratory to identify microscopic level relationships between airspace size and elastin-specific desmosine isodesmosine (DID) cross links normal emphysematous human lungs. Free DID wet tissue (a biomarker for elastin degradation) total formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry correlated with alveolar...
In January 2018, the Drug Enforcement Agency temporarily designated cyclopropylfentanyl as a Schedule I drug. Over course of 5 months (December 2017-May 2018), Nassau County Medical Examiner Toxicology Laboratory qualitatively identified and confirmed in specimens obtained from five postmortem cases. We describe cases include pertinent autopsy findings decedent histories, along with results for determined cardiac blood. Samples were prepared by an alkaline liquid-liquid extraction, sample pH...
Desmosine and isodesmosine (DID) are biomarkers for elastic fibre damage in pulmonary emphysema. However, current methods measuring lung DID involve tissue hydrolysis lack specificity those fibres undergoing breakdown. To address this limitation, free (nonpeptide-bound) content unhydrolyzed tissues was evaluated as a more accurate biomarker an animal model of emphysema.Hamsters were treated with either cigarette smoke lipopolysaccharide (LPS), room air LPS, or alone (controls). Free levels...
A 34-year-old male was reported to be snorting a white powder that believed contain heroin. Toxicological analysis revealed free morphine (356 μg/L), fentanyl (34.7 alprazolam (64.9 and acetylfentanyl (32.9 μg/L) in femoral blood 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM, <10.0 vitreous fluid. Norfentanyl only detected stomach contents (<1.00 μg/total). Heroin, fentanyl, were also solid dose evidence submitted by law enforcement. The concentrations might normally associated with fatal outcome are...
Abstract Liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) assays are frequently utilized for screening and confirmatory purposes in the forensic toxicology laboratory. While these techniques excellent targeted identification quantitation of a wide variety drug classes, validation determining fit-for-purpose is significant requirement each method. In USA, American National Standards Institute Academy Board first edition Standard 036 currently serves as primary resource...
Novel psychoactive substances comprise a number of chemically diverse that have emerged in the illicit market over past decade and continue to be readily available. These compounds been considered "legal alternatives" for typical drugs abuse often share similar pharmacological profiles. Presented herein is case from United States 29-year-old male with no known medical history was suspected impaired driving while traveling at high rate speed. The vehicle stopped when decedent lost control...