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Goncalves R, Castaing N, Titier K, Dumestre-Toulet V. Hair Analysis of Methoxphenidine in a Forensic Chemsex Case. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:328-336. [PMID: 33523230 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Methoxphenidine (MXP, 2-MeO-diphenidine) is a dissociative anaesthetic drug of the diarylethylamine type, recently introduced for recreational purposes through the online-based sale of new psychoactive substances (NPS). The concentration of MXP in hair has never been reported, either in cases of chemsex use or in fatal cases. A 55-year-old man was found dead at home the morning after a chemsex party. Toxicological analyses indicated high concentrations of MXP in femoral blood (606 µg/L), cardiac blood (254 µg/L), and hair (13 ng/mg). We also identified 3-MMC in femoral blood (traces) and urine (238 µg/L). The concentrations of all other drugs were consistent with living subjects. This case highlights the risk of methoxphenidine poisoning in the context of chemsex and emphasises the importance of including NPS in post-mortem toxicology examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Goncalves
- CHU de Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.,Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - N Castaing
- CHU de Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - K Titier
- CHU de Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
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52
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Di Candia D, Boracchi M, Muccino E, Gentile G, Zoja R. The Lethal Cutting: An Unexpected Cause of Death. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:e28-e35. [PMID: 33417700 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocaine is among the illicit substances most frequently implicated in deaths related to the use of drugs of abuse both worldwide and in Italy. Cutting agents involved in the adulterations of this substance are many and the process of lacing can take place at various stages of the production of the drug. In this Report we are discussing the case of a 27-year-old woman found death next to her car in a wooded area in the suburban area of Milan. On the crime scene, several specimens of white powder were collected and subsequently analyzed via Q-Exactive Orbitrap with a HPLC system and LC/MS-MS analysis along with biological matrices sampled during autopsy examination. The toxicological analysis revealed that the death could be ascribed to a lethal dose of methomyl, a carbamide pesticide used as cutting agent for cocaine. According to Literature, this is the first time that this substance is used as an adulterant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Di Candia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Michele Boracchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Enrico Muccino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Guendalina Gentile
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zoja
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milano, Italy
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53
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Local conversion of redox inactive molecules into redox active ones: A formaldehyde based strategy for the electrochemical detection of illicit drugs containing primary and secondary amines. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2020.137515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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54
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Fregonese M, Albino A, Covino C, Gili A, Bacci M, Nicoletti A, Gambelunghe C. Drug Checking as Strategy for Harm Reduction in Recreational Contests: Evaluation of Two Different Drug Analysis Methodologies. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:596895. [PMID: 33692707 PMCID: PMC7938318 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.596895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Drug checking as a part of drug harm-reduction strategies represents an essential aspect of public health policies. It focuses on rapid identification of drugs that individuals intend to use during night events, in order to implement health-protective behaviors. Chemical drug analysis techniques vary considerably, from simple colorimetric reagents to advanced forensic methods such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Materials and Methods: In 2019, drug-check services were offered at some night events in Umbria (Central Italy). One hundred and twenty attendees directly delivered unidentified substances to a harm-reduction worker, who collected a few milligrams of the substances on ceramic plates and added a drop of colorimetric reagent. Multiple reagents were used to increase the diagnostic capacity of a substance, which may react with a specific drug or a few drugs. Later, a fraction of the samples was analyzed by GC/MS. The concordance of the results obtained using these two methodologies and the intended behaviors of consumers after being informed of the test result was evaluated. Results: We analyzed 120 samples by colorimetric test: 32 MDMA, 25 ketamine, 10 amphetamine, 11 cocaine, 8 heroin, and 4 LSD samples. The results were inconclusive for 29 samples. The GS/MS analysis confirmed MDMA in 84%, ketamine in 78%, amphetamine in 91%, cocaine in 92%, heroin in 88%, and LSD in 100% of the samples. The results of samples with inconclusive results were as follows: 2, MDMA; 7, ketamine; 2, amphetamine; 2, cocaine; 2, heroin; 2, mephedrone; 6, mixes; 1, debris; and 5, adulterants as the main component. Twenty-one of 29 participants reported that they had no intention of consuming the unidentified substance. Discussion: The high percentage of individuals who claimed no intention of consuming the unidentified drugs indicates that drug checking is viable as a part of drug harm-reduction strategies. Overall, colorimetric reagents showed a good performance with regard to samples being unadulterated (LSD) or minimal in quantity, but failed to identify mixtures of substances and the adulterants present in them. Therefore, the use of more discriminatory on-site methods such as Raman or infrared spectrometry is strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Albino
- Harm Reduction Services, Cooperative "Borgorete", Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Covino
- Local Health Unit, USL Umbria 1, Ser.T Perugia, Ospedale S. Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessio Gili
- Hygiene and Public Health Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mauro Bacci
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessia Nicoletti
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cristiana Gambelunghe
- Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Sports Medicine Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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55
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Matey JM, López-Fernández A, García-Ruiz C, Montalvo G, Moreno MD, Martínez MA. Potential Of High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry For The Detection Of Drugs And Metabolites In Hair: Methoxetamine In A Real Forensic Case. J Anal Toxicol 2020; 46:e1-e10. [PMID: 33104803 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of drugs of abuse in hair and other biological matrices of forensic interest requires great selectivity and sensitivity. This is done traditionally through target analysis, with one or more analytical methods, or with different and specific preanalytical phases, and complex procedures performed by the toxicological laboratories, and there is no exception with ketamine-like compounds, such as methoxetamine, a new psychoactive substance (NPS) whose use has increased in the last decades, and continues to grow quickly year by year. More validated methods of analysis are needed to detect these substances in low concentrations selectively. Reanalyzing the samples of a former case of a polydrug consumer accused of a crime against public health in Spain, five metabolites of methoxetamine (normethoxetamine, O-desmethylmethoxetamine, dehydromethoxetamine, dihydronormethoxetamine and hydroxynormethoxetamine) were tentatively detected using a high-resolution technique that is liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS/MS). The most selective analytical LC-HR-MS/MS method together a universal and simpler pretreatment stages has demonstrated to allow faster analysis and more sensitivity than the one performed traditionally at the INTCF laboratories, which was gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Matey
- National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Department of Chemical and Drugs. José Echegaray, 4. 28232 Las Rozas de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,University of Alcalá, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.,University Institute of Research in Police Sciences (IUICP)
| | - Adrián López-Fernández
- University of Alcalá, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
| | - Carmen García-Ruiz
- University of Alcalá, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.,University Institute of Research in Police Sciences (IUICP)
| | - Gemma Montalvo
- University of Alcalá, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.,University Institute of Research in Police Sciences (IUICP)
| | - M D Moreno
- National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Department of Chemical and Drugs. José Echegaray, 4. 28232 Las Rozas de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M A Martínez
- National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, Department of Chemical and Drugs. José Echegaray, 4. 28232 Las Rozas de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,University Institute of Research in Police Sciences (IUICP)
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56
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Schram J, Parrilla M, Sleegers N, Samyn N, Bijvoets SM, Heerschop MWJ, van Nuijs ALN, De Wael K. Identifying Electrochemical Fingerprints of Ketamine with Voltammetry and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry for Its Detection in Seized Samples. Anal Chem 2020; 92:13485-13492. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c02810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Schram
- AXES Group, Bioscience Engineering Department, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- NANOlab Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marc Parrilla
- AXES Group, Bioscience Engineering Department, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- NANOlab Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nick Sleegers
- AXES Group, Bioscience Engineering Department, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- NANOlab Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nele Samyn
- Drugs and Toxicology Department, National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefan M. Bijvoets
- Dutch Customs Laboratory, Kingsfordweg 1, Amsterdam, 1043 GN, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Karolien De Wael
- AXES Group, Bioscience Engineering Department, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- NANOlab Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
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57
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Analytical findings in used syringes from a syringe exchange program. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 81:102770. [PMID: 32442881 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since it's first implementatation in 1984, Syringe Exchange Programs (SEP) are a critical component of harm reduction interventions among people who inject drugs.. The aim of this work was to use a scientific analytical approach to obtain drug use information through the analysis of the content of used syringes. METHODS 357 syringes were collected in New York City and submitted to qualitative analysis. Screening analysis was performed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and confirmatory analysis by liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF). RESULTS Of the 357 syringes analyzed, 275 (77.0%) were positive for one or more substances. The most common drug of abuse identified was heroin/related substances (72.0%), followed by cocaine/related substance (34.9%), fentanyl/related substance (13.5%), methamphetamine/related substance (7.6%) and furanylfentanyl (3.6%). Quinine/quinidine (18.5%) was the most common cutting agent detected, followed by levamisole (12.0%), caffeine (11.6%), lidocaine (11.6%), and phenacetin (6.9%). CONCLUSION Analysis of samples collected from a drug street scenario allows the identification of new substances being injected and provides information to harm reduction programs to identify strategies to reduce drug abuse.
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58
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Antonacci A, Scognamiglio V, Mazzaracchio V, Caratelli V, Fiore L, Moscone D, Arduini F. Paper-Based Electrochemical Devices for the Pharmaceutical Field: State of the Art and Perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:339. [PMID: 32391344 PMCID: PMC7190989 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The current international pharmaceutical scenario encompasses several steps in drug production, with complex and extremely long procedures. In the last few decades, scientific research has been trying to offer valid and reliable solutions to replace or support conventional techniques, in order to facilitate drug development procedures. These innovative approaches may have extremely positive effects in the production chain, supplying fast, and cost-effective quality as well as safety tests on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and their excipients. In this context, the exploitation of electrochemical paper-based analytical devices (ePADs) is still in its infancy, but is particularly promising in the detection of APIs and excipients in tablets, capsules, suppositories, and injections, as well as for pharmacokinetic bioanalysis in real samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Antonacci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Materials Technologies, Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Scognamiglio
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Materials Technologies, Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaracchio
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Caratelli
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Fiore
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Danila Moscone
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Arduini
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.,SENSE4MED, Rome, Italy
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59
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Joubert V, Trébuchet M, Mikic M, Silvestre V, Schiphorst A, Loquet D, Stemmelen A, Ladroue V, Besacier F, Akoka S, Remaud GS. Isotopomics by isotope ratio monitoring by
13
C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry on cutting agents in heroin: A new approach for illicit drugs trafficking route elucidation. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:449-457. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Joubert
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Matéo Trébuchet
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Mariana Mikic
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Virginie Silvestre
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Anne‐Marie Schiphorst
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Denis Loquet
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Anaïs Stemmelen
- Institut National de Police Scientifique (INPS)Laboratoire de Lyon (LPS69) Ecully Cedex France
| | - Virginie Ladroue
- Institut National de Police Scientifique (INPS)Laboratoire de Lyon (LPS69) Ecully Cedex France
| | - Fabrice Besacier
- Institut National de Police Scientifique (INPS)Laboratoire de Lyon (LPS69) Ecully Cedex France
| | - Serge Akoka
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Gérald S. Remaud
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
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60
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Lefrancois E, Belackova V, Silins E, Latimer J, Jauncey M, Shimmon R, Mozaner Bordin D, Augsburger M, Esseiva P, Roux C, Morelato M. Substances injected at the Sydney supervised injecting facility: A chemical analysis of used injecting equipment and comparison with self-reported drug type. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 209:107909. [PMID: 32145660 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Providing information about substances injected can reduce the negative impact of illicit drug consumption and support people who inject drugs to make informed decisions. In Australia, information about drugs injected relies largely on periodic self-report surveys. For the first time, the analysis of the residual content of used injecting equipment was conducted in a supervised injecting facility (SIF) located in Sydney, Australia. The aim was to gain a better understanding of the substances injected by clients through: (1) chemical analyses of the content of used syringes; (2) comparison of these results with clients' self-reported drug use; and (3) assessing the usefulness of analysing other injecting equipment to detect substances used. During one week in February 2019, syringes and other injecting equipment were collected at the Sydney SIF. Their residual content was analysed by gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry. Heroin was the most commonly detected substance (present in 51% of syringes), followed by methamphetamine (22%) and oxycodone (10%). In addition to the main psychoactive substance, cutting agents reported in the literature were also detected in used syringes. The main psychoactive substance identified by laboratory analysis reliably corresponded with users' self-reported drug type. Analytical confirmation of substances injected allows for the provision of better targeted harm reduction messaging based on timely and objective data. The approach used is amenable to clients and feasible in the Australian SIF context. Upscaling and wider implementation could be done through Needle and Syringe Programs, and would support the early detection of harmful substances entering drug markets and better inform harm reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Lefrancois
- School of Criminal Justice, Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration, University of Lausanne, Avenue Forel 15, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Vendula Belackova
- Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, 66 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia; Social Policy Research Centre, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of New South Wales
| | - Edmund Silins
- Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, 66 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, 22-32 King St, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Julie Latimer
- Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, 66 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia
| | - Marianne Jauncey
- Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, 66 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia
| | - Ronald Shimmon
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Dayanne Mozaner Bordin
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Marc Augsburger
- University Centre of Legal Medicine (CURML), Chemin de la Vulliette 4, CH-1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Esseiva
- School of Criminal Justice, Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration, University of Lausanne, Avenue Forel 15, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claude Roux
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Marie Morelato
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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Meacham MC, Lynch KL, Coffin PO, Wade A, Wheeler E, Riley ED. Addressing overdose risk among unstably housed women in San Francisco, California: an examination of potential fentanyl contamination of multiple substances. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:17. [PMID: 32156289 PMCID: PMC7063812 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous reports have led to concerns that fentanyl is added to many street drugs as an adulterant, including to stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, and could increase risks for negative health outcomes. Methods We collected information regarding recent substance use through self-report and urine toxicology (confirmed with mass spectrometry) once a month for up to 6 monthly study visits from a probability sample of 245 women in San Francisco with a history of housing instability (2016-2019). We compared the presence of fentanyl metabolites with (1) the presence of metabolites for other substances and (2) self-reported past week substance use. Results Out of 1050 study visits, fentanyl metabolites were detected 35 times (i.e., at 3% of all study visits and among 19/245, or 8% of all women). In most but not all (91%, or 32/35) of these detected cases, heroin or opioid medication use was self-reported. Among women who reported cocaine or methamphetamine use, but did not use heroin or opioid medication, fentanyl was detected in only 1 of 349 cases (0.3%). In adjusted logistic regression, the presence of fentanyl metabolites was independently associated with (1) presence of opiate, heroin, and benzodiazepine metabolites, and (2) self-reported past week use of heroin and opioid medications. Fentanyl metabolite detection was not independently associated with cocaine or methamphetamine use. Conclusions The presence of fentanyl metabolites in this population was almost entirely among women who also reported using heroin or opioid pills. These data do not support the hypothesis that fentanyl is being routinely added to stimulants as an adulterant on a large scale in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith C Meacham
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Kara L Lynch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Amanda Wade
- Department of Medicine, Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Elise D Riley
- Department of Medicine, Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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62
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Singh VM, Browne T, Montgomery J. The Emerging Role of Toxic Adulterants in Street Drugs in the US Illicit Opioid Crisis. Public Health Rep 2019; 135:6-10. [PMID: 31738861 DOI: 10.1177/0033354919887741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vanila M Singh
- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thom Browne
- Colombo Plan Secretariat, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Joshua Montgomery
- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, USA
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63
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Forbes TP, Lawrence J, Verkouteren JR, Verkouteren RM. Discriminative potential of ion mobility spectrometry for the detection of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues relative to confounding environmental interferents. Analyst 2019; 144:6391-6403. [PMID: 31579898 PMCID: PMC7008973 DOI: 10.1039/c9an01771b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The opioid crisis and emergence of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other synthetic opioids has highlighted the need for sensitive and robust detection for interdiction at screening points, notably vehicles at border crossings and packages at postal facilities. This work investigates the discriminative potential, sensitivity and specificity, of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) for the detection of fentanyl and fifteen (15) fentanyl-related compounds (analogues, other opioids, and metabolites) relative to confounding environmental interferents. The environmental background interferent levels, frequency and intensity, were derived from over 10 000 screening samples collected from delivery vehicles entering a federal site. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve methodology was employed to quantify the relationship between sensitivity and specificity for these target compounds on two instruments/configurations. These instrument configurations differed in desorption and drift tube temperatures, reactant ion dopant chemistry, and analysis time. This work identified reduced mobility areas of high interference that resulted in increased false positive rates (FPR), effectively reducing sensitivity (true positive rate: TPR) in those regions. Except for a few target compounds on either of the instruments that exhibited elevated FPRs, detection of fentanyl and fentanyl-related species was achieved at single to tens of nanograms with ≥90% TPR and ≤2% FPR. This work established the importance of systematic environmental background characterization at each specific screening setting in evaluating a platform's true performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P Forbes
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Materials Measurement Science Division, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
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Zhao J, Kral AH, Wenger LD, Bluthenthal RN. Characteristics Associated with Nonmedical Methadone Use among People Who Inject Drugs in California. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 55:377-386. [PMID: 31608746 PMCID: PMC7002277 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1673420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Illicit, nonmedical use of opioid agonist medications such as methadone is an ongoing concern. Yet, few studies have examined nonmedical use of methadone by people who inject drugs (PWID). Objectives: This study describes the prevalence of nonmedical methadone use in a community sample of PWID and examines factors associated with recent use of nonmedical methadone. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of PWID (N = 777) was recruited using targeted sampling and interviewed in California (2011-2013). Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine characteristics associated with nonmedical methadone use in the last 30 days. To determine if nonmedical methadone use was associated with overdose in the last 6 months, a separate multivariate analysis was conducted. Results: Among PWID sampled, 21% reported nonmedical methadone use in the last 30 days. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, nonmedical methadone use was associated with recent methadone maintenance treatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.90, 4.30), recent nonmedical buprenorphine use (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.31, 7.47), higher injection frequency (referent <30 injections; 30-89 injections AOR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.19, 3.02; 90-plus injections AOR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.53, 3.87), schizophrenia diagnosis (AOR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.36, 4.10), recent non-injection opioid prescription use (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI = 1.99, 4.43), and recent injection opioid prescription misuse (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.27, 3.59). Nonmedical methadone use was found not to be associated with nonfatal overdose (AOR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.38, 1.56). Conclusion: Nonmedical methadone use identifies a vulnerable subpopulation among PWID, is not associated with elevated nonfatal overdose risk, and evidences a need to expand methadone treatment availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnathan Zhao
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
| | - Alex H. Kral
- RTI International, 351 California Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94104
| | - Lynn D. Wenger
- RTI International, 351 California Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94104
| | - Ricky N. Bluthenthal
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute for Prevention Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N Soto St, 3rd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90033
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Palamar JJ, Acosta P, Sutherland R, Shedlin MG, Barratt MJ. Adulterants and altruism: A qualitative investigation of "drug checkers" in North America. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 74:160-169. [PMID: 31610451 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Drug checking" has become a common harm reduction method used to test illicit substances, such as ecstasy, for purity and/or the presence of adulterants. Formal drug-checking services have been operating for decades, and the use of personal reagent test kits appears to be relatively common; however, little attention has been devoted to understanding the role and broader experiences of 'drug-checkers' (i.e., people who test their own and/or other people's substances). As such, it remains unknown who is engaging in this practice, their motivations for drug-checking, and what barriers they may experience. We addressed this research gap by interviewing people who check drugs about their experiences, with a goal of better understanding drug checking practices. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 32 adults in North America who reported testing drugs. Coding was conducted in an inductive manner and thematic analysis was used to identify relevant themes. RESULTS Over half (56.2%) of our sample was affiliated with a drug checking organization. Among non-affiliated checkers (43.8%), the majority (57.1%) tested for friends, 21.4% tested only for themselves, and 21.4% were people who sold drugs and tested for their clients. Motivations were driven largely by altruism, described by checkers as wanting to protect their peers from exposure to adulterants. People interviewed who sold drugs were altruistic in the same manner. Barriers to checking-particularly at nightclubs and festivals-included perceived illegality of test kits and denied approval to test drugs at venues, although many checkers circumvented this barrier by checking drugs without such approval. CONCLUSIONS Drug checkers in North America seek to educate people who use drugs about the risk of exposure to unexpected substance types, but they face various barriers. Policy change could help ensure that these potentially life-saving services can be provided without fear of fines and/or criminal prosecution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Palamar
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, Room 1752, New York, NY 10016, USA; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, NYU College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Patricia Acosta
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, Room 1752, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Rachel Sutherland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michele G Shedlin
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, NYU College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monica J Barratt
- Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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66
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Cocaine-induced ANCA-associated renal disease: a case-based review. Rheumatol Int 2019; 39:2005-2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00296-019-04410-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Peck Y, Clough AR, Culshaw PN, Liddell MJ. Multi-drug cocktails: Impurities in commonly used illicit drugs seized by police in Queensland, Australia. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 201:49-57. [PMID: 31181437 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impurities in commonly used illicit drugs raise concerns for unwitting consumers when pharmacologically active adulterants, especially new psychoactive substances (NPS), are used. This study examines impurities detected in illicit drugs seized in one Australian jurisdiction. METHODS Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services provided analytical data. Data described the chemical composition of 9346 samples of 11 illicit drugs seized by police during 2015-2016. Impurities present in primary drugs were summarized and tabulated. A systematic search for published evidence reporting similar analyses was conducted. RESULTS Methamphetamine was the primary drug in 6608 samples, followed by MDMA (1232 samples) and cocaine (516 samples). Purity of primary drugs ranged from ∼30% for cocaine, 2-CB and GHB to >90% for THC, methamphetamine, heroin and MDMA. Methamphetamine and MDMA contained the largest variety of impurities: 22 and 18 variants, respectively. Drug adulteration patterns were broadly similar to those found elsewhere, including NPS, but in some primary drugs impurities were found which had not been reported elsewhere. Psychostimulants were adulterated with each other. Levamisole was a common impurity in cocaine. Psychedelics were adulterated with methamphetamine and NPS. Opioids were quite pure, but some samples contained methamphetamine and synthetic opioids. CONCLUSIONS Impurities detected were mostly pharmacologically active adulterants probably added to enhance desired effects or for active bulking. Given the designer nature of these drug cocktails, the effects of the adulterated drugs on users from possible complex multi-drug interactions is unpredictable. Awareness-raising among users, research into complex multi-drug effects and ongoing monitoring is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimi Peck
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, 14-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Alan R Clough
- College of Public Health, Medical and Vet Sciences, James Cook University, 14-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter N Culshaw
- Forensic Chemistry, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Health, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, 4108, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael J Liddell
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, 14-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, Queensland, Australia
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Caffeine as an adulterant of coca paste seized samples: preclinical study on the rat sleep-wake cycle. Behav Pharmacol 2019; 29:519-529. [PMID: 30036272 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Caffeine is a common active adulterant found in illicit drugs of abuse, including coca paste (CP). CP is a smokable form of cocaine mainly consumed in South America, produced during the cocaine-extraction process. CP has high abuse liability and its chronic consumption induces severe sleep-wake alterations. However, the effect of CP on the sleep-wake cycle and the effect of the presence of caffeine as an adulterant remain unknown. We studied the effect of an acute intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg of a representative CP sample adulterated with caffeine (CP1) on the rat sleep-wake cycle. Compared with saline, administration of CP1 induced an increase in wakefulness and a decrease in light (light sleep) and slow wave sleep that was larger than the effects produced by equivalent doses of cocaine. Compared with CP1, combined treatment with cocaine (5 mg/kg) and caffeine (2.5 mg/kg), a surrogate of CP1, elicited similar effects. In contrast, a nonadulterated CP sample (CP2) produced an effect that was not different from cocaine. Our data indicate that caffeine produces a significant potentiation of the wakefulness-promoting effect of cocaine, suggesting that caffeine should be explored as a causal agent of clinical symptoms observed in CP users.
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Morelato M, Franscella D, Esseiva P, Broséus J. When does the cutting of cocaine and heroin occur? The first large-scale study based on the chemical analysis of cocaine and heroin seizures in Switzerland. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 73:7-15. [PMID: 31330276 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illicit drug profiling can provide knowledge about illicit drug markets, informing on the level of distribution and its evolution in space and time. Illicit drug profiling is usually limited to impurities originally present in the illicit drug (e.g. alkaloids, co-extracted compounds or by-products). However, the benefit of a comprehensive analysis of cutting agents in drug seizures for law enforcement agencies, intelligence and health policy has not been thoroughly investigated in the literature and is the focus of this research. AIM This research aims at assessing when and how cutting (i.e. adulteration and dilution) occurs in the supply chain by analysing cocaine and heroin seizures made between 2006 and 2015 in Switzerland. METHODS Cocaine and heroin seizures made along the supply chain by law enforcement agencies in the Western region of Switzerland were investigated for adulteration and dilution. A total number of 7841 cocaine and 3476 heroin specimens coming from 1341 and 721 seizures, respectively, were analysed. RESULTS The results show that, for both illicit drugs, adulteration and/or dilution occur before arrival into Switzerland as well as in Switzerland. While cocaine is adulterated and diluted, heroin is only adulterated. Interestingly, the same mixture of adulterants (i.e. caffeine-paracetamol) is used to cut heroin at each step in the supply chain. CONCLUSION Gaining knowledge about adulteration and dilution at different stages in the supply chain enhances our understanding of drug markets. It also highlights differences along the supply chain and in the distribution of both drugs in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Morelato
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Davide Franscella
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Esseiva
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julian Broséus
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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70
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Race K, Lea T, Murphy D, Pienaar K. The future of drugs: recreational drug use and sexual health among gay and other men who have sex with men. Sex Health 2019; 14:42-50. [PMID: 27712616 DOI: 10.1071/sh16080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There are complex historical connections between sexual minoritisation and desires to chemically alter bodily experience. For gay men, drug and alcohol use can be a creative or experimental response to social marginalisation - and not necessarily a problematic one in every instance. Numerous studies have found that infection with HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is more likely among gay and men who have sex with men (MSM) who use recreational drugs than those who do not, but the causal nature of these relations is uncertain. Sexualised drug use is associated with a range of other problems, including dependence, mental health issues, accident and overdose. A growing body of work in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) field demonstrates the action of drugs and their purported effects to be a product of their relations with various other actors, contexts and practices. Given these contingencies, it is impossible to predict the future of drugs or their effect on the sexual health of gay and MSM with any degree of certainty. This article outlines some of the conditions most likely to mediate such futures in the medium term. Public funding for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer drug issues should not remain restricted to questions of HIV prevention and sexual health. It should be expanded to equip sexual health and AOD service providers with the cultural and sexual literacy to mitigate stigma and allow them to respond constructively to drug problems among sexual and gender minorities as a matter of priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kane Race
- Gender & Cultural Studies, University of Sydney, SOPHI A14, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Toby Lea
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, John Goodsell Building, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Dean Murphy
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, John Goodsell Building, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kiran Pienaar
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Suite 6, 19-35 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia
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71
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Luo Y, Yu H, Alkhamis O, Liu Y, Lou X, Yu B, Xiao Y. Label-Free, Visual Detection of Small Molecules Using Highly Target-Responsive Multimodule Split Aptamer Constructs. Anal Chem 2019; 91:7199-7207. [PMID: 31050407 PMCID: PMC6615563 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b00507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Colorimetric aptamer-based sensors offer a simple means of on-site or point-of-care analyte detection. However, these sensors are largely incapable of achieving naked-eye detection, because of the poor performance of the target-recognition and signal-reporting elements employed. To address this problem, we report a generalizable strategy for engineering novel multimodule split DNA constructs termed "CBSAzymes" that utilize a cooperative binding split aptamer (CBSA) as a highly target-responsive bioreceptor and a new, highly active split DNAzyme as an efficient signal reporter. CBSAzymes consist of two fragments that remain separate in the absence of target, but effectively assemble in the presence of the target to form a complex that catalyzes the oxidation of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid, developing a dark green color within 5 min. Such assay enables rapid, sensitive, and visual detection of small molecules, which has not been achieved with any previously reported split-aptamer-DNAzyme conjugates. In an initial demonstration, we generate a cocaine-binding CBSAzyme that enables naked-eye detection of cocaine at concentrations as low as 10 μM. Notably, CBSAzyme engineering is straightforward and generalizable. We demonstrate this by developing a methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)-binding CBSAzyme for visual detection of MDPV and 10 other synthetic cathinones at low micromolar concentrations, even in biological samples. Given that CBSAzyme-based assays are simple, label-free, rapid, robust, and instrument-free, we believe that such assays should be readily applicable for on-site visual detection of various important small molecules such as illicit drugs, medical biomarkers, and toxins in various sample matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingping Luo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW Eighth Street, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Department of Complex Prescription of TCM, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haixiang Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW Eighth Street, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Obtin Alkhamis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW Eighth Street, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Yingzhu Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW Eighth Street, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Xinhui Lou
- Department of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Xisanhuan North Rd. 105, Beijing, China, 100048
| | - Boyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Department of Complex Prescription of TCM, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW Eighth Street, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
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Ribeiro M, Trevizol AP, Frajzinger R, Ribeiro A, Speierl H, Pires L, Andraus M, Tsanaclis L, Alonso ALS, Cordeiro Q, Laranjeira R. Adulterants in crack cocaine in Brazil. TRENDS IN PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY 2019; 41:186-190. [DOI: 10.1590/2237-6089-2017-0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Brazil is the world’s biggest consumer of crack cocaine, and dependence is a major public health issue. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of potentially harmful adulterants present in hair samples from Brazilian patients with crack cocaine dependence. Method We evaluated adulterants in hair samples extracted by convenience from 100 patients admitted at the 48 hour-observation unit of Centro de Referência de Álcool, Tabaco e Outras Drogas (CRATOD), Brazil’s largest center for addiction treatment. A cross-sectional analysis was performed with the data obtained. Results Adulterants were found in 97% of the analyzed hair samples. The most prevalent adulterant was lidocaine (92%), followed by phenacetin (69%) and levamisole (31%). Conclusion Adulterants were widely prevalent in hair samples from crack users treated at CRATOD: at least one adulterant was present in virtually all the hair samples collected. This points to a need to monitor adverse effects in the clinical setting in order to provide this high-risk group of patients with prompt and effective care related to the acute and chronic complications associated with these adulterants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Ribeiro
- Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade Nove de Julho, Brazil; Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lolita Tsanaclis
- Laboratório Chromatox, Brazil; Cansford Laboratories, United Kingdom
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73
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Florea A, Schram J, de Jong M, Eliaerts J, Van Durme F, Kaur B, Samyn N, De Wael K. Electrochemical Strategies for Adulterated Heroin Samples. Anal Chem 2019; 91:7920-7928. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b01796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anca Florea
- AXES Research
Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jonas Schram
- AXES Research
Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mats de Jong
- AXES Research
Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joy Eliaerts
- AXES Research
Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Durme
- National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Balwinder Kaur
- AXES Research
Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nele Samyn
- National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Wael
- AXES Research
Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
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74
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White CM. Loperamide: A Readily Available but Dangerous Opioid Substitute. J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 59:1165-1169. [DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Michael White
- University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and Hartford Hospital Hartford CT USA
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75
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Gökdere B, Üzer A, Durmazel S, Erçağ E, Apak R. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles-based colorimetric sensors for determination of hydrogen peroxide and triacetone triperoxide (TATP). Talanta 2019; 202:402-410. [PMID: 31171201 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.04.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Due to its relatively simple preparation and readily available precursors, determination of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) by portable devices has become important. In this work, two different titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs)-based colorimetric sensors based on complex formation on the solid surface were developed for determination of H2O2 and TATP. The first sensor, (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) modified-TiO2NPs-based paper sensor (APTES@TiO2NPs), exploits peroxo-titanate binary complex formation between APTES@TiO2NPs and H2O2 on chromatographic paper. The second sensor, 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol-modified-TiO2NPs-based solid sensor (PAR@TiO2NPs), relies on the formation of a ternary complex between Ti(IV), PAR and H2O2. The developed sensors were also applied to TATP determination after acidic hydrolysis of samples to H2O2. The limits of detection (LODs) of APTES@TiO2NPs-based paper sensor were 3.14 × 10-4 and 5.13 × 10-4 mol L-1 for H2O2 and TATP, respectively, whereas the LODs of PAR@TiO2NPs solid sensor were 6.06 × 10-7 and 3.54 × 10-7 mol L-1 for H2O2 and TATP, respectively. Possible interferences of common soil ions, passenger belongings used as camouflage materials during public transport (e.g., detergent, sweetener, acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol-caffeine based analgesic drugs) and of other explosives were examined. The developed methods were statistically validated using t- and F- tests against the titanyl sulfate (TiOSO4) colorimetric literature method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Gökdere
- Analytical Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34320 Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşem Üzer
- Analytical Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34320 Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selen Durmazel
- Analytical Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34320 Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Chemistry, Institute of Graduate Studies, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34320, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erol Erçağ
- Aytar Caddesi, Fecri Ebcioğlu Sokak, No. 6/8, Levent, Istanbul, 34340, Turkey
| | - Reşat Apak
- Analytical Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34320 Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey; Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA), Piyade St. No. 27, Çankaya, Ankara, 06690, Turkey.
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Chiu SK, Hornsby‐Myers JL, Perio MA, Snawder JE, Wiegand DM, Trout D, Howard J. Health effects from unintentional occupational exposure to opioids among law enforcement officers: Two case investigations. Am J Ind Med 2019; 62:439-447. [PMID: 31016761 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent increases in the rate of drug overdose-related deaths, the emergence of potent opioids such as carfentanil, and media reports of incidents have raised concerns about the potential for work-related exposure to a variety of illicit drugs among law enforcement officers (LEOs), other emergency responders, and other workers in the United States. To characterize the risk associated with unintentional occupational exposure to drugs, we retrospectively investigated two incidents that occurred in 2017 and 2018 where LEOs were exposed to opioid and stimulant drugs and experienced health effects. We interviewed five affected LEOs and others. We reviewed records, including emergency department documentation, incident reports, forensic laboratory results, and when available, body camera footage. Multiple drug types, including opioids and nonopioids, were present at each incident. Potential routes of exposure varied among LEOs and were difficult to characterize with certainty. Health effects were not consistent with severe, life-threatening opioid toxicity, but temporarily precluded affected LEOs from performing their essential job duties. While health risks from occupational exposure to drugs during law enforcement activities cannot currently be fully characterized with certainty, steps to prevent such exposures should be implemented now. The creation and implementation of appropriate controls plus education and training are both important to protecting first responders from these hazardous agents. To more fully characterize potential exposures, timely prospective toxicological evaluation of affected responders is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia K. Chiu
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field StudiesCincinnati Ohio
| | - Jennifer L. Hornsby‐Myers
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Office of the Director, Emergency Preparedness and Response OfficeMorgantown West Virginia
| | - Marie A. Perio
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field StudiesCincinnati Ohio
| | - John E. Snawder
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Applied Research and TechnologyCincinnati Ohio
| | - Douglas M. Wiegand
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field StudiesCincinnati Ohio
| | - Douglas Trout
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field StudiesCincinnati Ohio
| | - John Howard
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Office of the DirectorWashington District of Columbia
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Abstract
In this report, we describe a 13-year-old with opisthotonos as the presenting symptom of Chiari I malformation. This presentation is rare and has previously been reported only in infants. We describe the physical and radiologic findings, literature regarding Chiari malformation, and differential diagnosis of opisthotonos in this patient.
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Behavioral economic analysis of the reinforcing effects of "bath salts" mixtures: studies with MDPV, methylone, and caffeine in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1031-1041. [PMID: 30267131 PMCID: PMC6440875 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5046-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE "Bath salts" preparations often contain combinations of synthetic cathinones (e.g., 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone [methylone], 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone [MDPV]), and caffeine, and evidence suggests that mixtures of synthetic cathinones and caffeine (e.g., MDPV + caffeine or methylone + caffeine) can be more potent and/or effective reinforcers than predicted for an additive interaction. OBJECTIVE To use demand curve analyses to compare the reinforcing effectiveness of MDPV and methylone to mixtures of MDPV + caffeine and methylone + caffeine. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats acquired methylone self-administration (0.32 mg/kg/inf) under a fixed ratio (FR) 1 schedule of reinforcement and generated full dose-response curves for methylone (0.01-1 mg/kg/inf) under an FR5 schedule of reinforcement. Demand curves were then obtained for methylone, MDPV, caffeine, and methylone + caffeine and MDPV + caffeine mixtures by increasing the FR across sessions according to the following series: 3, 10, 18, 32, 56, 100, 178, etc. RESULTS: Self-administration of methylone was rapidly acquired by 87.5% of rats and was maintained across a range of doses, producing an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve. Rank order demand for the individual constituents was MDPV > methylone > caffeine. Demand for the 3:1 (but not 10:1) methylone + caffeine mixture was greater than that for methylone alone, and demand for MDPV alone was similar to both MDPV + caffeine mixtures evaluated. CONCLUSIONS These studies provide additional evidence that although methylone is an effective reinforcer, combining methylone with caffeine results in an enhanced reinforcing effectiveness compared to methylone alone. Thus, abused "bath salts" preparations containing synthetic cathinones and caffeine may have higher abuse liability than preparations containing only synthetic cathinones.
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Slawek DE, Lu TY, Hayes B, Fox AD. Caring for Patients With Opioid Use Disorder: What Clinicians Should Know About Comorbid Medical Conditions. PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE 2018. [PMCID: PMC9175890 DOI: 10.1176/appi.prcp.20180005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a growing problem, with opioid‐involved overdose deaths quadrupling since 1999 in the United States. This article reviews comorbid medical conditions related to OUD, starting with complications of behaviors associated with opioid use (e.g., injection drug use), followed by conditions stemming from the direct effects of opioids (e.g., hypogonadism). HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are common infections in people with OUD, and treatment for these conditions can be safely provided regardless of ongoing substance use. Complications of drug injection, such as HIV, HCV, skin and soft tissue infections, and infective endocarditis, may be prevented through provision of sterile syringes and supervised injection facilities. Rare, life‐threatening bacterial infections may present with signs and symptoms that mimic intoxication, such as malaise or stupor, and should be assessed in patients with fever or positive blood cultures. In addition, chronic opioid exposure can lead to hypogonadism, opioid‐induced hyperalgesia, sleep‐disordered breathing, and potentially increased risk of cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive impairment. Pharmacotherapies for OUD (buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone) are safe and effective and their adverse opioid effects can be managed in clinical practice. Awareness of OUD‐associated medical conditions and their treatments is an important step in improving the health and wellness of people with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiffany Y. Lu
- Department of MedicineAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Benjamin Hayes
- Department of MedicineAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
| | - Aaron D. Fox
- Department of MedicineAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNY
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80
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Profile of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and other synthetic drugs in seized materials analysed in a Brazilian forensic laboratory. Forensic Toxicol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-018-0456-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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81
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Haddad A, Comanescu MA, Green O, Kubic TA, Lombardi JR. Detection and Quantitation of Trace Fentanyl in Heroin by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. Anal Chem 2018; 90:12678-12685. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b02909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abed Haddad
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, City University of New York Graduate School and University Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Department of Chemistry, City University of New York, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Mircea A. Comanescu
- Ph.D. Program in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science Specialization, City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 524 West 59th Street, New York, New York 10019, United States
| | - Omar Green
- Ionica Sciences, Inc., McGovern Center for Venture Development in the Life Sciences, 413 Weill Hall, 526 North Campus Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Thomas A. Kubic
- Ph.D. Program in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science Specialization, City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 524 West 59th Street, New York, New York 10019, United States
| | - John R. Lombardi
- Department of Chemistry, City University of New York, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, New York 10031, United States
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82
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Lennox RD, Cecchini-Sternquist M. Safety and tolerability of sauna detoxification for the protracted withdrawal symptoms of substance abuse. J Int Med Res 2018; 46:4480-4499. [PMID: 30209965 PMCID: PMC6259397 DOI: 10.1177/0300060518779314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Protracted drug withdrawal symptoms can last months or years after drug cessation, often precipitating a return to substance misuse. We evaluated the safety and preliminary health benefits of a unique chemical exposure regimen based on exercise, sauna and therapeutic nutrients. Methods This was a prospective evaluation of 109 individuals sequentially enrolled into a sauna detoxification component of a multi-modal, long-term residential substance abuse treatment centre. Results Data from medical charts, client self-reports and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) responses indicated that the Hubbard sauna detoxification method was well tolerated, with a 99% completion rate, including one human immunodeficiency virus and nine hepatitis C positive clients. There were no cases of dehydration, overhydration or heat illness. Statistically significant improvements were seen in both mental and physical SF-36 scores at regimen completion, as well as in Addiction Severity Index and Global Appraisal of Individual Needs Short Screener change scores at rehabilitation program discharge, compared with enrolment. Conclusions The regimen lacked serious adverse events, had a very low discontinuation rate and high client-reported satisfaction. The SF-36 data indicated improved physical and emotional symptoms. Therefore, broader investigation of this sauna-based treatment regimen is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Lennox
- Chestnut Global Partners, Chestnut Health Systems, Martin Luther King Drive, Bloomington, Illinois, USA
| | - Marie Cecchini-Sternquist
- Chestnut Global Partners, Chestnut Health Systems, Martin Luther King Drive, Bloomington, Illinois, USA
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83
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Aghababaei R, Javadi I, Nili-Ahmadabadi A, Parsafar S, Ahmadimoghaddam D. Occurrence of bacterial and toxic metals contamination in illegal opioid-like drugs in Iran: a significant health challenge in drug abusers. Daru 2018; 26:77-83. [PMID: 30159760 PMCID: PMC6154484 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-018-0205-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The toxic metals and/or bacterial contaminants in illicit drugs are the main health problems in drug users worldwide. Hence, the potential risks of these contaminants were evaluated in some of the illicit drugs during 2015 and 2016. METHODS The metals analysis were performed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In addition, all microbiological analysis stages, including handling procedures, dilution, and culture media, were conducted in accordance with the US Pharmacopeia (USP) which are harmonized with the European Pharmacopoeia (EP). RESULTS In the present study, the highest lead (Pb; 138.10 ± 75.01 μg/g) and chromium (Cr; 447.38 ± 20.27 μg/g) levels were detected in opium samples. In addition, the highest prevalence of microbial contamination was observed in opium samples, and the lowest was recorded in heroin samples. Clostridium tetani, with about 50% of contaminant, was the most common bacteria in the analyzed samples. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that Pb exposure as well as bacterial contamination could be the major threats for drug users. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rassoul Aghababaei
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Islamic Azad University, Shahreza Branch, Shahreza, Iran
| | - Iraj Javadi
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Islamic Azad University, Shahreza Branch, Shahreza, Iran
| | - Amir Nili-Ahmadabadi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 8678-3-65178, Hamadan, Iran
- Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Parsafar
- Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University, Falavarjan Branch, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Davoud Ahmadimoghaddam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 8678-3-65178, Hamadan, Iran
- Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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84
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Bell J, Belackova V, Lintzeris N. Supervised Injectable Opioid Treatment for the Management of Opioid Dependence. Drugs 2018; 78:1339-1352. [DOI: 10.1007/s40265-018-0962-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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85
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Alterations in the Gut Microbiota of Rats Chronically Exposed to Volatilized Cocaine and Its Active Adulterants Caffeine and Phenacetin. Neurotox Res 2018; 35:111-121. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9936-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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86
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Moreira RC, Costa BMC, Marra MC, Santana MHP, Maldaner AO, Botelho ÉD, Paixão TRLC, Richter EM, Coltro WKT. Screening of seized cocaine samples using electrophoresis microchips with integrated contactless conductivity detection. Electrophoresis 2018; 39:2188-2194. [PMID: 29947145 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201800137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the development of a new analytical method for the separation and detection of cocaine (COC) and its adulterants, or cutting agents, using microchip electrophoresis (ME) devices coupled with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4 D). All the experiments were carried out using a glass commercial ME device containing two pairs of integrated sensing electrodes. The running buffer composed of 20 mmol/L amino-2-(hydroxymethyl) propane-1,3-diol and 10 mmol/L 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid provided the best separation conditions for COC and its adulterants with baseline resolution (R > 1.6), separation efficiencies ranging from (2.9 ± 0.1) to (3.2 ± 0.2) × 105 plates/m, and estimated LOD values between 40 and 150 μmol/L. The quantification of COC was successfully performed in four samples seized by the Brazilian Federal Police Department and all predicted values agree with values estimated by the reference method. Some other interfering species were detected in the seized samples during the screening procedure on ME-C4 D devices. While lidocaine was detected in sample 3, the presence of levamisole was observed in samples 2 and 4. However, their concentrations were estimated to be below the LOQ. ME-C4 D devices have proved to be quite efficient for the identification and quantification of COC with errors lower than 10% when compared to the data obtained by a reference method. The approach herein reported offers great potential to be used for on-site COC screening in seized samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brenda M C Costa
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Mariana C Marra
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Mario H P Santana
- Instituto Nacional de Criminalística, Polícia Federal Brasileira, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Adriano O Maldaner
- Unidade Técnico-Científica, Superintendência Regional da Polícia Federal em MG, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Élvio D Botelho
- Unidade Técnico-Científica, Superintendência Regional da Polícia Federal em MG, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wendell K T Coltro
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
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87
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Pennington B, Collins B, Leigh S, Martin AP, Owen L, Fischer A, Sumnall H, Bates G. The cost-effectiveness of seven behavioural interventions to prevent drug misuse in vulnerable populations. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 57:42-50. [PMID: 29679810 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) developed a guideline on drug misuse prevention in vulnerable populations. Part of the guideline development process involved evaluating cost-effectiveness and determining which interventions represented good value for money. METHODS Economic models were developed for seven interventions which aimed to prevent drug use in vulnerable populations. The models compared the costs (to the health and crime sectors) and health benefits (in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)) of each intervention and its comparator. Sensitivity analysis explored the uncertainty associated with the cost of each intervention and duration of its effect. RESULTS The reduction in drug use for each intervention partly offset the costs of the intervention, and improved health outcomes (QALYs). However, with high intervention costs and low QALY gains, none of the interventions were estimated to be cost-effective in the base case. Sensitivity analysis found that some of the interventions could be cost-effective if they could be delivered at a lower cost, or if the effect could be sustained for more than two years. CONCLUSIONS For drug misuse prevention to be prioritised by funders, the consequences of drug misuse need to be understood, and interventions need to be shown to be effective and cost-effective. Quantifying the wider harms of drug misuse and wider benefits of prevention interventions poses challenges in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of drug misuse prevention interventions. A greater understanding of the consequences of drug misuse and causal factors could facilitate development of cost-effective interventions to prevent drug misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky Pennington
- Centre for Guidelines, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Level 1A, City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, England, M1 4BT, United Kingdom; School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, United Kingdom.
| | - Brendan Collins
- Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool, Chatham Street, Liverpool, England, L69 7ZH, United Kingdom.
| | - Simon Leigh
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, 8 West Derby Street, Liverpool, England L69 7BE, United Kingdom.
| | - Antony P Martin
- National Institute for Health Research, Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care, North West Coast (NIHR CLAHRC NWC), University of Liverpool, Chatham Street, Liverpool, England, L69 7ZH, United Kingdom.
| | - Lesley Owen
- Centre for Guidelines, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Level 1A, City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, England, M1 4BT, United Kingdom.
| | - Alastair Fischer
- Centre for Guidelines, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Level 1A, City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, England, M1 4BT, United Kingdom.
| | - Harry Sumnall
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, 15-21 Webster Street, Liverpool, England, L3 2ET, United Kingdom.
| | - Geoff Bates
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, 15-21 Webster Street, Liverpool, England, L3 2ET, United Kingdom.
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88
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Abin-Carriquiry JA, Martínez-Busi M, Galvalisi M, Minteguiaga M, Prieto JP, Scorza MC. Identification and Quantification of Cocaine and Active Adulterants in Coca-Paste Seized Samples: Useful Scientific Support to Health Care. Neurotox Res 2018. [PMID: 29536266 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9887-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Adulteration is a common practice in the illicit drugs market, but the psychoactive and toxic effects provided by adulterants are clinically underestimated. Coca-paste (CP) is a smokable form of cocaine which has an extremely high abuse liability. CP seized samples are sold adulterated; however, qualitative and quantitative data of CP adulteration in forensic literature is still scarce. Besides, it is unknown if adulterants remain stable when CP is heated. This study was designed to report the chemical content of an extensive series of CP seized samples and to demonstrate the stability (i.e., chemical integrity) of the adulterants heated. To achieve this goal, the following strategies were applied: (1) a CP adulterated sample was heated and its fume was chemically analyzed; (2) the vapor of isolated adulterants were analyzed after heating; (3) plasma levels of animals exposed to CP and adulterants were measured. Ninety percent of CP seized samples were adulterated. Adulteration was dominated by phenacetin and caffeine and much less by other compounds (i.e., aminopyrine, levamisole, benzocaine). In the majority of CP analyzed samples, both cocaine and caffeine content was 30%, phenacetin 20% and the combination of these three components reached 90%. Typical cocaine pyrolysis compounds (i.e., BA, CMCHTs, and AEME) were observed in the volatilized cocaine and CP sample but no pyrolysis compounds were found after isolated adulterants heating. Cocaine, phenacetin, and caffeine were detected in plasma. We provide current forensic data about CP seized samples and demonstrated the chemical integrity of their adulterants heated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Andrés Abin-Carriquiry
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Plataforma de Servicios Analíticos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marcela Martínez-Busi
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay.,Plataforma de Servicios Analíticos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Martín Galvalisi
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Manuel Minteguiaga
- Cátedra de Farmacognosia y Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - José Pedro Prieto
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Cecilia Scorza
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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89
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Steinmetz A, Steffens L, Morás AM, Prezzi F, Braganhol E, Saffi J, Ortiz RS, Barros HMT, Moura DJ. In vitro model to study cocaine and its contaminants. Chem Biol Interact 2018; 285:1-7. [PMID: 29475069 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine is one of the most popular illicit drug worldwide. Due its great addictive potential, which leads to euphoria and hyperactivity, it is considered a public health concern. At the central nervous system, the drug acts inhibiting catecholamine re-uptake. It is now known that in addition to the toxicity of the drug itself, the contaminants present in the street drug have raised concern about the harmful effects on health. Toxicological in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated the toxic effects of cocaine correlated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn lead to oxidative damage to the cells. Therefore the aim of this work was to propose an in vitro model that reunites the main parameters of toxicity of the cocaine already observed in the literature so far, and we tested this model using cocaine and seizure cocaine sample (SCS), kindly provided by Federal Police of Brazil. For that, we used a C6 glioblastoma cells and evaluated cell death, oxygen reactive species induction, oxidation of macromolecules as membrane lipids and DNA and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential after cocaine exposure. The results showed that cocaine can decrease cellular viability in a dose-dependent way in the C6 cell immortalized and astrocytes primary culture. Cocaine also induced cellular death by apoptosis. However, in the seizure cocaine sample (SCS), the predominant cell death was due to necrosis. Using dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay, we confirmed ROS production after cocaine exposition. In agreement with these findings, occurred an increasing in MDA production, as well as increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. The induction of DNA damage was observed after cocaine. Our results demonstrate the occurrence of mitochondrial dysfunction by depolarization of mitochondrial membrane as a consequence of cocaine treatment. In summary, these results demonstrated that cocaine can induce reactive oxygen species formation, leading to oxidative stress. As a consequence of this unbalance, DNA damage, lipidic peroxidation and loss of mitochondrial membrane occurred, which could be an answer to cell death observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Steinmetz
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
| | - Luiza Steffens
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
| | - Ana Moira Morás
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
| | - Flávia Prezzi
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
| | - Elizandra Braganhol
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
| | - Jenifer Saffi
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Scorsatto Ortiz
- Divisão Técnica-Científica, Policia Federal do Brasil, Porto Alegre, RS, 90160-092, Brazil.
| | - Helena M T Barros
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
| | - Dinara Jaqueline Moura
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
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90
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Sulaiman M, Kunalan V, Yap ATW, Lim WJL, Ng JJY, Loh SWX, Chan KB. Heroin in Malaysia and Singapore. Drug Test Anal 2018; 10:109-119. [PMID: 28670869 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Clandestine heroin laboratories have been a feature of the Malaysian illicit drug scene since soon after the abuse of heroin emerged in 1972. The first few clandestine heroin laboratories which synthesised heroin via the acetylation of imported morphine were uncovered in 1973 and 1977. By the mid-1980s, this type of laboratory was replaced by heroin-cutting laboratories whereby imported high-grade heroin was cut to street heroin. This was to meet the rising demand for the drug owing to the rapid escalation of the number of drug users. Over the years, the most significant change in the composition of the street heroin is the decrease in its purity from 30%-50% to 3%-5%. Caffeine has remained the major adulterant and chloroquine is detected in virtually all recent seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angeline T W Yap
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - Wendy J L Lim
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - Joey Joo Yee Ng
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - Samuel Wei Xiong Loh
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - K B Chan
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
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91
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Muñiz JA, Prieto JP, González B, Sosa MH, Cadet JL, Scorza C, Urbano FJ, Bisagno V. Cocaine and Caffeine Effects on the Conditioned Place Preference Test: Concomitant Changes on Early Genes within the Mouse Prefrontal Cortex and Nucleus Accumbens. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:200. [PMID: 29093669 PMCID: PMC5651260 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Caffeine is the world's most popular psychostimulant and is frequently used as an active adulterant in many illicit drugs including cocaine. Previous studies have shown that caffeine can potentiate the stimulant effects of cocaine and cocaine-induced drug seeking behavior. However, little is known about the effects of this drug combination on reward-related learning, a key process in the maintenance of addiction and vulnerability to relapse. The goal of the present study was thus to determine caffeine and cocaine combined effects on the Conditioned Place Preference (CPP) test and to determine potential differential mRNA expression in the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of immediate-early genes (IEGs) as well as dopamine and adenosine receptor subunits. Mice were treated with caffeine (5 mg/kg, CAF), cocaine (10 mg/kg, COC), or their combination (caffeine 5 mg/kg + cocaine 10 mg/kg, CAF-COC) and trained in the CPP test or treated with repeated injections inside the home cage. NAc and mPFC tissues were dissected immediately after the CPP test, after a single conditioning session or following psychostimulant injection in the home cage for mRNA expression analysis. CAF-COC induced a marked change of preference to the drug conditioned side of the CPP and a significant increase in locomotion compared to COC. Gene expression analysis after CPP test revealed specific up-regulation in the CAF-COC group of Drd1a, cFos, and FosB in the NAc, and cFos, Egr1, and Npas4 in the mPFC. Importantly, none of these changes were observed when animals received same treatments in their home cage. With a single conditioning session, we found similar effects in both CAF and CAF-COC groups: increased Drd1a and decreased cFos in the NAc, and increased expression of Drd1a and Drd2, in the mPFC. Interestingly, we found that cFos and Npas4 gene expression were increased only in the mPFC of the CAF-COC. Our study provides evidence that caffeine acting as an adulterant could potentiate reward-associated memories elicited by cocaine. This is associated with specific changes in IEGs expression that were observed almost exclusively in mice that received the combination of both psychostimulants in the context of CPP memory encoding and retrieval. Our results highlight the potential relevance of caffeine in the maintenance of cocaine addiction which might be mediated by modifying neural plasticity mechanisms that strengthen learning of the association between drug and environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Muñiz
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - José P Prieto
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Betina González
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Máximo H Sosa
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jean L Cadet
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Intramural Program, Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Cecilia Scorza
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Francisco J Urbano
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Bisagno
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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92
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Rocha DP, Dornellas RM, Nossol E, Richter EM, Silva SG, Santana MHP, Munoz RAA. Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide for Forensic Electrochemistry: Detection of Cocaine and its Adulterants Paracetamol, Caffeine and Levamisole. ELECTROANAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.201700437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diego P. Rocha
- Federal University of Uberlândia; Institute of Chemistry; 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG BrazilPhone. +55-34-3239-4143FAX: +55-34-3239-4208
| | - Rafael M. Dornellas
- Federal University of Uberlândia; Institute of Chemistry; 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG BrazilPhone. +55-34-3239-4143FAX: +55-34-3239-4208
- Fluminense Federal University; Institute of Chemistry, Department of Analytical Chemistry; 24020-141 Niterói, RJ Brazil
| | - Edson Nossol
- Federal University of Uberlândia; Institute of Chemistry; 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG BrazilPhone. +55-34-3239-4143FAX: +55-34-3239-4208
| | - Eduardo M. Richter
- Federal University of Uberlândia; Institute of Chemistry; 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG BrazilPhone. +55-34-3239-4143FAX: +55-34-3239-4208
| | - Sidnei G. Silva
- Federal University of Uberlândia; Institute of Chemistry; 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG BrazilPhone. +55-34-3239-4143FAX: +55-34-3239-4208
| | - Mário H. P. Santana
- Unidade Técnico-Científica -; Departamento de Polícia Federal em MG; 38408-663 Uberlândia, MG Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A. A. Munoz
- Federal University of Uberlândia; Institute of Chemistry; 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG BrazilPhone. +55-34-3239-4143FAX: +55-34-3239-4208
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93
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Martello S, Pieri M, Ialongo C, Pignalosa S, Noce G, Vernich F, Russo C, Mineo F, Bernardini S, Marsella LT. Levamisole in Illicit Trafficking Cocaine Seized: A One-Year Study. J Psychoactive Drugs 2017; 49:408-412. [PMID: 28813206 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2017.1361558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine use is increasing around the world and its purity is frequently altered through dilution, substitution, contamination, and adulteration. Sugars, talc, starch, and carbonates represent the principal diluents of cocaine, while phenacetin, levamisole, caffeine, and lidocaine are its major adulterants in Europe. Levamisole is used because it is an odorless powder, with physical properties similar to cocaine, and it has reasonable cost and availability, being widely used in veterinary medicine. For this study, we analyzed 88 cocaine samples. The seized cocaine analyzed showed an average purity of 55% and the most frequent adulterants identified were: levamisole (31.8%), caffeine (6.8%), lidocaine (2.3%), acetaminophen (2.3%), and phenacetin (1.1%). Our aim is the study of the presence of levamisole, over other adulterants in seized cocaine samples, due to its recognized human toxicity. The chronic use of levamisole-adulterated cocaine represents a serious public health issue because it may be responsible for side-effects such as dermal vasculopathy, leukoencephalopathy, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, pulmonary hemorrhage, multiple emboli, and several other effects. Moreover, aminorex can cause idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, presenting another harmful and mostly lethal side-effect from cocaine cut with levamisole. In conclusion, levamisole determination should be performed in routine toxicological analysis in deaths due to cocaine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Martello
- a Pharmacist, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Massimo Pieri
- b Biologist, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Cristiano Ialongo
- c Medical Doctor, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Stefano Pignalosa
- b Biologist, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Gianluca Noce
- d Chemist, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Francesca Vernich
- e Biologist, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Carmelo Russo
- b Biologist, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Federico Mineo
- f Biotechnologist, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- g Full Professor, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Luigi Tonino Marsella
- h Associate Professor, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
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94
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Villar Núñez MDLÁ, Sánchez Morcillo J, Ruíz Martínez MA. Purity and adulteration in cocaine seizures and drug market inspection in Galicia (Spain) across an eight-year period. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:381-391. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - José Sánchez Morcillo
- Departamento de Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica; Universidad de Granada; Granada Spain
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95
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Gyarmathy VA, Péterfi A, Figeczki T, Kiss J, Medgyesi-Frank K, Posta J, Csorba J. Diverted medications and new psychoactive substances—A chemical network analysis of discarded injecting paraphernalia in Hungary. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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96
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Kudlacek O, Hofmaier T, Luf A, Mayer FP, Stockner T, Nagy C, Holy M, Freissmuth M, Schmid R, Sitte HH. Cocaine adulteration. J Chem Neuroanat 2017; 83-84:75-81. [PMID: 28619473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine is a naturally occurring and illicitly used psychostimulant drug. Cocaine acts at monoaminergic neurotransmitter transporters to block uptake of the monoamines, dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. The resulting increase of monoamines in the extracellular space underlies the positively reinforcing effects that cocaine users seek. In turn, this increase in monoamines underlies the development of addiction, and can also result in a number of severe side effects. Currently, cocaine is one of the most common illicit drugs available on the European market. However, cocaine is increasingly sold in impure forms. This trend is driven by cocaine dealers seeking to increase their profit margin by mixing ("cutting") cocaine with numerous other compounds ("adulterants"). Importantly, these undeclared compounds put cocaine consumers at risk, because consumers are not aware of the additional potential threats to their health. This review describes adulterants that have been identified in cocaine sold on the street market. Their typical pharmacological profile and possible reasons why these compounds can be used as cutting agents will be discussed. Since a subset of these adulterants has been found to exert effects similar to cocaine itself, we will discuss levamisole, the most frequently used cocaine cutting agent today, and its metabolite aminorex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Kudlacek
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tina Hofmaier
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton Luf
- Medical University of Vienna, Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix P Mayer
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Constanze Nagy
- checkit!-Suchthilfe Wien gGmbH, Gumpendorferstraße8, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Holy
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Schmid
- Medical University of Vienna, Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Center for Addiction Research and Science - Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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97
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Zyoud SH, Waring WS, Al-Jabi SW, Sweileh WM. Global cocaine intoxication research trends during 1975-2015: a bibliometric analysis of Web of Science publications. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2017; 12:6. [PMID: 28153037 PMCID: PMC5290655 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-017-0090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cocaine is subject to recreational abuse as a stimulant and psychoactive agent, which poses a major worldwide health problem. The aim of the present study was to perform a bibliometric analysis of publication related to cocaine intoxication an insight of the research trends at a global level to enable recommendations for future research strategies in this field. METHODS Publications about cocaine intoxication were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database on December 28, 2016, and analysed regarding the following bibliometric indicators: research trends, document types, languages, countries/territories with their h-index, collaboration patterns, journals with their impact factors (IF), and institutions. RESULTS In total, 2,902 scientific publications from 1975 to 2015 were retrieved from the WoS database. The annual number of publications related to cocaine toxicity increased slightly after 1990 and reached a peak of 148 in 1992, with an average of 103 publications per year. The USA outranked other countries/territories with 2,089 publications, of which 1,927 arose exclusively from the USA and 162 involved international collaborations. The h-index for all publications related to cocaine was 212, and the h-index for all publications related to cocaine intoxication was 99. Moreover, the USA had the highest h-index of 95, followed by Spain with h-index of 24, and Canada with h-index of 24. The main research topics were consistently reproductive toxicity, clinical management of acute cocaine exposure, laboratory methods for detection of exposure to cocaine, cocaine metabolism, and cocaine toxicity in animals. CONCLUSIONS This is the first bibliometric approach to examining research related to cocaine toxicity and shows that research activity has become more global and extensive since 1990. The USA remains the leading country regarding published literature, the highest h-index, and greatest role in international collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa’ed H. Zyoud
- 0000 0004 0631 5695grid.11942.3fPoison Control and Drug Information Center (PCDIC), College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
- 0000 0004 0631 5695grid.11942.3fDepartment of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
| | - W. Stephen Waring
- Acute Medical Unit, York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Wigginton Road, York, YO31 8HE UK
| | - Samah W. Al-Jabi
- 0000 0004 0631 5695grid.11942.3fDepartment of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
| | - Waleed M. Sweileh
- 0000 0004 0631 5695grid.11942.3fDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
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98
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Sena LCS, Matos HR, Dórea HS, Pimentel MF, de Santana DCAS, de Santana FJM. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop and high-performance liquid chromatography to the analysis of cocaine’s major adulterants in human urine. Toxicology 2017; 376:102-112. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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99
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Pichini S, Busardò FP, Gregori A, Berretta P, Gentili S, Pacifici R. Purity and adulterant analysis of some recent drug seizures in Italy. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:485-490. [PMID: 27860443 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The data collected in this study describe an initial attempt to systematically introduce the qualitative and quantitative analysis of adulterants present in seized street drugs in Italy with the aim of improving surveillance and data sharing and for this purpose, the implementation of validated and standardized procedures are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pichini
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Adolfo Gregori
- Sezione di Chimica, Esplosivi ed Infiammabili, R.I.S., Roma
| | - Paolo Berretta
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Gentili
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Pacifici
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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100
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Caffeine Induces a Stimulant Effect and Increases Dopamine Release in the Nucleus Accumbens Shell Through the Pulmonary Inhalation Route of Administration in Rats. Neurotox Res 2016; 31:90-98. [PMID: 27631327 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-016-9667-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oral, intraperitoneal, or intravenous have been the common routes of administration used to study the behavioral and neurochemical pharmacology of caffeine, one of the most widely used psychoactive substances worldwide. We have reported that caffeine is an active adulterant frequently found in coca-paste (CP)-seized samples, a highly addictive form of smokable cocaine. The role of caffeine in the psychostimulant and neurochemical effects induced by CP remains under study. No preclinical animal studies have been performed so far to characterize the effects of caffeine when it is administered through the pulmonary inhalation route. Caffeine (10, 25, and 50 mg) was volatilized and rats were exposed to one inhalation session of its vapor. The stimulant effect was automatically recorded and plasmatic levels of caffeine were measured. Caffeine capability (50 mg) to increase extracellular dopamine (DA) levels in nucleus accumbens shell was also studied by in vivo microdialysis in non-anesthetized animals. A dose-dependent stimulant effect induced by volatilized caffeine was observed and this effect was directly related with caffeine plasmatic levels. A significant increase in the extracellular DA was achieved after 50 mg of volatilized caffeine exposure. This is the first report showing pharmacological acute effects of caffeine through the pulmonary inhalation route of administration and suggests that this could be a condition under which caffeine can elevate its weak reinforcing effect and even enhance the psychostimulant effect and abuse liability of smokable adulterated psychostimulant drugs.
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