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Jawa R, Murray S, Blakemore S, Ventura AS, Hristova T, Wilder A, Shang M, LaBelle C. Xylazine and Adulterants in the Evolving Drug Supply: Urgent Call for Responsive Education Models. SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTION JOURNAL 2024; 45:168-175. [PMID: 38375666 PMCID: PMC11121508 DOI: 10.1177/29767342241231114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Novel adulterants and synthetic substances are rapidly infiltrating the US drug supply causing new clinical harms. There is an urgent need for responsive education and training to address these evolving harms and mitigate new risks. Since 2020, xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, has become increasingly common in the illicit opioid supply, especially alongside fentanyl. Training and technical assistance (TTA) programs employing an adaptive model can quickly disseminate emerging information and provide the tools to respond effectively. We describe our TTA program's experience developing and delivering virtual instructor-led xylazine training to a diverse group of addiction care professionals. The training objectives included the following: (1) introducing epidemiologic trends, pharmacology, and existing literature related to xylazine; (2) reviewing xylazine-associated harms and management; and (3) discussing harm reduction strategies related to xylazine use. We conducted 14 training sessions between October 2022 and July 2023, which were attended by over 2000 individuals across 49 states. We review our experience developing innovative training content and managing flexible training logistics and highlight our lessons learned, including targeting multidisciplinary professionals, leveraging online synchronous delivery methods, and a need for sustainable funding for TTA programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raagini Jawa
- Center for Research on Healthcare, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction Training and Technical Assistance, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen Murray
- Grayken Center for Addiction Training and Technical Assistance, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha Blakemore
- Grayken Center for Addiction Training and Technical Assistance, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alicia S. Ventura
- Grayken Center for Addiction Training and Technical Assistance, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tavita Hristova
- Grayken Center for Addiction Training and Technical Assistance, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexa Wilder
- Grayken Center for Addiction Training and Technical Assistance, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Margaret Shang
- Center for Research on Healthcare, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Colleen LaBelle
- Grayken Center for Addiction Training and Technical Assistance, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Chen M, Burn PL, Shaw PE. Luminescence-based detection and identification of illicit drugs. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:13244-13259. [PMID: 37144605 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp00524k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Luminescence-based sensing is capable of being used for the sensitive, rapid, and in some cases selective detection of chemicals. Furthermore, the method is amenable to incorporation into handheld low-power portable detectors that can be used in the field. Luminescence-based detectors are now commercially available for explosive detection with the technology built on a strong foundation of science. In contrast, there are fewer examples of luminescence-based detection of illicit drugs, despite the pervasive and global challenge of combating their manufacture, distribution and consumption and the need for handheld detection systems. This perspective describes the relatively nascent steps that have been reported in the use of luminescent materials for the detection of illicit drugs. Much of the published work has focused on detection of illicit drugs in solution with less work on vapour detection using thin luminescent sensing films. The latter are better suited for handheld sensing devices and detection in the field. Illicit drug detection has been achieved via different mechanisms, all of which change the luminescence of the sensing material. These include photoinduced hole transfer (PHT) leading to quenching of the luminescence, disruption of Förster energy transfer between different chromophores by a drug, and chemical reaction between the sensing material and a drug. The most promising of these is PHT, which can be used for rapid and reversible detection of illicit drugs in solution and film-based sensing of drugs in the vapour phase. However, there are still significant knowledge gaps, for example, how vapours of illicit drugs interact with the sensing films, and how to achieve selectivity for specific drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chen
- Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - P L Burn
- Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - P E Shaw
- Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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Price O, Man N, Sutherland R, Bruno R, Dietze P, Salom C, Agramunt S, Grigg J, Degenhardt L, Peacock A. Disruption to Australian heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy markets with the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 113:103976. [PMID: 36822010 PMCID: PMC9932690 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.103976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes to drug markets can affect drug use and related harms. We aimed to describe market trends of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy in Australia following the introduction of COVID-19 pandemic-associated restrictions. METHODS Australians residing in capital cities who regularly inject drugs (n ∼= 900 each year) or regularly use ecstasy and/or other illicit stimulants (n ∼= 800 each year) participated in annual interviews 2014-2022. We used self-reported market indicators (price, availability, and purity) for heroin, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy crystal to estimate generalised additive models. Observations from the 2014-2019 surveys were used to establish the pre-pandemic trend; 2020, 2021 and 2022 observations were considered immediate, short-term and longer-term changes since the introduction of pandemic restrictions. RESULTS Immediate impacts on market indicators were observed for heroin and methamphetamine in 2020 relative to the 2014-2019 trend; price per cap/point increased (β: A$9.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.25-17.1 and β: A$40.3, 95% CI: 33.1-47.5, respectively), while perceived availability (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for 'easy'/'very easy' to obtain: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.24-0.59 and aOR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03-0.25, respectively) and perceived purity (aOR for 'high' purity: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.23-0.54 and aOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.20-0.54, respectively) decreased. There was no longer evidence for change in 2021 or 2022 relative to the 2014-2019 trend. Changes to ecstasy and cocaine markets were most evident in 2022 relative to the pre-pandemic trend: price per gram increased (β: A$92.8, 95% CI: 61.6-124 and β: A$24.3, 95% CI: 7.93-40.6, respectively) and perceived purity decreased (aOR for 'high purity': 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09-0.35 and 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36-0.90, respectively), while ecstasy was also perceived as less easy to obtain (aOR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09-0.35). CONCLUSION There were distinct disruptions to illicit drug markets in Australia after the COVID-19 pandemic began; the timing and magnitude varied by drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Price
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Nicola Man
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachel Sutherland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Raimondo Bruno
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne Australia; National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Caroline Salom
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Seraina Agramunt
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Jodie Grigg
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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Cysewski P, Jeliński T, Przybyłek M, Nowak W, Olczak M. Solubility Characteristics of Acetaminophen and Phenacetin in Binary Mixtures of Aqueous Organic Solvents: Experimental and Deep Machine Learning Screening of Green Dissolution Media. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122828. [PMID: 36559321 PMCID: PMC9781932 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients is a mandatory physicochemical characteristic in pharmaceutical practice. However, the number of potential solvents and their mixtures prevents direct measurements of all possible combinations for finding environmentally friendly, operational and cost-effective solubilizers. That is why support from theoretical screening seems to be valuable. Here, a collection of acetaminophen and phenacetin solubility data in neat and binary solvent mixtures was used for the development of a nonlinear deep machine learning model using new intuitive molecular descriptors derived from COSMO-RS computations. The literature dataset was augmented with results of new measurements in aqueous binary mixtures of 4-formylmorpholine, DMSO and DMF. The solubility values back-computed with the developed ensemble of neural networks are in perfect agreement with the experimental data, which enables the extensive screening of many combinations of solvents not studied experimentally within the applicability domain of the trained model. The final predictions were presented not only in the form of the set of optimal hyperparameters but also in a more intuitive way by the set of parameters of the Jouyban-Acree equation often used in the co-solvency domain. This new and effective approach is easily extendible to other systems, enabling the fast and reliable selection of candidates for new solvents and directing the experimental solubility screening of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
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Ferris TJ, Haigh LD, Jenner SJ. Identification of Common Cutting Agents in Latent Fingerprints by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography – Electrospray Ionization – Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-qToF-MS). ANAL LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2022.2033255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Trevor J. Ferris
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Lisa D. Haigh
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College, London, UK
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Laposchan S, Kranenburg RF, van Asten AC. Impurities, adulterants and cutting agents in cocaine as potential candidates for retrospective mining of GC-MS data. Sci Justice 2022; 62:60-75. [PMID: 35033329 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine is one of the most widely used illicit drugs worldwide. Cocaine powders seized by the Police may contain numerous other substances besides the drug itself. These can be impurities originating from the coca plant or the production process, or be purposely added to the drug formulation as adulterants and cutting agents. In forensic laboratories, identification of cocaine is routinely done through GC-MS analysis, but other components are often ignored even if the method allows for their detection. Yet, they can provide valuable insight into the history of a seizure and its potential connection to other samples. To explore this idea, an extensive review of common impurities and adulterants encountered in cocaine is presented. Based on their incidence, concentration in the end product and compatibility with GC-MS methods, their overall usefulness as candidates for the statistical investigation of existing forensic data is evaluated. The impurities cis- and trans-cinnamoylcocaine, tropacocaine, norcocaine and N-benzoylnormethylecgonine as well as the adulterants lidocaine, procaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, caffeine, acetylsalicylic acid, phenacetin, ibuprofen, levamisole, hydroxyzine and diltiazem are promising candidates to provide additional forensic intelligence. Future research on optimized routine GC-MS methods, signal reproducibility, comparison, statistics and databases is suggested to facilitate this concept. Ultimately, such an approach may significantly advance the amount of information that is extracted from routine casework data, elucidate developments in the cocaine markets in the past and facilitate Police work in the future. Preliminary assessment of existing data from the forensic laboratory of the Amsterdam Police has been included to show that the detection of the identified target impurities is feasible, and that small adjustments to the analysis method could significantly increase the detectability of these analytes in prospective drug screenings. Forensic intelligence based on retrospective data mining of cocaine containing casework samples may thus be realized with minimal additional laboratory efforts by using already available instrumentation, samples and data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Laposchan
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, The Netherlands; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben F Kranenburg
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, The Netherlands; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands.
| | - Arian C van Asten
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands
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7
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Hesse M, Thomsen KR, Thylstrup B, Andersen CU, Reitzel LA, Worm-Leonhard M, Lindholst C. Purity of street-level cocaine across Denmark from 2006 to 2019: Analysis of seized cocaine. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 329:111050. [PMID: 34736046 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111050] [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: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine-related emergency department admissions are increasing, and cocaine seizures are at an all-time high in Europe. Our aim was to investigate the trends in purity and adulterants over time in cocaine available to cocaine users at street level in Denmark. We used a representative sample of cocaine seized at street level and analyzed by the national departments of forensic medicine between 2006 and 2019 (n = 1460). Latent profile analysis was used to classify the samples based on cocaine, levamisole, and phenacetin content. Low purity cocaine comprised most of the cocaine seizures in early years, but its share began to decline in 2013, and from 2016 to 2019, the high purity profile was dominant. While the total number of samples containing adulterants decreased, levamisole remained a common and dangerous adulterant. The findings underline the need to inform the public, medical doctors, and service providers for people with drug use disorders about the higher potency of street cocaine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Hesse
- Aarhus University, Center for Alcohol and Drug Research, Bartholins Allé 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Kristine Rømer Thomsen
- Aarhus University, Center for Alcohol and Drug Research, Bartholins Allé 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Birgitte Thylstrup
- Aarhus University, Center for Alcohol and Drug Research, Bartholins Allé 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Charlotte Uggerhøj Andersen
- Aarhus University, Department of Forensic Medicine, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Building Z, 3.017, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Christian Lindholst
- Aarhus University, Department of Forensic Medicine, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Building Z, 3.017, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
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Wiens T, Bilden E, Saravia S, Peterson J, Wogen M, Hanson K, Makhtal R, Wright N, Roesler J, Lynfield R. Biosurveillance of Drug Overdoses and Substance Misuse Treated in Selected Emergency Departments in Minnesota, 2017-2020. Public Health Rep 2021; 136:87S-95S. [PMID: 34726980 DOI: 10.1177/00333549211042834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Increasing knowledge about the toxicology of drug overdose and substance misuse (DOSM) is important in improving our understanding of the epidemic. We describe the Minnesota Drug Overdose and Substance Use Pilot Surveillance Activity, which started collecting data on emergency department (ED) visits attributable to DOSM in 2017, with a focus on the toxicology results of a subset of clinical encounters. METHODS From November 1, 2017, through January 30, 2020, we collected near-real-time data on DOSM-related ED encounters. The Minnesota Department of Health Public Health Laboratory tested leftover clinical specimens (blood and/or urine) for the presence of various substances for patients who died, were hospitalized, had an atypical clinical presentation, or were part of a local drug overdose cluster. Testing looked for >250 drugs or their metabolites, including those commonly misused (eg, methamphetamine, cocaine), prescription medications, synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, and opioids. We describe characteristics of the overall group and a subgroup of clinical encounters with toxicology results. RESULTS Specimens submitted from 6 EDs during the study period represented 239 clinical encounters. Methamphetamine was the most frequently detected substance (67.4%) but was suspected in only 45.6% of encounters. At least 1 opioid was detected in 42.5% of encounters but suspected in only 29.7%. Testing also detected potential adulterants and additives (eg, fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, levamisole) and showed frequent patient exposure to substances not reported by patients or suspected by clinicians. Nearly half (44.4%) of clinical encounters had >1 substance detected. CONCLUSIONS ED surveillance for DOSM encounters, enhanced by toxicology testing, can provide local situational awareness on overdoses, prevent potential mischaracterization of the true drug overdose epidemic, and inform harm reduction and drug overdose prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terra Wiens
- 11055 Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Matthew Wogen
- 11055 Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Kaila Hanson
- 11055 Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Roon Makhtal
- 11055 Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Nate Wright
- 11055 Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Jon Roesler
- 11055 Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Ruth Lynfield
- 11055 Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA
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Cutting agents in cocaine: A temporal study of the period 2015-2017 in the Northern Region of Colombia. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 327:110911. [PMID: 34450541 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110911] [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: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine is a naturally occurring psychostimulant drug available worldwide. Drug trafficking networks adulterate pure cocaine with cutting agents to increase their earnings. This study presents a descriptive statistical analysis of the cutting agents found in 2118 cocaine samples that were seized in the Northern Region of Colombia (in the period 2015-2017). The data used in this study was drawn from the GC-MS analytical reports of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences -Colombia, Northern Region. Results showed diverse cutting agents in seized cocaine samples, from which the most commonly used are caffeine, phenacetin, lidocaine, imidazole and levamisole. In addition, cocaine samples showed different mixtures of the above cutting agents, predominantly caffeine/phenacetin and caffeine/lidocaine/phenacetin mixtures.
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10
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Silvestre A, Basilicata P, Coraggio L, Guadagni R, Simonelli A, Pieri M. Illicit drugs seizures in 2013-2018 and characteristics of the illicit market within the Neapolitan area. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 321:110738. [PMID: 33647570 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110738] [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: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The study presents results of toxicological analysis performed on seized material in Neapolitan area in the period from 2013 to 2018. A constancy in THC and heroin percentages is evidenced (%THC ~10% and ~11.5% for marijuana and hashish; heroine: 20-24%), with mean values exceeding the European data. Data on cocaine revealed a constant increment of active principle percentage over the studied period (from 40% in 2013 to ~65% in 2018), with peak of 70% in 2017; also, number of samples exceeding the mean value increased over years. Active principles contents resulted higher than the ones reported in other Italian area ever the same period; marijuana was prevalent on hashish, confirming an Italian trend different from other European countries. A map of the Campania region evidenced two main "storage" districts, one corresponding to the city center and the second located in the northern part. If compared with literature data on the presence of local mafia, these areas are perfectly superimposable to those with the highest risk of homicides, thus confirming the degree of radicalization of local organizations and the relative weight of proceeds from drugs sale. Moreover, such radicalization within the territory seems to be the main reason of the absence of new psychoactive substances among the seized material.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Silvestre
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science-Legal Medicine Section. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - P Basilicata
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science-Legal Medicine Section. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - L Coraggio
- Department of Economics and Statistics. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - R Guadagni
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science-Legal Medicine Section. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - A Simonelli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science-Legal Medicine Section. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - M Pieri
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science-Legal Medicine Section. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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Providing illicit drugs results in five seconds using ultra-portable NIR technology: An opportunity for forensic laboratories to cope with the trend toward the decentralization of forensic capabilities. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 317:110498. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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12
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A brief overview on the importance of analyzing drug adulterants in the treatment of non-fatal overdose and substance use disorder of street cocaine. Forensic Toxicol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00548-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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Prieto JP, López Hill X, Urbanavicius J, Sanchez V, Nadal X, Scorza C. Cannabidiol Prevents the Expression of the Locomotor Sensitization and the Metabolic Changes in the Nucleus Accumbens and Prefrontal Cortex Elicited by the Combined Administration of Cocaine and Caffeine in Rats. Neurotox Res 2020; 38:478-486. [PMID: 32415526 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00218-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the last years, clinical and preclinical researchers have increased their interest in non-psychotomimetic cannabinoids, like cannabidiol (CBD), as a strategy for treating psychostimulant use disorders. However, there are discrepancies in the pharmacological effects and brain targets of CBD. We evaluated if CBD was able to prevent the locomotor sensitization elicited by cocaine and caffeine co-administration. The effect of CBD on putative alterations in the metabolic activity of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), and its respective subregions (cingulated, prelimbic, and infralimbic cortices, and NAc core and shell) associated to the behavioral response, was also investigated. Rats were intraperitoneally and repeatedly treated with CBD (20 mg/kg) or its vehicle, followed by the combination of cocaine and caffeine (Coc+Caf; 5 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively) or saline for 3 days. After 5 days of withdrawal, all animals were challenged with Coc+Caf (day 9). Locomotor activity was automatically recorded and analyzed by a video-tracking software. The metabolic activity was determined by measuring cytochrome oxidase-I (CO-I) staining. Locomotion was significantly and similarly increased both in Veh-Coc+Caf- and CBD-Coc+Caf-treated animals during the pretreatment period (3 days); however, on day 9, the expression of the sensitization was blunted in CBD-treated animals. A hypoactive metabolic response and a hyperactive metabolic response in mPFC and NAc subregions respectively were observed after the behavioral sensitization. CBD prevented almost all these changes. Our findings substantially contribute to the understanding of the functional changes associated with cocaine- and caffeine-induced sensitization and the effect of CBD on this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pedro Prieto
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ximena López Hill
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jessika Urbanavicius
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Xavier Nadal
- Phytoplant Research S.L., Córdoba, Spain.,, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cecilia Scorza
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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14
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Prieto JP, González B, Muñiz J, Bisagno V, Scorza C. Molecular changes in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex associated with the locomotor sensitization induced by coca paste seized samples. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1481-1491. [PMID: 32034449 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05474-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE In previous studies, we have demonstrated that seized samples of a smokable form of cocaine, also known as coca paste (CP), induced behavioral sensitization in rats. Interestingly, this effect was accelerated and enhanced when the samples were adulterated with caffeine. While the cocaine phenomenon is associated with persistent functional and structural alterations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), the molecular mechanisms underlying the CP sensitization and the influence of caffeine remains still unknown. OBJECTIVE We examined the gene expression in NAc and mPFC after the expression caffeine-adulterated and non-adulterated CP locomotor sensitization. METHODS The locomotor sensitization was established in C57BL/6 mice, repeatedly treated with a CP-seized sample adulterated with caffeine (CP-2) and a non-adulterated one (CP-1). We then assessed the mRNA expression of receptor subunits of the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems in the medial PFC (mPFC) and NAc. Other molecular markers (e.g., adenosinergic, endocannabinoid receptor subunits, and synaptic plasticity-associated genes) were also analyzed. RESULTS Only CP-2-treated mice expressed locomotor sensitization. This phenomenon was associated with increased Drd1a, Gria1, Cnr1, and Syn mRNA expression levels in the NAc. Drd3 mRNA expression levels were only significantly increased in mPFC of CP-2-treated group. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that caffeine actively collaborates in the induction of the molecular changes underlying CP sensitization. The present study provides new knowledge on the impact of active adulterants to understand the early dependence induced by CP consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pedro Prieto
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Betina González
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Javier Muñiz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Bisagno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Scorza
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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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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Verri P, Rustichelli C, Ferrari A, Marchesi F, Baraldi C, Licata M, Vandelli D, Palazzoli F, Potì F, Silingardi E. Seizures of illicit substances for personal use in two Italian provinces: analysis of trends by type and purity from 2008 to 2017. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2019; 14:41. [PMID: 31533834 PMCID: PMC6751801 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-019-0229-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of illicit substances represents one of the most difficult problems to confront in the health system. Drug use is a global problem but is not uniform throughout the world, within the same country and changes over time. Therefore, knowing the illicit substances that are used in a territory is essential to better organize health services in that specific geographical area. To this aim, we analysed 4200 samples confiscated from individuals who held them for personal use by police forces in the Italian provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia from 2008 to 2017. METHODS The suspected samples were screened by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS); all samples were subsequently analysed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) for quantitative analyses. RESULTS Cannabis was the most seized illicit substance (70.7%). Over the study period, the number of seizures of herb with a high content of Δ9-THC increased. The number of cocaine seizures remained stable (total 16.1%), but the median purity of seized cocaine increased to 75% in 2017. Heroin seizures decreased over time, but the median purity of seized heroin reached 16.8% in 2017. In almost all the years, heroin samples with a purity exceeding the 97.5 percentile were found. Especially from 2014, the range of seized substances increased and started to include synthetic cathinones, phenylethylamines, UR-144, LSD, psilocybe, prescription opioid and hypnotics. In two cases, tramadol together with tropicamide was seized. Most of the seizures involved male subjects and 82% of the seizures were from individuals younger than 35 years of age. CONCLUSIONS The persistence of old illicit drugs and the rapid emergence of new psychoactive substances represented a serious challenge for public health in the studied Italian area. Some useful interventions might be: informing mainly young people about the possible complications of cannabis use; implementing standardized procedures to diagnose and treat cocaine-related emergencies in hospitals; increasing the distribution of naloxone to antagonize possible heroin overdoses; equipping laboratories to be able to identify the new psychoactive substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Verri
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Rustichelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi, 103, 41125, Modena, Italy.
| | - Anna Ferrari
- Unit of Medical Toxicology, Headache Centre and Drug Abuse; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Marchesi
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Carlo Baraldi
- School of Medical Toxicology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Licata
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Vandelli
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Federica Palazzoli
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Potì
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Volturno, 39F, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - Enrico Silingardi
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
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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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Determination of cocaine adulterants in human urine by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and high-performance liquid chromatography. Anal Bioanal Chem 2019; 411:3447-3461. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-019-01797-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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20
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Fiorentin TR, Fogarty M, Limberger RP, Logan BK. Determination of cutting agents in seized cocaine samples using GC–MS, GC–TMS and LC–MS/MS. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 295:199-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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21
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Moyle L, Childs A, Coomber R, Barratt MJ. #Drugsforsale: An exploration of the use of social media and encrypted messaging apps to supply and access drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 63:101-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Fiorentin TR, Krotulski AJ, Martin DM, Browne T, Triplett J, Conti T, Logan BK. Detection of Cutting Agents in Drug‐Positive Seized Exhibits within the United States. J Forensic Sci 2018; 64:888-896. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Taís R. Fiorentin
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation 2300 Stratford Ave Willow Grove PA 19090
| | - Alex J. Krotulski
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation 2300 Stratford Ave Willow Grove PA 19090
| | - David M. Martin
- Drug Enforcement Administration Educational Foundation 2020 Pennsylvania Ave Washington DC 20006
| | - Thom Browne
- The Colombo Plan 31 Wijerama Mawatha Colombo 7 Sri Lanka
| | - Jeremy Triplett
- Kentucky State Police Central Forensic Laboratory 100 Sower Blv Frankfurt KY 40601
| | - Trisha Conti
- Vermont Forensic Laboratory 45 State Drive Waterbury VT 05671
| | - Barry K. Logan
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation 2300 Stratford Ave Willow Grove PA 19090
- NMS Labs 3701 Welsh Road Willow Grove PA 19090
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23
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This place is like the jungle: discussions about psychoactive substances on a cryptomarket. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL TODAY 2018. [DOI: 10.1108/dat-03-2018-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse dynamics amongst members to better understand in what terms and to what extent marketplace forums can be seen as new forms of harm reduction.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative analysis focused on conversations about psychoactive substances on the forum community of AlphaBay Market. A sample consists of 100 online threads. The data, collected in July 2016, were analysed by applying the grounded theory approach with the support of Atlas.ti.
Findings
Conversations in the marketplace forum focus mostly on the purchase. Concerns and disputes are voiced in a significant proportion of them, and interactions are affected by a climate of distrust where stigmatisation processes can emerge between users of different drug categories. This casts a certain amount of doubt on the thesis that marketplace forums – like online forums – are new forms of harm reduction and peer-led communities.
Research limitations/implications
The study focuses on only one marketplace forum. Other such forums should be analysed to corroborate its findings.
Practical implications
Harm reduction interventions in the online environment should take different form according to the forum type, and take the differences and boundaries that separate users of different substances into account.
Originality/value
Thanks to its infrequently used qualitative approach, the study provides a more thorough understanding of the relationships on marketplace forums.
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Yemloul M, Adyatmika IM, Caldarelli S, Ollivier D, Campredon M. Rapid characterization of cocaine in illicit drug samples by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 410:5237-5244. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-1175-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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Aldridge J, Stevens A, Barratt MJ. Will growth in cryptomarket drug buying increase the harms of illicit drugs? Addiction 2018; 113:789-796. [PMID: 28766792 PMCID: PMC5947707 DOI: 10.1111/add.13899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Cryptomarkets-on-line, anonymous market-places for illicit goods and services that specialize mainly in drugs-account for a small but rapidly growing share of the illicit drug market in many countries. Policy responses so far are based generally on the assumption that their rise will only increase drug harms. In this contribution for debate, we question this assumption. METHODS We provide a narrative review of the emerging literature connected to drug cryptomarkets. We use MacCoun & Reuter's formula to understand the effect of population-level increases in use on total harm as depending on the level of harm associated with each unit of use. We then consider the potential for cryptomarkets to increase or decrease the harms and benefits related to each unit of drug use, with specific attention to the quality of drugs sold and the non-drug-related harms and benefits for customers. RESULTS It is likely that cryptomarkets will increase both the amount and the range of substances that are sold. However, we argue that the effects on harms will depend upon whether cryptomarkets also increase the quality and safety of products that are sold, provide harm-reducing information to consumers and reduce transactional conflict involved in drug purchasing. CONCLUSIONS There is an emerging and rapidly growing evidence base connected to the macro and micro harms and benefits of cryptomarkets for drug users. Future researchers should use appropriately matched comparative designs to establish more firmly the differential harms and benefits of sourcing drugs both on- and off-line. While it is unlikely that the on-line drug trade can be eradicated completely, cryptomarkets will respond to regulation and enforcement in ways that have complex, and sometimes unanticipated, effects on both harms and benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alex Stevens
- School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social ResearchUniversity of Kent, CanterburyUK
| | - Monica J. Barratt
- Drug Policy Modelling ProgramNational Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSWSydneyAustralia,National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthAustralia,Behaviours and Health Risks ProgramBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
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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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da Silva GO, de Araujo WR, Paixão TR. Portable and low-cost colorimetric office paper-based device for phenacetin detection in seized cocaine samples. Talanta 2018; 176:674-678. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2017.08.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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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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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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Corkery JM, Claridge H, Goodair C, Schifano F. An exploratory study of information sources and key findings on UK cocaine-related deaths. J Psychopharmacol 2017. [PMID: 28648101 DOI: 10.1177/0269881117711923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine-related deaths have increased since the early 1990s in Europe, including the UK. Being multi-factorial, they are difficult to define, detect and record. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction commissioned research to: describe trends reported to Special Mortality Registries and General Mortality Registers; provide demographic and drug-use characteristic information of cases; and establish how deaths are identified and classified. A questionnaire was developed and piloted amongst all European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction Focal Point experts/Special Mortality Registries: 19 (63%) responded; nine countries provided aggregated data. UK General Mortality Registers use cause of death and toxicology to identify cocaine-related deaths. Categorisation is based on International Classification of Diseases codes. Special Mortality Registries use toxicology, autopsy, evidence and cause of death. The cocaine metabolites commonly screened for are: benzoylecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester, cocaethylene and ecgonine. The 2000s saw a generally accelerating upward trend in cases, followed by a decline in 2009. The UK recorded 2700-2900 deaths during 1998-2012. UK Special Mortality Registry data (2005-2009) indicate: 25-44 year-olds account for 74% of deaths; mean age=34 (range 15-81) years; 84% male. Cocaine overdoses account for two-thirds of cases; cocaine alone being mentioned/implicated in 23% in the UK. Opioids are involved in most (58%) cocaine overdose cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Corkery
- 1 Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Hugh Claridge
- 2 National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Christine Goodair
- 2 National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- 1 Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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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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Van Hout MC, Hearne E. New psychoactive substances (NPS) on cryptomarket fora: An exploratory study of characteristics of forum activity between NPS buyers and vendors. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2016; 40:102-110. [PMID: 28027812 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The continual diversification of new psychoactive substances (NPS) circumventing legislation creates a public health and law enforcement challenge, and one particularly challenged by availability on Hidden Web cryptomarkets. METHODS This is the first study of its kind which aimed to explore and characterise cryptomarket forum members' views and perspectives on NPS vendors and products within the context of Hidden Web community dynamics. An internal site search was conducted on two cryptomarkets popular with NPS vendors and hosting fora; Alphabay and Valhalla, using the search terms of 40 popular NPS in the seven categories of stimulant/cathinone; GABA activating; hallucinogen, dissociative, cannabinoid, opioid and other/unspecified/uncategorised NPS. 852 identified threads relating to the discussion of these NPS were generated. Following exclusion of duplicates, 138 threads remained. The Empirical Phenomenological Psychological method of data analysis was applied. Four themes and 32 categories emerged. RESULTS 120 vendors selling NPS were visible on Alphabay, and 21 on Valhalla. Themes were 'NPS Cryptomarkets and Crypto-community interest in NPS'; 'Motives for NPS use'; 'Indigenous Crypto Community Harm Reduction'; and 'Cryptomarket Characteristics underpinning NPS trafficking', with two higher levels of abstraction centring on 'NPS vendor reputation' and 'NPS transactioning for personal use'. NPS cryptomarket characteristics centred on generation of trust, honesty and excellent service. Users appeared well informed, with harm reduction and vendor information exchange central to NPS market dynamics. GABA activating substances appeared most popular in terms of buyer interest on cryptomarkets. Interest in sourcing 'old favorite' stimulant and dissociative NPS was evident, alongside the sequential and concurrent poly use of NPS, and use of NPS with illicit drugs such as MDMA. CONCLUSION Continued monitoring of new trends in NPS within Surface Web and cryptomarkets are warranted. A particular focus on the rising market in prescribed benzodiazepine and Z-hypnotic drugs should be included.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evelyn Hearne
- School of Health Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland
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Buying drugs on a Darknet market: A better deal? Studying the online illicit drug market through the analysis of digital, physical and chemical data. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 267:173-182. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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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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Brockbals L, Karlsen M, Ramsey J, Miserez B. Single injection quantification of cocaine using multiple isotopically labeled internal standards. Forensic Toxicol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-016-0328-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Caffeine, a common active adulterant of cocaine, enhances the reinforcing effect of cocaine and its motivational value. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:2879-89. [PMID: 27270948 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4320-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Caffeine is one of the psychoactive substances most widely used as an adulterant in illicit drugs, such as cocaine. Animal studies have demonstrated that caffeine is able to potentiate several cocaine actions, although the enhancement of the cocaine reinforcing property by caffeine is less reported, and the results depend on the paradigms and experimental protocols used. OBJECTIVES We examined the ability of caffeine to enhance the motivational and rewarding properties of cocaine using an intravenous self-administration paradigm in rats. Additionally, the role of caffeine as a primer cue during extinction was evaluated. METHODS In naïve rats, we assessed (1) the ability of the cocaine (0.250-0.125 mg/kg/infusion) and caffeine (0.125-0.0625 mg/kg/infusion) combination to maintain self-administration in fixed ratio (FR) and progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement compared with cocaine or caffeine alone and (2) the effect of caffeine (0.0625 mg/kg/infusion) in the maintenance of responding in the animals exposed to the combination of the drugs during cocaine extinction. RESULTS Cocaine combined with caffeine and cocaine alone was self-administered on FR and PR schedules of reinforcement. Interestingly, the breaking point determined for the cocaine + caffeine group was significantly higher than the cocaine group. Moreover, caffeine, that by itself did not maintain self-administration behavior in naïve rats, maintained drug-seeking behavior of rats previously exposed to combinations of cocaine + caffeine. CONCLUSIONS Caffeine enhances the reinforcing effects of cocaine and its motivational value. Our results highlight the role of active adulterants commonly used in cocaine-based illicit street drugs.
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De Carvalho TC, Tosato F, Souza LM, Santos H, Merlo BB, Ortiz RS, Rodrigues RR, Filgueiras PR, França HS, Augusti R, Romão W, Vaz BG. Thin layer chromatography coupled to paper spray ionization mass spectrometry for cocaine and its adulterants analysis. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 262:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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The cutting of cocaine and heroin: A critical review. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 262:73-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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de Souza LM, Rodrigues RR, Santos H, Costa HB, Merlo BB, Filgueiras PR, Poppi RJ, Vaz BG, Romão W. A survey of adulterants used to cut cocaine in samples seized in the Espírito Santo State by GC–MS allied to chemometric tools. Sci Justice 2016; 56:73-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Brunt TM, Nagy C, Bücheli A, Martins D, Ugarte M, Beduwe C, Ventura Vilamala M. Drug testing in Europe: monitoring results of the Trans European Drug Information (TEDI) project. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:188-198. [PMID: 26888408 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Drug testing is a harm reduction strategy that has been adopted by certain countries in Europe. Drug users are able to hand in their drugs voluntarily for chemical analysis of composition and dose. Drug users will be alerted about dangerous test results by the drug testing systems directly and through warning campaigns. An international collaborative effort was launched to combine data of drug testing systems, called the Trans European Drug Information (TEDI) project. Drug testing systems of Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, and the Netherlands participated in this project. This study presents results of some of the main illicit drugs encountered: cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamine and also comments on new psychoactive substances (NPS) detected between 2008 and 2013. A total of 45 859 different drug samples were analyzed by TEDI. The drug markets of the distinct European areas showed similarities, but also some interesting differences. For instance, purity of cocaine and amphetamine powders was generally low in Austria, whilst high in Spain and the Netherlands. And the market for ecstasy showed a contrast: whereas in the Netherlands and Switzerland there was predominantly a market for ecstasy tablets, in Portugal and Spain MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) crystals were much more prevalent. Also, some NPS appearing in ecstasy seemed more specific for one country than another. In general, prevalence of NPS clearly increased between 2008 and 2013. Drug testing can be used to generate a global picture of drug markets and provides information about the pharmacological contents of drugs for the population at risk. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor M Brunt
- Drug Information and Monitoring System (DIMS), Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction (Trimbos Institute), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Daniel Martins
- Agência Piaget para o Desenvolvimento (APDES), V. N. Gaia, Portugal
| | | | - Cécile Beduwe
- Modus Vivendi ASBL, Harm Reduction among drug users, Brussels, Belgium
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Pereira AG, D’Avila FB, Ferreira PCL, Holler MG, Limberguer RP, Froehlich PE. Method Development and Validation for Determination of Cocaine, its Main Metabolites and Pyrolytic Products by HPLC–UV–CAD. Chromatographia 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10337-015-3011-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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42
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Lahaie E, Janssen E, Cadet-Taïrou A. Determinants of heroin retail prices in metropolitan France: Discounts, purity and local markets. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015; 35:597-604. [PMID: 26660876 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Field studies have indicated a recent increase in heroin availability and use in France, and yet very little is known about the mechanisms underlying heroin retail prices. This paper offers a first attempt at identifying the determinants of heroin pricing, to measure quantity discounts and assess the influence of purity on street prices, while controlling for a geographical effect. DESIGN AND METHODS Data on heroin samples were collected during 2011 in seven urban areas of metropolitan France. Ordinary least squares regression was used to model the associations between price, quantity, purity and other independent variables. RESULTS Quantity remains the most influential variable on heroin pricing. We estimate that a 10% increase in the size of a transaction leads to a 2.3% decrease in the unit price. Assessed purity proved to be significant, although in modest proportion. Sociodemographic characteristics, such as gender, users' experience and relationships with dealers, proved to be insignificant. Heroin retail prices vary according to a geographical gradient related to the routes of entry and distribution. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS As a credence good, heroin retail prices in France are affected by more than simply the traditional supply and demand relationship. The results of this study also underline the limitations of a quantitative framework and should be complemented by further ethnographic research to obtain an in-depth understanding of local markets. Policies should be designed to better take local disparities into account.[Lahaie E, Janssen E, Cadet-Taïrou A. Determinants of heroin retail prices in metropolitan France:Discounts, purity and local markets. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:597-604].
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Lahaie
- French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addictions, La Plaine Saint Denis, France
| | - Eric Janssen
- French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addictions, La Plaine Saint Denis, France.
| | - Agnès Cadet-Taïrou
- French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addictions, La Plaine Saint Denis, France
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Bancroft A, Scott Reid P. Concepts of illicit drug quality among darknet market users: Purity, embodied experience, craft and chemical knowledge. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 35:42-9. [PMID: 26777135 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Users of darknet markets refer to product quality as one of the motivations for buying drugs there, and vendors present quality as a selling point. However, what users understand by quality and how they evaluate it is not clear. This article investigates how users established and compared drug quality. METHODS We used a two-stage method for investigating users' assessments. The user forum of a darknet market that we called 'Merkat' was analysed to develop emergent themes. Qualitative interviews with darknet users were conducted, then forum data was analysed again. To enhance the applicability of the findings, the forum was sampled for users who presented as dependent as well as recreational. RESULTS Quality could mean reliability, purity, potency, and predictability of effect. We focused on the different kinds of knowledge users drew on to assess quality. These were: embodied; craft; and chemical. CONCLUSION Users' evaluations of quality depended on their experience, the purpose of use, and its context. Market forums are a case of indigenous harm reduction where users share advise and experiences and can be usefully engaged with on these terms.
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Broséus J, Gentile N, Bonadio Pont F, Garcia Gongora JM, Gasté L, Esseiva P. Qualitative, quantitative and temporal study of cutting agents for cocaine and heroin over 9 years. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 257:307-313. [PMID: 26448535 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Forensic laboratories mainly focus on the qualification and the quantitation of the illicit drug under analysis as both aspects are used for judiciary purposes. Therefore, information related to cutting agents (adulterants and diluents) detected in illicit drugs is limited in the forensic literature. This article discusses the type and frequency of adulterants and diluents detected in more than 6000 cocaine specimens and 3000 heroin specimens, confiscated in western Switzerland from 2006 to 2014. The results show a homogeneous and quite unchanging adulteration for heroin, while for cocaine it could be characterised as heterogeneous and relatively dynamic. Furthermore, the results indicate that dilution affects more cocaine than heroin. Therefore, the results provided by this study tend to reveal differences between the respective structures of production or distribution of cocaine and heroin. This research seeks to promote the systematic analysis of cutting agents by forensic laboratories. Collecting and processing data related to the presence of cutting agents in illicit drug specimens produces relevant information to understand and to compare the structure of illicit drug markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Broséus
- Ecole des sciences criminelles, Faculté de droit, des sciences criminelles et d'administration publique, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Natacha Gentile
- Ecole des sciences criminelles, Faculté de droit, des sciences criminelles et d'administration publique, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Federica Bonadio Pont
- Ecole des sciences criminelles, Faculté de droit, des sciences criminelles et d'administration publique, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Juan Manuel Garcia Gongora
- Ecole des sciences criminelles, Faculté de droit, des sciences criminelles et d'administration publique, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laëtitia Gasté
- Ecole des sciences criminelles, Faculté de droit, des sciences criminelles et d'administration publique, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Esseiva
- Ecole des sciences criminelles, Faculté de droit, des sciences criminelles et d'administration publique, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
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Soukup-Baljak Y, Greer AM, Amlani A, Sampson O, Buxton JA. Drug quality assessment practices and communication of drug alerts among people who use drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015. [PMID: 26205676 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regional health bodies in British Columbia (BC) issue drug alerts to the public when health risks associated with drug quality are identified, such as increased illicit drug deaths, overdoses or other harms. There is a lack of evidence-based guidelines for producing timely, effective public health alerts to mitigate these harms. This study sought to understand (1) the practices used by people who use drugs (PWUD) to assess the quality of street drugs and reduce harms from adulterants and (2) how drug alerts could be better communicated to PWUD. METHODS Guided by interpretive and descriptive methodology, this study consisted of brief questionnaires and in-depth focus groups with 32 PWUD. RESULTS Findings suggest the most effective and trusted information about drug quality was primarily from: (a) trusted, reputable dealers or (b) peer-based social networks. Most PWUD thought information received through health service providers was not timely and did not discuss drug quality with them. A number of concrete guidelines were suggested by participants to improve the effectiveness of drug alert modes and methods of communication in the community, including the use of language on drug alert postings that implies harm, indicates what drug effects to look for, and suggests appropriate responses to overdose, such as the use of naloxone. Participants also emphasized the need to date posters and remove them in a timely manner so as to not desensitize the community to such alerts. CONCLUSION Since it is difficult to control adulteration practices in an unregulated drug market, this study suggests methods of effectively producing and communicating drug alerts among PWUD to mitigate harms associated with drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Soukup-Baljak
- BC Center for Disease Control, 655 12th Avenue West, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Alissa M Greer
- BC Center for Disease Control, 655 12th Avenue West, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4R4, Canada.
| | - Ashraf Amlani
- BC Center for Disease Control, 655 12th Avenue West, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Olivia Sampson
- BC Center for Disease Control, 655 12th Avenue West, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Jane A Buxton
- BC Center for Disease Control, 655 12th Avenue West, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4R4, Canada
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Broséus J, Huhtala S, Esseiva P. First systematic chemical profiling of cocaine police seizures in Finland in the framework of an intelligence-led approach. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 251:87-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Prieto JP, Galvalisi M, López-Hill X, Meikle MN, Abin-Carriquiry JA, Scorza C. Caffeine enhances and accelerates the expression of sensitization induced by coca paste indicating its relevance as a main adulterant. Am J Addict 2015; 24:475-81. [PMID: 25974755 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Caffeine is an active adulterant found in several drugs of abuse including coca paste (CP). We had previously demonstrated that caffeine potentiated the acute stimulant effect induced by CP seized samples. The role of caffeine in the expression of sensitization elicited by a CP seized sample (CP1) was here evaluated. METHODS CP1 (equivalent dose of 10 mg/kg of cocaine), cocaine (pure, 10 mg/kg), a combination of cocaine 10 mg/kg plus caffeine 2.5 mg/kg (CP1-surrogate) and saline (control) were intraperitoneally injected in male rats under two different sensitization schedules. Ambulatory locomotion was recorded in 58 animals. RESULTS After five daily CP1 injections and 5 days of withdrawal, CP1-challenged animals displayed a more robust sensitization than cocaine-treated animals. When a 3 injections-regime of CP1-surrogate or cocaine was assayed, only CP1-surrogate was able to elicit sensitization. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Caffeine enhances and accelerates the CP1-induced sensitization. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Results may shed light on the fast and high dependence observed in CP users.
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Affiliation(s)
- José P Prieto
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Martín Galvalisi
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ximena López-Hill
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María N Meikle
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Juan A Abin-Carriquiry
- Departmento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Scorza
- Departamento de Neurofarmacología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
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48
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Analysis of cocaine and its adulterants in drugs for international trafficking seized by the Brazilian Federal Police. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 247:48-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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49
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Marcelo M, Mariotti K, Ferrão M, Ortiz R. Profiling cocaine by ATR–FTIR. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 246:65-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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50
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Eiden C, Diot C, Mathieu O, Mallaret M, Peyrière H. Levamisole-Adulterated Cocaine: What about in European Countries? J Psychoactive Drugs 2014; 46:389-92. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2014.959215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Eiden
- Pharmacist, Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependance-Addictovigilance, Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, University Hospital of Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Diot
- Pharmacist, Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependance-Addictovigilance, Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, University Hospital of Montpellier, France
| | - Olivier Mathieu
- Assistant Professor in Medical Pharmacology, Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, University Hospital of Montpellier, UM1, Montpellier, France
| | - Michel Mallaret
- Head of Pharmacology Department, Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependance-Addictovigilance, Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Hélène Peyrière
- Assistant Professor in Clinical Pharmacy, Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependance-Addictovigilance, Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, University Hospital of Montpellier, UM1, Montpellier, France
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