Article
Psychiatry
Valeria Catalani, Davide Arillotta, John Martin Corkery, Amira Guirguis, Alessandro Vento, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: This research utilized a web crawler and social media to investigate emerging NPS discussed during the pandemic, revealing potential disruptions in drug markets and the need to enhance monitoring and control measures.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mariana C. C. Diniz, Fabiana de Moura, Yuri Machado, Jose Coelho Neto, Evandro Piccin
Summary: This study presents a simple, fast, and inexpensive approach for the direct analysis of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in seized tablets and blotter paper, with improved sample preservation and increased analytical frequency.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Flaminia Vincenti, Adolfo Gregori, Martina Flammini, Fabiana Di Rosa, Alberto Salomone
Summary: The availability and consumption of NPS have increased rapidly, posing risks to public health and challenging law enforcement efforts. Through analysis using GC-MS and HPLC-HRMS, synthetic cathinones were identified as the most prevalent compounds in NPS on the Italian territory.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Fabrizio Schifano, Stefania Chiappini, Andrea Miuli, John Martin Corkery, Norbert Scherbaum, Flavia Napoletano, Davide Arillotta, Caroline Zangani, Valeria Catalani, Alessandro Vento, Mauro Pettorruso, Giovanni Martinotti, Di Giannantonio Massimo, Amira Guirguis
Summary: The use of several new psychoactive substances (NPS) has become popular, posing global health risks. This systematic review investigated the association between Serotonin Syndrome (SS) and NPS intake, finding that various NPS can lead to SS, including psychedelic phenethylamines and synthetic cathinones. Most substances were ingested orally, but other routes were reported. A majority of subjects had no psychiatric history.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Abdulaziz A. Aldubayyan, Erika Castrignano, Simon Elliott, Vincenzo Abbate
Summary: This study presents a validated LC-MS/MS method for detecting and quantifying synthetic cathinones and their metabolites in human urine. Analysis of suspicious urine samples from Saudi Arabia revealed the presence of synthetic cathinones, specifically mephedrone and N-ethylpentylone, as well as their dihydro-metabolites, along with other classical stimulant drugs. This is the first report of new psychoactive substance use in Saudi Arabia involving designer stimulant drugs. The findings highlight the need for broader urine analysis to detect and report otherwise undetected or new analytes.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fabrizio Schifano, Stefania Chiappini, John M. Corkery, Norbert Scherbaum, Amira Guirguis
Summary: The focus is on discussing the pharmacological and clinical pharmacological issues related to a wide range of drugs by Internet-based enthusiasts of new psychoactive substances. Ongoing studies aim to provide important findings on receptor affinities and clinical potency of these novel recreational molecules for predicting NPS diffusion, morbidity, and potential lethality.
CURRENT OPINION IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Spectroscopy
Maria del Mar Boronat Ena, David A. Cowan, Vincenzo Abbate
Summary: In the past decade, numerous drugs with similar effects to controlled psychoactive drugs have been synthesized, known as new psychoactive substances (NPS). These substances are used for recreational purposes, but their detection and legal control pose significant challenges due to their novelty and structural variability. As a result, there is an increasing demand for rapid and easy-to-use analytical techniques for their detection and identification. Ambient ionization mass spectrometry has gained interest in recent years due to its speed, simplicity, and low cost, making it suitable for analyzing NPS in the forensic and clinical toxicology fields.
MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yi-Ting Lai, Pei-Kuen Wei, Chih-Yu Kuo, Ji-Yen Cheng
Summary: Faced with the widespread availability of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and illicit drugs, there is an urgent need for real-time and on-site detection techniques. In this study, a simple yet accurate portable Raman spectral imaging system is presented. The system consists of a compact and cost-effective Raman spectrometer and a chemical compound identifier based on convolutional neural networks (CNN). Testing the system with twelve substances, it achieves excellent predictive accuracy and high sensitivity, even at low spectral resolution. The system is able to identify illicit drugs as suspicious compounds with an accuracy rate of about 92%, thanks to the CNN model's recognition of spectral signatures and structural similarities of the compounds.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Caroline Zangani, Edoardo Giuseppe Ostinelli, Barbara Giordano, Armando D'Agostino, Giovanni Martinotti, Massimo Clerici, Orsola Gambini, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: This study in Italy identified that male gender, homosexual sexual orientation, use of emergency services due to alcohol, and previous contact with mental health services are risk factors for lifetime use of NPS. Improving preventive strategies and providing simplified access to information on NPS, especially for individuals at higher risk of misuse, could help slow down the spread of NPS and prevent substance use consequences.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Luiz Ferreira Neves Junior, Andre Luis Fabris, Ingrid Lopes Barbosa, Julio de Carvalho Ponce, Aline Franco Martins, Jose Luiz Costa, Mauricio Yonamine
Summary: Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, a popular song by John Lennon in the 1960s, was associated with the use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in Brazil. While the song faded into obscurity, LSD derivatives are now gaining attention with the rise of new psychoactive substances (NPS). In this study, the first cases of an LSD prodrug seized in Brazil were reported and discussed, confirming the identity of the compound as ALD-52 or 1A-LSD. The findings suggest the emergence of a new NPS strategy that merits further discussion.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Norbert Scherbaum, Friedrich Seiffert, Fabrizio Schifano, Michael Specka, Udo Bonnet, Stefan Bender
Summary: The study investigated the lifetime and current prevalence of NPS use among substance use disorder patients in an inpatient detoxification treatment center. Results showed a sharp contrast between lifetime prevalence and current use, with high frequency of severe side effects reported by NPS users.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shurui Cao, Fengjiao Song, Zhenghong Liu, Hongtao Su, Jie Tian, Jiade You, Zhiqiong Chen
Summary: Development of a superior water pretreatment for monitoring the psychoactive substances in urban is necessary. A novel adsorbent with selective adsorption capacity for methamphetamine (MAMP) was successfully designed using deep eutectic solvents (DES) as a modifier. The DES, named Choline chloride/Levulinic acid (LA), was screened by density functional theory (DFT) and showed high affinity towards MAMP. The proposed strategy of using DES as a modifier to regulate carrier materials based on DFT calculations for improved selective adsorption ability has important implications for efficient water environmental treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chaoke Liu, Yannan Zhou, Tengyue Li, Huayi Zhou, Mingliang Xie, Lizhi Chu, Qikun Sun, Shi-Tong Zhang, Wenjun Yang, Shanfeng Xue
Summary: Developing high-performance nondoped deep-blue luminescent materials for OLEDs is important yet challenging. In this study, two highly efficient pure-blue and deep-blue materials, PIPMePBO and PIPDMePBO, were designed and synthesized. The double-methyl-substituted PIPDMePBO showed nondoped deep-blue electroluminescence with high external quantum efficiency (8.0%) and minimal efficiency roll-off (approximately 12%).
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Bartlomiej Feigel, Piotr Adamowicz, Slawomir Wybraniec
Summary: This article reviews the multi-component methods of detection and identification of NPS using low-resolution tandem mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography. It collects and organizes existing information on NPS screening analysis methods, which will be helpful to forensic scientists working in this field.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Wen-Jing Yu, Linda B. Cottler, Jih-Heng Li
Summary: The use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) poses a global threat to public health and population security, with most NPS not yet scheduled by the United Nations. The study in Taiwan revealed that among 37 commonly misused substances, heroin posed the highest risk, while the misuse of NPS such as ketamine, synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, phenethylamines, piperazines, and tryptamines has been on the rise.
JOURNAL OF FOOD AND DRUG ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Safia Sharif, Suzanne Fergus, Amira Guirguis, Nigel Smeeton, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: According to the study, a quarter of UAE university students have used cognitive enhancers (CE) to improve attention and alertness. Male students and students from UAE or other Arab countries are more likely to use CE. The use of CE varies among different majors and study years. Most students obtain information and purchase CE through the internet.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefania Chiappini, Alessio Mosca, Andrea Miuli, Francesco Maria Semeraro, Gianluca Mancusi, Maria Chiara Santovito, Francesco Di Carlo, Mauro Pettorruso, Amira Guirguis, John Martin Corkery, Giovanni Martinotti, Fabrizio Schifano, Massimo Di Giannantonio
Summary: This study reviewed the misuse of centrally acting anticholinergics, highlighting its widespread and popular nature. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant and monitor potential misusing issues due to the associated adverse effects.
Correction
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fabrizio Schifano, Valeria Catalani, Safia Sharif, Flavia Napoletano, John Martin Corkery, Davide Arillotta, Suzanne Fergus, Alessandro Vento, Amira Guirguis
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fabrizio Schifano, Valeria Catalani, Sophia Sharif, Flavia Napoletano, John Martin Corkery, Davide Arillotta, Suzanne Fergus, Alessandro Vento, Amira Guirguis
Summary: This paper provides an overview on the prevalence, benefits, and potential harms of using "smart drugs" (also known as cognitive enhancers) in healthy individuals. It highlights the uncertainty of their efficacy in non-impaired brains and the potential complications they may cause. The use of cognitive enhancers can lead to short- and long-term cognitive decline, decreased plastic learning potential, and addictive behavior. The non-medical use of these drugs raises serious ethical and legal concerns, and it has the potential to become a major public health issue.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Nicolo Schifano, Paolo Capogrosso, Luca Boeri, Giuseppe Fallara, Omer Onur Cakir, Fabio Castiglione, Hussain M. Alnajjar, Asif Muneer, Federico Deho, Fabrizio Schifano, Francesco Montorsi, Andrea Salonia
Summary: This study aimed to identify the drugs most associated with reports of priapism and compare their potential to elicit priapism through a disproportionality analysis. Trazodone, olanzapine, and tadalafil showed disproportionate reporting. Most reports associated with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors were related to concomitant drug use or inappropriate intake.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMPOTENCE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Nicolo Schifano, Paolo Capogrosso, Luca Boeri, Giuseppe Fallara, Stefania Chiappini, Matthew Rewhorn, Omer Onur Cakir, Hannah Harvey, Fabio Castiglione, Hussain M. Alnajjar, Asif Muneer, Federico Deho', Fabrizio Schifano, Francesco Montorsi, Andrea Salonia
Summary: This study aimed to detect a pharmacovigilance signal for a possible association between finasteride and Peyronie's disease (PD). The results showed a higher number of reports of penile curvature and Peyronie's disease in patients using finasteride, but these findings do not confirm a causal association. Clinical studies are needed to investigate the potential role of finasteride in causing PD-related clinical features.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMPOTENCE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Michael Specka, Thomas Kuhlmann, Udo Bonnet, Juergen Sawazki, Luzia Schaaf, Stefan Kuehnhold, Renate Steinert, Torsten Grigoleit, Helmut Eich, Benita Zeiske, Antje Niedersteberg, Katharina Steiner, Fabrizio Schifano, Norbert Scherbaum
Summary: NSO and opioid analgesics do not play a significant role in the development and course of opioid use disorders in German patients undergoing inpatient detoxification treatment.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Stefania Chiappini, Rachel Vickers-Smith, Amira Guirguis, John M. Corkery, Giovanni Martinotti, Daniel R. Harris, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: Over the past twenty years, the consumption of opioids has led to increased drug misuse, abuse, dependence, and fatalities. This study analyzed pharmacovigilance datasets to identify and describe issues related to abuse, misuse, and dependence of prescription opioids. The findings showed that fentanyl and oxycodone were most commonly associated with abuse, while tramadol and oxycodone were strongly associated with drug dependence and withdrawal. Commonly reported concomitant drugs included benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and recreational drugs.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Stefania Chiappini, Rachel Vickers-Smith, Amira Guirguis, John Martin Corkery, Giovanni Martinotti, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: Despite increasing reports, the misuse and dependence of antidepressants are still underestimated. Specific Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as paroxetine and escitalopram are associated with dependence and withdrawal issues.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria Catalani, Giuseppe Floresta, Michelle Botha, John Martin Corkery, Amira Guirguis, Alessandro Vento, Vincenzo Abbate, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: The increasing availability and popularity of designer benzodiazepines (DBZDs) pose a significant threat to public health. Through in silico studies, the biological activity and structure of DBZDs were examined, revealing potential links and opportunities for risk assessment and new drug development.
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Stefania Chiappini, Franca Ceci, Alessio Mosca, Francesco Di Carlo, Julius Burkauskas, Mauro Pettorruso, Giovanni Martinotti, Amira Guirguis, John M. M. Corkery, Norbert Scherbaum, Fabrizio Schifano, Massimo Di Giannantonio
Summary: This study aimed to explore the consumption and misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in Italy and identify the characteristics of individuals involved in this phenomenon, as well as potential risk factors. It was found that OTC misuse was associated with knowledge of the effects of OTC, while educational level appeared to be a protective factor. Therefore, increased attention and preventive strategies are needed to address OTC misuse.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
John Martin Corkery, Amira Guirguis, Stefania Chiappini, Giovanni Martinotti, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: This study examined patterns in alprazolam-related mortality in Scotland. It found that from 2004 to 2020, there were 370 deaths where alprazolam was mentioned as the cause, with majority of them occurring between 2015 and 2020. Most of the deaths involved males, with an average age of 39.0 years. Accidental poisoning, mainly caused by opiates/opioids, was the principal underlying cause of death.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
John Martin Corkery, Giovanni Martinotti, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: The use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, can lead to accidents and deaths due to impaired risk perception. This Scottish case-study aimed to investigate the role of drugs in drownings in the UK. An analysis of anonymized data from 1996 to 2020 revealed that drownings associated with drug consumption are increasing rapidly in Scotland. Central nervous system depressant drugs, particularly opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol, are often involved in these drownings. 'Designer' benzodiazepines are a significant factor contributing to the rising number of drug-related poisoning deaths and drownings in Scotland. Evidence-based strategies should include education on the dangers of drugs to prevent these preventable drownings.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Antonio Munafo, Davide Arillotta, Guido Mannaioni, Fabrizio Schifano, Renato Bernardini, Giuseppina Cantarella
Summary: Psilocybin is a potential treatment for a wide range of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression. However, current research has limitations and there are health and political concerns that need to be addressed. Future studies and policies may provide a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of psilocybin.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Valeria Catalani, Michelle Botha, John Martin Corkery, Amira Guirguis, Alessandro Vento, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: This study used computational studies to evaluate the binding affinity of 101 designer benzodiazepines on opioid receptors. The results suggest that some of the benzodiazepines may have the potential to activate opioid receptors, which could enhance their effects and worsen side effects associated with opioid use.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2022)
