Article
Psychiatry
Gniewko Wieckiewicz, Iga Stoklosa, Maciej Stoklosa, Wlodzimierz Wieckiewicz, Piotr Gorczyca, Tomasz M. Gondek
Summary: ADHD is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder that was thought to primarily affect children and diminish with age, but it is now known that symptoms can persist into adulthood for over 50% of patients. Many undiagnosed individuals turn to psychoactive substances to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Shu-Yu Fan, Chi-Zong Zang, Po-Han Shih, Ya-Chun Ko, Ya-Hui Hsu, Mei-Chih Lin, Su-Hsiang Tseng, Der-Yuan Wang
Summary: The abuse of new psychoactive substances poses risks to public health and safety, with phenethylamines being the main reported substances. A study introduced an LC-MS/MS method for detecting 74 conventional and artificial phenethylamines in urine samples, which was validated through the analysis of authentic urine samples, showing 20 samples tested positive for seven phenethylamines.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yun-Chu Chen, Shang-Wen Hong, Huang-Hesin Wu, Yuh-Lin Wang, Yih-Fan Chen
Summary: A method based on SERS technology and sample pretreatment process enables rapid, sensitive, reproducible, multiplexed, and low-cost detection of illegal drugs in urine. By inducing AgNPs to form Ag nanoclusters with sodium bromide, the detection sensitivity of NPS is greatly improved, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple drugs.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Francesco Ciccirillo, Maurizio G. Abrignani, Pier Luigi Temporelli, Giulio Binaghi, Chiara Cappelletto, Vincenzo Lopriore, Arturo Cesaro, Alessandro Maloberti, Danilo Cozzoli, Carmine Riccio, Pasquale Caldarola, Fabrizio Oliva, Domenico Gabrielli, Furio Colivicchi
Summary: Psychiatric substances can cause both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular organ damage. Understanding the patient's drug habits is essential for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases, as well as preventing and managing cardiovascular risks.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rita Roque-Bravo, Rafaela Sofia Silva, Rui F. Malheiro, Helena Carmo, Felix Carvalho, Diana Dias da Silva, Joao Pedro Silva
Summary: Synthetic cannabinoids, a chemically diverse group of new psychoactive substances that target the endocannabinoid system, have more intense effects than cannabis and are increasingly being used recreationally. However, the rise in intoxications and deaths associated with synthetic cannabinoids poses a major public health concern and challenge for policy makers.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Franks Kamgang Nzekoue, Marco Agostini, Michele Verboni, Caterina Renzoni, Lucia Alfieri, Simone Barocci, Massimo Ricciutelli, Giovanni Caprioli, Simone Lucarini
Summary: A rapid LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the targeted analysis of 98 NPS from hair matrix, showing good precision, linearity, selectivity, and sensitivity, as well as reduced matrix effect and acceptable recovery. The method is suitable for quantifying NPS in hair matrix and could be employed in routine analyses in analytical laboratories.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Adrian A. Deen, Hugh Claridge, Richard D. Treble, Hilary J. Hamnett, Caroline S. Copeland
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of the Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA) on deaths following the use of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Results showed an increase in deaths involving synthetic cannabinoid and anxiolytic/sedative NPS post-PSA, while deaths related to stimulant NPS decreased. Additionally, post-PSA decedents were older on average and more likely to come from deprived areas.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Rodrigo Garcia-Cerde, Juliana Y. Valente, Zila M. Sanchez
Summary: This study examined the association between positive and negative attitudes and drug use profiles among public middle school students in Brazil. Findings suggest that girls and older students are more likely to be alcohol users and polydrug users, indicating a need for drug prevention programs to focus on deconstructing positive attitudes and broadening negative attitudes.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Psychiatry
Michal Ordak, Aleksandra Zmyslowska, Milosz Bielski, Daniel Rybak, Maja Tomaszewska, Katarzyna Wyszomierska, Aleksandra Kmiec, Natalia Garlicka, Maria Zalewska, Michal Zalewski, Tadeusz Nasierowski, Elzbieta Muszynska, Magdalena Bujalska-Zadrozny
Summary: This study reviewed 51 case reports of NPS use between 2010 and 2019, showing that most cases involved synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones. The primary pharmacotherapy used was benzodiazepines, with some patients also receiving neuroleptics and muscle relaxants.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bethan Davies, Richard Paul, David Osselton
Summary: This research examines the prevalence of new psychoactive substances and various compounds in a prison facility in Northern Ireland. The study found that benzoylecgonine, a primary metabolite of cocaine, was consistently detected in all wastewater samples. Additional analysis revealed the presence of buprenorphine, benzodiazepines, methadone, morphine, and codeine. The study also explored the use of enzymatic beta-glucuronidase hydrolysis, which provided significant findings regarding the presence of certain compounds.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Louise Carton, Axel Bastien, Nathalie Cherot, Clement Caron, Sylvie Deheul, Olivier Cottencin, Sophie Gautier, Sophie Moreau-Crepeaux, Thibaut Dondaine, Regis Bordet
Summary: This study aims to describe substance abuse among students and compare consumption according to the university field. The findings indicate that substance abuse is prevalent among students, highlighting the need for preventive measures.
DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
K. Wiese Simonsen, J. B. Hasselstrom, S. K. Hermansen, B. S. Rasmussen, M. F. Andreasen, D. J. Christoffersen, K. Linnet
Summary: This study investigated the presence of psychoactive drugs and alcohol in the blood of apprehended drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol in Denmark from 2015 to 2019. The results show that the number of drug traffic cases has increased over the years, while the number of alcohol traffic cases remained stable. Ethanol and THC were the most common substances detected, followed by CNS stimulants and benzodiazepines/z-hypnotics. The study highlights the importance of addressing the drug abuse problem among DUID drivers to prevent traffic accidents.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annagiulia Di Trana, Diletta Berardinelli, Eva Montanari, Paolo Berretta, Giuseppe Basile, Marilyn A. Huestis, Francesco Paolo Busardo
Summary: Adulteration is a common practice in drug production, where active ingredients are intentionally added to alter drug effects and increase profits. The types of adulterants used vary over time. Constant monitoring of adulterants is crucial to protect drug consumers' health.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Mehmet Cakici, Gizem Yesil Dirisu, Meryem Karaaziz, Ayse Buran, Ebru Cakici
Summary: The study analyzed the prevalence, risk factors, and relation to acculturation of psychoactive substance abuse among adults in North Cyprus. It found an increase in the usage of psychoactive substances over the past 15 years, with cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids, and ecstasy being more widely used. Risk factors for illicit substance users included being under 25, born in Turkey, not religious, and using alcohol and cigarettes. Acculturation stress was found to play a role in the use of psychoactive substances.
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Chun-Yiu Law, Ching-Wan Lam, Chor-kwan Ching, Kin-Cheong Eric Yau, Tsz-wai Ho, Chi-kong Lai, Chloe Miu Mak
CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2015)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Magdalene H. Y. Tang, C. K. Ching, M. L. Tse, Carol Ng, Caroline Lee, Y. K. Chong, Watson Wong, Tony W. L. Mak
HONG KONG MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2015)
Letter
Toxicology
Rex Pui Kin Lam, Wai Lam Yip, Matthew Sik Hon Tsui, Sau Wah Ng, Chor Kwan Ching, Tony Wing Lai Mak
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2016)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Nike K. C. Lau, Y. K. Chong, Magdalene H. Y. Tang, C. K. Ching, Tony W. L. Mak
HONG KONG MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2016)
Editorial Material
Medical Laboratory Technology
C. M. Mak, C. Lam, W. Siu, C. Law, W. Chan, H. C. Lee, Y. Chong, S. P. Chen, C. Ching, C. Wong, M. Lee, K. Chow, K. Lee, W. Chan, K. Chan, S. Y. Lee, Y. W. Chan
BRITISH JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
(2013)
Article
Toxicology
M. H. Y. Tang, C. K. Ching, M. S. H. Tsui, F. K. C. Chu, T. W. L. Mak
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2014)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sau Wah Ng, Chor Kwan Ching, Albert Yan Wo Chan, Tony Wing Lai Mak
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY B-ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE BIOMEDICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
(2013)
Article
Pathology
Chloe Miu Mak, Wai-Kwan Siu, Chun-Yiu Law, Chi-Keung Wong, Hon-Kit Lee, Sam Yeung, Chak-On Sham, Kong Tse, Hencher Han-Chih Lee, Sammy Pak-Lam Chen, Chor-Kwan Ching, Chui-Kwan Au, Wing-Tat Poon, Ching-Wan Lam, Ngai-Shan Kwong, Albert Yan-Wo Chan
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
(2012)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jane Pui Ki Tsang, Wai Lun Poon, Ho Ming Luk, Cheuk Wing Fung, Chor Kwan Ching, Chloe Miu Mak, Ching Wan Lam, Tak Shing Siu, Sidney Tam, Virginia C. N. Wong
PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
(2012)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
C. K. Ching, Chloe M. Mak, K. M. Au, K. Y. Chan, Y. P. Yuen, Eric K. C. Yau, Louis C. K. Ma, H. L. Chow, Albert Y. W. Chan
HONG KONG MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2013)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Y. K. Chong, C. K. Ching, S. W. Ng, M. L. Tse, Tony W. L. Mak
HONG KONG MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2014)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
C. K. Chan, C. K. Ching, F. L. Lau, H. K. Lee
HONG KONG MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2014)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Y. K. Chong, C. K. Ching, S. W. Ng, Tony W. L. Mak
HONG KONG MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2015)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
L. K. Lee, K. M. Cheung, W. W. Cheng, C. H. Ko, Hencher H. C. Lee, C. K. Ching, Chloe M. Mak
HONG KONG MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2014)