Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
S. Marinelli, G. Basile, M. R. Vari, G. Napoletano, F. Negro, A. Tini
Summary: This article discusses the international and national legislations and organizations related to the fight against doping. It focuses on the International Olympic Committee, World Anti-Doping Agency, and the law in Italy. Through these legislations and organizations, efforts are being made globally and nationally to combat doping in sports.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Substance Abuse
Jan van Amsterdam, Nicholas Burgess, Wim van den Brink
Summary: Generic drug legislation, aimed at banning groups of drugs, has been introduced worldwide to combat the trade and use of emerging NPS more effectively. Based on evaluations of experiences in the UK and Germany, it is found that while generic drug legislation enables stricter regulation of NPS, it also leads to major harms within public health. The use of NPS either remains stable, slightly declines, or increases following the ban, and NPS-related harms often do not reduce and may even increase.
EUROPEAN ADDICTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yuqing Yang, Dongping Liu, Zhendong Hua, Peng Xu, Youmei Wang, Bin Di, Jun Liao, Mengxiang Su
Summary: New psychoactive substances (NPS) have become a global problem due to their diversity, legal ambiguity, and ability to adapt to legal restrictions. We propose using supervised machine learning models to rapidly screen NPS using mass spectrometry data. These models achieved F1 scores of 0.35-0.97 and successfully detected synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, and fentanyl in drug trafficking cases.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL INFORMATION AND MODELING
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Andrew Camilleri, Sam Alfred, Cobus Gerber, Stephen Lymb, Ben Painter, Anne Rathjen, Peter Stockham
Summary: Australia lacks a formal drug early warning system, but the informal SADEWS in South Australia facilitates the rapid exchange of evidence-based information on drug use trends to reduce medical consequences and healthcare costs associated with drug use.
FORENSIC SCIENCE MEDICINE AND PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Psychology, Clinical
F. Schifano, F. Napoletano, S. Chiappini, A. Guirguis, J. M. Corkery, S. Bonaccorso, A. Ricciardi, N. Scherbaum, A. Vento
Summary: This paper provides an updated review of new/novel/emerging psychoactive substances (NPS) and their psychopathological consequences, particularly focusing on identifying NPS through specialized online sources and their short-/long-term effects. Using the 'NPS.Finder (R)' approach, thousands of NPS were identified, significantly higher than previously suggested figures by drug agencies. The most commonly associated NPS with psychopathological consequences include synthetic cannabinoids, new synthetic opioids, ketamine-like dissociatives, novel stimulants, and novel psychedelics.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sara Castiglioni, Noelia Salgueiro-Gonzalez, Lubertus Bijlsma, Alberto Celma, Emma Gracia-Lor, Mihail Simion Beldean-Galea, Tomas Mackulak, Erik Emke, Ester Heath, Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, Andjelka Petkovic, Francesco Poretti, Jeliaz Rangelov, Miguel M. Santos, Maja Sremacki, Katarzyna Styszko, Felix Hernandez, Ettore Zuccato
Summary: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a useful tool for investigating the use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and has been verified in Europe. The study found that the use of NPS is lower than traditional drugs, and WBE can assess the spatial and temporal characteristics of NPS use.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Felix Zapata, Jose Manuel Matey, Gemma Montalvo, Carmen Garcia-Ruiz
Summary: This work reviews fundamental concepts about drugs, focusing on new psychoactive substances (NPS) and their classifications. A revised classification based on chemical composition is proposed to merge recent chemical groupings of NPS from various institutions, aiming to be useful for forensic practitioners/researchers.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Benedikt Pulver, Jan Riedel, Folker Westphal, Steven Luhn, Torsten Schoenberger, Jan Schaeper, Volker Auwaerter, Anton Luf, Michael Puetz
Summary: Synthetic cathinones, such as 3,4-EtPV, have desirable effects and can be used as legal alternatives to banned substances. However, mislabeling and intentional circumvention of regulations can lead to the supply of illicit drugs instead of controlled ones. The study emphasizes the importance of updating databases in forensic laboratories to identify mislabeled substances and highlights the health risks and uncertainties associated with online purchases.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aniela Golub, Michal Ordak, Tadeusz Nasierowski, Magdalena Bujalska-Zadrozny
Summary: The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in patients abusing new psychoactive substances (NPSs) is enhanced by proper liver function. However, current articles on NPS hepatotoxicity only focus on non-specific liver parameters. This study reviews three advanced markers of hepatotoxicity, osteopontin (OPN), high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), and glutathione dehydrogenase (GDH/ GLDH), to identify recommendations for future studies on NPS abusers. Determining the hepatotoxic effects of NPSs and distinguishing them from other factors such as additional substances and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is crucial, particularly due to the heightened risk of HCV infection in NPS abusers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Yao-Te Yen, Yi-Shiuan Tsai, Wen-Liang Su, Deng-Ying Huang, Hsin-Hui Wu, Shih-Hao Tseng, Hsiao-Hui Wang, Chu -Yin Chiu, Chung-Feng Wang, Chun-Yi Liu, San-Chong Chyueh
Summary: Identifying new psychoactive substances (NPSs) and their metabolites is crucial for law enforcement and forensic purposes. This case study reports the identification of a new ketamine analog, 2-fluorodeschloro-Nethyl-ketamine (2-FDCNEK), and investigates its metabolites using various analytical techniques. The findings provide valuable information for the detection of this new NPS and its metabolites.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Luke Gent, Richard Paul
Summary: Wastewater analysis has significantly impacted the monitoring of NPS use, allowing for observation of important drug trends through detecting NPS in wastewater.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
D. Martins, E. M. P. J. Garrido, F. Borges, J. M. P. J. Garrido
Summary: The emergence of a large number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) poses a significant risk to public health and a challenge to drug control systems. The development of electrochemical sensing technology has provided fast, portable, sensitive, and low-cost detection alternatives for illicit drugs. The study found that the presence of aromatic amines plays a crucial role in the oxidative profile of certain piperazine designer drugs, while benzylamine in others causes different reaction behaviors.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benoit Schreck, Marion Istvan, Marylene Guerlais, Edouard-Jules Laforgue, Marie Gerardin, Marie Grall-Bronnec, Aurelie Aquizerate, Caroline Victorri-Vigneau
Summary: This study analyzed drug-drug interactions related to intravenous injection of new psychoactive substances. The interactions may increase cardiovascular risks, especially when used in conjunction with other vasodilators or central depressants. This research provides pharmacological information to reduce risks and develop effective medical management protocols.
CURRENT DRUG METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jiajia Li, Yong Wang, Anran Liu, Songqin Liu
Summary: A highly sensitive, rapid and highly selective method for the detection of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) in human serum was developed. Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanocomposites were prepared through self-polymerization of dopamine and template molecules. With these magnetic MIP nanoparticles, six SCs could be rapidly and effectively extracted from human blood and their concentrations accurately determined by HPLC-MS analysis. The proposed method is characterized by high sensitivity and selectivity, and has great potential for application in practical sample analysis.
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
Medicine, Legal
Alessandro Feola, Anna Carfora, Pasquale Mascolo, Raffaella Petrella, Bruno Della Pietra, Carlo Pietro Campobasso
Summary: A fatal case of alprazolam poisoning was reported, where high concentrations of the drug and its major metabolite were detected in various biological samples. No conclusive evidence confirmed the hypothesis of a suicidal ingestion of alprazolam, but it was assessed as a drug-related death based on pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory defects. The high levels of alprazolam, far exceeding the therapeutic range, contributed to the fatal respiratory and central nervous system-depressant effects.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sara Malaca, Francesco P. Busardo, Giulio Nittari, Ascanio Sirignano, Giovanna Ricci
Summary: New psychoactive substances (NPSs), with synthetic cannabinoids being among the most abused, have entered the illicit market. The latest generation of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) have increased affinity and potency, leading to potential adverse reactions and health threats for consumers.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paolo Bailo, Filippo Gibelli, Alberto Blandino, Andrea Piccinini, Giovanna Ricci, Ascanio Sirignano, Riccardo Zoja
Summary: Telemedicine enables effective healthcare delivery to patients at a distance, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telesurgery, a growing application in telemedicine, offers numerous benefits in quality and cost containment. However, legal and technical challenges need to be addressed to ensure safe and secure implementation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Giulio Nittari, Daniele Tomassoni, Proshanta Roy, Ilenia Martinelli, Seyed Khosrow Tayebati, Francesco Amenta
Summary: Batten disease, a group of progressive neuropediatric disorders, remains poorly understood despite years of research. This review examines the advantages and limitations of various models, from animal to cell-based, for studying the disease. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells show promise as a new way to investigate neurodegeneration in Batten disease. Both in vivo and in vitro models have contributed to our understanding of the disease, but further research utilizing human bio samples is needed.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Pasquale Giugliano, Paola Ciamarra, Mariavictoria De Simone, Alessandro Feola, Pierluca Zangani, Carlo Pietro Campobasso, Gelsomina Mansueto
Summary: The article presents a case of HLHS in a newborn that was not diagnosed prenatally. Autopsy results revealed hypoplasia of the left and right cardiac cavities. The study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis for successful surgical intervention.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Laura Leondina Campanozzi, Filippo Gibelli, Paolo Bailo, Giulio Nittari, Ascanio Sirignano, Giovanna Ricci
Summary: Healthcare in the third millennium relies heavily on technological devices and services, especially telemedicine. To effectively deliver digital medicine services, users need to be digitally literate. Through a literature review, we found that digital literacy is crucial in determining the effectiveness of telemedicine and digital medicine services, but with certain limitations.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Getu Gamo Sagaro, Ulrico Angeloni, Claudia Marotta, Giulio Nittari, Giovanni Rezza, Andrea Silenzi, Gopi Battineni, Francesco Amenta
Summary: This study aims to estimate the pooled prevalence of major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among seafarers. The results showed that smoking, hypertension, overweight, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and alcohol consumption were prevalent among seafarers. These findings can guide shipping companies and other responsible bodies in preventing CVD risk factors among seafarers.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Giovanna Ricci, Filippo Gibelli, Paolo Bailo, Anna Maria Caraffa, Giulio Nittari, Ascanio Sirignano
Summary: The importance of informed consent in medical practice is essential, but collecting consent from underage patients is challenging as they often need parental or legal guardian approval. This challenge is amplified in telemedicine contexts. This study uses a scoping review of the literature to examine the practices and solutions for obtaining informed consent from children in telemedicine. The results indicate that delivering adequate information to children is complex, but telemedicine offers opportunities for improved communication with child patients.
Editorial Material
Health Care Sciences & Services
Giovanna Ricci, Anna Maria Caraffa, Filippo Gibelli
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Giulio Nittari, Giovanna Ricci, Demetris Savva, Filippo Gibelli, Paolo Bailo, Francesco Ausania, Domenico De Leo
Summary: This study evaluates the quality and efficiency of telemedicine in managing chronic diabetic ulcers and discusses the medico-legal implications of telemedicine in diabetic foot complications. The results show that voice calls are the most preferred method of telemedicine delivery.
NUTRITION METABOLISM AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francesca Vernich, Lucrezia Stefani, Denise Fiorelli, Federico Mineo, Margherita Pallocci, Michele Treglia, Luigi Tonino Marsella, Roberta Tittarelli
Summary: This paper presents data on the THC concentration in cannabis resin samples seized in the southern area of Rome from 2015 to 2022. The analysis of over 1000 samples revealed an average THC content of 18.0%, with a significant increase from 13.7% in 2015 to 27.1% in 2022. Some samples exhibited THC potency higher than 24% and even surpassing 40%. The spread of high-potency cannabis resin poses risks to public health.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Valentina Bugelli, Carlo Pietro Campobasso, Alessandro Feola, Ilaria Tarozzi, Arturo Abbruzzese, Marco Di Paolo
Summary: The death of an elderly woman caused by a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is reported, with autopsy findings of multiple bruises and a frontoparietal hematoma with bilateral subacute subdural haemorrhage (SDH). The case highlights the difficulty in differentiating between inflicted and non-inflicted head injury, and emphasizes the consideration of violent shaking as a possible mechanism of SDH, especially in elderly individuals without signs of impact to the head.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Antonietta Porzio, Alessandro Feola, Giuseppe Parisi, Angelo Lauro, Carlo Pietro Campobasso
Summary: This study reviewed 35 claims of occupational colorectal cancer among asbestos-exposed workers and identified some interesting characteristics, providing clues for the assessment of the causal relationship between asbestos exposure and colorectal cancer.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alessandro Feola, Mariavictoria De Simone, Paola Ciamarra, Stefania Sica, Carmela Buonomo, Anna Carfora, Carlo Pietro Campobasso
Summary: Chronic encapsulated intracerebral hematoma (CEIH) is a rare solid mass with a fibrotic capsule, causing various symptoms due to compression and hydrocephalus. This article discusses a forensic autopsy case of a 50-year-old male who died suddenly while driving, showing a CEIH in the right lateral ventricle in a case of acute coronary death.
