Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elisabet Teixido, Clara Riera-Colomer, Demetrio Raldua, David Pubill, Elena Escubedo, Marta Barenys, Raul Lopez-Arnau
Summary: This study evaluates the cardiovascular toxicity of synthetic cathinones and traditional psychostimulants in zebrafish embryos. The results show that all drugs can induce bradycardia, arrhythmia, and atrial-ventricular block, with MDPV being the most potent in inducing these effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Augusta Pisanu, Giacomo Lo Russo, Giuseppe Talani, Jessica Bratzu, Carlotta Siddi, Fabrizio Sanna, Marco Diana, Patrizia Porcu, Maria Antonietta De Luca, Liana Fattore
Summary: The illicit drug market of novel psychoactive substances is expanding, with 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA and 3,4-MDPHP being suggested as particularly dangerous. This study investigated the abuse liability, corticosterone levels, and dopaminergic transmission interference of these two drugs in adolescent rats. The results showed that the drugs did not lead to reliable self-administration behavior, but chronic exposure to low levels of 3,4-MDPHP increased cortisol levels in females and increased firing rate of dopaminergic neurons in males.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marco Niello, Spyridon Sideromenos, Ralph Gradisch, Ronan O'Shea, Jakob Schwazer, Julian Maier, Nina Kastner, Walter Sandtner, Kathrin Jantsch, Carl R. Lupica, Alexander F. Hoffman, Gert Lubec, Claus J. Loland, Thomas Stockner, Daniela D. Pollak, Michael H. Baumann, Harald H. Sitte
Summary: By using various in vitro, computational, and in vivo approaches, we found that the drug-binding kinetics of S-enantiomers of pyrovalerone analogs at DAT correlate with the time-course of in vivo psychostimulant action in mice. In particular, the slow dissociation (i.e., slow koff) of S-enantiomers of pyrovalerone analogs from DAT can predict their more persistent in vivo effects compared to cocaine and methylphenidate. Overall, our findings highlight the critical importance of drug-binding kinetics at DAT in determining the in vivo profile of effects produced by psychostimulant drugs.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Ricardo Leal Cunha, Celinalva da Silva Lima Oliveira, Aline Lima de Oliveira, Adriano Otavio Maldaner, Silvio do Desterro Cunha, Pedro Afonso P. Pereira
Summary: The illicit market for synthetic drugs in the northeast region of Brazil, specifically in Bahia and Sergipe states, contains a diverse range of psychoactive substances, including amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances. Understanding the chemical composition and quantity of these substances is crucial for emergency care and forensic analysis. A study was conducted on drug samples seized by local police forces from 2014 to 2019, revealing the prevalence of amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances. Various substances were identified using GC-MS and 1D NMR techniques, including classical synthetic drugs and NPS.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Pei-Ying Lee, Chun-Chi Hsu, Chia-Hsiang Chan
Summary: The case of a patient who developed acute myocarditis and subsequent psychotic symptoms after ingesting mixed synthetic cathinones highlights the need for research into the association between synthetic cathinones and psychosis and myocarditis. The lack of clinical data and potential dire outcomes necessitate further exploration.
JOURNAL OF ADDICTION MEDICINE
(2023)
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)
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.
Review
Neurosciences
Davide Radaelli, Alessandro Manfredi, Martina Zanon, Paolo Fattorini, Matteo Scopetti, Margherita Neri, Paolo Frisoni, Stefano D'Errico
Summary: New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a group of psychotropic substances designed to mimic traditional substances' effects, not regulated by UN Conventions. These substances pose challenges for public health and forensic toxicologists, causing a wide range of side effects involving various systems and mechanisms of action. Studies primarily focus on neurotoxic effects, with limited research on cardiotoxicity. Synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones play a role in cardiac events through different mechanisms, primarily mediated by CB1 receptor activation, leading to concerns about adrenergic over-stimulation and oxidative stress. This systematic review aims to summarize research on how synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones damage myocardial tissue.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
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)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gloria Daziani, Alfredo Fabrizio Lo Faro, Vincenzo Montana, Gaia Goteri, Mauro Pesaresi, Giulia Bambagiotti, Eva Montanari, Raffaele Giorgetti, Angelo Montana
Summary: According to the EU Early Warning System (EWS), synthetic cathinones (SCs) are the second largest class of new psychoactive substances (NPS), with 162 types being monitored. They have a structure similar to cathinone, found in Catha Edulis, and exhibit stimulant effects similar to amphetamines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
F. Ivy Carroll, Anita H. Lewin, S. Wayne Mascarella, Herbert H. Seltzman, P. Anantha Reddy
Summary: The review discusses the exponential increase in clandestine manufacture of new psychoactive substances designed to circumvent regulations, which has led to a rise in fatalities. It focuses on three compound classes and highlights the medicinal chemistry approaches used by clandestine laboratories to develop new substances, as well as the chemical methods for treating illicit drug abuse.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Abdulaziz A. Aldubayyan, Erika Castrignano, Simon Elliott, Vincenzo Abbate
Summary: Understanding the stability of synthetic cathinones in biological samples is crucial for accurate interpretation of analytical results, as they are known to be unstable due to various degradation pathways. Factors such as experimental design, sample storage, and preservation conditions should be carefully considered to minimize degradation.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Andre Braz, Carolina Santos Silva, Ana Christina Peixoto, Maria Fernanda Pimentel, Goreti Pereira, Patricia Caixeta Castro Souza Braga, Andre Luiz Martini, Thaynara Lino Fernandes Alcantara
Summary: This study utilized a portable Raman spectrometer and chemometrics for fast identification of synthetic cathinones in seized packages, detecting key spectral regions for differentiation. Purified spectra were used for estimating component concentrations, and analysis showed differences in Raman shifts and intensity of characteristic bands could discriminate among samples. The proposed method has potential for objective and contactless identification of seized synthetic cathinones.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Toxicology
Piotr Adamowicz
Summary: This study analyzed the concentrations of synthetic cathinones in biological materials and found a range of concentrations in both fatal and non-fatal cases involving 47 synthetic cathinones. The conclusions on cause of death should be based on concentrations and clinical knowledge, with postmortem blood concentrations >1 mu g/mL cautiously considered as lethal concentrations in cases of suspected synthetic cathinones-related deaths, although exact ranges cannot be established.
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Wei-Chen Chen, Chung-Hsien Chaou, Chip-Jin Ng, Yueh-Ping Liu, Yu-Che Chang
Summary: This study explores the perspectives of emergency physicians and residents in Taiwan on pediatric emergency medicine training in emergency residency programs. The results show that while some participants are satisfied with their training, a significant proportion lack confidence in managing acute pediatric visits, mainly due to inadequate exposure to pediatric patients.
HONG KONG JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chih-Huang Li, Chen-June Seak, Chung-Hsien Chaou, Tse-Hsuan Su, Shi-Ying Gao, Cheng-Yu Chien, Chip-Jin Ng
Summary: MDW is a more sensitive biomarker than PCT in predicting infection-related SIRS and sepsis-3 in the ED. MDW < 20 shows a higher negative predictive value (NPV) to exclude sepsis-3. Combining MDW and WBC count further improves the accuracy in predicting infection with SIRS but not sepsis-3.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Te- Weng, Hsien-Yi Chen, Lengsu W. Chin, Hsin-Hui Chou, Meng-Huan Wu, Guan-yuan Chen, Ju-Yu Chen, Chia-Pang Shih, Chih-Chuan Lin, Cheng-Chung Fang
Summary: This study compared the clinical characteristics of meth/amphetamine and synthetic cathinone users presenting to the emergency department. The results showed that synthetic cathinone users were more likely to have tachycardia, hyperthermia, and rhabdomyolysis compared to meth/amphetamine users.
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Hao-Chuan Liu, Chung-Hsien Chaou, Chiao-Wei Lo, Hung-Tao Chung, Mao-Sheng Hwang
Summary: This study investigated the impacts of different structural heart defects and treatments on the psychology and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD). It found that cyanotic heart disease (CyHD) had the most significant impact on patients' psychological and HRQoL status.
Article
Toxicology
Yi-Kan Wu, Chia-Hau Chang, Jiun-Hao Yu, Kai-Ping Lan, Tzung-Hai Yen, Shu-Sen Chang, Chen-June Seak, Hsing-Yuan Chang, Hsien-Yi Chen
Summary: The majority of patients who intentionally ingested avermectin pesticides required inpatient treatment, with a significant percentage needing ICU care and experiencing severe outcomes. A Glasgow Coma Scale score < 13 and shortness of breath/dyspnea were independently associated with severe outcomes.
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Yu-Jhou Chen, Chen-June Seak, Hao-Tsai Cheng, Chien-Cheng Chen, Tsung-Hsing Chen, Chang-Mu Sung, Chip-Jin Ng, Shih-Ching Kang, Ming-Yao Su, Sen-Yung Hsieh
Summary: This study evaluates a diagnostic and management algorithm that combines EGD and CT for rapid triage in caustic patients. The results show that choosing EGD or CT as the first-line investigative tool based on initial signs/symptoms is appropriate, with CT being necessary for seriously injured patients but not replacing EGD for moderate/mild injuries.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Zhong Ning Leonard Goh, Mu-Wei Chen, Hao-Tsai Cheng, Kuang-Hung Hsu, Chen-Ken Seak, Joanna Chen-Yeen Seak, Seng Kit Ling, Shao-Feng Liao, Tzu-Heng Cheng, Yi-Da Sie, Chih-Huang Li, Hsien-Yi Chen, Cheng-Yu Chien, Chen-June Seak
Summary: This study validates the use of shock index (SI) as an effective tool for predicting the 60-day mortality risk of advanced cancer patients in the emergency department (ED). By studying and analyzing 410 advanced cancer patients, it was found that SI is significantly correlated with the 60-day mortality rate. These results are consistent with previous studies, indicating that SI can be used to predict the survival rate of advanced cancer patients and offer palliative care accordingly.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Hsin-Yun Liu, Yea-Ing L. Shyu, Ying-Chao Chou, Chen-June Seak, Yu-Chih Lin, Ping-Jui Tsai, Hsiao-Ping Wang, Yueh-E Lin
Summary: This study examined the combined effects of cognitive impairment and nutritional trajectories on postoperative functional recovery for older adults following hip-fracture surgery. The findings suggest that better nutritional status can protect against the negative effect of cognitive impairment on activities of daily living (ADLs) during postoperative recovery.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sheng-En Chu, Jian-Xun Lu, Shi-Chuan Chang, Kuang-Hung Hsu, Zhong Ning Leonard Goh, Chen-Ken Seak, Joanna Chen-Yeen Seak, Chip-Jin Ng, Chen-June Seak, SPOT Investigators
Summary: This study evaluated the accuracy and feasibility of diaphragmatic ultrasonography (DUS) in predicting the development of respiratory failure in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The results showed that diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) can reliably predict the development of respiratory failure in CAP patients presenting to the emergency department (ED).
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Szu-Cheng Huang, Yi-Ling Chan, Hao-Tsai Cheng, Zhong Ning Leonard Goh, Yon-Cheong Wong, Chen-Ken Seak, Joanna Chen-Yeen Seak, Chih-Huang Li, Hsien-Yi Chen, Chen-June Seak
Summary: Diagnosing SLE based on gastrointestinal symptoms in the emergency department can be challenging, as shown in a case of a 28-year-old female presenting with abdominal pain and ascites. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with glucocorticoids are essential for improving patient outcomes.
Letter
Toxicology
Kai-Wen Cheng, Hsien-Yi Chen, Chun-Fa Huang, Te-Hao Wang, Jiun-Hao Yu
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Alexis Ching Wong, Yu-Mou Chou, Zhong Ning Leonard Goh, Kuang-Fu Chang, Chen-June Seak
Summary: Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare cardiovascular condition that can cause hematemesis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnosing AEF can be challenging, leading to potential delays in the emergency department. However, early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for optimal clinical outcomes, as without surgical intervention, AEF is typically fatal. This case report emphasizes the importance of considering AEF as a potential diagnosis in patients presenting with hematemesis, particularly if they have risk factors such as previous aortic or esophageal surgeries, aortic aneurysms, or thoracic malignancies. Prioritizing early computed tomography angiography for suspected AEF cases can expedite diagnosis and treatment.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Emergency Medicine
Po -Lin Chen, Ying-Ju Chen, Chih-Ping Chung, Chen-June Seak, Jiann-Shing Jeng, Ming-Ju Hsieh, Li -Ming Lien, Jiann-Hwa Chen, Yu-Wei Chen, Te-Fa Chiu, Jiunn-Tay Lee, Chip-Jin Ng
Summary: The aim of this review is to achieve a consensus on the management of acute non-cardioembolic minor ischemic stroke and high-risk transient ischemic attack through a review of recent clinical trials and clinical practice guidelines, presenting a dual antiplatelet therapy approach for initiation and maintenance.
JOURNAL OF ACUTE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chieh-Ching Yen, Che-Fang Ho, Chia-Chien Wu, Yu-Ning Tsao, Chung-Hsien Chaou, Shou-Yen Chen, Chip-Jin Ng, Heng Yeh
Summary: This study investigated the in-hospital and long-term outcomes of patients with head and neck cancer bleeding and analyzed the risk factors for mortality. The results showed that head and neck cancer bleeding commonly represents advanced disease stage. Inotropic support, hypopharyngeal cancer, and M stage were important factors affecting in-hospital mortality, while heart rate, inotropic support, and hypopharyngeal cancer were significant predictors of poorer overall survival.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2022)