Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Camila Diana Lima, Larissa Magalhaes de Almeida Melo, Luciano Chaves Arantes, Nathalia dos Santos Conceicao, Izabela de Franca Schaffel, Lara Lima Machado, Rafael de Queiroz Ferreira, Wallans Torres Pio dos Santos
Summary: This study presents the electrochemical detection of 3',4'-Methylenedioxy-N-tert-butylcathinone (MDPT) using screen printed electrodes modified with carbon nanofibers. The proposed method showed high selectivity and stability for MDPT determination, making it a fast and simple screening method in forensic analysis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karolina E. Kolaczynska, Jan Thomann, Marius C. Hoener, Matthias E. Liechti
Summary: Pyrovalerone cathinones are potent DAT and NET inhibitors with high selectivity, potentially leading to strong psychostimulant effects and high abuse liability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
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
Biochemical Research Methods
Hannes Max Schwelm, Mattias Persson, Benedikt Pulver, Max Vincent Huss, Henrik Green, Volker Auwaerter
Summary: 1-(2,3-Dihydro-1H-inden-5-yl)-2-(piperidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one (3,4-Pr-PipVP), a new synthetic cathinone, was discovered in Germany in 2022. It was initially thought to contain a novel bicyclo[4.2.0]octatrienyl function but was later found to contain a scheduled indanyl ring. It is one of the few SCats with a piperidine ring and showed low potency as a blocker of monoamine transporters.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ghassan Shaikhain, Mohammed Gaballah, Ahmad Alhazmi, Ibrahim Khardali, Ahmad Hakami, Magbool Oraiby, Sultan Alharbi, Mohammad Tobaigi, Mohammed Ghalibi, Mohsen Fageeh, Mohammed Albeishy, Ibraheem Attafi
Summary: This study investigated the autopsy findings and toxicological results of fatalities involving khat in Saudi Arabia's Jazan region from 2018 to 2021. The study found that 57% of the postmortem samples tested positive for khat only, while 43% tested positive for khat with other drugs.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yawen Li, Ru Lian, Feiyu Yang, Zhiru Xu, Fangqi Cao, Rong Wang, Chen Liang, Yurong Zhang
Summary: A new method for the rapid quantitation of three synthetic cathinones in urine was established using magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction combined with direct analysis in real time and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The method showed high precision, stability, and accuracy, and was successfully applied to detect the synthetic cathinones in rat urine.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Evan Lesne, Miguel Munoz-Bartual, Francesc A. Esteve-Turrillas
Summary: A fast and simple procedure based on MEPS and LC-MS/MS was developed for quantifying 28 synthetic hallucinogens in oral fluids. The proposed method demonstrated high precision and quantitative recoveries, with limits of detection ranging from 0.09 to 1.22 µg/L. It is suitable for the determination of NBOMe derivatives and other synthetic hallucinogenic substances in oral fluid samples.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Caitlyn Norman, Marie H. Deventer, Olivia Dremann, Robert Reid, Katleen Van Uytfanghe, Claude Guillou, Inge M. J. Vinckier, Niamh Nic Daeid, Alex Krotulski, Christophe P. Stove
Summary: The rapidly evolving synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) market poses significant challenges for forensic scientists. A new SCRA compound, CH-PIATA, with new structural features, has emerged. This study describes the detection of CH-PIATA in the United States, Belgium, and Scottish prisons in 2022. Metabolites of CH-PIATA were identified, and the harm potential of this substance was evaluated.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Peipei Liu, Wenjuan Liu, Hongwei Qiao, Shan Jiang, Youmei Wang, Jie Chen, Mengxiang Su, Bin Di
Summary: This study proposes a high-throughput nail sample preparation method and a quantitative analytical method for drug intake detection in forensic toxicology investigations. The method involves cryogenic grinding and high-speed grinding to improve extraction recovery. It serves as a useful tool for large-scale surveillance of illicit drugs abuse.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Rossella Barone, Arianna Giorgetti, Rachele Cardella, Francesca Rossi, Marco Garagnani, Jennifer Paola Pascali, Susan Mohamed, Paolo Fais, Guido Pelletti
Summary: We developed a LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous detection of various antidepressants, benzodiazepines, neuroleptics, and metabolites in whole blood. The method was validated using commercial calibrators and showed good precision and accuracy. It can be a reliable screening tool for psychotropic drugs in postmortem samples.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2023)
Review
Biology
Arianna Giorgetti, Jennifer P. Pascali, Paolo Fais, Guido Pelletti, Andrea Gabbin, Giorgia Franchetti, Giovanni Cecchetto, Guido Viel
Summary: The molecular mechanisms of NPS involve both receptor-mediated and non-receptor mediated cellular modulation with multiple neurotransmitter interactions, showing a wide range of overlap among activated receptors and neurotransmitter systems. The unique action profile of individual compounds may not necessarily reflect that of their structural class, leading to possible unexpected toxic reactions.
Article
Medicine, Legal
Jennifer P. Pascali, Sara Dagoli, Maina Antonioni, Olivia Facetti, Luca Anzillotti, Luca Calo, Giuseppe Fertonato Affini, Barbara Cantarelli, Rossana Cecchi
Summary: This study detected the use of synthetic cannabinoids in a high-risk subpopulation in the region of Parma, Italy. The results showed a positivity rate of nearly 20%, with the highest detection frequency being for HU211. None of the volunteers declared using synthetic cannabinoids. The study also identified the persistence of first-generation JWH family synthetic cannabinoids and the presence of relatively new ones like AM-2201 in the Italian market. Further research is needed to understand the real diffusion of novel psychoactive substances in the population.
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Niels Albert, Kirsten Catthoor, Manuel Morrens
Summary: Synthetic cathinones, also known as new psychoactive substances (NPS), have become increasingly popular. This case study describes a 21-year-old woman who used synthetic cathinones, specifically alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (alpha-PVP or Flakka), alpha-Pyrrolidinohexiophenone (alpha-PHP), and alpha-Pyrrolidinoisohexaphenone (alpha-PHiP). She experienced severe paranoid psychosis and psychomotor restlessness, diagnosed as akathisia. Treatment with various medications did not provide sufficient relief.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
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
Biochemical Research Methods
Arianna Giorgetti, Rossella Barone, Guido Pelletti, Marco Garagnani, Jennifer Pascali, Belal Haschimi, Volker Auwaerter
Summary: The research aims to develop and validate a targeted liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for detection of novel psychoactive substances in whole blood. The method successfully identified 132 synthetic cannabinoids, 22 synthetic opioids, and 28 other synthetic drugs, with validation showing acceptable accuracy, precision, and linearity.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Luciana Bitencourt de Souza, Sirlene Valerio Tinti, Ilza Maria de Oliveira Sousa, Ilio Montanari Jr, Jose Luiz da Costa, Joao Ernesto de Carvalho, Mary Ann Foglio, Ana Lucia Tasca Gois Ruiz
Summary: This study evaluated the anti-proliferative potential of ethanolic extract and fractions from Mentha aquatica L aerial parts. F2 fraction showed potent and irreversible anti-proliferative effects without inducing cell cycle arrest in human tumor and non-tumor cell lines. However, storage conditions need to be optimized to enhance F2 stability for further research.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Gabriela de Paula Meirelles, Andre Luis Fabris, Karina Ferreira dos Santos, Jose Luiz Costa, Mauricio Yonamine
Summary: This article discusses the importance and application of green analytical toxicology in forensic toxicology, using microextraction methods for the determination of cocaine and its metabolites as examples.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Kelly Francisco da Cunha, Julia Martinelli Magalhaes Kahl, Tais Regina Fiorentin, Karina Diniz Oliveira, Jose Luiz Costa
Summary: A high-sensitivity method was developed and validated for quantification of LSD and OH-LSD in oral fluid samples. The method was able to detect both substances in a wide concentration range with high accuracy.
FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Guilherme Ruiz Leonardi, Caroline Honaiser Lescano, Jose Luiz Costa, Bruna Mazetto, Fernanda Andrade Orsi, Fabiola Zakia Monica
Summary: Platelet reactivity is significantly increased in patients with thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (t-PAPS), which may be related to the overexpression of P2Y(12) receptor and the lower levels of cAMP and cGMP.
JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kaue de Oliveira Chinaglia, Ana Carolina Furiozo Arantes, Kelly Francisco da Cunha, Eduardo Geraldo de Campos, Julia Martinelli Magalhaes Kahl, Leonardo Costalonga Rodrigues, Jose Luiz Costa
Summary: This study developed a quantitative method for analyzing methylphenidate and its metabolite ritalinic acid in oral fluid. The method showed satisfactory validation results and was successfully applied to real samples.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY B-ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE BIOMEDICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Grant C. Glatfelter, Duyen N. K. Pham, Donna Walther, James A. Golen, Andrew R. Chadeayne, Michael H. Baumann, David R. Manke
Summary: This study reported the synthesis, structural characterization, and pharmacological activity of several quaternary tryptammonium analogues. The results showed that these analogues do not target 5-HT2A sites but may have affinity for the serotonin transporter (SERT), providing potential templates for exploring selective actions at SERT.
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
Dermatology
Leonardo La Serra, Adriana Martinelli Salathiel, Rafael Lanaro, Bruno de Martinis, Ana Maria Roselino
Summary: This study compared pesticide exposure and pesticide measurement in pemphigus vulgaris (PV), pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and control groups in Southeastern Brazil. The results showed that hair samples from PF patients had a higher frequency of pesticide contamination compared to PV patients, but the cause-effect relationship still needs to be determined.
ANAIS BRASILEIROS DE DERMATOLOGIA
(2023)
Article
Andrology
Gabriela Reolon Passos, Guilherme Ruiz Leonardi, Mariana Goncalves de Oliveira, Erick de Toledo Gomes, Ana Carolina Ghezzi, Edson Antunes, Fernanda Andrade Orsi, Jose Luiz da Costa, Fabiola Zakia Monica
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effects of serum obtained from unvaccinated men with severe COVID-19 on isolated corpus cavernosum (CC) from mice. The results showed that the relaxation responses in CC incubated with COVID-19 serum were significantly reduced compared to the control serum. However, the relaxation induced by a specific activator was unaffected in CC stimulated with the COVID-19 serum. In addition, COVID-19 serum increased the expression of specific genes. These findings suggest that COVID-19 may lead to erectile dysfunction.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Joaquim Barreto, Cynthia Borges, Tais Betoni Rodrigues, Daniel C. Jesus, Alessandra M. Campos-Staffico, Wilson Nadruz, Jose Luiz da Costa, Rodrigo Bueno de Oliveira, Andrei C. Sposito
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with conservatively managed CKD. It was found that dapagliflozin was well tolerated and had nonaccumulating pharmacokinetic properties in patients with kidney failure on dialysis.
CLINICAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Grant C. Glatfelter, Marilyn Naeem, Duyen N. K. Pham, James A. Golen, Andrew R. Chadeayne, David R. Manke, Michael H. Baumann
Summary: Analogues of psilocybin are being sold and developed as potential medications for psychedelic-assisted therapies. These analogues produce psychedelic-like effects primarily by agonist activity at serotonin 2A receptors. The present study examines the targeted receptors and the effects of a specific psilocybin analogue, 4-propionoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, in mice.
ACS PHARMACOLOGY & TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Jian F. S. Pereira, Larissa M. A. Melo, Luciano C. Arantes, Pedro H. S. Borges, Lucas Faria, Kelly F. da Cunha, Karla A. O. Souza, William O. Sote, Jose Luiz Costa, Edson Nossol, Rogerio Gelamo, Eduardo M. Richter, Moacyr Comar Jr, Wallans T. P. dos Santos, Osmando F. Lopes, Rodrigo A. A. Munoz
Summary: This study presents a new sensing platform for MDMA detection - affordable graphite sheet (GS) electrodes. By using cold plasma surface treatment, the electrochemical response of MDMA has been improved. The treated GS electrodes demonstrated a higher surface area and lower resistance to charge transfer. Differential pulse voltammetry achieved a linear range from 0.5 to 15.0 mu mol L-1 with a low limit of detection (0.09 mu mol L-1). Computational simulations confirmed higher interaction between plasma-treated GS surface and MDMA, explaining the improved sensing properties. The method showed high selectivity and successfully detected MDMA in human saliva and seized samples.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Marilia Santoro Cardoso, Kelly Francisco da Cunha, Izabelly Geraldes Silva, Tais Regina Fiorentin, Eduardo G. de Campos, Jose Luiz Costa
Summary: This paper describes the development, optimization, and validation of a method for the quantification of psilocin in authentic oral fluid samples. The method showed acceptable performance and was successfully applied for the quantification of real samples.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Madson Moreira Nascimento, Melise Lemos Nascimento, Jeancarlo Pereira dos Anjos, Ricardo Leal Cunha, Gisele Olimpio da Rocha, Ivanice Ferreira dos Santos, Pedro Afonso de Paula Pereira, Jailson Bittencourt de Andrade
Summary: Liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) is a simple, low-cost, and eco-friendly technique used to detect trace concentrations of organic contaminants in water samples. In this study, a novel customized micro-extraction device was developed for the extraction and preconcentration of illicit drugs in surface water and wastewater samples. The method was applied to real samples collected in Brazil, and the main drug detected and quantified was cocaine. The proposed method was considered environmentally friendly according to the AGREE metrics.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2023)
Review
Criminology & Penology
Eduardo G. de Campos, Alex J. Krotulski, Bruno S. De Martinis, Jose Luiz Costa
Summary: Synthetic cathinones are a class of novel psychoactive substances commonly tested in seized materials by forensic chemistry laboratories. A variety of techniques have been employed for the analysis of synthetic cathinones, from traditional to emerging methods. Each technique has analytical benefits and limitations, and the combination of multiple techniques is recommended for analysis.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS: FORENSIC SCIENCE
(2022)