scholarly journals Electrochemical Strategies for the Screening of Synthetic Cannabinoid BB-22 (QUCHIC) within a Toxicological Specimen

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anaam Ameen ◽  
Kelly Brown ◽  
Lynn Dennany
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Screening Strategy ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoid ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Sample Analysis ◽  
Primary Metabolite ◽  
Biological Matrix ◽  
Improve Treatment ◽  
Treatment Administration

Abstract Synthetic Cannabinoids (SC) are amongst the most prevalent class of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) which have emerged. The increase in hospitalisation and fatalities as a result of the prevalence of these SC and their abuse, highlights the necessity for the rapid and reliable screening for the substance within toxicological samples. Being able to rapidly screen for these substances would aim to improve overdose triage and ultimately improve treatment administration. Not only this but it would have further advantages for in-field applications such as the identification of drivers under the influence. To this avail we investigate the ability of a simple electrochemical screening strategy for the detection of SC, BB-22 and its primary metabolite BB-22-3-Carboxyindole. Assessment of the feasibility of the strategy for implementation into toxicological sample analysis was performed through detection not only under ideal electrolyte conditions (down to 5 µM for BB-22 and 2 µM for its metabolite) but also within the complex biological matrix of human pooled serum (between 200 and 700 µM), a relevant matrix it would likely encounter if employed within this field.

Novel psychoactive substances in a psychiatric young adults sample: A multicenter, observational study

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S311-S311
Author(s):  
M. Lupi ◽  
T. Acciavatti ◽  
S. Marini ◽  
E. Cinosi ◽  
R. Santacroce ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Multicenter Observational Study ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Population

IntroductionComorbidities between psychiatric diseases and consumption of traditional substances of abuse are common. Nevertheless, there is no data regarding the use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the psychiatric population.ObjectivesThe purpose of this multicentre survey is to investigate the consumption of a wide variety of psychoactive substances in a young psychiatric sample.MethodsBetween September 2013 and November 2015, a questionnaire has been administered, in ten Italian psychiatric care facilities, to a sample of 671 psychiatric patients (48.5% men; 51.5% women), aged between 18 and 26 years (mean age: 22.24).Results8.2% of the sample declared use of NPS at least once in a lifetime and 2.2% have assumed NPS in the last three months. The NPS more used were synthetic cannabinoids (4.5%), followed by methamphetamine (3.6%). The three psychiatric diagnosis with more frequent NPS consumption were bipolar disorder (23.1%), personality disorders (11.8%) and schizophrenia and related disorders (11.6%). Bipolar disorder was associated with NPS consumption (P < .001). Among the illicit drugs investigated, 31.4% of the sample was cannabis smoker and 10.7% cocaine user. Moreover, 70.6% of the sample declared alcohol use and 47.7% had binge drinking conducts. In univariate regression analysis, bipolar disorder was positive associated with binge drinking while obsessive compulsive disorder resulted negative associated.ConclusionsThe use of novel psychoactive substances in a young psychiatric population appears to be a frequent phenomenon, probably still underestimated. Bipolar disorder shows an association with NPS use. Therefore, careful and constant monitoring and accurate evaluations of possible clinical effects related to their use are necessary.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids: prevalence, intoxication, side effects, addictive potential

2020 ◽  
pp. 27-35
Author(s):  
А.В. Анцыборов ◽  
О.В. Камплицкая ◽  
М.В. Овсянников ◽  
К.В. Стадник ◽  
Л.Ф. Панченко
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Urgent Task ◽  
Addictive Potential ◽  
Recreational Use

С появлением на нелегальном рынке наркотиков новых психоактивных веществ, одно из первых в данном классе стали занимать синтетические каннабиноиды (СК). СК в основном распространяются через сеть Интернет, с помощью онлайн мессенджеров, и VPN-сетей. Токсическое влияние СК на организм человека оказывается достаточно мощным и нередко заканчивается летальным исходом. Однако аддиктивный потенциал СК достаточно высок, и нуждается в дальнейшем изучении, особенно с появлением новых классов СК. Разработка дифференциально-диагностических критериев и терапевтических подходов при лечении острых психотических состояний, вызванных употреблением СК, представляется актуальной задачей для практического здравоохранения. Цель: обзор накопленных научных данных о последствиях рекреационного употребления СК на организм человека. Материалы: при написании обзора использовали следующие репрезентативные базы данных: PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Cochrane, платформы SciFinder, и Scopus. Методы: в качестве поисковых запросов использовались следующие ключевые слова: Spice, K2, synthetic cannabis, new psychoactive sub-stances (NPS), adverse effects, cannabinoid’s receptor, psychosis due to the use NPS, fatalities. Реферируемые статьи были отфильтрованы по тезисам, с целью определения релевантности для настоящего обзора. With the emergence of novel psychoactive substances in the illegal drug market, synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) became one of the first in this class. SCs are mainly distributed through the Internet, by online messengers and VPN networks. The toxic effect of SCs on the human body is quite powerful and often results in death. The addictive potential of SCs is rather high and needs further study, especially with the emergence of new SC classes. Development of differential diagnostic criteria and therapeutic approaches in the treatment of acute psychotic conditions caused by the use of SCs is an urgent task for practical health care. Objective: to review scientific data on consequences of the recreational use of SCs in humans. Materials: data from six representative databases, PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Cochrane, the SciFinder platform, and Scopus, were used for this review. Methods: the following combinations and keywords were used as search queries: Spice, K2, synthetic cannabis, novel psychoactive substances (NPS), adverse effects, cannabinoid’s receptor, psychosis due to the use of NPS, fatalities. Peer-reviewed articles were filtered by abstracts to determine their relevance for the present review.

scholarly journals Motives for Classical and Novel Psychoactive Substances Use in Psychedelic Polydrug Users

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannes Kettner ◽  
Natasha L. Mason ◽  
Kim P. C. Kuypers
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Motivational Patterns ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Harm Prevention ◽  
Legal Frameworks ◽  
Educational Campaigns

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are compounds designed to mimic the effects of existing recreational drugs (classical psychoactive substances [CPS]), while eluding established legal frameworks. Little is known about their effects and potential harms, rendering the increasing number of NPS a challenge to policy makers and researchers alike. Quantitative studies on the motives underlying NPS use are limited, though understanding them is crucial for the design of effective harm prevention strategies. The present study therefore aimed to compare motivational patterns for NPS, CPS, and legal psychoactive substance (LPS) use. An online survey including questions about lifetime drug use, demographics, and motives for use was completed by 2,319 participants of which 1,967 consented and were 18 years or older. Data on lifetime use and endorsed motives are presented for 12 psychoactive substances classified into LPS (alcohol, nicotine), CPS (cannabis, MDMA/ecstasy, amphetamines, cocaine, psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca), and NPS (synthetic cannabinoids, stimulant, and hallucinogenic) and compared between classes. Across substances, the most frequently endorsed motives were to feel euphoric (58.0%), enhance an activity (52.3%), and broaden consciousness (48.1%). Motives for use were found to differ by substance and gender, with coping-related reasons being more frequent among female participants compared to males who indicated to use for a broad range of reasons. Motivational patterns of CPS and NPS use were largely similar to their classical analogues, this was not the case for synthetic cannabinoids, which had as main endorsed motive getting intoxicated, indiscriminate of specific qualities. This information can feed into tailoring of educational campaigns and prevention strategies.

scholarly journals The e-Psychonauts’ ‘Spiced’ World; Assessment of the Synthetic Cannabinoids’ Information Available Online

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 966-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Zangani ◽  
Fabrizio Schifano ◽  
Flavia Napoletano ◽  
Davide Arillotta ◽  
Liam Gilgar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Large Range ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Web Crawling ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Web Crawler ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Wide Range

Background: A wide range of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) is regularly searched and discussed online by web-based drug enthusiasts (i.e. the e-psychonauts). Among NPS, the range of synthetic cannabinoids (SC; ‘Spice’) currently represents a challenge for governments and clinicians. Methods: Using a web crawler (i.e. the NPS.Finder®), the present study aimed at assessing psychonauts’ fora/platforms to better understand the online mentions of SC. Results: The open-web crawling/navigating software identified here some 1,103 synthetic cannabinoids. Of these, 863 molecules were not listed in either the international or the European NPS databases. Conclusions: A web crawling approach helped here in identifying a large range of unknown SC likely to possess a misuse potential. Most of these novel/emerging molecules are still relatively unknown. This is a reason for concern; each of these analogues potentially presents different toxicodynamic profiles and there is a lack of docking, preclinical, and clinical observations. Strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration between clinicians and bioinformatics may prove useful in better assessing SC-associated public health risks.

Analytical evidence to show letters impregnated with novel psychoactive substances are a means of getting drugs to inmates within the UK prison service

2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 673-678 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loretta T Ford ◽  
Jonathan D Berg
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychotropic Substances ◽  
Dog Training ◽  
Class A ◽  
Class B ◽  
Training Team ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Security Concern

Introduction Novel psychotropic substances also known as legal highs are a major concern in UK prisons, fuelling violence and putting a strain on resources for inmates requiring medical treatment for adverse effects. We provide a clinical toxicology service including routine screening for novel psychoactive substances. In 2015, we were approached by Her Majesty Prison Service search dog training team to advise on which novel psychoactive substances to target, and again in 2016 to further provide analytical support to test five letters which the dogs positively identified for novel psychotropic substances during routine searches of prison mail rooms. Here we provide the first analytical confirmation that letters sent to inmates are being used to smuggle novel psychotropic substances into UK prisons. Results Novel psychotropic substances were detected on all five letters and these included the stimulants ethylphenidate, methiopropamine and methoxiphenidaine, the sedative etizolam and the third generation synthetic cannabinoids 5F-AKB-48, AB-FUBINACA, MDMB-CHMICA. Other compounds detected include the class A drug cocaine, class B drug methylphenidate and the cutting agents lignocaine, benzocaine and procaine. Conclusion Novel psychotropic substances smuggled into UK prisons is a major safety and security concern. By analytically confirming letters sent to inmates do contain novel psychotropic substances, we have produced categorical evidence to support anecdotal suggestions that novel psychotropic substances are entering UK prisons in this manner.

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS): clinical and pharmacological issues

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Schifano
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gaba A ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Image Enhancing

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide health professionals with novel psychoactive substances (NPS) clients with up to date information relating to the background, clinical pharmacology and, when possible, clinical management for each of these categories. Design/methodology/approach – The world of NPS is complex and diverse, including a range of different molecules such as: psychedelic phenethylamines; synthetic cannabinoids, cathinone derivatives; novel stimulants; synthetic opiates/opioids; tryptamine derivatives; phencyclidine-like dissociatives; piperazines; GABA-A/GABA-B receptor agonists; a range of prescribing medications; psychactive plants/herbs; and a large series of performance and image-enhancing drugs. These molecules are sought by users for their psychactive effects. Findings – The NPS categorization and classification provided here is an attempt to identify and better understand some of these substances. Given the vast range of medical and psychopathological issues associated with the NPS described it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the effects and toxicity of NPS. The EU-MADNESS project aims to both better understand the pharmacology of the available/forthcoming NPS and to disseminate the most current NPS-related information to practising and training health professionals. Research limitations/implications – Further studies are required to identify a range of evidence-based, NPS-focused, clinical management and treatment strategies. Social implications – The rapid pace of change in the NPS online market constitutes a major challenge to the provision of current and reliable scientific knowledge on these substances. Originality/value – The present review will provide an overview of the clinical and pharmacological issues related to a few hundred NPS.

Novel psychoactive substances

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S59-S60 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Orsolini ◽  
D. Papanti ◽  
R. Vecchiotti ◽  
A. Valchera ◽  
J. Corkery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Drug Culture ◽  
Traditional Drug ◽  
Rapid Pace ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Vast Range

Over the last decade, the “traditional” drug scene has been supplemented – but not replaced – by the emergence of a range of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), which are either newly created or existing drugs, including medications, now being used in novel ways. By the end of 2015, in excess of 700 NPS had been reported by a large number of countries in the world. Most recent data show however that synthetic cathinones; synthetic cannabinoids; and psychedelics/phenethylamines; account for the largest number of NPS. Given the vast range of medical and psychopathological issues associated with the molecules here described, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the effects and toxicity of NPS. The “Drugs 2.0.” revolution facilitated the birth and growth of an “Online Drug Culture” which finds its main expression in chats/fora/blogs as well as the diffusion of online drug marketplaces (both in the surface and deep web). The web has progressively modified the drug market from a “street” into a “virtual” one, so by increasing the availability of new drugs/NPS/“legal highs” (“legal alternatives” to the traditional illegal drugs). The rapid pace of change in the NPS online market constitutes a major challenge to the provision of current and reliable scientific knowledge on these substances. The present lecture aims at providing an overview of the NPS phenomenon, also giving an overview of the main clinical and pharmacological issues relating to these most popular NPS categories.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Deaths from novel psychoactive substances in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Evaluating the impact of the UK psychoactive substances act 2016

2021 ◽  
pp. 026988112110266
Author(s):  
Adrian A Deen ◽  
Hugh Claridge ◽  
Richard D Treble ◽  
Hilary J Hamnett ◽  
Caroline S Copeland
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoid ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Legal Highs ◽  
National Programme ◽  
Death Case ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Background: ‘Legal highs’ began appearing in the UK in the mid-2000s. Whilst many of these substances were controlled under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act, novel compounds and new variants of controlled compounds were continuously being introduced to the recreational drug market. The Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA) was therefore implemented in 2016 as a blanket ban on all novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Aim: To evaluate the impact of the PSA on deaths following NPS use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Methods: Cases reported to the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths where death had occurred 3 years pre- or post-implementation of the PSA were extracted. Cases with NPS detected at post-mortem were analysed and compared against cases non-NPS cases. Results: 293 deaths with NPS detected were identified; 91 occurring before the PSA and 202 afterwards, indicating an 222.0% post-PSA increase. Contrastingly, non-NPS drug-related death case reporting increased by only 8.0%. Synthetic cannabinoid, anxiolytic/sedative and stimulant NPS were detected in the largest proportions of deaths pre-PSA; post-PSA stimulant NPS detections reduced whilst synthetic cannabinoid and anxiolytic/sedative detections increased. Post-PSA, average decedent age increased significantly (mean age pre-PSA 34.4 ± 10.8 vs post-PSA 38.3 ± 9.4), and they were significantly more likely to have been living in deprived areas (pre-PSA 50.0% vs post-PSA 65.9%). Conclusions: Reporting of deaths following NPS use has risen despite introduction of the PSA. Whilst deaths amongst younger individuals and those living in more affluent areas has reduced, additional approaches to prohibition are needed to curb their persistence in deprived demographics.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document