New psychoactive and classic substances in pooled urine samples collected at the Ultra Europe festival in Split, Croatia

Abstract We believe that analysing pooled urine samples for recreational drugs used at mass events can provide useful information about trends in drug use. An opportunity arose with the Ultra Europe music festival, which is attended by more than 150,000 people from over 150 countries every year. We analysed 30 pooled urine samples collected from portable chemical toilets located at or close to the Ultra Europe music festival venue in Split, Croatia in 2016–2018 to detect the presence of classic and new psychoactive substances (NPS). Four urine samples collected in 2016 were from a toilet without added chemicals (otherwise used to kill the smell) while the remaining samples were collected from toilets with added chemicals. Samples were qualitatively analysed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using the full-scan mode. Data were compared with the Wiley mass spectral library of designer drugs and our in-house library containing about 1000 compounds and metabolites. We identified forty-six different substances and metabolites, 26 of which were classic substances/metabolites, mostly from the stimulants group, while 20 were NPS. In the NPS group, most of them were phenethylamines and cathinones. The variety of substances was the highest on the first day of the festival regardless of the year, but 2018 showed a significant drop compared to the previous two years. The results of our study revealed a stable trend of classic drug consumption, while NPS trend changed from one year to another.

Download Full-text

LC-High-resolution MS Analysis of the Designer Drugs Methylenedioxy-Pyrovalerone (MDPV) and Methylenedioxy-alpha- pyrolidinobutyrophenone (MDPBP) and Their Main Metabolites in Human Urine

Revista de Chimie ◽

10.37358/rc.18.10.6653 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 69 (10) ◽

pp. 2916-2020

Author(s):

Monica Moraru ◽

Carmen Lidia Chitescu ◽

Aurel Nechita ◽

Luana Andreea Macovei ◽

Iuliu Fulga

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Human Urine ◽

Parent Compound ◽

Urine Samples ◽

Designer Drugs ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Mass Spectral ◽

Ion Fragmentation ◽

Full Scan ◽

Confirmatory Analysis

In the present work, LC- Q ExactiveOrbitrap high resolution MS techique in both full-scan MS and targeted MS/MS modes was applied to identify psychoactive substances in human urine samples. Methylenedioxy-pyrovalerone (MDPV), methylenedioxy-alpha-pyrrolidino-butyrophenone(MDPBP) and the main metabolites of both compounds were identified. The preliminary full-scan screening was folowed by targeted ion fragmentation (t-MS2) enabling confirmatory analysis and mass spectral characterization. The presented case is the first confirmation of MDPBP abuse in Romania supported by the toxicological identification of the parent compound and the main metabolites in human urine.

Download Full-text

Identification of New Psychoactive Substances in Seized material Using UHPLC-QTOF-MS and An Online Mass Spectral Database

Journal of Analytical Toxicology ◽

10.1093/jat/bkaa028 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maria von Cüpper ◽

Petur Weihe Dalsgaard ◽

Kristian Linnet

Keyword(s):

High Performance ◽

Designer Drugs ◽

New Psychoactive Substances ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Mass Spectral Database ◽

Exact Mass ◽

Mass Spectral ◽

Toxicological Effects ◽

Flight Mass Spectrometry ◽

Spectral Database

Abstract The unpredictable pharmacological and toxicological effects associated with the recreational use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a threat to the public health. Analysts are constantly facing a challenge to identify these designer drugs. In this article, five seized samples were submitted for analysis using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QTOF-MS). To tentatively identify the NPS in the samples, the potential usage of an online mass spectral database (HighResNPS.com) was explored by searching the exact mass of the precursor ion and evaluating the fragmentation profile. This approach successfully identified a suspected candidate compound present in three of the five samples. However, conclusive identification of the remaining two was not possible, due to indistinguishable fragmentation profiles of positional isomers. Therefore, complementary analytical methodologies are of paramount importance. In light of the above, HighResNPS.com is a useful tool in presumptively identifying an NPS without a reference standard.

Download Full-text

Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry and High-Sensitivity Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Screening of Classic Drugs and New Psychoactive Substances and Metabolites in Urine of Consumers

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22084000 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (8) ◽

pp. 4000

Author(s):

Emilia Marchei ◽

Maria Alias Ferri ◽

Marta Torrens ◽

Magí Farré ◽

Roberta Pacifici ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Gas Chromatography ◽

Mobile Phase ◽

High Performance ◽

High Resolution Mass Spectrometry ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

New Psychoactive Substances ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Resolution Mass

The use of the new psychoactive substances is continuously growing and the implementation of accurate and sensible analysis in biological matrices of users is relevant and fundamental for clinical and forensic purposes. Two different analytical technologies, high-sensitivity gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) were used for a screening analysis of classic drugs and new psychoactive substances and their metabolites in urine of formed heroin addicts under methadone maintenance therapy. Sample preparation involved a liquid-liquid extraction. The UHPLC-HRMS method included Accucore™ phenyl Hexyl (100 × 2.1 mm, 2.6 μm, Thermo, USA) column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of mobile phase A (ammonium formate 2 mM in water, 0.1% formic acid) and mobile phase B (ammonium formate 2 mM in methanol/acetonitrile 50:50 (v/v), 0.1% formic acid) and a full-scan data-dependent MS2 (ddMS2) mode for substances identification (mass range 100–1000 m/z). The GC-MS method employed an ultra-Inert Intuvo GC column (HP-5MS UI, 30 m, 250 µm i.d, film thickness 0.25 µm; Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA) and electron-impact (EI) mass spectra were recorded in total ion monitoring mode (scan range 40–550 m/z). Urine samples from 296 patients with a history of opioid use disorder were examined. Around 80 different psychoactive substances and/or metabolites were identified, being methadone and metabolites the most prevalent ones. The possibility to screen for a huge number of psychotropic substances can be useful in suspected drug related fatalities or acute intoxication/exposure occurring in emergency departments and drug addiction services.

Download Full-text

Identification of the designer benzodiazepine 8-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine (flualprazolam) in an anesthesia robbery case

Forensic Toxicology ◽

10.1007/s11419-019-00501-1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 38 (1) ◽

pp. 269-276 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Zhenhua Qian ◽

Cuimei Liu ◽

Jian Huang ◽

Qingqing Deng ◽

Zhendong Hua

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Analytical Data ◽

Drug Market ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

Designer Drug ◽

New Psychoactive Substances ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Flight Mass Spectrometry ◽

Emerging Compounds ◽

Analytical Properties

Abstract Purpose This publication reports analytical properties of the designer benzodiazepine 8-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine (flualprazolam) seized in an anesthesia robbery case. Methods The target compound was identified by liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF-MS), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Results We could obtain detailed analytical data of flualprazolam—a new designer benzodiazepine available on the designer drug market. Conclusions More designer benzodiazepines have been detected and seized on the illegal drug scene as new psychoactive substances during the last 5 years. In this study, we presented analytical data of flualprazolam to assist forensic laboratories that encounter these newly emerging compounds in casework. This is the first report on this compound in illegal products.

Download Full-text

Comparison of six derivatizing agents for the determination of nine synthetic cathinones using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Analytical Methods ◽

10.1039/c7ay00597k ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (18) ◽

pp. 2732-2743 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Khalid A. Alsenedi ◽

Calum Morrison

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Gas Chromatography ◽

Synthetic Cathinones ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

New Psychoactive Substances ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

Synthetic Cathinone ◽

Insight Into

Insight into mass spectrometry ions and derivatization conditions for synthetic cathinone type new psychoactive substances.

Download Full-text

Qualitative screening of new psychoactive substances in pooled urine samples from Belgium and United Kingdom

The Science of The Total Environment ◽

10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.124 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 573 ◽

pp. 1527-1535 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Juliet Kinyua ◽

Noelia Negreira ◽

Bram Miserez ◽

Ana Causanilles ◽

Erik Emke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United Kingdom ◽

Urine Samples ◽

New Psychoactive Substances ◽

Psychoactive Substances

Download Full-text

Presence and evolution of a new psychoactive tryptamines branch

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.131 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. S117-S118

Author(s):

Á. Palma Conesa ◽

L. Galindo Guarin ◽

M. Grifell Guardia ◽

P. Quintana Mathe ◽

C. Gil Lladanosa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Gas Chromatography ◽

Subjective Experience ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

New Psychoactive Substances ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Energy Control ◽

Competing Interest ◽

Recreational Use

IntroductionNew psychoactive substances (NPS) are substances that have recently appeared on the market and are not under international control. NPS use is experiencing an unprecedented increase. DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT and 4-AcO-DiPT are new psychoactive tryptamines and their effects may differ from those of other psychoactive tryptamines.ObjectiveTo explore the presence of DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT and 4-AcO-DiPT from samples delivered to and analyzed by Spanish harm reduction service Energy Control.Materials and methodsAll samples analyzed from 2009 to 2014 delivered as DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT and 4-AcO-DPT or containing these substances. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom 17,432 samples, 4-HO-DiPT was found in 16, delivered as 4-HO-DiPT (6); 4-AcO-DiPT (7); DiPT (1); 4-AcO-DMT (1) and cocaine (1). 4-AcO-DiPT was found in 16, delivered as 4-AcO-DiPT (12); 5-MeO-DMT (1); 5-MeO-DiPT (1); 4-AcO-DMT (1) and cocaine (1). Only 4 samples contained DiPT, all presented as DiPT. Nine samples contained both 4-AcO-DiPT and 4-HO-DiPT. During the years of study, 4-HO-DiPT deliverance was increasing (4 samples in 2014) while deliverance of 4-AcO-DiPT and DiPT was decreasing (1 sample in 2014).ConclusionsIncreasing 4-HO-DiPT presence could translate a progressive replacement of 4-AcO-DiPT and DiPT recreational use. Clinical relevance comes from its growing use and the absence of scientific evidence on humans, therefore relying on users subjective experience to predict the effects.Disclosure of interestThe authors declare that they have no competing interest.

Download Full-text

New psychoactive substances: psychiatrist's view

Interactive science ◽

10.21661/r-497066 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 57-67

Author(s):

Andrey Viktorovich Antsyborov ◽

Irina Vladimirovna Dubatova

Keyword(s):

Opioid Receptors ◽

Psychotic Disorders ◽

Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽

Designer Drugs ◽

New Psychoactive Substances ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Gaba A ◽

Psychoactive Effects ◽

Legal High ◽

Derivatives Of

Appearing not long ago, new psychoactive substances (designer drugs), including synthetic cannabinoids, derivatives of cathinone, phenethylamines, new stimulants, synthetic opioids, tryptamine derivatives, phencyclidine, piperazine, the GABA (A/B) receptors agonists, have become a serious problem for consumers and for physicians. Consumers of these substances are attracted primarily by the intensity of psychoactive effects, and the «legal high» declared by the black manufacturers, which indicates that significant difficulties in a laboratory identification of new surfactants. Designer drugs, when ingested, can be influenced on many neurotransmitter pathways/receptors: dopamine, cannabinoid (CB1), GABA (A/B), 5-HT2A, glutamate, and k-opioid receptors (KOR), the imbalance of which leads to the development of polymorphic psychotic disorders.

Download Full-text

A Deep Generative Model Enables Automated Structure Elucidation of Novel Psychoactive Substances

10.26434/chemrxiv.14644854.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Michael Skinnider ◽

Fei Wang ◽

Daniel Pasin ◽

Russell Greiner ◽

Leonard Foster ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Structure Elucidation ◽

De Novo ◽

Generative Model ◽

Chemical Diversity ◽

Designer Drugs ◽

New Psychoactive Substances ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Statistical Probability ◽

Public Health Burden ◽

Structural Prior

Over the past decade, the illicit drug market has been reshaped by the proliferation of clandestinely produced designer drugs. These agents, referred to as new psychoactive substances (NPSs), are designed to mimic the physiological actions of better-known drugs of abuse while skirting drug control laws. The public health burden of NPS abuse obliges toxicological, police, and customs laboratories to screen for them in law enforcement seizures and biological samples. However, the identification of emerging NPSs is challenging due to the chemical diversity of these substances and the fleeting nature of their appearance on the illicit market. Here, we present DarkNPS, a deep learning-enabled approach to automatically elucidate the structures of unidentified designer drugs using only mass spectrometric data. Our method employs a deep generative model to learn a statistical probability distribution over unobserved structures, which we term the structural prior. We show that the structural prior allows DarkNPS to elucidate the exact chemical structure of an unidentified NPS with an accuracy of 51%, and a top-10 accuracy of 78%. Our generative approach has the potential to enable de novo structure elucidation for other types of small molecules that are routinely analyzed by mass spectrometry.

Download Full-text