Optimization of Effervescent Tablet-Assisted Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction with Central Composite Design for Preconcentration of Stimulant Drug

The extraction efficiency of stimulant drug, namely caffeine, was investigated using a 23 central composite design. The values of optimum extraction condition were set at 468 μL of 1-dodecanol, 1 piece of effervescent tablet, and 22 °C of extraction temperature. An enrichment factor was calculated as 72 for 80 mL water sample. The run time was conducted in less than 6 min using a non-polar C18 column and an isocratic mobile phase (methanol: water of 40:60 (v/v)) at a controlled flow rate of 1 mL min-1. A good linear response was achieved in the range of 0.01-0.50 μg mL-1 (R2> 0.998). Detection and quantification limits were calculated at 0.009 and 0.015 μg mL-1, respectively. The average recoveries at two spiking concentration levels were within the range of 75-105% with RSD < 2% (n = 3). Real samples namely beverages which contained caffeine and river water were tested using the proposed method, and the results ranged 0.021-0.56 μg mL-1. The eco-scale score and green analytical procedure index confirmed the greenness profile of the proposed method through a calculated score of 88 and has 6 green criteria, respectively.

Feigning ADHD and stimulant misuse among Dutch university students

The increasing number of university students seeking diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and findings of an increased stimulant misuse among university students, has raised concerns regarding the credibility of the symptoms of those students. However, most of our current knowledge refers to university students in North America and less is known about this issue on European campuses. The present survey aimed to collect opinions on feigning ADHD and to estimate the prevalence of stimulant misuse among 1071 university students in the Netherlands. The majority of students expressed liberal attitudes towards feigning ADHD. Also, a substantial number of respondents considered feigning ADHD themselves or know someone who feigns ADHD. Furthermore, 68% of students assumed benefits of taking stimulants without prescription and 16% have indeed already taken stimulants without prescription. Feigning ADHD and misuse of prescription medication are prevalent issues among Dutch students. The results underline the need for a careful diagnostic evaluation of individuals for ADHD. Furthermore, efforts are required in order to prevent stimulant drug trafficking and misuse among university students.

FEATURES OF SEED GERMINATION AND INITIAL STAGES OF WINTER PEAS GROWTH UNDER THE EFFECT OF MICROBIAL AND STIMULATING PREPARATIONS

One of the possible directions of agricultural production and improvement of crop yield increasing technology is the use of chemicals of biological processes controlling with the help of plant growth regulators. The priority area in the field of crop production is the introduction of winter peas into production. The aim of the study was the highlighting of the study’s results on the effect of the microbial drug Bioinoculant and stimulant Endophyte-L1 on the processes of germination of winter pea seeds and its initial stages of growth. The research was carried out on the culture of winter pea NS Moroz varieties. Pre-sowing treatment of seeds with working solutions of Endophyte-L1 (0.01 l / t), Bioinoculant (2 l / t), mixture of Endophyte-L1 (0.01 l / t) + Bioinoculant (2 l / t), and control - with water. In the process of survey, the linear dimensions of the tap-root and seedlings, the raw matter mass of seedlings and roots in the early stages of development of winter peas BBCH (00, 03, 05, 08, 12, 13, 14, 15), as well as germinative energy and laboratory seed germination were determined. It was investigated that the highest intensity of complete swelling of winter pea seeds was observed with the use of the stimulant drug Endofit-L1, and the lowest - with the influence of a mixture of drugs Endofit-L1 + Bioinoculant. During the period of heterotrophic nutrition, the drugs Endofit-L1 and its combination with Bioinoculant had the greatest influence on the processes of winter pea germination. During the transition of plants to autotrophic nutrition, the raw cotyledon weight was decreased with the use of the stimulant Endophyte-L1 and in combination with the microbial drug Bioinoculant, which in its turn is accompanied by activation of growth processes in roots and seedlings and increased their mass and linear size. This indicates the presence of the growth-promoting effect of the drug Endophyte-L1. It is investigated that during the winter pea plants transition to autotrophic nutrition, between the raw masses of achenes and roots there is an inverse correlation of weak force (r = - 0.24) with the use of the stimulant and strong force (r = - 0, 80) under the action of drugs mixture, and between the raw masses of achenes and seedlings, this relationship is strong (r = from - 0.73 to - 0.97). Pre-sowing treatment of winter pea seeds with stimulant and microbial drugs, as well as their mixture led to germination energy increase by 3.9-5.6% in comparison to the control. The used drugs and their mixture increased the laboratory germination of seeds by 1.6-2.3%. The best effect was found during the usage of mixture Endophyte-L1 + Bioinoculant drugs. Key words: stimulating and microbial preparations, germination and germinative energy, seedling, root, winter peas.

Almitrine: a possible therapeutic strategy for COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) remains with no specific treatment, despite the efforts of many scientists around the world. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) penetrates human host banknotes through interaction with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) receptors, located at respiratory tract (upper and lower) and the olfactory epithelium (pathway to the Central Nervous System). The virus causes COVID-19 and sometimes a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Several neurological manifestations can be associated with the infection. The SARS-COV-2 neurotropism for cardiorespiratory centers, causing autonomic damage, may contribute to respiratory failure. Almitrine is a respiratory stimulant drug, used in chronic hypoxemic diseases. Almitrine acts in peripheral chemoreceptors and could be a potential treatment for the optimization of chemoreceptors, improving the respiratory control affected by the SARS‐CoV‐2 in patients with COVID-19.

Beyond ecstasy: Alternative entactogens to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine with potential applications in psychotherapy

The last two decades have seen a revival of interest in the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) as an adjunct to psychotherapy, particularly for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. While clinical results are highly promising, and MDMA is expected to be approved as a treatment in the near future, it is currently the only compound in its class of action that is being actively investigated as a medicine. This lack of alternatives to MDMA may prove detrimental to patients who do not respond well to the particular mechanism of action of MDMA or whose treatment calls for a modification of MDMA’s effects. For instance, patients with existing cardiovascular conditions or with a prolonged history of stimulant drug use may not fit into the current model of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, and could benefit from alternative drugs. This review examines the existing literature on a host of entactogenic drugs, which may prove to be useful alternatives in the future, paying particularly close attention to any neurotoxic risks, neuropharmacological mechanism of action and entactogenic commonalities with MDMA. The substances examined derive from the 1,3-benzodioxole, cathinone, benzofuran, aminoindane, indole and amphetamine classes. Several compounds from these classes are identified as potential alternatives to MDMA.

Synthesis of Quenchbodies for One-Pot Detection of Stimulant Drug Methamphetamine

The problem of illicit drug use and addiction is an escalating issue worldwide. As such, fast and precise detection methods are needed to help combat the problem. Herein, the synthesis method for an anti-methamphetamine Quenchbody (Q-body), a promising sensor for use in simple and convenient assays, has been described. The fluorescence intensity of the Q-body generated by two-site labeling of Escherichia coli produced anti-methamphetamine antigen-binding fragment (Fab) with TAMRA-C2-maleimide dyes increased 5.1-fold over background in the presence of a hydroxyl methamphetamine derivative, 3-[(2S)-2-(methylamino)propyl]phenol. This derivative has the closest structure to methamphetamine of the chemicals available for use in a laboratory. Our results indicate the potential use of this Q-body as a novel sensor for the on-site detection of methamphetamine, in such occasions as drug screening at workplace, suspicious substance identification, and monitoring patients during drug rehabilitation.