{"title":"Semi-systematic Frameworks for Naming of NPS in Europe: Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones","authors":"B. Pulver, S. Fischmann, A. Gallegos, R. Christie","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100112","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100112","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Inherent to the heterogeneous groups of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) and cathinones is a broad structural diversity. Historically, semi-systematic names were chosen for NPS upon first identification to convey structural information. Due to the lack of documentation, naming approaches have been applied inconsistently, leading to names only loosely associated with structural features and several alternative names. One of the roles of the EMCDDA is to share information on NPS with forensic and toxicology laboratories. Because many SCs and cathinones are identified for the first time in Europe, the EMCDDA is responsible for setting best practices and hands-on guidance on naming NPS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The structural diversity and current naming approaches of SCs and cathinones monitored by the EMCDDA in Europe were reviewed. The structural inventory of SCs and cathinones is visualized in graphical and tabular formats.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Naming syntaxes were developed for SCs and cathinones, considering current names and established naming rationale. For the naming of SCs, an expanded syntax based on the letter code system was developed to combine building blocks and substitution(s). The naming of cathinones was developed based on the main motifs ‘cathinone’ and ‘phenone,’ and incorporates earlier naming approaches. The framework name is composed of a parent element, which, combined with information on the keto alkyl chain or the amine substitution, yields the principal name. A web-based naming tool will complement the theoretical frameworks.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The EMCDDA naming frameworks provide practical guidance through examples and explanations of the rationale on how consistent semi-systematic names can be derived.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100112"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G. Corli, M. Tirri, T. Bernardi, F. Boccuto, M. Borsari, M. Bassi, S. Bilel, M. Marti
{"title":"5HT2A Receptors are Involved in the Pharmaco-Toxicological Effects of the Synthetic Cannabinoids JWH-018 and 5F-PB22: in Vivo Studies in Mice","authors":"G. Corli, M. Tirri, T. Bernardi, F. Boccuto, M. Borsari, M. Bassi, S. Bilel, M. Marti","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100081","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100081","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Since their first appearance on the illicit drugs market, Synthetic Cannabinoids (SCs) have been frequently detected in biological samples from patients involved in several intoxication and death cases. To date, their serious adverse effects have been primarily related to their action as potent agonist of CB1 cannabinoid receptors. However, evidence concerning the potential interaction between SCs and serotoninergic neurotransmission system has emerged. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the involvement of 5HT2A receptors in the effects provoked by these substances.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The effects induced by acute systemic administration of 1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole (JWH-018; 1 mg/kg) and quinolin-8-yl 1-pentyfluoro-1H-indole-3-8-carboxylate (5F-PB22; 1 mg/kg) on sensorimotor (visual, acoustic and tactile) responses, pain threshold (acute mechanical and thermal nociception), core temperature, breath rate and motor performance (stepping activity), as well as their interaction with the selective 5HT2A receptors antagonist MDL100907 (0.1 mg/kg), have been evaluated in CD-1 male mice.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The present results pointed out that both substances deeply alter sensorimotor responses, nociceptive threshold, core temperature, breath rate and motor activity in mice. Noteworthy, pretreatment with MDL100907 at least partially prevented sensorimotor disruption, as well as antinociceptive and hypothermic effects.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study states the relevance of serotoninergic 5HT2A mechanisms on pharmaco-toxicological effects induced by SCs, suggesting the potential risk of increased susceptibility for psychotic-like symptoms also related to mental disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100081"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of Ligand-Based Models on Opioids Receptors Form Street Emerged Hits","authors":"V. Catalani, V. Abbate, G. Floresta, F. Schifano","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100077","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100077","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The misuse of opioids has become a major public health crisis worldwide. Synthetic opioids, in particular, pose a significant danger due to their potency and potential for addiction. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the reliability of ligand-based models for predicting the structure of new synthetic opioids. We used the Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software to create ligand-based models for three opioid receptors: mu, delta, and kappa. We trained the models on a dataset of known opioids, and then used them to predict the structure of new opioids based on their chemical properties. Our results showed that the ligand-based models were reliable in predicting the structure of new synthetic opioids. In fact, some of the structures predicted by the models were later identified on the street as new synthetic opioids. This demonstrates the potential of in silico modelling to aid in the identification and prediction of new synthetic opioids. In conclusion, our study highlights the utility of ligand-based models in predicting the structure of new synthetic opioids. By leveraging in silico modelling tools, we can potentially identify and predict new synthetic opioids before they emerge on the street, providing a critical tool in the fight against the opioid epidemic.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100077"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pharmacovigilance for Psychiatric Pharmacotherapy","authors":"R.K.S. Al Essa","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100064","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100064","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Patients have become a priority for the health system. Several studies showed that health systems meant to improve people's health is an important source of disease. Psychiatric disorders are often managed with pharmacotherapy, and because of their chronic and relapsing nature, most practice guidelines recommend medications to be continued for several months or years. Misuse and abuse of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) has always been a public health and law enforcement challenge. Therefore, such substances always place patients/users at risk of experiencing a variety of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Some ADRs are life-threatening while others are disabling and can seriously affect the patient's quality of life.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic exploratory review of the literature is performed using articles from PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, Academia, and Research Gate, to critically appraise and the importance of pharmacovigilance for psychiatric pharmacotherapy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The systematic exploratory review show that pharmacovigilance is not only a “specialist” activity; it is the responsibility of all those involved in the care of patients with medications, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and paramedical staff.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study determines the significance of pharmacovigilance and risk management plans in monitoring the safety of psychotic drugs and managing the risks of antipsychotic related ADRs. Furthermore, it provides a useful ground for the physicians, nurses, and pharmacists to acquaint themselves with concepts and methods of Pharmacovigilance in the psychiatric field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100064"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Picture of the New Psychoactive Substances-Problem in Saudi Arabia","authors":"A. Aldlgan","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100063","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100063","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recently the use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has increased at an unprecedented pace around the world. Despite many NPS becoming controlled under drug legislation, many of them remain legal in some countries around the world. In Saudi Arabia, NPS are controlled under the Saudi Food and Drug Authority that only cover a few early NPS. The picture of the NPS-problem in Saudi Arabia is vague due to insufficient prevalence data, particularly that using biological samples. Whilst there is evidence of increasing use of NPS throughout the world. Several studies indicate that NPS may cause serious toxicity and impairment to health, therefore it is important to understand the scale of use within society. Awareness among health organisations should be raised regarding these drugs and their risk to individuals, especially young people. With more research and better understanding of the problem and its extent, the response can be improved and be more effective.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100063"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Detection of ADB-4en-PINACA Metabolite, 2-Methylmethcathinone and 3-Methylmethcathinone in Authentic Urine Samples","authors":"Y.F. Ching, Y.M. Hooi","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100079","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100079","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In Singapore, new psychoactive substances (NPS) continued to be prevalent with synthetic cannabinoids (SC), synthetic cathinones and mitragynine being detected. In early 2023, ADB-4enPINACA metabolite and the positional isomers of 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC), i.e., 2-MMC and 3-MMC were detected in drug users’ urine samples. To the best of our knowledge, ADB-4en-PINACA metabolite was the first time being identified in authentic urine sample.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>0.5 mL of urine samples were incubated with β-glucuronidase enzyme and extracted. The extracted samples were screened using LC-Orbitrap MS method followed by confirmation using LC-QToF MS method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>ADB-4en-PINACA dihydrodiol metabolite was detected in two authentic urine samples, which was consistent to the result of the metabolic study.1 The identity was confirmed with the reference standard in both HRMS methods. Other SC metabolites such as MDMB-4en-PINACA metabolites, ADBBUTINACA metabolite and/or ADB-PINACA metabolite were also detected in the samples. In addition, 2-MMC and 3-MMC were recently detected in a few drug users’ urine samples. Using the sensitive and selective LC-QToF method, the three positional isomers of methylmethcathinone were chromatography separated and specifically identified with the reference standards.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>New NPS constantly enters the drug market with structural diversity and rapid development of the new derivatives, therefore, NPS continues to pose challenge for the drug detection in urine testing. The laboratory applies various techniques to comprehensively identify the new NPS and their positional isomers to cater for the rapid change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100079"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
F. Al Mughairbi, A. Hamid, S. Warrington, V. Dadzie
{"title":"The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder among Arab Addicts in a mandatory Rehabilitation Facility: Case Study Reports","authors":"F. Al Mughairbi, A. Hamid, S. Warrington, V. Dadzie","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100067","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100067","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the more commonly used approach with regards to psychological treatment, for a number of psychological disorders, including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The current case studies discuss the efficacy of CBT when applied in a confined environment (an inpatient, rehabilitation facility) while considering the possible contribution of cultural responsiveness to treatment outcomes in a considerably conservative culture.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Three adult patients in a rehabilitation center with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were treated using CBT. The patients’ scores in GAD 7, PHQ9 and IES-R were noticeably reduced, and patients were relieved from PTSD symptoms. Key elements of CBT such as the use of in vivo exposure were not possible in the treatment, however, realistic and achievable goals set jointly by the clinician and the patients at the beginning of therapy were realized.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Patients applied learned skills in their daily life in the facility. Follow up after the patients were released from the facility was possible with one patient only.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The limited follow up after he was released, makes it difficult to know if the patient had maintained the skills that he obtained during therapy sessions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100067"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enabling Harm Reduction through New Technology","authors":"C.R. Pudney","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100111","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100111","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>NPS present unique challenges in detection and monitoring. The structures of these drugs change rapidly, are often present in mixtures and are smuggled on complex matrices including paper, fabric, herb material and in vape liquid. For these reasons, instant field-based testing for NPS is not common. We have demonstrated that spectral fingerprinting, the excitation emission matrix of a sample, can be used to discriminate NPS and provide information on concentration. Moreover, we have overcome the challenge in the convolution of spectral signals with complex backgrounds that arise from e.g., paper/fabric-soaked samples. With these technologies combined, we have developed a hand-held, battery-operated device that can be used for the instant presumptive detection of a large range of NPS on a very broad range of physical matrices, as well as identification of NPS directly from tablets. We show the utility of this device in decreasing the flow of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) into prisons, the identification of SCs in vape liquid and direct from unopened vape pens, and the identification of benzodiazepine tablets. Through this technology, we aim to enable the identification of NPS by users who would otherwise not engage in harm reduction services.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100111"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"EMCDDA Framework for Naming Synthetic Cannabinoids","authors":"B. Pulver, S. Fischmann, A. Gallegos, R. Christie","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are the largest and structurally most heterogeneous group of NPS. Several independent naming conventions have been employed, leading to inconsistent and sometimes ambiguous short names.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>All SCs monitored by the EMCDDA were assessed, and letter codes were assigned to each building block. An expanded syntax was developed to combine building blocks and their substitution. Established letter codes, including the highly recognizable ‘FUB’ and ‘GaClone’ letter codes, were kept unchanged.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The chemical diversity is presented in graphical and tabular format, providing a structural library of SCs. Examples of previous inconsistencies include multiple letter codes describing the same structural feature (benzyl – B/BENZ/BZ), inconsistent abbreviation of the systematic name (methyl dimethylbutanoate – MDMB, amino dimethyloxobutane – ADMB), missing representation of important parts (e.g. 5F-AB-FUPPYCA: 5-fluoropentyl tail, AB-CHMFUPPYCA: cyclohexylmethyl–CHM tail) and multiple approaches to the abbreviation of halogenated structures. The principles of the framework are unambiguous, consistent, and easy-to-understand letter codes with abbreviations of common features shared across building blocks. The EMCDDA framework applies only to SCs that have emerged on the drug market because the time of notification significantly impacts the letter code assigned to the respective SC.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The EMCDDA framework on naming SCs provides a valuable resource for practical information, guidance on consistent naming, and the rationale for how the names are derived. With the globalization of the market in SCs, there is a need for a concerted effort and international collaboration towards harmonized naming of emerging SCs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Detection, Chemical Analysis and Pharmacological Characterization of Dipyanone and other New Synthetic Opioids Related to Prescription Drugs","authors":"M.M. Vandeputte, S.E. Walton, S.A. Shuda, A.J. Krotulski, C.P. Stove","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100130","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100130","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>New synthetic opioids (NSOs) continue to emerge on recreational drug markets. We performed in vitro pharmacological characterization of dipyanone, desmethylmoramide and acetoxymethylketobemidone (O-AMKD) – recent NSOs that are structurally related to the prescription opioids methadone and ketobemidone. Dipyanone was also detected for the first time in a seized powder and quantified in a postmortem toxicology case.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In the applied cell-based assay, activation of human MOR, fused to one subunit of a nanoluciferase, leads to recruitment of βarr2, fused to the complementing subunit. The resulting functional complementation enables restoration of luciferase activity (NanoBiT®, Promega). Quantification of dipyanone in blood was done via liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry using standard addition.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Dipyanone (EC50=39.9 nM; Emax=155% vs. hydromorphone) is about equally active as methadone (EC50=50.3 nM; Emax=152%), whereas desmethylmoramide (EC50=1335 nM; Emax=126%) is considerably less active. A close structural analogue of ketobemidone (EC50=134 nM; Emax=156%), O-AMKD showed a lower potency (EC50=1262 nM) and efficacy (Emax=109%). Furthermore, dipyanone was quantified in blood (370 ng/mL) and detected alongside other NSOs and novel benzodiazepines.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The uncontrolled availability and unsupervised use of NSOs are reasons for concern. Careful monitoring is required to detect other NSOs related to prescription opioids that may emerge on recreational drug markets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100130"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}