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Among the emerging investigative fields, forensic medicine and toxicology lead to analyzing fatalities in medico-legal expert opinion formulating. While discussing the problem, the authors have selected 96 fatal cases from their expert practice including the period from 2010 to 2023, in which deaths were connected with taking new psychoactive substances (NPS's) belonging to various chemical categories, mainly synthetic cathinones (SC), synthetic cannabinoids (SCan) and non-medical synthetic opioids (NSO). In the investigated cases, toxicological analysis revealed 37 NPS's and their 9 metabolites. The cases involved the use of SC's (64 cases - 67 %), Scan's, including their metabolites (10 cases - 10 %) and NSO's, including their metabolites (6 cases - 6 %). The remaining cases involved the simultaneous use of NSO with SC and/or SCan, including their metabolites (8 cases - 8 %), or SC with SCan (5 cases - 5 %). In three cases (3 %), compounds belonging to other groups were taken. In twenty-five cases, more than one NPS was found. Moreover, in twenty-seven cases, ethyl alcohol was also detected at the concentration range of 0.6–3.6 ‰. The concentration of xenobiotics determined in blood represented extensive ranges of concentration. The victims were at the age of 16–58 years of life. The group included eleven women (11 %). Generally, the deaths related to NPS's were predominantly of an accidental character (81 %), while the manner of death in sixteen cases (17 %) was suicide, including hanging (5 cases), jumping from a great height (3 cases), self-injury and exsanguination (1 case), as well as acute drug intoxication (6 cases) and intoxication with central nervous system hypoxia after an hanging (1 case). Among the analyzed cases there were two victims of homicide (2 %), in one of which the perpetrator being under the influence of the mixture of the synthetic opioid U-47700 and synthetic cannabinoid AB-FUBINACA. In twenty-eight cases, medications used in psychiatry were found, which suggested that the victims were struggling with mental problems before death. As it was implied by the available information, more than 36 % of the victims had mental problems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug use is prevalent in prisons with drugs associated with depressant effects found to be more prevalent than stimulants. Synthetic cathinones (SCats; often sold as "bath salts", "ecstasy", "molly", and "monkey dust") are the second largest category of new psychoactive substances (NPS) currently monitored by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and are commonly used as substitutes for regulated stimulants, such as amphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA. N,N- dimethylpentylone (also known as dimethylpentylone, dipentylone, and bk-DMBDP) was detected for the first time in the Scottish prisons in seven powder samples seized between January and July 2023. Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR). Dimethylpentylone was detected alongside other drugs in four samples, including the novel benzodiazepine desalkylgidazepam (bromonordiazepam) and the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) MDMB-INACA and MDMB-4en-PINACA. • Synthetic cathinone dimethylpentylone detected in Scottish prisons for first time. • Dimethylpentylone found in mixture with novel benzodiazepine desalkylgidazepam. • Dimethylpenylone in mixture with synthetic cannabinoids MDMB-4en-PINACA, MDMB-INACA. • Analytical characterization of samples with GC-MS, LC-QToF-MS, and NMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) has been used worldwide to estimate drug consumption routinely. Even though WBE provides valuable data to support legal and health interventions associated to drug use, monitoring studies in Portuguese wastewaters are scarce. Hence, this work aimed to estimate the consumption of some conventional abuse and illicit drugs such as amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (MAMP), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and the synthetic cathinones buphedrone (BPD), butylone (BTL), 3,4-dimethylmethcathinone (3,4-DMMC) and 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC), considering not only the liquid phase, but also the suspended particulate matter (SPM). Moreover, the enantiomeric profiling of the samples was studied, exploring for the first time the possible enantioselective sorption of these drugs onto SPM. For that, 24 h composite raw wastewaters were collected from a conventional wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Portugal. After extraction, the liquid phase and SPM extracts were derivatized with an enantiomerically pure reagent and then, analysed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical method. The results showed a low and non-enantioselective adsorption to SPM at environmental relevant levels. Only (S)-AMP was detected in two SPM samples, whereas AMP, MAMP, MDMA, BPD, and 3,4-DMMC were detected in the liquid phase. AMP was the most frequently found drug with an estimated load up to 166.0 mg day−1 1000 people−1 and mostly found with enrichment of (S)-AMP. Nevertheless, (R)-AMP was also determined, which may be related to the consumption of either the illicit racemic AMP or the medicine (R)-deprenyl. The use of MDMA, MAMP and synthetic cathinones (BPD and 3,4-DMMC) was also suggested in Portugal. Nevertheless, the levels and the consumption estimate of the target chemicals were lower than in other European countries or worldwide. These findings provide the first step to the implementation of WBE monitoring campaigns to assess the status of drug consumption in Portuguese communities, contributing to the understanding of drug use patterns and trends worldwide and helping enforce preventive measures. • Low and non-enantioselective adsorption to SPM at environmentally relevant levels. • AMP was the most frequently, in the (S)-AMP form, but (R)-AMP was also present. • (R)-AMP could be due to the consumption of illicit racemic AMP or the (R)-deprenyl. • Lower consumption levels of SC and AMP-like substances compared to European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic cathinones, which are novel psychoactive substances, have caused major social problems worldwide. A substance called 2-methyl-4′-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone (MMMP), which is employed as a commercial industrial photoinitiator for triggering polymerization, has a basic cathinone backbone; however, few reports regarding MMMP have been published. In the current study, three potential metabolites of MMMP—namely hydroxy-MMMP (HO-MMMP), HO-MMMP-sulfoxide (HO-MMMP-SO), and HO-MMMP-sulfone (HO-MMMP-SO 2)—were successfully synthesized, and MMMP and these three potential metabolites were used as standards to establish an analytic method based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the quantitative analysis of urine. This analytic method and related parameters—including dynamic range, limit of quantification, selectivity, precision, accuracy, carryover effect, matrix effect, interference, and dilution integrity—were optimized and validated. Forty urine samples from 1,691 individuals who abused drugs were determined to contain MMMP, HO-MMMP, HO-MMMP-SO, or HO-MMMP-SO 2 ; the results of this study indicate that approximately 2.37 % of drug abusers in Taiwan consumed MMMP in 2023. These 40 urine samples were analyzed to investigate the metabolism of MMMP in humans. The results indicate that HO-MMMP-SO is the main metabolite in human urine. This study recommends HO-MMMP-SO with a concentration of 2 ng/mL as a target and cutoff value, respectively, for identifying individuals who have consumed MMMP. [Display omitted] ● MMMP metabolites including HO-MMMP, HO-MMMP-SO, and HO-MMMP-SO 2 were successfully synthesized as standard chemicals. ● An LC-MS/MS assay was established for the detection of MMMP and its metabolite. ● HO-MMMP-SO is the major metabolite of MMMP in human urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is not uncommon. Indeed, the effects associated with the use of this substance may lead to disinhibition. Several synthetic cathinones, such as mephedrone or methylone, also possess marked entactogenic properties. This manuscript aims to (i) report a DFSA case involving a novel cathinone derivative, namely N -ethyl-pentedrone (NEPD) and (ii) review previously reported DFSA cases involving synthetic cathinones. Using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), NEPD was detected in both plasma and urine collected from a 36-year-old male who had been victim of DFSA. Furthermore, an exhaustive, non-period-specific English-language literature search was performed using several different electronic databases to identify DFSA cases involving synthetic cathinones. Overall, five synthetic cathinones have been associated with DFSA:methylenedioxypyrovalerone, 4-methylethcathinone, α -pyrrolidinopentiophenone, mephedrone, α –pyrrolidinohexiophenone, and methylone, which appears to be the most frequently reported. Methylone is the β-keto analog of MDMA, with which it shares substantial pharmacological similarities. Indeed, the pharmacological effects of methylone are similar to those associated with MDMA. By contrast, little is known regarding NEPD's pharmacological effects in humans. Based on subjective reports, NEPD can produce both positive and negative effects in human. Unlike what is reported in the case of methylone or mephedrone, only a small minority of NEPD users report slightly entactogenics effects. Such properties theoretically make NEPD more suitable for use in a chemsex context than in DFSA context; even though, the boundary between these two specific forms of sexualized drug use can sometimes appear tenuous. • The use of psychostimulants is not uncommon in DFSA cases. • These cases particularly involve MDMA, an entactogenic substance. • Here, a DFSA case involving a novel cathinone derivative, namely N -ethyl-pentedrone is reported. • Further, other reported DFSA cases involving synthetic cathinones has been reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant increase in the number of new psychoactive substances on the drug market has recently been a serious problem. The manuscript presents a fatal case of suicide poisoning with 3-MMC (3-methylmethcathinone). The biological material collected during the autopsy of a 19-year-old woman, transferred to the toxicological Laboratory in Katowice ToxLab, was subjected to a chemical and toxicological analysis. The toxicological analysis of blood, vitreous humor and gastric contents revealed 3-methylmetcatinone at a concentration of 800 ng/ml, 153 ng/ml and 5,5 mg, respectively. The presence of 3-MMC has also been confirmed in physical evidence secured on site. 3-methylmethcathinone is a dangerous psychoactive substance that caused the death of the 19-year-old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-analyte method for detection and quantification of 16 synthetic cathinones (known also as "bath salts") in human hair has been developed and fully validated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system. About 20 mg of hair samples, previously washed and homogenized, were ultrasonicated with 1 mL HCl 0.1 M solution. Samples were then extracted using a solid phase extraction procedure (SPE), taken to dryness and reconstituted in 100 μL mobile phase. Finally, they were directly injected into a liquid chromatographic system, coupled with tandem mass spectrometer detector. The validation criteria parameters were satisfactory according with the international guidelines. A LOQ of 5 pg/mg was obtained for 4-fluoromethcathinone (4-FMC), buphedrone, ethcathinone, methcathinone, mephedrone and naphyrone, while the method proved to be more sensitive for 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), methedrone, alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP), alpha-pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP), methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), butylone, ethylone, 3,4-dimethylmethcathinone (3,4-DMMC), pentedrone and pentylone, reaching a LOQ of 1 pg/mg. Potential use of bath salts was investigated in postmortem cases of young subjects previously tested positive at least to one traditional drug of abuse. Two samples out of 17 cases analyzed provided positive results for synthetic cathinones. One sample has been divided in two segments of 2.5 cm length each. Both segments were positive for 8 different cathinone derivatives, namely: 3,4-DMMC, 4-FMC, 4-MEC, α-PHP, α-PVP, methcathinone, methedrone and pentedrone. The second case provided positive results for ethcathinone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report our findings for the determination of 4-chloro-N,N-dimethylcathinone (4-CDC), a newly encountered NPS in drug seizures examined in our laboratory, and its differentiation from 4-chloroethcathinone (4-CEC), one of the most common cathinones examined locally, and their respective regioisomers, namely 2-CDC and 3-CDC, as well as 2-CEC and 3-CEC in routine drug analysis. As CDCs and CECs have the same molecular mass of 211 with similar and non-characteristic spectra when analysed by gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometer (GC-EI-MS), it is imperative to establish methods easily amendable for forensic laboratories to differentiate these substances unambiguously. To confirm the identity of the solid, reference standards of all regioisomers of CDC (i.e., 2-CDC, 3-CDC and 4-CDC) and CEC (i.e., 2-CEC, 3-CEC and 4-CEC) were acquired and analysed using GC-EI-MS, liquid chromatography-diode array detector (LC-DAD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) commonly used in routine forensic drug analysis. In addition, drug analysis with gas chromatography-chemical ionization-mass spectrometer (GC-CI-MS) using methane as the reagent gas operated in positive mode was also explored. It is found that using GC-EI-MS, all isomers of CDCs and CECs eluted with close but different retention times. However, the mass spectra between respective regioisomers were similar and difficult to distinguish. Using LC-DAD, the retention times of all studied cathinones were again different although there were partial overlap between 3-CDC and 4-CDC as well as between 3-CEC and 4-CEC but they all have distinguishable UV spectra. Apart from the detection of quasimolecular ion as the most prominent ion for each cathinone, GC-CI-MS is considered a superior technique to determine all six cathinones where each cathinone showed a unique fragmentation pattern for ease of identification. The analytical techniques have been applied for the examination of drug seizures where 4-CDC and 4-CEC were unambiguously identified either as a single component or mixed components in the seized materials. While FTIR is capable of providing confirmative structural information for the cathinones with each regioisomer exhibits a distinctive pattern but requiring high drug purity, LC-DAD and GC-CI-MS are demonstrated to be useful techniques that can readily differentiate structurally similar synthetic cathinones (even in mixtures) for routine forensic drug analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current trend of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) among teenagers is posing new clinical, scientific and forensic societal questions. Synthetic cathinones are among the most consumed groups of NPS appearing on the street market and internet on a regular basis. The properties of these substances change regularly, due to structural modification to circumvent legislation. This practice makes almost impossible to characterize its toxicological profiles on an acceptable time scale, mostly due to the time-consuming experiments that must be held in animal models or human cells by standard methods. Such an issue demands the development of a rapid and inexpensive methodology to be used as a high-throughput screening of cathinones' toxicity. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae shares highly conserved molecular and cellular mechanisms with human cells and has been used before for pharmacological drugs. In the present work it is proposed to use S. cerevisiae growth curves as a high throughput screening method to profile synthetic cathinones toxicity in a short time scale. The results obtained by S. cerevisiae growth curves analysis were compared to differentiated SH-SY5Y human neuronal cells and similar responses were found. The screening tool methodology has shown able to prioritize the most toxics NPS and can be useful for early warning programs on NPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3-Methylmethcathinone (3-MMC or metaphedrone) is a synthetic cathinone, recently introduced in the market of the new psychoactive substances (NPS), initially to replace mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone or 4-MMC), and rapidly widespread among drug users. 3-Methylmethcathinone is legally controlled in many countries, but is still easily available for purchase from websites, and frequently found in recreational settings. Most toxicological data on this drug come from human case reports of intoxications. Thus, further investigation on their pharmacological and toxicological properties is necessary to evaluate its potential harmful effects. The present work provides a review on the available data about 3-MMC legal status, chemistry, patterns of use, prevalence, biological effects, toxicokinetics, toxicity and factors affecting stimulant/toxicological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although there is an observed decline in the number of new psychoactive substances entering the drug market, this phenomenon is still a significant public health problem. Synthetic cathinones are the second largest group of new substances and currently belong to the most frequently confiscated. Their availability and prevalence cause that they are often abused. Because of this, they should be detected and determined as part of routine toxicological screening in materials collected from both the living and cadavers. Recent reports indicate, however, that some of them are unstable in biological matrices. The aim of the study was the systematic evaluation of changes in concentrations of synthetic cathinones in whole blood and urine samples stored long-term under different temperature conditions.Material and Methods: The study involved 17 compounds that were added to blood and urine to obtain a concentration of 100ng/mL. The material was stored at room temperature (24°C), refrigerated (5°C) and frozen (-26°C) for six months. The extraction was initially performed daily, and then at 1-4week intervals. The analyses were carried out using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The calculated drugs content over time allowed the estimation of the half-life and total degradation time of the tested compounds.Results: The conducted research indicated that the temperature and matrix have a significant influence on the stability of cathinones, as well as the pH. Significant decreases in the concentrations of some analytes were observed within just several dozen hours of storage at room temperature. The most unstable was 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC), for which the half-life in blood was determined to be <1day at room temperature, 4days in the refrigerator and 32days in the freezer. On the other hand, the most stable were 3,4-methylenedioxy derivatives (pentylone, eutylone, butylone and dibutylone). Significant differences in the rate of breakdown of cathinones in blood and urine stored at room temperature were observed. The pH of the sample had a great impact on the stability of cathinones, especially in urine.Conclusion: Many synthetic cathinones are unstable in biological materials. Changes in concentrations are observed even in recommended manner stored samples. This may lead to a lower calculated concentration than when the material was collected or at the time of death. Total decomposition of the substance is also possible. Obtained results emphasize the importance of proper storage of samples and the possibility of pre-analytical changes in concentrations, in particular during routine material transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are synthetic compounds launched within the last decade as legal alternatives to common drugs of abuse. Despite the rapid growth of the NPS market and associated concerns of widespread use, narcotics departments are struggling with many unknown issues including substance diversity and analysis problems. This study provides the first information about NPS-related substance diversity in Turkey. For this purpose, 1357 narcotics confiscated by the police between 2016 and 2017 were investigated at the request of the judicial authorities by the Narcotics Department of the Ankara Forensic Medicine Institute. The total amount of confiscated NPS-containing substances was 1725.23g and 1332.52g in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Eighteen members of synthetic cannabinoid group, six cathinone compounds, three different tryptamine compounds, and two compounds from the phenethylamine group were detected in this study. A total of 2311.405g, the synthetic cannabinoids ranked first among the evaluated NPS confiscated in two year period. The highest amount of 5-F-ADB was confiscated out of the NPS followed by 5-MeO-MiPT and ADB-FUBINACA. The first results on NPS revealed that the NPS-containing products in the Turkish drug market varied considerably in amount and content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic laboratories are faced with an ever-expanding seized drug landscape including the increasing prevalence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), such as synthetic cathinones, that have varying potencies and scheduling. This study demonstrates a combined gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy approach for the differentiation of N -butyl pentylone isomers based on distinct retention times, characteristic EI mass spectra, and NMR characterization. Retention time reproducibility was assessed from 60 replicate measurements for each isomer over the course of a month. In addition, the effect of the mass spectrometer tune and the stability of an identified characteristic ion ratio using spectral data from ± 1 scan on either side of the peak apex were also statistically assessed using Welch's ANOVA testing. The presence of diastereomers for N - sec -butyl pentylone was identified using the developed GC-EI-MS method, which was confirmed using one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The retention time reproducibility of the chromatographic method was ± 0.076% or less over the course of a month. An identified characteristic ion ratio between the abundance of the fragment ion at m/z 128 and the fragment ion at m/z 72 enabled the differentiation of the four N -butyl pentylone isomers, even when accounting for the effect of the mass spectrometer tune and mass spectral scans used to calculate the characteristic ion ratio. The 95% confidence interval mean abundance ratio of the fragment ions at m/z 128 and m/z 72 was 17.14 ± 0.14 for N -butyl pentylone, 6.44 ± 0.05 for N -isobutyl pentylone, 3.38 ± 0.02 for N - sec -butyl pentylone, and 0.75 ± 0.01 for N - tert -butyl pentylone. These results highlight the capabilities of a combined GC-EI-MS and NMR approach for the differentiation and characterization of synthetic cathinone isomers. [Display omitted] • Combined GC-EI-MS and NMR approach for differentiating synthetic cathinone isomers. • Differentiation by retention time and a characteristic ion ratio for GC-EI-MS. • Achieved isomer differentiation even with tune and mass spectral scan variability. • Characterized N -butyl pentylone isomers using NMR spectroscopy. • Chromatographically separated N -sec-butyl pentylone diastereomers using GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is currently among the methods of choice for the analysis of synthetic cathinones. However, these analytes are extremely labile, and classical electron ionization (EI) results in excessive and relatively uninformative fragmentation, yielding little to no molecular ions. Cold EI reduces the internal energy of the analytes by expansion of supersonic molecular beams prior to their ionization, leading to improved molecular ion information. In this study, classical and cold EI were compared for the analysis of synthetic cathinones. We demonstrated that cold electron ionization produced enhanced molecular ion intensity for most of the bath salts considered, as well as more informative fragmentation. Principal component analysis showed that cold EI mass spectra are more discriminative than those obtained by classical EI. MS/MS can offer improved confidence in synthetic cathinone identification even in cases where the relative intensity of the molecular ion is very low in MS spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Synthetic cathinones are encountered in a variety of antemortem and postmortem forensic toxicology investigations. Earlier experimental studies using fortified urine have evaluated analyte, temperature and pH-dependent variables associated with their stability. The purpose of this study was to compare experimental findings with those obtained using authentic urine from cathinone users.Methods: In this report we compare cathinone concentrations in 180 authentic unpreserved urine specimens, following known periods of refrigerated storage. These findings are compared with previously published experimental data using fortified drug-free urine. Liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q/TOF-MS) was used to target 22 cathinones. Quantitative results were compared in urine specimens (pH 4.5-10) following 5-17 months of storage.Results: The 180 specimens resulted in 164 quantitative findings involving α-PVP, ethylone, methylone, MDPV and pentylone. Initial drug concentrations ranged from 25ng/mL to over 100,000ng/mL. Upon reanalysis, the percentage of drug remaining (0-119%) was correlated with storage time and specimen pH. The ability to reconfirm original results was not correlated with storage time. Instead, specimen pH was far more predictive. The relationship between initial and final drug concentration was highly pH-dependent, yielding significant correlations for α-PVP, ethylone and methylone, particularly under acidic conditions.Conclusions: These results are in good agreement with experimental findings and highlight the critical importance of specimen pH, rather than conventional time dependent variables, when considering cathinone stability in biological samples. The potential for pre-analytical changes in cathinone concentrations must be carefully considered when interpreting their results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In principle, new psychoactive substances (NPSs) are produced to circumvent drug regulations. However, the mixed success of regulatory efforts suggests that the dynamics of marketing is incompletely understood. To address this issue, we conducted a comprehensive study on the marketing of all synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones present in Hungary over ten years. Market evaluation was based on drug seizure data and chemical analyses provided by the Hungarian Institute for Forensic Sciences. Over ten years, 18 synthetic cannabinoids and 11 cathinones were identified. Total seizure counts were 22,906 and 10,273, respectively. When new synthetic cannabinoids emerged, seizures increased exponentially, but rapidly declined after their banning. In parallel, new synthetic cannabinoids emerged on the market. The systematic monitoring of local legislation allowed large sales between market introduction and legal control. Cathinones were also marketed in successive waves, but trading intensity was not associated with local regulations. Sales remained low throughout, likely because the risks involved by the temporal mismatch between marketing and legal control. One can hypothesize that marketing was driven by general trends in EU regulations or by measures taken by large countries. Our findings imply the existence of two different strategies for NPS marketing. The choice between the two may depend on multiple factors from the availability of skills required by rapid marketing adjustments to cost/benefit evaluations for various market segments. Studying NPS market strategies in neighboring and distant EU countries may help analyzing and predicting market events. • 18 new synthetic cannabinoids and 11 cathinones emerged in Hungary over 10 years. • Both categories of compounds were marketed in waves. • Shift to new synthetic cannabinoids was triggered by newly introduced regulations. • Cathinone marketing did not follow local regulations. • Traffickers followed two different marketing strategies in Hungary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the beginning of 2015, sixty-two capsules containing red-brown crystals seized in a historical city in Brazil were sent to this forensic laboratory for drug testing analysis. The material was identified as being Brephedrone, a new psychoactive substance and a bromine synthetic cathinone that is related to serotonin transportation. This substance was analyzed by ATR-FTIR, GC-MS, LC-MS, 1H, 13C and 2D NMR. Brephedrone apprehensions have been previously reported in Finland, France and Spain. It was the first detection of this substance in the State of Minas Gerais. No reports or information regarding any other apprehension nor identification of Brephedrone in Brazil were known prior to the present case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic cathinones are new stimulant drugs derived from cathinone that have been sold as “legal highs” worldwide. These compounds can elicit powerful effects such as delusions, hallucinations as well as other potentially dangerous behavior. New analogs with varying effects and potencies are constantly introduced in the market to evade legislation, and they are not detected by routine screening and confirmation methods. Oral fluid is an alternative matrix of increasing interest in forensic toxicology. Its collection is non-invasive and easily supervised, and positive drug findings typically reflect recent drug exposure. The focus of this research was to develop a method for the determination of 10 synthetic cathinones (cathinone, methcathinone, buphedrone, mephedrone, 4-methylethcathinone, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), methylone, naphyrone, alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (PVP) and N -ethylcathinone) in preserved oral fluid (Quantisal™), as well as evaluate their stability in preserved (Quantisal and Oral-Eze™) and neat oral fluid samples stored under different conditions, using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MSMS). Four-hundred microliters oral fluid-Quantisal buffer mixture (100 μL oral fluid and 300 μL buffer) were subjected to cation exchange solid phase extraction. The chromatographic reverse-phase separation was achieved with a gradient mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid in water and in acetonitrile in 5 min. We used a Shimadzu triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The assay was linear from 1 to 250 ng/mL, with the limits of detection of 0.75–1 ng/mL. Imprecision (n = 15) was <20.7% and accuracy (n = 15) was 84–115.3%. Extraction efficiency was 87.2–116.8% (n = 6), process efficiency was 30.9–103.7% (n = 6), and matrix effect was −65.1 to −6.2% (CV 2.5–15.1%, n = 6). The stability was performed for neat oral fluid, oral fluid in Quantisal buffer, and oral fluid in Oral-Eze buffer samples stored up to one month at room temperature, 4 °C and −20 °C, and after 3 freeze–thaw cycles. Losses up to −71.2 to −100% were observed in neat and preserved samples stored at room temperature up to one month. At 4 °C, losses up to −88.2% occurred in neat OF and Oral-Eze samples, while Quantisal samples showed losses up to −34%. All types samples were stable if stored at −20 °C and after 3 freeze–thaw cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a synthetic cathinone belonging to the class of α-pyrrolidinophenones that become increasingly popular as a designer psychostimulant. Here, we report a comprehensive collection of MDPV exposure with quantitative serum level confirmation in Germany. During the years 2014-2016, we could proof consumption of MDPV in 23 cases where urine and blood samples were submitted to our laboratory by the police of Lower Saxony. Most of the samples underwent systematic toxicological analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), where MDPV could be detected in urine and/or serum samples. The determined concentrations of MDPV in serum showed a high variability, ranging from traces (<10ng/mL) up to 576ng/mL with a mean concentration of 118ng/mL and median of 47ng/mL. The majority of MDPV users were men (87%) and the age ranged from 23 to 49 years (mean 35.9, median 37 years). For most of the analytically confirmed MDPV cases we could prove co-consumption of other psychotropic drugs with frequent occurrence of opiates and cannabinoids in 22% of the cases, followed by benzodiazepines and cocaine in 17%. Analysis of urine samples by GC-MS disclosed the presence of MDPV and its metabolites 2'-oxo-MDPV, demethylenyl-MDPV, demethylenyl-methyl-MDPV, demethylenyl-oxo-MDPV, demethylenyl-methyl-oxo-MDPV and demethylenyl-methyl-N,N-bisdealkyl-MDPV. The metabolite pattern substantiates previous suggestions for principle metabolic pathways of MDPV in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Scott test, widely used as the field test for cocaine, is performed in three steps. If a sample contains cocaine, blue precipitates appear in step 1, the precipitates are dissolved and the solution turns pink in step 2, and the lower layer turns blue in step 3. However, some pyrrolidine-type cathinones produce cocaine-like results when tested, necessitating modification of the test procedure. Filtration of the secondstep mixture weakened the blue color in step 3; however, the blue color did not completely disappear. Adding the Chen-Kao reagent to the test procedure enhanced the differentiation: when the reagent was added to cocaine, the solution was initially turbid, but then became clear over time; its addition to cathinones resulted in turquoise or light sky-blue precipitation. These results indicated that the Chen-Kao test was useful for exclusion of cathinones. A combination of the modified Scott test and the Chen-Kao test was successfully applied to the forensic samples containing cocaine or pyrrolidine-type cathinones. In conclusion, a combination of these tests will be the useful field-test procedure for cocaine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the last decade, the hype of the recreational use of novel psychoactive drugs is still on its top in entire Europe. Every year, new derivatives enter the drug market and enlarge the broad spectrum of misused drugs. Many of these compounds contain a stereogenic centre and therefore two enantiomers exist. It is obvious that the pharmacological potency of the isomers differ as it is already known from various pharmaceutical ingredients. Therefore, the development of analytical methods for the chiral separation of new psychoactive substances is of great medical and forensic interest. The aim of this study was to establish an enantioseparation method, which is applicable at equal conditions for different drug compound classes including cathinones, amphetamines, benzofurans, thiophenes, phenidine and phenidate derivatives. A commercially available Lux® Cellulose-2 column consisting of cellulose tris(3-chloro-4-methylphenylcarbamate) coated on silica gel was found to be appropriate for the chiral separation of the mentioned drug classes. Experiments were performed under isocratic conditions in polar organic phase mode using UV-detection. With a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile:isopropanol:diethylamine:formic acid (100%) (95:5:0.1:0.1) 40 out of 43 psychoactive compounds were successfully baseline or partially separated. 3-Fluoroamphetamine, 4-fluoroamphetamine and 1-(benzofuran-6-yl)-N-ethylpropan-2-amine were not chirally separated. The established method enabled enantioseparation of a broad spectrum of different psychoactive compounds under equal conditions. Forty of forty-three compounds were separated in their enantiomers, thus this method has a wide applicability for the enantioseparation of novel psychoactive drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-Methylethcathinone (4-MEC) and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) are synthetic cathinones. The objective of this study was to develop a method in order to measure these compounds in hair of a patient. After decontamination, 20mg of hair were grinded and incubated in phosphate buffer pH 5.0 in presence of 100ng of MDMA-d5 used as internal standard. Double basic liquid-liquid extraction was performed. Samples were separated on a 1.9μm Hypersil GOLD PFP column (100×2.1mm) using gradient elution. Compounds were detected by a LCQ TSQ Vantage XP triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. SRM transitions m/z 192.1→146.1 and 174.2, m/z 276.1→175.0 and 205.1 and m/z 199.1→165.1 were used for 4-MEC, MDPV and IS, respectively. The assay was accurate and precise over the range 0.001 (lower limit of quantification) to 1ng/mg in hair. No matrix effect was observed. The method has been applied to a 30-year-old man who usually consumed cathinones for 6 months administered intravenously and was admitted to a general hospital for delirious and tachycardia after absorption of 10g of a powder sold as 4-MEC and 5g of MDPV. Both 4-MEC (30ng/mg) and MDPV (1ng/mg) were identified in the hair at high concentrations showing a regular consumption of these drugs. Many others compounds were also identified (mephedrone, MDMA, MDA, cocaine and metabolites, tramadol, hydroxyzine, aripiprazole, haloperidol). Few data are available on concentration of these new designer drugs in hair however important in order to determine the acute or chronic consumption of these drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and efficient identification of the precise isomeric form of new psychoactive substances (NPS) by forensic casework laboratories is a relevant challenge in the forensic field. Differences in legal status occur for ring-isomeric species of the same class, thus leading to different penalties and judicial control. Portable systems such as near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy recently emerged as suitable techniques for the on-scene identification of common drugs of abuse such as cocaine, MDMA and amphetamine. This way, the overall forensic process becomes more efficient as relevant information on substance identity becomes available directly at the scene of crime. Currently, no NIR-based applications exist for the rapid, on-scene detection of NPS isomers. Herein, we present the differentiation of cathinone and phenethylamine-type NPS analogues based on their NIR spectrum recorded in 2 seconds on a portable 1350 - 2600 nm spectrometer. A prior developed data analysis model was found suitable for the identification of the methylmethcathinone (MMC) isomers 2-MMC, 3-MMC and 4-MMC. In 51 mixtures and 22 seized casework samples, the correct isomeric form was detected in all cases except for a few mixtures with an active ingredient content of 10 wt%. These results show the feasibility of on-site NPS detection as presumptive test performed directly at the scene of crime with a small size NIR-spectrometer. Additionally, in the illicit drug analysis laboratory the combination of NIR and GC-MS analysis might be suitable for robust identification of NPS isomers and analogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we identified three novel hydrochloride salts of cathinones 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)pentan-1-one (1a) (TH-PVP), 2-(methylamino)-1-(2-methylphenyl)-1-propanone (1b) (2-MMC) and 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)propan-1-one (1c) (4-CMC). Their properties have been examined through combinations of GC-MS, IR, NMR, electronic absorption spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction method. NMR solution spectra showed readily diagnostic H-1 and C-13 signals from methyl, N-methyl and carbonyl groups. Additionally the use of thionation and amination reactions for identification of selected cathinones was presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) can be defined as sexual activity occurring whereby the victim is incapacitated by drugs and/or alcohol and thereby unable to consent. A new wave of designer drugs is emerging in the community at large and one group, the synthetic cathinones, is described in this study. Analyzing urine samples from reported sexual assaults submitted to the University of Miami Toxicology Lab in 2013 determined that methylone has become a popular drug encountered in these cases. Derivatization of these synthetic cathinones enabled a validated a qualitative method to identify ten different designer drugs. Of the forty-five sexual assault samples submitted, 13% were positive for synthetic cathinones without any toxicological finding of ethanol, GHB or ketamine. This study illustrates the recent correlation of drug-facilitated sexual assaults and the use of synthetic cathinones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designer: phenethylamines (PEAs) and cathinones have been encountered worldwide. Complete characterization of these substances can be challenging due to their chirality and variably substituted phenyl rings. In this study, 24 PEAs and cathinones were analyzed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with photo diode array detection (UHPLC-PDA) on a variety of stationary phases, and by capillary electrophoresis on a dynamically coated capillary with PDA detection (CE-PDA). In the UHPLC-PDA study, a BEH Phenyl column resolved 18 of the 24 regioisomers in 8 min, with good discrimination of the PEAs. In contrast, capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) on a dynamically coated capillary partially or baseline resolved only 10 of the 24 regioisomers, but with improved discrimination of mono-substituted cathinones. A second series of CE-PDA experiments using 80 mM (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) in the run buffer resolved all 24 regioisomers and all but two sets of enantiomers within 18 min. Five illicit samples were successfully analyzed using the described methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary phase I metabolites of α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone (α-PBP) in humans were investigated by analyzing urine specimens obtained from drug abusers. Unequivocal identification and accurate quantification of major metabolites were realized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with newly synthesized authentic standards. Two major phase I metabolic pathways were revealed: (1) reduction of the ketone group to 1-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butan-1-ol (OH-α-PBP, diastereomers) partly followed by conjugation to its glucuronide and (2) oxidation at the 200-position of the pyrrolidine ring to α-(200-oxo-pyrrolidino)butiophenone (200-oxo-α-PBP) via the putative intermediate α-(200-hydroxypyrrolidino)butiophenone (200-OH-α-PBP). Of the phase I metabolites retaining the structural characteristics of the parent drug, OH-α-PBP was the most abundant in all specimens examined. Comparison of the phase I metabolism of α-PBP and α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) suggested a relationship between the aliphatic side chain length and the metabolic pathways in apyrrolidinophenones: the shorter aliphatic side chain (1) led to more extensive metabolism via reduction of the ketone group than via the oxidation at the 200-position of the pyrrolidine ring and (2) influenced the isomeric ratio of a pair of diastereomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We observed the decomposition of the hydrochloride salt of a-pyrrolidinoheptanophenone (a-PHPPHCl), a newly distributed pyrrolidine-type cathinone derivative when 2.5 ng of this substance was placed in glass test tubes and stored in a refrigerator for 3 days. To further investigate this phenomenon, we studied the (i) time course of the residual ratios of α-PHPP-HCl when a small amount (10 |xg) of a-PHPPHCl was stored in glass vials in air at room temperature; (identificationi) identification of the decomposition products of a-PHPP-HCl; (iii) effect of air on the decomposition process; (iv) effect of the added amounts of a - PHPP-HCl on its decomposition; and (v) comparison of the stability between various cathinone derivatives and their decomposition products. The decomposition of α-PHPP-HCl occurred in air and increased with time. Two possible decomposition products, α-(2"-oxopyrrolidino)heptanophenone and a-PHPP-N-oxide, were identified These products were formed by oxygen in air because the yield significantly decreased by storing them in a vacuum desiccator. With the decrease in the amount of a - PHPP-HCl, the residual ratios decreased and amount of the decomposition products increased. This indicates that the decomposition of a-PHPP-HCl occurred on the upper surface of the samples. The hydrochloride salts of other cathinone derivatives were also unstable in air, and the residual ratios observed were different depending on the compounds. The pyrrolidine-type cathinone derivatives afforded two types of decomposition products, which were presumed to be 2"-oxo and N-oxide derivatives, similar to a-PHPP-HCl. In contrast, secondary amine-type cathinone derivatives showed different decomposition patterns, possibly including the dealkylated derivative. These findings may be very useful for the future toxicological analysis of cathinone derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of a large number of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) in recent years poses a serious problem to clinical and forensic toxicologists. Here we report a patient who administrated ca. 500mg of 3-MMC (3-methyl-N-methylcathinone) and 400mg of 5-APB (5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran) in combination with 80g of ethyl alcohol. The clinical manifestations included agitation, seizures, hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia and bradycardia. The patient did not recover and died around 4h after the use of drugs. The cause of death was acute cardiovascular collapse that occurred following mixed intoxication with NPSs and alcohol. Toxicological analysis of post-mortem blood revealed 3-MMC and 5-APB in concentrations of 1.6μg/mL and 5.6μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the serum alcohol concentration was 1.4g/L in ante-mortem sample collected 1h after admission to the hospital. This is the first report on blood concentration of 3-MMC and 5-APB in fatal intoxication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic cathinones are a class of designer drugs that have captured the attention of researchers and law enforcement agencies around the world. Driven by heightening legal restrictions, this class of drugs now encompasses a large number of psychoactive substances. The detection and characterization of these drugs is complicated by the ever-growing size of the cathinone family. This has fueled the development of unambiguous identification of these drugs in various matrices. There are, however, very few methods reported for improving presumptive screening of seized materials. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of the standard 63Ni ionization ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) technique for the screening and identification of representative cathinones and associated psychoactive compounds. We discuss the effectiveness of the instrument as a screening tool for cathinones by the analyses of 13 typical cathinone products marketed as ''bath salts''. Our results show that the ion mobility spectrometer is an acceptable rapid and efficient screening tool for cathinones, positively detecting at least one cathinone in 77% of the samples tested. In addition, we describe an electrospray ionization (ESI) high performance IMS (HPIMS) method for these compounds. The method offers advantages in direct sample ionization and higher resolution. Mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to the HPIMS technique gives the added benefit of identification of ion peaks in products with mixtures of closely related cathinones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirteen ''legal highs'' were purchased in different ''smart shops'' in the area of Lisbon, Portugal, during the month of February 2013. The samples were analyzed by a battery of analytical methods including Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF). Active ingredients were found either as single component or in mixtures in the different products. The cathinone derivative methedrone was present in three products; it is suspected to have a particular high toxicity and narrow therapeutic window linked with the methoxy group. A total of seven compounds were identified: 4-fluoromethcathinone, ethcathinone, buphedrone, methedrone, pentedrone, 3,4-dimethylmethcathinone and 4-methylethcathinone. Analytical profiles of all the samples were obtained and compared Elemental composition of the products was obtained by XRF analysis. The inorganic profiles obtained contain useful information and can be used to distinguish and classify samples according to their origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine new derivatives of cathinone, which are not covered by present illicit-drug laws in Israel and other countries have been synthesized and characterized. Unlikemost of themodified cathinones on the illicit drug market, these compounds are obtained by modifying the carbonyl group of the parent compound. The new group contains cyclic ketals and thioketals, oximes and hydrazone, of cathinone and of cathinone phthalimide. Cathinone is readily regenerated from the new derivatives by acid hydrolysis. Consequently, they can be regarded as potential pro-drugs, and their inclusion in the illicit-drugs bylaws should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in the chemical composition of illicit tablets and powders is common among samples within a given drug seizure. Using microchip electrophoresis (ME), multiple tablets can be screened in a costeffective and timely manner. This method could be used in conjunction with reporting methods that focus solely on statistical sampling to infer homogeneity or otherwise of a larger subset of tablets. Some frequently observed synthetic cathinones, often present in illicit tablets seized in New Zealand, were chosen for analysis. An ME device (Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100) was used to electrophoretically separate synthetic cathinones. The background electrolyte was composed of a 50 mM sodium tetraborate buffer with 50 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate at pH 9.66. Analytes were derivatised prior to analysis for 3 min at 90 °C, employing fluorescein isothiocyanate isomer I (FITC). A characteristic fluorescent profile was obtained for each tablet, in terms of the number of constituents, relative peak height ratios and migration times. The repeatability of the developed method was assessed for a wide range of tablets and relative standard deviations of 0.4-5.2% and 1.6-5.5% were calculated for migration times and peak height ratios, respectively. The use of microchip tablet profiles in the forensic case comparison of illicit drug seizure samples in realistic scenarios is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic drugs, often marketed as ''legal highs,'' are entering the drug market at an accelerated pace. Analysis of these ''designer drugs'' and the determination of their composition are necessary in order to aid law enforcement and also to understand what potential users may be subjected to. Ten synthetic cathinones were identified in 14 separate street samples analyzed utilizing a variety of techniques, including gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MS) and flame ionization (GCFID). Additionally, preparatory high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the fractionation of multi-component samples and the use of direct infusion tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was necessary to identify compounds which were not available as reference materials. These cathinones include 3,4-methylenedioxy pyrovalerone (MDPV), 3,4-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone (MDPBP), 4-fluoromethcathinone (4-FMC), butylone, mephedrone, naphyrone, 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), ethcathinone, α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP), and 3-methyl-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (3-MPPP). Concentrations of the active compounds varied between samples. For example, MDPV was determined to be the most common cathinone. It was found in five of the 14 samples and ranged from 11% to 73% between samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A capillary electrophoretic method, which allowed the detection and separation of the active principles of Catha edulis, i.e. cathinone, cathine and phenylpropanolamine, was developed. A suitable internal standard (nicotinamide), which permitted the quantification of the analytes reducing the variability of the migration times due to EOF changes, was identified. The analytical method was validated, assessing linearity, sensitivity and repeatability, showing optimal features for the analysis of the vegetable material. Moreover extraction conditions were investigated to achieve the exhaustion of the plant material in the fastest and most efficient way to meet the requirements of the Court. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Australia has seen an increase in the importation and use of drugs that are marketed and sold as “Legal Highs”. These compounds have largely tended to be various cathinone analogues, with 4-methylmethcathinone the most prominent to date. In January 2009, unknown samples were submitted for analysis along with a large seizure of 3-fluoromethcathinone as part of a police operation. The samples were analysed and determined to be 3,5-difluoromethcathinone and 3,5-dichloromethcathinone. These compounds were synthesised and characterised. The GC–MS data of the samples and their N-acetyl derivatives, NMR, vapour-phase and condensed-phase IR for these previously unreported compounds are presented. This analytical data will enable laboratories to confirm the presence of these compounds in the absence of commercially available reference standards. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the last years, all the vegetable material supposed to belong to the Catha Edulis species, seized at the Malpensa and Orio al Serio airports, were analyzed in our laboratory on behalf of the Tribunals of Busto Arsizio and Bergamo, respectively. After a preliminary botanic examination, the quali–quantitative determination of the active principles cathinone, cathine and phenylpropanolamine (PPA) was carried out by means of GC/MS and GC/FID techniques, which meet the requirements of the forensic analyses. We developed a fast, effective and reliable derivatization procedure which allowed to simultaneously detect cathine and PPA, whose discrimination is mandatory since PPA is not a psychoactive agent. Cathine was distributed in the various parts of the plant (leaves and stems) and its quantity ranged from 0.03% to 0.17% of the weight of the vegetable material; PPA was not detected in the twigs and its quantity in the leaves ranged from 0.07% to 0.16%. The quantitative determination of cathinone was carried out directly on the methanol solution after maceration of the vegetable material, its quantity ranging from 0.02% to 0.10%. No significant difference in the content of the two active principles was found between the fresh and the dried material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The first synthesis of the 2,3-isomers of MDPV, butylone and methylone is reported. The isomers were characterised by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and compared to the corresponding 3,4-isomers. A GC method is described which separates the 3,4- and the 2,3-isomers from each other. IR spectra of the 2,3-isomers are also compared with the corresponding 3,4-isomers. Two seized drug samples were analysed by GCMS and the samples were found to contain the 3,4-isomers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A primary concern with the forensic analysis of the khat plant (Catha edulis) has been the need to preserve the principle psychoactive component, cathinone, which converts to the less-active substance, cathine, after harvesting. The loss of cathinone has serious legal implications since it is a Schedule I controlled substance under federal regulations in the United States, while cathine is Schedule IV. A common misconception is that cathinone is highly unstable once the plant is harvested, and may be undetectable upon drying and prolonged storage. However, drying the plant material will preserve cathinone. Numerous seizures of a dried form of khat (referred to as “graba” in the United States) have been made in recent years, suggesting that drying the plant material is a viable approach to preserve khat evidence for both storage and reanalysis. A qualitative and quantitative study of the composition of khat samples seized as dried plant material has found the khat alkaloids to be relatively stable for a monitored period of 3 years, and cathinone has remained identifiable while stored at room temperature for over 10 years. Studies of green khat (received moist) have also determined that drying the moist leaves at either room temperature or by the application of heat are suitable methods to preserve cathinone in the dried material. These findings demonstrate that cathinone persists in dried khat for a time frame of several years, and simple drying techniques are an effective means to preserve seized khat evidence for long-term storage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hallucinogenic mushrooms (e.g. Psilocybe and Panaeolus species) as well as leaves and young shoots of the khat tree (Catha edulis Forsk) are illicit drugs in many countries. The exact concentration of the hallucinogenic alkaloids psilocin and psilocybin in mushrooms and the sympathomimetic alkaloids cathinone and cathine in khat is usually essential for jurisdiction. Facing an increasing number of mushroom and khat seizures by German customs authorities, a convenient comprehensive quantitative HPLC method based on cation-exchange liquid chromatography for these rather “exotic” drugs has been developed which avoids time-consuming multi-step sample preparation or chemical derivatization procedures. Using this method a number of different hallucinogenic fungi species and products that are mainly distributed via the internet have been analysed (dried and fresh Psilocybe cubensis Singer as well as P. cubensis collected from “grow boxes”, Panaeolus cyanescens Berkeley and Broome and so-called “philosopher stones” (sclerotia of Psilocybe species)). Highest total amounts of psilocin have been detected in dried P. cyanescens reaching up to 3.00±0.24mg per 100mg. The distribution of khat alkaloids in different parts of the khat shoots has been studied. High concentrations of cathinone have not only been detected in leaves but also in green parts and barks of stalks. Additionally, the sample treatment for fresh mushroom and khat samples has been optimised. Highest amounts of alkaloids were found when fresh material was freeze-dried. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Few studies have reported the prevalence or incidence about the consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPS). The hair analysis can be useful for this purpose. At the present, ketamine is the most consumed arylcyclohexylamine associated to young consumers and polyconsumption profiles. For this reason, ketamine consumer cases become very interesting to provide information on NPS prevalence. In this work, ten former cases of the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Science (INTCF) of Madrid Department (INTCFM), all of them belonging to defendants accused of crimes against public health and who had been found positive to ketamine, were reassessed. At the first toxicological analysis of those hair samples, a positive consume in ketamine had been determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In this work, the same hair samples were reanalyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry ( UHPLC-HRMS/MS) using an incubation methanolic extraction combined with a single, simpler, non-selective and direct sample pre-treatment. After corroborating the GC-MS results previously obtained for the same samples, the detection of additional NPS using this new methodology evidenced its benefits and opened the possibility to perform a NPS prevalence study. In brief, in those cases with a positive consumption in ketamine, a polyconsumption of other drugs and NPS was found, including different arylcyclohexylamines as deschloroketamine, 3-MeO-PCP and methoxetamine; and cathinones as methylmetcathinone and N-ethyl-pentylone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the herbal stimulant khat (Catha edulis FORSK) is maintained by immigrants from countries where it is part of their cultural life (Arabian Peninsula and eastern Africa). In western countries the drug and its effects are largely unknown and no experience in evaluating impairment symptoms due to the khat-alkaloids, e.g. cathinone, cathine and norephedrine exists.Blood and urine samples from khat users involved in 19 cases of suspected driving under the influence of drugs were analysed and correlated with the results of medical examination and police officer reports. In 3 cases impaired driving and in 10 cases marked impairment of psychophysical functions was observed such as effects on the nervous system (slow pupil reaction to light, dry mouth, increased heart-rate), trembling, restlessness/nervousness, daze/apathy/dullness, impairment of attention, walking and standing on one leg. However, the alkaloid concentrations assayed in blood did not correlate with the impairment symptoms. Apart from an acute phase of indirect sympathomimetic action the development of habituation and withdrawal symptoms must also be considered in explaining the diversity of effects observed. From these results it can be concluded that chewing khat may severely impair driving ability, but may also be without noticeable effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]