Comprehensive evaluation of drug cases in Seoul and its metropolitan areas - 2022

Raman spectroscopic detection of synthetic cannabinoid-related 1H-indazole-3-carboxamide on seized paper stamps: A forensic challenge in providing nondestructive analyses and feasible counterevidence

BACKGROUND

Synthetic cannabinoids challenge forensic laboratories, which typically rely on sample-consuming chromatography-mass spectrometry. Criminalistic regulations mandate preserving seized material for potential judicial counterevidence requests. Raman spectroscopy emerges as a promising detection method, maintaining the chemical integrity of evidence for future examinations.

RESULTS

This study utilized two distinct Raman spectroscopy methodologies to detect 1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (core-linker) in synthetic cannabinoids found on seized paper stamps: 785 nm dispersive Raman microscope (direct analysis) and 1064 nm FT-Raman (with difference spectroscopy). Both methods confirmed seven core-linker bands, corroborated by Density Functional Theory calculations. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry, and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance analyses confirmed the presence of ADB-5'Br-butinaca, representing its first documented identification in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

SIGNIFICANCE

The present investigation demonstrates Raman spectroscopy's efficacy for non-destructive detection of synthetic cannabinoids in seized materials. By identifying a core-linker and confirming ADB-5'Br-butinaca, it addresses the forensic challenge of preserving evidence while enabling rapid analysis. Both vibrational spectroscopy approaches offer highly effective tools for selective structural elucidation of this globally expanding class of psychoactive substances.

In vitro CB1 receptor activity of halogenated indazole synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists

Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are a group of new psychoactive substances (NPS) that bind to and activate the cannabinoid 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) receptors. Following the introduction of SCRA analog controls in China in July 2021, new SCRAs with a bromine at the 5 position on the indazole core emerged on the recreational drug market. In this study, the in vitro CB1 receptor activity of 19 different SCRAs with a halogenated indazole core was systematically examined using a AequoScreen® CB1 assay alongside four available non-halogenated analogs, ADB-BUTINACA, MDMB-BUTINACA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, and MDMB-INACA, and the newly emerged MDMB-5'Me-INACA (MDMB-5-methyl-INACA). Of SCRAs with a substitution at the 5 position on the indazole core, analogs with a fluorine had the lowest EC50 values. For SCRAs with a methyl ester head moiety (MMB or MDMB), chlorinated analogs had the next lowest EC50 values followed by brominated analogs; however, the opposite relationship was observed for SCRAs with an amide head moiety (AB or ADB). All halogenated compounds had similar potency to their non-halogenated analog, except the brominated tert-leucine methyl ester SCRAs, which had significantly reduced potency. Of the different head moieties, tert-leucine methyl ester SCRAs were the most potent, followed by tert-leucinamide, valinamide, and valine methyl ester. The potencies of the SCRAs with pentyl (ADB-5'Br-PINACA/ADMB-5'Br-PINACA/ADB-P-5'Br-INACA), pent-4-enyl (ADB-4en-5'Br-PINACA/ADMB-4en-5'Br-PINACA/ADB-4en-P-5'Br-INACA and MDMB-4en-5'Br-PINACA/MDMB-4en-P-5'Br-INACA), and butyl tails (ADB-5'Br-BUTINACA/ADMB-5'Br-BUTINACA/ADB-B-5'Br-INACA) were not significantly different, whereas fluorobenzyl (ADB-5'Br-FUBINACA), tail-less (ADB-5'Br-INACA), and decyl tail (ADB-5'Br-DECINACA/ADMB-5'Br-DECINACA/ADB-D-5'Br-INACA) analogs were significantly less potent.

Predictors of self-assessed likelihood of future drug use among Korean adults: the role of health beliefs and personality traits

Substance use is a growing public health concern in South Korea. However, research on the predictive factors influencing future drug use remains limited. This study examined the self-assessed likelihood of future drug use in a sample of 3,000 Korean adults aged 19-59 years, focusing on health beliefs and personality traits as predictors. Using multiple regression analysis based on the health belief model (HBM) and selected personality traits, we explored how perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, hope for the future, and sensation-seeking influence the likelihood of drug use. The results indicated that demographic factors such as sex, age, and income had limited predictive power. In contrast, past drug use and recent violence-related trauma significantly increased the likelihood of future drug use. Higher perceived susceptibility was associated with an increased likelihood of drug use, whereas greater self-efficacy was associated with a reduced likelihood. Among the personality traits, hope for the future was found to decrease, and sensation-seeking to increase the likelihood of drug use. This study underscores the need for interventions to enhance self-control and reduce drug accessibility. However, limitations such as reliance on self-reported data and a cross-sectional design suggest the need for longitudinal studies and culturally adapted measures in future research. These advances are crucial for validating and extending these findings, ultimately contributing to more effective drug prevention strategies.

Comparative effects of Health Qigong and closed motor exercise on the physical and mental health of female drug rehabilitation participants: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Drug rehabilitation is a challenging process that impacts both the physical and mental health of individuals. Traditional martial arts, such as Health Qigong, and closed motor exercises, such as power cycling, have shown potential benefits in improving health outcomes. This study aims to compare the effects of Health Qigong, closed motor exercises, and their combination on the physical and mental health of female drug rehabilitation participants.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, female participants from the Jilin Province Women's Compulsory Isolation Drug Rehabilitation Center were randomly assigned to three groups: Health Qigong (QigongG), Closed Motor Exercise (ClosedG), and Combined Health Qigong and Closed Motor Exercise (CombinedG). Measurements were taken at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention and included resting heart rate, vital capacity, choice reaction time, sleep quality, and relapse tendency.

RESULTS

At the study's conclusion, the ClosedG group showed significant improvements in relapse tendency, vital capacity, and sleep quality compared to baseline. The QigongG showed significant improvements in relapse tendency, sleep quality, and choice reaction compared to baseline. The CombinedG group demonstrated significant improvements in relapse tendency, vital capacity, sleep quality, and choice reaction time, outperforming the ClosedG groups in reaction time, and outperforming QigongG groups in vital capacity. The CombinedG group exhibited the most notable overall improvements.

CONCLUSION

The combined intervention of Health Qigong and closed motor exercises is more effective in improving physical and mental health metrics among female drug rehabilitation participants than either intervention alone. These findings suggest that incorporating a combination of traditional martial arts and closed motor exercises could enhance rehabilitation programs for drug rehabilitation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06454565. The date of registration is 2024.07.11 (Retrospectively registered).

Impact of structured exercise interventions on health outcomes in drug rehabilitation patients: a comparative study of open and closed exercises

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the effects of open and closed exercise interventions on the physical and mental health of individuals undergoing substance use disorder (SUD). We examined changes in tendency of recurrence of use, vital capacity (VC), resting heart rate (RHR), sleep quality, and choice reaction time.

METHODS

Conducted over six months at the drug rehabilitation center, 95 participants were randomly assigned to closed exercise, open exercise, or control group. Outcome measures were taken at baseline, three months, and six months.

RESULTS

Both exercise groups showed significant improvements in reduction of return-to-use risk and VC compared to baseline. Open exercise groups showed earlier significant improvements in risk of return to use at three months. No significant changes were observed in RHR. Both exercise groups showed significant improvements in sleep quality, with the open exercise group also showing significant improvements in choice reaction time. At six months, both exercise groups showed significant improvements over the control group in tendency of recurrence of use, VC, and sleep quality, with no significant differences between the exercise groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both exercise interventions led to significant improvements in reducing the risk of return to substance use, VC, sleep quality, and choice reaction time, with the open exercise group showing the most pronounced effects in choice reaction time.

Unraveling the liver metabolomic profile of ADB-BUTINACA-induced hepatotoxicity

ADB-BUTINACA, as a new psychoactive substance, can induce physical and psychological dependence. However, the systemic biological impact of ADB-BUTINACA on hepatic metabolomics remains uncertain. The metabolic spectrum in rat livers following exposure to three varying doses of ADB-BUTINACA (0.1, 1, and 5 mg/kg·bw) were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry and molecular docking techniques. Non-target metabolomic technology demonstrated that ADB-BUTINACA induced significant changes in 42 metabolites and disturbed 11 metabolic pathways especially the taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, β-alanine metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism, implicates the potential for ADB-BUTINACA to induce not merely cardiac dysfunction but also neurological anomalies. Molecular docking into the hepatotoxic targets of ADB-BUTINACA unveiled its potential for competitive binding with pantetheinase. This interaction may disrupt the coenzyme A (CoA) synthesis pathway, resulting in energy and lipid metabolism imbalances, and ultimately causing hepatotoxic effects. Cellular experiments confirmed reduced HepG2 cell viability and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. These findings align with our metabolomic findings, supporting the hypothesis that ADB-BUTINACA induces hepatotoxicity via oxidative stress, as well as disruptions in energy and lipid metabolism. This work not only broadens the knowledge of ADB-BUTINACA' toxicological profile but also contributes to efforts aimed at diagnosing and preventing ADB-BUTINACA-induced hepatotoxicity.

Drug addictions in Malaysia: a mini-review on drug types, rehabilitation centers and therapeutic programs

Drug addiction remains one of the most complex social problems worldwide that has yet to be resolved. In Malaysia, abuse of various types of drugs has been reported which warrants the government to take immediate strategies in managing drug addicts. Despite implementing various strategies to treat drug addiction, statistics show the number of relapses continues to skyrocket over the years. This calls for urgent attention to improve the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment services in Malaysia. Moreover, emerging evidence shows a change in trend in the type of drug being abused. This factor could potentially contribute to the ineffectiveness of the strategies employed in the treatment of substance abuse. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the major types of drugs commonly abused in Malaysia. Additionally, in an effort to search for ways to improve the effectiveness of substance abuse treatment services, we identified the public institutions responsible for managing drug addicts in Malaysia and discussed the therapeutic programs offered at the institutions. Review findings support the need for future research on the effectiveness of these therapeutic programs and recommend the implementation of evidence-based programs to improve the effectiveness of substance abuse treatments in Malaysia.