Synthetic cathinones in drug-facilitated sexual assault: A case report involving the novel generation substituted cathinone N-ethylpentedrone and a review of the literature.

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 ß-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.

Frequency of new psychoactive substances in hair and urine samples of individuals subject to drug testing in driving license regranting-A toxicological perspective.

In recent years, numerous new psychoactive substances (NPS) have emerged on the illicit drug market. The assumed non-detectability of these drugs is often a key motivation for individuals subject to drug testing, such as those in driving license regranting programs. In these programs, NPS are not routinely tested for, and thus, subjects who have to prove abstinence from common drugs of abuse might switch to NPS to avoid positive drug tests. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of these substances in the hair and urine samples of individuals undergoing drug testing in driving license regranting. A total of 1037 samples (577 hair and 460 urine samples) collected from 949 subjects between February 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed for designer drugs and synthetic cannabinoids by liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). For a more sensitive analysis of synthetic cannabinoids and their metabolites, additional testing was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Overall, 42 hair and two urine samples, which were obtained from 40 subjects, tested positive for NPS resulting in a frequency of 4.2%. While synthetic cannabinoids were detected in all cases, designer drugs were only found in three of these cases. With regard to the 577 hair samples analyzed, 7.3% screened positive, whereas only 0.4% of the 460 tested urine samples contained NPS. The results of this study indicate that synthetic cannabinoid use seems to be popular among this population, and therefore, testing for synthetic cannabinoids should be requested more often preferably using hair analysis.

The alprazolam analogue 4'-chloro deschloroalprazolam identified in seized capsules.

New designer benzodiazepines continue to be identified in the illicit drug market. In December 2021, eight capsules were submitted to ChemCentre for analysis. The samples were analysed by a range of analytical techniques including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS, low and high resolution), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography, which identified the main component of the capsules to be 4'-chloro deschloroalprazolam, a new designer benzodiazepine. Alarmingly, the mass spectral data for this alprazolam analogue were very similar to that of alprazolam, such that misidentification could be possible. A minor component of the capsules was also partially characterised, it is believed to be the synthetic precursor 4'-chloro deschloronordiazepam. The information provided in this paper includes ways to discriminate these analogues from alprazolam and nordiazepam which will enable other laboratories to identify these new drugs.

Urine Drug Screening in the Era of Designer Benzodiazepines: Comparison of Three Immunoassay Platforms, LC-QTOF-MS and LC-MS-MS.

This study investigated the presence of designer benzodiazepines in 35 urine specimens obtained from emergency department patients undergoing urine drug screening. All specimens showed apparent false-positive benzodiazepine screening results (i.e., confirmatory testing using a 19-component liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) panel showed no prescribed benzodiazepines at detectable levels). The primary aims were to identify the possible presence of designer benzodiazepines, characterize the reactivity of commercially available screening immunoassays with designer benzodiazepines and evaluate the risk of inappropriately ruling out designer benzodiazepine use when utilizing common urine drug screening and confirmatory tests. Specimens were obtained from emergency departments of a single US Health system. Following clinically ordered drug screening using Abbott ARCHITECT c assays and laboratory-developed LC-MS-MS confirmatory testing, additional characterization was performed for investigative purposes. Specifically, urine specimens were screened using two additional assays (Roche cobas c502 and Siemens Dimension Vista) and LC-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) to identify presumptively positive species, including benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. Finally, targeted, qualitative LC-MS-MS was performed to confirm the presence of 12 designer benzodiazepines. Following benzodiazepine detection using the Abbott ARCHITECT, benzodiazepines were subsequently detected in 28/35 and 35/35 urine specimens using Siemens and Roche assays, respectively. LC-QTOF-MS showed the presumptive presence of at least one non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved benzodiazepine in 30/35 specimens: flubromazolam (12/35), flualprazolam (11/35), flubromazepam (2/35), clonazolam (4/35), etizolam (9/35), metizolam (5/35), nitrazepam (1/35) and pyrazolam (1/35). Two or three designer benzodiazepines were detected concurrently in 13/35 specimens. Qualitative LC-MS-MS confirmed the presence of at least one designer benzodiazepine or metabolite in 23/35 specimens, with three specimens unavailable for confirmatory testing. Urine benzodiazepine screening assays from three manufacturers were cross-reactive with multiple non-US FDA-approved benzodiazepines. Clinical and forensic toxicology laboratories using traditionally designed LC-MS-MS panels may fail to confirm the presence of non-US FDA-approved benzodiazepines detected by screening assays, risking inappropriate interpretation of screening results as false positives.

Application of liquid chromatography coupled to data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry for the metabolic profiling of N-ethyl heptedrone.

We have investigated the metabolic profile of N-ethyl heptedrone, a new designer synthetic stimulant drug, by using data independent acquisition mass spectrometry. Phase I and phase II metabolism was studied by in vitro models, followed by liquid-chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, to characterize and pre-select the most diagnostic markers of intake. N-ethyl heptedrone was incubated in the presence of pooled human liver microsomes. The contribution of individual enzymatic isoforms in the formation of the phase I and phase II metabolites was further investigated by using human recombinant cDNA-expressed cytochrome P450 enzymesand uridine 5'-diphospho glucuronosyltransferases. The analytical workflow consisted of liquid-liquid extraction with tert-butyl-methyl-ether at alkaline pH, performed before (to investigate the phase I metabolic profile) and after (to investigate the glucuronidation profile) enzymatic hydrolysis. The separation, identification, and determination of the compounds formed in the in vitro experiments were carried out by using liquid chromatography coupled to either high- or low-resolution mass spectrometry. Data independent acquisition method, namely sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment-ion spectra (SWATH®) and product ion scan were selected for high-resolution mass spectrometry, whereas multiple reaction monitoring was used for low-resolution mass spectrometry. Thirteen phase-I metabolites were isolated, formed from reactions being catalyzed mainly by CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 and, to a lesser degree, by CYP3A4 and CYP3A5. The phase I biotransformation pathways included hydroxylation in different positions, reduction of the ketone group, carbonylation, N-dealkylation, and combinations of the above. Most of the hydroxylated metabolites underwent conjugation reactions to form the corresponding glucurono-conjugated metabolites. Based on our in vitro observation, the metabolic products resulting from reduction of the keto group, N-dealkylation and hydroxylation of the aliphatic chain appear to be the most diagnostic target analytes to be selected as markers of exposure to N-ethyl heptedrone.

Nontargeted detection of designer androgens: Underestimated role of in vitro bioassays.

Androgens, both steroidal and nonsteroidal in nature, are among the most commonly misused substances in competitive sports. Their recognized anabolic and performance enhancing effects through short- and long-term physiological adaptations make them popular. Androgens exist as natural steroids, or are chemically synthesized as anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) or selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). In order to effectively detect misuse of androgens, targeted strategies are used. These targeted strategies rely heavily on mass spectrometry, and detection requires prior knowledge of the targeted structure and its metabolites. Although exquisitely sensitive, such approaches may fail to detect novel structures that are developed and marketed. A nontargeted approach to androgen detection involves the use of cell-based in vitro bioassays. Both yeast and mammalian cell androgen bioassays demonstrate a clear ability to detect AAS and SARMS, and if paired with high resolution mass spectrometry can putatively identify novel structures. In vitro cell bioassays are successfully used to characterize designer molecules and to detect exogenous androgens in biological samples. It is important to continue to develop new and effective detection approaches to prevent misuse of designer androgens, and in vitro bioassays represent a potential solution to nontargeted detection strategies.

Sensitive screening of synthetic cannabinoids using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry after solid phase extraction.

Analysis of synthetic cannabinoids still poses a challenge for many institutions due to the number of available substances and the constantly changing drug market. Both new and well-known substances keep appearing and disappearing on the market, making it hard to adapt analytical methods in a timely manner. In this study, we developed a qualitative screening approach for synthetic cannabinoids and their metabolites by means of liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Samples were measured in data-dependent auto-MS/MS mode and identified by fragment spectra, retention time and accurate mass. Two established solid phase extractions were compared using fortified serum and urine samples. Mixes of 199 synthetic cannabinoids and 110 metabolites were used in 1- and 10-ng/ml concentrations. Up to 93% of synthetic cannabinoids and 74% of metabolites were detected in fortified 1-ng/ml samples. From February 2018 to October 2020, we analyzed 1492 cases, of which 73 cases were positive for synthetic cannabinoids or metabolites. 5F-MDMB-PICA, 4F-MDMB-BINACA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, and 4F-MDMB-BICA were most frequently detected. Hydrolysis metabolites were detected in many blood samples, providing a longer detection window. Quantification was conducted via liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry after liquid-liquid extraction. Concentrations were mostly close to 1 ng/ml in blood samples. LC-QTOF-MS was able to detect substances above trace quantities (< 0.1 ng/ml) in most cases, therefore fulfilling its purpose as a sensitive general screening approach. Expansion of the screening library was uncomplicated and enables future additions for up to thousands of targets.

The use of multiple keratinous matrices (head hair, axillary hair, and toenail clippings) can help narrowing a period of drug exposure: experience with a criminal case involving 25I-NBOMe and 4-MMC.

The objective of this publication is to present the interest of collecting several keratinous specimens in order to document possible drug impairment at the time of the assault, when knowledge solely occurred 7 months after. A subject committed a murder and within minutes after the crime self-inflicted serious wounds. He was charged to the hospital where he slowly recovered. After several weeks, he was sent to prison. During this period, intelligence indicated possible drug impairment at the time of the assault after using 25I-NBOMe and 4-MMC. Head hair (4 cm), axillary hair, and toenails were collected 7 months after the crime. New psychoactive substances were tested in each specimen using LC-MS/MS, which revealed the presence of 25I-NBOMe and 4-MMC in axillary hair (2 and 6 pg/mg) and toenails (1 and 5 pg/mg). However, the perpetrator claimed that the positive findings were due to contamination in prison. Therefore, the head hair was also tested and results returned negative (LOQ at 1 pg/mg), demonstrating absence of contamination during the last 4 months before collection. Combining the window of drug detection in axillary hair (about 4 to 8 months) and the one of toenail clippings (up to 8 months), and excluding drug exposure during the previous 4 months as well as external contamination as the head hair results were negative, allowed us to conclude that the positive findings in axillary hair and toenails are more likely than not consistent with consumption of both 25I-NBOMe and 4-MMC at the time of the crime.

Report on a New Opioid NPS: Chemical and In Vitro Functional Characterization of a Structural Isomer of the MT-45 Derivative Diphenpipenol.

In this paper, the identification and full characterization of a novel non-fentanyl opioid sourced online, which is a member of the 1-substituted-4-(1,2-diphenylethyl)piperazine derivatives related to MT-45, is reported. The sample was sold under the name "diphenpipenol," (3-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-phenylethyl]phenol), although extensive NMR analysis showed that the product obtained was actually a diphenpipenol structural isomer, (2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-1,2-diphenylethanol). Liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry identified an exact mass for the protonated molecule of m/z 389.2264, with two prominent fragment ions (m/z 91.0567 and 150.0937), which were not reported in earlier literature describing MT-45 derivatives. The chemical characterization was finalized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. This product is a clear example of the trend that new non-fentanyl opioids are reappearing on the recreational drug market to escape the recent changes in (inter)national legislation concerning fentanyl analogues. Although in this particular case, the product's potency and efficacy were relatively low, other new non-fentanyl opioids might possess stronger potencies and therefore pose greater health risks for ignorant users. The fact that the product was sold under the wrong name further demonstrates the well-known problematic issue of a mismatch between the adverted and true identity, confirming the irregularities of the online new psychoactive substances market.

Quantification of 54 Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs, Including 20 Designer Ones, in Plasma.

Benzodiazepines are widely used in the treatment of sleep and anxiety disorders, as well as epileptic seizures and alcohol withdrawal because of their broad therapeutic index and low cost. Due to their central nervous system depressant effects they are also often implicated in traffic accidents and drug-related intoxications. With an increasing number of designer benzodiazepines used in a recreational setting, there is a need for analytical methods to be able to quantify both the prescribed and designer benzodiazepines. A liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method was developed for the quantification of 34 prescribed and 20 designer benzodiazepines in plasma. Different sample preparation strategies, including protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction and mini-QuEChERS, were tested. The best recoveries for all compounds of interest were obtained with a liquid-liquid extraction using methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether and 500 µL plasma. The method was fully validated according to the European Medicines Agency guidelines for all compounds, except pivoxazepam, which is included for qualitative purposes only. In-sample stability issues were observed for cloxazolam, both at ambient temperature and during long-term storage at -20°C. Due to the large number of compounds included, the simple and time-efficient sample preparation and the relatively inexpensive instrumentation used, the presented method can be readily implemented in both therapeutic drug monitoring and forensic analyses.

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

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

Urinary excretion profile of methiopropamine in mice following intraperitoneal administration: A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry investigation.

We have considered the urinary excretion profile of methiopropamine (MPA), a thiophene ring-based structural analog of methamphetamine with similar stimulant effects, with the aim of selecting the most appropriate marker(s) of intake that may be useful in forensic analysis. For this purpose, in vitro studies were preliminarily performed on human liver microsomes for tracing the phase I metabolic pathways of MPA, preselecting the best candidates as potential target analytes, and designing the optimal experimental strategy. In vivo studies were then conducted on mice, after the intraperitoneal administration of a 10-mg/kg dose. Urine samples were collected every 3 h in the first 9 h and, subsequently, from 24 to 36 h, and stored at -80°C until further analysis. The measurements were performed using a targeted procedure based on liquid/liquid extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Our results show that in the time interval 0-9 h after administration, MPA was extensively oxidized mainly to nor-MPA, oxo-MPA, and two hydroxylated metabolites (ie, hydroxy-aryl-methiopropamine and hydroxy-alkyl-methiopropamine). All phase I metabolites underwent phase II metabolism, with the formation of nor-hydroxy-methiopropamine only in phase II, confirmed by the results obtained after enzymatic hydrolysis with ß-glucuronidase and arylsulfatase. In the time interval 24-36 h after administration, only unchanged MPA and nor-MPA were detected, suggesting that these two markers are those endowed with the highest diagnostic value. The method was validated for these two principal markers, proving to be fit for anti-doping, toxicological, and forensic analyses.

First Report on Brorphine: The Next Opioid on the Deadly New Psychoactive Substance Horizon?

New psychoactive substances continue to appear on the drug market. Until recently, new synthetic opioids, which are among the most dangerous new psychoactive substances, primarily encompassed analogs of the potent analgesic fentanyl. Lately, also other new synthetic opioids have increasingly started to surface. This is the first report on the identification and full chemical characterization of brorphine, a novel potent synthetic opioid with a piperidine benzimidazolone structure. A powder, identified as brorphine, was obtained from a patient seeking medical help for detoxification. Brorphine was also found in a serum sample of the patient. Liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) identified an exact mass of m/z 400.1020 and 402.1005 for the compound, corresponding to both bromine isotopes. Further chemical characterization was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-diode array detection and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. Finally, the structure was confirmed by performing 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. In vitro biological activity of brorphine was determined by a cell-based µ-opioid receptor activation assay, resulting in an EC50 of 30.9 nM (13.5 ng/mL) and an Emax of 209% relative to hydromorphone, confirming the high potency and efficacy of this compound. In a serum sample of the patient, brorphine and a hydroxy-metabolite were found using the LC-HRMS screening method. The presence of opioid activity in the serum was also confirmed via the activity-based opioid screening assay. The occurrence of brorphine is yet another example of how the illicit drug market is continuously evolving in an attempt to escape international legislation. Its high potency poses a serious and imminent health threat for any user.

[Identification of LSD Derivatives, 1cP-LSD, MIPLA and 1B-LSD in Illegal Products as Paper Sheet].

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a hallucinogen, synthesized from ergot alkaloid, and controlled as a narcotic in Japan. Recently, LSD derivatives have appeared as designer drugs, all over the world. In previous study, we reported identification and analysis of four LSD derivatives in four paper sheet products. In this study, we detected three additional LSD derivatives from three paper sheet products, which were obtained from September 2019 to March 2020 in Japan. We extracted the compounds from paper sheet products with methanol for LC-MS, high-resolution MS and GC-MS analyses. The compounds were identified as 4-cyclopropionyl-N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (1cP-LSD), N-methyl-N-isopropyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo-[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (MIPLA), 4-butyryl-N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (1B-LSD), by GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-Q-TOF-MS and NMR analyses. As well as other N1-acylated LSD derivatives, 1cP-LSD and 1B-LSD were easily deacylated to LSD during GC-MS analysis, we have to be careful to analyze these compounds.

Determination of prescribed and designer benzodiazepines and metabolites in influent wastewater.

Benzodiazepines are important prescription pharmaceuticals used to help in the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. However, they also have a strong potential for abuse. In this respect, illicit benzodiazepines, i.e. not prescribed in Australia and designer benzodiazepines, which are new compounds that are not legally prescribed in any jurisdiction, have emerged in the illicit Australian market in recent years. Designer benzodiazepines are a new class of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and are particularly dangerous due to limited toxicity information and propensity to be mistaken for conventional benzodiazepines, leading to severe side effects and potentially death. It is therefore important to assess the prevalence of the use of these compounds in the community. The current work presents a validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for 20 prescribed and designer benzodiazepines and metabolites: 7-amino nimetazepam, alpha-hydroxy alprazolam, alprazolam, clonazepam, delorazepam, deschloroetizolam, diazepam, diclazepam, etizolam, flubromazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, lormetazepam, meclonazepam, midazolam, nimetazepam, nitrazepam, oxazepam, pyrazolam and temazepam. Quetiapine, a prescription sedative drug that has been diverted for non-medical use, was also validated. Limits of quantification were predominantly below 10 ng L-1, except for the ubiquitous oxazepam, quetiapine and temazepam, which were between 75-300 ng L-1. Stability, recovery and matrix effects were also examined. Finally, this method was applied to influent wastewater from South Australia, which showed the presence of many benzodiazepines including the NPS etizolam.

Intoxication cases associated with the novel designer drug 3',4'-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone and studies on its human metabolism using high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Among the increasing number of new psychoactive substances, 3',4'-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (MDPHP) belongs to the group of synthetic cathinones, which are the derivatives of the naturally occurring compound cathinone, the main psychoactive ingredient in the khat plant. Currently, only limited data are available for MDPHP, and no information is available on its human metabolism. We describe the toxicological investigation of nine cases associated with the use of MDPHP during the period February-June 2019. Serum MDPHP concentrations showed a high variability ranging from 3.3 to 140 ng/mL (mean 30.3 ng/mL and median 16 ng/mL). Intoxication symptoms of the described cases could not be explained by the abuse of MDPHP alone because in all cases the co-consumption of other psychotropic drugs with frequent occurrence of opiates and benzodiazepines could be verified. Therefore, the patients showed different clinical symptoms, including aggressive behaviour, delayed physical response, loss of consciousness and coma. Liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry was successfully used to investigate the human in vivo metabolism of MDPHP using authentic human urine samples. The metabolism data for MDPHP were further substantiated by the analysis of human urine using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS, a widely used systematic toxicological analysis method appropriate for the toxicological detection of MDPHP intake), which revealed the presence of seven phase I metabolites and three phase II metabolites as glucuronides. GC-MS spectral data for MDPHP and metabolites are provided. The identified metabolite pattern corroborates the principal metabolic pathways of α-pyrrolidinophenones in humans.

[Identification and Analysis of LSD Derivatives in Illegal Products as Paper Sheet].

To prevent the abuse of new psychoactive substances (NPS), a total of 2372 substances and two plants are controlled as "Designated Substances" in Japan as of September 2019. Although the distribution of these substances has decreased for the past three years, newly-emerged NPS are still being found. In this study, we detected four lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) derivatives as designer drugs from four paper sheet products, which were obtained from 2014 to 2017 in Japan. The compounds were identified as 4-Acetyl-N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (ALD-52), N,N,7-triethyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (ETH-LAD), 7-Allyl-N,N-diethyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (AL-LAD), N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4-propionyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide (1P-LSD), by GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-Q-TOF-MS and NMR analyses. Further, we studied the extraction methods of LSD derivatives from paper sheet, and the analytical conditions of GC-MS, LC-MS and LC-FL(fluorescence). Among LSD derivatives, 1P-LSD have been controlled as designated substances (Shitei Yakubutsu) under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act in Japan since April 2016. For the legislation of the other derivatives identified in this study, the evaluation of their pharmacological properties are now in progress.

Retrospective screening of synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic opioids and designer benzodiazepines in data files from forensic post mortem samples analysed by UHPLC-QTOF-MS from 2014 to 2018.

The introduction of new psychoactive substances (NPS) on the illicit drug market has led to major challenges for the analytical laboratories. Keeping screening methods up to date with all relevant drugs is hard to achieve and the risk of missing important findings in biological samples is a matter of concern. Aiming for an extended retrospective data analysis, diagnostic fragment ions from synthetic cannabinoids (n=251), synthetic opioids (n=88) and designer benzodiazepines (n=26) not included in our original analytical method were obtained from the crowdsourced database HighResNPS.com and converted to a personalized library in a format compatible with the analytical instrumentation. Data files from the analysis of 1314 forensic post mortem samples with an Agilent 6540 ultra high pressure liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) performed in our laboratory from January 2014 to December 2018 were retrieved and retrospectively processed with the new personalized library. Potentially positive findings were grouped in two: The most confident findings contained MS/MS data for library match (category 1) whereas the less confident findings lacked such data (category 2). Five new category 1 findings were identified: Flubromazepam in two data files from 2015 and 2016, respectively, phenibut (4-amino-3-phenylbutyric acid) in one data file from 2015, fluorofentanyl in one data file from 2016 and cyclopropylfentanyl in one data file from 2018. Retention time matches with reference standards further strengthened these findings. A list of 35 presumably positive category 2 findings was generated. Of these, only one finding of phenibut was considered plausible after checking retention times and signal-to-noise ratios. This study shows that new compounds can be detected retrospectively in data files from QTOF-MS using an updated library containing diagnostic fragment ions. Automatic screening procedures can be useful, but a manual re-evaluation of positive findings will always be necessary.

Analysis of 4-fluoroamphetamine in cerumen after controlled oral application.

Cerumen was found to be a promising alternative specimen for the detection of drugs. In a pilot study, drugs of abuse were identified at a higher detection rate and a longer detection window in cerumen than in urine. In this study, cerumen from subjects was analyzed after they ingested the designer stimulant 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) in a controlled manner. METHODS: Twelve subjects ingested placebo and 100 mg of 4-FA. Five of them were also given 150 mg of 4-FA in 150 mL Royal Club bitter lemon drink at least after 7 days. Cerumen was sampled using cotton swabs at baseline, 1 h after the ingestion of the drug and at the end of the study day (12 h). After extraction with ethyl acetate followed by solid-phase extraction, the extracts were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In the cerumen of all 12 subjects, 4-FA was detected 12 h after its ingestion; in most subjects, cerumen was detected after 1 h of ingestion, ranging from 0.06 to 13.90 (median 1.52) ng per swab. The detection of 4-FA in cerumen sampled 7 days or more after the first dose suggested a long detection window of cerumen. CONCLUSIONS: Cerumen can be successfully used to detect a single drug ingestion even immediately after the ingestion when a sufficient amount of cerumen is used.