Drug Testing and Analysis
May 19, 2014
Simon D. Brandt, Michael H. Baumann, John S. Partilla et al.
37 citations
A new designer drug, para-methyl-4-methylaminorex (4,4'-DMAR), was linked to 26 deaths in Europe in 2013. Laboratory analysis of samples from online vendors identified the (±)-cis isomer in at least 18 cases. The drug acts as a potent releaser at dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters, with EC50 values of 8.6 nM, 26.9 nM, and 18.5 nM respectively. Its potency at dopamine and norepinephrine transporters rivaled that of d-amphetamine and aminorex, but it was far more potent at the serotonin transporter. This broad activity predicts serious side effects including psychosis, agitation, hyperthermia, and cardiovascular stimulation, especially at high doses or with other stimulants.
Drug Testing and Analysis
April 15, 2015
Gavin McLaughlin, Noreen Morris, Pierce V. Kavanagh et al.
32 citations
Three powdered samples sold online as the 'research chemical' 2-methoxydiphenidine (2-MXP) were analytically characterized and compared with synthesized isomers. Gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and thin layer chromatography all confirmed the samples were 2-MXP. The three positional isomers (2-, 3-, and 4-MXP) could be differentiated, notably by distinct stability differences observed during in-source collision-induced dissociation of the protonated molecule under HPLC selected-ion monitoring. Additionally, matrix assisted inlet ionization Orbitrap mass spectrometry detected the protonated molecule of 2-MXP directly from a tablet surface after adding 3-nitrobenzonitrile as matrix.
Drug Testing and Analysis
August 15, 2016
Gavin McLaughlin, Noreen Morris, Pierce V. Kavanagh et al.
23 citations
Mexedrone, a derivative of mephedrone that appeared in 2015, was synthesized and analytically characterized. It was a weak non-selective uptake blocker at dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters with IC50 values in the low micromolar range, and lacked releasing activity at dopamine and norepinephrine transporters but showed weak releasing activity at serotonin transporters (EC50 = 2.5 μM). Its isomer, N-methoxymephedrone, acted as a weak uptake blocker and a fully efficacious substrate-type releasing agent across all three transporters with EC50 values in the low micromolar range. A synthesis by-product, α-chloromethylmephedrone, was inactive in all assays.
Consciousness and cognition
June 1, 2012
Brian Talbot
21 citations
Folk intuitions about mental states, often used by philosophers to study qualia and phenomenal consciousness, do not actually provide reliable data about these subjects. The paper argues that judgments in experiments by Justin Sytsma and Edouard Machery are likely produced by a fast, automatic cognitive system (System One) that would yield the same results regardless of whether phenomenal consciousness exists. This undermines much current experimental philosophy research into consciousness. To meaningfully investigate phenomenal consciousness, experimental philosophy must be grounded in a better understanding of how people make judgments.
Drug Testing and Analysis
October 20, 2014
Gavin McLaughlin, Noreen Morris, Pierce V. Kavanagh et al.
18 citations
A newly emerged psychoactive substance, 3,4-methylenedioxy-4-methylaminorex (MDMAR), was synthesized and characterized. Analysis of vendor-sourced MDMAR found it to be predominantly the cis-isomer (90%), which could artificially convert to the trans-isomer under certain liquid chromatography conditions. Both MDMAR isomers, along with cis- and trans-4,4'-DMAR, were more potent than MDMA in releasing dopamine and norepinephrine in rat brain tissue. While cis-4,4'-DMAR, cis-MDMAR, and trans-MDMAR fully released serotonin, trans-4,4'-DMAR acted as a serotonin uptake blocker. The high potency of these analogues at monoamine transporters may indicate potential for serious side-effects at high doses.
Drug testing and analysis
January 1, 2017
Simon D Brandt, Pierce V Kavanagh, Geraldine Dowling et al.
16 citations
Many N,N-dialkylated tryptamines have psychoactive properties in humans, and the number of derivatives has grown across research areas. Some are used in medicinal products, others as recreational drugs, and sometimes these uses overlap. 5-Methoxy-N,N-diallyltryptamine (5-MeO-DALT) recently emerged as a new psychoactive substance, while 4-acetoxy-DALT and unsubstituted DALT have been detected only recently. This report describes the analytical characterization of 17 N,N-diallyltryptamines (DALTs), including 15 prepared via microwave-accelerated synthesis. The compounds were characterized using NMR, GC-MS, mass spectrometry, photodiode array detection, and GC solid-state infrared analysis. The resulting spectral data are provided to help researchers identify newly emerging substances and explore clinical and non-clinical uses.
Journal of forensic sciences
September 1, 2020
Tehila Mishraki-Berkowitz, Esti Kochelski, Pierce Kavanagh et al.
12 citations
Psilocin and bufotenine are naturally occurring controlled substances, while two other isomers (6-HO-DMT and 7-HO-DMT) are not classified as controlled substances. The four isomers were synthesized and analyzed using thin layer chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography mass spectroscopy. The methods successfully differentiated all four isomers. Analysis of forensic specimens suspected to be psilocybe mushrooms confirmed that psilocin can be unequivocally identified and its other isomers ruled out, providing accurate identification for forensic investigations.
Drug testing and analysis
June 1, 2015
John D Power, Pierce Kavanagh, John O'Brien et al.
12 citations
A substance called bk-2C-B, a cathinone analogue of the psychoactive phenethylamine 2C-B, has become available from online retailers. Its identity was confirmed through multiple analytical methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas and liquid chromatography, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The compound was also synthesized using the Delépine reaction. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed potential for artificial formation of byproducts, but these were not seen with liquid chromatography. Analysis revealed the purchased material was a mixture of hydrochloride and hydrobromide salts, suggesting a specific synthetic route, and X-ray crystallography showed it exists as polymorphs.
Drug testing and analysis
January 1, 2018
Kelly B Texter, Rachel Waymach, Pierce V Kavanagh et al.
9 citations
When the new psychoactive substance bk-2C-B is heated in a simulated meth pipe, it breaks down into at least twelve different products, some of which could be inhaled. A closely related compound, bk-2C-I, produced similar breakdown products, plus two additional ones. The toxicity of these pyrolysis products is unknown, raising concerns about potential harm from smoking or inhaling these substances.