Designer drugs on the Internet : a phenomenon out-of-control? : The emergence of hallucinogenic drug Bromo-Dragonfly

Copyright Bentham Science PublishersBased on the material available in both the scientific literature and on the web, the present paper provides an updated pharmacological, chemical, toxicological and behavioural overview of Bromo-Dragonfly (1-(8-bromobenzo[1,2- b;4,5-b']difuran-4-yl)-2-aminopropane; 'B-fly'). B-Fly is a powerful, long lasting, LSD-like, hallucinogenic drug, which has been associated with a number of acute intoxications and fatalities in a number of countries. A critical discussion of the potential of misuse of B-fly but also of the methodological limitations, which are intrinsically associated with the analysis of online, non-peer reviewed, material, is presented. It is concluded that the availability of online information on novel psychoactive drugs, such as B-fly, may constitute a public health challenge. Better international collaboration levels may be needed to tackle this novel and fast growing phenomenonPeer reviewe

Promoting innovation and excellence to face the rapid diffusion of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in the EU : the outcomes of the ReDNet project

Objectives: The recent emergence of new psychoactive compounds (NPS) has raised prominent challenges in the fields of drug policy, substance use research, public health and service provision. The Recreational Drugs European Network (ReDNet) project, funded by the European Commission, was implemented to improve the information stream to young people and professionals about effects/risks of NPS identifying online products and disseminating relevant information through technological tools. Methods: Regular multilingual qualitative assessments of websites, drugs fora and other online resources were carried out using the Google search engine in 8 languages from collaborating countries. These included: the UK, Norway, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Italy and Spain. Products were tested and prevention messages were developed and disseminated via technological tools such as interactive websites, SMS alert, social networking (Facebook, Twitter), Multimedia (You Tube), Smartphone applications (iPhone), and virtual learning environments (Second Life). Results: The ReDNet project established itself as the first Europe-wide prevention programme designed for NPS based on the efficacy of novel ICT-based forms of intervention. More than 650 NPS products and combinations were identified; relevant information was disseminated to target population and advice was given to both EU/ international agencies and national policy makers. Conclusions: Web monitoring activities are essential for mapping the diffusion of NPS and the use of technological tools can be successfully incorporated in specific prevention programmes. Furthermore, the involvement of multi-disciplinary international partnerships was and continues to be fundamental for responding to such a prominent challenge.Peer reviewedSubmitted Versio

Design and evaluation of a wasp-inspired steerable needle

Flexible steerable needles can follow complex curved paths inside the human body. In a previous work, we developed a multiple-part steerable needle prototype with a diameter of 1.2 mm, inspired by the ovipositor of parasitoid wasps. The needle consisted of seven nickel-titanium longitudinally aligned wires held together at the tip by a cylindrical ring with seven holes. The steerability of the needle was evaluated in a gelatin phantom and was found to be lower than that of other steerable needles in the literature. One possible cause of this limited steerability is that during motion the wires tend to separate from each other (i.e., bifurcate). Our aim here was to reduce bifurcation in order to increase the steering curvature of the needle, while keeping the diameter around 1.5 mm, and thus compatible with needles used in medical practice. To achieve that, we changed the shape of the ring from cylindrical to conical. We evaluated the steering performance in gelatin, using the conical ring in two configurations: (1) with the apex of the cone towards the needle tip, so that the wires converge, thus expected to reduce bifurcation, (2) with the apex of the cone placed towards the needle base, so that the wires diverge, thus expected to magnify bifurcation. Results showed that the diverging ring generated larger steering curvatures. We can conclude that reducing the bifurcation of the wires is not enough for increasing the steering curvature and that inducing this same phenomenon instead could actually lead to higher curvatures.Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technolog

Is there a recreational misuse potential for Pregabalin? : Analysis of anecdotal online reports in comparison with related Gabapentin and Clonazepam data

Original article can be found at: http://content.karger.com/ Copyright Karger.Background: Although pregabalin abuse potential is reportedly low, online data related to its recreational misuse potential have recently been identified. We aimed here at formally analysing pregabalin misuse web reports and comparing these with data pertaining to similar drugs, e.g. gabapentin and clonazepam, for which an abuse potential has already been identified. Methods: An 8-language analysis of the online information on pregabalin acquisition/misuse was carried out. An initial sample of 203 websites was considered and 108 relevant websites were monitored on a regular basis. To obtain material relating to gabapentin and clonazepam, an English-language search was carried out and 32 relevant websites were examined. Results: Misuse of pregabalin, which is commonly offered for sale online, was allegedly associated with sedative and/or psychedelic effects. This was associated with both higher dosages than clinically advised and idiosyncratic (i.e.: IV, rectal, intranasal) drug intake modalities. Although perceived as less powerful than pregabalin, gabapentin misuse was associated with similar sedative/psychedelic effects. Clonazepam allegedly induced either sedation or stimulation, depending on the dosage. Conclusions: Pregabalin experimenters might be profiled as individuals with a history of recreational polydrug misuse. Pregabalin misuse might be facilitated by easy online accessibility; potency; and peculiar, including anxiolytic, psychoactive effects. Physicians should carefully evaluate patients for history of drug abuse and observe them for signs of pregabalin/gabapentin/clonazepam misuse.Peer reviewe

Design and evaluation of a wasp-inspired steerable needle

Flexible steerable needles can follow complex curved paths inside the human body. In a previous work, we developed a multiple-part steerable needle prototype with a diameter of 1.2 mm, inspired by the ovipositor of parasitoid wasps. The needle consisted of seven nickel-titanium longitudinally aligned wires held together at the tip by a cylindrical ring with seven holes. The steerability of the needle was evaluated in a gelatin phantom and was found to be lower than that of other steerable needles in the literature. One possible cause of this limited steerability is that during motion the wires tend to separate from each other (i.e., bifurcate). Our aim here was to reduce bifurcation in order to increase the steering curvature of the needle, while keeping the diameter around 1.5 mm, and thus compatible with needles used in medical practice. To achieve that, we changed the shape of the ring from cylindrical to conical. We evaluated the steering performance in gelatin, using the conical ring in two configurations: (1) with the apex of the cone towards the needle tip, so that the wires converge, thus expected to reduce bifurcation, (2) with the apex of the cone placed towards the needle base, so that the wires diverge, thus expected to magnify bifurcation. Results showed that the diverging ring generated larger steering curvatures. We can conclude that reducing the bifurcation of the wires is not enough for increasing the steering curvature and that inducing this same phenomenon instead could actually lead to higher curvatures.</p

Review of techniques to achieve optical surface cleanliness and their potential application to surgical endoscopes

A clear visualization of the operative field is of critical importance in endoscopic surgery. During surgery the endoscope lens can get fouled by body fluids (eg, blood), ground substance, rinsing fluid, bone dust, or smoke plumes, resulting in visual impairment. As a result, surgeons spend part of the procedure on intermittent cleaning of the endoscope lens. Current cleaning methods that rely on manual wiping or a lens irrigation system are still far from ideal, leading to longer procedure times, dirtying of the surgical site, and reduced visual acuity, potentially reducing patient safety. With the goal of finding a solution to these issues, a literature review was conducted to identify and categorize existing techniques capable of achieving optically clean surfaces, and to show which techniques can potentially be implemented in surgical practice. The review found that the most promising method for achieving surface cleanliness consists of a hybrid solution, namely, that of a hydrophilic or hydrophobic coating on the endoscope lens and the use of the existing lens irrigation system.Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technolog

Psychoactive drug or mystical incense? : Overview of the online available information on Spice products

The aim of the study was to foster the collection and analysis of data from web pages related to information on the consumption, manufacture and sale of Spice products, a brand name for an herbal smoking blend, sold as legal substitute for cannabis. The Google search engine was used to carry out an 8-language qualitative assessment of information available on Spice products in a sample of about 200 web sites. The level of information elicited included both the users' comments on the effects of the products and the reasons behind their popularity. Users' suggestions on unusual drug combinations not found in the Medline were also identified. This is the first comprehensive and multilingual overview of the online available information on Spice products. The appeal of Spice to online customers was associated with its legal status, lack of detection in biological samples, ease of online access and cannabis-like effects. Spice product descriptions did not typically mention the presence of the powerful synthetic THC receptor agonists that seem to account for the psychoactive effects. Health professionals may need to be aware of the web being a new drug resource for both information and purchase of Spice products.Peer reviewe

Nuove sostanze d'abuso sul Web : Il ruolo dello Psychonaut Web Mapping Project

MEDLINE® is the source for the MeSH terms of this document.In the rapid change of drug scenarios, as the powerful development in the drug market, particularly in the number and the kind of the compound available, Internet plays a dominant role to become one of the major "drug market". The European Commission funded the Psychonaut Web Mapping Project (carried out in the time-frame January 2008-December 2009), with the aim to start/implement an Early Warning System (through the data/information collected from the Web virtual market), to identify and categorise novel recreational drugs/psychoactive compounds (synthetical/herbal drugs), and new trends in drug use to provide information for immediate and prevention intervention.The Psychonaut is a multi-site research project involving 8 research centres (De Sleutel, Belgium; University of Hertfordshire School of Pharmacy, St George's University of London, England; A-klinikkasäätiö, Finlandia; Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Germany; Assessorato Salute Regione Marche, Italy; Drug Abuse Unit, Spain; Centre of Competence Bergen Clinics Foundation, Norway) based in 7 European Countries (England, Italy, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Spain, Norway).Peer reviewe

Identifying emerging trends in recreational drug use : outcomes from the Psychonaut Web Mapping Project

Copyright 2012 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Background: This paper presents the outcomes of the 2-year European Union funded Psychonaut Web Mapping Project which aimed at developing and implementing an integrated web mapping system to promptly identify and learn about novel psychoactive substances (NPS; "legal highs") through the regular monitoring of the Internet. Methods: More than 200 discussion forums, social media, online shops, websites and other Internet resources (e.g. YouTube, eBay, Google, Google Insight) have been extensively and regularly monitored in 7 European countries (UK, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Spain) for emerging trends of NPS throughout the period of the study. Results: Key online resources have been identified as "leading edge" which have provided accurate and timely information on novel emerging compounds. In total more than 400 substances/products have been recorded. NPS have been noted online before reaching wider audiences. Discussion: Although a high number of novel psychoactive substances have been identified in the 2-year duration of the project, not all have become trends that needed public health response. Conversely, new recreational drug phenomena such as "spice drugs," mephedrone and naphyrone were all identified as emerging trends in forums and websites. In addition, it has been possible for the first time to collate detailed information on these and several more compounds even though no or limited scientific publications were available. It is therefore recommended that these monitoring activities are to be continued, that more countries, researchers and health professionals are involved, and that the findings are widely shared with all the relevant agencies, health professionals and future research projects. Implications, advantages and limitations of using the Internet as primary source for identifying emerging trends are also discussedPeer reviewe

Az elektronikus prevenció lehetőségei az új (szintetikus) drogok használatának megelőzésében : a Rekreációs Drogok Európai Hálózatának (Recreational Drugs European Network) bemutatása

Peer reviewe