This article discusses issues related to the use of surfactants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The global nature of this crisis has had a significant impact on the lives of people around the world, including their mental health. The introduction of quarantine and «isolation» measures have become one of the measures to control the spread of the disease, but such restrictions have led to various adverse psychological reactions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as cases of self-mutilation and even suicide. All of these factors can negatively affect other aspects of health and lead to increased use of alcohol and other psychoactive substances. Stress, social isolation, the unpredictability of the future, loss of a job or income - all these can be motivating factors for people to turn to alcohol or other substances in search of relaxation or emotional support. However, such strategies are short-term and irrational, since alcohol consumption only worsens the mental state and further increases the risk of developing mental problems.

The article presents a brief descriptive review aimed at identifying risk factors and protective factors of drug abuse among adolescents in three important areas - personality, family and society. Individual risk factors are described: high impulsivity, rebelliousness, violation of emotional balance, alexithymia. Family risk factors were prenatal smoking of the mother, and her poor psychological status, low education of parents, the presence of family members who use psychoactive substances. Among the risk factors in society was the presence of peers who abuse drugs in the environment of a teenager. Protective factors are also identified: individual optimism, the desire to preserve their health, etc.

Widespread consumption of drugs of abuse worldwide has caused concern: it adversely affects public health, individual safety, and social structures. Experts are particularly alarmed because new psychoactive substances have been increasingly detected in biological samples. In recent years, several studies have focused on developing methods to identify psychoactive substances in alternative biological matrices, such as sweat. This approach holds promise for monitoring substance use, especially in individuals undergoing rehabilitation. Among the commonly employed analytical procedures, extraction using disposable DPX tips stands out as a novel, miniaturized, and promising technique. This study aimed to validate and to apply a method to analyze various substances, including amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, MDA, MDEA, cocaine, cocaethylene, anhydroecgonine methyl ester, dibutylone, N-ethylpentylone, 25E-NBOMe, 25CNBOMe, 2CC, 2C-E, fentanyl, and carfentanil, in sweat samples simultaneously. In this method, sweat is collected by using laboratory-developed patches, and extraction is conducted with DPX-SCX tips. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry is employed to separate, to identify, and to quantify the analytes. Validation results indicated that the quantification limit ranged from 2 to 30 ng of analyte/patch, and that the method was linear for analyte concentrations ranging from 2 to 1100 ng/patch. The validated method was applied to analyze 30 sweat samples collected from volunteers drug users and processed by using both the selected ion mode (SIM) and full scan. The method was able to detect and to quantify substances such as cocaine, cocaethylene, anhydroecgonine methyl ester, MDMA, MDA, nicotine, cotinine, caffeine, procaine, lidocaine, and ethylamphetamine simultaneously. The recovery rates ranged from 72.4 % to 97.1 %. The analytes were stable in the biological matrix. In conclusion, the validated method proved effective and allowed the target analytes to be quantified in sweat samples, highlighting that sweat is a viable matrix for analyzing drugs of abuse.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been widely implemented around the world as a complementary tool to conventional surveillance techniques to inform and improve public health responses. Currently, wastewater surveillance programs in the U.S. are evaluating integrated approaches to address public health challenges across multiple domains, including substance abuse. In this work, we demonstrated the potential of online solid-phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry to support targeted quantification and nontargeted analysis of psychoactive and lifestyle substances as a step toward understanding the operational feasibility of a statewide wastewater surveillance program for substance use assessment in New York. Target screening confirmed 39 substances in influent samples collected from 10 wastewater treatment plants with varying sewershed characteristics and is anticipated to meet the throughput demands as the statewide program scales up to full capacity. Nontarget screening prioritized additional compounds for identification at three confidence levels, including psychoactive substances, such as opioid analgesics, phenethylamines, and cathinone derivatives. Consumption rates of 12 target substances detected in over 80% of wastewater samples were similar to those reported by previous U.S.-based WBE studies despite the uncertainty associated with back-calculations. For selected substances, the relative bias in consumption estimates was sensitive to variations in monitoring frequency, and factors beyond human excretion (e.g., as indicated by the parent-to-metabolite ratios) might also contribute to their prevalence at the sewershed scale. Overall, our study marks the initial phase of refining analytical workflows and data interpretation in preparation for the incorporation of substance use assessment into the statewide wastewater surveillance program in New York.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has become an objective and updated surveillance strategy for monitoring and estimating consumption trends of psychoactive substances (PSs) in the population. Firstly, magnetic shrimp shell biochar-based adsorbent (DZMBC) was synthesized and employed for extraction trace PSs from municipal wastewater. Proper pyrolysis temperature and increased KOH activator content favored the pore structure and surface area, thus facilitating extraction. DZMBC delivered exceptional extraction performance such as pH stability, anti-interference property, fast magnetic separation ability, reusability, and reproducibility. Then, a method based on magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was developed, validated, and utilized for the quantitative determination of five PSs in real wastewater samples. Methodological validation results indicated a favorable linearity, low method limits of detection (1.00-4.75 ng/L), and good precisions (intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations < 4.8%). Finally, an objective snapshot of Chongqing drug use and consumption pattern was obtained. Methamphetamine (MAMP) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) were the prevalent illegal drugs in local. Both concentrations and per capita consumption of MDMA displayed a change (P < 0.05) between July and September, while no statistical differences were observed for each week.

Butylone (BTL) is a chiral synthetic cathinone available as a racemate and reported as contaminant in wastewater effluents. However, there are no studies on its impact on ecosystems and possible enantioselectivity in ecotoxicity. This work aimed to evaluate: (i) the possible ecotoxicity of BTL as racemate or its isolated (R)- and (S)- enantiomers using Daphnia magna; and (ii) the efficiency of advanced oxidation technologies (AOTs) in the removal of BTL and reduction of toxic effects caused by wastewaters. Enantiomers of BTL were obtained by liquid chromatography (LC) using a chiral semi-preparative column. Enantiomeric purity of each enantiomer was > 97 %. For toxicity assessment, a 9-day sub-chronic assay was performed with the racemate (at 0.10, 1.0 or 10 μg L-1) or each enantiomer (at 0.10 or 1.0 μg L-1). Changes in morphophysiological, behavioural, biochemical and reproductive endpoints were observed, which were dependent on the form of the substance and life stage of the organism (juvenile or adult). Removal rates of BTL in spiked wastewater (10 μg L-1) treated with different AOTs (ultraviolet, UV; ozonation, O3; and UV/O3) were similar and lower than 29 %. The 48 h D. magna acute toxicity assays demonstrated a reduction in the toxicity of the treated spiked effluents, but no differences were found amongst AOTs treatments. These results warn for the contamination and negative impact of BTL on ecosystems and highlight the need for efficient removal processes.

Introduction: Alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance among young people. The use of psychoactive substances gives rise to a number of health, social, moral and economic problems. The aim of the study was to characterise the symptoms reported by children and adolescents presenting with psychoactive substance intoxication on admission to hospital. Methods: The study included a group of 303 patients aged 0 to 18 years, diagnosed with psychoactive substance intoxication. This retrospective study assessed medical records of patients hospitalised at the Provincial Specialist Children\'s Hospital in Olsztyn between 2016 and 2018. Results: Body temperature on admission varied depending on the type of psychoactive substance taken (χ2 = 14.12, p < 0.006). Girls were more likely to have an increased heart rate than boys. An analysis of the symptoms of intoxication over the years 2016-2018 showed significant differences in the incidence of the following symptoms: disturbed consciousness (χ2 = 8.75, p < 0.01), visual disorders (χ2 = 8.02, p < 0.02), loss of consciousness (χ2 = 37.71, p < 0.000001), drowsiness (χ2 = 7.33, p < 0.03), hypothermia (χ2 = 18.95, p < 0.00008) and gait disturbances (χ2 = 13.08, p < 0.002). Conclusions: Girls are more likely to use stimulants such as alcohol and cigarettes, while boys are more likely to opt for designer drugs. The number of patients hospitalised more than once increases every year. Gastrointestinal intoxication with psychoactive substances was most common. The most severe intoxication was associated with alcohol intake, while the most intense pain was reported by patients poisoned with other psychoactive substances.

As an important psychoactive substance, cotinine is ubiquitous in aquatic environment and poses a threat to aquatic organisms. However, the mechanism of its adverse health impacts remains unclear. We evaluated the effects of cotinine exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations on the development and locomotor behavior of zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae using neurotransmitters and whole endogenous metabolism. Mild developmental toxicity and significant neurobehavior disorder, such as spontaneous movement (1-1000 μg/L), 48 hpf tactile response (50, 100, and 1000 μg/L), and 144 hpf swimming speed (1, 10, 100, 500, and 1000 μg/L), were observed in zebrafish. Exposure to cotinine led to significant alterations in 11 neurotransmitters, including homogentisic acid, serotonin, glutamic acid and aspartic acid, etc. 298 metabolites were identified and two pathways - linoleic acid metabolism and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism - were delineated. In addition, amino acid neurotransmitters were significantly correlated with metabolites such as arachidonic acid as well as its derivatives, steroidal compounds, and amino acids. Serotonin demonstrates a noteworthy correlation with 31 out of 40 differentially expressed neurotransmitters, encompassing lipids, amino acids, and other compounds. These novel findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the ecological risks associated with cotinine contamination in surface waters.

Psychoactive substances (PSs) represent a subset of emerging contaminants. Their widespread production and utilization contribute to a growing ecological burden and risk on a global scale. Conventional wastewater treatment methods have proven insufficient in adequately removing psychoactive substances, leading to their occurrence in surface water ecosystems worldwide. As of present, however, a thorough understanding of their geographical prevalence and distribution patterns remains elusive. Further, in the existing literature, there is a scarcity of comprehensive overviews that systematically summarize the toxicity of various psychoactive substances towards aquatic organisms. Through summarizing almost 140 articles, the present study provides an overview of the sources, pollution status, and biotoxicity of psychoactive substances in surface waters, as well as an assessment of their ecological risks. Concentrations of several psychoactive substances in surface waters were found to be as high as hundreds or even thousands of ng·L-1. In parallel, accumulation of psychoactive substances in the tissues or organs of aquatic organisms was found to potentially cause certain adverse effects, including behavioral disorders, organ damage, and DNA changes. Oxidative stress was found to be a significant factor in the toxic effects of psychoactive substances on organisms. The application of the risk quotient approach indicated that psychoactive substances posed a medium to high risk in certain surface water bodies, as well as the need for sustained long-term attention and management strategies.

OBJECTIVE: An analysis of the trend of overall and primary incidence of mental and behavioral disorders, including those caused by the use of psychoactive substances, in different age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic in Penza Oblast.
METHODS: The data were obtained from statistical report №12 for Penza Oblast. These included the overall and primary incidence of mental and behavioral disorders (MBD), as well as substance use-related MBD (MBDSUR), as calculated per 100.000 people for the period 2015 to 2022. The period 2015 to 2019 was the reference period and 2020 to 2022 was the pandemic period. The calculation was carried out by age groups: children (0-14 years), adolescents (15-17 years), adults (over 18 years), adults over working age (from 55 years for women and from 60 years for men). Statistical processing of the results included regression analysis, calculation of incidence forecast for 2023-2025, and assessment of the significance of the changes using the t-criterion.
RESULTS: The decrease in the overall incidence of MBD in adults was highly deterministic (R2=0.82; p=0.012) and significant between 2017-2018 (p=0.009), 2018-2019 (p=0.001) and 2019-2020 (p=0.004). High determination with a logarithmic trend line was characteristic of almost all models, except for the primary incidence of MBD in children and overall incidence of MBDSUR in adults over working age, including after 2020. Among adolescents, the overall incidence of MBDSUR decreased significantly from 2015 to 2022 (p=0.042).
CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant increase in the incidence of MBD, including MBDURS, during the pandemic. At the same time, there was a trend towards the decrease in adults, as well as the increase in the primary incidence of MBD in children and the overall incidence of MBDSUR in adults over working age, which determines the need for further identification of risk factors and development of specific rehabilitation measures for patients in these groups.
UNASSIGNED: Анализ тенденции общей и первичной заболеваемости психическими расстройствами и расстройствами поведения (ПРиРП), в том числе вызванными употреблением психоактивных веществ (УПВ) в различных возрастных группах в период пандемии COVID-19 в Пензенской области.
UNASSIGNED: Данные были получены из статистической отчетности №12 по Пензенской области. Они включали сведения об общей и первичной заболеваемости ПРиРП, а также ПРиРП с УПВ в виде расчета на 100 тыс. человек за период с 2015 по 2022 г. Период с 2015 по 2019 г. был контрольным, а с 2020 по 2022 г. — пандемийным. Расчет проводился по возрастным группам: дети (0—14 лет), подростки (15—17 лет), взрослые (старше 18 лет), взрослые старше трудоспособного возраста (с 55 лет у женщин и с 60 лет у мужчин). Статистическая обработка результатов включала проведение регрессионного анализа данных, вычисление прогноза заболеваемости на 2023—2025 гг., а также оценку значимости выявленных изменений с использованием t-критерия.
UNASSIGNED: Снижение общей заболеваемости ПРиРП у взрослых было высокодетерминированным (R2=0,82; p=0,012) и значимым в период 2017—2018 (p=0,009), 2018—2019 (p=0,001) и 2019—2020 (p=0,004) гг. Высокая детерминация при логарифмической линии тренда была характерна практически для всех моделей, кроме первичной заболеваемости ПРиРП у детей и общей заболеваемости ПРиРП с УПВ у взрослых старше трудоспособного возраста, в том числе после 2020 г. Среди подростков значимо снижалась общая заболеваемость ПРиРП с УПВ с 2015 по 2022 г. (p=0,042).
UNASSIGNED: Значимого увеличения заболеваемости ПРиРП, в том числе с УПВ, в период пандемии не наблюдалось. При этом отмечена тенденция ее снижения у взрослых, а также рост первичной заболеваемости ПРиРП у детей и общей заболеваемости ПРиРП с УПВ у взрослых старше трудоспособного возраста, что определяет необходимость дальнейшего выявления факторов риска и разработки специфических реабилитационных мероприятий для пациентов данных групп.