The mystery behind the apprehensions of the selective cannabinoid receptor type-2 agonist BZO-HEXOXIZID (MDA-19) as a drug of abuse.

Purpose: MDA-19 or BZO-HEXOXIZID (N'-[(3Z)-1-(1-hexyl)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-3H-indol-3-ylidene]-benzohydrazide), in a more recent nomenclature, was first synthesized in 2008 as a selective type-2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2) agonist due to its potential to treat neuropathic pain. In Brazil, this substance was identified in a series of 53 apprehensions between September 2021 and February 2022. Nevertheless, what intrigues toxicologists is that BZO-HEXOXIZID does not exert significant type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) agonism-which is responsible for the well-known psychoactivity of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Lucy is back in Brazil with a new dress.

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, a John Lennon song that was a hit in the 1960s, was born amidst a social context enlightened by lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). In Brazil, both the drug and the song were very popular at the time, although it gradually mitigated. Nevertheless, while the song remains out of the spotlight, LSD derivatives are currently gaining attention with the rising of the new psychoactive substances (NPS).

Detection of cocaine crystals dispersed on non- Erythroxylum herbs.

This case report deals with an unusual seized drugs case, in which cocaine, more commonly found in powder form or as crack cocaine, was found in herbs similar to those used to deliver synthetic cannabinoids. A comparison with expected physical appearance and chemical results for a genuine coca leaf is also presented.

Determination of the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1 and 33 compounds from eight different drug classes in whole blood by LC-MS/MS.

Introduction: Most bioanalytical LC-MS/MS methods are developed for determination of single drugs or classes of drugs, but a multi-compound LC-MS/MS method that can replace several methods could reduce both analysis time and costs. The aim of this study was to develop a high-throughput LC-MS/MS method for determination of the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1 (PEth 16:0/18:1) and 33 other compounds from eight different drug classes in whole blood.

Methods: Whole-blood samples were prepared by 96-well supported liquid extraction (SLE).

Comparison of traffic data and blood alcohol concentration among fatally injured drivers in Norway and Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2005-2015.

Road traffic crashes (RTCs) are responsible for a large number of deaths worldwide, but low- and middle-income countries frequently present higher rates of deaths; for example, Norway, a high-income country, has a rate of 2.0 drivers killed per 100,000 inhabitants, whereas Brazil, a middle-income country, has a rate of 18.4.

Loaded dice: A game theory analysis of drunk driving laws in Brazil.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the current legislation would encourage drunk drivers to refrain from taking a breathalyzer and thus avoid jail time.

Method: Brazilian traffic laws currently have 3 possible punishments for drivers suspected of driving under the influence: A fine and suspension of license for 12 months if the breathalyzer result is under 0.3 mg/L (by law; a result up to 0.

Alcohol-related traffic accidents with fatal outcomes in the city of Sao Paulo.

Aims: The aims of the present study were to characterize fatal traffic accident victims in a major urban center in Brazil and their association with alcohol consumption.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of 907 fatal traffic accident victims in Sao Paulo, in 2005.

Results: Adult males between the ages of 25 and 54 represented the majority of cases with positive blood alcohol concentrations (BAC).

Crack cocaine use in Barcelona: a reason of worry.

In Spain, crack cocaine use is silently increasing. In Barcelona, an intentional sample was selected to describe the general characteristics of this consumption. Participants were submitted to an interview and data were analyzed through qualitative research procedures.

Neuropsychological assessment of current and past crack cocaine users.

Background: Cognitive changes due to crack cocaine consumption remain unclear.

Methods: For clarification, 55 subjects were assigned to three groups: control group, crack cocaine current users, and ex-users. Participants were submitted to Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and tasks evaluating executive functioning and verbal memory.

Alcohol consumption in homicide victims in the city of São Paulo.

Aims: To assess the association between alcohol use and victimization by homicide in individuals autopsied at the Institute of Legal Medicine in São Paulo, Brazil.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Excessive consumption of alcohol is a serious public health issue and a major factor in triggering violent situations, which suggests a strong association between alcohol ingestion and becoming a victim of homicide.

Drug consumption among medical students in São Paulo, Brazil: influences of gender and academic year.

Objective: To analyze alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among medical students.

Method: Over a five-year period (1996-2001), we evaluated 457 students at the Universidade de São Paulo School of Medicine, located in São Paulo, Brazil. The students participated by filling out an anonymous questionnaire on drug use (lifetime, previous 12 months and previous 30 days).