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Bruce R. Russell - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Investigation of the effects of ‘piperazine-containing Party Pills’ and dexamphetamine on interhemispheric communication using electroencephalography
Psychopharmacology, 2016Co-Authors: Grace Y Wang, Rob R. Kydd, Ian J. Kirk, Louise E Curley, Bruce R. RussellAbstract:Background ‘Piperazine-containing Party Pills’ were marketed and sold as legal alternatives to methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) until 2008 in New Zealand. The major constituents of these ‘Pills’ were benzylphenylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP). Despite their popularity, there is a paucity of knowledge about their central effects in humans. This study investigated their effects on human neural processing using electroencephalographic techniques. Methods A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of an acute dose of these compounds on the interhemispheric transfer of information (IHTT) using the Poffenberger task. Reaction time data were also collected. Healthy, right-handed males were given an oral dose of either BZP ( n = 13) (200 mg), TFMPP ( n = 15) (60 mg), a combination of BZP + TFMPP ( n = 15) (100 mg/30 mg), dexamphetamine ( n = 16) (20 mg), or placebo ( n = 23) and tested both before and 120 min after drug administration. Results A mixed factorial repeated measures analysis of variance of absolute N160 latency and contrast analysis revealed that only TFMPP ( F _(1,77) = 17.30, p ≤ 0.001) significantly reduced the absolute N160 latency. Analysis of the IHTT revealed that only TFMPP ( F _(1,77) = 5.266, p ≤ 0.02) significantly reduced the IHTT, while BZP, BZP + TFMPP and dexamphetamine had no effect. Contrast analysis revealed that both TFMPP ( F _(1,77) = 17.30, p ≤ 0.001) and placebo ( F _(1,77) = 15.08, p ≤ 0.001) preserved the laterality of information transfer from one hemisphere to the other. Reaction time ( p > 0.05) was not significantly affected by any of the drug treatments. Conclusions The usual directional asymmetry (i.e. faster R-to-L transfer relative to L-to-R) observed in healthy control group was absent following the administration of either BZP, BZP + TFMPP or dexamphetamine. Surprisingly, lateralised hemispheric function was not affected by TFMPP. Our findings highlight how the administration of BZP, TFMPP and BZP + TFMPP leads to changes in the pattern of information transfer.
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investigation of the effects of piperazine containing Party Pills and dexamphetamine on interhemispheric communication using electroencephalography
Psychopharmacology, 2016Co-Authors: Grace Y Wang, Rob R. Kydd, Ian J. Kirk, Louise E Curley, Bruce R. RussellAbstract:Background ‘Piperazine-containing Party Pills’ were marketed and sold as legal alternatives to methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) until 2008 in New Zealand. The major constituents of these ‘Pills’ were benzylphenylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP). Despite their popularity, there is a paucity of knowledge about their central effects in humans. This study investigated their effects on human neural processing using electroencephalographic techniques.
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pharmaceutical quality of Party Pills raises additional safety concerns in the use of illicit recreational drugs
The New Zealand Medical Journal, 2013Co-Authors: Simon Young, Ushtana Antia, Thilini R Thrimawithana, J D Fredatovich, Y Na, P T Neale, A F Roberts, H Zhou, Bruce R. RussellAbstract:Aim To determine the content and release kinetics of 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) and 1-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)piperazine (TFMPP) from "Party pill" formulations. From these data, the possible impact of pharmaceutical quality upon the safety of such illicit formulations may be inferred. Methods The amount of BZP and TFMPP in Party pill formulations was determined using a validated HPLC method. The in-vitro release kinetics of selected Party pill brands were determined using a USP dissolution apparatus (75 rpm, 37.5°C). The release data were then fitted to a first order release model using PLOT software and the time taken to achieve 90% release reported. Results Many of the tested Party pill brands contained amounts of BZP and TFMPP that varied considerably from that stated on the packaging; including considerable TFMPP content in some brands not labelled to contain this drug. Dissolution studies revealed that there was considerable variability in the release kinetics between brands; in one case 90% release required >30 minutes. Conclusion Lack of quality control in Party pill manufacture may have led to the toxic effects reported by users unaware of the true content and release of drug from Pills. More stringent regulation in the manufacture and quality control of "new generation Party Pills" is essential to the harm reduction campaign.
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Subjective effects in humans following administration of Party pill drugs BZP and TFMPP alone and in combination
Drug Testing and Analysis, 2011Co-Authors: Rob R. Kydd, Bruce R. RussellAbstract:The use of piperazine derivatives, colloquially named ‘Party Pills’, has been escalating in New Zealand and worldwide since their introduction in the 1990s. Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is often used alone, or can be combined with trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP). Taken together as an oral dose, they have been reported to produce effects similar to 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). While the pharmacokinetic data have recently been published, little research has been conducted on the subjective effects of these piperazines on humans. This paper outlines the subjective effects observed following oral doses of BZP (200 mg) and TFMPP (60 mg) alone, or in combination (100/30 mg) compared to placebo. Participants were asked to comment on the subjective effects of each drug using three subjective rating scales—the Addiction Center Research Inventory (ARCI), the Profile of Mood States (POMS), and the Visual Analog Scales (VAS)—before and approximately 120 min after a single dose. BZP showed significant dexamphetamine-like stimulant effects, inducing euphoria, sociability, and drug liking, whereas TFMPP induced fewer stimulant-like effects and increased anxiety, via its serotonergic effects. The combination of BZP and TFMPP induced similar subjective effects, along with well-characterized dexamphetamine- and MDMA-like effects. These subjective data allow for obvious comparisons to be made between Party pill drugs and other commonly known stimulants. However, despite estimates of over 20 million doses sold in New Zealand alone and increasing seizures by the Drug Enforcement Administration in the USA, there are no published cases of dependence worldwide. The long-term effects of regular Party pill use are also unknown, and create the potential for future research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Determining the subjective and physiological effects of BZP combined with TFMPP in human males
Psychopharmacology, 2011Co-Authors: Maree-ann Jensen, Rob R. Kydd, Bruce R. RussellAbstract:Rationale ‘Party Pills’ containing benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) have been used in a recreational context since the 1990s and, prior to April 2008, were legally available in New Zealand. Taken together, they have been reported to produce a ‘high’ similar to that produced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Objectives There has been little research on the subjective effects of piperazines in humans. The purpose of this study is to further investigate the subjective and physiological responses following an oral dose of BZP combined with TFMPP in males. Methods In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study the subjective and physiological effects of BZP/TFMPP were investigated in 36 healthy, non-smoking males (mean age 22 ± 4 years). Participants were tested before and approximately 120 min after administration of a single dose of placebo ( n = 16) or 100/30 mg BZP/TFMPP ( n = 20). Participants were required to comment on the subjective effects using three rating scales—the Addiction Research Centre Inventory (ARCI), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Participants' blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature were also measured. Results Statistical analysis using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and planned comparisons revealed that BZP/TFMPP significantly increases blood pressure and heart rate ( p
R Berezowski - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Quantitative analysis of hair samples for 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) using high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) detection
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2011Co-Authors: Thomas Bassindale, R BerezowskiAbstract:Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is an amphetamine-type stimulant, which was legally available in New Zealand and widely used in “Party Pills” until reclassification as a Class C drug in April 2008. BZP was included as part of a multi-analyte method developed for hair screening using high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A 20-mg sample of hair is extracted and partially purified using mixed-mode solid-phase extraction cartridges prior to analysis by LC-MS/MS. The method was developed as a broad screen for drugs of abuse (including amphetamines, opiates, and benzodiazepines), with only the BZP results being presented here. The assay was validated and found to be linear over the range of 0.085 to 8.65 ng/mg with correlation coefficient of r 2 ≥ 0.99. Blank hair samples spiked with BZP at 0.22 and 2.16 ng/mg gave intra- and inter-day precision coefficients of variation of ≤10% (n = 6 per day, 3 days) at both levels and calculated extraction efficiencies of 78% and 91%, respectively. The results from the samples submitted to the laboratory for BZP analysis showed 11% were positive (n = 126). The mean BZP level was 3.9 ng/mg (range, 0.4–33 ng/mg; the result was extrapolated when above the calibration). These data are the first available showing the levels expected from users of BZP.
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Quantitative analysis of hair samples for 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) using high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) detection
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2011Co-Authors: Thomas Bassindale, R BerezowskiAbstract:Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is an amphetamine-type stimulant, which was legally available in New Zealand and widely used in “Party Pills” until reclassification as a Class C drug in April 2008. BZP was included as part of a multi-analyte method developed for hair screening using high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A 20-mg sample of hair is extracted and partially purified using mixed-mode solid-phase extraction cartridges prior to analysis by LC-MS/MS. The method was developed as a broad screen for drugs of abuse (including amphetamines, opiates, and benzodiazepines), with only the BZP results being presented here. The assay was validated and found to be linear over the range of 0.085 to 8.65 ng/mg with correlation coefficient of r ^2 ≥ 0.99. Blank hair samples spiked with BZP at 0.22 and 2.16 ng/mg gave intra- and inter-day precision coefficients of variation of ≤10% ( n = 6 per day, 3 days) at both levels and calculated extraction efficiencies of 78% and 91%, respectively. The results from the samples submitted to the laboratory for BZP analysis showed 11% were positive ( n = 126). The mean BZP level was 3.9 ng/mg (range, 0.4–33 ng/mg; the result was extrapolated when above the calibration). These data are the first available showing the levels expected from users of BZP. Figure Distribution of BZP in hair (ng/mg) from 14 positive hair samples, using LC-MS/MS detection
Paul Sweetsur - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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differences in harm from legal bzp tfmpp Party Pills between north island and south island users in new zealand a case of effective industry self regulation
International Journal of Drug Policy, 2010Co-Authors: Chris Wilkins, Paul SweetsurAbstract:Abstract Background ‘Party' Pills containing benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) were sold legally in New Zealand until early 2008. Prospective studies of hospital emergency department admissions appeared to suggest that the harm from Party Pills was greater among South Island than North Island users. The Party pill industry association (the Social Tonics Association of New Zealand or STANZ) claimed these differences were due to the voluntary code of practice adopted by their members in the North Island. The aims of this study were to examine differences in harm from Party Pills between North and South Island users in New Zealand, and to investigate possible reasons for any differences in harm, including the impact of industry self-regulation. Methods A national household survey of BZP/TFMPP Party pill use was conducted in New Zealand. Information on the ingredients of Party Pills was provided by the National Poisons Centre. Results In a number of instances last year users of Party Pills from the South Island were more likely than last year users from the North Island to report harm from Party Pills. There were no differences between the North and South Island users with regard to the mean number of BZP/TFMPP Party Pills taken, mean total milligrams of BZP/TFMPP ingested or prevalence of use of other drug types in combination with Party Pills. A minority of users in the South Island reported using extremely high numbers of BZP/TFMPP Party Pills in a single session and using extremely high potency brands of Party Pills. Last year Party pill users from the South Island were more likely than those from the North Island to be students. Conclusion A number of factors may have contributed to the greater harm from BZP/TFMPP Party Pills among South Island users including a higher proportion of student users with higher consumption of alcohol and other drugs. Users from both Islands commonly exceeded the dosage of BZP/TFMPP recommended by STANZ suggesting the STANZ code of conduct was largely ineffective.
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Differences in harm from legal BZP/TFMPP Party Pills between North Island and South Island users in New Zealand: a case of effective industry self-regulation?
International Journal of Drug Policy, 2009Co-Authors: Chris Wilkins, Paul SweetsurAbstract:Abstract Background ‘Party' Pills containing benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) were sold legally in New Zealand until early 2008. Prospective studies of hospital emergency department admissions appeared to suggest that the harm from Party Pills was greater among South Island than North Island users. The Party pill industry association (the Social Tonics Association of New Zealand or STANZ) claimed these differences were due to the voluntary code of practice adopted by their members in the North Island. The aims of this study were to examine differences in harm from Party Pills between North and South Island users in New Zealand, and to investigate possible reasons for any differences in harm, including the impact of industry self-regulation. Methods A national household survey of BZP/TFMPP Party pill use was conducted in New Zealand. Information on the ingredients of Party Pills was provided by the National Poisons Centre. Results In a number of instances last year users of Party Pills from the South Island were more likely than last year users from the North Island to report harm from Party Pills. There were no differences between the North and South Island users with regard to the mean number of BZP/TFMPP Party Pills taken, mean total milligrams of BZP/TFMPP ingested or prevalence of use of other drug types in combination with Party Pills. A minority of users in the South Island reported using extremely high numbers of BZP/TFMPP Party Pills in a single session and using extremely high potency brands of Party Pills. Last year Party pill users from the South Island were more likely than those from the North Island to be students. Conclusion A number of factors may have contributed to the greater harm from BZP/TFMPP Party Pills among South Island users including a higher proportion of student users with higher consumption of alcohol and other drugs. Users from both Islands commonly exceeded the dosage of BZP/TFMPP recommended by STANZ suggesting the STANZ code of conduct was largely ineffective.
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Patterns of benzylpiperazine/trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine Party pill use and adverse effects in a population sample in New Zealand
Drug and Alcohol Review, 2008Co-Authors: Chris Wilkins, Paul Sweetsur, Melissa GirlingAbstract:Introduction and Aims. A large legal market for Party Pills containing benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) developed in New Zealand after 2004. The use of these Party Pills has been associated with adverse health effects. The purpose of this paper was to assess a general population sample of Party pill users to investigate the relationship between (1) patterns of use of BZP/TFMPP Party Pills and concurrent use of other drug types, and (2) adverse side effects from BZP/TFMPP Party pill use. Design. A national household survey of the use of BZP/TFMPP Party Pills was conducted using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) facility. The quantity of BZP and TFMPP in each brand of Party pill was obtained from the National Poisons Centre. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of having experienced adverse side effects from Party Pills. Results. The mean quantity of BZP/TFMPP taken on an occasion of greatest use was 533 mg (media...
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the prevalence of use dependency and harms of legal Party Pills containing benzylpiperazine bzp and trifluorophenylmethylpiperazine tfmpp in new zealand
Journal of Substance Use, 2007Co-Authors: Chris Wilkins, Melissa Girling, Paul SweetsurAbstract:Piperazine‐based ‘Party Pills’ containing 1‐benzylpiperazine (BZP) and 1‐(m‐trifluorophenylmethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP) have become increasingly popular in New Zealand and many other countries. The aim of this study was to collect data on the population prevalence and related harm from legal Party pill use in New Zealand. A national household sample of 2010 people aged 13–45 years old was collected using a computer‐assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) facility. Twenty per cent of the sample had tried legal Party Pills and 15% had used them in the previous year. Approximately 40% of males aged 18–24 years old had used legal Party Pills in the past year. While most users reported fairly minor problems from use, such as insomnia (50% of last year users), some users reported potentially more serious physical problems, such as ‘vomiting’ (12%), ‘inability to urinate’ (10%), ‘chest pains’ (4%) and ‘seizures’ (0.8%). Users also reported a range of psychological problems from use such as visual hallucination...
Chris Wilkins - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Are government‐approved products containing new psychoactive substances perceived to be safer and more socially acceptable than alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs? Findings from a survey of police arrestees in New Zealand
Drug and Alcohol Review, 2017Co-Authors: Marta Rychert, Chris Wilkins, Karl Parker, Karen WittenAbstract:In July 2013, New Zealand passed the Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA), which established a legal regulated market for government-approved products containing new psychoactive substances (NPS). One of the aims of the PSA was to separate the market for approved NPS products from unapproved products and illegal drugs. The aim of this study was to explore perceived health risks and social acceptability of government-approved NPS compared to unapproved NPS and other drugs. About 834 police arrestees were surveyed about the health risks and social acceptability of regularly using nine drug types, including approved and unapproved synthetic cannabinoids (SC) and 'Party Pills' (PP) under the interim PSA regime. Statistical analyses included fitted analysis of variance and logistic ordinal regression models. Approved SC were considered riskier to health than (natural) cannabis, alcohol, approved and unapproved PP, tobacco and ecstasy, but safer than unapproved SC and methamphetamine. Younger participants (16-29 years) were more likely than older participants (30+ years) to give approved SC a high health-risk score. Approved SC were considered less socially acceptable than alcohol, tobacco and cannabis, but more socially acceptable than methamphetamine, unapproved SC and unapproved PP. Frequent SC users were more likely to rate the social acceptability of approved legal SC higher than other drug users. Approved PP received more positive health and social acceptability scores than approved SC. The PSA was partially successful at separating approved NPS from other drugs. High health-risk and low social acceptability scores for approved SC may reflect the absence of product testing during the interim PSA market. © 2017 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.
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An exploratory study of the health harms and utilisation of health services of frequent legal high users under the interim regulated legal high market in central Auckland.
The New Zealand Medical Journal, 2016Co-Authors: Chris Wilkins, Jitesh Prasad, Wong Kc, Marta Rychert, Thomas Graydon-guyAbstract:To explore health problems and the accessing of health services by frequent legal high users under an interim regulated legal market in central Auckland.Frequent legal high users (monthly+) were recruited from outside eight randomly-selected, licensed, legal high stores in central Auckland from 23 April-7 May, 2014. Eligible participants were emailed a unique invitation to complete an on-line survey; 105 completed the survey.Twenty-seven percent had suffered mental illness during their lifetimes. Eighty percent used synthetic cannabinoids (SC), and 20% 'Party Pills'. Forty-seven percent of SC users used daily or more often. Other drugs used included alcohol (80%), cannabis (59%), 'ecstasy' (18%) and methamphetamine (15%). Fifty-eight percent of SC users were classified as SC dependent. The most common problems reported from SC use were: insomnia (29%); 'vomiting/nausea' (25%); 'short temper/agitation' (21%); 'anxiety' (21%); 'strange thoughts' (16%); and 'heart palpitations' (14%). The health services most commonly accessed by SC users were: a 'doctor/GP' (9%); 'counsellor' (9%); 'DrugHelp/MethHelp' websites (7%); 'Alcohol & Drug Helpline' (4%); 'ambulance' (3%); 'AE and hospitalisation (3%).Frequent use of interim licensed SC products was associated with health problems, including dependency. Further research is required to determine the health risks of these products.
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differences in harm from legal bzp tfmpp Party Pills between north island and south island users in new zealand a case of effective industry self regulation
International Journal of Drug Policy, 2010Co-Authors: Chris Wilkins, Paul SweetsurAbstract:Abstract Background ‘Party' Pills containing benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) were sold legally in New Zealand until early 2008. Prospective studies of hospital emergency department admissions appeared to suggest that the harm from Party Pills was greater among South Island than North Island users. The Party pill industry association (the Social Tonics Association of New Zealand or STANZ) claimed these differences were due to the voluntary code of practice adopted by their members in the North Island. The aims of this study were to examine differences in harm from Party Pills between North and South Island users in New Zealand, and to investigate possible reasons for any differences in harm, including the impact of industry self-regulation. Methods A national household survey of BZP/TFMPP Party pill use was conducted in New Zealand. Information on the ingredients of Party Pills was provided by the National Poisons Centre. Results In a number of instances last year users of Party Pills from the South Island were more likely than last year users from the North Island to report harm from Party Pills. There were no differences between the North and South Island users with regard to the mean number of BZP/TFMPP Party Pills taken, mean total milligrams of BZP/TFMPP ingested or prevalence of use of other drug types in combination with Party Pills. A minority of users in the South Island reported using extremely high numbers of BZP/TFMPP Party Pills in a single session and using extremely high potency brands of Party Pills. Last year Party pill users from the South Island were more likely than those from the North Island to be students. Conclusion A number of factors may have contributed to the greater harm from BZP/TFMPP Party Pills among South Island users including a higher proportion of student users with higher consumption of alcohol and other drugs. Users from both Islands commonly exceeded the dosage of BZP/TFMPP recommended by STANZ suggesting the STANZ code of conduct was largely ineffective.
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Differences in harm from legal BZP/TFMPP Party Pills between North Island and South Island users in New Zealand: a case of effective industry self-regulation?
International Journal of Drug Policy, 2009Co-Authors: Chris Wilkins, Paul SweetsurAbstract:Abstract Background ‘Party' Pills containing benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) were sold legally in New Zealand until early 2008. Prospective studies of hospital emergency department admissions appeared to suggest that the harm from Party Pills was greater among South Island than North Island users. The Party pill industry association (the Social Tonics Association of New Zealand or STANZ) claimed these differences were due to the voluntary code of practice adopted by their members in the North Island. The aims of this study were to examine differences in harm from Party Pills between North and South Island users in New Zealand, and to investigate possible reasons for any differences in harm, including the impact of industry self-regulation. Methods A national household survey of BZP/TFMPP Party pill use was conducted in New Zealand. Information on the ingredients of Party Pills was provided by the National Poisons Centre. Results In a number of instances last year users of Party Pills from the South Island were more likely than last year users from the North Island to report harm from Party Pills. There were no differences between the North and South Island users with regard to the mean number of BZP/TFMPP Party Pills taken, mean total milligrams of BZP/TFMPP ingested or prevalence of use of other drug types in combination with Party Pills. A minority of users in the South Island reported using extremely high numbers of BZP/TFMPP Party Pills in a single session and using extremely high potency brands of Party Pills. Last year Party pill users from the South Island were more likely than those from the North Island to be students. Conclusion A number of factors may have contributed to the greater harm from BZP/TFMPP Party Pills among South Island users including a higher proportion of student users with higher consumption of alcohol and other drugs. Users from both Islands commonly exceeded the dosage of BZP/TFMPP recommended by STANZ suggesting the STANZ code of conduct was largely ineffective.
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Patterns of benzylpiperazine/trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine Party pill use and adverse effects in a population sample in New Zealand
Drug and Alcohol Review, 2008Co-Authors: Chris Wilkins, Paul Sweetsur, Melissa GirlingAbstract:Introduction and Aims. A large legal market for Party Pills containing benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) developed in New Zealand after 2004. The use of these Party Pills has been associated with adverse health effects. The purpose of this paper was to assess a general population sample of Party pill users to investigate the relationship between (1) patterns of use of BZP/TFMPP Party Pills and concurrent use of other drug types, and (2) adverse side effects from BZP/TFMPP Party pill use. Design. A national household survey of the use of BZP/TFMPP Party Pills was conducted using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) facility. The quantity of BZP and TFMPP in each brand of Party pill was obtained from the National Poisons Centre. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of having experienced adverse side effects from Party Pills. Results. The mean quantity of BZP/TFMPP taken on an occasion of greatest use was 533 mg (media...
Thomas Bassindale - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Quantitative analysis of hair samples for 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) using high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) detection
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2011Co-Authors: Thomas Bassindale, R BerezowskiAbstract:Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is an amphetamine-type stimulant, which was legally available in New Zealand and widely used in “Party Pills” until reclassification as a Class C drug in April 2008. BZP was included as part of a multi-analyte method developed for hair screening using high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A 20-mg sample of hair is extracted and partially purified using mixed-mode solid-phase extraction cartridges prior to analysis by LC-MS/MS. The method was developed as a broad screen for drugs of abuse (including amphetamines, opiates, and benzodiazepines), with only the BZP results being presented here. The assay was validated and found to be linear over the range of 0.085 to 8.65 ng/mg with correlation coefficient of r 2 ≥ 0.99. Blank hair samples spiked with BZP at 0.22 and 2.16 ng/mg gave intra- and inter-day precision coefficients of variation of ≤10% (n = 6 per day, 3 days) at both levels and calculated extraction efficiencies of 78% and 91%, respectively. The results from the samples submitted to the laboratory for BZP analysis showed 11% were positive (n = 126). The mean BZP level was 3.9 ng/mg (range, 0.4–33 ng/mg; the result was extrapolated when above the calibration). These data are the first available showing the levels expected from users of BZP.
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Quantitative analysis of hair samples for 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP) using high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) detection
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2011Co-Authors: Thomas Bassindale, R BerezowskiAbstract:Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is an amphetamine-type stimulant, which was legally available in New Zealand and widely used in “Party Pills” until reclassification as a Class C drug in April 2008. BZP was included as part of a multi-analyte method developed for hair screening using high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A 20-mg sample of hair is extracted and partially purified using mixed-mode solid-phase extraction cartridges prior to analysis by LC-MS/MS. The method was developed as a broad screen for drugs of abuse (including amphetamines, opiates, and benzodiazepines), with only the BZP results being presented here. The assay was validated and found to be linear over the range of 0.085 to 8.65 ng/mg with correlation coefficient of r ^2 ≥ 0.99. Blank hair samples spiked with BZP at 0.22 and 2.16 ng/mg gave intra- and inter-day precision coefficients of variation of ≤10% ( n = 6 per day, 3 days) at both levels and calculated extraction efficiencies of 78% and 91%, respectively. The results from the samples submitted to the laboratory for BZP analysis showed 11% were positive ( n = 126). The mean BZP level was 3.9 ng/mg (range, 0.4–33 ng/mg; the result was extrapolated when above the calibration). These data are the first available showing the levels expected from users of BZP. Figure Distribution of BZP in hair (ng/mg) from 14 positive hair samples, using LC-MS/MS detection
