Author
Jörg Teske
Other affiliations: Hochschule Hannover
Bio: Jörg Teske is an academic researcher from Hannover Medical School. The author has contributed to research in topics: Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry & Forensic toxicology. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 32 publications receiving 541 citations. Previous affiliations of Jörg Teske include Hochschule Hannover.
Papers
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TL;DR: A validated method for the detection and quantification of naphthalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl)methanone (JWH-018), an ingredient of a herbal mixture called "Spice", by means of HPLC-ESI-MS-MS in serum is described.
196 citations
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TL;DR: The case history and toxicological findings of a fatal fentanyl intoxication due to ingestion of a transdermal patch are presented, in which a 1-year-old otherwise healthy girl was put to bed and 2 h later she was found dead.
Abstract: The case history and toxicological findings of a fatal fentanyl intoxication due to ingestion of a transdermal patch are presented A 1-year-old otherwise healthy girl was put to bed and 2 h later she was found dead The autopsy revealed a 25-μg/h (42 mg) transdermal fentanyl patch in the stomach Toxicological analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with positive electrospray ionization yielded fentanyl and norfentanyl concentrations in the peripheral blood of 56 and 59 ng/ml, heart blood 190 and 89 ng/ml, and liver 235 and 26 ng/g, respectively The cause of death was determined to be a fentanyl overdose The investigation established that the child has unintentionally swallowed the patch, which had been lying on the floor
75 citations
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TL;DR: Comparison of mass spectral fragmentation patterns of the aglycones, as well as high-resolution mass spectrometric and NMR data of four of the primary thevetia glycosides including the two unknowns, revealed the structures of the complete set of six thevetIA glycoside.
51 citations
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TL;DR: The data concerning U-47700 concentration distribution in postmortem specimens collected after two lethal intoxications showed femoral blood concentrations were lower than the urine/heart blood concentrations and can be defined as high when compared with toxic morphine levels, well known that the interpretation of postmortem drug concentration is a big challenge.
Abstract: Dear Editor, U-47700 is a synthetic drug from the group of new psychoactive substances, used illicitly by recreational opioid users. Animal models revealed that U-47700 is around 7.5 times more potent in binding to opioid receptors than morphine. Its high potency might lead to numerous lethal intoxications, like reported recently after U-47700 consumption [1–4]. Especially, a combined application of U-47700 with other opioids has to be classified as dangerous [5]. Like already pointed out, there is insufficient information about U-47700 concentration in biological samples [6]. Therefore, with this letter, we wanted to present our data concerning U-47700 concentration distribution in postmortem specimens collected after two lethal intoxications. In fatalities investigated, both decedents were found dead on a bed. Because U-47700 was characterized as a selective and strong opioid receptor agonist, generally leaving uncharacteristic findings, the autopsies performed could not reveal the cause of death. Since cerebral/lung oedema and a full urinary bladder were found, a possible intoxication was discussed. The postmortem specimens collected by forensic pathologists underwent blood alcohol analysis, broad toxicological examinations with general unknown analyses, and appropriate confirmations of targeted drugs. No relevant concentrations of other substances than U-47700 could be detected (Table 1). Appropriate quantifications in postmortem specimens, performed on the basis of liquidliquid extraction with 1-chlorobutane, standard addition (with spikes added at three levels), fentanyl-D5 applied as internal standard, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, revealed U-47700 concentrations as presented in Table 1. As expected, femoral blood concentrations were lower than the urine/heart blood concentrations and can be defined as high when compared with toxic morphine levels. They can also be classified as lower than the concentration discussed by Elliott et al. [1] but higher than the data presented by Mclntyre et al./Mohr et al. [2, 3]. Regarding all the circumstances, the cause of death could be explained by the U-47700 consumption in both cases. It is well known that the interpretation of postmortem drug concentration is a big challenge [7]. Scarcity of information on reference concentrations in postmortem matrices makes the interpretation even more problematic. Since the analyses in cases discussed were performed in a variety of postmortem specimens, the concentration distribution data provided can be * Marek Dziadosz analytiker@chemist.com; Dziadosz.Marek@mh-hannover.de
39 citations
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TL;DR: The presented study revealed that this method is a very effective way for sensitive SC and NDD identification in human serum and has useful application in hospitals, therapy centres and forensic psychiatric centres.
33 citations
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TL;DR: A comprehensive review, based on a systematic electronic literature search, of SC epidemiology and pharmacology and their clinical implications is presented, showing in vitro and animal in vivo studies show SC pharmacological effects 2-100 times more potent than THC.
549 citations
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TL;DR: A review of the legal status of common synthetic cannabinoids detected in Spice and analytical procedures used to test Spice products and human specimens collected under a variety of clinical circumstances is provided in this paper.
Abstract: “K2” and “Spice” drugs (collectively hereafter referred to as Spice) represent a relatively new class of designer drugs that have recently emerged as popular alternatives to marijuana, otherwise characterized as “legal highs”. These drugs are readily available on the Internet and sold in many head shops and convenience stores under the disguise of innocuous products like herbal blends, incense, or air fresheners. Although package labels indicate “not for human consumption”, the number of intoxicated people presenting to emergency departments is dramatically increasing. The lack of validated and standardized human testing procedures and an endless supply of potential drugs of abuse are primary reasons why researchers find it difficult to fully characterize clinical consequences associated with Spice. While the exact chemical composition and toxicology of Spice remains to be determined, there is mounting evidence identifying several synthetic cannabinoids as causative agents responsible for psychoactive and adverse physical effects. This review provides updates of the legal status of common synthetic cannabinoids detected in Spice and analytical procedures used to test Spice products and human specimens collected under a variety of clinical circumstances. The pharmacological and toxicological consequences of synthetic cannabinoid abuse are also reviewed to provide a future perspective on potential short- and long-term implications.
437 citations
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TL;DR: Congratulations to Dr. Baselt for the publication of his 10th edition and the expansion of his classic toxicology text to cover over 1,500 medications and chemicals.
Abstract: Congratulations to Dr. Baselt for the publication of his 10th edition and the expansion of his classic toxicology text to cover over 1,500 medications and chemicals. This enduring work provides a c...
429 citations
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TL;DR: In 2014, the first illicit pills containing fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and other novel synthetic opioids such as U-47700 were detected as mentioned in this paper, and since then, fentanyl has caused deaths in every state and fentanyl and its analogs have completely infiltrated the North American heroin supply.
403 citations
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TL;DR: An escalating number of compounds with cannabinoid receptor activity are currently being found as ingredients of Spice, of which almost nothing is known in terms of pharmacology, toxicology, and safety.
Abstract: Synthetic cannabinoids are functionally similar to delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive principle of cannabis, and bind to the same cannabinoid receptors in the brain and peripheral organs. From 2008, synthetic cannabinoids were detected in herbal smoking mixtures sold on websites and in “head shops” under the brand name of Spice Gold, Yucatan Fire, Aroma, and others. Although these products (also known as “Spice drugs” or “legal highs”) do not contain tobacco or cannabis, when smoked they produce effects similar to THC. Intoxication, withdrawal, psychosis and death have been recently reported after consumption, posing difficult social, political and health challenges. More than 140 different Spice products have been identified to date. The ability to induce strong cannabis-like psychoactive effects, along with the fact that they are readily available on the Internet, still legal in many countries, marketed as natural safe substances, and undetectable by conventional drug screening tests, has rendered these drugs very popular and particularly appealing to young and drug-naive individuals seeking new experiences. An escalating number of compounds with cannabinoid receptor activity are currently being found as ingredients of Spice, of which almost nothing is known in terms of pharmacology, toxicology and safety. Since legislation started to control the synthetic cannabinoids identified in these herbal mixtures, many new analogs have appeared on the market. New cannabimimetic compounds are likely to be synthesized in the near future to replace banned synthetic cannabinoids, leading to a “dog chasing its tail” situation. Spice smokers are exposed to drugs that are extremely variable in composition and potency, and are at risk of serious, if not lethal, outcomes. Social and health professionals should maintain a high degree of alertness for Spice use and its possible psychiatric effects in vulnerable people.
400 citations