cocaine hydrochloride (Numbrino)

Multicenter toxicological analysis of psychoactive substances in suicide victims in Brazil.

Bombana Henrique Silva HS, Casteldelli-Maia João Maurício JM, Takitane Juliana J, Carvalho Heráclito Barbosa HB et al.

To assess the prevalence and toxicological profile of psychoactive substance use among coroner-certified suicide cases in Brazil. We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study using probabilistic post-mortem blood sampling of suicide victims autopsied at the Institutes of Forensic Medicine between March 2022 and June 2024. Data were collected from forensic units covering metropolitan areas of the state capitals of Pará, Pernambuco, Espírito Santo, and Paraná. Alcohol and other psychoactive substances were analyzed using headspace-gas chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Among 330 suicide victims, 54.4% tested positive for at least one psychoactive substance. Alcohol was the most detected substance (29.4%), followed by cocaine (21.2%) and benzodiazepines (20.3%). Polysubstance use occurred in 14.5% of cases, most involving simultaneous use of alcohol and cocaine. Substance-positive victims were younger than those without detectable substances (median age: 38 vs. 44 years, p = 0.04). Cocaine use was associated with concurrent alcohol use (OR: 4.05; 95% CI: 2.33-7.03) and death by asphyxia (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.25-5.60). This multicenter toxicological study, the first in Brazil, shows that psychoactive substances are prevalent among suicide victims, with alcohol, cocaine, and benzodiazepines most often detected. The co-use of alcohol and cocaine, especially among younger victims, underscores a risk profile that may intensify lethality. Broader surveillance and longitudinal designs are needed to clarify causal links and strengthen suicide prevention strategies that integrate toxicological evidence with mental health and substance use care.

Correction to: Cocaine-induced destruction of the palate: a diagnostic and management challenge.

Maloney Brian B, Hinchion Kate K, Conlon Niall N, Omer Osama O et al.

Investigation of the Mechanism of Cinnamaldehyde in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Based via Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Animal Experiments.

Yu Qingyang Q, Xu Boqing B, Dai Chunfang C, Pang Yayan Y et al.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Cinnamaldehyde (CA) possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and digestive-regulatory properties. However, its therapeutic potential for IBS and mechanisms are not understood. We employed network pharmacology to identify potential targets and pathways of CA against IBS. Core targets were validated through molecular docking, and further verified in an IBS rat model induced by neonatal maternal separation (NMS) and water avoidance stress (WAS). Network pharmacology identified 139 potential targets of CA related to IBS. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis highlighted key biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis suggested involvement of pathways such as nitrogen metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, and cocaine addiction. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network revealed 11 major targets, and molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinities between CA and several targets, particularly MAOB, PARP1, HDAC1, JAK2, and MMP2. Animal experiments confirmed that CA significantly reduces MAOB, as well as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels, thereby alleviating visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety and depression-like behaviors in IBS rats. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing CA as a potential natural therapeutic agent for IBS.

Development of propranolol hydrochloride extended-release lipid matrix tablets for pediatric use.

Broocks Stefanie S, Gebhardt Melanie M, Klein Sandra S

Although solid oral dosage forms are widely used in adult drug therapy, age-appropriate formulations for pediatric patients remain limited. The development of suitable dosage forms is challenged by specific requirements regarding excipient safety, tablet size, and dose flexibility, as well as the need to improve therapy adherence in the context of frequent dosing. This study aimed to develop a pediatric-appropriate extended-release matrix tablet based on lipid matrix formers, with particular attention to the use of safe excipients and the selection of excipients based on sustainability considerations. Lipid-based excipients, selected due to their natural origin and similarity to dietary fats, were investigated and compared with conventional matrix formers. A formulation screening approach was applied to identify promising candidates based on drug release after one hour, followed by further evaluation of manufacturability, tablet hardness, and extended-release performance. In addition, the influence of a physiological pH-gradient, bile salts, and long-term storage on drug release was assessed. The selected formulations showed good manufacturability, uniformity, and sustained drug release. Overall, several lipid-based matrix formulations suitable for pediatric use were identified, providing a promising basis for the development of solid oral extended-release dosage forms for children.