Synthetic cathinones in drug-facilitated sexual assault: A case report involving the novel generation substituted cathinone N-ethylpentedrone and a review of the literature.

The use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is not uncommon. Indeed, the effects associated with the use of this substance may lead to disinhibition. Several synthetic cathinones, such as mephedrone or methylone, also possess marked entactogenic properties. This manuscript aims to (i) report a DFSA case involving a novel cathinone derivative, namely N-ethyl-pentedrone (NEPD) and (ii) review previously reported DFSA cases involving synthetic cathinones. Using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), NEPD was detected in both plasma and urine collected from a 36-year-old male who had been victim of DFSA. Furthermore, an exhaustive, non-period-specific English-language literature search was performed using several different electronic databases to identify DFSA cases involving synthetic cathinones. Overall, five synthetic cathinones have been associated with DFSA:methylenedioxypyrovalerone, 4-methylethcathinone, α -pyrrolidinopentiophenone, mephedrone, α -pyrrolidinohexiophenone, and methylone, which appears to be the most frequently reported. Methylone is the ß-keto analog of MDMA, with which it shares substantial pharmacological similarities. Indeed, the pharmacological effects of methylone are similar to those associated with MDMA. By contrast, little is known regarding NEPD's pharmacological effects in humans. Based on subjective reports, NEPD can produce both positive and negative effects in human. Unlike what is reported in the case of methylone or mephedrone, only a small minority of NEPD users report slightly entactogenics effects. Such properties theoretically make NEPD more suitable for use in a chemsex context than in DFSA context; even though, the boundary between these two specific forms of sexualized drug use can sometimes appear tenuous.

Evaluation of Postoperative Practices Regarding Packing of the External Auditory Canal.

BACKGROUND: Packing of the external auditory canal after ear surgery is an established practice in most otologic centers. However, no guidelines exist concerning the management of this process. The aim of the study is to investigate otologists' habits concerning packing of the external ear canal after otologic surgery. A second objective was to collect their opinion concerning the absence of packing. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional survey. We sent an online questionnaire to the 135 members of the French Otology and Neurotology Association (AFON). It was conducted between March 15, 2020, and May 15, 2020. It consisted of 11 demographic questions and 6 surgical management-related questions concerning 6 major otologic procedures. RESULTS: Fifty-seven members answered the survey. The most frequent packing used was ear wick with silicon sheets (48.6%) among all surgical procedures. Among participants, 62% used the same packing material for all surgical procedures. Of the participants, 96% were reluctant not to pack the external ear canal after otologic surgery. CONCLUSION: This study shows a great variability concerning surgeons' practices. A randomized controlled trial would be helpful to guide surgeons for ear packing after otologic surgery and assess the absence of packing.

Case Report: Progressive Dysphonia and Dysphagia due to Laryngeal Leishmaniasis.

Laryngeal leishmaniasis is an unusual form of the disease. We report the case of a patient who consulted for dysphonia and dysphagia in a context of asthenia and weight loss. The patient had lesions that were suggestive of laryngeal cancer but were revealed to be leishmaniasis by histopathology examination and polymerase chain reaction. Treatment with amphotericin B and miltefosine permitted complete resolution of the lesions and no recurrence during the 18-month follow-up period.