Articles tagged with Cocaine
A portable cocaine sensor has been developed at UC Santa Barbara, enabling rapid detection of illegal substances in bodily fluids. The sensor is based on a generic, inexpensive method that can detect a range of targets, including prescription drugs and bioterrorism agents.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have created a detailed snapshot of a cocaine antibody's dynamics, revealing its potential as a therapeutic agent for treating addiction. The study's findings provide insight into the molecular basis of catalysis and suggest possible mutations to enhance the antibody's efficacy.
Research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that cocaine exposure alters brain chemistry, making neurons more susceptible to damage from environmental toxins. The study suggests a potential link between cocaine use and the development of Parkinson's disease in both adults and their offspring.
A new study finds that the herbal supplement NAC can help reduce cocaine cravings in individuals undergoing treatment for cocaine addiction. The research, conducted at the ACNP Annual Meeting, showed that NAC-treated subjects had reduced brain activity in the prefrontal cortex and reported less craving for cocaine.
New research highlights the impact of environmental enrichment on addiction recovery, showing that social rank and stress can affect brain chemistry. Practitioners and family members must understand the importance of abstinence to support brain recovery.
Researchers found that cocaine alters the normal biochemical processes in the brain, allowing genes to be turned on and off. Chronic cocaine use causes long-lasting changes in the brain's circuitry, whereas short-term use affects genes differently.
Studies show that histone modifications activated genes involved in cocaine response, leading to neural and behavioral plasticity. Long-lived changes in chromatin remodeling may be crucial for cocaine-induced neuroadaptations.
Researchers at Imperial College London estimated that nearly 1 in 8 young adults in London use crack cocaine, with men being more than three times as likely to use the drug as women. The study found that 46,000 Londoners aged 15-44 use crack cocaine, accounting for 1.3% of the population.
Researchers found that distinct brain regions were active when rats chose between environments associated with pups or cocaine. This discovery may provide insight into the neural basis of decision-making and preference formation in mammals.
The study found that subjective responses to cocaine peak and decline more rapidly than those of methamphetamine. Cardiovascular responses are similar at onset but respond differently over time.
A new tool measures cocaine residue in river and sewage waters, revealing an average daily use of at least 27 doses of 100mg cocaine per 1,000 young adults. This exceeds official national estimates, with 40,000 doses used daily in the Po valley.
Researchers found that cocaine disrupts normal connections between brain regions, leading to impulsive behaviors. The study used rats with cocaine sensitization, who showed impaired ability to change strategies in a maze.
Scientists detect dopamine release from nucleus accumbens in rats, revealing three distinct signals associated with cocaine administration. The findings suggest that dopamine release transients are highly plastic and governed by motivation, learned association, and pharmacological actions.
Research found that prenatal cocaine exposure increases heart vulnerability to ischaemia/reperfusion injury in late adult life, with male hearts being more susceptible. Fetal programming by cocaine abuse and hypoxia also contribute to lifelong cardiovascular consequences.
Research finds that prenatal cocaine exposure is associated with smaller head circumference at birth and less optimal home environments, leading to mild effects on developmental outcomes. These effects persist into childhood, particularly as children face increased demands in the formal school years.
The study used combined PET and MRI to track cocaine pharmacokinetics in pregnant nonhuman primates. The results showed that cocaine accumulated at the highest levels in the liver, and to a lesser extent in the brain, suggesting a unique anatomy of fetal circulation.
Researchers at NYU discovered a gene mutation, Lmo, that increases sensitivity to cocaine in fruit flies. The mutation affects the fly's internal clock, modulating sensitivity to cocaine within its cells.
Researchers identified Lmo mutants in Drosophila that showed increased response to cocaine, indicating a potential link between the fly's internal clock and drug sensitivity. The study found that Lmo-related proteins are present in key areas of mammalian brains, suggesting implications for understanding human addiction.
A recent study has found that prenatal cocaine exposure is linked to behavioral problems in boys, but not girls. The study of 473 children aged 6-7 found that those exposed to cocaine in the womb had more behavioral issues and cognitive problems than their non-exposed peers.
Researchers found that Homer1 or Homer2 gene knockout mice showed greater preference for chambers associated with cocaine administration and increased motivation to self-administer cocaine. They also exhibited neurochemical changes characteristic of addiction, including reduced glutamate levels during withdrawal.
Research suggests that prenatal cocaine exposure is not directly related to child development, but rather the quality of caregiving. Children in non-parental care performed better in several developmental areas, despite initial health issues at birth. Support for caregivers and mothers could help prevent and treat developmental problems.
A recent study published in JAMA found that prenatal cocaine exposure was not associated with lower full-scale IQ scores, but did show specific effects on information, arithmetic, and object assembly. Children in foster or adoptive care showed improved cognitive outcomes despite higher levels of cocaine exposure.
The study found no correlation between prenatal cocaine exposure and lower IQ scores, but showed specific effects on subscales such as information, arithmetic, and object assembly. Children in foster or adoptive care had better IQs than those in biological maternal or relative care, despite increased severity of exposure.
Researchers found that combining counseling with baclofen reduced cocaine use in chronic users, suggesting a potential treatment for cocaine dependence. The medication targets dopamine release in the brain, reducing cravings.
A recent study published in PNAS found that single cocaine exposure can increase both morphine preference and kappa-opioid receptor agonist aversion in rats. This suggests the existence of opposing brain circuits involved in drug craving and avoidance, with potential implications for treating addiction by modulating these pathways.
A randomized controlled trial found that disulfiram significantly reduced cocaine use in adults not dependent on alcohol, while CBT showed similar effectiveness. The combination of disulfiram and CBT was particularly effective for non-alcoholic users who abstained from alcohol during the study.
Researchers have discovered a molecule that links drug-induced plasticity in one part of the brain to a mechanism underlying learning and memory in another. The study found that a specific protein, PSD-95, plays a crucial role in addiction and may also be involved in learning and memory.
A study of 3,288 teenage girls found that those with multiple sexual partners were more likely to have unprotected sex and experience negative health consequences. Girls tend to limit their partners as they progress through high school, but education before ninth grade may help reduce these risks.
A recent case report reveals that MDMA can trigger heart attacks, with symptoms similar to those caused by cocaine or amphetamine use. Physicians are advised to familiarize themselves with the emerging trend of MDMA use and its potential risks.
A new handheld sensing device, called the 'dog-on-a-chip,' can detect cocaine in real-time, reducing time between seizures and lab analysis. The device uses monoclonal antibodies to differentiate between similar molecules, providing an advantage over canine sniffers.
Case Western Reserve University researchers will continue their study on children prenatally exposed to cocaine, now in their 14th year of funding, due to a new $4.9 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The ongoing research has found associations between prenatal cocaine exposure and cognitive skills development.
A study published in Nature found that behavioral treatment can reverse brain changes caused by cocaine use and prevent relapse. Rats given extinction training during withdrawal showed a significant increase in glutamate receptors, which may help ease cravings and prevent relapse.
A study of 487 cocaine-dependent patients found that treatment combining group drug counseling with individual therapy reduced HIV risk. The combination treatment showed the best improvements in reducing cocaine use, resulting in a 40% decrease in HIV risk.
A study of 53 African-American adults with a history of cocaine use found that 45% had elevated serum CRP levels, associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and cardiac abnormalities. Elevated CRP may indicate future cardiovascular events.
Researchers monitored brain activity in rats to understand how cues contribute to drug relapse. They found that rapid dopamine release occurs in response to cues associated with cocaine, initiating drug-seeking behaviors. This study provides new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying cocaine addiction.
Researchers found that cocaine-exposed mice had significantly larger tumors and higher IL-10 concentrations than saline-treated mice. Administration of anti-IL-10 antibody reversed the tumor growth-promoting effects of sigma ligand agonists.
Researchers used genetically modified mice to understand cocaine's brain mechanisms, revealing the drug's actions go beyond dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. The findings suggest the serotonin system may also be a target for cocaine treatment.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found a third transporter, the serotonin system, plays a role in cocaine's effects on the brain. The discovery brings medical science closer to effective therapies for treating cocaine addiction.
Researchers found that dopamine levels increased significantly before laboratory rats chose to get more cocaine, paralleling human addictive behavior. The findings suggest that real-time increases in dopamine may control drug-taking behaviors and inform treatment for cocaine addiction.
Researchers have discovered the first crystal structure of human carboxylesterase 1 (hCE1), an enzyme that metabolizes cocaine and heroin. The enzyme's structure holds promise for developing treatments for acute overdose and detoxifying chemical weapons, including nerve agents such as sarin and VX.
Researchers found cocaine users had lower dopamine and VMAT2 levels in their brains compared to non-users. Additionally, depressed cocaine users had lower VMAT2 levels than those without depression.
A new laser-based technique could aid in drug design and testing for various neurological disorders, enabling the discovery of compounds to block cocaine poisoning effects. The technique allows researchers to study signal transmission between cells and identify potential therapeutic agents.
A new study provides validated guidelines for emergency physicians to care for chest-pain patients using cocaine, improving treatment outcomes and reducing complications. The protocol divides patients into high-risk and low-risk categories, allowing doctors to determine which patients can be safely discharged home.
Researchers found that sigma receptor antagonists reduced toxic and stimulant effects of cocaine in mice, indicating a possible link between sigma receptors and cocaine's actions. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides also showed promise in reducing cocaine's effects by decreasing sigma receptor numbers.
A study found that cocaine use in rats has distinct effects on adolescents versus adults. Adolescent rats showed stable activity levels during treatment, whereas adults developed increased sensitivity to the drug's effects. Additionally, adult rats had altered neurochemical adaptations, including increased dopamine transporter density.
Research reveals cocaine causes harm to brain cells that trigger feelings of pleasure, potentially explaining addiction and depression. The study found significant lower levels of dopamine neurons in cocaine users compared to non-users.
Researchers have found that administering n-acetyl cysteine can reverse changes in brain chemistry associated with cocaine craving. The study suggests a novel target for cocaine's action: the cysteine-glutamate antiporter, which pumps glutamate out of neurons.
A study found that patients with less severe drug problems at the start of treatment achieved better outcomes, regardless of treatment type or duration. Patients who remained in treatment had improved results compared to those who relapsed.
Researchers found a significant association between cocaine use and coronary calcium in a study of 139 adults. The study suggests that cocaine may play a role in the development of subclinical atherosclerosis, highlighting the importance of strategies to reduce drug abuse and prevent cardiovascular disease.
Recent research suggests that prenatal cocaine exposure does not necessarily lead to developmental delay or behavioral problems in children. In a study of 163 children, assessors incorrectly labeled many as cocaine-exposed, perpetuating stereotypes and stigma, which can undermine cognitive and behavioral development.
Research reveals that chronic cocaine users experience a decrease in the perception of pleasure, which can contribute to addiction. New therapies may focus on blocking the elevation of brain reward thresholds produced by chronic cocaine use.
Research reveals distinct patterns of use among methamphetamine and cocaine abusers, with meth users more likely to experience attention and organizational difficulties. Cocaine users, on the other hand, tend to consume the drug primarily in the evening, leading to differences in cognitive impairment.
A study by the NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse found that active cocaine users had significantly lower adherence rates to antiretroviral therapy, leading to a higher risk of viral suppression failure. The study suggests that interventions should include assessing and treating cocaine use in patients with HIV infection.
A new series of articles explores the causes of medical errors, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on patient charts. Increasing the number of reviewers and requiring confidence in negligence can reduce rates of negligent events.
Researchers found that cocaine elevates body temperature by impairing the body's ability to increase skin-blood flow, sweat, and perceive excessive heat stress. Cocaine abuse in hot temperatures increases the risk of serious heat-related injuries, including heat stroke and death.
Researchers found less gray matter in select brain regions of chronic cocaine users compared to controls. This decrease may contribute to behaviors such as impulsive decision-making and risk-taking. Understanding these effects can help develop strategies to reverse and restore normal brain function.
A study published by Case Western Reserve University found that prenatal cocaine exposure affects child cognitive development, but not motor development. Tobacco exposure had negative effects on motor development in infants. The study controlled for various factors and used standardized assessments to determine developmental outcomes.
A study found that individuals carrying a high-output version of the dynorphin gene are less susceptible to cocaine dependence. The genetic association suggests a possible neurobiological function for this particular variant, which may modulate cocaine's effects and increase protection against addiction.
A study found that female injection drug users in Vancouver with high-risk behaviors like daily cocaine use and unsafe sex were more likely to convert to HIV. The authors emphasize the need for sex-specific prevention initiatives due to alarming rates of HIV infection among Aboriginal women, twice as high as in non-Aboriginal populations.
A new study has found that cocaine use is associated with an increased risk of aortic dissection, a potentially fatal condition. The research, led by UCSF cardiology fellow Priscilla Hsue, highlights the importance of healthcare providers being aware of this potential risk factor and recognizing early signs of the condition.