Cocaine-Binding Aptamer Essay

One can feel the effects of cocaine almost immediately after use, with these effects lasting only a few minutes or hours. The duration of cocaine 's effects depends upon how it is administered. The faster the drug is absorbed, the more intense the high, but also the shorter the duration. The high from snorting is relatively slow to arrive but it may last 15 to 30 minutes. In contrast, the effects from smoking are more immediate but may last only 5 to 10 minutes. “In the brain, cocaine interferes with the chemical messengers -- neurotransmitters -- that nerves use to communicate with each other. Cocaine blocks norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters from being reabsorbed. The resulting

Crack is the smokable form of cocaine, and can only be taken into the body by smoking it. Smoking crack cocaine introduces it into the system faster than other methods (Zonderman and Shader, 660. To smoke it, the crystalline chips are either put into a glass pipe and smoked, or crushed and smoked in a marijuana joint. The chips change to smoke when heated, which is inhaled, drawn into the lungs, and then diffused rapidly into the bloodstream (Edwards, 77). The little sacs of the lungs are lined with fatty tissue that readily absorbs the fat soluble crack (Mickey, 2). Circulating blood transports the dissolved cocaine to the brain where it has immediate effect (Edwards, 77). Crack reaches the brain within seven seconds (Mickey, 2). The effect, called a rush, is caused by the almost pure cocaine's assault on the brain and central nervous system. The central nervous system responds by involuntary movement of the muscles, increased body temperature, and an overstimulation of the pleasure centers of the brain. The high

During 1984 through 1994, 10 years into The Crack Epidemic, the homicide rate of African American males aged 14-17 doubled. Along with an increase of African American children in foster care, fetal death rates and weapon arrests. Roles lost in families and the community. Health and lifestyle of the African American communities depleting due to the powerful affects of crack cocaine. The African American community has been significantly affected by The Crack Epidemic in the areas of health and culture as a result of where the source of crack cocaine introduced itself in America, laws surrounding crack cocaine and the perception of the drug.

Cocaine has been Shown to block the reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) at the adrenergic nerve ending. Consequently, there is an increase in the postsynaptic stimulation of NE receptors and their target cells because of the increased levels at NE in the synapse. Cocaine’s effect on the adrenergic neurons themselves is inhibition (Dackis & Gold. 1987).

Cocaine’s primary effect on the brain is to produce “psychoactive and addictive effects primarily by acting on the brain’s limbic system, a set of interconnected regions that regulate pleasure and motivation. Initial, short- term effect- a buildup of the neurochemical, dopamine which gives rise to euphoria and a desire to take the drug again”(Nestler, 2005, p.4). This is normally seen in some individuals that draw in the drug like through inhaling. It gives them an instant increase in blood, and brain levels. It causes the individual to become addicted to this substance. Cocaine is thought to produce pleasure/reward like any addicted drug

Crack cocaine, aka benzoylmethylecgonine, is one of the most addicting and deadly drugs. It has many negative effects on the body, especially the nervous system. The effects on the user are usually long-lasting and irreversible. It is classified as a stimulant drug, meaning that it excites any bodily function. Stimulants usually target more of the brain and nervous system, which can cause higher alertness, an elevated mood, wakefulness, increased speech and motor activity and a decrease in appetite. Crack cocaine has many nicknames, which includes crack, snow coke, nose candy, and stardust. Crack cocaine can be used in various ways, for example it could be snorted with its original white powder, smoked, or injected directly into the bloodstream. It is mainly snorted so it can be absorbed fast by the nasal tissues. When people smoke crack, it gets inhaled into the lungs, just as quick as getting it injected directly into your vein. The main

Cocaine Hydrochloride in the early 20th century was used in many ways. Some may say that small doses were added to the drink Coca Cola, that’s where the name come from. I feel as if this is true because Coca Cola is slightly addictive. The original formula of coca cola did have 25mg of cocaine per 100ml of drink. That formula was used as a stimulant for headaches. Cocaine Hydrochloride was an ingredient in patent medicines, tonics, elixirs, and fluid extracts. With the right amount it could save and cure you but if you were given more than needed you would get addicted. Doctors knew what would happen to a patient if they were given to much therefore they created something called the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914.

During the late 1980s, crack cocaine use was deemed an epidemic. The media was filled with segments on what crack was and how terrible it was for someone to use. Even President George H.W. Bush delivered a presidential address on the issue stating “it’s [crack] as innocent looking as candy, but it’s turning our cities into battle zones and it’s murdering our children” (Bracy, 2015). The image of a “crackhead” was painted in the minds of Americans and that image, unfortunately, was of young African Americans in low income areas smoking crack in dark allies. It was not representative of the whole population of men and women who actually use crack; which is mostly white. However, it is the image that is still associated with crack cocaine use

Crack Cocaine the drug that has impacted so many lives; especially the life of rappers. Crack Cocaine is the refined result of cocoa leaves. However, crack cocaine was not developed until the cocaine boom of 1970. Large shipments of this drug was now making its way into the inner cities of the United States, and the majority of residents living in those inner cities were African American. Black on black crime was now more common than ever, incarceration within the black community was skyrocketing, abandonment of children was typical and the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases was devastating. Many factors were playing a part of this, and Hip Hop was a big one. Hip hop from the golden ages of Grandmaster flash and to modern day Lil

Crack cocaine is known as Coke, you can snort it, inhale it, and inject it in your body. Word, has it, Coke is a recreational drug and it’s not good for you. Crack Cocaine come from a plant that the native used. Crack Cocaine bothers the brain and can be damaged by a cause dopamine release and it acts on your feelings. It can increase blood pressure, can cause the lack of eating, and it can also increase heart rate. cocaine can cause the lose their sense of smelling. Crack Cocaine users are often depressed and paranoia. Crack Cocaine can lead to heart attacks, strokes, headaches and abdominal pain. It also affects the kidneys too. Ammonia, and lime have been applied diesel sprayed over the mixture with water can. The cement and the minced

To make crack, combine powdered cocaine hydrochloride, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and water. Mix it up then dry out the paste-like substance that was made from the mixture and when the substance is dry it will be little hard pieces which is nicknamed “rocks”.

To understand the devastating effects of cocaine one needs to understand its history and how it became one of the most potent drugs in today’s society. Cocaine is extracted from the coca leaves and is one of the oldest and natural stimulants. Ancient Incas and native Peruvians chewed cocas leaves for religious ceremonies and to counter the effects of living in thin mountain air and air sickness prevention. To this day Peruvian markets sell coca products, from teas, soft drinks, cocktails and candy; its use is accepted and is an integral part of their culture and way of life. So the question one must ask is when did this natural product become a notorious drug that is abused by many?

Wow Tiffany, I never thought of looking at cocaine in that way, you bring up some really solid points though! The fact that cocaine is placed in Schedule II by the U.S. government does suggest that it is proven to have some medical value. After reading your comment here I did a little research and your completely right, it's said to be affective for minor surgeries! It's not only an anesthetic but also helps produce much less bleeding during a procedure, I found this information fascinating. I also learned a valuable lesson from your comment tonight, one can't always look to the negative effects of a drug. It's really important to explore both sides of the spectrum to fully grasp a solid viewpoint.

Specifically, Willner developed an Exonuclease III (Exo III)-based aptasensor for the amplified detection of cocaine.242 Two split aptamer fragments (one was unmodified fragment and another was fluorophore/quencher modified fragment) were used. In the absence of cocaine, Exo III did not digest either of the single-stranded fragments and no fluorescence change was observed. In the presence of cocaine, cocaine assembled these two fragments into a duplexed target-aptamer complex that can be recognized and digested by Exo III. Exo III digestion led to the release of the quencher, and the fluorescence was greatly enhanced and the target and unmodified fragment were released. The released cocaine and unmodified fragment were recycled for anew recycle.

As reported by Esteve et al, Methanol was used as an alternative solvent for cocaine extraction averting the destruction of the banknotes.2, 4, 9, 10 Esteve et al measured the recovery percent of 98±3%, while spiking cocaine standard solution for non-circulated euro banknotes.10 Accordingly, in this work, a known concentration of cocaine was added to one of the cocaine extracts thereafter; the concentration was determined by immunoassay. The results showed that, the measured concentration represented the corresponded combined concentration of the detected unknown concentrations and the known spiked concentration. As highlighted by Esteve et al, the effect of fats and matrix effect affecting the extraction process was detected in euro banknotes,