Levamisole-Adultered Cocaine: Vasoconstrictive and Vasculitis Effects Occurring Simultaneously

This case presents a rarely seen combination of two Cocaine-induced syndromes occurring simultaneously. Levamisole-adultered cocaine leads to Levamisole-induced Vasculitis (LIV), while cocaine’s vasoconstrictive effect causes destruction of the osteo-cartilaginous structures of nose called Cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions (CIMDL). This case raises awareness of a new pattern of recognition in order to avoid misdiagnosis. We present a case of a 51-year-old male cocaine user who developed severe left-sided ear pain and yellowish secretions with circular necrotic lesions in the nose, right earlobe, and dorsum of feet bilaterally. An extensive workup to assess purpuric lesions’ etiology, including vasculitis, collagen vasculitides, anti-phospholipid syndrome, hypercoagulable state and infectious process, was performed and found negative. He developed bilateral tympanic membrane perforation and purpuric necrotic skin lesions, at the same time, due to CIMDL and LIV, respectively. These two syndromes rarely present simultaneously in a patient. This case report exhibits a new Cocaine-induced clinical presentation that will help hospitalists recognize the disease and avoid misdiagnosis leading to unnecessary tests, prolonged hospitalization, and higher healthcare costs. Diagnosis is challenging, as it consists of establishing a temporal relationship between cocaine ingestion and symptoms’ onset. This disease usually has a benign progression because symptoms frequently resolve without intervention.

Imaging plaque inflammation in asymptomatic cocaine addicted individuals with simultaneous positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND Chronic cocaine use is associated with stroke, coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, resulting in severe impairments or sudden mortality. In the absence of clear cardiovascular symptoms, individuals with cocaine use disorder (iCUD) seeking addiction treatment receive mostly psychotherapy and psychiatric pharmacotherapy, with no attention to vascular disease (i.e., atherosclerosis). Little is known about the pre-clinical signs of cardiovascular risk in iCUD and early signs of vascular disease are undetected in this underserved population. AIM To assess inflammation, plaque burden and plaque composition in iCUD aiming to detect markers of atherosclerosis and vascular disease. METHODS The bilateral carotid arteries were imaged with positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) in iCUD asymptomatic for cardiovascular disease, healthy controls, and individuals with cardiovascular risk. PET with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) evaluated vascular inflammation and 3-D dark-blood MRI assessed plaque burden including wall area and thickness. Drug use and severity of addiction were assessed with standardized instruments. RESULTS The majority of iCUD and controls had carotid FDG-PET signal greater than 1.6 but lower than 3, indicating the presence of mild to moderate inflammation. However, the MRI measure of wall structure was thicker in iCUD as compared to the controls and cardiovascular risk group, indicating greater carotid plaque burden. iCUD had larger wall area as compared to the healthy controls but not as compared to the cardiovascular risk group, indicating structural wall similarities between the non-control study groups. In iCUD, wall area correlated with greater cocaine withdrawal and craving. CONCLUSION These preliminary results show markers of carotid artery disease burden in cardiovascular disease-asymptomatic iCUD. Broader trials are warranted to develop protocols for early detection of cardiovascular risk and preventive intervention in iCUD.

Microinjection of Ghrelin into the Ventral Tegmental Area Potentiates Cocaine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference

Prior work has shown that systemic cocaine pretreatment augments cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats. In contrast, ghrelin receptor antagonism attenuates cocaine and amphetamine-induced CPP. In order to further investigate ghrelin’s role in dopamine-mediated reward, the present report examined whether pretreament with ghrelin, administered directly into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain, would potentiate the rewarding properties of cocaine as measured by CPP. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were given access to either side of the CPP chamber in order to determine initial side preferences. The rats were then restricted to either their non-preferred or preferred side over the course of conditioning which lasted for a total of 16 consecutive days. This was followed by a final test day to then reassess preference. On days where rats were confined to their non-preferred side, ghrelin (30-300 pmol) and cocaine (0.625-10 mg/kg IP) were administered immediately prior to the conditioning trial. On alternate days rats were treated with vehicle and placed into what was initially determined to be their preferred side. CPP was calculated as the difference in percentage of total time spent in the treatment-paired compartment during the post-conditioning session and the pre-conditioning session. Our results indicated that both cocaine and ghrelin elicited CPP and that ghrelin pretreatment potentiated the effect of cocaine on place preference. Overall, these findings provide additional support for the argument that ghrelin signaling within the VTA enhances the rewarding effects of psychostimulant compounds.

Drug-Seeking Behavior Is Significantly Attenuated in Nutritionally Supplemented Cocaine Withdrawn Sprague-Dawley Rats

Aim: The effect of patented nutritional supplementation on drug-seeking behavior in cocaine addicted rats during acute drug withdrawal was investigated using a biased Conditioned Place Preference (CPP) paradigm. Method: Twenty-four (24) male Sprague-Dawley rats with pre-conditioned preference for the black chamber of the CPP box were randomly divided into Cocaine (COC) or Saline (SAL) treated groups. Rats (n = 12) treated with cocaine hydrochloride 20 mg/kg/ml, i.p. (COC group) were confined individually to the white chamber on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. On alternate days, they were given 1 ml saline vehicle, i.p. and confined to the black chamber. Control rats (SAL group, n = 12) received only vehicle on all 8 days and were confined on alternate days to the white or black chamber. Positive place preference was confirmed for COC rats, which subsequently received 6 increasing daily doses of cocaine. CPP performances of both COC and SAL rats were recorded following an acute 3-day withdrawal period. All animals were then randomly assigned to rats fed either chow reconstituted with the nutritional supplement (COC-S and SAL-S) or standard rat chow (COC-N and SAL-N) for 8 weeks, followed by final CPP performances. Results: Following supplementation, COC-S rats made significantly less entries and time spent in the white chamber (p < 0.05) compared with COC-N rats. COC-S rats exhibited significant place aversion to the white chamber similar to drug-naive animals;whereas COC-N continued to show positive place preference. Conclusion: Drug-seeking behavior that persisted during cocaine withdrawal was significantly diminished in the nutritionally supplemented.

Analysis of Cocaine and Crack Cocaine via Thin Layer Chromatography Coupled to Easy Ambient Sonic-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Cocaine and crack cocaine are usually seized with a great diversity of adulterants, such as benzocaine, lidocaine, caffeine, and procaine. The forensic identification of cocaine in these drug mixtures is normally performed using colorimetric testing kits, but these tests may suffer from interferences providing false-positive or false-negatives. In this work, we describe the use of thin layer chromatography coupled to easy sonic-spray ambient ionization mass spectrometry (TLC/EASI-MS) for rapid and secure analysis of cocaine and crack cocaine. Fifteen cocaine samples were analyzed, and all of them revealed positive TLC/EASI-MS results for cocaine, but other drugs and adulterants were also detected such as lidocaine, caffeine, benzocaine, lactose, benzoylecgonine, and ecgonidine. False positives and false negatives, as judged by the TLC Rf values, were identified via on-spot characterization by EASI-MS. The TLC/EASI-MS combination seems therefore to provide an appropriate technique for secure forensic investigations of illicit drugs.

Relationship between coronary artery ectasia, cocaine abuse and acute coronary syndromes

Coronary artery ectasia(CAE)often represents a coronary angiography finding casually detected or following the occurrence of an acute coronary syndrome.The pathogenetic role of cocaine abuse in the genesis of CAE is still little known and very few data are available in literature.We describe a case of a 31-year-old male cocaine user admitted to our department for typical acute chest pain.Coronary angiography showed diffuse coronary ectasia with slow flows and without hemodynamically significant stenosis.An increasing of matrix metalloproteinases values and a reduction of their tissue inhibitors was showed both during hospitalization and at one month after discharge.This case report emphasizes the close relationship between cocaine abuse,CAE and acute coronary syndromes in patients without hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis.As reported by Satran et al,cocaine abuse should be considered an important risk factor for CAE and these patients appear to be at increased risk of angina and acute myocardial infarct.Further studies that can strengthen this hypothesis would be useful to deepen and better analyze this interesting association.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase dependent modulation of morphine versus cocaine dependence involves activation of nischarin

OBJECTIVE Phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K) activation was reported to participate in the development of effect of some drugs,such as morphine and cocaine dependence.We previous found nischarin is associated with the activation of PI3K.It is our great interest to investigate the involvement of nischarin in PI3K dependent modulation of morphine versus cocaine dependence.METHODS In order to study the role of nischarin in drug dependence and tolerance,nischarin knockout mice were used for our research.Effect of psychological dependence was studied by conditioned place preference(CPP),and the effect of physical dependence was tested by naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs.Some brain tissues were harvested 24 h after the behavioral experiment for the further measurement.RESULTS PI3K specific inhibitor LY294002 significantly blocked the acquisition of morphine-induced CPP in wild-type mice,but had no effect on its expression.In comparison,LY294002 failed to block the acquisition of cocaine-induced CPP but inhibited the expression.Furthermore,we found naloxoneprecipitated withdrawal signs in the morphine dependent mice was inhibited by LY294002.Nischarin knockout in mice could abolish the effect of LY294002 on blocking the effects of morphine,but had no effect on cocaine.CONCLUSION PI3K activation is involved in the different phases of morphine and cocaine dependence,and nischarin plays an important role in the process.

Epicardial coronary artery intimal smooth muscle hyperplasia in a cocaine user

Accelerated epicardial coronary artery atherosclerosis has been well-documented in cocaine users.There are only two reported cases of cocaine-associated diffuse intimal expansion by proliferated smooth muscle cells causing significant coronary luminal compromise.This type of lesion histologically resembled chronic trans-plant arteriopathy.Here,we report a third such case.

Atraumatic splenic rupture after cocaine use and acute Epstein-Barr virus infection: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Atraumatic splenic rupture(ASR)accounts for just over 3%of all cases of splenic rupture and is associated with a high mortality rate.The most common culprit is acute infection with Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)but other documented aetiologies include neoplasia,other viral/bacterial infections,acute and chronic pancreatitis,amyloidosis and anticoagulant medications.There are four previous reports of cocaine-associated ASR but never before has it been documented in combination with concurrent acute EBV infection.CASE SUMMARY A 21-year-old man presented to hospital with acute left shoulder pain which radiated to the right shoulder and upper abdomen.He denied any history of recent trauma and had no relevant past medical history.He took no regular prescription medications but had used cocaine within the previous 24 h.Investigations revealed splenomegaly,a Grade 3 subcapsular splenic haematoma,moderate haemoperitoneum and an incidental 9 mm splenic artery pseudoaneurysm.There was also serological evidence of acute EBV infection.Prophylactic endovascular embolisation of the pseudoaneurysm was performed and the splenic rupture was managed non-operatively.The patient remained admitted in hospital for seven days and did not require any transfusion of blood products.Serial imaging showed complete resolution of the haemoperitoneum after 5 wk.The importance of abstinence from illicit drug use was emphasised to the patient but it is unknown whether or not he remains compliant.CONCLUSION This case demonstrates that ASR is a rare condition that can result from acute EBV infection and cocaine ingestion and requires a high index of suspicion to diagnose clinically.

A body-packer with a cocaine bag stuck in the stomach

Management of patients carrying packets of drugs in the digestive tract is a frequent medical problem.Wereport on a patient who was referred by the police after ingestion of packets of cocaine.After spontaneous elimination of 81 drug packets,the patient had three unremarkable stools.A plain abdominal X-ray disclosed no residual packet but computed tomography(CT) scan showed one in the stomach.As this was not eliminated during the 10 d following ingestion,it was removed through gastrotomy.This case stresses the usefulness of the CT scan to ensure that no residual packet is present before hospital discharge.

DISCREPANCY OF COCAINE EFFECT ON CONDUCTION AND REPOLARIZATION

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Cocaine Alters the Daily Activity Patterns of Adult SD Female Rats

The effects of chronic cocaine administration on the locomotor rhythmic patterns of adult female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were recorded using an open-field testing assay. The animals were divided into four groups, control (saline), 3.0 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, and 15.0 mg/kg i.p. cocaine group respectively. On experimental day (ED 1), all animals were treated with saline. On ED 2 to ED 7, either saline or cocaine (3.0, 7.5, or 15.0 mg/kg i.p.) was given followed by three days of no treatment (ED 8 to ED 10). On ED 11, rats were treated as they were on ED 2 to ED 7, i.e. either saline, 3.0, 7.5, or 15.0 mg/kg i.p. cocaine. The locomotor activities of rats were recorded for 23 hours daily, allowing one hour for the animal handling and injections, using open field cages with 16 infrared beams of motion detectors. Any breakages of these beams due to the movement of the animals were recorded and compiled by a computer and analyzed. It was observed that all three doses of repeated cocaine administration (3.0 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, and 15.0 mg/kg i.p. cocaine) significantly alter the locomotor rhythmic activity patterns of the adult female SD rats, which suggest that repeated cocaine exposure modulates body homeostasis.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Long-Acting Injectable Formulation of Vanoxerine (Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg) for Cocaine Relapse Prevention

Objective: To determine the efficacy and tolerability of a long-acting intramuscular formulation of Vanoxerine (Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg) for treatment of cocaine-dependent patients. Design, Setting, and Participants: A 12-week, A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted between June 2009-July 2011, at 17 Hospital-based drug clinics, in the 15 countries. Participants were 18 years or older, had Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 cocaine use disorder. Of the 2800 patients who were assessed between March 10, 2009 to August 10, 2010, 2600 (93%) were eligible and willing to take part in the trial and were enrolled: 1300 were randomly assigned to receive injections of Long-acting depot formulations of Vanoxerine (Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg) given intramuscularly once in 12 weeks and 1300 to receive Placebo injections, given intramuscularly once in 12 weeks. Only 100 of 2800 patients (3.6%) did not meet the inclusion criteria. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary endpoints (protocol) were: Confirmed Cocaine abstinence (percentage i.e. the number of patients who achieved complete abstinence during 12 weeks). Confirmed abstinence or “cocaine-free” was defined as a negative urine drug test for cocaines and no self-reported cocaine use. Secondary end points included a number of days in treatment, treatment retention and craving. The study also investigated, on 275 participants, degree and time course of Central Dopamine transporter receptor occupancy following single doses of long-acting intramuscular formulation of Vanoxerine (Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg) as well as the plasma concentration of Vanoxerine and 17-hydroxyl Vanoxerine. Safety was assessed by adverse event reporting. Results: Of 2600 participants, mean (SD) age was 28.5 (±5.5) years and 598 (23%) were women. 1300 individuals were randomized to receive injections of Long-acting depot formulations of Vanoxerine (Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg) and 1300 to receive injections of Placebo. 1417 participants (54.5.0%) completed the trial. Primary Endpoints: Confirmed Cocaine Abstinence: Complete abstinence was sustained by 72% (n = 936) of Vanoxerine patients (patients treated with Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg, long-acting depot formulations) compared with 37% (n = 481) of patients treated with Placebo, during weeks 5 - 12. The difference was significant as evaluated using a Chi-square test (χ2 = 672.34, P < 0.0001). Secondary Endpoint: Craving: A statistically and clinically significant reduction in cocaine craving was observed with Vanoxerine (Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg, long-acting depot formulations) vs. Placeboby week 4 (P = 0.0048), which persisted every week through 12 (P < 0.0001). Patients given Vanoxerine (Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg, long-acting depot formulations) had a 87% decrease in craving from baseline to 12th week. Patients given a Placebo had a 2% increase in craving from baseline to 12th week. Secondary Endpoint: Treatment Retention: Long-acting intramuscular formulation of Vanoxerine (Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg) helped significantly more patients complete 12 weeks treatment (n = 936, 72%) compared with Placebo (n = 481, 37%) (χ2 = 635.53, P < 0.0001). Patients on the long-acting intramuscular formulation of Vanoxerine (Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg) had longer treatment retention than patients on Placebo. Concentrations of Vanoxerine and 17-Hydroxyl Vanoxerinein Plasma: Analyses were made of 275 study samples. There was no statistically significant difference for plasma Vanoxerine concentrations between days 2 and 84 (p = 0.416). The plasma concentration of Vanoxerine were 70.4 and 94.3 ng/ml and concentrations of 17-hydroxyl Vanoxerine were 10.5 and 13.2 ng/ml, respectively. Plasma levels of Vanoxerine remained above 70 ng/ml for approximately 12 weeks after administration of Vanoxerine, long-acting depot formulations (Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg). PET Assessments: Very high central dopamine transporter receptor occupancy by Vanoxerine was detected 1 day after treatments, at which time point the occupancy was 100.0% after Vanoxerine injection (Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg). At days 7, 28, 56 and 84 post-Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg administration, occupancies were 95% to 79%. Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg injection (long-acting intramuscular formulation of Vanoxerine) led to very high occupancy of Central Dopamine transporter receptors in all brain areas examined;nucleus accumbens, caudate nucleus and putamen. Depending on the brain area Central Dopamine transporter receptor occupancy varied between 95.0% and 79% at days 7, 28, 56 and 84 after dosing. High Vanoxerine occupancy (77%) persisted at 12 weeks after the dosings. Adverse Reactions: Adverse events were similar in cocaine-dependent patients treated with the long-acting intramuscular formulation of Vanoxerine (Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg) vs. patients treated with Placebo. Conclusions and Relevance: Long-acting depot formulations of Vanoxerine (Vanoxerine Consta 394.2 mg) were more effective than Placebo injection in maintaining short-term abstinence from cocaine and should be considered as a treatment option for cocaine-dependent individuals.

Expression of Myoglobin in the Urine of Cocaine Users

Background: The possibility exists that cocaine use in the absence of frank clinical presentation of acute cardiac events may be associated with subclinical injury including the release of myoglobin which is a nonspecific marker for cardiac and skeletal muscle damage. Objectives: This investigation examined urine specimens for potential differences between cocaine use and the expression of myoglobin (a marker associated with cardiovascular damage, inflammation and oxidative stress). Methods:40 urine specimens were assayed for cocaine metabolites, creatinine, total protein (BSA) and myoglobin using ELISA and colorimetry. Results: We observed significant differences between male control and male cocaine positive urines for myoglobin. Interestingly, there was no statistically significant difference in females between control and cocaine positive urines. Conclusion: Differences in the urinary expression of myoglobin may be important in evaluating the gender based effects of cocaine use and may have potential clinical applications which may be related to gender differences in signs and symptoms of cocaine toxicity.

Neuropathic arthropathy of the shoulder: Two cases of syringomyelia with cocaine use

Neuropathic arthropathy (NA) is a progressive, degenerative disorder associated with decreased sensory innervation of the involved joints. The shoulder joint is an uncommon presentation for NA, although syringomyelia is the most common cause for this joint. Two cases are presented of NA of the shoulder, with both patients having a history of syringomyelia and cocaine use. In both cases a work up for malignancy was negative, but imaging was consistent with NA. Although syringomyelia has been linked with this presentation in prior publications, the role of cocaine use may not be incidental, with complex biochemical interactions in bone metabolism. Cocaine has been shown to involve the Leptin, Neuromedin U (NmU), cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), and Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) pathways of bone remodeling. Treatment can be challenging, involving concurrent use of pharmacotherapy, surgical correction, and protective bracing.

Polysubstance Use and Overdose Visualized via Maps: Amphetamines and Cocaine

Abuse of drug substances and resultant overdose deaths are no longer very straightforward—viz., attributable to a single chemical entity of known purity. The reality is that most overdose deaths involve polysubstance use (i.e., the use of combinations of substances). Further, the combinations are often of unknown purity, and even of unknown composition. Overdose deaths are at all-time highs. The depressing statistics are monitored and reported by several international and governmental organizations such as the WHO (World Health Organization), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), several Institutes of the NIH (National Institutes of Health), Regulators, and Enforcement Agencies (e.g., DEA). The information is disseminated for free for review and use. But it is our observation that although numeric presentation is helpful and adequate for professionals, the non-expert and the visual learner often find a visual representation clearer and compelling. With this in mind, we present the “gestalt” of polysubstance use and overdose using available maps of the data. The previous article in the series considered the opioids. This one considers amphetamines and cocaine, and places the rise in opioid-associated overdose deaths in the context of other abused drugs.

Kocaine可不是cocaine,别看错了哦

第一次看见Kocaine这个词的读者,会不会误以为是毒药可卡因的英文cocaine,那可就大错特错了!Kocaine是由广州simplex改装文化团队的几位成员跟朋友一起创办的,一间集合了汽车改装、餐饮、潮流单品的综合型店铺。那么Kocaine这个词有什么含义呢？让小编来为读者们解读一下。Kocaine可以拆分为7个字母,K-O-C-A-I-N-E,分别代表着不同的元素。

Brain dysfunctions and neurotoxicity induced by psychostimulants in experimental models and humans:an overview of recent findings

Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that psychostimulants,in addition to having abuse potential,may elicit brain dysfunctions and/or neurotoxic effects.Central toxicity induced by psychostimulants may pose serious health risks since the recreational use of these substances is on the rise among young people and adults.The present review provides an overview of recent research,conducted between 2018 and 2023,focusing on brain dysfunctions and neurotoxic effects elicited in experimental models and humans by amphetamine,cocaine,methamphetamine,3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine,methylphenidate,caffeine,and nicotine.Detailed elucidation of factors and mechanisms that underlie psychostimulant-induced brain dysfunction and neurotoxicity is crucial for understanding the acute and enduring noxious brain effects that may occur in individuals who use psychostimulants for recreational and/or therapeutic purposes.

Wastewater analysis for nicotine,cocaine,amphetamines,opioids and cannabis in New York City

According to current surveys and overdoses data,there is a drug crisis in the USA.Wastewater-based epidemiology(WBE)is an evolving discipline that analyses wastewater samples to detect drugs and metabolites to estimate drug consumption in a certain community.This study demonstrates how drug relative presence could be tracked by testing wastewater,providing real-time results,in different boroughs in New York City throughout 1 year.We developed and fully validated two analytical methods,one for 21 drugs and metabolites,including nicotine,cocaine,amphetamines,opioids and cannabis markers;and another for the normalization factor creatinine.Both methods were performed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)using positive electrospray ionization,achieving a limit of quantification of 5–10 ng/L for drugs and metabolites,and 0.01 mg/L for creatinine.These methods were applied to 48 one-time grab wastewater samples collected from six wastewater treatment plants in New York City(Manhattan,The Bronx,Queens and Brooklyn),eight different times throughout 2016,before and after major holidays,including Memorial Day,4th of July,Labour Day and New Year’s.In this study,the drug group normalized concentrations present in the wastewater samples,in decreasing order,were cocaine,nicotine,opioids,cannabis and amphetamines.When looking at individual compounds,the one with the highest normalized concentration was benzoylecgonine(BE),followed by cotinine,morphine and 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol(THCCOOH).To estimate community use,these concentrations were multiplied by the corresponding correction factor,and the most present were THCCOOH,followed by BE,cotinine and morphine.When comparing the treatment plants by drug group(nicotine,cocaine,amphetamines,opioids and cannabis),samples collected from The Bronx had the highest normalized concentrations for nicotine,cocaine and opioids;The Bronx and Manhattan for cannabis;and Manhattan and Queens for amphetamines.In most of the cases,no effect due to holiday was observed.This study provides the first snapshot of drug use in New York City and how that changes between key calendar dates employing wastewater analysis.

Ultrasensitive Detection and Binding Mechanism of Cocaine in an Aptamer-based Single-molecule Device

Aptamer serves as a potential candidate for the micro-detection of cocaine due to its high specificity,high affinity and good stability.Although cocaine aptasensors have been extensively studied,the binding mechanism of cocaine-aptamer interactions is still unknown,which limits the structural refinement in the design of an aptamer to improve the performance of cocaine aptasensors.Herein,we report a label-free,ultrasensitive detection of single-molecule cocaine-aptamer interaction by using an electrical nanocircuit based on graphene-moleculegraphene single-molecule junctions (GMG-SMJs).Real-time recordings of cocaine-aptamer interactions have exhibited distinct current oscillations before and after cocaine treatment,revealing the dynamic mechanism of the conformational changes of aptamer upon binding with cocaine.Further concentration-dependent experiments have proved that these devices can act as a single-molecule biosensor with at least a limit of detection as low as 1 nmol·L^-1.The method demonstrated in this work provides a novel strategy for shedding light on the interaction mechanism of biomolecules as well as constructing new types of aptasensors toward practical applications.