First research on the effects of consumption of CPB

Coqui Castagnaro Start Date: Nov 17, 2017 - End Date: Mar 16, 2018
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Cambridge, Reino Unido

My Travel Story

by: Coqui Castagnaro Start Date: Nov 17, 2017 - End Date: Mar 16, 2018
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
I am a student of biological sciences at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina.
In my thesis, I evaluated, for the first time, given that there is no previous work, the interoceptive precision of adolescents who consume Paco and cocaine through a behavioral task of tracking the heartbeat.The consumption of Pasta Base (paco, PBC) represents a serious problem for the region, particularly affecting adolescents in vulnerable social conditions. However, the effects of paco at the cerebral level are not well characterized due to scarce systematic research (partly due to its restricted use in Latin America). Given the great toxicity of the paco and the early start of its consumption, it is believed that this drug causes severe damage in the subcortical and frontal regions of the brain, impacting multiple social and cognitive functions. In abusive consumers we observe the development of addictive behaviors such as the search and compulsive desire of the drug (craving). Interoception; defined as the set of sensory processes that signal the physiological state of peripheral tissues as well as visceral sensations that arise in the intestine, cardiovascular system and solid organs; it has been linked to this consumer compulsion.
Cocaine Base Paste (PBC / Paco) is an intermediate product in the cocaine manufacturing process. It contains the alkaloid cocaine in a variable percentage (40-85%), other alkaloids of the coca leaf, contaminants and impurities derived from the manufacturing process and adulterants. Its emergence and the rapid expansion of Paco's consumption in the marginalized neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Greater Buenos Aires quickly changed patterns and scenes of drug use before, during, and after the political-economic crisis, which took place in Argentina in 2001-2002. At the moment its consumption continues spreading in the impoverished populations, pushing them to the marginalization, although the authorities say that its scope is limited to the "villas miseria".
I worked three years ad-honorem in this project with boys of low socio-economic level and at a really vulnerable social-economic level. Particularly in the 1-11-14 villa, villa 31, villa 21-24 and the Zavaleta neighborhood. I learned a lot in this project about all the humanitarian aspect.
Now that this project is over I have the opportunity to do another internship at the University of Cambridge but I do not have the resources to solve it.
I'm not looking for anyone to fix anything. since I have been working since I was 18 years old to be able to solve this career that I love and love. I could retrain in the form of work or training. Work related to my career or not. I never had work preference nor do I have it now, I am only interested in being able to generate income for myself in order to continue pursuing this great passion.
my english is not the best but I hope to improve it in my stay
my mail for inquiries is mariaeugeniacastagnaro@gmail.com



  • Cambridge, Reino Unido

Updates

1
  • Bank Account

    I dont have any credit card or bank account in the USA. because right now I'm unemployed and therefore turn to this medium to continue studying.
    I have a bank account in my country whose data I can provide by mail