The study aimed at determining the effect of melatonin on the activity of protective antioxidative enzymes in the heart and of lipid peroxidation products in the course of intoxication with doxorubicin (DOX). The rats were categorized into four groups, receiving: 0.9% NaCl i.p. (NaCl control); melatonin [20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)] s.c. (control Mel); DOX (2.5 mg/kg b.w.) i.p.; melatonin plus DOX in doses as above. All the substances were administered once in a week for four consecutive weeks. Homogenates of heart tissue were examined for activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and of lipid peroxidation indices (MDA + 4-HDA). Administration of melatonin alone did not induce alterations in levels of MDA + 4-HDA, GSH, or in activity of GPx, SOD or CAT, as compared to the group receiving 0.9% NaCl. GSH levels decreased following DOX but remained at normal levels following DOX and melatonin. The level of MDA + 4-HDA increased following DOX, as compared with the control, a change prevented by the combination of DOX + melatonin. Activities of GPx, SOD and CAT were higher in groups receiving DOX and/or DOX plus melatonin than in control groups. Activity of CAT and the level of GSH in the group receiving DOX plus melatonin were significantly higher than in the group intoxicated with DOX alone. The obtained results demonstrate that, when given in parallel with DOX, melatonin protects cardiomyocytes from damaging effects of the cytostatic drug (reflected by the levels of MDA + 4-HDA). The protective effect resulted, in part from the augmented levels of GSH and from stimulation of CAT activity by melatonin in cardiomyocytes subjected to the action of DOX.

The aim of this study was the description of the lingual and buccal papillae in adult alpaca (Vicugna pacos) by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tongue consisted of apex, body and root. Four types of lingual papillae (filiform, fungiform, conical and circumvallate) in addition to two types of buccal papillae were observed. The filiform papillae, some with secondary papillae, were distributed on both the corpus and apex of the tongue, with stratified epithelium, and layer of keratin coat were recognized. The short (small) cone papillae had pointed top, while bunoform papillae were wide with smooth apex. The much less numerous circumvallate papillae with pseudopapillae on the each rim of the caudal lingual body were present with weak layer of keratin and intra-epithelial taste buds. The small fungiform papillae were found on the dorsal lingual surface, while the large fungiform papillae were situated on the ventral surface of the tongue, especially, in rostral part and were round in shape with numerous gustatory pores and very thin keratin coat. Pseudopapillae were present on the buccal conical 'bunoform' papillae surface, while 'elongate' buccal papillae surface was rather softly folded with thin coat of keratin. Microridges were observed in the less keratinized parts of each type of papillae. The orientation of either lingual or buccal papillae into the throat side facilitates the emptying of oral cavity from nutrient and swallowing of food. In conclusion, the anatomical features of the alpaca tongue are an adaptation to the feeding habits.

BackgroundCannabis from hemp (Cannabis sativa and C. indica) is one of the most common illegal drugs used by drug abusers. Indian cannabis contains around 70 alkaloids, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) is the most psychoactive substance. Animal intoxications occur rarely and are mostly accidental. According to the US Animal Poison Control Center, cannabis intoxication mostly affects dogs (96%). The most common cause of such intoxication is unintentional ingestion of a cannabis product, but it may also occur after the exposure to marijuana smoke.Case presentationA 6-year-old Persian cat was brought to the veterinary clinic due to strong psychomotor agitation turning into aggression. During hospitalisation for 14 days, the cat behaved normally and had no further attacks of unwanted behaviour. It was returned to its home but shortly after it developed neurological signs again and was re-hospitalised. On presentation, the patient showed no neurological abnormalities except for symmetric mydriasis and scleral congestion. During the examination, the behaviour of the cat changed dramatically. It developed alternate states of agitation and apathy, each lasting several minutes. On interview it turned out that the cat had been exposed to marijuana smoke. Blood toxicology tests by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry revealed the presence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at 5.5 ng/mL, 11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC at 1.2 ng/mL, and 11-carboxy-delta-9-THC at 13.8 ng/mL. The cat was given an isotonic solution of NaCl 2.5 and 2.5% glucose at a dose of 40 mL/kg/day parenterally and was hospitalised. After complete recovery, the cat was returned to it’s owner and future isolation of the animal from marijuana smoke was advised.ConclusionsThis is the first case of a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol intoxication in a cat with both description of the clinical findings and the blood concentration of delta-9-THC and its main metabolites.

Purpose The aim of the study was to present the spectroscopic characteristics and crystal structure of the etazene—a benzimidazole opioid, which appeared on the illegal drug market in Poland in the last weeks. Methods The title compound was analyzed by X-ray crystallography as well as gas and liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Spectroscopic techniques have also been used, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopies. Results We presented the identification and the broad chemical characterization of etazene, a synthetic opioid that has recently been introduced on the illegal drug market. Conclusions In this paper, we described single-crystal X-ray, chromatographic and spectroscopic characterization of a synthetic opioid that emerged on the new psychoactive substance (NPS) market in Poland. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first full characterization of etazene. Analytical data presented in the work can be helpful in identification and detection of the NPS in forensic and clinical laboratories.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the attenuating effect of given selenium and/or magnesium on ethanol-induced oxidative stress, disturbances of liver function and cholesterol metabolism. Forty male rats were divided into five groups: C – control, Et – intoxicated with alcohol (15% solution in drinking water), Et + Mg, Et + Se, Et + Mg + Se – intoxicated with alcohol and supplemented with selenium (0.4 mg Se/l water), magnesium (100 mg Mg/l water) and combination of Se and Mg, respectively. The experiment was carried out over the 3 months. The results show that the chronic ingestion of alcohol induces lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes in liver. Supplementation with magnesium only partially alleviates oxidative stress and damages in this tissue. The both selenium alone and combination of magnesium and selenium significantly elevated total antioxidant status (TAS) in serum, activity of glutathione peroxidase and ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) in liver and retarded oxidative stress and histopathological changes in this tissue. Chronic administration of ethanol (alone and with magnesium) resulted in significant decrease in the serum total cholesterol and retardation in the body weight gain in comparison with the control group. In the groups supplemented with selenium and selenium and magnesium simultaneously, concentration of total cholesterol in serum and body gains was similar to the control group. Supplementation of Se or selenium and magnesium simultaneously significantly enhances antioxidant defence and is more effective against alcohol-induced oxidative stress, disturbance of liver function and cholesterol metabolism than the separate use of magnesium.

Purpose The emergence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) has been being a continuous and evolving problem for more than a decade. Every year, dozens of new, previously unknown drugs appear on the illegal market, posing a significant threat to the health and lives of their users. Synthetic cathinones are one of the most numerous and widespread groups among NPS. The purpose of this work was to identify and summarize available data on newly emerging cathinones in very recent years. Methods Various online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, but also databases of government agencies including those involved in early warning systems, were used in search of reports on the identification of newly emerging synthetic cathinones. In addition, threads on various forums created by users of these drugs were searched for reports on the effects of these new substances. Results We have identified 29 synthetic cathinones that have been detected for the first time from early 2019 to mid-2022. We described their structures, known intoxication symptoms, detected concentrations in biological material in poisoning cases, as well as the countries and dates of their first appearance. Due to the lack of studies on the properties of the novel compounds, we compared data on the pharmacological profiles of the better-known synthetic cathinones with available information on the newly emerged ones. Some of these new agents already posed a threat, as the first cases of poisonings, including fatal ones, have been reported. Conclusions Most of the newly developed synthetic cathinones can be seen as analogs and replacements for once-popular compounds that have been declining in popularity as a result of legislative efforts. Although it appears that some of the newly emerging cathinones are not widely used, they may become more popular in the future and could become a significant threat to health and life. Therefore, it is important to continue developing early warning systems and identifying new compounds so that their widespread can be prevented.

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A total of 132 Fusarium isolates belonging to 19 species sensu Nelson et al (1983) originating from Poland, Italy, and international cultures collections were examined for their ability to produce mycotoxin moniliformin.Moniliformin was produced by the following isolates:-F acuminatum Ell & Ev: 2 out of 2,130 - 2670mg/kg-F avenaceum (Fr) Sacc 18 out of 18,70 - 2670mg/kg-F anthophilum (A Braun) Wollenw. 1 out of 3, 200mg/kg-F dlamini Marasas et al: 2 out of 3,130 - 470mg/kg-F oxysporum Schlecht emend Snyd Hans: 4 out of 9,130 - 270 mg/kg-F proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg: 3 out of 7,130 - 400 mg/kg-F solani (Mart) Appel & Wollenw: 1 out of 14,670 mg/kg-F subglutinans (Wollenw & Reinking) Nelson et al: 8 out of 20,70 - 1660 mg/kg-F tricinctum (Corda) Sacc: 2 out of 9,130 - 1330 mg/kgIn cultures ofF beomiforme Nelson, Toussoun & Burgess,F chlamydosporum Wollenw & Reinking,F compactum I Wollenw/ Gordon, F equiseti /Corda/Sacc,F poae I Peck / Wollenw,F moniliforme Sheldon,F napiforme Marasas, Nelson & Rabie,F nygamai Burgess & Timbold,F poly phialidicum Marasas et al,F sporotrichioides Sherb moniliformin was not detected.The highest amounts of moniliformin byF avenaceum using solid substrate were formed on rice and lower on oats kernels.