Electrocorticography in rats has broad indications for use in biomedical research. This is due to the high translational potential from rodents to humans, established by comparative experimental electrocorticography under the action of a wide range of neurotropic substances. The paper presents the features and technique of manufacturing an electrocorticographic sensor, as well as the technique of its implantation in rats. The sensor was experimentally tested according to the validity of the received signal under the conditions of administration of neurotropic pharmacological probes: strychnine, corazole, sodium cyanide, tiletamine with zolazepam, xylazine, dexmedetomedin and diisopropylphenol. According to ethological and pathomorphological criteria, the tolerability of the structure in the skull by rats was assessed. It has been established that the design of the sensor and the technique of its implantation in rats are safe and effective for long-term monitoring in conditions of free movement. The correspondence of the received data to the expected ones and the high quality of the signal-to-noise ratio make it possible to consider the signal from the sensor as valid and diagnostically valuable. The design is well tolerated by rats and does not cause pronounced changes in the histomorphological picture of the brain in the area of electrode attachment to the cortex for 90 days after implantation.

Inhalation intake of acylating pulmonary toxicants (phosgene and perfluoroisobutylene) leads to the formation of toxic pulmonary edema; the pharmacological approaches to its treatment are inefficient. Respiratory therapy is successfully used to treat the pulmonary edema of nontoxic genesis. Data on the efficiency of respiratory support during toxic pulmonary edema are limited. The aim of this study was to experimentally test the efficiency of protective artificial ventilation with maintenance of positive end-expiratory pressure in the early period of intoxication with the products of thermal degradation of fluoroplast-4. In the experimental study, it was established that early implementation of protective artificial ventilation with maintenance of end-expiratory pressure is an efficient approach for the correction of toxic pulmonary edema in rabbits in the early period of intoxication with the products of thermal degradation of fluoroplast-4, which have a toxic pulmonary effect. Respiratory support can be a promising approach for the treatment of toxic pulmonary edema caused by intoxication with acylating pulmonary toxicants.

The article reviews available data on the “death cap” (Amanita phalloides) occurrences in the North-West of the European Russia (Leningrad, Novgorod, Pskov Oblasts and St. Petersburg City). The literature data are analyzed, the review of ecological preferences of the species in the studied area is carried out. It has been suggested that the species can be both native and imported and was introduced with broad-leaved tree seedlings during the foundation of numerous manor parks in the XVIII–XIX centuries. Molecular-genetic analysis was carried out, showing that ITS sequences of A. phalloides samples from Leningrad Oblast form a common clade with the sequences of collections from Central Russia as well as from Northern and Central Europe.

The article reviews available data on the “death cap” (Amanita phalloides) occurrences in the North-West of the European Russia (Leningrad, Novgorod, Pskov Oblasts and St. Petersburg City). The literature data are analyzed, the review of ecological preferences of the species in the studied area is carried out. It has been suggested that the species can be both native and imported and was introduced with broad-leaved tree seedlings during the foundation of numerous manor parks in the XVIII–XIX centuries. Molecular-genetic analysis was carried out, showing that ITS sequences of A. phalloides samples from Leningrad Oblast form a common clade with the sequences of collections from Central Russia as well as from Northern and Central Europe.

The paper summarizes the experience of the use of psychoactive compounds by the armies of foreign countries. The analyzed sources indicate the widespread use of psychostimulants, toxic substances and narcotic drugs. The latter often contributed to outbreaks of drug addiction among troops and civilians.

This paper continues the discussion of higher fungi toxins, here their toxic nitrogen-free organic compounds are considered. The challenges linked to their study and systematization are discussed. Modern concepts of toxic processes induced by toxic terphenyls, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, trichothecenes, and oligoisoprenoids are analyzed. Some recently discovered cytotoxic compounds of a similar structure are presented. It is concluded that the systematic study of nitrogen-free toxins is in demand, and this area of research has still not been well investigated.

Higher fungi represent a group of living organisms that remain poorly studied in terms of mycology and biochemistry. Among their secondary metabolites, toxic compounds are of particular interest, since they may be an etiological factor causing acute food intoxications, i.e., mycetismi. This review summarizes the information on the fungal species distributed in Russia and the toxicological properties of some of them as producers of simple nitrogen-containing compounds. The role of individual substances in toxidromes is discussed. The article considers a number of minor components that may have insignificant individual effects due to their low concentrations but may make a significant contribution to the modification of the toxic effect caused by a primary compound. A summary of data on new syndromes associated with toxins of higher fungi is presented. It was concluded that the combined effects of toxins can play an important role in intoxication with nitrogen-containing compounds.