Book Review: Translation and Transfer of Knowledge in Encyclopedic Compilations, 1680-1830

Translation and Transfer of Knowledge in Encyclopedic Compilations, 1680-1830, ed. by Clorinda Donato and Hans-Jürgen Lüsebrink. University of Toronto Press, 2021. [Превод и трансфер на знания от енциклопедични издания, 1680-1830.

Testicular appendix (hydatid of Morgagni) torsion in adult urological management: evaluation of treatment outcomes

Introduction. Testicular appendix (hydatid of Morgagni) torsion (TAT) is relatively rare in patients over 18 years of age. To date, there are no systematised data on the long-term results of TAT treatment depending on the diagnostic and therapeutic tactics undertaken. Accordingly, there are no clear algorithms for the management of such patients.Objective. To evaluate and compare long-term results of various treatment options for patients with testicular appendix torsion over the age of 18 years.Materials & methods. The age of patients is from 18 to 46 years. We analysed the treatment results of TAT-patients in three comparison groups: those who received conservative treatment for uncomplicated course of the disease (group 1, n = 17), early surgical treatment for complicated course (group 2, n = 16), and patients who were operated on for complicated course if conservative therapy was ineffective (group 3, n = 17). The exclusion criteria were concomitant scrotal pathology (hydrocele, funicular hydrocele, varicocele, epididymitis); severe somatic pathology (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart attack, stroke). Evaluation of long-term results was carried out 9 – 12 months after the acute episode. Scrotal ultrasound (US) and Doppler US of testicular vessels were compared, endocrine status (levels of total testosterone, luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone) and reproductive function were studied based on the results of semen analysis and MAR-test.Results. Analyses of long-term clinical data revealed recurrent orchalgia in 29.4% of patients in group 3. Also, in group 3, US revealed testicular asymmetry in 47.1% of patients accompanied by hypotrophy of the affected testis up to 20.8% of the volume compared to the contralateral testis. There were no significant changes and differences in groups 1 and 2. Evaluation of endocrine function showed no significant difference of the studied groups from the control normative indicators. Semen analysis parameters were not significantly changed in groups 1 and 2. In group 3, asthenozoospermia was found in 23.5% of cases, and teratozoospermia was detected in 29.4% of patients.Conclusion. Conservative treatment for TAT without inflammatory changes does not lead to impaired spermatogenesis and structural changes of both the testis and its appendix in the long-term follow-up period and is the most accepted in practice. Early surgical intervention for inflammatory changes shows similar long-term results. Prolonged conservative treatment for TAT in secondary orchoepidididymitis with delayed surgery significantly worsens long-term results. This fact also demonstrates the need for early surgery in complicated TAT

ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS FROM FORMALDEHYDE EXPOSURE.

Formaldehyde is a ubiquitous chemical agent, a part of our outdoor and indoor working and residential environment. Healthcare workers in difficult occupations are among the most affected by formaldehyde exposure. Formaldehyde is an ingredient of some dental materials. Formaldehyde is well-known mucous membrane irritant and a primary skin sensitizing agent associated with both contact dermatitis (Type IV allergy), and immediate, anaphylactic reactions (Type I allergy). Inhalation exposure to formaldehyde was identified as a potential cause of asthma. Quite a few investigations are available concerning health issues for dental students following formaldehyde exposure. Such studies would be beneficial for early diagnosis of hypersensitivity, adequate prophylactic, risk assessment and management of their work

Cryptotephras in European Arctic: extending tephrochronology to northern Finland and Russia

Tephrochronology is a powerful method for correlating geological and archeological sequences by utilizing geochemically fingerprinted tephra layers (volcanic ash). Tephra of Icelandic origin is often dispersed to Europe and by studying minor amounts of fine-grained volcanic glass, cryptotephra, it is possible to link and date geological archives located thousands of kilometers away from volcanic source. European Arctic is a key area for understanding postglacial development due to its sensitivity to climate change. It is important to date climate changes precisely and acquire knowledge on their frequency and how rapid they occur. Tephrochronology is the best tool to reach that goal. So far, relatively few studies on (crypto)tephrochronology have been performed, thus the motivation and aim of this project was to improve knowledge on geographical distribution of tephra fall-out and discover cryptotephra layers, which could provide timemarkers to date Holocene environmental evolution in the Arctic. Three peat cores from Kola peninsula, Russia, and one lake core from Finnish Lapland were examined for the presence of cryptotephra. The study revealed cryptotephra deposits from six Icelandic volcanic systems: Hekla, Veiðivötn-Bárðarbunga, Grímsvötn, Öræfajökull, Askja and Katla. Tentative correlations to dated tephra marker-layers are suggested, that indicate the presence of the Glen Garry/A-2000 tephra, CLA-L1 tephra, Öræfajökull 1362 and SILK YN. However, other dating methods such as 14C are needed for a robust correlation. Discovery of at least four basaltic tephras highlights that basaltic shards can travel further than previously thought. This study demonstrates a great potential for tephrochronology in the Arctic

DIDACTIC TEST “THE SOIL – OUR WEALTH” (10TH GRADE)

In the article are presented stages of building and realization of didactic test for diagnostics of student’s level of knowledge and manifestation of some skills. The test is picked out in real conditions during the term in chemistry classes in the 10th grade. We present an analysis of the approbation results and based on them we make the corresponding summary to chemistry education in high school