High-resolution records of isotope composition (dD) and accumulation of snow have been obtained from 10-12 m deep snow pits dug in the vicinity of Vostok station during the 1979/80 and 1999/2000 Antarctic field seasons. We employ meteorological, balloon-sounding and snow-stake data to interpret the isotope record in terms of past temperature changes. Our reconstruction suggests that snow accumulation rate and the near-surface air temperature at Vostok have varied during the past 200 years between 15 and 30 kg m -2 a -1 , and between -56 and -558C, respectively, with a slight general tendency to increase from the past to the present. Both parameters reveal a 50 year periodicity that correlates with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation index, implying a climatic teleconnection between central Antarctica and the tropical Pacific.

The use of synthetic implants in stress urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse surgery is being actively debated today, not only among experts in the field but also in the media, the patient community, and even in legal and political set. Such response has had a natural effect on the clinical application of the technology. An absurd situation is observed in some countries: the bans imposed by the authorities have directly or indirectly restricted patients' access to the most sophisticated technologies with proven efficacy. This literature review aims to systematize the perspectives of the scientific and regulatory communities in leading countries on the use of transvaginal mesh implants in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse.

This article discusses the main approaches to performing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. For the method using warm ischemia, the main studies related to the time of warm ischemia and its effect on renal function have been analyzed. The basic techniques for operations united by the general name zero ischemia kidney resection are also considered. The main positive and negative aspects of induced hypotension are described. The article presents the authors’ own experience in performing normotonic laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

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