Compositional identification of 6th c. AD glass from the Lower Danube

A group of finds (vessels, raw glass chunks, window panes) from three sites in present-day Bulgaria was selected as representative of the circulation and usage of glass in the Lower Danube region during the 6th c. AD. In total, 79 samples were analysed by EPMA and/or LA-ICP-MS techniques. The data quality was assessed for each analytical run according to the measurement of reference glasses and to pairs of results obtained from representative samples of archaeological glass analysed by both techniques. Combining EPMA and LA-ICP-MS data allowed a sufficiently consistent and unified set of primary results to be formed. As already suggested in an earlier preliminary paper, only a single glass composition was found to dominate the 6th c. contexts in the region. The current study recognises this 6th c. glass from the Lower Danube as identical with the so called 'Serie 2.1.' defined by D. Foy and co-workers (2003) in various assemblages in Southern France and North Africa. The major, minor and trace oxide evidence presented here indicates that this is a distinct primary glass composition, with an iron-rich sub-group tentatively differentiated within the main group. Accordingly, an attempt is made to situate it relative to the other main primary compositions in the region. The proposed interpretation is that the 6th c. glass should not be linked to the HIMT glass despite the nominal similarity between them due to their elevated iron oxide, manganese, and titania concentrations. Instead, a possible link between the geochemical characteristics of the 6th c. glass and an earlier group of manganese decolourised glass, equivalent to 'Serie 3.2.' outlined by D. Foy and co-workers (2003) is suggested. This may imply the use of sand from a broadly identical geological area, hence it is possible that both the 6th c. glass and the manganese decolourised composition are likely to share a common origin

PYOGENIC GRANULOMAS IN THE ORAL CAVITY: A SERIES OF CASES

Introduction: Pyogenic granulomas represent tumour-like lesions affecting the skin and the oral cavity. This classic definition can be somewhat misleading because such lesion is not associated with infection and lacks any clinical evidence of pus or histological evidence of actual granulation tissue. Scientific literature sources estimate its prevalence to 1:25000 per capita, affecting females twice as often. Pyogenic granuloma in the oral cavity affects the interdental papilla in 70% of the cases. Purpose: The authors present a case series of pyogenic granulomas in the oral cavity with varying localization and therapeutic approach. Materials and methods: This article presents six clinical cases of PG. Diagnosis is challenging due to similarities with a number of tumorous and non-tumorous neoplasms (formations) in the oral cavity. Two histological types of pyogenic granuloma can be identified: lobular and non-lobular capillary hemangioma. Surgical excision is the treatment method of choice, followed by deep curettage of the lesion toward the underlying bone. Such precautions are necessary because 15,8% of the lesions tend to recur over time. Results: Alternative therapeutic approaches for removal of PG are explored, which are aimed at reducing the recurrences after surgical treatment. Such an opportunity is provided by utilization of Er:Yag laser because its effect can reach the underlying bone. Conclusion: Pyogenic granuloma represents a diagnostic challenge, specifically in cases of atypical localization. The effective surgical approach requires complete removal of the pathological process from the surrounding healthy structures in order to prevent recurrences