Archaeological research of relics of the 20th century field fortifications on road investments. Procedures, methodology and working methods

The article is an attempt to propose certain procedures and to discuss the methodology of archaeological research related to the relics of the 20th century field fortifications. Such research is conducted mainly in connection with the construction of road infrastructure in Poland

A proposal of a cheap and simple method of medical personnel protection for endotracheal intubation of patients with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has created additional risks to healthcare providers, especially those who perform aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) like endotracheal intubation. Endotracheal intubation is one of the procedures mostly generating aerosol and, therefore, requiring full protection of medical personnel against the infection.Material and MethodsIn this paper, basing on a literature review, the recommended intubation procedure is presented together with recommendations for personal protection during intubation. Additionally, a proposal of a simple and cheap protective barrier is described against spreading aerosol outside the intubation area. The aim was to propose a simple and cheap method to increase the safety of medical personnel performing AGPs in patients infected or suspected of being infected with COVID-19, which could be easily introduced into clinical practice.ResultsThe presented method is the authors’ own idea, based on their experience gathered from working in an operating room. Judging from their clinical experience, the presented method is effective and safe for patients.ConclusionsEndotracheal intubation is one of the most common AGPs and adequate actions must be taken in order to protect medical personnel against the infection and to prevent the spreading of aerosol around the intubation area. The proposed barrier is easy to set with disposable materials and standard equipment available in every operating room

Melphalan, Etoposide, and Carboplatin Megatherapy with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Children with Relapsing or Therapy-Resistant Extracranial Germ-Cell Tumors—A Retrospective Analysis

Pediatric germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a group of chemosensitive malignancies with a 90% curability rate. We report a series of children with relapsing or therapy-resistant GCT treated with melphalan–etoposide–carboplatin high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous stem cell transplantation. This consisted of 18 children, either with GCTs after relapse (nine patients) or with an unsatisfactory response to first-line chemotherapy (nine patients), who underwent HDCT. The HDCT regimens MEC1 (carboplatin 1500 mg/m2, etoposide 1800 mg/m2, and melphalan 140 mg/m2) and MEC2 (carboplatin 800 mg/m2, etoposide 800 mg/m2, and melphalan 140 mg/m2) were each used in nine patients. The median observation time was 81 months, the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 76%, and the event-free survival (EFS) was 70.8%. Non-relapse mortality was 0%, and four patients died after HDCT due to progression of the malignancy. No difference in OS or EFS was noted between the MEC1 and MEC2 protocols. The 5-year OS and 5-year EFS were higher in children treated with autologous stem cell transplantation before the age of four years. The presence of metastatic disease or time of HDCT consolidation during first/subsequent line chemotherapy did not affect patient survival. The melphalan–etoposide–carboplatin protocol is feasible in pediatric GCT, but is associated with potentially life-threatening complications. In conclusion, the use of HDCT must be examined in well-designed clinical trials, and the identification of patients who can benefit from this approach is critical to avoid overtreatment