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Flying is the most important way of travelling in the continually growing international tourism. Number of passengers and those with preexisting diseases, mainly with cardiopulmonary problems, is increasing over years. One of the main tasks of the pre-travel advice is to assess tolerance to hypoxia of the traveler, and specify the necessity, as well as the type and volume of supplementary oxygen therapy. It is indispensable to know the cabin-environment and impact of that on the travelers' health. Travel medicine specialist has to be aware of the examinations which provide information for the appropriate decision on the fit-to-fly condition of the patient. The physician who prepares the patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for repatriation by regular flight and the escorting doctor have to be fully aware of the possibilities, modalities, advantages and contraindications of the on-board oxygen supply and therapy. In this review, the authors give a summary of literature data, outline the tools of in-flight oxygen therapy as well as discuss possibilities for the preflight assessment of patients' condition including blood gas parameters required for safe air travel, as recommended in international medical literature. The preparation process for repatriation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is also discussed.

The aim of the present work was to compare the microbial communities of a mesophilic and a thermophilic pilot scale anaerobe sludge digester. For studying the communities cultivation independent chemotaxonomical methods (RQ and PLFA analyses) and T-RFLP were applied. Microbial communities of the mesophilic and thermophilic pilot digesters showed considerable differences, both concerning the species present, and their abundance. A Methanosarcina sp. dominated the thermophilic, while a Methanosaeta sp. the mesophilic digester among Archaea. Species diversity of Bacteria was reduced in the thermophilic digester. Based on the quinone patterns in both digesters the dominance of sulphate reducing respiratory bacteria could be detected. The PLFA profiles of the digester communities were similar though in minor components characteristic differences were shown. Level of branched chain fatty acids is slightly lower in the thermophilic digester that reports less Gram positive bacteria. The relative ratio of fatty acids characteristic to Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroidetes and Clostridia shows differences between the two digesters: their importance generally decreased under thermophilic conditions. The sulphate reducer marker (15:1 and 17:1) fatty acids are present in low quantity in both digesters.

In the course of the study the photopolimerizating filling materials (Visiomolar, Heliomolar, Heliosit, Silux, P-50, Prismatic) and the glass ionomer cements (Ketacfil, Ketac-silver) served as supposed sources of carbon for Ps. aeruginosa. All the examined materials have shown a suitable resistance to the studied bacterium species. If sunflower oil has been absorbed onto the surface of the examined materials, then a limited increase of the living germ counts has been observed. Ketac-silver was proved to be bactericidal in every case.

Inertia in labour could be more often observed and the number of intra-uterine foetal distress signs increased in case of bacterial infection of the maternal uropoietic and urinary system. Consequently, stimulation of labour pains and surgical termination of the delivery were required several times. The data in concert with those mentioned in the first part of the study indicate that the clinical pictures associated with the bacterial infections of the urine constitute a significant part of the pathological aspects of pregnancy.

The resistance to bacteria of composition filling materials (Evicrol, Isopast, Micromix and Superlux), of acrylic base-plate used for removable dentures and of acrylic (Medident) teeth has been examined. Out of the 6 samples tested with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in accordance with the Hungarian standard, Evicrol, Superlux and the base-plate proved to be resistant; Isopast was attacked moderately and Medident teeth and Micromix showed intermediate results.

The qualitative and quantitative changes in the bacterial flora of the duodenal juice after truncal vagotomy have been studied in self-control experiments in dogs. The intervention was followed by a rise in the bacterial count without a change in qualitative composition. It is suggested that the accumulation of microorganisms might contribute to the development of postoperative diarrhoea. The role of several partly clarified pathophysiological processes are pointed out.