Microbiology, chemistry and dissolved gas in groundwater from Olkiluoto, Finland, were analysed over 3 years; samples came from 16 shallow observation tubes and boreholes from depths of 3.9-16.2 m and 14 deep boreholes from depths of 35-742 m. The average total number of cells (TNC) was 3.9 Â 10 5 cells per ml in the shallow groundwater and 5.7 Â 10 4 cells per ml in the deep groundwater. There was a significant correlation between the amount of biomass, analysed as ATP concentration, and TNC. ATP concentration also correlated with the stacked output of anaerobic most probable number cultivations of nitrate-, iron-, manganese-and sulphate-reducing bacteria, and acetogenic bacteria and methanogens. The numbers and biomass varied at most by approximately three orders of magnitude between boreholes, and TNC and ATP were positively related to the concentration of dissolved organic carbon. Two depth zones were found where the numbers, biomass and diversity of the microbial populations peaked. Shallow groundwater down to a depth of 16.2 m on average contained more biomass and cultivable microorganisms than did deep groundwater, except in a zone at a depth of approximately 300 m where the average biomass and number of cultivable microorganisms approached those of shallow groundwater. Starting at a depth of approximately 300 m, there were steep gradients of decreasing sulphate and increasing methane concentrations with depth; together with the peaks in biomass and sulphide concentration at this depth, these suggest that anaerobic methane oxidation may be a significant process at depth in Olkiluoto.
Perineal tears are very difficult to prevent, thus one of the midwife’s responsibilities during childbirth is to minimise trauma to the perineum. This study examines the experiences of eight midwives who attended births that resulted in a sphincter rupture. Midwives from two maternity clinics in northern Sweden were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis and four themes were identified: feeling guilt, shame and failure; working through feelings; needing support from colleagues, and feeling confident with their skills. The category ‘striving to be good at her job’ was found to be common to all four themes. A midwife may feel guilty and unprofessional when he/she is singled out and criticised. Therefore, in order to reduce these feelings and to further develop professional skills, midwives should be offered mentoring throughout their career.
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