Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from municipal wastewater treatment - results from a long-term study.

Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from a fully covered municipal wastewater treatment plant were measured on-line during 16 months. At the plant under study, nitrous oxide contributed three-quarters to the plant's carbon footprint, while the methane emission was slightly larger than the indirect carbon dioxide emission related to the plant's electricity and natural gas consumption. This contrasted with two other wastewater treatment plants, where more than 80% of the carbon footprint came from the indirect carbon dioxide emission. The nitrous oxide emission exhibited a seasonal dynamic, of which the cause remains unclear. Three types of air filter were investigated with regard to their effectiveness to remove methane from the off-gas.

Fetal kidney size related to gestational age.

Fetal renal anatomy was assessed in 660 apparently normal fetuses. The problems of technique of visualization of the kidneys are outlined. A correlation of fetal kidney length and gestational age is presented. The results are presented to be used as an adjunct in establishing fetal gestational age, as well as the assessment of normal renal morphology in routine obstetric ultrasound assessment.

A software package for computer-controlled flow-injection analysis.

An automated flow-injection system is described, with a computer-controlled sample changer, injection device and photometer. The modular software package is understandable, flexible and easily adaptable to different computers.

Placental patterns as seen on ultrasonography.

The first exciting days of being able to see the placenta in utero and localize the site of implantation are over. It is now commonplace to ask about the placental site automatically when requesting an ultrasonogram of a pregnant uterus, and it is taken for granted that this will be mentioned in the report. However, with the new and more sophisticated ultrasound equipment now in use, it is today incumbent on the ultrasonologist to give a short report on the placenta and the umbilical cord, in addition to the report on the fetus.

Fetal movement patterns in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Fetal movements were examined at various ages during the first trimester of pregnancy in 46 patients. Characteristic types and patterns of movement were found to relate to the age of the fetus. By 10 to 12 weeks, a full range of movements had developed and the movement patterns then closely resembled those normally found in the second and third trimesters of normal pregnancy.

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia presenting pregnancy. A case report.

A right-sided traumatic diaphragmatic hernia was present in a woman who was 24 weeks pregnant, 8 years after a motor vehicle injury. The hernia had not been diagnosed previously. Correction of severe anaemia and surgical repair of the diaphragmatic defect were successful.

The Abortion and Sterilization Act in 1975--experience of the Johannesburg Hospital Pregnancy Advisory Clinic.

The experience of a Pregnancy Advisory Service operating in terms of the Abortion and Sterilization Act of 1975 is reviewed. A total of 454 applications for abortion were considered, of which 198 (44%) were accepted and the abortions performed. The urgent need for sex education at schools, colleges and universities is stressed, in view of the large number of scholars and students under the age of 17 who seek an abortion. There are also patients who discontinue contraception for a variety of reasons, on medical advice or otherwise, without an alternative being suggested or sought. Motivation of patient, nurse and doctor needs urgent improvement.