Ochratoxins are a hazardous group of mycotoxins produced as secondary metabolites by several fungi of the Aspergillus and Penicillium families. Ochratoxins have been detected and determined in foods and beverages, including barley, malt and beer, at ppb levels. Varied analytical methods have been developed for the detection of ochratoxin A [OTA] in cereals and beer. Ochratoxin A has hazardous effects on health and has been classified within group 2B, as a possible human carcinogen by IARC. Scientists have expressed great concern about the presence of ochratoxin A in foods. In this article, chemical structure, biosynthesis by microorganisms, analytical methods for testing, regulations, changes during brewing, and detoxification of OTA, are reviewed. Beer poses very little risk as a source of ochratoxin in the diet.

Local resection of percreta site is an effective, safe and fertility preserving approach that can be applied to manage the postpartum hemorrhage and preservation of uterus in patients with placenta percreta.

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Uterine preservation is an important issue when managing PPH. BBT is an effective, easy to use, and safe procedure for massive PPH that can minimize recourse to hysterectomy after failed medical treatment.

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Our study demonstrated a significant reduction in pain in patients who received a single rectal dose of indomethacin; therefore, we recommend the use of rectal indomethacin for reducing pain during a HSG procedure.

Objectives: The exact pathogenesis of neural tube defects (NTDs) is poorly understood. We aimed at evaluating maternal anti-oxidant capacity (ceruloplasmin level, myeloperoxidase and catalase activity) in pregnancies complicated by NTDs. Material and methods:Fifty-four mothers with NTD-affected pregnancies and 61 healthy mothers, matched for gestational age, were recruited. Maternal venous blood samples were obtained after detailed fetal ultrasound examination to measure myeloperoxidase, catalase activity and ceruloplasmin levels. The clinical characteristics of all participants were collected.Results: Maternal blood catalase activity was significantly lower in the study group (117.1 ± 64.8 kU/L) as compared to controls (152.2 ± 110.6 kU/L) (p = 0.044). Maternal blood ceruloplasmin levels were also significantly lower in the study group (180.5 ± 37.7 U/L) as compared to controls (197.9 ± 35.9 U/L) (p = 0.012). Myeloperoxidase activity was similar in both groups (112.6 ± 22.2 U/L vs. 113.6 ± 38.1 U/L) (p = 0.869). Conclusions:In the present study, maternal blood ceruloplasmin level and catalase activity were found to be lower in NTD-affected pregnancies as compared to healthy controls. Thus, it seems safe to conclude that impaired antioxidant capacity may play a role in the development of NTDs during pregnancy, in addition to the genetic, environmental and metabolic factors.