Investigation of the teratogenic potential of ochratoxin A and B using the FETAX system.

Background: Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by certain Aspergillus and Penicillium species. It has been observed to be teratogenic in a number of animal models including rat, mouse, hamster, and chick, with reduced birth weight and craniofacial abnormalities being the most commonly observed malformations. Neither the potential of OTA to cause malformations in humans nor its teratogenic mode of action is known.

[Continuity of care by Pflegeüberleitung? Results of participant observation].

Continuity of care between health care institutions is of increasing importance. In a two-year research project on this topic extensive participant observation was carried out for data gathering in three hospitals in Düsseldorf (Germany). In each institution four patients were observed until their discharge and all interactions between them and health care professionals were documented using a semi-structured data-gathering instrument.