Objective Bacteria have been identified in different regions of the placenta. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the maternal basal plate of the placenta harbors microbes which may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Study Design We performed a cross-sectional study of pregnancies from a single tertiary care hospital. Maternal medical and obstetric characteristics were obtained and pregnancies followed prospectively for outcomes and placental collection. After delivery, systematic random sampling of the placental basal plate was performed. Paraffin sections of basal plates were stained with four histological stains and scored for morphological evidence of bacteria. Results Of 195 total patients in the study, Gram positive and negative intracellular bacteria of diverse morphologies were documented in the basal plates of 27% of all placentas. 35% of the patients delivered preterm. No difference was noted between placental basal plates from preterm or term gestations. Intracellular bacteria were found in the placental basal plates of 54% spontaneous preterm deliveries before 28 weeks, and in 26% of term spontaneous deliveries (p=0.02). Intracellular bacteria were also documented in placentas without clinical or pathologic chorioamnionitis. Conclusions 27% of placentas demonstrated intracellular bacteria in the placental basal plate using morphological techniques. Thus, the maternal basal plate is a possible source of intrauterine colonization and placental pathological examination could include examination for bacteria in this important maternal fetal interface.

The masculine overcompensation thesis asserts that men react to masculinity threats with extreme demonstrations of masculinity, a proposition tested here across four studies. In study 1, men and women were randomly given feedback suggesting they were either masculine or feminine. Women showed no effects when told they were masculine; however, men given feedback suggesting they were feminine expressed more support for war, homophobic attitudes, and interest in purchasing an SUV. Study 2 found that threatened men expressed greater support for, and desire to advance in, dominance hierarchies. Study 3 showed in a large-scale survey on a diverse sample that men who reported that social changes threatened the status of men also reported more homophopic and prodominance attitudes, support for war, and belief in male superiority. Finally, study 4 found that higher testosterone men showed stronger reactions to masculinity threats than those lower in testosterone. Together, these results support the masculine overcompensation thesis, show how it can shape political and cultural attitudes, and identify a hormonal factor influencing the effect.

Background Although common practice, evidence to support treatment of croup with prednisolone is scant. Methods We conducted a community-based randomized trial to compare the effectiveness of prednisolone (2mg/kg/day for 3 days, n=41) versus one dose of dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg) and two doses of placebo (n=46). Participants were children 1–8 years of age with croup symptoms ≤ 48hr, categorized as mild (42%) or moderate (58%). Results There were no differences for those treated with dexamethasone or prednisolone for additional healthcare for croup (2% vs. 7%, p=0.34), duration of croup symptoms (2.8 days vs. 2.2 days, p=0.63), non-barky cough (6.1 days vs. 5.9 days, p=0.81), nights with disturbed sleep for the parent (0.68 nights vs. 1.21 nights, p=0.55), and days with stress (1.39 days vs. 1.56 days, p=0.51). Conclusion There were no detected differences in outcomes between the two croup treatments for either child or parent.

These findings suggest that some college students may find programs aiding in disclosure useful in assisting them to achieve their desire to be "out" with their mental illness.

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