[Focus on the endocannabinoid system and the reprotoxicity of marijuana in female users]

Among recreative compounds, marijuana is the most used worldwide. Delta9THC binding on brain endocannabinoid receptors drives its psychotropic effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an endogenous neurohormonal system essential for homeostasis composed of ligands, metabolic enzymes and at least 2 receptors discovered to date. In female reproduction, the ECS regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and many steps of the reproduction process, such as ovulation, tubal transportation and trophoblast implantation. Delta9THC can cross the placental barrier and bind to the fetal endocannabinoid system. In humans, fetal and obstetrical consequences of marijuana use during pregnancy are intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery. In the light of legalization projects currently reviewed in several western countries, further research should be conducted to improve knowledge on maternal, fetal and reprotoxic consequences of marijuana use during reproductive age and pregnancy.

[Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of occiput posterior presentation during labor]

Persistant occiput posterior (OP) positions are the commonest malpresentations of the fetal head during labor and their diagnosis remains challenging. They are associated to prolonged second stage of labor, prolonged expulsive efforts, labor augmentation, cesarean sections and instrumental deliveries. On the maternal side, severe perineal tears, post-partum hemorrhage or chorioamnionitis are more frequent. Currently, prevention of persistent OP positions is based on the maintain of precise maternal positions. Several positions have been evaluated but only lateral position on the same side of the fetal spine has proved its effectiveness. Fetal head rotation can also be achieved with extraction instruments though none has ever been evaluated by a randomized controlled trial. Obstetrical forceps seem more efficient than vacuum but are associated with severe perineal tears. Evaluation of rotation with Thierry's spatulas is scarce. Last, manual rotation is of routine use in many wards. This management is associated with a twofold reduction of operative delivery rate and rare adverse outcomes but has never been evaluated through randomized control trial.

[Reflections toward establishing a chronology of the "transsexual phenomenon," 1910-95]

O "fenômeno transexual" (Benjamin) é um indicador muito seguro das modificações históricas da percepção científica, mas também cultural e política da identidade sexual no século XX. Para apresentar uma cronologia e uma bibliografia escolhida desse fenômeno, este artigo propõe um fio condutor: a recusa sistemática das interpretações psicanalíticas do transexualismo pelos sexólogos, endocrinologistas e sociólogos que estudaram o problema.