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In India, there are marked variations in resources for cervical cancer screening. For the first time, resourcestratified screening guidelines have been developed that will be suitable for low middle-income countries with similar diversities. The current article describes the process and outcomes of these resource stratified guidelines for screening and treatment of preinvasive lesions of cervix. Evidence from literature was collated and various guidelines were reviewed by an expert panel. Based on the level of evidence, guidelines were developed for screening by human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, cytology and visual inspection after application of acetic acid (VIA), and management of screen positive lesions in different resource settings. Expert opinion was used for certain country-specific situations. The healthcare system was stratified into two resource settingsgood or limited. The mode of screening and treatment for each was described. HPV testing is the preferred method for cervical cancer screening. VIA by trained providers is especially suitable for low resource settings until an affordable HPV test becomes available. Healthcare providers can choose the most appropriate screening and treatment modality. A single visit approach is encouraged and treatment may be offered based on colposcopy diagnosis ('see and treat') or even on the basis of HPV test or VIA results ('screen and treat'), if compliance cannot be ensured. The Federation of Obsterician and Gynaecologists of India Good Clinical Practice Recommendations (FOGSI) GCPR are appropriately designed for countries with varied resource situations to ensure an acceptable cervical cancer prevention strategy.The three main modalities of screening in use are HPV testing, cytology and visual inspection with 202

A case-controlled study was designed to assess the distribution of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) A, B, Cw, DR and DQ, and associated abnormalities in patients with premature ovarian failure (POF). A total of 37 patients in a tertiary care centre were diagnosed as having POF; all were < 37 years old. A subset was HLA-typed. The occurrence of associated diseases in patients with POF was recorded. A comparison of HLA typing was made between patients with POF and 100 organ donors from the same population. No statistically significant difference in the distribution of A, B, Cw, DR and DQ antigens was found between the study and control groups when corrected for the number of antigens tested. The commonest associated abnormality was positive autoimmune screen (43.3%). Abnormal thyroid function tests were detected in 23.3% of the patients. The observed high frequency of associated autoimmune phenomena in patients with POF points to an underlying autoimmune disorder in POF and warrants further studies to unravel the pathology of this condition.

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A total of 170 strains of Corynebacterium jeikeium and 23 strains of Corynebacterium group D2 were examined in three British laboratories using the API 20 Strep identification system and three supplementary tests (catalase production, urease production and nitrate reduction). The isolates were collected from clinical specimens in various laboratories over a three-year period. The two species produced consistent reactions in these tests after 24 h. Two tests were highly discriminatory, with positive reactions for ribose fermentation seen for Corynebacterium jeikeium while urease production was observed with Corynebacterium group D2. This method allows routine clinical laboratories to rapidly identify these emerging pathogens.

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Assisted reproductive techniques allow us to use donated and cryopreserved gametes posthumously. This can pose legal issues, such as legitimacy of the child born, inheritance rights of the child, and life long psychosocial implications. The law in different countries takes a varied stand on it. Posthumous use of gametes must abide by the law of the land. A valid consent of the deceased is required. Mourning period of at least one year should be allowed prior to embarking on ART procedures on the surviving partner. The law regarding legitimacy of the child born after death or divorce of a spouse needs amendment. The psychological development of these children needs to be studied by long-term studies.