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The field of hair transplant (HT) has grown exponentially in the past decade, especially after the introduction of follicular unit excision (FUE). There is much variation in criteria for case selection, the technique, pre- and post-procedure protocols, by different surgeons. Techniques continue to evolve and evidence in the form of controlled data is not available for all techniques and protocols being used; there is also a debate as to who can do what, what should be the training for staff, role of technicians. This has led to a situation wherein medico legal issues have cropped up as to what is minimum acceptable. An attempt is made to summarize standard protocols with the available evidence. It is emphasized that the objective of these guidelines is to recommend minimum standards for practice of hair transplantation. The principles outlined in these guidelines are of a general nature only, minimal in their level and are not meant to cover all situations. It should be understood that these recommendations are by no means binding and universal, represent minimum standards only and as in all surgical techniques, variations in techniques are possible. It is also further clarified that these are based on current literature, and as science evolves, these guidelines could also change in future. Where published evidence is not available, consensus expert opinion is presented. The task force emphasizes that each patient has to be treated on his/her own merit and that these guidelines do not limit the physician from making an appropriate choice or the necessary innovation for a given patient. The task force recognizes that the treating surgeon is best suited to decide what is needed for a given patient in a given situation. Innovations in medicine need flexibility in approach and these guidelines do not limit the surgeon from undertaking innovative research.

Introduction: Haemospermia is an alarming symptom for ordinary members of the public. The worry become greater as it has been described as a warning sign of a prostate cancer in the media. Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify the aetiological factors and outcome of haemospermia in a cohort of patients. Methods: All patients with newly diagnosed haemospermia treated at the urology unit of Colombo South Teaching Hospital over a period of 5 years (2013–2018) constituted the study sample. Data related to demographics, symptomatology, clinical findings, investigations, treatment given and outcome during follow-up were recorded prospectively. Results: There were 94 men with haemospermia who sought treatment during the study period. Mean age was 43.7 years (range: 23–67, median = 41). Twenty-seven (29%) patients had clinical evidence of prostatitis and/or a positive seminal fluid culture. One patient each had prostate carcinoma, prostatic cyst, severe hypertension, sclerotherapy for haemorrhoids, post-chemotherapy and post-epididymectomy. The patient who had high blood pressure (220/150 mmHg) was found to have mesangio-proliferative glomerulonephritis. In 61 (65%) patients, there was no identifiable cause. Conclusion: The majority of patients with haemospermia are aged < 45 years and have a benign aetiology. As haemospermia is self-limiting in the majority of cases, extensive investigations are unnecessary. Advanced and invasive tests should be confined to those with abnormal clinical findings, and to those with persistent or recurrent haemospermia. Level of evidence: Level IV.

Title: Antibacterial properties of fluoride releasing glass Ionomer cements (GICs) and pit and fissure sealants on Streptococcus mutans. Background: Occlusal pit and fissures are the most susceptible sites for dental caries. The clinical effectiveness of GICs and fissure sealants in preventing caries is well-documented, but there is some concern about bacteria left beneath sealants. Objective: (1) Study the antibacterial activity of GICs and pit and fissure sealants. (2) Compare between these materials. Methodology: GICs (Fuji IX GP and Ketac molar) and pit and fissure sealants (Teethmate-F1 and Helioseal-F ). The strains was grown in the Brain Heart Infusion broth and was incubated anaerobically for 18 hours at 37°C and subcultured in MSB agar.Four wells measuring 5 mm diameter was prepared on each agar plate and the prepared materials was placed and further incubated anaerobically for 48 hours at 37°C. The zone of inhibition was measured. Results: All the materials tested showed antibacterial properties to varying levels except; among pit and fissure sealants it is Teethmate-F which showed more antibacterial property. Conclusion: Teethmate-F1 sealant showed more antibacterial property compared to Fuji IX and Ketac molar. Helioseal-F did not show any antibacterial property.