COVID-19 outbreak has caused a downward spiral in the world economy and caused a huge impact on the higher education system. The sudden closure of campuses as a social distancing measure to prevent community transmission has shifted face-to-face classes to online learning systems. This has thrown the focus on utilising eLearning tools and platforms for effective student engagement which may have limitations of accessibility and affordability for many students. The pandemic has exposed the shortcomings of the current higher education system and the need for more training of educators in digital technology to adapt to the rapidly changing education climate of the world. In the post-pandemic situation, the use of eLearning and virtual education may become an integral part of the higher education system. The higher education institutions and universities need to plan the post-pandemic education and research strategies to ensure student learning outcomes and standards of educational quality.

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BackgroundInfection of specific high risk Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is known to cause cervical cancer and two prophylactic vaccines have been developed against two major high risk HPV types 16 and 18 for prevention of cervical cancer. Because of societal, religious and ethical issues associated with the vaccination of adolescent girls in India together with lack of awareness about HPV and HPV vaccines, no successful HPV immunization program has been employed in India.ObjectiveTo determine knowledge, awareness and attitude of college students on HPV, HPV vaccine and cervical cancer.MethodA questionnaire-based survey was conducted in a total of 1580 undergraduate students between the age group 16–26 years comprising 684 girls and 876 boys.ResultsOut of a total of 1580 students, girls had more knowledge about cervical cancer (82.45%, p<0.001), HPV (45.61%, p<0.001) and HPV vaccines (44%, p<0.001) when compared to those in boys. However, knowledge about the types of HPV and vaccines was poor. Interestingly, students from biology-major had more knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer (81.89%, p<0.001) and HPV (46.58%, <0.001) when compared to non-biology students. Girls from both biology and non-biology group had higher awareness compared to boys. Analysis of odds ratio (ORs) along with 95% CI showed older girls with 1.2 to 3 fold (p<0.05) higher knowledge than boys. All students agreed that girls should get vaccinated against HPV (p<0.001).ConclusionIt is suggested that there is a need for educational intervention and awareness campaigns to augment HPV immunization program for control of cervical cancer in India.

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Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare both ovarian function and menstrual characteristics following uterine artery embolisation (UAE) and surgery.Design Subgroup of women from a randomised controlled trial.Setting Gynaecology and radiology units in Scotland, UK.Population Ninety-six women from the randomised controlled trial comparing embolisation with surgery as a treatment for fibroids (REST), which recruited 157 patients (106 UAE; 51 surgery).Methods Seventy-three women undergoing UAE and 23 women undergoing surgery (with ovarian conservation) had serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements taken on day 3 of the menstrual cycle prior to treatment, and at 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Data on menstrual cycle characteristics was also collected.Main outcome measures Ovarian failure, as defined by an FSH level of >40 iu/l, and change in duration of menses and length of menstrual cycle.Results There was no significant difference in the rate of ovarian failure at 12 months between UAE (11%) and surgical patients (18%) (P = 0.44). This finding was not influenced by age. The mean duration of menstrual flow decreased significantly, from baseline to 12 months, by 1.7 days (SD 3.8), (95% CI 0.8-2.6). There was no statistically significant change in mean cycle length at 12 months (0.7 days [SD 4.9]; 95% CI [)0.5, 1.9]).Conclusions There is no evidence for UAE accelerating a deterioration in ovarian function at 1 year, when compared with surgery. UAE is associated with a decrease in the duration of menstrual flow at 1 year.Keywords Fibroids, hysterectomy, leiomyomata, ovarian function, uterine artery embolisation.