The article discusses the debate over the use of β-blockers as first-line treatment for hypertension, highlighting concerns that favoring these drugs due to circumstantial evidence could undermine the proven safety and efficacy of older drugs in long-term intervention trials. The author, L E Ramsay, argues that this approach could lead to a regression in therapeutic advancements. In another section, Maurice Super addresses the appeal of oocyte donation for couples carrying autosomal recessive disorders such as cystic fibrosis or thalassaemia. He notes that oocyte donation can reduce the risk of passing on these disorders to offspring, making it a valuable option for families who cannot afford prenatal diagnosis and termination. C J N Lacey and P E Gibson critique the methods used to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) in anogenital warts in children, emphasizing the need for more accurate and consistent testing methods. They suggest that further studies should use Southern blotting to better discriminate between skin and genital HPV types. Elaine Murphy discusses the issue of multiple inspection bodies visiting the NHS, particularly mental health services, and the potential for fragmentation in service delivery. She calls for a review of the current system to ensure effective monitoring and patient rights. M A Farquharson-Roberts, an orthopedic surgeon, points out a statistical error in an article on cutaneous leishmaniasis, noting that the description of a sloth with three toes and two fingers is incorrect.The article discusses the debate over the use of β-blockers as first-line treatment for hypertension, highlighting concerns that favoring these drugs due to circumstantial evidence could undermine the proven safety and efficacy of older drugs in long-term intervention trials. The author, L E Ramsay, argues that this approach could lead to a regression in therapeutic advancements. In another section, Maurice Super addresses the appeal of oocyte donation for couples carrying autosomal recessive disorders such as cystic fibrosis or thalassaemia. He notes that oocyte donation can reduce the risk of passing on these disorders to offspring, making it a valuable option for families who cannot afford prenatal diagnosis and termination. C J N Lacey and P E Gibson critique the methods used to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) in anogenital warts in children, emphasizing the need for more accurate and consistent testing methods. They suggest that further studies should use Southern blotting to better discriminate between skin and genital HPV types. Elaine Murphy discusses the issue of multiple inspection bodies visiting the NHS, particularly mental health services, and the potential for fragmentation in service delivery. She calls for a review of the current system to ensure effective monitoring and patient rights. M A Farquharson-Roberts, an orthopedic surgeon, points out a statistical error in an article on cutaneous leishmaniasis, noting that the description of a sloth with three toes and two fingers is incorrect.