Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis is a polymicrobial syndrome involving replacement of normal vaginal hydrogen peroxide producing lactobacilli by a variety of mycoplasmas and Gram-negative rods. Bacterial vaginosis has been conventionally diagnosed using Amsel criteria (a clinical method) or Nugent's score (a laboratory method with higher reproducibility). This study was undertaken to compare the diagnostic ability of the Amsel criteria with that of Nugent's score among patients presenting with abnormal vaginal discharge. Methodology: The study was conducted at the Medical College in Kolkata, India to determine the prevalence of patients with bacterial vaginosis and their demographic profile. Subjects attending the outpatient department presenting with abnormal vaginal discharge were evaluated for the presence of bacterial vaginosis by Amsel criteria and Nugent's score. Results: Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 24% by Nugent's score. In comparison, Amsel criteria had sensitivity of 66.67%, specificity of 94.74%, positive predictive value of 80% and negative predictive value of 90%. There was no perfect inter-rater agreement between the Amsel criteria and Nugent's score (Kappa = 0.58). Presence of clue cells correlated best with a positive diagnosis by Nugent's score while the amine test (whiff test) had the lowest correlation. Conclusion: Although the Amsel criteria method is a convenient and inexpensive means of diagnosing bacterial vaginosis, it is not always reliable.  Alternative reliable and inexpensive diagnostic methods that unify clinical and microbiological parameters, thus increasing sensitivity while retaining specificity, are needed.

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Advancements in technology have always had major impacts on medicine. Increased use of smartphone and related software applications has created a new era in clinical data exchange among patients and clinicians. Teledentistry is a combination of telecommunications and dentistry, involving the exchange of clinical information and images over remote distances for dental consultation and treatment planning. It has the potential to address many of the problems related to access, cost efficiency and quality of dental care. Through teleconsultation with specialists in larger communities, a dentist in a nearby community can provide access to specialty care for their patients easily. Teledentistry can extend care to underserved patient populations, such as those in rural areas, at a reasonable cost. This review article aims to emphasize the importance of teledentistry in various specialties of dentistry and its role in serving the underserved population.

Background: Substance and drug abuse is associated with severe psychosocial problems, violence and health complications. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the oral hygiene status and sugar eating patterns among drug addicts with their age, gender and socio-economic status matched controls. Settings and Design: The present study comprised of two groups-Group A comprised of 100 drug addicts and Group B included 100 controls. The study sample were interviewed and subjected to a comprehensive intra-oral examination. Methods and Material: Standardized methods of evaluation were performed using mouth mirror, dental probe, explorer and WHO probe. Statistical Analysis: The data was subjected to statistical analysis using Chi Square test and student t-test. Results and Conclusions: CPITN index revealed bleeding in 56% addicts and calculus in 20% addicts. The mean DMFT of group A was 5.71 as compared to 2.45 in group B. The frequency of sugar consumption was found to be high in addicts as compared to the controls. Significant P values (< 0.001) of DMFT index, periodontal status and frequency of sugar consumption were obtained on statistical analysis. The caries status was found to be poor in addicts, but the periodontal treatment needs were similar for both group A and B. Oral health promotion should be undertaken in drug rehabilitation centers for overall success of withdrawl treatment.

In India, there is a lack of information about the adequate daily dose of vitamin D3 supplementation in school children. Hence, we undertook this study to evaluate the adequacy and efficacy of different doses of vitamin D3 in schoolchildren. A total of 1008 vitamin D-deficient (VDD) children, aged 6–16 years with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels <50nmol/l, were cluster randomised into three groups (A-344, B-341 and C-232) for supplementation (600, 1000 and 2000 IU daily) of vitamin D3 under supervision for 6 months. Of the 1008 subjects who completed the study, 938 (93 %) were compliant. Baseline and post-supplementation fasting blood and urine samples were evaluated for Ca, phosphates, alkaline phosphatase, 25(OH)D and parathormone and urine Ca:creatinine ratio. The mean age of the subjects was 11·7 (sd 2·4) years, and the overall mean baseline serum 25(OH)D level was 24·3 (SD 9·5)nmol/l. Post-supplementation rise in serum 25(OH)D in compliant group was maximum with 2000 IU (70·0 (SD 30·0)nmol/l), followed by 1000 IU (46·8 (SD 22·5)nmol/l) and 600 IU (36·5 (SD 18·5)nmol/l), and serum 25(OH)D levels of ≥50nmol/l were achieved in 71·5, 81·8 and 92·9 % by groups A, B and C, respectively. Secondary hyperparathyroidism decreased from 31·7 to 8·4 % post-supplementation. Two participants developed hypercalciuria, but none developed hypercalcaemia. Children with VDD benefit maximum with the daily supplementation of 2000 IU of vitamin D3. Whether recommendations of 400 IU/d by Indian Council of Medical Research or 600 IU by Indian Academy of Pediatrics or Institute of Medicine would suffice to achieve vitamin D sufficiency in children with VDD remains debatable.