Biotechnology is the manipulation and application of the whole or a part of a living biological system such as microorganisms, plants and animals for the production of goods and services for the benefits of mankind and society at large. Various aspect of biotechnology has been identified based on their applications in medicine, industry and agriculture. Medical biotechnology involves medical application of biotechnology for disease diagnosis, prevention and treatment. One of the major factors to be considered in delivery of quality health services in developing countries like Nigeria is the rapid diagnosis of diseases and infections. This will in turn help in subsequent rapid treatment and prevention. Molecular diagnostic techniques are vital tools required for detection of diseases and infections. Harnessing inherent potentials of medical biotechnology will help in early detection of diseases such as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), communicable and infectious diseases in developing countries. It will also help in reducing the work load of diagnostic laboratories. This paper therefore highlights significance of harnessing medical biotechnology in enhancing delivery of quality health service in Nigeria.

Background: Pica is frequently observed in people with autism and learning disabilities. It can result in many life threatening health complications, such as intestinal obstruction and gastrointestinal bleeding. People in this population have complex needs and are particularly vulnerable to experiencing health care and social inequalities. Pica reduces the quality of life in this population, and is a distressing disorder for patients and their families, especially if little is known about the disorder. Methodology: A search of databases that included OVID, EMBASE and MEDLINE was conducted looking specifically at behavioural management of pica in the learning disabled population. All age groups and severity of learning disability were included. A total of 316 results were obtained from this search. After screening, a total of 8 papers were reviewed. Results: This review summarises 8 published studies that examined the assessment and use of behavioural interventions in the management of pica in people with learning disabilities and autism. The interventions discussed include differential reinforcement of pica, exposing participants to mild forms of punishment contingent upon pica, and discrimination training. The review explores the acceptability of such interventions, especially of punishment procedures, and highlights some areas for future research. Conclusion: Future research is required to explore the efficacy of managing pica via behavioural interventions in the adult population with learning disabilities, as this review found papers only on the child and adolescent population. The interventions studied in this review were primarily based in inpatient settings; therefore we need to establish whether they are applicable in the community, and how they can be generalized to a modern day society. With this knowledge, it may be possible to further develop successful behavioural interventions appropriate to the needs of the population.

Introduction: Caregivers of the patients with stroke have shown to demonstrate high levels of psychological distress and depression; increased rates of physiological illness and personal, financial, family, and social problems. The current study aims at exploring the prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depression among patients with stroke as well as their care givers. Methodology: Fifty consecutive patients -care giver dyads were recruited in the study. The patients selected for the study were diagnosed with stroke. Patients and care givers were assessed using a semi-structured proforma for the socio-demographic details. Subsequently these dyads were assessed for anxiety and depression levels using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Independent sample t-test and chi-square test were used to find difference between the patients and the care givers on different variables . Results: HADS- Anxiety score among the male care givers was related with HADS- Depression score of the patients (beta=0.60, p<0.05). HADS- Anxiety score of the female care givers was related with HADS- Anxiety score of the patients (beta= 1.15, p<0.05). HADS- Anxiety score of the care givers was significantly related to the HADS- Depression score of the patients if the patient was the primary earning member of the family (beta=0.80, p<0.05). Conclusion: Caring for the patients with stroke presents increased burden to the care givers which manifests as increased rates of anxiety and depression among them.

Introduction: LBW continues to remain one of the serious challenges to maternal and child health care with every 3rd born child in India being low birth weight. Hence, it is imperative to monitor birth weights as well as assess the magnitude of neonatal morbidity and mortality and its subsequent causes and predisposing factors in order to prevent it. We conducted a retrospective study at our hospital to assess the morbidity and mortality patterns of LBW neonates and here in present the findings of our study in this paper. Methodology: The present study was conducted at the Pravara Rural Hospital, a tertiary level health care centre in western Maharashtra. Hospital medical records on deliveries and neonatal admissions were reviewed from June 2007 to May 2010. The files of those identified as delivered LBW were reviewed extensively for any morbidity and the cause of death was noted in those deceased. An association between LBW babies and socio-demographic characteristics was evaluated in the form of percentages and chi square test of significance. Results: The occurrence of LBW spectrum in this cohort was 43.1%. A significant association was found between LBW and sex of the neonate (p=0.0001); socioeconomic status (p=0.0001); educational status of mother (p=0.043); gestational age (p<0.0001); maternal weight (p=0.003); utilization of antenatal care (0.024). The infant mortality rate was 35 per 1000 live births Conclusion: Considering the high mortality rate in the rural area with a high cohort of neonates dying from preventable or treatable causes of death like infections, birth asphyxia and hyperbilirubinemia etc., there seems to be an urgent need to define the priorities for LBW baby care services in such backward areas of rural India

Benign Cementoblastoma is an odontogenic neoplasm of cementoblasts, also known as true cementoma. Cementoblastoma rarely affects the deciduous teeth and its occurrence on the left side is much more uncommon. This case report is of a 13 year-old patient who presented with cementoblastoma associated with a deciduous second molar in the mandible. The objective of this case report is to add one more case of this rare odontogenic tumor to the academic literature.

Maffucci's Syndrome is a rare, congenital, non hereditary mesodermal dysplasia characterised by enchondromatosis and soft tissue haemangiomas, with less than 250 cases documented so far in literature and only a few reported from India. Tumours of MS have an immense propensity for malignant transformation. Patients are usually asymptomatic at birth and symptoms appear before puberty. Diagnosis is mainly clinical, characterised by the presence of multiple swellings on the hands, fingers, feet, toes, thus causing functional disability. Here, we report a case of MS in middle aged male diagnosed by us and discuss the clinical aspects and management of the condition with a review of relevant literature for better understanding of this rare differential diagnosis of multiple swellings.

Introduction: S iwak (Salvadora persica) has been used for many years. A lot of studies have been conducted in the past in to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Siwak. This study was done to assess the effect of Siwak (Salvadora persica) on the color of teeth. Methodology: The study consisted of 24 individuals (17 males. 7 females) with a mean age of 23. The subjects were advised to use Siwak 4 times a day for one month. The color of teeth (divided into three parts: cervical, middle and occlusal), Gingival Index, Plaque Index, Gingival Recession and Calculus Index were measured before and after using Siwak. We used a spectrophotometer to measure the color of teeth. Results: There were statistically significant difference s in the spectrophotometer values before and after using Siwak (p=0.034, p<0.001, p<0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Siwak improves the color of teeth.