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African Health Sciences, Vol. 10, No. 3, July-September, 2010, pp. 217 Editorial Editor's Choice James K Tumwine Code Number: hs10043 Welcome to this September issue of African Health Sciences. We bring you diverse topics: ranging from epilepsy in south western Uganda to central cord myopathy. In her original contribution, Prof Maureen Duggan describes epilepsy in a community based study in south western Uganda. The age-specific prevalence was 2% among children <15 years. The commonest seizure type was generalized tonic clonic followed by complex partial seizures (CPS). Cerebral palsy was most strongly associated with CPS. Half the children had their seizures beginning in infancy. With our rural theme in mind, we bring you a paper on TB in rural Uganda - 2/3 of the patients tested positive for HIV with a mortality of 8%. The triad of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, HIV and poverty will continue posing challenges to our health sector unless we address them in tandem. In rural Kenya, Moturi describes risk factors for indoor air pollution which included mud walled housing and biomass fuel. Away from rural areas, we revisit the heart. Nigerian workers describe electrocardiographic findings in adult patients with sickle cell anaemia. Left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular enlargement, biventricular hypertrophy were common. Kenyan researchers describe morphological characteristics of myocardial. bridges and their influence on coronary histology. Nigerian workers on the other hand describe "atherogenic" index of plasma as a predictor of cardiovascular risk among post menopausal women. Grapping with a weak Primary health care system, many authorities in Africa and elsewhere, are looking for innovative ways to strengthen health care. This paper by Okonkwo describes the role of patent medicine vendors and community pharmacists in the management of sexrally transmitted infections. In a study of death pattern, Adeolu and others contend that death from infectious disease is on the downward trend and is being replaced by cancer and renal failure. Keeping with the theme of death: Tanzania pathologists describe a case of self destruction by multiple methods: hanging, leaping down the cliff and drowning. Saba and colleagues describe anti-diabetic and haematinic effects of Parquetina nigrescens on type diabetes, while Azeez and colleagues also describe anti-diabetic effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius. In a unique paper, Jerry Makama wonders whether clerkship in general surgery influences career decisions by medical students. Guinea worm disease is at the threshold of eradication - or so authors of this little piece claim. Lack of safe water sources continues to hamper this hope. Finally we end with a case report of an adult with cervical Klippel-Feil syndrome with central cord myelopathy following minor trauma - brining our diverse menu to a close. Let me end by thanking all our editors, authors, reviewers and staff for your voluntary spirit. Please keep the spirit burning as we strive to maintain the highest standard of medical journal publishing in Africa. [14] References
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