The risk factors associated with cerebral infarction were more frequent in Berlin. We suspect that racial disparity in risk factors for stroke may account for the difference in proportions of stroke subtype in black and white populations. Larger prospective community-based multinational multiracial studies are required to confirm these disparities and identify possible underlying genetic, dietary, and socio-economic factors.

The annexin V-thrombin conjugate induced rapid thrombosis (fibrin deposition) on irradiated endothelial cells under shear stress in the parallel-plate flow device. Unconjugated, non-targeting thrombin did not induce fibrin deposition. A synergistic interaction between radiation and conjugate dose was observed. Thrombosis was greatest at the highest combined doses of radiation (25 Gy) and conjugate (2.5 μg/mL). The parallel-plate flow system provides a rapid method to pre-test pro-thrombotic vascular targeting agents. These findings validate the translation of the annexin V-thrombin conjugate to pre-clinical studies.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of major disability and death worldwide. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have recently been shown to contribute to the cellular remodelling that occurs following TBI and attention has been drawn to the area of neural stem cell as possible therapy for TBI. The NSCs may play an important role in the treatment of TBI by replacing the damaged cells and eventual remyelination. This paper summarized a critical assessment of recent data and developed a view comprising of six points to possible quality translation of NSCs in TBI.

Background The attitude of healthcare workers (HCW) towards organ donation is cardinal to the successful implementation and sustainability of transplant programs. We present the outcome of a survey among HCW in a single tertiary institution in Nigeria regarding their willingness to be living-related kidney donors. Methods Self-administered questionnaires were randomly distributed to HCW evaluating their attitude towards living-related kidney donation. Results Of the 650 questionnaires distributed only 502 responded (clinical medical students 51%, physicians 31.7% and nurses 17.3%); 75.6% of respondents were willing to be living donors while 5.8% were against it, and 18.5% were undecided. Multivariate analysis identified willingness to receive, perceived risk associated with kidney donation, and attitude towards cadaveric donation as independent predictors of willingness of HCW to be living donors. Conclusion Nigerian HCW have a positive attitude toward kidney donation.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder in the Western world. Its prevalence is yet to be fully determined in the African setting. This was a cross-sectional study of patients attending three General Outpatient clinics in Jos, Nigeria. Four hundred and eighteen randomly selected patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire based on the Rome II diagnostic criteria for IBS. Excluded from the study were patients with established organic disease, memory problems, and pregnant women. Eighteen patients were excluded based on these criteria and 400 were analysed using Epi Info 2000 (Atlanta, Georgia, USA) statistical computer software. One hundred and thirty-two (33%) out of the 400 patients fulfilled the criteria for the diagnosis of IBS, the female to male ratio being 1.13 : 1. IBS was significantly associated with increasing age (P=0.03) and depression (P<0.001). The prevalence of IBS is high among patients attending primary care in the African setting with depression being the likely reason for seeking care.