Valentine Chidozie Amasiatu | Gregory University Uturu (original) (raw)

Papers by Valentine Chidozie Amasiatu

Research Square (Research Square), Mar 14, 2024

Background: This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice of preeclampsia/eclamps... more Background: This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice of preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E) preventive measures among pregnant women in Kano. Methods: This study applied sequential mixed-method research to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of preventive measures for PE/E; as part of the discovery phase of a broader project that applies modi ed human-centred design model to understand the roles of both patients and healthcare providers in the prevention and management of PE/E. Data were collected using structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. This study was limited to 16 health facilities from two (2) Local Government Areas in Kano State: Kumbotso and Ungogo, representing a diverse group of pregnant women comprising 828 participants. The quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 (IBM® Armonk, USA) Chisquare and logistic regression model. Con dence level was set at 95% and p-value <0.05 was considered signi cant. MAXQDA software (version 2022.8) was used for qualitative analysis. Results: Of the 828 pregnant women who participated in the study, 281 (33.9%) had adequate knowledge of PE/E, 693 (83.6%) showed a positive attitude and 416 (50.2%) expressed good practice towards PE/E prevention. There were signi cant association between the women's sociodemographic characteristics and KAP (p <0.05). Location (rural/urban divide), educational level, source of income, trimester, and number of children were signi cant predictors of KAP of PE/E prevention (p <0.05). The common terminology used to understand PE/E was the occurrence of severe headaches, and their channel of knowledge was in hospitals through health education. The most important theme for attitude was health facility visits; the participants understood the importance of preventing the condition (preeclampsia and eclampsia). However, practice was not directly associated with PE/E prevention, but with better pregnancy outcome. Conclusion: The ndings reveal a connection between educational levels and the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pregnant women towards PE/E preventive measures. Notably, those with lower educational levels tend to exhibit poorer knowledge and attitudes concerning preventive measures. The geographical location and associated ethno-religious connotations have inherently disadvantaged striving women, leading to reduced access to quality healthcare services.

Asian journal of medicine and health, Jan 25, 2022

Asian journal of medicine and health, Feb 25, 2022

Background: Contraception is essential in population control, determining the number and spacing ... more Background: Contraception is essential in population control, determining the number and spacing of children. The use of contraceptives has been on the rise because people do not always have sex for the purpose of procreation. Women of childbearing age prefer hormonal contraceptives, because they are highly effective and their effects are reversible. The aim of the study was to appraise the anthropometric profile of women on hormonal contraceptives. Materials and Methods: The study included women on hormonal contraceptives from University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (family planning clinic) and those who do not use contraceptives, from University of Port Harcourt Post Graduate School. A total of two hundred (200) volunteers were involved in the study; 100 women on hormonal contraceptives and 100 women who were not under any form of hormonal contraceptive (as control) were randomly selected. Height was measured using a stadiometer and stature meter, weight, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass and body fat percentage was measured using body composition monitor. Mid arm, waist, hip and neck circumference was measured using a measuring tape, while skin fold thickness was measured using a skin fold caliper. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel Data Analysis

Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports, Sep 24, 2022

Aim: To report a rare fusion of the 6 th and 7 th cervical vertebra in a cadaver specimen. Presen... more Aim: To report a rare fusion of the 6 th and 7 th cervical vertebra in a cadaver specimen. Presentation of Case: A fused C6-C7 vertebra was discovered during maceration in the Anatomy laboratory in a SouthEastern Nigerian University. The laminas were completely fused while their bodies, transverse processes and spinous processes were fused partially. Discussion: Block vertebra is the fusion of one or more adjoining vertebrae in which they act as one, both structurally and functionally. These fusions, although present in other regions, is more common in the cervical region. Among the reported cases, there is a higher incidence of fusion between C2-C3 with only few reported cases of fusion between C6-C7. Fused cervical vertebra impact biochemical and mechanical stress on the adjoining vertebra which results in various neurological and physical problems, hence the report could create an insight that could aid researchers and medical diagnoses. Conclusion: This unusual fusion of C6-C7 vertebra reported provides basis of anatomical variations in which proper documentation of incidence and knowledge will be beneficial to anatomists, orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists and other medical personnel.

Journal of West African College of Surgeons

Acta Scientific Medical Sciences, 2022

Background: Lead (Pb) is one of the most common environmental toxicants, exposure to which can ca... more Background: Lead (Pb) is one of the most common environmental toxicants, exposure to which can cause significant neurotoxicity and an associated decline in brain function. Plant-derived products with antioxidants activity are useful in reducing lead-induced neurotoxicity. This study investigated neuroprotective and antioxidant properties of the aqueous Monodora myristica against leadinduced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Methods: Six groups of six weight-matched animals each, were used for the study. Group 1 (normal control) was treated with deionized water and group 2 (toxic control) with lead acetate at the doses of 50 mg/kg b.wt, whereas group 3 received M. myristica 40 mg/kg only, groups 4,5, and 6 were simultaneously treated with lead (50 mg/kg b.wt), and 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg, and 160 mg/kg of M. myristica respectively. The treatment was administered orally for 42 days. Their biochemical and histopathological investigations were carried out following animal sacrifice at the end of the study period. The neuroprotective effect of M. myristica was assessed by measuring redox status (malondialdehyde), enzymatic antioxidant activities (Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) and histopathology of the cerebral cortex. Results: The increase in the malondialdehyde, the decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase and reductase), and the altered histology of the brain induced neurotoxicity by lead acetate were mitigated in the brain of rats treated with M. myristica. Conclusion: Aqueous M. myristica has a neuroprotective role against lead-induced neurotoxicity probably mediated through its antioxidant properties.

Journal of Anatomical Sciences, Jul 4, 2020

The carrying angle is the angle (in the sagittal plane) formed by the axes of the arm and the for... more The carrying angle is the angle (in the sagittal plane) formed by the axes of the arm and the forearm, with the elbow in full extension. Females have wider carrying angle due to a wider hip design for obstetric reasons. This study was carried out to determine the relationship between carrying angle and 2D-, 4D-length and ratio. One hundred and nine (109) subjects comprising 49 males and 60 females were randomly selected from the University of Port Harcourt. Carrying angle was measured using a goniometer (after the midpoint of the arm and forearm were determined using a flexicurve), while 2D-, 4D-length was measured using a digital vernier caliper. Data was analyzed using statistical package for the social science (SPSS version 22.0). The results showed that for males on higher CAs, while males had longer 2D and 4D. Significant differences were observed in all measured parameters between sex at p < 0.05, except for the right 2D, 2D:4D; and the left 2D:4D. The right 4D and 2D better were better predictors of CA in males and females respectively. The findings from this study will be useful for estimating CA from 2D, 4D and 2D:4D and also in surgical repair (management) of elbow fracture or dislocation.

Journal of International Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apr 14, 2017

The auricular position and orientation is highly complex and as such forensic scientists as well ... more The auricular position and orientation is highly complex and as such forensic scientists as well as reconstructive surgeons require detailed information about its typical dimensions. These information will aid in personal identification and design of auricular products. This study focused on establishing a quick but accurate sex differentiation tool in forensic science. A total of 200 subjects (100 males and 100 females) Kalabari indigens of Rivers State, Nigeria were used in this study. Four auricular dimensions; [Total Ear Height (TEH), Ear Width (EW), Lobular Height (LH) and lobular Width (LW)] were measured and the data analyzed using SPSS version 23. The mean values for male subjects on the right were; 65.83 ± 60.55 mm, 31.38 ± 3.36 mm, 14.39 ± 2.92 mm, and 12.27 ± 1.75 mm respectively, while on the left; 59.75 ± 4.80 mm, 31.14 ± 3.28 mm, 14.36 ± 2.73 mm and 12.10 ± 1.57 mm respectively. Those of the female subjects on the right were 59.38 ± 6.95 mm, 30.31 ± 3.57 mm, 12.68 ± 2.06 mm and 51.24 ± 5.76 mm respectively. While on the left side, we have 59.18 ± 6.23 mm, 29.60 ± 3.15 mm, 13.58 ± 9.63 mm and 50.39 ± 5.37 mm respectively. The findings made in this study, showed that mean values of auricular dimensions were higher in males as compared to the females (P < 0.05). These differences were significant for the left total ear width as well as the left ear index. Concerning the right and left auricular parameters, male subjects did not show any significant difference with respect to side (P < 0.05), while the females showed significance in the right and left total ear width (P = 0.02) as well as left ear index (P = 0.02). These sex related differences were said to be sexually dimorphic.

Forensic Science International: Reports, 2019

The purpose of this study was to explore sexual dimorphism in the distance between mental foramen... more The purpose of this study was to explore sexual dimorphism in the distance between mental foramen to lower border of mandible in Chinese patients attending Faculty of Dentistry, MMMC and to derive a discriminant equation for determining sex using the data obtained. Material and method: The archived digital orthopantomograms at the institutional database were screened and 140 radiographs were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria for analysis of mental foramen. Measurements between the three reference points (superior and inferior border of mental foramen and lower border of mandible) were made using Romexis software (Version: 3.0.1.R) measuring and drawing tools. The data obtained were tabulated and subjected to discriminant function analysis. Results: Distance between mental foramen to lower border of mandible (both Right and Left S-L and I-L) were significantly higher in male than female at the level of P < 0.001. The discriminant score was calculated and there was statistically significant difference between the group's centroid. The cutting score was zero, therefore, discriminant scores !0 was classified as male and <0 (negative scores) was classified as female. Conclusion: The distance from the mental foramen to the lower border of the mandible (SL and IL) exhibits sexual dimorphism and can be used for sex estimation.

Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports

Aim: To report a rare fusion of the 6th and 7th cervical vertebra in a cadaver specimen. Presenta... more Aim: To report a rare fusion of the 6th and 7th cervical vertebra in a cadaver specimen. Presentation of Case: A fused C6-C7 vertebra was discovered during maceration in the Anatomy laboratory in a South-Eastern Nigerian University. The laminas were completely fused while their bodies, transverse processes and spinous processes were fused partially. Discussion: Block vertebra is the fusion of one or more adjoining vertebrae in which they act as one, both structurally and functionally. These fusions, although present in other regions, is more common in the cervical region. Among the reported cases, there is a higher incidence of fusion between C2-C3 with only few reported cases of fusion between C6-C7. Fused cervical vertebra impact biochemical and mechanical stress on the adjoining vertebra which results in various neurological and physical problems, hence the report could create an insight that could aid researchers and medical diagnoses. Conclusion: This unusual fusion of C6-C7 ...

Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, 2022

1 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Universit... more 1 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria 2 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria 3 Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amasoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria 4 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria

Dentistry, 2018

Nick et al. [6]; Abdol et al. [7] and Rahul et al. [8]; found the maxillary canine width (mesio-d... more Nick et al. [6]; Abdol et al. [7] and Rahul et al. [8]; found the maxillary canine width (mesio-distal dimension) as a tool for sex determination, while Shalini et al. [9]; Gupta et al. [10] and Parekh et al [2] also observed this difference in inter-canine width. Mohammed et al [11] also found the mesio-distal width of the maxillary canines, inter-canine width and standard maxillary canine index to be higher in males and also useful in sex estimation. Ayeesha et al. [12] found ethnic difference in maxillary and mandibular canine width in South Indian and Central Indian populations. While Sherfudhin et al. [13] and Srivastava [14] recorded significance difference in lower (mandibular) canines. Therefore, the study was carried out to estimate sex using some odontometric parameters from the maxillary canine of University of Port Harcourt Students. Materials and Methods The study involved 100 volunteer subjects (50 males and 50 females aged 17 to 30 years) who were all students of the

Anthropology - Open Journal, 2017

Several studies have shown the importance of anthropometric measurements as a veritable tool in f... more Several studies have shown the importance of anthropometric measurements as a veritable tool in forensic science, crime detection, as well as a means of studying variations in human populations. The present study focused on using digit lengths and ratio to determine sports skills. A total of 270 female subjects comprising of sports and non-sports participants were measured. Seventy of which were non-footballer athletes, 100 were footballer athletes, and 100 were nonsports participants. The second and fourth digits of their right and left hands were measured using a digital vernier caliper. The data obtained from the participants were analyzed by SPSS. Subjects who participated in football also possessed athletic skills, hence both have similar traits. This study has shown that athletic and football skills are similar, as the values obtained from the above parameters were not significant at p<0.05. The results showed that digit ratio is not a good tool for determining sport skills, as compared to digit lengths (2D and 4D). No difference was observed between the digit ratio of the sports participants and those of non-sports participants. Digit lengths (2D and 4D) were found to be significant determinants of sports, with sports groups showing significantly shorter digits. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest an association between digit lengths and sporting abilities.

The study estimated sex using occlusal tooth wear. A total of 202 Igbo adults (aged 21 – 60 years... more The study estimated sex using occlusal tooth wear. A total of 202 Igbo adults (aged 21 – 60 years), resident in the south-eastern part of Nigeria were used for the study. Those who gave their consent and reached the benchmark for selection were sampled. Tooth wear patterns were obtained using alginate-based impression material obtained from alginate (using a grade IV dental stone). Tooth wear (TW) was scored from the casts using the adjusted Kim’s scoring system. Occlusal wear was scored 0-10 according to the pattern and degree of wear. The teeth were numbered: 14, 15, 16, 17, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, 36, 37, 44, 45, 46 and 47 following FDI nomenclature. Results were analyzed using SPSS (IBM®, version 25.0, Armonk, New York, USA) and Minitab (Minitab® Inc., version 18.0, Pennsylvania). Results values were presented in descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U test, was used to establish sex and paired t-test for side differences, while Decision Tree using Chi-square Automatic Interactio...

Article, 2022

Background: Dermatoglyphics is an essential tool in population studies, identification of persons... more Background: Dermatoglyphics is an essential tool in population studies, identification of persons and diagnosis of diseases of genetic origin. The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of finger dermatoglyphic patterns peculiar to Uturu indigenes of Abia State.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among the Uturu Indigenes of Isikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State Nigeria. A total of two hundred (200) volunteers comprising 100 Males (M) and 100 Females (F) participated in the study. The fingerprints of the thumb (I), index finger (II), middle finger (III), ring finger (IV) and little finger (V) were obtained from the right and left hands using digital scanners and computers. Data were obtained for finger dermal patterns, finger ridge count (FRC) and total finger ridge count (TFRC) Analysis of data was done using Microsoft Excel Data Analysis Tool pack (2016 Edition) and Chi Square test at p>0.05 was used to determine sexual dimorphism and bilateralism.
Results: The patterns observed among sampled Uturu indigenes were Arch (AR), Central pocket loop (CP.L), Double loop (DL), Spiral whorl (SP.W), Ulnar whorl (UL). Uturu people have more ulnar loops in both hands [I; (Right; R) = 55%, (Left; L = 58%), II; (R = 60%, L = 59.5%), III; (R = 75%, L = 66%), IV; (R = 63%, L = 64%), V; (R = 85%, L = 83.5%)], followed by whorls [I; (R = 25%, L = 21.5%), II; (R = 26%, L = 23%), III; (R = 18.5%, L = 20%), IV; (R = 24.5%, L = 25%), V; (R =9%, L = 9.5%)] and arches [I; (Right; R) = 9.5%, (Left; L) = 12.5%, II; (R = 11%, L = 12.5%), III; (R = 4%, L = 9%), IV; (R = 3%, L = 3.5%), V; (R = 2.5, L = 3.5%)], while radial loop was the least observed pattern (1.5% on the left index finger). The test for bilateralism showed no significant difference in the distribution of dermal patterns in the right and left fingers. In the index finger, significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the pattern distribution for the right between males and females. Uturu indigenes have more finger ridge count in the right thumb.
Conclusion: The findings of the study will be relevant to biomedical anthropologists, Forensic Scientists and population studies experts.

Injury to the Sciatic nerve as a result of intragluteal injections is quite common but avoidable.... more Injury to the Sciatic nerve as a result of intragluteal injections is quite common but avoidable. This study aimed to
provide a safe alternative to the traditional dorsogluteal and ventrogluteal injection sites. Eighty four (84) gluteal
regions from forty two (42) cadavers were dissected following guidelines described in Finley's Interactive cadaveric
dissection guide and the 15th Edition of Cunningham's manual of practical anatomy. The course of the Sciatic nerve
in the gluteal region as well as the distance between relevant surrounding structures were examined. The Sciatic
nerve was observed to have a normal course through the Ischio-trochanteric path in all the cadaveric specimens
dissected. An anatomical space approximately 6cm, and free from major neurovascular structures was observed to
exist between the medial margin of Sciatic nerve at exit point and the gluteal cleft at the midline. We suggest that this
space, 5.77cm; 6.09cm long in male and female cadavers can be used as a safe site for intragluteal injections
especially when the usual injection sites for some reasons are not available. This study will also be helpful in the
management of certain categories of surgical patients and other individuals with special needs

This study examined the termination pattern of the Sciatic nerve in a sample of adult Nigerian ca... more This study examined the termination pattern of the Sciatic nerve in a sample of adult Nigerian cadavers sourced
from various Institutions in Nigeria. Two hundred and eighty two lower limb segments from one hundred and
forty one (141) cadavers were utilized for the study. Dissection was carried out using the protocol described in
Finley’s Interactive Cadaveric Dissection Guide. Four (4) termination patterns were observed with 242
(85.82%) being the highest pattern. This was followed by trifurcation, 37 (13.12%), while Quadrifurcation was
observed in 2 (0.71%) and Quintufurcation was observed in 1 (0.35%) of the specimens. Symmetric and
asymmetric relationships were observed between termination patterns from left to right, as well as from right to
left. However there was no significant association between termination patterns on the left limb and those of the
right limb at P<0.05. Findings of this study will be helpful to medical practitioners, particularly Orthopaedic
surgeons, Nurses, Neurologists and Physiotherapist. Understanding these variations will also serve as a baseline
country specific pattern (data) for Nigeria.

Sex estimation till date remains an importance if not the first step in any forensic investigatio... more Sex estimation till date remains an importance if not the first step in any forensic investigation. The present study
thus seeks to evaluate sexual dimorphism and estimate sex from the maxillary canine teeth of the University of Port-
Harcourt Students. The study was carried out at the dental clinic of the University of Port Harcourt teaching hospital.
A total of hundred (100) volunteer student subjects comprising 50 Males (M) and 50 Females (F) were involved in the
study. An impression of upper jaw was made using alginate impression material and casts were prepared using dental
stone. A 150mm digital venier caliper with 0.001mm accuracy was used to measure the following six (6) parameters
[inter-canine width (ICW), Inter-premolar width (IPMW), Inter-molar width (IMW), Left and right maxillary width (LCCW,
RCCW) and Maxillary depth (MD)]. Analysis was done using t-test and discriminant function analysis. The mean ICW
(M = 41.70 ± 3.22 mm, F = 40.72 ± 2.64 mm), IMW (M = 60.432 ± 0.86 mm, F = 59.62 ± 0.38 mm) and MD (M = 20.875
± 0.55 mm, F = 20.192 ± 0.36 mm) of males were statistically insignificant at P < 0.05 when compared to that of the
females. However, the LCCW (M = 7.857 ± 0.07 mm, F = 7.417 ± 0.07 mm) and RCCW (M = 7.863 ± 0.07, F = 7.521
± 0.06mm) as well as the IPMW (M = 55.113 ± 0.36mm, F = 53.098 ± 0.41 mm) statistically significant at P < 0.05,
hence sexually dimorphic. A discriminant function equation [Sex = -19.533 + -0.096 (ICW) + 0.242 (IPMW) + -0.063
(IMW) + -0.029 (MD) + 1.197 (LCCW) + 0.731 (RCCW)] was derived for sex estimation with values tending towards
-0.549 suggesting that the unknown individual is likely a female, while values tending towards 0.549 suggests a male.
The findings made in the present study will however, play a substantive role in forensic investigation especially in the
University of Port Harcourt.