EKEZIE JERVAS - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by EKEZIE JERVAS

Journal of Forensic Research, 2015

The identification of a person is based on some biological profiles. Stature is one of such; its ... more The identification of a person is based on some biological profiles. Stature is one of such; its prediction plays important role in forensic investigation. An attempt was made to establish the stature of the Igbos using left finger lengths, hand length and hand breadth. The correlation between stature and hand dimensions was studied. Which of the hand segments is the best to predict the stature of the Igbos? 88 males and 123 females were included in this study after obtaining informed consent. Measurements of hand segments were taken using Sliding Caliper and the height was recorded using Anthropometer. The data were subjected for statistical analysis. Significant correlation between stature and the entire hand dimensions was established except hand breadth (HB) in the females. Independent linear regression equations to calculate the stature were obtained for hand segments in both genders put together, in males and females separately. Hand length had the best prediction power in both genders put together as well as in the females. In males, the best prediction power was observed in fourth digit length followed by hand length. The multiple linear regression model generated for both genders put together performed better than the simple linear regression models for the males or females.

Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy, 2012

European journal of medicinal plants, Apr 2, 2019

Tetrapleura tetraptera stem bark has been reported to cause inhibition of luteinizing hormone rel... more Tetrapleura tetraptera stem bark has been reported to cause inhibition of luteinizing hormone release in cultured rat pituitary cells. Hence, we investigated the effects of Tetraptera tetrapleura pod extract on follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, cortisol, progesterone and Original Research Article

PubMed, Jul 1, 2010

Background: Increase in the prevalence of hypertension, obesity and obesity related diseases has ... more Background: Increase in the prevalence of hypertension, obesity and obesity related diseases has become significant cause of disability and premature death in both developing and newly developed countries, with over bearing demand on national health budgets. Aim: To evaluate the impact of various levels of education on obesity and blood pressure. Materials and method: 325 male and 254 female Nigerians of ages 20-80 years of the Ibo ethnicity through random sampling, were selected for this study. The participants were broken into three major groups based on their educational levels; primary, secondary and tertiary levels. systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP & DBP) levels, body mass index (BMI), waist hip ratio (WHR), waist height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference (WC),various skin fold thicknesses, and other anthropometric parameters were measured. Result: For all the indicators of subcutaneous fat, general obesity, and central obesity, largest mean deposition was noted to be highest in the lowest education group and least in the highest education group. Mean blood pressure parameters were also highest in the least education group. While fat deposition was noted to be highest in all the females of all the groups, the males showed larger mean BP values. Education was noted to have a significant inverse relationship with most of the fat indicators and blood pressure parameters and cardiovascular disease risk highest in the least education groups. Conclusion: Education showed a significant impact on obesity and blood pressure and could be one of the major tools to reduce the high prevalence of obesity, hypertension and other obesity associated diseases.

International Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 2018

Background: The ankle (talocrural) joint is composed of a superior mortise, formed by the weight-... more Background: The ankle (talocrural) joint is composed of a superior mortise, formed by the weight-bearing inferior surface of the tibia and the two malleoli, which receive the trochlea of the talus. The ankle joint is maintained medially by a strong, medial (deltoid) ligament, and a much weaker lateral ligament. On rocky surfaces, the natural ankle will initiate ground contact with reduced dorsiflexion to provide a relatively flatter foot. Patients wearing prosthesis attempt to replicate this strategy but are unable to mimic the ankle angle to match the terrian, presumably due to the reduced range of motion available from the ankle and foot. Therefore, the desing of a prosthetic foot and ankle mechanism with expanded ranges of ankle motion presents an opportunity to restore vital functions among amputees using lower limb prosthesis and this forms the bases of this study. This design and fabrication of a below-knee prosthesis followed standard protocols in prosthetics and orthotics with the inclusion of ankle joint. Objectives: The aim of the study is to make accurate and proper assessments/measurements of the amputee which will help to design and fabricate different components of the prosthesis, including the devised ankle joint, then assemble the components and fit the below-knee prosthesis on the amputee in other to achieve a better ambulation and rehabilitation of the amputee. Materials and method: The methods followed in the fabrication of the device include: Assessment, Impression/measurement taking, Modification, Lamination of test/check socket, Lamination of a new positive cast/model, Formation of liners/inserts, Lamination of a definitive socket, Attachment of socket to pylon and ankle joint (bench alignment), Prosthesis finishing, Amputeeâ€™s training and follow-up. The below-knee prosthesis consists of a socket, metal pylon and ankle joint component, padding/suspension materials, screws, bolts and nuts. The materials used for fabricating these components and the below knee prosthesis as a whole included: Plaster of Paris (POP) bandage and powder, Plastic polymer laminate, Reinforcement textile, Padding/suspension materials, Metals, Cosmetic finishing materials, and Adhesives. Results: The ankle joint in the design resulted in minimal energy expenditure, no pain, improved number of steps and strides per minute by the amputee than the use of the conventional prosthesis. From a paired t-test conducted for the improved and conventional prostheses in steps and strides, there was significant difference between the improved and the conventional prostheses at 5% level (p value

International journal of healthcare and medical sciences, 2015

A week old male infant presented with severe tenderness all over the body with associated continu... more A week old male infant presented with severe tenderness all over the body with associated continuous crying. There was bowing of both limbs. A total body radiograph revealed multiple healed and healing fractures in the long bones and ribs. The long bones were short, broad and bowing with thinning of the cortex. The spine shows compressed, flattened and irregular vertebral bodies. Some infantsi?½ deaths has been recorded in the family. i?½Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare disorder of connective tissue which is characterized by skeletal deformity, bone fragility, fractures, ligament laxity, hearing loss, blue sclera, dental abnormality and thin skin. All those features will not manifest in one case; they are therefore group into four types and subtypes. This case is more of Type 2 and Type 2A Osteogenesis imperfecta.

$Research paper thumbnail of Mechanisms of hip fracture in Owerri, Nigeria, and its associated variables$

Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, 2013

Hip fracture is the breaking of the proximal aspect of the femur. This fracture has been associat... more Hip fracture is the breaking of the proximal aspect of the femur. This fracture has been associated with many risk factors, some of which include osteoporosis, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, visual impairment, aging, gender, rural/urban inhabitation, race and climatic variation. [1-7] These risk factors are influenced by the mechanisms that bring about the fracture of the hip itself. Such mechanisms that bring about hip fracture include: Falls from standing heights (FFSH) (including falls from slips, from stumbling after hitting toes against obstacle), falls from elevated heights (FFH) (including falls from trees and buildings), road traffic accidents (RTAs) and other causes. [6,8-11] These fracture mechanisms depend on environmental factors, and vary from place to place depending on the level of development and regulations. [12] Proper planning, monitoring and regulatory policies could be put into place to reduce the occurrence of the mechanisms and hence reduce hip fractures. While reports of the various mechanisms of hip fractures are well documented in most parts of the world, [3-11] there is paucity of such

International journal of forensic sciences, 2016

Asian Journal of Applied Sciences, Dec 31, 2020

In designing prosthetics for amputees, quality and quantity of materials determine device tensile... more In designing prosthetics for amputees, quality and quantity of materials determine device tensile, flexural, extension and compression strength as well as energy distribution when load is applied. Biomechanical properties contribute in combination to any device longevity and resolution force effect to gait expression. Four different dry rattan canes were sampled and subjected to biomechanical analysis, and sample 3 had highest tensile strength with ultimate tensile strength of 11.5N/mm 2 revealed when load at break of 668.18N applied, and modulus 1033.90MPa with ductility of 7.33mm were resultant. While average ultimate tensile strength of 8.68N/mm 2 was sustained by load at break of 396.66N, modulus of 1119MPa and ductility of 9.5mm was confirmed of rattan cane. Highest flexural strength of 34.43N/mm 2 resulted from load at break of 32.82N, modulus 255.65MPa and elongation of 66.81mm was dictated of sample 3, and an average Flexural strength of 26.4 N/mm 2 occurred when load at break of 16.04N, modulus 229.16MPa produced elongation (ductility) of 55.1mm on rattan cane. The highest load resistance was shown by sample 3 at compressive strength of 8.79MPa when on load at break of 330N, modulus 622.53MPa resulted. While sample 4 had the highest compressive strength of 9.94MPa when load break at 309N exerted modulus 283.14MPa. Gait analysis revealed terminal swing and heel strike of chosen height 8cm and deformity 0cm while early and mid stance of 0.3cm and 7.7cm were respectively for deformity and height.

International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Nov 16, 2011

Family planning clinic and women at large, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have adopted the admin... more Family planning clinic and women at large, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have adopted the administration of hormonal contraceptives to cub incessant occurrence of unplanned pregnancies among women within the reproduction age. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of hormonal contraceptives (Medroxyprogesterone acetate or Norethisterone oenanthate) on lipid profile of premenopausal women at different age groups. Total cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) and Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), of both women who were users and non-users of hormonal contraceptives at different age groups (16-25, 26-35, and 36-45 years of age) were estimated using enzymatic method. There were raised levels of TG, TC, HDL-C and reduced level of LDL-C among women taking hormonal contraceptives. The increase levels of TC and HDL-C in women within the age range of 26-35 years was significant (p≤0.05). The result obtained suggested that the use of hormonal contraceptives do not impose any cardiovascular risk among these women in all age groups, rather, a beneficial effect. Women within the age range of 26-35 years by this study, had effect that is more beneficial because they had significantly high levels of TC and HDL-C, and reduced Castelli risk index I and II (TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C respectively).

Annals of Anatomy-anatomischer Anzeiger, Nov 1, 2016

Background music has been reported to enhance learning in the cadaver dissection laboratory. This... more Background music has been reported to enhance learning in the cadaver dissection laboratory. This study was designed to determine the impact of various forms of musical genre and some of their characteristics on students' learning outcome in the dissection laboratory. Some selected musical genre in vocal and non-vocal forms and at different tempi and volume were played as background music (BM) to 253 Medical and Dental students during various sessions of cadaver dissection. Psychological Stress assessment was done using Psychological stress measure-9. Participants love for music, preferred musical genre and other musical characteristics were assessed. The impact of the various musical genre and their characteristics on learning was done via written examination on the region dissected during each musical session. A positive relationship was noted between students' preference for musical genre during leisure with their preference for BM during private study time (P<0.01). Statistically significant differences (P<0.01) were established in the impacts of the selected musical genre on some selected learning factors. Country and Classical music gave the highest positive impact on the various learning factors in CDL 2 followed by RnB. No significant difference was noted between the cognitive values of vocal and non-vocal music. Classical music most effectively reduced the stress induced by dissection in the CDL while Reggae and High life musical genre created a more stressful environment than regular background noise (P<0.01). Moderate volume level and Tempo were most preferred during both cadaver dissection activity and leisure hours. This study shows statistically significant differences in the cognitive values of some of the studied musical genre and their various characteristics. The inability to isolate the particular musical genre with these desired properties could account for the controversies in the reports of the role of music in academic environment.

PubMed, Oct 6, 2011

Background: Racial Predisposition to Hypertension, obesity and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD... more Background: Racial Predisposition to Hypertension, obesity and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been the subject of some recent researches. The various anthropometric and obesity indicators and their relationship with blood pressure parameters in the Ibos of Nigeria were studied. Method: Using the simple random design, 569 males and females Nigerians of Ibo ethnicity, ages 20 to 80 years were enrolled for this study. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP & DBP), body mass index (BMI), waist hip ratio (WHR), waist height ratio (WHTR), waist circumference (We), triceps, subscapular, calf and sum of three skin fold thicknesses (TSF, SSF, eSF,& STS respectively) and other anthropometric parameters were measured. Result: The mean SBP for the study was 119.6 +/- 23 mmHg and DBP 79.8 +/- 13mmhg. Males showed higher mean values of 5mmHg in SBP and 3mmHg in DBP than the females. we was 3cm larger in the females than the males. BMI, WHTR, and STS were all larger in the females than in the males. The highest level of association noted in the study was between we and WHTR (r = 0.926, P < 0.01). The levels of correlations of the blood pressure parameters with the obesity indices were higher with DBP than SBP. For both sexes; we was the highest predictor of DBP, followed by WHTR. Age gave the highest prediction of SBP. Conclusion: This work notes WHTR as the best predictor of central obesity and also a better index for screening CVD risk factors in the Ibos.

Orient Journal of Medicine, 2013

Background: Poliomyelitis has remained endemic in Nigeria despite the efforts made by governments... more Background: Poliomyelitis has remained endemic in Nigeria despite the efforts made by governments to eradicate the disease. The deformities arising from poliomyelitis (polio) make the establishment of rehabilitation centres a public health priority. Objective: To study the epidemiology, nature and distribution of polio induced deformities at the Prosthesis and Orthotics Rehabilitation Centre in Okigwe, Imo State, SouthEast Nigeria. Methodology: Two hundred and fifty case notes of polio deformed patients seen at the centre between 1986 and 1990 were studied. Simple statistical methods like percentages were used for data analysis. Results: Out of the 250 cases studied, 150 (60%) were males while 100 (40%) were females. The age group most commonly affected by deformities was 6-10 years (35.6%) while the least was 16-20years (11.2%). The joints most affected by polio deformities were the knee (38%), ankle (34%) and hip (28%). The nature of deformities include: fixed flexion at the hip (28%), equinus foot deformity (17.6%), frail foot deformity (16.4%), knee hyperextension (22.8%) and valgus deformity of the knee (15.2%). Conclusion: The study suggests that poliomyelitis is a major cause of musculoskeletal abnormality in the study area necessitating the use of orthotic devices in patients' rehabilitation. The public health importance of this finding is discussed.

Journal of complementary and alternative medical research, Jan 10, 2017

Piper guineense plant has been reported to stimulate reproductive hormone secretion in males; alt... more Piper guineense plant has been reported to stimulate reproductive hormone secretion in males; although no known research in females, it is commonly used in the making of postpartum tonics that contract uterine muscles in order to expel clots after birth. Clomiphene citrate was employed in order to ascertain degree of fertility induction and test the effect of methanol extract of Piper Original Research Article

British journal of pharmaceutical research, Jan 10, 2017

Background: Gastric ulcer can develop from good foods especially spices and seasonings. Xylopia a... more Background: Gastric ulcer can develop from good foods especially spices and seasonings. Xylopia aethiopica and Piper guineense are comon spices used to prepare favourite delicacies nowadays. Due to their pepperish flavour, they could trigger gastric acid secretion by mucosal irritation. Therefore, the present work tested the effects of methanol extracts of Xylopia aethiopica seed and Piper guinneense on gastric acid secretion in ibuprofen treated wistar rats. Methods: Rats were given oral administration of 180 mg/kg/day of ibuprofen and/or 200 mg/kg of methanol extract of Piper guineense leaf and/or 300 mg/kg of methanol extract of Xylopia aethiopica seed extract respectively for 14 days. Determination of gastric acid was evaluated with free and total acidity levels, and gastric volume using Topfer's method of gastric analysis. Results: Gastric acid levels and volume were significantly reduced in Xylopia aethiopica plus ibuprofen treated groups C and F (P < 0.05) compared to ibuprofen only treated group B rats. Piper guineense plus ibuprofen potentiated gastric acid secretion in group D rats compared to group B at P < 0.05. However, Xylopia aethiopica weakly reduced gastric acid secretion in ibuprofen plus Piper guineense treated group E rats although not statistically significant (P > 0.05) compared to control. Group G rats administered only Piper guineense showed significant increase (P < 0.05) in gastric acid secretion compared to control. Conclusion: Results showed that Xylopia aethiopica seed extract reduced gastric acid secretion whereas Piper guineense increased gastric acid secretio in ibuprofen treated rats.

The Internet journal of biological anthropology, 2009

Background: In type 2 diabetes, simple, convenient and effective regimens should encourage timely... more Background: In type 2 diabetes, simple, convenient and effective regimens should encourage timely insulin initiation and improve outcomes. Long-and rapid-acting insulin analogues more closely mimic endogenous basal/prandial insulin secretion than human equivalents. Premixed insulin analogues deliver prandial and basal insulin in one formulation and can be administered 1-3 times daily. Premixed insulin may, therefore, provide an alternative to basal-bolus regimens for intensification of insulin therapy.Objectives: The aim of this commentary was to show how biphasic insulin therapy may offer a simple and effective intensification option for patients with type 2 diabetes who do not achieve adequate control with existing insulin therapies.Methods: A literature search using the PubMed database (years: January 1997-September 2010) was carried out using the search terms diabetes AND ([(biphasic OR bi-phasic) AND (insulin OR insulins]) OR ([premix OR pre-mix) AND (insulin OR insulins)]). Clinical trials, systematic reviews, case reports or clinical practice guidelines that addressed topics of interest with regard to premixed insulin analogues/analogue regimens and intensification strategies were identified and included.Results: Clinical data show that premixed insulin analogues reduce hemoglobin A1C and fasting plasma glucose to a similar extent as premixed human insulin, but have advantages in terms of postprandial glucose control, incidence of hypoglycemia, and convenience. Premixed insulins may also provide benefits to glycemic control (reduced HbA1c, fasting and postprandial plasma glucose) in patients failing to achieve targets on basal insulin. In addition, premixed insulin analogue regimens generally compare well with basal-bolus regimens. Conclusions: Premixed insulin analogues offer a simple intensification option in patients with type 2 diabetes not achieving adequate control with existing insulin therapy. Premixed insulin analogues may offer a viable alternative to basal-bolus regimens and an improved physiologic profile compared with human equivalents.

Research Developments in Science and Technology Vol. 1

International Journal of Translational Medical Research and Public Health, 2019

© 2019 The Authors. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative ... more © 2019 The Authors. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research, 2015

1 Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Tec... more 1 Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Anambra State University, Teaching Hospital, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Department of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. 4 Department of Human Biochemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. 5 Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Imo State university, Teaching Hospital, Orlu campus, Imo State, Nigeria.

North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 2011

Background: Hypertension in developing setting is often attributed to westernization of life styl... more Background: Hypertension in developing setting is often attributed to westernization of life style and stresses of urbanization, some of these increases have been noted in Nigeria. Aim: This is a study on rural-urban differences on the blood pressure, obesity and anthropometrics among a major ethnic group in Nigeria. Patients and Method: A total of 325 men and 242 women aged 20 to 80 years, of the Igbo ethnicity were selected for this study. The samples were selected from the rural and urban subgroups of the Igbo population. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, waisthip ratio, waist-height ratio, waist circumference, triceps, subscapular, calf and sum of the three skin fold thicknesses and other anthropometric measurements were obtained using standard procedures. Result: Blood pressure correlated with age and most of the anthropometric parameters (p< 0.05). All adiposity and blood pressure indicators were higher in the urban than in the rural sample. Women showed higher predisposition to both general and abdominal obesities in both samples. High blood pressure occurred more often in the urban sample than the rural. Urban men had the highest mean blood pressure (p< 0.05). High blood pressure appeared much connected with the pressures of city life. Regression formulae were derived for all the adiposity measures of Igbos in both rural and urban locations. Conclusion: High rates of obesity and hypertension are noted among Igbos in both rural and urban areas. This is especially in the urban setting. The finding is indicative of a low level of attention on hypertension and obesity in the Igbos. The data reported here call for intervention programs on the risks, preventions and management of obesity and obesity related conditions.