Comparative analysis of serum troponin i, CK-MB, Myoglobin, and NT-proBNP levels among technical and non-technical staff in a paint factory in Enugu State, Nigeria

Cardiovascular biomarkers (Troponin I, CK-MB, Myoglobin, and NT-proBNP) indicate myocardial injury and cardiac dysfunction. Occupational exposure to physical and chemical stressors in paint factories may elevate these biomarkers, increasing cardiovascular risk among workers. This study assessed the impact of occupational exposure by comparing serum biomarker levels between technical and non-technical staff in a paint factory. One hundred (100) subjects participated. Health indices were collected via a structured questionnaire, and blood samples were analyzed for Troponin I, CK-MB, Myoglobin, and NT-proBNP. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential tests (independent t-tests, Levene’s test, Pearson’s chi-square, and Pearson’s correlation) were performed, with significance set at p<0.05. Results showed significantly higher mean serum levels of Troponin I (0.669±0.604 ng/mL vs. 0.355±0.523 ng/mL, p=0.015), CK-MB (8.533±5.788 ng/mL vs. 4.458±0.393 ng/mL, p<0.001), Myoglobin (65.978±13.648 ng/mL vs. 51.064±5.916 ng/mL, p<0.001), and NT-proBNP (358.697±99.169 pg/mL vs. 233.903±56.459 pg/mL, p<0.001) in technical staff compared to non-technical staff. These elevations suggest an increased risk of myocardial stress and cardiac dysfunction due to prolonged occupational exposure to hazardous substances. This study highlights occupational health risks in paint factories, linking exposure to elevated cardiovascular biomarkers. Findings suggest the need for workplace safety measures, exposure mitigation, and routine biomonitoring. Regular health assessments, early detection programs, and targeted interventions are crucial for protecting workers' cardiovascular healt

Effect of initial colony strength on productivity and pollination services of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.)

Honey bees are one of the important pollinators of crops. That is why beekeeping is considered as one of the essential inputs in agriculture. Beekeeping also provides many hive products, including honey. Therefore, the main purpose of beekeeping is honey production and pollination of crops. But it is not known what the initial colony strength should be for starting a profitable beekeeping venture. To accomplish this objective, the present study was conducted. Three types of colonies were selected for this study. These included 5-Frame, 7-Frame and 9-Frame colonies. Seven colony parameters were studied at an interval of 21 days on five observation days. These include the number of nectar and pollen foragers, the amount of unsealed and sealed brood, the amount of pollen and honey stored, and the size of the colonies. The results reveal that during the study period, nectar foragers increased about 2.8 times in 5-frame colonies, 3 times in 7-frame colonies, and 3.2 times in 9-frame colonies. Likewise, pollen foragers increased about 2.8 times in 5-frame colonies, 3 times in 7-frame colonies, and 3.2 times in 9-frame colonies. But, the increase in unsealed as well as sealed broods of three colony types was marginal. The gain in honey storage was also similar in all the three types of colonies, but pollen storage was less in the larger colonies. However, the size of the colonies increased about 2.9 times in 5-Frame colonies, 3.1 times in 7-Frame colonies, and 3.3 times in 9-Frame colonies. Therefore, based on the net gains in colony parameters, a 9-Frame colony proved better than a 7-Frame and 5-Frame colony. It is recommended that a potential beekeeper starting a beekeeping venture should have at least 9-Frame colonies at the initial stage to make it a successful and profitable ventur

Rumen fermentation parameters and microbial population of West African Dwarf rams fed basal diet supplemented with graded energy levels of concentrate mix

The quality constraints of the basal diet (Megathyrus maximus) and the increasing demand for animal products necessitated the supplementation with concentrates that possess sufficient energy levels. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the rumen fermentation parameters and microbial populations in West African Dwarf rams that were given a basal diet supplemented with concentrate mixes of varying energy levels: 2600 k cal/kg, 2400 k cal/kg, 2200 k cal/kg, 2000 k cal/kg, and 1800 k cal/kg, designated as treatments 1 through 5, respectively. A total of twenty-five (25) West African Dwarf rams were randomly assigned to the five treatment groups following a completely randomized design. Rumen fluid samples were collected via a suction tube technique. The results indicated that the pH of the rumen fluid ranged from 6.42 to 7.16, with significant variations (p<0.05) attributed to the different energy levels. Rams fed a diet containing 2600 k cal/kg exhibited the highest recorded levels of acetic acid at 11.51 nmol/100 ml, while the lowest acetic acid concentration, measured at 4.87 nmol/100 ml, was observed in the diet with 1800 k cal/kg. The total volatile fatty acids were significantly higher at the 2600 k cal/kg energy level, recorded at 33.42 nmol/100 ml, indicating a considerable impact compared to the other treatments. Additionally, the highest ammonia nitrogen level of 0.68 mg/dl was noted in the group receiving the 2600 k cal/kg diet compared to those on other energy levels. The total bacterial count peaked at 6.56x107 cfu/ml in the 2000 k cal/kg treatment when compared with the lowest value 4.82x107 cfu/ml in the 1800 k cal/kg treatment. The results of this study suggest that incorporating a basal diet with an energy level of 2600 k cal/kg provides optimal rumen fermentation, thereby enhancing nutrient supply to West African dwarf ram

Immunogenomics for disease resistance in farm animals: a review

Despite advances in traditional disease management strategies like vaccination and biosecurity, infectious diseases continue to cause economic losses in animal agriculture. This study examines how genomic technologies can be used to better understand the genetic basis of immune responses, which will help select disease-resistant breeds. The review highlights findings from a number of studies that show the identification of important immune-related genes, genomic markers, and pathways linked to disease resistance in farm animals. This information serves as the foundation for more effective breeding programs aimed at enhancing health and productivity. The results were explained by demonstrating how genomic techniques, including transcriptomics, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and CRISPR gene editing, can identify genetic changes that improve disease resistance. It was also underlined that using bioinformatics techniques into data analysis is essential to obtaining useful insights. The accuracy of the results in identifying particular genetic markers and their capacity to support marker-assisted selection (MAS) are what define them. Because of these characteristics, the outcomes are reliable and flexible for real-world breeding plans. The range of practical applications includes improving animal comfort, lowering the need for antibiotics, and creating disease-resistant cattle through educated breeding strategie

Comprehensive studies of greater caucasus river valleys soils

The aim of the research is to determine the vegetation index of natural vegetation in different years and seasons in wetlands formed around river valleys in selected areas, and to study the spread of erosion processes. The article provides information about soil-ecological processes in Gabala district, one of the main districts of the Sheki-Zagatala region of Azerbaijan, the level of the section of the Dеmiraparanchay river passing through the village of Laza, its impact on surrounding areas, and the ecological situation of the village of Savalan. Measurements were made in this area and certain data were collected. The research work also studied the vegetation, nature and landscape forms of the part of the Shahdag National Park, which is part of the territory of the Gabala region. Soil and plant research was of great importance for these territories and is important for improving the current ecological situation. NDVI for the vegetation of this type of swamps reaches its maximum value by approximately the 202nd day of the year (21.07.2024), the vegetation period is approximately 138 days. Similar graphs were obtained for all types of swamps studied in the work, the dates on which the NDVI maximum occurs and the corresponding maximum NDVI values were calculated. Soil erosion is an exogenous hazardous phenomenon (i.e. caused by external factors). Unfortunately, since soil protection from erosion brings additional costs, currently not every agricultural enterprise is able to carry out work to reduce or slow down erosion processes. However, it happens that even large enterprises that have the capacity to do so try to save on soil protection from erosion, performing only the minimum of protective measure

Development, comparison and nutrient evaluation of moi-moi from different varieties of beans

This research on comparative nutrient compositions of moi-moi from different varieties of beans was aimed towards improving the utilization of underutilized beans varieties in moi-moi processing. The moi-moi samples were assessed for proximate, vitamins and minerals composition using standard methods. Proximate analyzes results showed that moisture ranged from 15.75 to 19.37 %, crude protein 15.92 to 21.64 %, crude fiber 1.95 to 4.11 %, fat content 3.53 to 9.57 %, ash content 2.17 to 3.18 %, carbohydrate content 49.71 to 54.66 %, the energy value 316.30 to 341.70 kcal/100 g. Mineral composition showed calcium content ranged from 13.22 to 48.23 mg/100 g, magnesium 29.95 to 71.37 mg/100 g, phosphorus 192.23 to 388.56 mg/100 g, potassium 102.74 to 248.34 mg/100 g, iron 1.76 to 3.27 mg/100 g, and zinc ranged from 1.13 to 1.56 mg/100 g. Vitamin composition of the moi-moi ranged from 77.51 to 166.08 µg/100 g for vitamin A, 0.07 to 0.26 mg/100 g for B1, 0.06 to 0.12 mg/100 g for B2, 0.40 to 1.18 mg/100 g for B3, and vitamin E content ranged from 2.46 to 4.27 mg/100 g.  Moi-moi from these underutilized beans varieties compared favorably with moi-moi from cowpea, in terms of nutrient composition. The carbohydrate and fat component of the black turtle beans moi-moi was higher than that of cowpea, while its moisture value was the least among the samples. The red kidney beans also recorded a protein value, very close to that of cowpea. This result will encourage the utilization of these underutilized crops, while making them available for use in other forms, order than moi-mo

Evaluation of alternative energy sources to replace maize in marshal broiler diets: effects on growth performance, meat quality, and serum biochemistry

This study investigated the effects of substituting maize grain with alternative energy sources (white Guinea corn, cassava flour, and sweet potato flour) on the growth performance, feed intake, serum biochemistry, and sensory attributes of Marshal Broilers. The research addressed the challenge of fluctuating availability and rising costs of maize, a key poultry feed component. Four dietary treatments were tested over an eight-week period with 400 day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks, divided into four groups of 100 birds each. The control group (T1) received a maize-based diet, while T2, T3, and T4 received diets incorporating various combinations of white Guinea corn, cassava flour, and sweet potato flour. Key metrics such as body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion efficiency were measured weekly, while serum biochemistry and sensory attributes were assessed at the end of the experiment. Results indicated that the T4 diet (a blend of maize, white Guinea corn, sweet potato, and cassava) significantly improved growth performance, with an average final body weight of 3,602 g compared to 3,574 g for T1. Feed conversion efficiency was highest in T4 (1.60) versus T1 (1.57). Broilers on T4 also exhibited improved metabolic health, as evidenced by lower glucose (160.80 mg/dl) and cholesterol (122.30 mg/dl) levels. Sensory evaluation highlighted superior taste and aroma for broilers on T4, with a score of 7.69 out of 9 compared to 7.23 for T1. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences (p<0.05) across dietary treatments in all measured parameters. The findings demonstrate that substituting maize with these alternative energy sources can enhance broiler growth, improve meat quality, and promote better metabolic health. These outcomes are attributed to the balanced energy and nutrient profile of the T4 diet, which effectively addressed the problem of maize dependency. The results hold promise for sustainable and cost-effective poultry production, especially under conditions of maize scarcity or high cos

Development of epitope-based vaccine to prevent Marburg virus infection: an in silico approach

Marburg virus (MARV) is one of the deadliest zoonotic viruses, causing severe hemorrhagic fever in humans with high mortality rates. The development of an effective vaccine is crucial to prevent potential Marburg virus outbreaks. In this study, an in silico approach was employed to design an epitope-based vaccine to prevent MARV infections. The MARV proteins nominating NP, VP24, VP35, VP30, VP40, GP & Polymerase L was analyzed for antigenicity and non-allergenicity prediction, among these proteins VP30 protein has a 0.5636 (Probable Antigen) score and it was non-allergen. For that reason, VP30 was selected for further in silico analysis. After analysis it is found that the top ranked T–cell (MHC-I) epitopes LSKPPPPPK, ESSPTNHIPR, TQLPSKPHY, SPQDCGSPSL, FEAALWQGW, T-Cell (MHC-II) epitopes IHLDKGGQF, INTMTELHM, VTPTIYHET, YTNYHPRAR, YTGIHLDKG was epitopes & B-Cell epitopes SEIGKLDET, IHLDKGGQF, MNHENLPQDQNGV, PTCNRDHDLDNLTN was found non-toxic and non-allergen. The T-Cell (MHC-I)epitope TQLPSKPHY,T-Cell (MHC-II)epitope YTNYHPRAR & B-Cell epitope SEIGKLDET was found highly antigenic, non-toxic as well as non-allergen and it was selected for molecular docking analysis. The T-Cell (MHC-I) epitope TQLPSKPHY,T-Cell (MHC-II)epitope YTNYHPRAR shows strong structural similarity and potential binding affinity with antibody. The B-Cell epitope SEIGKLDET shows poor affinity towards antibody. In silico analysis indicate that both T-Cell epitopes becomes an effective peptide vaccine to prevent MARV infection. Our findings highlight the promise of in silico vaccine design in accelerating the development of vaccines against MARV, a highly pathogenic virus with no effective cure currently availabl

Utilization of coffee by-products for the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and their physiochemical and sensory characteristics

Coffee pulp is the first byproduct of coffee processing. It contains contaminants due to its composition and production volume. This study evaluates coffee by-products wine from fresh coffee pulp, used as a substrate, along with cascara tea from dried coffee pulp. About 40 % of pulp was obtained during the wet processing of coffee. The pulp was dried directly in the sun for 3–4 days until the moisture content of the cascara drink was below 8 %. Similarly, for the alcoholic beverage (wine), the must was processed to the TSS (24°Brix), and the fermentation process was carried out for up to 10–12 days until the TSS was down to 10°Brix. After the fermentation was completed, the fermented wine was kept for secondary fermentation where it undergoes aging or clarification. The clarified wine was then filled into sterilized glass bottles for further use. The chemical composition of coffee pulp (moisture, ash, crude protein, acidity, fat, crude fiber, caffeine, tannin, reducing sugar, TSS, and flavonoids) was analyzed. Both beverages were also subjected to sensory analysis and chemical analysis Caffeine, tannin, pH, and acidity of the non-alcoholic beverage were 220 mg/L, 45.7 mg/L, 4.16 and 1.24 %, respectively. Alcohol, methanol, ester, aldehyde, pH, TSS, acidity, caffeine, tannin, and flavonoid were 10.58 ABV %, 295 mg/L, 75.26 ppm, 10.12 ppm, 3.2, 10°Brix, 0.52 %, 28.96 ppm, 280 mg/L and 405 mg/g, respectively. The alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages made from coffee pulp were superior in terms of sensory attributes. Therefore, it is possible to develop both beverages from coffee pulp and maximum utilization of waste coffee pul

Production and evaluation of the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of fruit jam from star fruit, hog plum and black plum

Tropical fruits such as black plum, star fruit, and hog plum are excellent sources of phytochemicals which are essential for human health but the back drop of these fruits is their perishability, leading to tones of postharvest losses. To address these concerns, these fruits could be utilized in jam processing to further extend their shelf lives. This research work on production and quality evaluation of mixed-fruit jam produced from star fruit, hog plum, and black plum using mixture experimental design of response surface methodology was undertaken to improve the utilization of these underutilized fruits in jam processing. The produced mixed fruit jams were assessed for physicochemical and antioxidant properties using standard methods. Statistical analysis and optimization of mixture variables were carried out using Design-Expert software version 6.0.8 while means were separated using ANOVA and significance accepted for p≤0.05 using Duncan ranged multivariate test using the IBM SPSS Statistics software version 22. Result of analysis for physicochemical properties showed that pH of the fruit jams ranged from 3.41 to 4.46, titratable acidity 0.33 to 0.48 %, total solids 44.35 to 75.07 %, while the range of 53.22–74.65°Brix was recorded for total sugar and 19.94 to 25.64 mPas for viscosity. Antioxidant properties of the fruit jams ranged from 310.34 to 471.57 mg/ml for DPPH and ranged from 526.64 to 650.26 mmol.AAE/g for FRAP. The result of mixture variable optimization showed that optimal responses, jam should be produced from fruit combination comprising 8.43 %-star fruit, 91.57 % black plum and 0 % hog plum with 60 % desirability or experimental run comprising 5.08 %-star fruit, 90.39 % hog plum and 4.53 % black plum with 58 % desirabilit