Ricos Biology Journal 2025, Vol. 3, no. 1

• The Interplay of Climate Change and Health: Addressing Physical and Mental Well-Bein. Mohamed S. Hamid, Gamal.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.33687/ricosbiol.02.01.0019
  • Climate change has been recognized as one of the most significant global challenges with far-reaching implications for human health, particularly in the domain of chronic diseases and mental health. This paper aims to explore the relationship between chronic diseases and climate change, explaining how recent academic research relates global changes in the climate to human health, including mental well-being. An in-depth review of literature has been carried out to explore the links between climate change and chronic diseases, its underpinning mechanisms explaining these relationships, identification of vulnerable populations, and interpretation of findings in the public health contexts of policy and intervention. The paper also provides a comprehensive theoretical framework addressing aspects of chronic diseases, mental health, and climate change. Overall, findings show that climate change has drastic impacts on the burden, distribution, and incidence in the management and progression of chronic diseases, along with significant implications for mental health. This overview therefore emphasizes that climate change is, without doubt, an issue of great importance and needs to be at the forefront for interventions among healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers in efforts to manage the arising burden of chronic diseases and improve general health. This paper points out the high necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration in the development of adaptive strategies, improving health resilience, and applying preventive measures that can effectively support responses to the health challenges emanating from climate change, particularly in the context of mental health. It also emphasizes the importance of mainstreaming consideration of climate into the public health planning process, medical education, and response to chronic illness so that healthcare systems are well-prepared for the new health environment occurring in a changing climate.
• Anticancer agents drive from Bacillus thuringiensis Bioactive agents. Hussien Abouelhag.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.33687/ricosbiol.02.01.0021
  • cancer patient survives from it. Cancer affect different ages and sex causing great humanity losses reaches up to 100,000 patient / year according to the recent statistical analysis. It also, affects different tissues causing irreversible cytopathological changes result in highly undifferentiated cells that hard to be controlled or eradicated. The chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical interference still used in elimination of the disease since decades however both radiotherapy and chemotherapy did not prove acceptable success in the cancer treatment until now, unfortunately the surgical interference could not be more helpful as it did not overcome the malignancy metastasis which gets back wilder after surgical interference due to metastasis. So, it was sound good to use the biological anti-malignancy agents in eradication of cancer cells. Biological anticancer agents provide a confident success in cancer therapy which includes many microbial metabolites derived from the members of Family Bacillacae such as Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus polymixa and other members explored recently in the Saudi environment. For example in a previous studies recorded by us some serovars of Bacillus thuringiensis enzymatically activated parasporal inclusion proteins proved a potent anti-malignancy effect on acute lymphocyte leukemia, lung carcinoma, larynx carcinoma and uterine cervix carcinoma in vitro and a great result was recorded in vivo on the Ehirlch Acites Carcinoma. These biological anti-malignancy agents had a selective direct cytotoxic effect on cancer cells in addition to improving the immune status (immunomodulation) which helps in destruction of the cancer cells and dysfunction of their metastasis properties.

Ricos Biology Journal 2025, Vol. 3, no. 2

• Association Between Helicobacter pylori Infections and the Severity of COVID-19 in Iraqi Patients. Ahmed S. Salman, Maitham G. Yousif.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.33687/zrr7j517
    • Background and objective: Millions of cases of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused a worldwide health crisis. Despite the identification of several risk factors for severe COVID-19, the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and COVID-19 severity remains uncertain. To clarify this association, a study will be conducted to investigate the possible link between H. pylori infection and COVID-19 severity in patients from Iraq.
    • Methods: A total of 424 COVID-19 patients who were admitted to different hospitals in Iraq from January to July 2022 were included in this retrospective study. The study collected and analyzed data on several variables, including sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory findings, and H. pylori infection status.
    • Results: Of the patient population, 198 individuals (46.7%) identified as male and 226 (53.3%) as female, with an average age of 49.6 years (range: 18-73 years). The majority of patients possessed at least one comorbidity, with hypertension (47.6%), diabetes mellitus (34.2%), and obesity (23.6%) being the most common. Among the patients observed, 101 (23.8%) had an H. pylori infection. These infected patients tended to be older, male, and possess comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. In terms of laboratory findings, patients with H. pylori infection had higher levels of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein and ferritin. Furthermore, patients with H. pylori infection had a higher incidence of severe COVID-19, necessitating mechanical ventilation and ICU admission.
    • Conclusions: The results of the study indicate a potential correlation between H. pylori  infection and the severity of COVID-19 among patients in Iraq.

• Diphtheria outbreak and associated risk factors assessment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Wasia Ullah, Abdul Nasir, Muhammad Izaz, Rabia Rabia.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.33687/xedf0s60
  • Diphtheria, a highly infectious disease that may be prevented by vaccine, is spreading and poses a serious threat of becoming an epidemic and major public health concern in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This study was aimed to examine the epidemic from an epidemiological standpoint and offer management recommendations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the year 2024. Data of Diphtheria cases were collected from Districts Health Information System (DHIS) of Health Department Khyber Pakhtukhwa for the year 2024 reported from 28 districts of the province. The data revealed 683 confirmed cases of diphtheria across 28 districts, underlining the significant public health issue faced by the disease’s ability to spread rapidly. Among these, 58 cases were verified by laboratory testing, highlighting the critical need for improved diagnostic services to detect diphtheria rapidly and reliably. The study identifies six distinct outbreaks verified in laboratories in Peshawar Nowshera, Charsadda, Bannu, Mardan, and Swat, demonstrating the disease’s widespread geographic reach and the need for focused public health interventions in these locations. A higher prevalence was identified in those over the age of five (87%). There is a substantial opportunity to reduce and ultimately extinguish the risk of diphtheria becoming an uncontrolled epidemic in the region by implementing a comprehensive and multifaceted approach.
• Physiological Influence of Licorice Extract on Some Hormonal and Biochemical Parameters Alterations Induced by Glucocorticoid in Male Rats. Safinaz Badie and Sohier Fathey.
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.33687/mtycxb04
  • The current study investigates the influence of licorice extract versus adrenal incapability induced by glucocorticoids in male rats. Forty male rats were sectioned randomly into 4 groups. The first was negative control group (G1): normal saline was given orally to rats. The second was positive control group (G2): intra peritoneal treatment with Hydrocortisone Sodium (50 mg/kg) for seven days. The third was therapeutic group (G3): intra peritoneal treatment with Hydrocortisone Sodium (50 mg/kg) for seven days and then licorice extract (100 mg /kg) given orally for 14 days. The fourth was licorice extract Group (G 4): Rats were given 100 mg/kg of licorice extract orally for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, hormonal measurement; adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), serum cortisol, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA), 11 β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme (11β-HSD), in addition to serum sodium and potassium were measured. The results demonstrated treatment with licorice extract improved significantly (P<0.05) in ACTH, CRH and serum cortisol hormones with non-significant reduction in serum MDA level in the therapeutic group compared with the positive control group. Our results concluded that licorice extract improves the alteration induced by hydrocortisone hormones and reduces the free radicals.

Ricos Biology Journal 2025, Vol. 3, no 3

The Drugs affecting milk supply during lactation

Rehan Naqvi, Zameer Ahmed, Sambreen Zameer, Geetha Kumari Das.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33687/tvaak841

Medications can considerably influence milk supply all the while removal of liquid, jolting both motherly and baby strength. This review focuses on drugs that reinforce or inhibit liquid removal, providing inclusive reasoning of their machines, dispassionate applications, and security descriptions. Galactagogues, to a degree metoclopramide, domperidone, and herbaceous supplements like fenugreek, are frequently used to excite milk results by growing prolactin levels through dopaminergic hindrance. However, their efficacy and security wait under surveillance, accompanying potential aftereffects warranting guarded use. Conversely, sure drugs can suppress the removal of liquid, either purposely or as a reaction. Estrogen-holding contraceptives, pseudoephedrine, and dopamine agonists like bromocriptine are known to lower milk results by changing hormonal pathways. Understanding these belongings is fault-finding, especially when directing lactating things accompanying synchronizing medical environments needing pharmacologic mediation. The review still highlights the significance of distinguished care, stressing the need for healthcare providers to determine the risks and benefits of drug use during the removal of liquid. Non-pharmacologic actions, in the way that optimizing breastfeeding methods and addressing latent issues like stress or incompetent provocation, are further discussed as first-line approaches before directing to drugs. Ultimately, guaranteeing motherly and infant happiness demands a nuanced understanding of by what method drugs communicate accompanying lactation plant structure. Further research is wanted to authorize evidence-located guidelines and reinforce the security and influence of situations affecting milk supply.

Insect Pollinators and Their Impact on Maize Yield in District Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Fawad Khan, Prof. Dr. Mahnoor Pervez, Prof Dr. Imtiaz Ali Khan, Kamran Khan, Sidra Hayat, Sumbal Bibi, Muhammad Tayab, Noor Shabana

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33687/g5wmed97

The research on the diversity and population of pollinators and their effect on the yield Pollinators play a critical role in the agriculture sector, contributing significantly to crop quality and yield, especially in insect-mediated pollination. Among these, Apis mellifera stands out, accounting for 34-35% of pollination services globally. This study explores the diversity, population, and impact of pollinators on the yield of three maize varieties—Azam, Jalal, and Kaptan—in both caged and uncaged conditions. A total of eight pollinator species belonging to Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera were recorded. Apis mellifera was the most abundant species, followed by Apis dorsata, Cotinis nitida, and Xylocopa pubescens. Significant differences were observed between morning and afternoon pollinator populations, with the latter recording higher numbers. Yield analysis revealed that uncaged crops significantly outperformed caged crops across all parameters, including 1000 grain weight, cob length, and number of grains per cob. The Azam variety exhibited the highest yield among the three varieties studied. Restricted pollinator activity in caged conditions resulted in reduced yields, highlighting the essential role of pollinators in maize production. Furthermore, the use of pesticides and habitat destruction emerged as major threats to pollinator populations, necessitating conservation efforts such as providing food, shelter, and diverse floral resources. This study underscores the importance of pollinators not only for agricultural productivity but also for maintaining ecological balance.

An Industrial Policy and International Competitiveness in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Rehan Naqvi, Geetha Kumari Das, Sambreen Zameer, Zameer Ahmed.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33687/3v272r86

The pharmaceutical industry is a cornerstone of world Health systems and an essential driving force for financial increase and innovation. This paper explores the interaction between business coverage and international competitiveness inside the pharmaceutical area, specializing in how authorities’ interventions form the industry’s performance on an international scale. Commercial guidelines, together with studies of incentives, tax advantages, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships, are vital levers that have an impact on the trajectory of pharmaceutical innovation and production. By way of analyzing case research from leading and emerging economies, this look identifies satisfactory practices and capability pitfalls in fostering an aggressive pharmaceutical region.

A key emphasis is located on the stability of supporting home production skills and integrating into worldwide price chains. The position of intellectual assets rights (IPR) is also scrutinized, highlighting its dual impact: fostering innovation through safety and probably hindering marketplace entry in growing international locations. Moreover, the paper evaluates the consequences of alternate agreements, investment techniques, and generation transfers at the enterprise’s international positioning.

In a hastily evolving global landscape shaped by technological advances, pandemics, and shifting geopolitical dynamics, the pharmaceutical enterprise faces developing challenges and possibilities. This research underscores the importance of coherent and adaptive commercial policies that prioritize sustainability, accessibility, and resilience at the same time as improving worldwide competitiveness.

In the long run, this study contributes to the wider discourse on how strategic policy frameworks can bolster the pharmaceutical industry’s potential to innovate, compete, and meet international fitness demands.

The Insecticide Performance Against brinjal fruit borer Leucinodes orbonalisin Brinjal at Peshawar

Fawad Khan, Imtiaz Ali Khan, Farman Ali.

The present study, conducted at the Malakandair Agriculture Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, in 2022, evaluated the efficacy of six insecticides against Leucinodes orbonalis (brinjal fruit borer) under field conditions. Brinjal was planted with a 30 cm plant-to-plant distance and a 60 cm row-to-row distance. The study assessed the efficacy of various insecticides, including FANTASTIC (Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% GR), AAKRAMAK (Novaluron 5.25% + Emamectin Benzoate 0.9% SC), FANTASY (Fipronil 5% SC), JOKER (Fipronil 80% WDG), Fenvalerate 0.05% EC or WP), and Cypermethrin 0.05% EC, WP, or Granules) in controlling borer infestations. Cypermethrin proved to be the most effective, significantly reducing the mean number of borers per plant to 78, compared to 117 in the control group. Fenvalerate also demonstrated substantial efficacy, with a mean of 80 borers per plant. AAKRAMAK was as effective as Cypermethrin, showing a mean of 78 borers per plant. In contrast, FANTASTIC and FANTASY exhibited lower effectiveness, with means of 84 and 90 borers per plant, respectively. JOKER, despite initial promise, resulted in a higher mean of 89 borers per plant. These findings highlight Cypermethrin and Fenvalerate as among the most effective treatments for managing Leucinodes orbonalis, thereby enhancing brinjal crop yield and quality.

Diagnosing Liver Cancer Through Amplification of Mutational Extracellular mRNA: A Novel Approach

Dr. Ansar Hussain, Musavir Abbas, Mehwish Kanwal, Hafiz Muhammad Yasir, Ghulam Mustafa, Zain-Ul-Abideen, Ahmad Hayat, Muhammad Qasim, Yousaf Raza, Muhammad Bilal, Dr. Wasim Shah.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33687/hzqsk539

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the predominant cause of cancer-related mortality. Traditional diagnostic methodologies are invasive and exhibit limited sensitivity for early detection. Non-invasive alternatives, particularly liquid biopsies utilizing extracellular vesicles (EVs), have emerged as promising approaches. EVs contain crucial biomarkers, including mRNA, proteins, and nucleic acids. However, the limited abundance of EV mRNA in liquid biopsies has impeded its clinical application. To address this limitation, researchers have developed the Self-amplified and CRISPR-aided Operation to Profile EVs (SCOPE) platform. This innovative system integrates CRISPR-Cas13 for RNA target identification with replication and signal amplification, achieving subattomolar detection sensitivity. SCOPE offers high specificity with single-nucleotide resolution in a single-step assay. Investigators have validated probes targeting key mutations in KRAS, BRAF, EGFR, and IDH1 genes and developed an automated device for multi-sample analysis. SCOPE has demonstrated efficacy in identifying early-stage lung cancer in animal models, monitoring tumor mutational burden in colorectal cancer, and classifying glioblastoma patients. In HCC, EV mRNA exhibits potential for non-invasive detection of recurrence and monitoring disease progression. Current studies indicate that EV-based mRNA profiling holds significant promise for early detection, treatment monitoring, and recurrence prediction in HCC, offering valuable clinical applications. The integration of advanced platforms such as SCOPE with EV analysis could transform liquid biopsies in oncology, providing a rapid, highly sensitive, and non-invasive method for cancer detection and management.