Rizwan Ansari

Background: The maternal microbiome represents the first microbial environment for the developing infant, with emerging evidence linking maternal dysbiosis to adverse pregnancy outcomes and lifelong offspring health. Aims: This review synthesizes evidence on the maternal-infant microbial continuum, examining microbial dynamics during pregnancy, vertical transmission pathways, infant microbiome trajectories, and intervention strategies. Key Findings: Dynamic changes in maternal gut, vaginal, and oral microbiomes during pregnancy influence fetal development through mechanisms including hormonal modulation (e.g., Clostridium innocuum-mediated 17β-estradiol degradation), immune programming via short-chain fatty acids, and barrier integrity maintenance. Delivery mode exerts persistent effects, with Cesarean-section associated with higher allergy risk (OR=1.5-2.2), while probiotic supplementation may mitigate this risk (RR=0.6-0.8). Conclusion: The maternal-infant microbiome continuum represents a critical therapeutic target. Standardized longitudinal research and personalized intervention strategies are urgently needed to translate mechanistic insights into clinical practice.

The bioactive substance gamma-oryzanol (GO), which is mostly present in rice bran oil, has attracted a lot of interest due to its possible therapeutic application in metabolic conditions like diabetes mellitus. The effects of GO on insulin secretion and pancreatic β-cell function are examined in this study. Gamma-oryzanol improves β-cell viability, lowers oxidative stress, and modifies intracellular signaling pathways linked to glucose metabolism, all of which increase insulin secretion, according to experimental and clinical evidence. Additionally, GO's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities shield β-cells from dysfunction and apoptosis brought on by hyperglycemia and lipid toxicity. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for articles published between 2017 and 2026 using the keyword “gamma-oryzanol”, “insulin secretion”, ‘pancreatic β-cell function”. Additionally, the substance seems to support glucose homeostasis and pancreatic function by upregulating important genes involved in insulin synthesis and secretion. All things considered, GO shows great promise as a natural agent for maintaining β-cell integrity and increasing insulin secretion, providing a novel complementary approach to managing diabetes. Gamma-oryzanol is frequently linked to anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and cholesterol-lowering properties. Because Orz reduces insulin activity, cholesterol metabolism, and associated chronic inflammation, its potential to treat metabolic diseases has recently been investigated. After apoptosis and increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were decreased, oral GO administration increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in islets from diabetic mice fed a high-fat diet. We also examined the effects of GO on low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, which demonstrated elevated ER stress and consequent β-cell apoptosis. Furthermore, γ-oryzanol improved glucose dysmetabolism in this model by lowering the mRNA levels of genes linked to apoptotic signaling and ER stress in islets. All things considered, GO shows encouraging potential as a natural agent for enhancing insulin secretion and maintaining the integrity of β-cells, providing a new complementary strategy for controlling and preventing diabetes.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) viruses, particularly IAV (H5N1), continue to pose a major global threat due to their widespread circulation and high mortality rates in birds. Management of HPAI is complicated by challenges in conserving migratory bird populations, sustaining poultry production, and uncertainties in disease dynamics. Structured decision-making frameworks, such as those based on the PrOACT model, are recommended to improve outbreak response and guide critical actions, especially when HPAI virus (HPAIV) detections occur in sensitive areas like wildlife refuges. Surveillance data from late 2024 to early 2025 show persistent HPAI activity, with 743 detections across 22 European countries and beyond, and notable outbreaks in poultry in nations like Hungary, Iceland, and the UK. The proximity of poultry farms to water sources increases environmental contamination risks. Meanwhile, HPAI A(IAV (H5N1)) and other H5Nx viruses have been detected in a wide range of mammalian species globally, raising concerns about mammalian adaptation due to mutations like E627K and D701N in the PB2 protein. Human infections with IAV (H5N1) have also been reported, with recent cases in North America highlighting zoonotic transmission risks. Molecular studies emphasize the importance of monitoring genetic variations associated with increased virulence and antiviral resistance. Preventive strategies focus on biosafety, personal protective measures, and vaccine development for both avian and human populations. Ongoing genetic characterization and vigilant surveillance remain critical to managing the evolving threat posed by HPAI viruses.

The microbiota–gut–brain axis (GBA) is a bidirectional communication system integrating neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways to coordinate gastrointestinal and central nervous system (CNS) function. As the majority of human microbes reside in the gastrointestinal tract, their metabolic activity and immunomodulatory roles are essential for systemic homeostasis, cognitive processes, mood regulation, and neuroprotection. Increasing evidence highlights the vagus nerve as a primary conduit of microbiota–brain signaling, with germ-free mice demonstrating reduced vagal tone that is restored following microbial colonization. Key microbial metabolites—including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids, indoles, and neurotransmitter precursors—activate vagal afferents, regulate neuroimmune responses, and influence microglial maturation and synaptic function. Disruption of microbial community structure, or dysbiosis, is now recognized as a contributing factor in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) exhibit distinct microbial alterations, chronic neuroinflammation, and impaired gut and blood–brain barrier integrity. PD patients, for example, consistently show increased Enterobacteriaceae and reduced Prevotellaceae. Dysbiosis also contributes to mood disorders by disrupting microbial production of GABA, serotonin, and tryptophan metabolites. Although microbial biomarkers vary across studies due to disease heterogeneity, integrative multi-omics approaches have begun identifying shared metabolic patterns and therapeutic targets. Microbiota-derived metabolites such as butyrate show neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, while fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), prebiotics, probiotics, and next-generation probiotics (NGPs) are emerging as promising modulators of the GBA. Advances in metagenomics, metabolomics, and machine-learning–based patient profiling further support the development of personalized, microbiome-driven interventions for neurological disorders.

The gut microbiota has emerged as a critical immune–metabolic interface, orchestrating a complex network of interactions that extend well beyond digestion. This highly diverse community of bacteria, viruses, archaea, and eukaryotic microbes modulates host immunometabolism, metabolic reprogramming, and systemic inflammatory responses, thereby shaping human health and disease trajectories. Dysbiosis, or disruption of microbial homeostasis, has been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease, cardiometabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, dermatological conditions, and tumorigenesis. Through the biosynthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acid derivatives, tryptophan metabolites, and microbial-derived indoles, the gut microbiota regulates epigenetic programming, barrier integrity, and host–microbe cross-talk, thereby influencing disease onset and progression. In oncology, specific microbial taxa and oncomicrobiotics (cancer-modulating microbes) are increasingly recognized as key determinants of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) responsiveness, chemotherapeutic efficacy, and resistance mechanisms. Microbiota-targeted strategies such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), precision probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and engineered microbial consortia are being explored to recalibrate microbial networks and enhance therapeutic outcomes. At the systems level, the integration of multi-omics platforms (metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) combined with network analysis and machine learning-based predictive modeling is advancing personalized medicine by linking microbial signatures to clinical phenotypes. Despite remarkable progress, challenges remain, including the standardization of microbiome therapeutics, longitudinal monitoring of host–microbe interactions, and the establishment of robust ethical and regulatory frameworks for clinical translation. Future directions should prioritize understanding the causal mechanisms of microbial metabolites in immunometabolic regulation, exploring microbial niche engineering, and developing precision microbiome editing technologies (CRISPR, synthetic biology).

Pathogens employ a diverse array of sophisticated mechanisms to survive the hostile conditions imposed by host immune defenses, antimicrobial therapies, and clinical environments. This review examines critical adaptive strategies-including oxidative stress resistance, iron acquisition, biofilm formation, and horizontal gene transfer -that enable high-priority pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to evade immune clearance, persist in host tissues, and develop multidrug resistance. In healthcare settings, additional stressors - such as disinfectant exposure, nutrient limitation, and prolonged or inappropriate antibiotic use - exert strong selective pressure, driving the emergence of resilient organisms like carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridioides difficile. These adaptations operate through both rapid, reversible responses (e.g., morphological switching in C. albicans or efflux pump upregulation in P. aeruginosa) and long-term genetic changes, including mutations (e.g., rpoB mutations conferring rifampin resistance in M. tuberculosis) and horizontal gene transfer-mediated dissemination of resistance genes via plasmids. Biofilm formation further complicates treatment by creating structured, metabolically heterogeneous communities that shield microbes from antibiotics and immune effectors—particularly on indwelling medical devices. To counter these evolving threats, innovative approaches are essential. Advanced diagnostics, including whole-genome sequencing and CRISPR-based platforms (e.g., SHERLOCK), enable real-time surveillance and precise identification of resistance markers. Therapeutically, quorum sensing inhibitors and antivirulence agents offer promising alternatives that disrupt pathogenicity without exerting strong selective pressure for resistance. Combination therapies and emerging delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, enhance drug efficacy and penetration. Equally critical are robust infection prevention and control measures to curb hospital-acquired infections, which impose substantial clinical and economic burdens globally. With antimicrobial resistance directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and undermining progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, a coordinated, One Health-informed response is imperative. Integrating genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and public health policy will be key to developing precision interventions that anticipate and outmaneuver pathogen adaptation in an era of escalating AMR and emerging zoonotic diseases.

Although type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has historically been thought of as a disease that mostly affects adults, its incidence among adolescents and young people has been rising in tandem with the rising rates of childhood obesity. There is no evidence to support the best course of treatment for T2DM in this age group despite the undeniable benefits of lifestyle adjustment for obese kids. Early diabetes start is linked to extended exposure to the disease and a greater likelihood of chronic issues, which impact more individuals during their working years and highlight the negative social effects of the condition. Additionally, there is mounting evidence that juvenile diabetes cohorts exhibit an aggressive phenotype that contributes to the early onset of problems that negatively affect life quality and negatively impact long-term results, increasing the possibility of a future public health emergency. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for articles published between 2019 and 2025 using the keyword “Adolescents and (T2DM or Insulin Resistance)”. Type 2 diabetes in young people is a serious global public health issue now. Many significant obstacles must be overcome to treat T2DM that develops in young people, including a lack of effective treatment alternatives and limitations in carrying out therapeutic research. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved metformin, glimepiride (Amaryl), and insulin as treatments for teenagers and young adults with type 2 diabetes, despite therapeutic medication studies. Given modified pharmaceutical laws, it is probable that further anti-diabetic drugs will be included in the arsenal of treatment choices available to teenagers and young adults with T2DM. The epidemiology and current understanding of the pathophysiology, risk factors, consequences, and therapy of T2DM in adolescents and young adults are discussed in this review.

The gut microbiota has emerged as a critical immune-metabolic interface, orchestrating a complex network of interactions that extend well beyond digestion. This highly diverse community of bacteria, viruses, archaea, and eukaryotic microbes modulates host immunometabolism, metabolic reprogramming, and systemic inflammatory responses, thereby shaping human health and disease trajectories. Dysbiosis, or disruption of microbial homeostasis, has been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease, cardiometabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, dermatological conditions, and tumorigenesis. Through the biosynthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acid derivatives, tryptophan metabolites, and microbial-derived indoles, the gut microbiota regulates epigenetic programming, barrier integrity, and host–microbe cross-talk, thereby influencing disease onset and progression. In oncology, specific microbial taxa and oncomicrobiotics (cancer-modulating microbes) are increasingly recognized as key determinants of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) responsiveness, chemotherapeutic efficacy, and resistance mechanisms. Microbiota-targeted strategies such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), precision probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and engineered microbial consortia are being explored to recalibrate microbial networks and enhance therapeutic outcomes. At the systems level, the integration of multi-omics platforms (metagenomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics) combined with network analysis and machine learning-based predictive modeling is advancing personalized medicine by linking microbial signatures to clinical phenotypes. Despite remarkable progress, challenges remain, including the standardization of microbiome therapeutics, longitudinal monitoring of host–microbe interactions, and the establishment of robust ethical and regulatory frameworks for clinical translation. Future directions should prioritize understanding the causal mechanisms of microbial metabolites in immunometabolic regulation, exploring microbial niche engineering, and developing precision microbiome editing technologies (CRISPR, synthetic biology).

Our research explores the impact of healthcare simulation on medical and nursing student’s proficiency in in-vitro male catheterization, a vital clinical skill. Healthcare simulation offers a risk-free, experiential learning approach, and our study delves into its effectiveness. We adopted a comprehensive methodology, including pre-post assessments, objective exams, and self-assessed confidence surveys. Results indicate significant improvements in skill proficiency, confidence levels, knowledge retention, and patient safety awareness among simulation-trained students. Healthcare simulation emerges as a cornerstone in modern medical education, preparing future practitioners to excel in complex clinical scenarios while prioritizing patient well-being.

Background: Microbial adaptation is a fundamental process by which microorganisms dynamically adjust to changes in their environment. Microbial adaptation includes both short-term and long-term mechanisms that enable microorganisms to survive and thrive in changing environmental conditions. Microbial adaptation processes can result in evolutionary changes that provide sustainable advantages. These processes allow microbes to develop traits such as antibiotic resistance and enhanced biofilm formation, ensuring their survival and proliferation in diverse environments. Despite substantial progress, there remains a critical gap in the literature regarding a comprehensive synthesis of microbial adaptation mechanisms and their implications for enhancing food safety and ensuring the sustainable production of industrially valuable biochemicals. Objectives: This document seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in understanding resistance mechanisms to various environmental stresses for enhancement of food safety, including oxidative stress, hyperosmotic stress, thermal stress, acid stress, and organic solvent stress. In addition, the study examines the applications of stress-resistant mechanisms in producing diverse biomolecules and valuable chemicals. Finally, the manuscript offers a discuss prospects for identifying stress-resistant mechanisms through systems biology and further engineering these elements using synthetic biology to enhance productivity. Methods: The literature review sought to cover the most important aspects of stress-resistant mechanisms in the adaptation processes of microorganisms and their role in food safety and sustainable production of valuable biochemicals. This review was not limited to a specific time period, geographic or language scope, or publication type, although preference was given to peer-reviewed open access sources. Results: Researchers have found that adaptive responses of pathogens to factors such as changes in temperature, disinfectants, and storage conditions can pose significant challenges to traditional food safety practices. At the same time, microbial adaptation is an integral part of ecosystem functioning, profoundly influencing processes such as nutrient cycling, decomposition, and soil fertility. The soil microbial community plays a vital role in the safety of cultivated produce, as it acts as a key indicator of soil ecological status and the effectiveness of remediation of contaminated soils. Microorganisms serve as climate change signalling indicators, actively contributing to climate regulation. Higher temperatures, precipitation variations, and higher CO2 concentrations can increase microbial growth rates, potentially increasing the prevalence of pathogens in both plant and animal foods. Natural and synthetic microbial stressors are effective mechanisms for food quality and safety management. Adaptation to chemical stress provides microbial resistance to polluted environments and industrial processes, with implications for bioremediation, public health, and environmental sustainability. Conclusion: Microbial adaptation results from the interplay of environmental stressors, genetic variation, ecological interactions, and anthropogenic impacts that determine the resilience, diversity, and adaptive capacity of microbial communities in a variety of habitats and ecosystems. By manipulating these adaptive pathways through combined or sequential stressors (e.g., low heat and low pH), food technologists can disrupt microbial survival without compromising nutritional value. As the environmental stressor landscape continues to rapidly evolve, driven by anthropogenic activities, climate shifts, and emerging environmental disturbances, monitoring how microorganisms acclimate and evolve in response to these dynamic forces remains important.