Activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase RET improves long-term hematopoietic stem cell outgrowth and potency.

Expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is a rapidly advancing field showing great promise for clinical applications. Recent evidence has implicated the nervous system and glial family ligands (GFLs) as potential drivers of hematopoietic survival and self-renewal in the bone marrow niche; how to apply this process to HSC maintenance and expansion has yet to be explored. We show a role for the GFL receptor, RET, at the cell surface of HSCs in mediating sustained cellular growth, resistance to stress, and improved cell survival throughout in vitro expansion. HSCs treated with the key RET ligand/coreceptor complex, glial-derived neurotrophic factor and its coreceptor, exhibit improved progenitor function at primary transplantation and improved long-term HSC function at secondary transplantation. Finally, we show that RET drives a multifaceted intracellular signaling pathway, including key signaling intermediates protein kinase B, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, NF-κB, and p53, responsible for a wide range of cellular and genetic responses that improve cell growth and survival under culture conditions.

Multivariate analysis of adaptive response to ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid after physiological stresses in Cronobacter sakazakii.

AIM: The present study demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid against unstressed and stressed (cold stressed, starved and desiccated) Cronobacter sakazakii in laboratory media (37°C) and reconstituted powdered infant formulation (PIF) with mild heat treatment (50°C). METHODS AND RESULTS: Five phenolics, namely, quercetin, rutin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid, were tested for antimicrobial activities against five strains of C. sakazakii either unstressed or stressed. Strain specific higher resistance to ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid was observed after stress adaptation in laboratory media. The effect of cross protection was validated using reconstituted PIF as delivery vehicle of selected compounds. Both p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid showed inhibition of C. sakazakii in a dose and time dependent manner as revealed by their viable cell counts. Principal component analysis revealed that the desiccated cells were more sensitive to phenolics in reconstituted PIF. CONCLUSIONS: Only ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid showed marked antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration in the range of 2·5-5 mg ml-1 for unstressed C. sakazakii cells in tryptone soy broth. The maximum inhibition was achieved with 20 mg ml-1 of both the tested polyphenols in reconstituted PIF. Cold stress and starvation stress did not impart any protection nor increased the susceptibility of C. sakazakii, whereas desiccation resulted in increased susceptibility to phenolic compounds. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results obtained in this study helps in understanding the effect of environmental stresses during processing on susceptibility of C. sakazakii to natural antimicrobial agents. Future transcriptomic studies and functional genetic studies are warranted to understand the strain specific stress responses for the development of better control methods possibly by using these natural antagonists.

Implications on dose estimation and dispersion patterns of thoron in a typical indoor environment.

A model that describes the pollutant sources/sinks and inlet-outlet can help to assess the indoor exposure. Short half-life of radioactive thoron (220Rn) makes it vital and an interesting element to study its dispersion behavior. This work presents an extensive depiction of the influence of indoor environment thoron dispersion under fixed boundary conditions within the volume domain of 90 m3 using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. For the desirable air flow, inlet and outlet are considered in the room and the k-ɛ model is used. The thoron distribution is studied at different locations and different heights to cover the whole room. Obtained dispersion patterns vary at different locations and indicate non-uniformity of thoron level with elevated values in the room corners. Mean concentration was found to be 11 Bq/m3 with the exhalation rate of 0.102 Bqm-2 s-1. Some stagnant zones were found especially at the corners where the concentration is almost 5 times the average concentration. Such varying thoron level results in the overestimation and underestimation of the dose. The inhomogeneous behavior of thoron may cause variation in equilibrium factor. A simulated model is beneficial in understanding the radioactive gas behavior and has its importance in planning to find the correct dose estimation and, therefore, the best mitigation techniques.

Ocular trauma in counter insurgency and proxy war environment: Epidemiological study, 1992-2004.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the epidemiology of hospitalized ocular injuries occurring in counter insurgency and proxy war environment in a forward area of northern India over a period of 13 years. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of medical records was performed of 458 patients with ocular injuries primarily treated at zonal referral hospital of Indian Army between January 1992 and December 2004. RESULTS: A total of 559 eyes with ocular injuries were studied. The average age of the victims was 30 years. In 77% cases, injuries were sustained by army personnel and remaining by paramilitary forces. Of all cases, 86.5% cases were due to combat-related (militant action), of which 93.9% cases were caused by splinters from munitions. Among the eyes injured due to militant action, 60.36% were open globe injuries, 31.19% were closed globe injuries and 8.45% were isolated adnexal injuries. Among the eyes injured, 76.33% of the eyes with open globe injuries owing to militant action had perforating injuries, whereas in closed globe injuries, 47.74% eyes had corneal foreign body. Among eyes with open globe injuries, Corneo-scleral, scleral and corneal lacerations were seen in 45%, 28% and 27% eyes respectively. 15.75% of eyes with ocular injuries underwent eviscerations. CONCLUSION: The study reveals that splinter eye injuries from munitions were the most common cause of ocular morbidity in counter insurgency and proxy war. Implementation of use of protective glasses by the personnel deployed in such hostile environment and strict compliance of preventive measures would be effective in saving eyes and also medical and economic resources.

Synthesis of sulpha drug based hydroxytriazene derivatives: Anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity and their molecular docking studies.

Herein, we report synthesis, characterization, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of hydroxytriazenes derived from sulpha drugs, namely sulphanilamide, sulphadiazine, sulphapyridine and sulphamethazine. Before biological screening of the compounds, theoretical prediction using PASS was done which indicates probable activities ranging from Pa (probable activity) values 65-98% for anti-inflammatory activity. As per the predication, experimental validation of some of the predicted activities particularly anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant was done. Anti-diabetic activities have been screened using two methods namely α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition method and IC50 values were ranging from 66 to 260 and 148 to 401 µg/mL, while for standard drug acarbose the values were 12 µg/mL and 70 µg/mL, respectively. Docking studies have also been done for antidiabetic target pancreatic alpha amylase. The molecular docking studies in α-amylase enzyme reveal that the middle phenyl ring of all the compounds mainly occupies in the small hydrophobic pocket formed by the Ala198, Trp58, Leu162, Leu165 and Ile235 residues and sulphonamide moiety establish H-bond interaction by two water molecules. Further, anti-inflammatory activity has been evaluated using carrageenan induced paw-edema method and results indicate excellent anti-inflammatory activity by hydroxytriazenes (71 to 97%) and standard drug diclofenac 94% after 4 h of treatment. Moreover, antioxidant effect of the compounds was tested using DPPH and ABTS methods. All the compounds displayed good results (24-488 µg/mL) against ABTS radical and many compounds are more active than ascorbic acid (69 µg/mL) while all other compounds showed moderate activity against DPPH radical (292-774 µg/mL) and ascorbic acid (29 µg/mL). Thus, the studies reveal potential of sulfa drug based hydroxytriazenes as candidates for antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities which have been experimentally validated.

Decreased tibial nerve movement in patients with failed back surgery syndrome and persistent leg pain.

PURPOSE: To measure and compare the total and normalised tibial nerve movements during forward bending in patients with and without failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and persistent leg pain following anatomically successful lumbar decompression surgery and demonstrated no psychological stress. Nerve pathomechanics may contribute to FBSS with persistent leg pain following anatomically successful lumbar decompression surgery. METHODS: Tibial nerve movement during forward bending was measured in two groups of patients following anatomically successful lumbar decompression surgery. FBSS group (N = 37) consisted of patients with persistent leg pain following lumbar surgery, and non-FBSS (N = 37) were patients with no remaining leg pain following lumbar surgery. Total and normalised tibial nerve movement at the popliteal fossa was measured by a previously validated ultrasound imaging technique and compared between the two groups, and also between the painful and non-painful leg within the FBSS group. RESULTS: Both the mean total and normalised tibial nerve movement were significantly decreased in the FBSS group in both legs when compared to the non-FBSS group (P < 0.05). The total and normalised tibial nerve movements were also more restricted in the painful leg (P < 0.05) when compared to the non-painful side within the FBSS group. CONCLUSION: This was the first study to quantify the decreased total and normalised tibial nerve mobility in FBSS patients with persistent leg pain when compared with non-FBSS patients following anatomically successful lumbar decompression surgery. Further research could investigate the efficacy of intervention, such as nerve mobilisation in this particular group of patients with failed back surgery syndrome and limited nerve mobility. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

The incidence of immunofluorescence patterns and specific autoantibodies observed in autoimmune patients in a tertiary care centre.

Summary: Objectives: Testing for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) facilitates the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases (ADs). Here, we report an incidence of ANA positivity and its patterns by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and specific autoantibodies through immunodot assay. Methods: Sera from 993 patients presenting with various ADs were tested by IIF and immunodot assay. Results: ANAs were detected in 39.7%, of which speckled pattern was predominantly observed (50.8%). 56.8% of samples were positive on the immunodot assay with SSA Ro 60 antibody being the most prevalent (30.7%). Discussion: A significant correlation (p minor 0.0001) was observed between patterns and auto-antibodies. Coarse speckled (CS) and homogeneous were overly represented by antibodies SSA Ro 60 (13%) and nucleosomes (5.8%) respectively. Mi-2, PL-7, PL-12, and SP-100 were the rarest autoantibodies specificities found. Conclusions: The presence of a particular IIF pattern is predictive of a specific autoantibody in the sample. Association of IIF patterns and specific autoantibody are relevant for a more accurate diagnosis of disease.

Formulation of normal tissue irradiation volumes in Co-60 and Ir-192 HDR ICBT of Ca cervix using Total Reference Air Kerma (TRAK).

AIM: The aim of this study was to formulate isodose volume relations encompassed by isodose surfaces in Co-60 and Ir-192 HDR intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) of cervix carcinoma using the Total Reference Air Kerma (TRAK). BACKGROUND: The TRAK and isodose volumes are radioactive source related. The formulated relations can easily estimate the irradiated isodose volume if the TRAK and dose are known. The C0-60 can also be used for brachytherapy because of its longer half life and comparable OAR doses to Ir-192. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Isodose volumes encompassed by different isodose surfaces and TRAK were obtained from 22 Ca cervix ICBT treatment plans in Co-60 and Ir-192 HDR brachytherapy with 9 Gy prescription to point A. Isodose volume relations were formulated both for Co-60 and Ir-192 brachytherapy source from the slopes and intercepts of the linear fit in the plot between isodose volumes and TRAKs. RESULTS: The TRAK value of Co-60 was higher than Ir-192 by about 7.16%. The isodose volumes at low doses for Co-60 were higher than Ir-192. But no significant differences in the dose to the bladder and rectum were observed due to these sources. For dose to 2 cm3 bladder and rectum volume, the differences were 1.07% and 0.75%, respectively. The correlation coefficient with the 2-tailed significance of correlation (p value) between TPS measured isodose volume and calculated isodose volumes using the formulated relations at different dose values were statistically significant as p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Results show different isodose volumes for both sources but the dose to the bladder and rectum are nearly the same.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of chitosan coated iron oxide nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The emergence of resistance against antimicrobial agents has led to the development of more efficient agents and new techniques for treatment of various microbial infections. The aim of the present study is to determine the antibacterial and antifungal activity of bare and chitosan coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) against five organisms, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Candida albicans (C. albicans), Aspergillus niger (A. niger) and Fusarium solani (F. solani). METHODS: Fe3O4 NPs were synthesised by coprecipitation and surface coating was done by chitosan polymer to avoid agglomeration. The antimicrobial property of NPs was tested by agar well diffusion and analysed by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zone. RESULTS: Average particle size of Fe3O4 and chitosan coated Fe3O4 NPs was 10.4 ± 4.9 and 11.4 ± 5.2 nm, respectively. Mean diameter of inhibition zone of synthesised chitosan coated Fe3O4 NPs was in the range 14.5 to 18.5 mm. The effect of chitosan coated Iron oxide nanoparticles was F. solani/A. niger < C. albicans < E. coli/B. subtilis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Chitosan coated Fe3O4 NPs are effective antimicrobial agents and so may be developed as a microbial resistant coating for biomedical devices.

Immunostimulatory and growth promoting potential of Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers on fingerlings of Amur Carp.

The enhancement of immunity of fish through application of natural immunostimulants would help in minimizing the risk of occurrence of diseases in aquaculture. The present study was designed to evaluate the growth promoting and immunostimulatory effect of Guduchi, Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers ex Hook F. leaf powder in fingerlings of Amur carp (Cyprinus carpio haeYnatopterus Martens). The fingerlings were divided into four treatment groups, Ti, T2, T3 and T4. Experimental diets were prepared by mixing rice bran, deoiled mustard cake, soybean meal and vitamin mineral mixture. The leaf powder of T. cordifolia was incorporated into diets D2, D3, and D4 @ 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75%, respectively. In control diet D1, leaf powder of T. cordifolia was not incorporated. T1 group fishes were fed with D, diet, T2 with D2, T3 with D3 and T4 with D4 @ 5% body weight per day for 90 days. Fingerlings fed with diet D4 achieved significantly improved Specific Growth Rate (1), Feed Conversion Ratio (2.76), and Gross Conversion Efficiency (0.361) as compared .to the control and all other treatments (P <0.05). Hematological and biochemical parameters, total leuckocyte count (53.849x103/[L), total erythrocyte count (3.50x106/iL), hemoglobin concentration (17.17%), total serum protein, albumin and globulin (12.35, 1.56 and 10.78 g/dL) in D4 diet fed fishes showed increase as compared to the control and all other treatments (P <0.05). The above research revealed that Tinospora cordifolia leaf powder has significant growth promoting and immunostimulatory potential in Amur carp raising.

Investigation of an outbreak of infectious pustular balanoposthitis in cattle breeding bulls at a frozen semen bank.

Infectious pustular balanoposthitis (IPB) is one of the reproductive disorders caused by bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV1) that can be transmitted through artificial insemination. A herd of 63 breeding bulls at a frozen semen bank in Odisha state in India experienced a suspected outbreak of IPB, with 11 bulls showing clinical signs of the infection. Clinical signs were noticed in two bulls initially and a few days after in the other nine animals. Serum samples from 53 bulls were examined for anti-BoHV1 antibodies using a virus neutralisation test (VNT) and a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA); the remaining ten bulls were not included in the study because it was difficult to restrain them at that time. Paired serum samples were collected 21 days apart from ten clinically affected bulls (the eleventh clinically affected bull was not included in the study for the reason stated above). In the neutralisation test, the paired serum samples showed a two- to fourfold increase in anti-BoHV1 antibody titre; in the cELISA, the paired samples were also found positive for anti-BoHV1 antibodies. Serum samples from 43 in-contact bulls were collected about day 22 after the first observation of clinical infection in the herd. Among these serum samples, a total of 30 were found positive for anti-BoHV1 antibodies in the VNT and a total of 30 were found positive in cELISA. Ten samples were positive in one test but not the other and 25 tested positive in both tests. In all, 35 serum samples from in-contact bulls tested positive in either one or both of the two types of test. An overall agreement of 76.74% was found in detection of anti-BoHV1 antibodies in the two tests. Sensitivity was higher than specificity in detection of anti-BoHV1 antibodies in the serum samples. The glycoprotein C region of the genomic DNA of BoHV1 was amplified from semen samples by polymerase chain reaction. The findings from the outbreak indicate that continuous monitoring of breeding bulls at frozen semen banks is warranted to avoid the risks associated with artificial insemination.

Application of CFD modeling for indoor radon and thoron dispersion study: A review.

This paper provides an in-depth discussion of the CFD implications to the design/study of interior environments and an overview of the most widely used CFD model for indoor radon and thoron dispersion study. For the design and analysis of indoor environments, CFD is a powerful tool that enables simulation and measurement-based validation. Simulating an indoor environment involves deliberate thought and skilful management of complicated boundary conditions. User and CFD programs can develop results through gradual effort that can be relied upon and applied to the design and study of indoor environments. Radon and thoron are natural radioactive gases and play a crucial role in accurately assessing the radioactive hazard within an indoor environment. This review comprise the work related to measurement and CFD modeling on these radioactive pollutant for indoors.Highlighting the current state of environmental radioactive pollutants and potentially identified areas that require further attention or research regarding investigating factors affecting indoor radioactive pollutants.

ATP5PO levels regulate enteric nervous system development in zebrafish, linking Hirschsprung disease to Down Syndrome.

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a complex genetic disorder characterized by the absence of enteric nervous system (ENS) in the distal region of the intestine. Down Syndrome (DS) patients have a >50-fold higher risk of developing HSCR than the general population, suggesting that overexpression of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) genes contribute to HSCR etiology. However, identification of responsible genes remains challenging. Here, we describe a genetic screening of potential candidate genes located on Hsa21, using the zebrafish. Candidate genes were located in the DS-HSCR susceptibility region, expressed in the human intestine, were known potential biomarkers for DS prenatal diagnosis, and were present in the zebrafish genome. With this approach, four genes were selected: RCAN1, ITSN1, ATP5PO and SUMO3. However, only overexpression of ATP5PO, coding for a component of the mitochondrial ATPase, led to significant reduction of ENS cells. Paradoxically, in vitro studies showed that overexpression of ATP5PO led to a reduction of ATP5PO protein levels. Impaired neuronal differentiation and reduced mitochondrial ATP production, were also detected in vitro, after overexpression of ATP5PO in a neuroblastoma cell line. Finally, epistasis was observed between ATP5PO and ret, the most important HSCR gene. Taken together, our results identify ATP5PO as the gene responsible for the increased risk of HSCR in DS patients in particular if RET variants are also present, and show that a balanced expression of ATP5PO is required for normal ENS development.

Cytochrome P450-encoding genes from the Heliconius genome as candidates for cyanogenesis.

Cytochrome P450s are important both in the metabolism of xenobiotics and the production of compounds such as cyanogenic glucosides, which insects use in their defence. In the present study, we use transcriptomic and genomic information to isolate and name P450-encoding genes from the butterfly Heliconius melpomene. We classify each of the putative genes into its appropriate superfamily and compare the distribution of P450s across sequenced insects. We also identify homologues of two P450s known to be involved in cyanogenesis in the six-spot Burnet moth, Zygaena filipendulae. Classification of Heliconius P450s should be an important step in the dissection of their role in the exploitation of their host plant, the passion vine Passiflora.

The role of dexmedetomidine in post cranioplasty refractory status epilepticus.

Cranioplasty, specifically a repair of the skull defect resulting from a previous decompressive craniectomy, is a relatively simple procedure associated with a minimal rate of complications. Even though seizures are seen in up to 30% of the patients postoperatively, status epilepticus is not commonly described. Cerebral oedema, ischaemia and neuro-inflammation have been reported as putative causes of seizures in this population. Here, we report a case of refractory status epilepticus unresponsive to standard anti-epileptic and anaesthetic agents. The use of dexmedetomidine helped terminate the episode and led to a favourable outcome. Most of the standard anti-epileptic and anaesthetic agents act through potentiation of GABAergic transmission or sodium channel blockade and postsynaptic adrenoceptor activation by dexmedetomidine may help potentiate their effect. Further studies are needed to investigate its anticonvulsant effect on post-traumatic brain injury and elaborate on optimal dosage.

Utilization of primary and secondary biochemical compounds in cotton as diagnostic markers for measuring resistance to cotton leaf curl virus.

Introduction: Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is one of the most important staple fibrous crops cultivated in India and globally. However, its production and quality are greatly hampered by cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) caused by cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the biochemical mechanisms associated with CLCuD resistance in contrasting cotton genotypes. Methods: Four commercial cotton varieties with susceptible (HS 6 and RCH-134 BG-II) and resistant (HS 1236 and Bunty) responses were used to analyze the role of primary (sugar, protein, and chlorophyll) and secondary (gossypol, phenol, and tannin) biochemical compounds produced by the plants against infection by CLCuV. The resistant cultivars with increased activity of protein, phenol, and tannin exhibited biochemical barriers against CLCuV infection, imparting resistance in cotton cultivars. Results: Reducing sugar in the healthy plants of the susceptible Bt cultivar RCH 134 BG-II exhibited the highest value of 1.67 mg/g at 90 days. In contrast, the lowest value of 0.07 mg g-1 was observed at 60 DAS in the highly diseased plants of the susceptible hybrid HS 6. Higher phenol content (0.70 mg g-1) was observed at 90 DAS in resistant cultivars, whereas highly susceptible plants exhibited the least phenol (0.25 mg g-1) at 90 DAS. The lowest protein activity was observed at 120 DAS in susceptible cultivars HS 6 (9.4 mg g-1) followed by RCH 134 BG-II (10.5 mg g-1). However, other biochemical compounds, including chlorophyll, sugar, and gossypol, did not show a significant role in resistance against CLCuV. The disease progression analysis in susceptible cultivars revealed non-significant differences between the two susceptible varieties. Discussion: Nevertheless, these compounds are virtually associated with the basic physiological and metabolic mechanisms of cotton plants. Among the primary biochemical compounds, only protein activity was proposed as the first line of defense in cotton against CLCuV. The secondary level of defense line in resistance showed the activity of secondary biochemical compounds phenol and tannins, which displayed a significant increase in their levels while imparting resistance against CLCuV in cotton.

A study on fractional HBV model through singular and non-singular derivatives.

The current study's aim is to evaluate the dynamics of a Hepatitis B virus (HBV) model with the class of asymptomatic carriers using two different numerical algorithms and various values of the fractional-order parameter. We considered the model with two different fractional-order derivatives, namely the Caputo derivative and Atangana-Baleanu derivative in the Caputo sense (ABC). The considered derivatives are the most widely used fractional operators in modeling. We present some mathematical analysis of the fractional ABC model. The fixed-point theory is used to determine the existence and uniqueness of the solutions to the considered fractional model. For numerical results, we show a generalized Adams-Bashforth-Moulton (ABM) method for Caputo derivative and an Adams type predictor-corrector (PC) algorithm for Atangana-Baleanu derivatives. Finally, the models are numerically solved using computational techniques and obtained results graphically illustrated with a wide range of fractional-order values. We compare the numerical results for Caputo and ABC derivatives graphically. In addition, a new variable-order fractional network of the HBV model is proposed. Considering the fact that most communities interact with each other, and the rate of disease spread is affected by this factor, the proposed network can provide more accurate insight for the modeling of the disease.

Laparoscopic kidney transplantation: an initial experience.

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy has the advantages of less pain, early ambulation and shorter hospitalization compared to open donor nephrectomy. Kidney recipient surgery is, however, traditionally performed by open surgery. Our aim was to study feasibility and safety of laparoscopic kidney transplantation (LKT). After permission from Internal Review Board, LKT was performed in four patients. All kidneys were procured from deceased donors. Left kidney was used for LKT and transplanted in left iliac fossa while right kidney was used for standard open kidney transplantation (OKT). All transplantation procedures were performed successfully. Cold ischemia time varied between 4 h and 14 h. For LKT, mean time for anastomosis was 65 (range 62-72) min, mean operative time was 3.97 (range 3.5-5) h, mean blood loss was 131.25 mL (range 45-350) mL. Mean wound length was 7 cm in LKT group and 18.4 cm in OKT group. Delayed graft function was observed in one patient in each group. One patient was lost in OKT group due to posttransplant bacterial meningitis. At 6 months, both groups have comparable value of serum creatinine. In conclusion, LKT is technically feasible and safe. Long term outcome needs to be evaluated in a larger study.

Eco-friendly nanocellulose and its biomedical applications: current status and future prospect.

Cellulose is the earth's leading natural polymer. It is known for its properties like biocompatibility, high mechanical strength, cost-effectiveness and lightweight. Nanocellulose displays better properties as compared to the native cellulose fibre. The nanocellulose is very remunerative in the arenas of routine application especially in health care, food industry, sanitary products and many more. In the biomedical area, cellulose-based products are utilized in applications like wound healing, dental applications, drug delivery, antimicrobial material, etc. Nanocellulose biomaterials have been commercialised, representing the material of new generation. With the objective to comprehend the contribution of nanocellulose in the current status and future development in biomedical utilisations, the review is focused on cellulose, nanocellulose, types and sources of nanocellulose, its preparation, characteristics, constraints related to its composites through the analysis of certain scientific reports.