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OBJECTIVE: Stress hyperglycemia is associated with an increased risk of diabetes among survivors of critical illness. We investigated whether patients without diabetes hospitalized for bacteremia or nonbacteremic diseases with transient stress hyperglycemia would have a higher risk of subsequent diabetes development compared with those who remained normoglycemic. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted on 224,534 in-patients with blood culture records. Stress hyperglycemia was defined based on the highest random glucose level ≥7.8 mmol/L during the index admission period. Diagnosis of diabetes, as the primary end point of interest, was defined based on diagnostic codes, blood test results, or medication records. Differences in cumulative incidence and hazard ratios (HRs) of diabetes between groups were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox regression. RESULTS: After exclusion of patients with preexisting or undiagnosed diabetes or indeterminate diabetes status and propensity score matching, bacteremic patients with stress hyperglycemia had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of diabetes (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.4) compared with those who remained normoglycemic. Stress hyperglycemia was further confirmed to be a diabetes predictor independent of age, sex, comorbidity, and other serological markers. For the nonbacteremic patients, stress hyperglycemia was similarly associated with a higher cumulative incidence of diabetes (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.7). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalized patients with transient stress hyperglycemia had a higher risk of subsequent diabetes development compared with their normoglycemic counterparts. Recognition of an increased risk of diabetes in these patients can allow early detection and monitoring in their subsequent follow-ups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) exhibit distinct evolutionary features. We speculated that TSG promoters could have evolved specific features that facilitate their tumor-suppressing functions. We found that the promoter CpG dinucleotide frequencies of TSGs are significantly higher than that of non-cancer genes across vertebrate genomes, and positively correlated with gene expression across tissue types. The promoter CpG dinucleotide frequencies of all genes gradually increase with gene age, for which young TSGs have been subject to a stronger evolutionary pressure. Transcription-related features, namely chromatin accessibility, methylation and ZNF263-, SP1-, E2F4- and SP2-binding elements, are associated with gene expression. Moreover, higher promoter CpG dinucleotide frequencies and chromatin accessibility are positively associated with the ability of TSGs to resist downregulation during tumorigenesis. These results were successfully validated with independent datasets. In conclusion, TSGs evolved specific promoter features that optimized cancer resistance through achieving high expression in normal tissues and resistance to downregulation during tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate sclerostin (SOST) expression in a rat model of experimental tympanosclerosis (TS) and its possible role in the formation of TS. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four SD rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: experimental group (n = 17) and normal group (n = 17). The left tympanic cavities in the experimental group were inoculated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The changes of tympanic membranes were examined and recorded under otoendoscope. Haematoxylin-eosin staining was adopted to detect the morphological changes in the tympanic membrane and middle ear mucosa. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were used to observe the expression of SOST, Wnt3a, β-catenin, and P-ERK1/2. Results: In the experimental group, sclerotic lesions were observed in 54.5% ears in the end of 6 weeks. Morphological changes such as mucosa incrassation, inflammatory cells infiltration, fibrous tissue proliferation, and interstitial tissue incrassation prominently appeared in the tympanic membrane and middle ear mucosa. SOST protein was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells and gland cells, the expression of which increased significantly in the calcified experimental ears. In addition, expression levels of Wnt3a, β-catenin, and P-ERK1/2 increased significantly in the calcified group too. Conclusion: The upregulated expression level of SOST may be involved in the formation of TS, first, through the pro-phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in the inflammatory stage, and then through the enhancement of Wnt3a in the osteogenic stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PISBFs were prepared from 2,5-dimethylfuran dicarboxylate, isosorbide and butanediol. • PISBFs had T D,5% values higher than 370 °C and T DM higher than 405 °C. • PIS 40 B 60 F had a Tg 87 °C, a Young's modulus 1400 MPa and an elongation at break 173%. Fully biobased copolyesters poly(isosorbide- co -butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PISBF) were synthesized from 2,5-dimethylfuran dicarboxylate (DMFD), isosorbide (IS) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) via transesterification and polycondensation reactions. The resulting copolymers were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, GPC, intrinsic viscosity, DSC, TGA and tensile testing, respectively. The NMR characterizations had confirmed that BDO was successfully introduced into the poly(isosorbide 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PIF) polyester chains. Over the IS experimental composition range 20–80 % in copolymer chains, PISBF copolymers had T D, 5% values higher than 370 °C and T DM higher than 405 ° C, and Tg values within the range of 55 °C and 150 °C. Introduction of BDO units into PIF chains imparted the PISBF copolyester with better mechanical performance than PIF, thus PISBF copolyesters with IS content of 20–50% were strong and toughened copolymers with Young's modulus about 1400 MPa, tensile strength at break higher than 53 MPa, and elongation at break higher than 46%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Bio-based poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate- co -ε-caprolactone)s (PEFCLs) were prepared via copolymerization. • PEFCL40 had a Young's modulus 1182 ± 80 MPa, a tensile strength 51 ± 3 MPa and an elongation as high as 981 ± 117%. • The modified materials maintained good thermal stability. Abstract A new bio-based copolyesters, poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate- co -ε-caprolactone) (PEFCL), were synthesized from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, ethylene glycol and ε-caprolactone. The obtained copolyesters were characterized in terms of chemical structures, thermal and mechanical properties. The characterization results of 1H NMR and 13C NMR had confirmed the insertion of lactones units in PEF chains, all PEFCL copolyesters showed random microstructures. These bio-based copolymers were amorphous and had one glass transition temperature decreased as increasing the CL content. The thermal stability of PEFCL is slightly lower than PEF. Tensile testing revealed that introduction of ε-caprolactone into PEF chains impart PEFCL with excellent mechanical performance, typically, PEFCL40 had a Young's modulus 1182 ± 80 MPa, a tensile strength 51 ± 3 MPa and an elongation as high as 981 ± 117%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a comparison study on 3D ensembles of graphene oxide (GO) and metal nanoparticles (silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), gold nanoparticles (GNPs), and gold nanorods (GNRs)) for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) application. For the first time, GNRs were successfully assembled on the surfaces of GO by means of electrostatic interactions without adding any surfactant. The SERS properties of GO/AgNPs, GO/GNPs, and GO/GNRs were compared using 2-mercaptopyridine (2-Mpy) as probing molecule. We found that GO/AgNPs and GO/GNPs substrates are not suitable for detecting 2-Mpy due to the very strong π-π stacking interaction between the 2-Mpy molecules and sp2 carbon structure of GO. Conversely, the GO/GNRs substrates show ultrahigh SERS activity and sensitivity of 2-Mpy with the detection limit as low as ~10-15 M, which is ~2-3 orders of magnitude higher than that of the corresponding GNRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regeneration of artificial bone substitutes is a potential strategy for repairing bone defects. However, the development of substitutes with appropriate osteoinductivity and physiochemical properties, such as water uptake and retention, mechanical properties, and biodegradation, remains challenging. Therefore, there is a motivation to develop new synthetic grafts that possess good biocompatibility, physiochemical properties, and osteoinductivity. Here, we fabricate a biocompatible scaffold through the covalent crosslinking of graphene oxide (GO) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC). The resulting GO-CMC scaffold shows significant high water retention (44% water loss) compared with unmodified CMC scaffolds (120% water loss) due to a steric hindrance effect. The modulus and hardness of the GO-CMC scaffold are 2.75- and 3.51-fold higher, respectively, than those of the CMC scaffold. Furthermore, the osteoinductivity of the GO-CMC scaffold is enhanced due to the π-π stacking interactions of the GO sheets, which result in striking upregulation of osteogenesis-related genes, including osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, osterix, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase. Finally, the GO-CMC scaffold exhibits excellent reparative effects in repairing rat calvarial defects via the synergistic effects of GO and bone morphogenetic protein-2. This study provides new insights for developing bone substitutes for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Graphene oxide (GO)-based nanocomposites'' antibacteria activity exhibits great potential in clinical application. Herein we reported for the first time the preparation and enhanced antifungal activity of carbon nanoscrolls (CNSs) filled with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The nanoscrolls filled with silver nanoparticles were prepared by sonication, TEM picture showed AgNPs filled and wrapped inside prepared nanocomposites, the antifungal test showed that CNSs-AgNPs exhibited ideal lengthened activities against Candida albicans and Candida tropical compared with the GO–AgNPs nanocomposites based on silver nanoparticles directly deposited on the surface of grapheme oxides, which is caused by CNS-AgNPs'' controlled durative slow-releasing of silver ion. It is also observed that graphene oxides exhibited no antifungal activity. In conclusion, the carbon nanoscrolls composed of graphene oxides and silver nanoparticles own enhanced and lengthened antifungal activity, and have great potential in applications such as clinical nosocomial infections and local antifungal therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bio-based poly(isosorbide 2,5-furandicarboxylate-co-ε-caprolactone) (PIFCL) copolyesters were synthesized from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, isosorbide and ε-caprolactone. The obtained copolyesters were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, intrinsic viscosity, GPC, DSC, TGA and tensile testing. The NMR characterization results confirmed the insertion of lactones units into poly(isosorbide 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PIF) chains. All PIFCL copolyesters were amorphous with T D, 5% higher than 300 °C. The glass transition temperatures of PIFCLs with FDCA molar ratio from 74% to 45% were within the range of 132.1 °C and 72.4 °C. Tensile testing revealed that introduction of ε-caprolactone into PIF chain imparted PIFCL with excellent mechanical performance, typically, PIFCL polyseter with FDCA molar ratio of 45% had a Young's modulus 858 ± 92 MPa, a tensile strength 44 ± 4 MPa and an elongation at break 480 ± 45%. Image 1 • Bio-based poly(isosorbide 2,5-furandicarboxylate-co-ε-caprolactone) (PIFCL) copolymers were prepared via copolymerization. • PIFCL80 had a T g 72.4 °C, a Young's modulus 858 ± 92 MPa, a tensile strength 44 ± 4 MPa and an elongation as high as 480 ± 45%. • All PIFCL copolyesters were amorphous with T D, 5% higher than 300 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Microgels-encapsulated Mg2+/Emodin for reversing pathological microenvironment. • MEGH can release Emodin for hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. • MEGH can release Mg2+ ions for promoting vascularization. • Combined with DBM, BMSCs-loaded MEGH successfully repair diabetic bone defects. • A synergetic mechanism of regulating glucose, inflammation, oxygen, osteogenesis. Diabetic bone defect repair is one of the major challenges in clinic, because the pathological microenvironments such as hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation exist in the bone defect area of diabetes mellitus. Although the current tissue-engineered bone has achieved favorable bone regeneration and functional reconstruction, it is still unsatisfactory for diabetic bone defect repair only by correcting a single pathological factor. In this study, we develop a multifunctional nano-releasing system of GelMA/HAMA microgels-encapsulated Mg2+/Emodin (MgEm) nanorods based on MOF design principle (denoted as MEGH) for reversing the diabetic pathological microenvironment. For the slow-release system of MEGH microgels, Emodin exert the hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory function, while Mg2+ ions could promote angiogenesis for bone regeneration. Subsequently, we combine decalcified bone matrix with the bone regenerative units based on BMSCs-loaded MEGH microgels (BMSCs@MEGH-D) for the construction of tissue-engineered bone. Finally, the pre-constructed BMSCs@MEGH-D scaffolds successfully promote the vascularized bone regeneration in diabetic rabbit skull models due to the effective correction of diabetic pathological microenvironment. The underlying mechanism indicates a synergetic efficacy of regulate glucose, inflammation, oxygen-related bioprocesses, as well as osteogenesis-related pathways. Our findings provide a promising treatment for reversing the diabetic pathological microenvironment to accelerate bone defect repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with diabetic foot ulcers usually suffer from inefficient epithelisation and angiogenesis accompanied by chronic wound healing. Diabetic foot ulcers remain a major challenge in clinical medicine; however, traditional treatments are incapable of transdermal drug delivery, resulting in a low drug delivery rate. We report the development of Ti2C3 MXenes-integrated poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) hydrogel microneedles to release asiaticoside (MN-MXenes-AS). Asiaticoside was loaded into PGA-MXenes hydrogel to facilitate cell proliferation while regulating angiogenesis. The characterisation and mechanical strength of the microneedles were investigated in vitro, and the wound-healing efficacy of the microneedles was confirmed in diabetic mice. MXenes significantly improved the mechanical strength of microneedles, while γ-PGA hydrogels provided a moist microenvironment for wound healing. Mice treated with MN-MXenes-AS demonstrated obvious improvements in wound healing process. We successfully fabricated an MXenes-integrated microneedle that possesses sufficient rigidity to penetrate the cuticle for subcutaneous drug delivery, thereby accelerating diabetic wound healing. We demonstrated that MN-MXenes-AS is effective in promoting growth both in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, our data show that MN-MXenes-AS accelerated the healing of diabetic foot ulcers, supporting the use of these microneedles in the treatment of chronic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The localization of invisible and impalpable small pulmonary nodules has become an important concern during surgery, since current widely used techniques for localization have a number of limitations, such as invasive features of hookwires and microcoils, and rapid diffusion after injection of indocyanine green (ICG). Lanthanide-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been proven as potential fluorescent agents because of their prominent luminescent characteristics, including large Stokes shifts, high quantum yields, long decay lifetimes, and undisturbed emissive energies. In addition, lanthanides, such as Eu, can efficiently absorb X-rays for CT imaging. In this study, we synthesized Eu-UiO-67-bpy (UiO = University of Oslo, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl) as a fluorescent dye with a gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel as a liquid carrier. The prepared complex exhibits constant fluorescence emission owing to the luminescent characteristics of Eu and the stable structure of UiO-67-bpy with restricted fluorescence diffusion attributed to the photocured GelMA. Furthermore, the hydrogel provides stiffness to make the injection site tactile and improve the accuracy of localization and excision. Finally, our complex enables fluorescence-CT dual-modal imaging of the localization site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A multifunctional microneedle patch is prepared. • It provides a sustained and effecitve release of GOx. • NIR light is exerted to induce mild hyperthermia. • It is a new approach to accelerate diabetic wound healing. The treatment of diabetic wounds remains a serious challenge due to the unfavorable diabetic microenvironment, characterized by high glucose levels, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), and chronic inflammation. For decades, several hypoglycemic drugs have been used clinically to decrease blood glucose levels; however, they are unable to regulate in situ hyperglycemic microenvironments. In this study, we introduced a poly (γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA)-based microneedle (MN) patch encapsulated with glucose oxidase (GOx)-loaded Ti 3 C 2 MXene nanosheets (MXene) termed MN-PGA-MXene-GOx. GOx, which lowers local glucose and pH by oxidizing glucose, is delivered deep into tissues via the MN patch, while MXene ensures its prolonged release. When the MN patch is exposed to external NIR light, MXene can induce mild hyperthermia, enhance the catalytic activity of GOx, and promote cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Both γ-PGA and MXene possess antioxidant properties, mitigating ROS in the diabetic environment and reducing hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) produced during glucose oxidation. In conclusion, this multifunctional microneedle patch provides a novel approach for accelerating diabetic wound healing, utilizing GOx and MXene for in-situ glucose management and mild hyperthermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) suffer from a high risk of fractures and poor bone healing ability. Surprisingly, no effective therapy is available to treat diabetic bone defect in clinic. Here, a 3D printed enzyme‐functionalized scaffold with multiple bioactivities including osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and anti‐inflammation in diabetic conditions is proposed. The as‐prepared multifunctional scaffold is constituted with alginate, glucose oxidase (GOx), and catalase‐assisted biomineralized calcium phosphate nanosheets (CaP@CAT NSs). The GOx inside scaffolds can alleviate the hyperglycemia environment by catalyzing glucose and oxygen into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Both the generated H2O2 as well as the overproduced H2O2 in DM can be scavenged by CaP@CAT NSs, while the initiated hypoxic microenvironment stimulates neovascularization. Moreover, the incorporation of CaP@CAT NSs not only enhance the mechanical property of the scaffolds, but also facilitate bone regeneration by the degraded Ca2+ and PO43− ions. The remarkable in vitro and in vivo outcomes demonstrate that enzymes functionalized scaffolds can be an effective strategy for enhancing bone tissue regeneration in diabetic conditions, underpinning the potential of multifunctional scaffolds for diabetic bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tissue expansion techniques play an important role in plastic surgery. How to improve the quality of the expanded skin and shorten the expansion period are still worth investigating. Our previous studies found that a cell-free fat extract (CEFFE) possessed pro-angiogenic and pro-proliferative activities. However, the role of CEFFE on tissue expansion has remained unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of CEFFE on tissue expansion. Methods: A rat tissue expansion model was used. Animals were treated with CEFFE by subcutaneous injection. After 4 weeks of tissue expansion, the skin necrosis and retraction rates were evaluated, the thicknesses of the epidermis and dermis were determined by histological analyses, blood vessel density was measured by anti-CD31 staining, cell proliferation was assessed by proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining, and the expression of specific proteins was evaluated by western blot analyses. In addition, the effects of CEFFE on the proliferation and cell cycle of cultured HaCaT cells were evaluated in vitro. Results: CEFFE treatment significantly decreased the necrosis rate and retraction of the expanded skin. The thickness of the epidermal and dermal layers was higher in CEFFE-treated compared to untreated skin. The density of blood vessels and cell proliferation in the epidermis of the expanded skin was improved by CEFFE treatment. In addition, CEFFE treatment significantly increased the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, collagen type 1, and collagen type 3. CEFFE also increased the proliferation of HaCaT cells in culture. Conclusions: CEFFE improves the quality of the expanded skin by promoting angiogenesis and cell proliferation. It could be potentially used clinically for augmenting tissue expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of bio-based copolyesters, poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate-co-ethylene 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate)s (PEFCs) were synthesized from ethylene glycol (EG), 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (CHDA) through a two-step melt polycondensation procedure. The chemical structure, compositions and sequence distributions were determined by 1 H NMR. The molecular weight, thermal properties, thermal stabilities, crystal structure and mechanical properties were investigated by GPC, DSC, TGA, WAXD, and tensile testing, respectively. All PEFCs showed the characteristic of random copolymer, and their composition could be controlled by the feed molar ratio of FDCA to CHDA. DSC results showed that PEFCs were amorphous, while increasing the content of the CHDA unit, the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of PEFCs decreased. Moreover, the thermal stabilities of all PEFCs remained unchanged. The tensile testing demonstrated that PEFC-30 was a toughened plastic with tensile modulus 801 MPa and elongation 667%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Our aim was to evaluate the effects of avermectin on pigeon neurons in vitro. [•] Morphologic, biochemical and molecular hallmarks of apoptosis was observed. [•] This is first report from apoptosis of avermectin on bird neurons in vitro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of a novel cytosensor, comprised of bio-mimetically synthesized Ag@BSA composite microspheres, for the detection of KB cells (a model system) is described. The Ag@BSA composite microspheres were immobilized on Au electrodes via Au-thiol bonds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the Ag@BSA were well-dispersed microspheres with an average diameter of 500nm, including the monolayer of BSA. The immobilization of Ag@BSA composite microspheres onto Au electrodes is thought to increase the electrode surface area and accelerate the electron transfer rate while providing a highly stable matrix for the convenient conjugation of target molecules (such as folic acid) and the prolonged incubation of cells. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies showed that the fabricated cytosensor was able to detect KB cells ranging from 6.0×101 to 1.2×108 cellsmL−1 with a lower detection limit of 20cellsmL−1. Due to its facile synthesis, high stability and reproducibility and cytocompatibility, the novel cytosensor described here could find multifarious uses in applications, such as cancer diagnosis, drug screening and cell adhesion studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There are no significant differences between the control group and GOx contained groups, indicating the long-term biosafety of GOx contained scaffolds in vivo. 3D Printed Enzyme-Functionalized Scaffold Facilitates Diabetic Bone Regeneration The original image of lung in the Alg/GOx group was repeatedly clipped and used again in Figure S12 (Supporting information) for the Alg/GOx/CaP@CAT group in error. [Extracted from the article]

The present study evaluated the association between blood pressure variability and the risk of hip/vertebral fractures in middle aged and elderly patients. This was a retrospective observational study of patients attending family medicine outpatient clinics, recruited from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2003 and were followed up until 31st December 2019. Standard deviation (SD), root mean square (RMS), coefficient of variation (CV) and a variability score (defined as the number of changes in blood pressure (diastolic and systolic) of 5 mm Hg or more) were used as measures of blood pressure variability. The primary outcome was a composite of new onset hip or vertebral fractures. A total of 57,810 patients were included. Over a median follow-up of 5894 days (interquartile range: 3505–6487), 3285 patients (5.68%) developed new onset hip/vertebral fractures. The crude incidence rates were 4.95%, 5.31%, and 7.2% for diastolic blood pressure-CV and 5.0%, 5.28%, and 7.08% for systolic blood pressure-CV in the first, second, and third tertiles, respectively. Survival analysis demonstrated differences in hip/vertebral fracture amongst the tertiles of systolic and diastolic blood pressure variability (P < 0.0001). Measures of blood pressure variability were significantly associated with incident hip/vertebral fractures. They can be incorporated into existing clinical scores to improve risk stratification. • Higher blood pressure variability is linked to an increased risk of hip/vertebral fractures after adjusting for confounders • Demographics, comorbidities and medications prescribed all influence blood pressure variability [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bone regeneration is the synergistic effect of bone regeneration multicellular unit. • Bone regeneration incorporates osteoblast, endothelial cells and inflammatory cells. • Application of certain biochemical cues could optimize the repair microenvironment. • IL4-MOF@CaP nanosystem can optimize the microenvironment for bone regeneration. • Effects of IL4-MOF@CaP on the bone regeneration multicellular unit are elucidated. Biomaterials that could synchronize with complex tissue physiological healing processes would have significant potential in bioengineering applications. Inspired by the "scatter shot" pattern in the embryonal intramembranous ossification process, a multifunctionalized scaffold is proposed to provide multiple osteogenic nucleation sites for bone regeneration multicellular unit (BRMU). First, an inherently therapeutic nanoplatform was fabricated that is composed of a gallic-acid-magnesium-based metal-organic frameworks (Mg-MOF) core and a biodegradable calcium phosphate (CaP) shell. The obtained MOF@CaP can be used for efficient bioactive factor protection and can mimic the physiological inflammation resolution response through the release of the inflammatory microenvironment (low pH) stimuli-responsive IL4. In addition, the MOF@CaP nanoplatform can provide a preferable repair microenvironment, such as by supplying magnesium for angiogenesis, gallic acid for reactive oxygen species removal, and calcium and phosphate to ensure that the extracellular bone matrix is calcified. Subsequently, IL4-MOF@CaP served as the discrete core of the bone islands by BRMU, was incorporated into collagen (Col) scaffolds to fabricate a multifunctional biodegradable scaffold. Remarkable in vivo functional bone regeneration was achieved with an in situ bone island pattern formed internally. Thus, the biomaterials replicating the developmental process can be an attractive strategy for enhancing tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CuS/CaCO 3 nanocomposite with NIR absorption was synthesized by using eggshell as template. • The effects of several free radicals on catalytic properties of nanomaterials induced by NIR light were discussed. • The bactericidal effect of ROS on bacteria was discussed. • CuS/CaCO 3 nanocomposite has enhanced catalytic and antibacterial properties when triggered by NIR light. The full utilization of sunlight and design of high-efficient and low-cost photocatalysts with robust stability for wastewater treatment is still a challenging task. Herein, we report an economic and simple strategy to prepare a novel photocatalyst by using eggshell as template and support. Rod-like Copper sulphide (CuS) nanoparticles are uniformly coated on the surface of porous eggshell to form CaCO 3 /CuS nanocomposite. Under NIR irradiation, the nanocomposite shows a high catalytic activity for 4-nirophenol (4-NP) reduction and strong photothermal ablation behavior against bacteria. A 98% degradation rate can be completed in 15 min, superior to that in the absence of Near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation. Bacterial inactivation ability is also closely related with photocatalyst concentrations and NIR power. A possible mechanism is suggested, which is attributed to the synergistic photocatalytic, photothermal, photodynamic effects. Our study indicates that waste eggshell not only can be used as an efficient support to immobilize nanoparticles, but also can act as reaction resource to provide active carbonate radicals (CO 3 −), which play an important role on target degradation molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable scaffolds play an important role in tissue engineering, and appropriate degradation and resorption rates of these scaffolds are necessary to accommodate tissue growth. Synthetic polymers are frequently used because of their ease of production, good biocompatibility and controllable degradation rates. However, monitoring the degradation of these polymers in vivo by a noninvasive approach remains limited. In this study, we designed a composite scaffold by labeling poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with gold nanoclusters (Au NCs), which were used for tracking in vivo degradation through dual-modal fluorescence/computed tomography (CT) imaging. The diameter of the Au NCs was approximately 2.5 nm, and the emission peak was at a wavelength of 700 nm. After labeling PLGA with the Au NCs, the fluorescence intensity of the Au NC/PLGA composite scaffold reached 9.0 × 109 (p/s/cm2/sr)/(μW/cm2), and the CT density of the scaffold increased to 200 HU. After the composite scaffold was implanted subcutaneously into nude mice, a continuous decrease in the fluorescence signal and CT value was observed. The mean fluorescence intensity was 8.3 × 109, 3.17 × 109, 2.26 × 109, 2.11 × 109, and 1.82 × 109 (p/s/cm2/sr)/(μW/cm2) from the first week to the fifth week, respectively. The mean CT value changed from 222.6 to 185.9, 149.1, 112.5, and 55.2 (Hounsfield unit, HU) at the different timepoints. Compared with the change in the fluorescence intensity, the change in the CT value was similar to the change in the weight, and the Pearson correlation coefficient between the change in the CT value and weight was 0.8626. Furthermore, the structure and morphology of the scaffolds at different timepoints were analyzed by three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction. This novel method of noninvasive dynamic monitoring of biodegradable polymers in vivo provides insight into choosing suitable biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. • Green synthesis of BSA-capped gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) and labeled PLGA. • AuNC/PLGA composite scaffold exhibits CT density and fluorescence intensity as well as excellent biocompatibility. • The degradation behaver of AuNC/PLGA composite scaffold could be tracked for a long time by CT and fluorescence imaging. • The dual imaging properties of AuNC/PLGA composite scaffold can compensate for the deficiency of one mode imaging alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A composite consisting of graphene oxide and gold nanorods (GO-GNRs) was designed for the trace determination of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). GO contains numerous carboxy and hydroxy groups on its surface and therefore can serve as the substrate for decoration with GNRs and for immobilizing antibody against HBsAg. The GNRs (carrying the SERS probe 2-mercaptopyridine) exhibit high SERS activity, and this improves the sensitivity of the biosensor. The antibody on the GO-GNRs binds HBsAg with high specificity, and it results in excellent selectivity. The SERS signal (measured at 1002 cm−1) increases in the 1-1000 pg·mL−1 HBsAg concentrations range, and the limit of detection is 0.05 pg·mL−1 (at an S/N ratio of 3). The immunoassay achieves the sensitive and selective determination of HBsAg in serum and expands the potential application of GO-GNR based SERS tag in clinical research.A novel graphene oxide-gold nanorod (GO-GNRs) based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tag for immunoassay was designed. It allows for sensitive and selective determination of HBsAg in serum. The method is expected to expand the potential application in the environment, in medicine and in food analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]