A decomposable silica-based antibacterial coating for percutaneous titanium implant

Although percutaneous titanium implants have become one of the best choices as retainers in the facial defects, peri-implantitis still occurs at a significant rate. This unwanted complication occurs due to adhesion of bacteria and subsequent biofilm formation. To solve this problem, we have developed a novel antibiotic nanodelivery system based on self-decomposable silica nanoparticles. In this study, silica-gentamycin (SG) nanoparticles were successfully fabricated using an innovative one-pot solution. The nanoparticles were incorporated within a gelatin matrix and cross-linked on microarc-oxidized titanium. To characterize the SG nanoparticles, their particle size, zeta potential, surface morphology, in vitro drug release, and decomposition process were sequentially evaluated. The antibacterial properties against the gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, including bacterial viability, antibacterial rate, and bacteria morphology, were analyzed using SG-loaded titanium specimens. Any possible influence of released gentamycin on the viability of human fibroblasts, which are the main component of soft tissues, was investigated. SG nanoparticles from the antibacterial titanium coating continuously released gentamycin and inhibited S. aureus growth. In vitro investigation showed that the obtained nanodelivery system has good biocompatibility. Therefore, this design can be further investigated as a method to prevent infection around percutaneous implants.

Development of a valid Simplified Chinese version of the International Hip Outcome Tool (SC-iHOT-33) in young patients having total hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

The International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) is a questionnaire designed for young, active patients with hip disorders. It has proven to be a highly reliable and valid questionnaire. The main purpose of our study was to adapt the iHOT-33 questionnaire into simplified Chinese and to assess its psychometric properties in Chinese patients.

METHOD

The iHOT-33 was cross culturally adapted into Chinese and 138 patients completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), and the Chinese version of the iHOT-33(SC-iHOT-33) pre- or postoperatively within 6 months' follow-up. The Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), effect size (ES), and standardized response mean (SRM) were calculated to assess the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the SC-iHOT-33, respectively.

RESULTS

Total Cronbach's alpha was 0.965, which represented excellent internal consistency of the SC-iHOT-33. The ICC ranges from 0.866 to 0.929, which shows excellent test-retest reliability. The subscales of SC-iHOT-33 had the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.812) with the physical function subscales of the WOMAC, as well as good correlation between the social/emotional subscale of the SC-iHOT-33 and the EQ-5D (r = 0.740, r = 0.743). No floor or ceiling effects were found. The ES and SRM values indicated good responsiveness of 2.44 and 2.67, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The SC-iHOT-33 questionnaire is reliable, valid, and responsive for the evaluation of young, Chinese, active patients with hip disorders.

Effect of composition and macropore percentage on mechanical and in vitro cell proliferation and differentiation properties of 3D printed HA/β-TCP scaffolds

HA/β-TCP scaffolds were fabricated by 3D printing and exhibited desirable biocompatibilityin vitro.

[Durability of protective effect of resin-based coating material on root surface]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the durability of resin-based root-surface coating material and all-in-one self-etching adhesive on root surface in vitro.

METHODS

Human extracted premolars or molars with intact roots were selected. The cementum was removed using a periodontal scaler to expose root dentin. The root surface was coated with an acid-resistant nail varnish, leaving a window of 3 mm×3 mm on the exposed dentin.The window was covered with either PRG Barrier Coat (PRG) or Clearfil S3 Bond (CS3). After water aging for 14 d, specimens were immersed in acid buffer at pH 4.5 for 4 d and the demineralization buffer was changed every 24 h. Then the specimen was split longitudinally through the center of the 'window' and the cross-sectional surface was observed with scanning electron microscope (SEM). After fixed and dehydrated, the prepared samples were coated with platinum. The coating material, root dentin and the interface was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thickness of the coating material was measured on the SEM images. Regarding toothbrush wear test, coronal dentindisks were prepared and covered with PRG and CS3, respectively. After storage in water for 24 h, the specimen was subjected to the toothbrush wear tester for 100, 200, 300, 500, 700, 1 500 brushing cycles. A slurry of fluoride toothpaste (1:2 ratio of toothpaste and deionized water by weight) was used and the brushing load was 300 N. The surface microstructure of remaining coating material was analyzed using SEM. The wear depths were determined by a profilometer. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0 by one-way ANOVA. The level of significance was at 0.05.

RESULTS

Application of PRG Barrier Coat produced a coating layer of (47.1±27.3) μm, while CS3 presented a thin film of (5.7±2.1) μm in thickness. The exposed dentin was hermetically sealed and no obvious gap was observed at the interface in both PRG and CS3 groups. There was no dentin demineralization observed in both groups after water aging. The wear depths of PRG and CS3 increased along with the numbers of brushing cycles. PRG wore at a significant lower pace than CS3 did (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

PRG coating resin had similar performances as CS3 on protecting root dentin from demineralization after water aging. What's more, PRG demonstrated a higher toothbrush wear resistance than CS3. We concluded that PRG Barrier Coat contained S-PRG filler may be an effective coating material for protecting exposed root from both chemical and mechanical challenges. Further studies should be carried out to evaluate the long-term reliability of the rootsurface coating materials under the clinical setting.

[Associations Between Stress Coping Strategies and Perceived Social Support in Young Patients with Gynecologic Cancers]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the associations between stress coping strategies and perceived social support in young patients with gynecologic cancers.

METHODS

The study was conducted in young patients with gynecologic cancers who were admitted to the West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University from January 2014 to January 2015. Data were collected using three questionnaires, tapping into clinical features, multidimensional scales of perceived social support (MSPSS), and coping strategies with stress [including effective coping ways (ECW) and ineffective coping ways (ICW)].

RESULTS

A total of 236 patients completed the questionnaires. Those with a job, fare incomes, or higher levels of education were more likely to get higher total MSPSS scores and lower ICW scores compared with those unemployed, less than expenditures or primary school level (P < 0.05). ECW scores increased with increasing levels of total MSPSS scores (r = 0.247, P < 0.05) and support from family (r = 0.324, P < 0.05), friends (r = 0.172, P < 0.05), and significant others (r = 0.183, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Social support from family members is the main source of young women with gynecologic cancers in coping with stress.

Polymorphisms in the nuclear factor kappa B gene association with recurrent embryo implantation failure

Despite more than a century of intensive study, the mechanisms of successful pregnancy remain unclear. Recent research suggests that NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) plays an important role in embryo implantation. In the current study, we aimed to identify SNPs that contribute to genetic susceptibility for recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Thus, we examined the potential associations between RIF and ten SNPs (rs28362491, rs3774932, rs1598856, rs230528, rs230521, rs3774956, rs4648055, rs3774964, rs4648068, and rs3774968) of the NF-κB gene. Participants included 209 patients with RIF and 395 controls. Our results revealed that there were statistically significant differences observed in the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the rs28362491 promoter in the NF-κB gene. The frequency of the del/ del genotype was significantly higher in RIF patients than in healthy controls (P = 0.004). Compared with healthy controls, the RIF patients carried a higher frequency of the rs28362491 del allele (P = 0.010). Furthermore, strong linkage disequilibrium was observed in the three identified haplotype blocks (D' > 0.9). Particularly, in block 1 (rs230528-rs230521), the A-C haplotype occurred significantly more frequently (P = 0.029) in subjects with RIF (P = 0.0003). In contrast, the A-G haplotype occurred significantly less frequently (P = 0.008) in RIF subjects. These findings support an important role for G-712A polymorphisms of NF-κB in RIF, and may guide future studies that aim to characterize genetic risk factors for RIF.

[Strategy on the recruitment of free community medical-consultation in acupuncture clinical trials]

The difficulty in the participant recruitment is the common question in acupuncture clinical trial study. The existing recruitment of clinical trial is most applicable for the clinical trial of medicines. Because the intervention of acupuncture clinical trial is different from that of medicines, characterized as the specialties in "theory, principle, acupoints, technique", it is very necessary to develop the strategy on the participant recruitment in acupuncture clinical trial. The free community medical consultation is one of the important means of recruitment. In the paper, by taking the participant recruitment of acupuncture clinical trial on chronic stable angina pectoris as the example, the discussion is given on the strategy on the recruitment of free community medical consultation in the aspects of feasible investigation of recruitment approach, recruitment plan, participant screening, etc. The revisiting after the free community medical consultation is the important approach to the improvement of successful recruitment. This strategy on the recruitment of free community medical consultation is highly practical and improves the successful rate and compliance of the participant recruitment. Hence, this strategy deserves to be promoted.

Characteristics and Tissue Regeneration Properties of Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have 2 specific characteristics: self-renewal and multi- or pluripotency. Extensive studies have demonstrated the regenerative capability of MSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Gingiva-derived MSCs (GMSCs) represent a unique population of MSCs that can be easily isolated and obtained. GMSCs, which maintain a normal karyotype and telomerase activity in long-term cultures, display a stable phenotype and rapidly proliferate in vitro. In addition, GMSCs can be induced to differentiate into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Therefore, GMSCs are a promising alternative cell source for tissue regeneration in dentistry. In this article we review studies of the characterization, differentiation capacities, and regenerative role of GMSCs derived from the gingiva of humans and other species, focusing on the mechanisms of differentiation and tissue regeneration of human GMSCs. We anticipate that GMSC-based therapies will significantly contribute to regenerative medicine for the treatment of human dental diseases and improve human health.

[Fibromyalgia syndrome treated with acupuncture at the acupoints of the affected meridians and heavy moxibustion at painful points: a randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical efficacy on fibromyalgia syndrome treated with acupuncture at the acupoints selected from the affected meridians based on the location differentiation and the heavy moxibustion at painful points by the randomized controlled trial with medication.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients of fibromyalgia were randomized into an acupuncture-moxihustion group and a medication group, 16 cases in each one. In the acupuncture-moxibustion group, acupuncture at the acupoints selected from the affected meridians based on the location differentiation and the heavy moxibustion at painful points were applied, once every two days, three times a week, for 4 weeks totally. In the medication group, tramadol sustained release tablets and amitriptyline were prescribed for oral administration, once a day, for 4 weeks. The follow-up visit was conducted for 4 weeks in the two groups. Before and after treatment and in follow-up visit, the revised version of the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQR) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were adopted for assessment and comparison of the efficacy between the two groups.

RESULTS

After treatment and in follow-up visit, FIQR score and VAS score were improved apparently as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0. 05). At the end of treatment, the differences were not significant statistically between the two groups (all P>0. 05). But the differences were significant in follow-up visit (all P<0. 05). The scores in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were improved persistently, but those in the medication group were rebound.

CONCLUSION

The acupuncture at the acupoints selected from the affected meridians based on the location differentiation and the heavy moxibustion at painful points are safe and effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome and present the better persistent effect as compared with the combined medication of tramadol sustained release tablets and amitriptyline.

The clinical significance of CA19-9 in ovarian mature cystic teratoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical significance of CA19-9 in patients with ovarian mature cystic teratoma (MCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on 65 patients with pathologically-confirmed MCT and 80 patients with benign epithelial ovarian tumors. Serum tumor markers for all patients and tissue CA19-9 for MCTs were measured. The relationships between clinical characteris- tics of MCTs and CA19-9, as well as the correlation between serum and tissue level of CA19-9 in MCTs, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean serum level of CA19-9 in MCTs was significantly higher than that in benign ovarian epithelial tumors (49.9 ± 73.4 IU/ml vs. 17.08 ± 24.8 IU/ml). CA19-9 was the only tumor marker with a mean serum level above the cut-off value and the elevation rate was 30.76% in MCTs. The positive tissue expression rate of CA19-9 in MCT patients were 50.9% and were higher than that of preoperative serum levels (50.9% vs. 32.7%).

CONCLUSION

Serum CA19-9 has the highest positivity rate among other tumor markers in MCT. Elevated serum CA19-9 is not an uncommon finding MCT and could be used as a marker in the differential diagnosis of MCT in patients with pelvic mass.

Light-triggered “on–off” switching of fluorescence based on a naphthopyran-containing compound polymer micelle

We report a compound micelle based on a naphthopyran-containing copolymer and a fluorophore-containing copolymer for light-triggered “on–off” switching of fluorescence.

Electrical level of defects in single-layer two-dimensional TiO2

The remarkable properties of graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted increasing attention on two-dimensional materials, but the gate oxide, one of the key components of two-dimensional electronic devices, has rarely reported. We found the single-layer oxide can be used as the two dimensional gate oxide in 2D electronic structure, such as TiO2. However, the electrical performance is seriously influenced by the defects existing in the single-layer oxide. In this paper, a nondestructive and noncontact solution based on spectroscopic ellipsometry has been used to detect the defect states and energy level of single-layer TiO2 films. By fitting the Lorentz oscillator model, the results indicate the exact position of defect energy levels depends on the estimated band gap and the charge state of the point defects of TiO2.

Tissue-specific composite cell aggregates drive periodontium tissue regeneration by reconstructing a regenerative microenvironment

Periodontitis is the most common cause of periodontium destruction. Regeneration of damaged tissue is the expected treatment goal. However, the regeneration of a functional periodontal ligament (PDL) insertion remains a difficulty, due to complicated factors. Recently, periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) have been shown to participate in PDL regeneration, both pathologically and physiologically. Besides, interactions affect the biofunctions of different derived cells during the regenerative process. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to discuss the different derived composite cell aggregate (CA) systems of PDLSCs and BMMSCs (iliac-derived or jaw-derived) for periodontium regeneration under regenerative microenvironment reconstruction. Our results showed although all three mono-MSC CAs were compacted and the cells arranged regularly in them, jaw-derived BMMSC (JBMMSC) CAs secreted more extracellular matrix than the others. Furthermore, PDLSC/JBMMSC compound CAs highly expressed ALP, Col-I, fibronectin, integrin-β1 and periostin, suggesting that their biofunction is more appropriate for periodontal structure regeneration. Inspiringly, PDLSC/JBMMSC compound CAs regenerated more functional PDL-like tissue insertions in both nude mice ectopic and minipig orthotopic transplantation. The results indicated that the different derived CAs of PDLSCs/JBMMSCs provided an appropriate regenerative microenvironment facilitating a more stable and regular regeneration of functional periodontium tissue. This method may provide a possible strategy to solve periodontium defects in periodontitis and powerful experimental evidence for clinical applications in the future. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Associations of depression with impaired glucose regulation, newly diagnosed diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes in Chinese adults

AIM

To examine the association between depression and impaired glucose regulation, newly diagnosed diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes in middle-aged and elderly Chinese people, and whether depression was associated with different treatment regimens or durations of diabetes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed among 229,047 adults living in the community aged ≥ 40 years from 25 centres in China. The self-reported depression rating scale Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used to diagnose probable and sub-threshold depression. Glucose metabolism status was determined according to World Health Organization 1999 diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS

The numbers of participants with normal glucose regulation, impaired glucose regulation, newly diagnosed diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes were 120,458, 59,512, 24,826 and 24,251, respectively. The prevalence of sub-threshold depression in the total sample of participants was 4.8% (4.8%, 4.8%, 4.4% and 5.6% from normal glucose regulation to previously diagnosed diabetes, respectively), and the prevalence of probable depression was 1.1% (1.1%, 1.0%, 0.9% and 1.8% from normal glucose regulation to previously diagnosed diabetes, respectively). Compared with participants with normal glucose regulation, those with previously diagnosed diabetes had increased odds of probable depression [odds ratio (OR) = 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39-1.87] and sub-threshold depression (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.24), after adjustment for multiple confounding factors. Newly diagnosed diabetes or impaired glucose regulation was not associated with depression. Among those with previously diagnosed diabetes, insulin treatment was associated with greater odds of depression compared with no treatment or oral anti-diabetic medicine.

CONCLUSION

Previously diagnosed diabetes, but not newly diagnosed diabetes or impaired glucose regulation, was associated with a higher prevalence of depression. Patients receiving insulin were more likely to have depression than those not receiving treatment or being treated with oral anti-diabetic medicine.

Preparation and photochromic properties of layer-by-layer self-assembly films and light-responsive micelles based on amphiphilic naphthopyran derivative

An amphiphilic naphthopyran derivative (DSNP) with negative-charged di-sulfatoethoxy was first designed and synthesized. DSNP was used to prepare the LBL self-assembly films with cationic quaternized poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VPQ). The multilayer assembly process was monitored via UV-Vis spectra and the DSNP displayed a significant slow fading rate in film. In addition, DSNP was also used as the light-responsive group to fabricate light-responsive micelles with polyethylene glycol-triethylamine bromide (PEG-NEt3). The photoisomerization of naphthopyran moieties can rapidly and reversibly tune the disassembly and re-assembly of the micelles. The changes of fluorescent spectra of Nile Red (NR) in water solution of polymeric micelles demonstrated that the polymeric micelle can be used as nanocarriers to encapsulate, release and re-encapsulate guest solutes on demand controlling of light irradiation. The results indicate that the amphiphilic naphthopyran can be used in both optical-switches and biomedical area for drug delivery.

Regulatory role of B-cell maturation antigen on the toxic effect of chromium ions on human SaOS-2 osteoblasts

Metal prostheses of artificial joints undergo wear, producing numerous metal particles and ions, such as Cr³⁺ . Cr³⁺ is considered a key factor leading to aseptic loosening. Many studies focus on the effect of Cr³⁺ on osteoblasts; however, little is known about the effect of Cr³⁺ on the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in the osteoblasts. In this study, we first demonstrated the BCMA expressed in human SaOS-2 osteoblasts through reverse transcriptase-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemical analyses. Cr³⁺ decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), cell mineralization, and collagen type I mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, Cr³⁺ has an inhibitive effect on the expression of the BCMA in human SaOS-2 osteoblasts. However, after we upregulated the expression of the BCMA, ALP, OC, cell mineralization, and collagen type I mRNA and protein expression were increased. Overall, this study demonstrates that the BCMA is involved in human SaOS-2 osteoblast osteogenetic metabolism and plays a regulatory role on the toxic effect of chromium ions on human SaOS-2 osteoblasts.

Transcriptomic screening for cyclotides and other cysteine-rich proteins in the metallophyte Viola baoshanensis

Cysteine (Cys)-rich proteins (CRPs) are frequently associated with plant defense and stress resistance. Viola baoshanensis is a cadmium (Cd) hyper-accumulating plant whose CRPs-based defense systems are so far poorly understood. Next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques and a specialist searching tool, CrpExcel, were employed for identifying CRPs in V. baoshanensis. The transcriptome sequences of V. baoshanensis were assembled primarily from 454FLX/Hiseq2000 reads of plant cDNA sequencing libraries. CrpExcel was then used to search the ORFs and 9687 CRPs were identified, and included zinc finger (ZF) proteins, lipid transfer proteins, thaumatins and cyclotide precursors. Real-time PCR results showed that all CRP genes tested are constitutively expressed, but the genes of defensive peptides showed greater up-regulated expression than those of ZF-proteins in Cd- and/or wounding (Wd) treatments of V. baoshanensis seedlings. The NGS-derived sequences of cyclotide precursor genes were verified by RT-PCR and ABI3730 sequencing studies, and 32 novel cyclotides were identified in V. baoshanensis. In general, the metal-binding sites of ZF-containing CRPs also represented the potential vulnerable targets of toxic metals. This study provides broad insights into CRPs-based defense systems and stress-vulnerable targets in V. baoshanensis. It now brings the number of cyclotide sequences in V. baoshanensis to 53 and based on projections from this work, the number of cyclotides in the Violaceae is now conservatively estimated to be >30000.

Human amnion tissue injected with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells repairs damaged sciatic nerves in rats

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, incorporated into an amnion carrier tubes, were assessed for nerve regeneration potential in a rat nerve defect model. Damaged nerves were exposed to human amnion carriers containing either human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (cell transplantation group) or saline (control group). At 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks after cell implantation, the sciatic functional index was higher in the cell transplantation group compared with the control group. Furthermore, electrophysiological examination showed that threshold stimulus and maximum stimulus intensity gradually decreased while compound action potential amplitude gradually increased. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that regenerating nerve fibers were arranged in nerve tracts in the cell transplantation group and connective tissue between nerve tracts and amnion tissue reduced over time. Gastrocnemius muscle cell diameter, wet weight and restoration ratio were increased. These data indicate that transplanted human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, using the amnion tube connection method, promote restoration of damaged sciatic nerves in rats.

Acetylcholine secretion by motor neuron-like cells from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were isolated by a double enzyme digestion method. The third passage of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was induced with heparin and/or basic fibroblast growth factor. Results confirmed that cell morphology did not change after induction with basic fibroblast growth factor alone. However, neuronal morphology was visible, and microtubule-associated protein-2 expression and acetylcholine levels increased following induction with heparin alone or heparin combined with basic fibroblast growth factor. Hb9 and choline acetyltransferase expression was high following inductive with heparin combined with basic fibroblast growth factor. Results indicate that the inductive effect of basic fibroblast growth factor alone was not obvious. Heparin combined with basic fibroblast growth factor noticeably promoted the differentiation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into motor neuron-like cells. Simultaneously, umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells could secrete acetylcholine.

Acupoint application in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris: study protocol of a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

Background. Chronic stable angina pectoris (CSAP) is a major syndrome of ischemic heart disease (IHD). CSAP manifests as chest pain or discomfort and affects patients' quality of life. Acupoint application (AP) has been reported to be effective for managing the symptoms of CSAP, but the evidence is not convincing. Therefore, we designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of AP in the treatment of CSAP. Methods and Analysis. Two hundred participants with CSAP will be randomly assigned in a 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 ratio into 4 groups. All participants will receive 12 sessions of treatment in 4 weeks and the same basic treatment procedure. The participants will be visited and assessed for 12 weeks, including a 4-week screening, a 4-week treatment phase, and a 4-week follow-up phase. The primary outcome is the change in the total frequency of self-reported angina attack at 4th week compared with the baseline. The secondary outcomes include the intensity of angina pain, consumption of nitroglycerin or Suxiao Jiuxin pills, CCS angina classification, SAQ, SAS and SDS score. Ethics. The study protocol has been reviewed and approved by the Sichuan Regional Ethics Review Committee on TCM (number 2013kl-001). This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov NCT02029118.

Cancer therapy improvement with mesoporous silica nanoparticles combining photodynamic and photothermal therapy

In this work, we develop novel mesoporous silica composite nanoparticles (hm-SiO2(AlC4Pc)@Pd) for the co-delivery of photosensitizer (PS) tetra-substituted carboxyl aluminum phthalocyanine (AlC4Pc) and small Pd nanosheets as a potential dual carrier system to combine photodynamic therapy (PDT) with photothermal therapy (PTT). In the nanocomposite, PS AlC4Pc was covalently conjugated to a mesoporous silica network, and small Pd nanosheets were coated onto the surface of mesoporous silica by both coordination and electrostatic interaction. Since small Pd nanosheets and AlC4Pc display matched maximum absorptions in the 600-800 nm near-infrared (NIR) region, the fabricated hm-SiO2(AlC4Pc)@Pd nanocomposites can generate both singlet oxygen and heat upon 660 nm single continuous wavelength (CW) laser irradiation. In vitro results indicated that the cell-killing efficacy by simultaneous PDT/PTT treatment using hm-SiO2(AlC4Pc)@Pd was higher than PDT or PTT treatment alone after exposure to a 660 nm CW-NIR laser.