Injectable inorganic/organic composite systems consisting of well-defined mesocrystals (4-8 μm) of calcium phosphate and polypeptide thermogel significantly enhance the osteogenic differentiation of the tonsil derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs). Compared to composite systems incorporating nanoparticles (10-100 nm) or pure hydrogel systems, osteogenic biomarkers including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone morphogenetic protein 2, and osteocalcin are highly expressed at both the mRNA level and the protein level in the mesocrystal composite systems. ALP activity of differentiated cells is also significantly higher in the mesocomposite systems compared to the nanocomposite systems or the pure hydrogel systems. The mesocomposite systems provide not only hard surfaces for binding the cells/proteins by the inorganic mesocrystals but also a soft matrix for holding the cells by the hydrogel. Through the current research, (1) a novel method of preparing mesocrystals is developed, (2) TMSCs are proved as a new resource of stem cells, and (3) the mesocomposite systems are proved to be a promising tool in controlling stem cell differentiation. (4) Finally, the research emphasizes the significance of mesoscience as a new perspective of science in controlling cell and material interfaces.

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We devised a complementary quantitative method for gestational diabetes (GDM) that uses the area under the curve (AUC) of the results of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and evaluated its efficacy in predicting neonates that would be large for gestational age (LGA). The study subjects were 648 pregnant women. The AUC-OGTT (concentration x time) was calculated from the 100-g OGTT results. The incidence of LGA according to each range of the AUC-OGTT was estimated and odds ratios were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis.The incidence of LGA increased with the AUC-OGTT value and was 0% for AUC<300, 7.8% for 300-400, 14.9% for 400-500, 20.8% for 500-600, and 45.5% for > or = 600. The odds ratio of LGA increased by approximately two-fold with an increase of 100 in the AUC-OGTT. The results indicated that the AUC-OGTT can be used to quantify the risk of LGA in GDM. The AUC-OGTT could complement a diagnosis of GDM using conventional diagnostic criteria.