Flake-shaped nanohybrids based on black phosphorus (BP) have been developed as multifunctional theranostic nanoplatforms for drug delivery, phototherapy and bioimaging. In this work, we report a facile strategy for fabrication of black phosphorus-Au nanoparticle hybrids (BP-AuNPs), which reveal extraordinary near-infrared (NIR) photothermal transduction efficiency and drug delivery capacity. The applications of the nanocomposites as therapeutic agents for high-performance chemo-photothermal tumor therapy are accomplished in vitro and in vivo. BP-AuNPs also exhibit wonderful surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity under NIR laser excitation with a low Raman background, allowing BP-AuNPs as promising two-dimensional (2D) fingerprint nanoprobe for bio-SERS analysis. The cellular component identification and label-free live-cell bioimaging based on this type of 2D SERS substrate are generally investigated, which open up promising new perspectives in nanomedicine, including diagnosis, imaging and therapy.

Background. To assess the clinical outcomes of central tendon-splitting approach and double row anchor suturing for the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Methods. 28 patients (28 feet) diagnosed with insertional Achilles tendinopathy were included in this study. The inclusions were symptom of hindfoot pain around the insertion of the Achilles tendon, radiographic demonstration of calcification, or degeneration of the Achilles tendon, showing no symptom improvement even after standard nonsurgical treatment for more than six months. The X-ray revealed that patients had obvious posterior superior calcaneal exostosis with the possibility of friction with the Achilles tendon or intratendinous calcification. Surgical correction by the central tendon-splitting approach and double row Achilles tendon suturing was performed. The ankles were immobilized with plaster for four weeks postoperatively. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and visual analogue score (VAS) were assessed preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. At final follow-up, the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) was also evaluated. Results. No complication, including postoperative wound infection and tendon rupture, was not found. All the patients resumed their daily activities with no high level of daily activities, such as jumping and jogging after 6 weeks postoperatively. 27 patients were available for follow-up for at least 2 years, while only one patient was lost to follow-up. At postoperative 2 years, the postoperative AOFAS score increased significantly, while the VAS score decreased statistically when compared with preoperative values. At final follow-up, 24 patients had complete alleviation of pain, whereas the remaining 3 patients complained of mild heel pain after walking for a long time. The MOXFQ score showed obvious relief of previous symptoms for all included cases. Conclusions. Central tendon-splitting approach and double row Achilles tendon suture provide excellent intraoperative visual field, larger tendon-bone contact area, and stronger pullout strength and, thus, facilitate early rehabilitation. It can be a safe and effective method for the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

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This is the first evidence reporting that LA induced significant elevations of NO-sGC releases over acupoints, and the enhanced signal molecules contribute to local circulation, which improves the beneficial effects of the therapy.

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