[Evaluation of short-term clinical therapeutic efficiency of computer aided design and manufacturing titanium-ceramic-fixed partial dentures for implant-supported restoration in posterior region].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results of computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) titanium-ceramic-fixed partial dentures for implant-supported restoration in posterior region. METHODS: In the study, 90 patients (47 males, 43 females, and the mean age of 48.7 years ranging from 30-62 years) with posterior tooth missing underwent implant-supported porcelain fuse mental prostheses with CAD/CAM titanium-base. A total of 135 prostheses (159 prosthetic units) were fabricated, and 152 implants were placed. The evaluators examined the integrity of restoration, gingival health, color match and marginal adaptation. The mean follow-up time was 51.9 months (24-80 months). RESULTS: No implant was lost during the loading time. All the patients were satisfied at the end of their treatment. The chipping rate of porcelain fuse mental prostheses with CAD/CAM titanium-base was 13.2%(21/159 prosthetic units), No fracture of titanium-base was observed, and 7.4% (10/135) prostheses were found loosening. The authors rated 97.8% (132/135) prosthesis as good or better in regard to color match, 100% (152/152) implants had excellent marginal adaptation. CONCLUSION: The implant-supported titanium-based porcelain fuse mental prostheses with CAD/CAM show good marginal integrity and shade stability, with a clinically acceptable chipping rate, and these restorations can achieve success in the case of posterior tooth missing. Further study is needed to determine the long-term results.

Injectable Temperature-Sensitive Hydrogel Loaded with IL-36Ra for the Relief of Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory disease accompanied by synovial joint inflammation, and IL-36 plays an important role in this process. Local application of IL-36 receptor antagonist (IL-36Ra) can effectively control the inflammatory response, thereby protecting cartilage and slowing down the development of OA. However, its application is limited by the fact that it is rapidly metabolized locally. We designed and prepared a temperature-sensitive poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) hydrogel (IL-36Ra@Gel) system carrying IL-36Ra and evaluated its basic physicochemical characteristics. The drug release curve of IL-36Ra@Gel indicated that this system could slowly release the drug over a longer period. Furthermore, degradation experiments showed that it could be largely degraded from the body within 1 month. The biocompatibility-related results showed that it had no significant effect on cell proliferation compared to the control group. In addition, the expression of MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 was lower in IL-36Ra@Gel-treated chondrocytes than in the control group, and the opposite results appeared in aggrecan and collagen X. After 8 weeks of treatment with IL-36Ra@Gel by joint cavity injection, HE and Safranin O/Fast green staining showed that the degree of cartilage tissue destruction in the IL-36Ra@Gel-treated group was less than those in other groups. Meanwhile, the joints of mice in the IL-36Ra@Gel group had the most intact cartilage surface, the smallest thickness of cartilage erosion, and the lowest OARSI and Mankins score among all groups. Consequently, the combination of IL-36Ra and PLGA-PLEG-PLGA temperature-sensitive hydrogels can greatly improve the therapeutic effect and prolong the drug duration time, thus effectively delaying the progression of degenerative changes in OA, providing a new feasible nonsurgical treatment for OA.

Pharmaceutical liposomal delivery-specific considerations of innovation and challenges.

Liposomal technology has been widely used in the pharmaceutical field for the preparation of nano-sized drug delivery systems based on natural or synthetic lipids. Liposomes possess many attractive properties, such as easy processing, high biocompatibility, adaptable drug loading, and improved PK profiles. In recent decades, great efforts have been made in this field, and dozens of liposomal medicines have been marketed worldwide and many more are under preclinical or clinical investigations. Liposomes can enhance the aqueous dissolution and stability of the encapsulated drugs and modulate the in vivo fate of the drugs (e.g., prolonged half-life and increased drug accumulation in the pathological sites). Therefore, liposomal technology can improve the druggability of the candidates, enhance treatment efficacy and reduce side effects. This review discusses the prospects of liposomal delivery, including the specific considerations of innovation and challenges.

Aging of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membrane due to ozone exposure in water treatment: Evolution of membrane properties and performance.

Pre-ozonation is an effective pretreatment tactic for mitigating fouling of ultrafiltration (UF) membrane in water and wastewater treatment, but the compatibility of polymeric UF membranes with residual ozone remains unclear. In this study, effects of long-term ozone exposure on properties and performance of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) UF membrane reinforced by polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer were systematically investigated. The exposure intensities were designed to simulate ozone exposure at 0.1 mg/L for 0.5-5 years. Chemical composition analysis suggested that the hydrophilic additives, such as possibly polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), was gradually degraded and released from the membrane, whereas the PVDF matrix exhibited fairly good ozone resistance. Ozonation resulted in increase of pore size and decrease of surface hydrophilicity, which can be attributed to oxidation and dislodgement of hydrophilic additives. Accordingly, long-term ozonation led to moderate changes in performance factors, including increase of membrane permeability by 34%, decrease of retention ability by 21.8%, increase of organic fouling propensity. It is worth noting that membrane tensile strength suffered substantial decrease after ozonation, probably due to ozonation of the PET support layer. Overall, it seems that the PVDF functional layer exhibited good ozone resistance, but the PET support layer was the Achilles' heel of the reinforced PVDF membrane for integrating with pre-ozonation.

Penetrating Macrophage-Based Nanoformulation for Periodontitis Treatment.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by the interaction of oral microorganisms with the host immune response. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.) acts as a key mediator in subverting the homeostasis of the local immune system. On the one hand, P.g. inhibits phagocytosis and the killing capacity of immune cells. On the other hand, P.g. increases selective cytokine release, which is beneficial to its further proliferation. Here, we prepared a penetrating macrophage-based nanoformulation (MZ@PNM)-encapsulating hydrogel (MZ@PNM@GCP) that responded to the periodontitis microenvironment. MZ@PNM targeted P.g. via the Toll-like receptor complex 2/1 (TLR2/1) on its macrophage-mimicking membrane, then directly killed P.g. through disruption of bacterial structural integrity by the cationic nanoparticles and intracellular release of an antibacterial drug, metronidazole (MZ). Meanwhile, MZ@PNM interrupted the specific binding of P.g. to immune cells and neutralized complement component 5a (C5a), preventing P.g. subversion of periodontal host immune response. Overall, MZ@PNM@GCP showed potent efficacy in periodontitis treatment, restoring local immune function and killing pathogenic bacteria, while exhibiting favorable biocompatibility, all of which have been demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro.

Insight the roles of loosely-bound and tightly-bound extracellular polymeric substances on Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ biosorption process with Desulfovibrio vulgaris.

The aim of this study is to explore the fate and mechanism of metal cations of biosorption in the Desulfovibrio vulgaris system (including bacterial cells and secreted loosely-bound extracellular polymeric substances (LB-EPS) and tightly-bound extracellular polymeric substances (TB-EPS)). The relative contribution of EPS (TB-EPS and LB-EPS) to the adsorption of three metal cations is much greater than that of bacterial cells, and the adsorption capacity of Pb2+ on EPS (TB-EPS and LB-EPS) is much greater than that of Cu2+ and Zn2+ (Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+). The order of absorption capacity was as follows: LB-EPS > TB-EPS > bacterial cells, the adsorption contribution of EPS (including TB-EPS and LB-EPS) to Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ accounted for total adsorption capacity was 82%, 83% and 86%, respectively. It was suggested that LB-EPS was the first reaction barrier of immobilization metal cations before metal cations was able to pass through EPS and react with cells. The adsorption process was dominated by complexation and electrostatic interaction. The three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM) identified two main fluorescence peaks of the aromatic and tryptophan protein-like substances in EPS. According to the synchronous fluorescence spectra, the tryptophan protein-like substances were gradually quenched with increased metal cations concentrations, which the quencher mechanism is dynamic quenching. The findings of this work are significant to reveal the fate of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ during its sorption process onto Desulfovibrio vulgaris, and provide useful information of the interaction between Desulfovibrio vulgaris and its secreted EPS with metal cations.

Structural augmentation with biomaterial-loaded allograft threaded cage for the treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis.

Seventy-six patients with femoral head necrosis were allocated to a program of either core decompression (control group) or core decompression and implantation of a biomaterial-loaded allograft threaded cage (treatment group). All patients were followed up prospectively clinically and radiographically. In the control group, no significant improvement in Harris hip score was found, and 13 of the 22 hips had deteriorated to stage III. In the treatment group, the mean Harris hip score was improved from 62.8 to 81.6; the clinical success rate at 36 months postoperatively was 91%. Collapse was seen in 1 hip, and another 3 hips exhibited progressive collapse. The procedure is attractive as a minimally invasive and salvage procedure, which shows encouraging success rates and early clinical results in patients with Steinberg stage I-II osteonecrosis.

[Soft and hard tissue changes and vertical correlation of early skeletal Class â ¢ malocclusion treated with Sander â ¢ appliance].

PURPOSE: To explore the correlation between the soft and hard tissue changes and the vertical direction of early skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion treated with Sander Ⅲ appliance. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion who underwent Sander Ⅲ appliance correction were enrolled. The changes of soft and hard tissues were observed before and after treatment for 12 months. The correlation between soft tissue and vertical direction was analyzed. SPSS 25.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: After 12 months of treatment, SNB decreased (P<0.05), ANB, A-PTV, Go-Me increased (P<0.05), soft tissue index LL-LI increased (P<0.05), LL-EP decreased (P<0.05). L1/MP was reduced after treatment (P<0.05), and U1E-PTV was increased (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that UL-UI was positively correlated with tilt angle, U1E-PP and U6E-PP(P<0.05); LL-LI was negatively correlated with tilt angle, U1E-PP and U6E-PP (P<0.05). Sn -UL/FH and U6E-PP were positively correlated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sander Ⅲ appliance can effectively correct the soft and hard tissue deformity of patients with early skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion. The shape of the lip tends to be coordinated with the improvement of hard tissue. The soft tissue index is closely related to the vertical direction of the hard tissue.

Synthesis a graphene-like magnetic biochar by potassium ferrate for 17ß-estradiol removal: Effects of Al2O3 nanoparticles and microplastics.

A graphene-like magnetic biochar (GLMB) was synthesized using lotus seedpod and potassium ferrate with simple step and applied for E2 adsorption. GLMB was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman, X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and BET surface area. Several common (solution pH, ionic strength, humic acid and foreign ions) and new (Al2O3 nanoparticles and microplastics (MPs)) water experiment conditions were investigated. Characterization results demonstrated that the sample was fabricated successfully and it possessed some graphene-like properties and a large surface area (828.37 m2/g). Adsorption results revealed that the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm models could provide a better description for E2 uptake behavior. The E2 adsorption capacity could be influenced by solution pH, ionic strength and SO42- ions, and the effect of humic acid and background electrolyte (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, NO3-, PO43-) could be neglected. The presences of Al2O3/MPs significantly decreased the time to reach adsorption equilibrium for E2 adsorption on GLMB, but had no obvious improvement or inhibiting effects on E2 removal when the adsorption reached equilibrium. The adsorption mechanism for E2 adsorption on GLMB was multiple, which involving π-π interactions, micropore filling effects, electrostatic interaction. The regeneration experiments showed that GLMB possessed a good regeneration performance. Based on the experimental results and comparative analysis with other adsorbents, GLMB was an economical, high-efficiency, green and recyclable adsorbent for E2 removal from aqueous solution.

Biocompatible graphene oxide-collagen composite aerogel for enhanced stiffness and in situ bone regeneration.

The developing bone graft substitutes have become a promising strategy for repairing large bone loss. Aerogels that made from natural polymers were widely investigated for synthetic bone graft due to their high porosity and great biocompatibility. However, the mechanical properties of natural polymer aerogel are extremely poor for large bone repair. Graphene oxide (GO) is one of the nanomaterials with great mechanical properties as well as biocompatibility, making it a promising component when constructing hybrid aerogels for bone regeneration. In the present study, we have developed a highly porous aerogel consist of GO and type I collagen (COL) using sol-gel process (concentrations of GO: 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% w/v). Results indicated that GO-COL aerogels were highly porous and hydrophilic. Furthermore, the compressive modulus of GO-COL aerogels was enhanced with the GO concentration increased. For in vitro experiment, 0.1% GO-COL aerogel exhibited better biomineralization rate and cell compatibility than other groups of aerogels. For in vivo study, a better bone repair effect was observed in 0.1% GO-COL aerogels than COL aerogel in rat cranial defect models. This study indicated that 0.1% GO-COL aerogel exhibited good biocompatibility and osteogenic ability in vivo, which make it a promising biocompatible scaffold for bone regeneration and tissue engineering.

Biomaterial-loaded allograft threaded cage for the treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis in a goat model.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of core decompression with a biomaterial-loaded allograft threaded cage (ATC) for the treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis in an established goat model. First, bilateral early-stage osteonecrosis was induced. After core decompression, the remaining goats were randomly divided into three groups: Group A, the goats were left without any treatment; Group B, the goats were treated with implanting a composite of autologous bone and decalcified bone matrix (DBM); Group C, the goats were treated using insertion of ATC loaded with DBM and autogenous bone graft. Then radiographic, histological and biomechanical analysis were taken in each group at 5, 10, and 20 weeks postoperation. In Group A, the classical signs of osteonecrosis of the femoral head were identified 10 weeks after the induction. Twenty weeks later, the density, surface and biomechanical stability of the femoral head were normal in Group C, while an irregular surface and an inhomogeneous microstructure or variation of density/hardness were identified in Group B. The specimens revealed a continuous trabaecular bone structure throughout the cage and extensive bone ingrowth and remodeling in Group C, while fibrous tissue was evident in Group B. Core decompression with a biomaterial loaded ATC almost uniformly delays or arrests the progression of the disease before articular collapse, and it could help to get the balance between bone resorption and new bone formation, strengthen structural mechanics of the femoral head, provide structure support of articular cartilage.

Clinical observation of particulate cancellous bone impaction grafting in combination with total hip arthroplasty for acetabular reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of particulate cancellous bone impaction grafting in combination with total hip arthroplasty (THA) for acetabular reconstruction in patients with posttraumatic arthritis and bone loss after acetabular fractures. METHODS: Totally 15 consecutive cases with unilateral acetabular fracture were treated with bone impaction grafting in combination with THA in our department. There were 10 males and 5 females with mean age of 48.2 years (ranging from 36 to 73 years). Eight cases had the fracture at left hips, 7 at right hips. The average age at injury was 28 years (ranging from 18 to 68 years). The mean follow-up period was 4.3 years (ranging from 2 to 7 years). RESULTS: Compared with mean 42 points (ranging from 10 to 62) of the preoperative Harris score, the survival cases at the final follow-up had mean 84 points (ranging from 58 to 98). One patient had mild pain in the hip. No revision of the acetabular or femoral component was undertaken during the follow-up. Normal rotational centre of most hips was recovered except 2 cases in which it was 0.8 mm higher than that in opposite side. All of them had a stable radiographic appearance. Progressive radiolucent lines were observed in I, III zones in 2 cases. One patient had a nonprogressive radiolucent line in zone III. The cup prosthesis was obviously displaced (6 mm) in one patient, but had not been revised. CONCLUSION: Particulate cancellous bone impaction grafting in combination with THA as a biological solution is an attractive procedure for acetabular reconstruction in patients with posttraumatic arthritis and bone loss after acetabular fracture, which can not only restore acetabular bone stock but also repair normal hip anatomy and its function.

Arginine, glycine, aspartic acid peptide-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposome for the treatment of lung cancer: in vitro/vivo evaluation.

PURPOSE: In this study, a novel arginine, glycine, aspartic acid peptide (RGD)-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes were developed to evaluate their antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Co-loaded liposomes were prepared using the solvent evaporation method. The particles had spherical shapes under electron microscopy with sizes <130 nm. RESULTS: By comparison with the free drug, RGD-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes and paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes have sustained-release properties in vitro. In vivo, there was no significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters between the RGD-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes and paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes. A strong green fluorescence was observed in the cytoplasmic region after incubation of RGD-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes for 2 h. RGD-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes showed a superior antiproliferative effect on A549 cells with a possible mechanism that suppressed the multidrug resistance phenomenon and exhibited a clear synergistic effect. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that RGD-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes had a better antitumor effect in vivo than the non-modified LPs. These results indicate that RGD-modified co-loaded liposomes are a promising candidate for antitumor drug delivery.

Enhanced biological stabilization of heavy metals in sediment using immobilized sulfate reducing bacteria beads with inner cohesive nutrient.

A series of experiments were conducted for treating heavy metals contaminated sediments sampled from Xiangjiang River, which combined polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and immobilized sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) into beads. The sodium lactate was served as the inner cohesive nutrient. Coupling the activity of the SRB with PVA, along with the porous structure and huge specific surface area, provided a convenient channel for the transmission of matter and protected the cells against the toxicity of metals. This paper systematically investigated the stability of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd and its mechanisms. The results revealed the performance of leaching toxicity was lower and the removal efficiencies of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd were 76.3%, 95.6%, 100% and 91.2%, respectively. Recycling experiments showed the beads could be reused 5 times with superbly efficiency. These results were also confirmed by continuous extraction at the optimal conditions. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive spectra (EDS) analysis indicated the heavy metals could be transformed into stable crystal texture. The stabilization of heavy metals was attributed to the carbonyl and acyl amino groups. Results presented that immobilized bacteria with inner nutrient were potentially and practically applied to multi-heavy-metal-contamination sediment.

Experimental study on allogenic decalcified bone matrix as carrier for bone tissue engineering.

The biocompatibility and osteogenic activity of allogenic decalcified bone matrix (DBM) used as a carrier for bone tissue engineering were studied. Following the method described by Urist, allogenic DBM was made. In vitro, DBM and bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) from rabbits were co-cultured for 3-7 days and subjected to HE staining, and a series of histomorphological observations were performed under phase-contrast microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vivo the mixture of DBM/BMSC co-cultured for 3 days was planted into one side of muscules sacrospinalis of rabbits, and the DBM without BMSC was planted into other side as control. Specimens were collected at postoperative week 1, 2 and 4, and subjected to HE staining, and observed under SEM. The results showed during culture in vitro, the BMSCs adherent to the wall of DBM grew, proliferated and had secretive activity. The in vivo experiment revealed that BMSCs and undifferentiated mesenchymal cells in the perivascular region invaded gradually and proliferated together in DBM/BMSC group, and colony-forming units of chondrocytes were found. Osteoblasts, trabecular bone and medullary cavity appeared. The inflammatory reaction around muscles almost disappeared at the second weeks. In pure DBM group, the similar changes appeared from the surface of the DBM to center, and the volume of total regenerate bones was less than the DBM/BMSC group at the same time. The results indicated that the mixture of DBM and BMSC had good biocompatibility and ectopic induced osteogenic activity.

Evaluation of the therapeutic efficiency of mandibular anterior implant-supported fixed bridges with cantilevers.

BACKGROUND: Dental implant technology has developed rapidly in recent years. However, the use of implant-supported fixed bridges with cantilevers has been controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of the mandibular anterior implant-supported fixed bridges with a cantilever. Method Thirty-three patients (15 males, 18 females; mean age, 42.6 years; range 20-54 years) with two missing anterior mandibular teeth had single implant-supported fixed bridges with a cantilever. Clinical examination was recorded and radiographs were taken. The mean duration of follow-up was 30 months (15-44 months). RESULTS: All implants survived. Loosening or fracture of the prosthesis was not observed. All patients were satisfied with the treatment. The mean bone resorption values after 12, 24, and 36 months of implant loading were 0.94, 1.18 and 1.35 mm respectively. The changes of gingival papilla height ranged from 0 to 0.5 mm. There was significant difference between 1-year and 2 or 3 years restoration groups regarding the average gingival height changes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After careful and precise selection of patients, restoration with a single implant-supported fixed bridge with a cantilever can be recommended if two anterior mandibular teeth are missing.

[A clinical observation of combined application of magnetic attachments and extracoronal attachments].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effect of combined application of magnetic attachments and extracoronal attachments in prosthodontics. METHODS: Twenty-two cases of dentition defect with isolated residual root or residual crown were selected. All the cases accepted the restorative treatment combined magnetic attachments with extracoronal attachments. The clinical effect of dentures and the condition of abutment teeth were evaluated by chief complaint of patients and clinical examination. The follow-up time ranged from 2 years to 4 years. RESULTS: Satisfactory functional, stable and esthetic results of dentures were achieved for all the cases. And there was no abutment loosening and no secondary caries. Alveolar bone loss around abutment occurred in 1 case, gingivitis of abutments appeared in 5 cases. Chewing pain occurred in 1 case and unstable state of dentures appeared in 5 cases after the use of denture for 2 years. The dentures of above-mentioned cases were used normally after symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSION: The combined application of magnetic attachments and extracoronal attachments in prosthodontics is an effective treatment option for cases of dentition defect with isolated residual root or residual crown.

The template synthesis of double coaxial carbon nanotubes with nitrogen-doped and boron-doped multiwalls.

We present the first synthesis of double coaxial carbon nanotubes with nitrogen-doped and boron-doped multiwalls by the template technique with two-step chemical vapor deposition. X-ray photoelectron spectra confirm the coaxial formation of different-doped structures. The electrical conductance and oxygen chemisorption measurement indicate dual electrical properties and chemical activity at their outer and inner layers.

Developmental expression of FXPRLamide neuropeptides in peptidergic neurosecretory cells of diapause- and nondiapause-destined individuals of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera.

The diapause hormone (DH)-pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) gene encodes five neuropeptides, DH, PBAN, alpha-SGNP, beta-SGNP, and gamma-SGNP (subesophageal ganglion neuropeptide). All share the C-terminal pentapeptide FXPRLamide sequence and are produced in the subesophageal ganglion (SG). Expression of the DH-PBAN gene in the central nervous system of embryonic, larval, pupal, and adult Helicoverpa armigera (Har) was studied using in situ hybridization, whole-mount immunocytochemistry, and competitive ELISA. Both Har-DH-PBAN mRNA and protein are localized in the mandibular, maxillary, and labial cell clusters of the SG and a pair of ventral midline neurons of each thoracic ganglion. The FXPRLamide titers in hemolymph are significantly higher in diapause-destined larvae during the fifth and sixth instar than in similar nondiapause-destined individuals. In contrast, the FXPRLamide titers in diapause-destined pupae are significantly lower than in nondiapause-destined pupae. The results from immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization are consistent with changes of FXPRLamide titers as measured by ELISA. These data suggest that the expression of DH-PBAN might be correlated with diapause induction at the larval stage of diapause-destined individuals and continuous development at pupal stage of nondiapause-destined individuals. Thus, the DH-PBAN gene may play an important regulatory role in aspects of insect development besides diapause termination and pheromone biosynthesis. The transport pathways of FXPRLamide neuropeptides suggest that humoral route is involved in their regulation of development.