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Clarion students, faculty publish article

Two Clarion University students, Joseph Thomas and Julie Speicher, and two faculty members Dr. Larry Bering and Dr. Douglas Smith, conducted research and contributed an article concerning dentistry.

“An Analysis of a Rapid, Simple, and Inexpensive Technique Used to Obtain Platelet-Rich Plasma for Use In Clinical Practice,” was published in the Journal of Oral Implantology. Additional co-authors are Dr. James Rutkowski of Clarion and Dr. David Johnson.

The article describes a rapid, simple and inexpensive methodology for preparing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) using the Cliniseal centrifuge method. The study demonstrated that platelets are concentrated without altering morphology.

Additionally, they demonstrated that key growth factors were present in comparable or higher concentrations than those reported with the use of other techniques. The study confirmed the molecular aspects of PRP, including the presence and higher concentration of several prominent growth factors, obtained by an inexpensive and efficient methodology.

The research has translational value in that the findings will be applied clinically to enhance healing in oral surgical procedures and it has many applications in medicine from improved surgical healing to treatment of chronic diabetic ulcerations.

Joseph Thomas is pursuing his M.S. degree in biology. He is the son of John Thomas of Venus.

Julie Speicher is a 2007 Clarion University graduate with a degree in biology. She is currently a research assistant 1 at the University of Texas Health Science Center’s Institute of Molecular Medicine in Houston, Texas, reporting to Dr. Paul Simmons.

Dr. Larry Bering has been a professor of biochemistry at Clarion University since 1988. He serves as the chair of the chemistry department. He earned his B.S. degree from the University of Houston and his Ph.D. from Purdue University.

Dr. Douglas Smith has been a professor of cell biology and immunology at Clarion University since 1992. He earned his B.S. degree from St. Vincent College, his M.S. from Shippensburg University, and his Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. James Rutkowski is in private dentistry practice in Clarion. He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree at Duquesne University.

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