Effect of platelet-rich plasma in alveolar distraction osteogenesis: a controlled clinical trial.

We have evaluated the effect of the use of platelet-rich plasma in alveolar distraction osteogenesis. Fourteen patients who were partly edentulous in the anterior premaxilla region were selected and randomised into two groups (n=7 in each group). Those in the experimental group were give platelet-rich plasma at the time of distraction, and the control group had only distraction. Selected cases had defects in the alveolar ridge of more than 3mm, and a minimal bone height of 7 mm from the alveolar ridge crest to important anatomical structures. The plaque index and gingival index were recorded on days 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 105 postoperatively. There was a strong negative correlation between the gingival index and augmentation of bone, and a strong positive correlation between the mean gingival index and loss of bone from the transported segment. The addition of platelet-rich plasma had a protective effect on the mucosa around the distractor, which decreased the potential for complications.

Epigenetic alterations and decreasing insecticide sensitivity of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus.

A range of environmental factors, including chemicals, can affect epigenetic processes in organisms leading to variations in phenotype. Thus, epigenetics displays an important environmentally responsive element. The transgenerational impact of environmental stressors on DNA methylation and phenotype was the focus of this study. The influence of two known DNA methylation-changing agents, the phytoestrogen genistein and the fungicide vinclozolin, on the overall DNA methylation level in the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus was investigated. The experiment comprised four generations in a full life-cycle design with an exposed parental generation and three consecutive non-exposed offspring generations. Application of the methylation agents to the parental generation of the study led to an alteration of the global DNA methylation level of the exposed individuals and those in two subsequent generations. The phenotypic variability of the offspring generations was assessed by examining their insecticide sensitivity. Here, a significant decrease in sensitivity (p<0.01) towards the model insecticide imidacloprid revealed alterations of the mosquito's phenotype in two subsequent generations. Thus, the evaluation of A. albopictus from an epigenetic perspective can contribute important information to the study of the high adaptability of this invasive disease vector to new environments, and its underlying mechanisms.