Background Non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) is one of the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies. This study aims to systematically evaluate the developmental trends and research frontiers in NSCLP research using bibliometric analysis. Methods NSCLP-related articles published in English between January 1982 and February 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R package "bibliometrix" were used to evaluate publication trends, citation patterns, collaborative networks, and keyword evolution. Results A total of 1,068 eligible articles were analyzed. The United States (254 articles, 11,488 citations) was the most productive countries, with the University of Iowa being the most active institution. Mary L. Marazita (H-index 25) was the most influential researchers. Keyword analysis revealed five distinct research clusters: genetic mechanisms, clinical phenotypes, epidemiological factors, genetic susceptibility, and developmental biology. Keyword burst analysis indicated that "prevalence" continues to exhibit a burst trend in 2025, with a link strength of 8.46. Conclusion This study employs bibliometric analysis to comprehensively map the landscape and developmental trajectory of NSCLP research, highlighting its key areas spanning basic mechanisms, clinical medicine, and epidemiology. The findings suggest that future research priorities are likely to remain focused on the epidemiological aspects of the disease.
Background Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P), including unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral (BCLP) types, is a common congenital deformity that affects maxillofacial appearance and function. In order to describe the postoperative craniofacial morphology in UCLP and BCLP patients after prior surgical intervention, this study used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to quantify primary maxillofacial characteristics in UCLP and BCLP patients and to assess the secondary post-surgical changes in the maxillary bones. Methods This retrospective case-control study included 111 adolescents treated between January 2018 and December 2022. Participants were divided into three groups: UCLP (n = 37), BCLP (n = 37), and orthodontic control (n = 37). CBCT scans were obtained, and 3D reconstruction was performed using Mimics 21.0 software to establish a standardized coordinate system. Measurements of maxillary width, height, depth, and mandibular length were compared across groups using SPSS 26.0. Results In the UCLP group, maxillary width on the cleft side was significantly greater than in the control group, deviating from the midline (P < 0.05). The BCLP group showed a bilateral increase in maxillary width, with a greater distance from the cleft side maxilla to the sagittal plane (P < 0.05). Both cleft groups had significantly reduced maxillary height compared to controls (P < 0.05), indicating vertical underdevelopment. In the BCLP group, maxillary asymmetry was more pronounced, with inward displacement of key landmarks. Compared to the control, the cleft group showed no significant difference in mandibular length (P > 0.05), indicating it was unaffected by the cleft. Conclusion CBCT provides precise 3D measurements that reveal complex maxillary abnormalities in UCLP and BCLP patients, including width anomalies, vertical underdevelopment, and sagittal retrusion. The mandible remains unaffected in length, highlighting that the primary deformity lies in maxillary morphology rather than size. This study identifies distinct skeletal features for different CLP types, offering a foundation for individualized treatment planning and efficacy assessment.
The reciprocal exchange of carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis plays a crucial role in regulating soil biogeochemical cycling. However, how chemically fertilized (CF) versus organically fertilized (OF) soils alter AM fungal-driven effects on soil microbiomes and carbon/phosphorus cycling remains poorly understood. We conducted a greenhouse three-compartment microcosm experiment using a CF and OF soil. Amplicon and metagenomic sequencing were employed to investigate how soil microbial communities and functional genes respond to the presence of AM fungal extraradical hyphae. When AM hyphae are absent, the CF and OF soils harbored markedly distinct microbial communities. Hyphae presence triggered highly responsive amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in both soils. Moreover, hyphae presence significantly altered the OF soil microbial community. AM fungal hyphae decreased Olsen-P and enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Hyphal effects were soil-dependent: hyphae promoted P-mineralization genes (E3.1.3.1, phoA, phoB) and C-degradation genes in the CF soil, whereas they stimulated P-solubilization genes (ppx-gppA), C-fixation genes, and glycoside hydrolase (GH) families in the OF soil. These findings demonstrate that fertilization regimes (i.e. chemical or organic) dictate the functional trajectories of AM fungal-microbiome interactions, advancing our mechanistic understanding of the AM fungal ecological function under contrasting fertilization regimes.
This study introduces the application of hyperspectral imaging (HI) technology for the non-destructive detection of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and folates, which are bioactive compounds in wheat seedlings. Analyzing the GABA and folate content in 210 wheat varieties distributed across China provides an ideal dataset for model prediction. By comparing various preprocessing, filtering, and modeling techniques, predictive models with high accuracy were established. The 1st-GA-PLS model effectively predicts GABA content (RMSEC = 27.887, Rc2 = 0.803, RMSEP = 25.640, Rp2 = 0.858, RPD = 2.576), while the S-G-SPA-SVM model achieves very high accuracy in predicting folate content (RMSEC = 9.761, Rc2 = 0.937, RMSEP = 18.742, Rp2 = 0.894, RPD = 3.065). Our research provides meaningful insights for the intelligent cultivation of wheat seedlings, offering a valuable tool for precision farming and production of wheat seedlings as functional food ingredients.
Aim or purpose: To identify the genetic susceptibility factors of orthodontic induced external apical root resorption (EARR) of maxillary incisors. Materials and methods: The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee of the Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of NMU. Orthodontic patients were recruited. Root resorption volume was assessed from the three-dimensional structure of maxillary incisors of CBCT images using a pre-trained deep-learning model. The clinical variables, including gender, age, extraction pattern, and treatment duration, were evaluated. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to analyse the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and EARR severity by an additive model on the discovery and validation stages, respectively. Meta-analysis was adopted to combine the GWAS summary statistics of two stages, based on P value and weighted by sample size, magnitude and the direction of effect. Functional interpretation of the GWAS results were performed by FUMA. Results: 167 and 211 orthodontic patients were recruited in two stages, respectively. Tooth structures were successfully reconstructed. No significant associations were found between EARR and gender, age, or extraction pattern. 7 susceptible loci (rs68057539, rs60614952, rs17159164, rs180716347, rs59586838, rs12232338, rs10880383) associated with EARR were identified in the meta-analysis. Enrichment of risk genes in acute inflammation response and immune effector processes pathways was revealed. Conclusions: 7 susceptibility loci associated with orthodontically induced EARR of maxillary incisors were identified in this GWAS, with subsequent functional enrichment analysis demonstrating significant overrepresentation of risk genes in inflammatory and immune-related pathways. These findings improved our understanding of the genetic factors underlying EARR.
Genome-wide association studies have identified numerous loci associated with nonsyndromic cleft lip with/without cleft palate (nsCL/P). However, the causal genes within these loci remain to be systematically investigated. Through a multiomics screening strategy, we identified 20 candidate genes, with ARID3B emerging as the most significant risk gene for nsCL/P. Focusing on the ARID3B locus, we found a casual variant at rs1821848 that diminished the binding affinity of NR2C2, resulting in the upregulation of ARID3B. Notably, we observed the formation of ARID3B granules through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) both in vivo and in vitro. This ARID3B-mediated LLPS could essentially recruit coactivators SMAD2/3 and establish enhancer activity necessary for initiating the gene profile related to nsCL/P. Ultimately, disrupting the LLPS of arid3b effectively rescued migration, apoptosis, and phenotype deficits in zebrafish models. This study systematically revealed biological functions of both rs1821848 and ARID3B during nsCL/P development.
This study investigates the genetic factors associated with nonsyndromic cleft palate only (NSCPO) through a two-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) and functional experiments. A total of 311 NSCPO cases and 1,136 controls were included, and we identified rs3826795 in HIF3A significantly associated with NSCPO risk (p = 4.27E-09). Functional assays showed that the A allele of rs3826795 reduced VEZF1 binding to the HIF3A promoter, thereby enhancing HIF3A expression. Additionally, we demonstrated that HIF3A significantly influenced cellular processes, including apoptosis, proliferation, and migration, in both in vitro and in vivo models. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that HIF3A suppressed the GABAergic synapse pathway, which plays a crucial role in embryonic development. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying NSCPO susceptibility and suggest potential targets for future therapeutic interventions.
INTRODUCTION:This study aimed to compare changes in maxillary anterior alveolar bone remodeling and complication rates in adult patients with different periodontal conditions after maxillary anterior tooth retraction using fixed appliances. In addition, this study analyzed potential factors affecting alveolar bone thickness in patients with periodontitis. METHODS:A total of 55 adult patients (mean age, 23.53 ± 4.55 years) with Angle Class I or II Division 1 malocclusion with maxillary protrusion were recruited and categorized into the healthy control group (n = 23), stage I periodontitis (P-I) group (n = 17), and stage II periodontitis (P-II) group (n = 15). The maxillary anterior teeth were retracted using a fixed appliance. Cone-beam computed tomography was used to measure the thickness, height, and density of the alveolar bone in the maxillary anterior region before (T1) and after (T2) treatment. The incidences of bone dehiscence and fenestration were documented. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate intergroup and intragroup differences. Clinical and cephalometric data were collected to identify factors affecting the changes in alveolar bone thickness using multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS:The labial alveolar bone thickness increased significantly after treatment in all groups, but no differences were observed among the groups. In contrast, the palatal alveolar bone thickness decreased, particularly in the P-I and P-II groups, at the midroot and apical levels (P <0.05). A significant decrease in alveolar bone height was observed in the P-I and P-II groups (P <0.05). The incidence of palatal bone dehiscence was higher in the P-II (84.44%) and P-I (69.61%) groups. Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that sex, treatment duration, periodontal treatment, changes in tooth inclination, and initial thickness significantly affected palatal alveolar bone thickness changes in patients with periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS:After retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth with a fixed appliance, the labial alveolar bone of the maxillary anterior teeth thickened, whereas the palatal bone exhibited thinning in adults with periodontitis. The reduction in palatal bone height was more significant in this population than in healthy subjects, along with a higher incidence of palatal bone dehiscence. Bone morphology must be carefully assessed, considering these relevant factors before and during orthodontic treatment.
In this study, the anti-browning effectiveness of short-term high oxygen pre-stimulation (SHOP), supercooled (SC) storage, or combined (SHOP + SC) treatment for fresh-cut potatoes was explored by evaluations on surface color, texture, phenolic anabolism, membrane integrity, antioxidant capacity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) balancing. Furthermore, enzyme activity ratios (EA ratios) were further proposed to assess the effect of SHOP on enzymatic browning, which were defined as ratios between defense enzymes, including peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) or catalase (CAT), and attacked enzymes including polyphenol oxidase (PPO) or lipoxygenase (LOX). As a result, SHOP + SC treatment retarded the browning and delayed the softening of fresh-cut potatoes by inhibiting the activities of related enzymes, restraining the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), and promoting the synthesis of phenolic substances against their oxidation in potatoes. Besides, higher POD activities and lower BI were observed in SHOP + SC compared with SC, but PPO activities were non-statistically significant in both. At the early storage stage, the antioxidant capacities of fresh-cut potatoes treated with SHOP and SHOP + SC were enhanced, and the ROS accumulation was inhibited. Moreover, EA ratios and their changing amplitude of the SC group ranked top, followed by the control, SHOP, and SHOP + SC. Results suggested that the antioxidant capacity was reinforced by SHOP in fresh-cut potatoes due to enhanced resistance against membrane lipid damage resulting from mechanical cutting and persistent SC stimulation.
The NC_000006.12: g.34887814C>G variant in TAF11 was identified as a potential functional variant in a Chinese pedigree including two non-syndromic cleft lip only (NSCLO) cases. Applying Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP), Electrophoretic mobility shift and super-shift assays, we found that the mutant G allele recruited more STAT1 and STAT3, and increased the expression of TAF11. RNA sequencing, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment, ChIP and dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed that TAF11 downregulated CDH1 and CTNND1 in the cell adhesion pathway by binding to their promoter regions and inhibiting transcriptional activities. Alcian blue staining, time-lapse photography, whole-mount in situ hybridization, phospho-Histone H3 immunofluorescence and TUNEL assays indicated that TAF11 and taf11 overexpression (TAF11OE and taf11OE, respectively) contributed to disturbed migration of cranial neural crest cells and abnormal craniofacial development, as well as increased death and deformity rates in zebrafish. In conclusion, a functionally relevant TAF11 variant, affecting cell migration via modulating CDH1 and CTNND1, was associated with etiology of NSCLO.
The loss of pericarp greenness, wrinkling of the pericarp, and alteration of aroma are indicators of the ripening and senescence of lemons. In this study, lemons were soaked in 100 mg L-1 of gibberellin (GA) solutions for 5 min and stored at 14 degrees C for 36 d under three relative humidity (RH) levels of 30%, 60%, and 90%, respectively. The changes in visual appearance, pigment metabolism, pericarpic microstructure, and volatile compounds of lemons during storage were evaluated. The results showed that GA pretreatment inhibited the color transformation from green to yellow of the flavedo and restrained fruit senescence. In addition, RH 90% effectively maintained the structural integrity of the oil gland, waxes, and stomata in the flavedo. GAs + RH 90% treatment maintained the fruit color index (L*, a*, b*, a*/b*, H degrees, C*) by inhibiting chlorophyll degradation and regulating carotenoid biosynthesis. Green lemons treated with GAs + RH 90% also showed reduced epidermal wrinkling, well-preserved cuticle, and stomatal structure, with a smooth and intact wax layer on the lemon pericarp. In addition, GAs + RH 90% treatment maintained the content of volatile aroma compounds, especially terpene. GAs + RH 90% had a great advantage in maintaining visual quality, delaying the deformation of tissue microstructure, preserving nutritional quality, and improving aroma. Thus, this treatment is potentially applicable for maintaining the storage quality of green lemons and extending their shelf life.
This study investigated pathogenic genes associated with non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) through transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS). By integrating expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data with genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, we identified key susceptibility genes, including KLC1. Notably, the variant rs12884809 G>A was associated with an increased risk of NSCL/P by enhancing the binding of the transcription factor ELK1 to the KLC1 promoter, thereby activating its expression. This alteration in KLC1 expression subsequently impacted mitophagy, leading to significant changes in cellular behavior and zebrafish morphology. Our findings illuminate the genetic mechanisms underlying NSCL/P and provide valuable insights for future prevention strategies and a deeper understanding of this condition.
Rice bran, a by-product of the rice milling industry, is rich in protein, fiber, and other nutrients. However, its utilization in food has been limited due to the presence of unpleasant flavors and anti-nutritional components. The present study investigated the impact of germination and solid-state fermentation with various fungi starters on the nutritional and sensory features of rice bran. The results showed germination can significantly decrease phytic acid content and increase the contents of protein and fibers but had a negligible influence on the sensory characteristics of rice bran. Fungal fermentation demonstrated a notable increase in protein content and effective degradation of insoluble fiber and phytic acid in rice bran. Meanwhile, the sensory characteristics of rice bran after fermentation with different fungal cultures varied according to the instrumental analysis (electronic nose/tongue and GC-IMS) and sensory panelists evaluations. Rice bran fermented with Aspergillus niger, Actinomucor elegans and liquor koji exhibited similar GC-IMS spectra and characteristics of odor. However, A. niger imparted bran a musty smell and A. elegans contributed tastes of bitter and astringency. Mucor racemosus fermentation resulted in the highest score of fruity odor. Additionally, rice bran fermented with soy sauce koji stood out with the highest richness score, distinguishing it from other fermented brans. This research can provide insights into improving nutritional and sensory attributes of rice bran.
Fresh-cut fruits were convenient for consumers but vulnerable to quality deterioration, including browning, softening, and volatile aroma loss. In this study, the whole nectarines were pretreated with 100% O-2 (pure oxygen, PO) for 2 h and stored at near-freezing temperature (NFT, -1.5 +/- 0.1degree celsius) for 9 days after cutting. We investigated the changes of samples in browning degree, enzyme activity, cell membrane permeability, antioxidant activity, and aroma components. Specifically, PO pretreatment increased the peroxidase (POD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activities, which endows the whole nectarines with resistance to environmental stresses before fresh-cut. NFT storage effectively inhibited the activity of the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and the increase of the total phenolic content (TPC). Higher antioxidant levels and anti-browning effects were observed in fresh-cut nectarines treated with PO + NFT, which demonstrated by higher levels of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging capacity, ferricion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and enzyme activity ratios (ratio 1 and ratio 2). During the storage of 9 days, the firmness and membrane permeability were preserved, malondialdehyde (MDA) content was suppressed, which delayed the softening of nectarine tissue. Furthermore, soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acid (TA) were also well preserved by PO + NFT, which maintained the physiological and metabolic qualities. Electronic nose tests revealed that PO + NFT postponed the volatile aroma deterioration. In conclusion, PO + NFT effectively maintains the storage quality of fresh-cut nectarines.
Incorporating proteins into gluten-free foods can often improve their nutritional value. Plant-based proteins are often used as a good source of protein due to their easy absorption in the body and low environmental impact.The utilization of Soy protein isolate (SPI) in an extruded food product aimed to examine the impact of SPI on the physicochemical characteristics of Fresh extruded rice (FER) in this study. We used rheological techniques and thermal analysis to determine the suitability of the extrusion process and the loss of heating mass. The microstructure, textural properties, sensory evaluation and rice taste analyser scores of FER were determined. A new gluten-free food product was produced and its quality was improved by the addition of SPI. When the content of SPI was 3%, the microstructure and texture properties showed that the FER had medium hardness, good elasticity and cohesion, which was better than paddy rice in food quality analysis. In the extrusion process, SPI has the potential to enhance not only the rheological, thermogravimetric, microstructure, and texture properties of FER, but also serve as a dietary supplement to elevate the sensory experience of FER.
Fast ripening and senescence is one of the major problems for postharvest nectarines, leading to a rapid decline in postharvest quality. As an ethylene-action inhibitor, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) was applied to treat nectarines with a concentration of 1 μL L−1 for 18 h and stored at 0 °C for 25 d. The postharvest physiological quality attributes including the flesh color, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acid (TA), and aroma quality of fruit flesh from different positions (top, equatorial, and bottom of nectarine fruit) were evaluated to elucidate that 1-MCP differentially influence the flesh ripening and biological metabolism. The findings indicated that 1-MCP treatment effectively delayed ripening and senescence processes. Moreover, the cellular microstructure and intracellular organelles were observed which suggested that 1-MCP delayed the deformation of the cellular microstructure and maintained its integrity. Furthermore, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses explored the differential metabolites and their biological features. The differential metabolites after 1-MCP treatment were related to signal transduction, membrane transport, genetic translation, and metabolism pathways. The KEGG enrichment results showed that the most impacted pathways by 1-MCP include glycolysis and gluconeogenesis.
Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) is a potent greenhouse gas, and agricultural soils represent a major anthropogenic source. Crop residues provide nutrients for plants but also act as hotspots of N 2 O production. The hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could proliferate in organic patches, utilize released N from the organic patches, and potentially mitigate N 2 O emissions. However, the effect of AMF on N 2 O emissions in degraded residue patches and the possible microbial mechanism remain uncertain. Here, a mesocosm experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of AMF ( Funneliformis mosseae ) inoculation on N 2 O emissions, availabilities of carbon and nitrogen, extracellular enzyme activities, and the abundance of key N-cycling genes in degraded residue patches. Our results showed that AMF hyphae significantly reduced N 2 O emissions from degraded residue patches. Quantitative PCR analysis of key functional genes involved in N 2 O production ( amoA , nirK , nirS ) and consumption ( nosZ ) showed that AMF significantly reduced the abundance of the bacterial amoA and nirS genes. NH 4 + , NO 3 − , total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), total nitrogen (TN), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contents decreased drastically in the presence of AMF. In addition, the activities of all tested extracellular enzymes were significantly decreased by AMF and positively correlated with DOC content. Multiple stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that the abundance of the nirS gene primarily influenced N 2 O emissions and was positively correlated with DOC content in degraded residue patches. Our findings indicate that AMF suppressed N 2 O producers, particularly nirS -type denitrifiers, by slowing down the release of C and N from degraded residues, thereby leading to a cascade effect on the decrease of N 2 O emissions. This study provides a promising approach to mitigate N 2 O emissions by enhancing AMF in the agroecosystems.
Objective: To study the effect of high oxygen packaging on the storage characteristics of freshcut watercored apples. Methods: The contents of gas composition, texture, sensory indexes, browning index(BI), malondialdehyde(MDA), total phenol content(TPC), polyphenol oxidase(PPO), peroxidase(POD) and phenylalanine ammonilyase(PAL) were determined in Fuji watercored apple. Results: 75% and 95% high oxygen packaging can maintain high oxygen level. 75% and 95% high oxygen packaging had no significant effect on soluble solid content(SSC) and titratable acid(TA) contents in fresh-cut apples,but increased PAL activity and TPC content, decreased BI value, and inhibited PPO and POD activities in fresh-cut apples. The 95% high oxygen packaging group had higher relative conductivity, MDA content,and lower hardness and sensory scores. Conclusion: High oxygen can regulate the metabolic pathway of amphetamine and synthesize polyphenols to make watercored apples in the induced resistance(ISR)state, thus maintaining the integrity of cell membrane and inducing fruit resistance to browning. In addition,75% high oxygen packing group can better maintain the storage quality of fresh-cut watercored apples.