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A recent study conducted at Phoenix Children's Hospital in Arizona has explored the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), a condition that affects speech. The study found that MRI can provide direct evidence of muscle anomalies and quantitative evaluation of the velar length and velopharyngeal gap. This information is not available with traditional VPI imaging tools and suggests that MRI may be a useful tool for selecting surgical procedures to address patient-specific anatomical differences. The study was peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the clinical findings of VPI. [Extracted from the article]

A study published in the Journal of Dental Research used 10x Genomics' Xenium In Situ platform to gain new insights into the cellular mechanisms involved in the formation of the secondary palate. The study, led by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in collaboration with experts at the University of Connecticut, focused on understanding how the Pax9 protein functions as a transcription factor in the context of Wnt signaling, a pathway crucial for embryonic development. The researchers used the Xenium In Situ platform to analyze gene expression differences between wild-type and Pax9-deficient mice, revealing the role of Pax9 in regulating the differentiation and maturation of specific progenitor cells. This research could contribute to the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cleft palate anomalies. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Karolinska Institute in Huddinge, Sweden discusses advances in the clinical diagnosis and management of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) in children and adolescents. The research highlights the importance of genetic testing in supplementing a clinical diagnosis of AI and emphasizes the severe impact of AI on quality of life. The study suggests that single-tooth ceramic crowns are the preferred treatment option and that prosthetic rehabilitation in adolescents with severe AI is cost-effective and improves aesthetics, reduces tooth sensitivity, and enhances oral health-related quality of life. The research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights for dental professionals and patients. [Extracted from the article]

A meta-analysis examined the relationship between speech and language development in children with nonsyndromic cleft palate with or without cleft lip (NSCP(+-)L). The study found that there is a positive correlation between consonant inventory and expressive vocabulary size in children with NSCP(+-)L across four languages. Small consonant inventories are often associated with expressive language delays. However, the study acknowledges that more research is needed to fully understand this relationship. This information is based on a preprint abstract and has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston examined the use of postoperative nasal stents (NS) in improving esthetic outcomes after cleft lip repair (CLR). The study surveyed parents of infants with cleft lip who used postoperative NS and analyzed factors impacting compliance, satisfaction, and parent-reported outcomes. The results showed that 60% of parents reported noncompliance with NS, with male children and patients with incomplete cleft lip being more likely to be non-compliant. The study suggests that further research is needed to better understand factors associated with compliance and satisfaction after NS therapy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Sichuan University in Chengdu, China, examined the dental arch changes in children with cleft palate who underwent modified Sommerlad palatoplasty. The study included 60 patients with cleft lip and palate and 95 healthy controls. Three-dimensional images of the maxillary dental arches were obtained using intraoral scanning technique. The results showed that the modified palatoplasty group did not experience growth inhibition in the middle or posterior dental arch width or palatal arch width, but there was a slight but significant inhibition in the length of the anterior and entire dental arch. This research provides valuable insights into the effects of palatoplasty on dental arch development in children with cleft palate. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University Federico II in Naples, Italy conducted a study on velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). The study aimed to examine the function of the velopharyngeal sphincter in these patients and establish correlations between aerodynamic and perceptual measures of nasality. The researchers found that there were differences in airflow patterns and perceptual measures between the 22q11.2DS group and the control group. They concluded that this aerodynamic study identified qualitative and quantitative dysfunctions in velopharyngeal function in individuals with 22q11.2DS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Mississippi has found that the Fisher repair technique is an effective method for revising cleft lip surgeries. The researchers collected data from cleft lip revisions performed at a children's hospital between October 2018 and July 2021. The study included 65 patients, and the majority of them underwent the Fisher repair technique for their revision. The researchers concluded that the Fisher repair technique addresses the shortcomings of previous repair techniques and leads to improved lip aesthetics. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan investigated the postoperative soft tissue changes in patients with mandibular prognathism, focusing on those with different facial skeletal patterns. The study found that hyperdivergent patients with skeletal class III had thinner preoperative soft tissue thickness compared to normodivergent patients. Additionally, postoperative changes in soft tissue thickness were significantly larger in the hyperdivergent group. The study also identified a correlation between postoperative superior movement of certain points and the change in soft tissue thickness. This research provides valuable insights into the effects of mandibular setback surgery on patients with mandibular prognathism. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at New York University Grossman School of Medicine compared the effects of postoperative arm restraints and mittens on cleft lip scar quality after primary repair. The study found that there were no significant differences in scar quality between the two methods of immobilization. The researchers concluded that mittens should be considered as a measure to protect the lip after primary repair, as they have no additional benefit compared to arm restraints and are less burdensome for patients. This study provides valuable insights for cleft care teams and surgeons in determining postoperative management strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Hospital das Clinicas in Uberlandia, Brazil, examined the incidence of complications in patients with cleft lip and palate who underwent primary surgical procedures. The study found that difficulties in eating, speaking, and hearing are common in these patients, requiring multidisciplinary treatment. The research concluded that the incidence of complications during the initial years of structuring the service was similar to other studies in the literature. This information is valuable for understanding the challenges and outcomes associated with cleft lip and palate treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine examined zygoma asymmetry in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. The study utilized computed tomography scans to measure zygomatic width, projection, and volume. The results showed that zygomatic projection was significantly different between the cleft and non-cleft sides. The researchers concluded that evaluating zygoma asymmetry should be included in the physical examination of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, as it could aid in setting patient expectations and planning for potential surgical correction. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Herdecke University in Germany provides new insights into amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), a genetically determined enamel dysplasia. The study analyzed data from 19 patients with AI and described the orofacial characteristics associated with each type of AI. The researchers found that tooth eruption disturbance and open bite were the most prevalent orthodontic issues in patients with AI. The study concluded that both clinical and radiological orthodontic findings in relation to AI are widely distributed, and it may be more appropriate to differentiate subtypes of AI based on their genetic aspects to identify associated orthodontic findings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research conducted at Khon Kaen University in Thailand on the aesthetics of the nasolabial appearance in patients aged 8-12 with cleft lip and palate. The study involved evaluating the aesthetics of the lip, nose, and nasolabial region by both experienced and inexperienced medical professionals. The findings showed that inexperienced evaluators gave higher scores for appearance than experienced evaluators, suggesting that this information can be used to improve surgical techniques for patients seeking corrections in lip and nasolabial appearance. The research was funded by Graduate Studies Khon Kaen University and the Research Center of Cleft Lip-Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Deformities, in association with the Tawanchai Project. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Stanford University School of Medicine has found that infants with Robin sequence (RS) who undergo treatment with the Stanford Orthodontic Airway Plate (SOAP) experience a reduction in the dimensions of their cleft palate (CP). The SOAP treatment, primarily used to establish airway patency, was found to narrow the palatal cleft in these infants. The study included 17 infants and measured changes in the maxillary arch models before and after treatment. The findings suggest that SOAP may have a beneficial effect on palate repair surgery for infants with RS and CP. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center highlights the importance of early intervention in infants with cleft lip and/or palate. The study focused on a Growth and Feeding Clinic (GFC) that provided preoperative feeding interventions to patients with cleft lip and/or palate. The results showed that the GFC was successful in improving the nutritional status of underweight patients, with 64.1% of GFC underweight patients reaching normal weight by the time of their cleft lip repair. This study provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of multidisciplinary care in improving outcomes for infants with cleft lip and/or palate. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from National Taiwan University have conducted a study on amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), a condition characterized by enamel defects in teeth. The study identified several AMELX mutations that cause X-linked AI, resulting in hypoplastic and/or hypomaturation enamel defects. The researchers found that different mutations lead to different types of enamel malformations, ranging from thin, poorly mineralized enamel to severe hypoplastic defects. The study also revealed a genotype-phenotype relationship, with different types of mutations causing different enamel abnormalities. The findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of AI and its impact on tooth development. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Jordan examined the emotional and social concerns of mothers of children with cleft palate compared to mothers of children without cleft palate. The study found that mothers of children with cleft palate experience higher levels of sadness and anxious feelings, as well as social concerns related to social support and their child's future. These emotions are attributed to factors such as the financial burden of medical treatment, caring for a child with special needs, social stigma, lack of public awareness, and insufficient social support services. The study concludes that urgent interventions are needed to address the emotional and social concerns of these mothers. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at New York University (NYU) Langone Health examined the sagittal lip changes in patients with bilateral cleft lip after Abbe flap reconstruction. The study included 17 patients who underwent the procedure, and their lip changes were evaluated using various reference lines. The results showed an increase in upper lip sagittal projection after the reconstruction. The findings of this study can be useful for operative planning and setting patient expectations during counseling. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Andhra Pradesh, India discusses a case study on the management of a unique dental anomaly in a patient with cleft lip and palate. The patient presented with a bulbous crown and an atypical root anatomy in a maxillary left central incisor. Through the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), the researchers were able to diagnose and treat the tooth successfully. This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare anatomical variations in anterior teeth and demonstrates the valuable role of CBCT in managing such complexities. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Children's Hospital Los Angeles analyzed the impact of cardiopulmonary anomalies on surgical outcomes for cleft palate repair. The study found that patients with congenital heart defects and congenital pulmonary defects had a significantly higher risk of complications and longer hospital stays compared to patients without these conditions. The researchers recommend comprehensive evaluations and multidisciplinary care to optimize cardiopulmonary health before surgical intervention for patients with cleft palate and coexisting congenital anomalies. The study was published in The Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal. [Extracted from the article]

A new study on cleft lip and palate in Somaliland, a country that is not internationally recognized and is one of the world's poorest, has been conducted. The study aimed to describe the pattern and clinical profile of patients with cleft lip and palate in Somaliland. The researchers found that patients in this region received treatment at ages that were far beyond recommended guidelines, with females receiving earlier treatment than males, likely due to cultural expectations. Patients from rural areas were particularly vulnerable to receiving delayed treatment. The study suggests that efforts should be made to decrease the burden of craniofacial deformities in Somaliland. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of California examined the microbiological profiles of children with and without cleft palate who experienced tympanostomy tube otorrhea. The study found that children with cleft palate had higher rates of otorrhea compared to those without cleft palate. The most common organism isolated in both groups was Staphylococcus aureus, with a high percentage being methicillin-resistant. The study also observed fluoroquinolone resistance in a significant number of isolates. The findings suggest that recalcitrant post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea is more common in children with cleft palate and that MRSA is commonly resistant to first-line fluoroquinolone therapy. [Extracted from the article]

A research study conducted by Columbia College in New York City provides new insights into cleft lip and palate surgery in rural Sub-Saharan Africa. The study focuses on the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of cleft surgery performed by a local team at Kapsowar Hospital in Kenya. The researchers found that adequately staffed hospitals in rural areas can effectively address the backlog of cleft lip and palate cases, offering a more cost-effective solution compared to surgical mission trips. The study also highlights a decrease in the average age of primary lip and palate repair over the years. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California has found that delays in the treatment of cleft palate are associated with worse speech outcomes. The study examined various factors that may contribute to these delays, including travel distance, language barriers, and payer. The findings revealed that patients who were Black, Asian Pacific Islander, or Spanish-speaking experienced delayed cleft palate repairs. Additionally, patients who had to travel further distances to the hospital also experienced delays. The study highlights the importance of addressing structural and social barriers to care in order to improve outcomes and reduce health disparities for patients with cleft palate. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine evaluated the use of autologous fat injection as a treatment for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). VPI is a condition that affects speech production and can impact communication and social interactions. The study found that autologous fat grafting was a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate VPI. However, more research is needed to compare it with standard surgical interventions and establish its clinical efficacy. The study highlights the need for randomized control trials in this area. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from the University of Utah explores the use of the WHISTLE flap procedure for correcting secondary cleft lip deformities. The procedure involves the use of tailored mucomuscular flaps and a mucosal Z-plasty to improve cosmetic outcomes. The study found that the WHISTLE flap procedure resulted in satisfactory postoperative cosmetic appearance in 90.1% of cases, with no functional deficits reported. The researchers suggest that the procedure can be considered as the primary treatment for most patients with a whistle deformity. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Wuhan University discusses research findings on cleft lip and palate. The study aimed to compare the differences in facial aesthetic evaluation between patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and professionals. The researchers conducted a systematic review of 22 articles and found that there were differences in aesthetic evaluation between the two groups, but it was unclear which group had a more positive evaluation. The study suggests that professionals should consider the subjective ideas and self-assessment of patients in order to improve their quality of life. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Nis have developed a method for creating personalized 3D bone models of the human mandible using artificial neural networks. These models have applications in oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, dentistry, and forensic sciences. The proposed parametric model allows for precise manipulation using morphometric parameters acquired from medical images, resulting in a personalized model with a high level of accuracy. This research highlights the benefits of the parametric approach in the preoperative planning of mandibular deformity surgeries. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research discusses the challenges faced in surgical missions conducted in outreach areas with limited facilities. The researchers emphasize the importance of team coordination, planning, and communication for successful outcomes. The study focuses on airway management strategies for children with Pierre Robin Syndrome and incomplete cleft palate, highlighting the need for careful patient selection and preoperative preparedness. The research provides valuable insights for medical professionals working in similar mission settings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Michigan State University examined the angular variations within Cupid's bow in patients with unoperated unilateral cleft lip (UCL). The study found that 29 out of 37 patients had asymmetry in their Cupid's bow, with an average angle difference of 8.0°. The researchers suggest that this finding could have important implications for surgical repair methods and techniques. The study provides a renewed understanding of UCL and highlights the need to consider asymmetry correction during surgical procedures. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine highlights the use of 3D printing technology in the treatment of cleft lip and palate (CLP). The report discusses how 3D printing can improve surgical outcomes, reduce operation times, and enhance patient care by integrating patient-specific data through computer-aided design and manufacturing. The researchers also discuss the potential of combining 3D printing with other innovative technologies like artificial intelligence and bioprinting for more comprehensive care strategies. The report emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary collaboration and further research to fully utilize the capabilities of 3D printing in CLP repair. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston explored the correlation between orthognathic surgical movements and the perception of facial appearance in patients with cleft lip and palate. The researchers compared cephalometric scans before and after surgery to assess the degree of correction and used multivariate regression analysis to determine correlations between skeletal movements and survey outcomes. The study found that orthognathic surgery improved various noncognitive domains, such as facial attractiveness, confidence, and friendliness, as reported by both patients and clinicians. These findings provide objective evidence of the skeletal adjustments that contribute to perceived improvements in facial appearance and emotion for individuals with cleft lip and palate. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by New York University (NYU) examined the safety and outcomes of same-day discharge for patients undergoing primary cleft palate repair. The study found that same-day discharge resulted in similar short-term outcomes and 1-year fistula incidence compared to patients admitted for overnight stay. The research also noted that patients admitted overnight received more pain medication during the postoperative hospital course. The study suggests that same-day discharge may be a safe option for low-risk patients undergoing cleft palate repair. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Pontifical Catholic University of Chile have developed an open-source simulation model for cleft lip and palate surgery. The model, which combines casting and 3D printing, aims to provide a low-cost tool for teaching and training surgeons in cleft surgery anatomy and techniques. The model was tested by trainees and expert surgeons, who found it to accurately simulate human tissues and replicate surgical procedures. This open-source protocol offers a cost-effective solution for introducing cleft morphology and surgical techniques to trainees, addressing the financial barrier that limits access to commercially available models. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by investigators from Lund University in Sweden examined the incidence of velopharyngeal dysfunction surgery in Swedish children with cleft palate. The researchers analyzed data from the Swedish cleft lip and palate quality registry for 1093 children and found that the risk of having velopharyngeal dysfunction surgery was 25.6%. They also discovered that complete primary palate repair after the age of 18 months or in more than one stage was associated with a higher risk, while cleft soft palate was associated with a lower risk. The study concluded that further analysis is needed to understand the factors associated with velopharyngeal dysfunction and surgery to correct it. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Philadelphia examined the orthognathic considerations of maxillary and mandibular asymmetry in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). The primary objective of orthognathic surgery for these patients is to improve occlusion and aesthetics. The study found that both maxillary and mandibular asymmetry are common in skeletally mature patients with CLP, often resulting in notable chin deviation. Preoperative three-dimensional imaging and virtual surgical planning can help recognize facial asymmetries and optimize results. This research provides valuable insights for clinicians and patients considering orthognathic surgery for CLP. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Peshawar, Pakistan, examined the impact of Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) on parental anxiety levels in patients with cleft lip and/or palate. The study found that the anxiety levels of parents decreased significantly after the implementation of NAM. The gender of the patients and parents did not have an impact on anxiety levels, and the type of cleft only affected anxiety levels at one point in the study. This research suggests that NAM can effectively reduce parental anxiety in cleft lip and/or palate patients. [Extracted from the article]