[Research Updates: Relationship between Gingival Epithelial Intercellular Junctions and Periodontal Pathogenic Bacteria].

Gingival epithelial barrier is the first line of defense of periodontal tissues against the invasion of pathogenic bacteria. The destruction of gingival epithelial barrier is closely related to the development of periodontal disease. Studies have shown that periodontal pathogenic bacteria and their inflammatory microenvironment can inhibit the expression of gingival epithelial junctional proteins via molecular mechanisms such as the downregulation of the expression of grainyhead-like protein family and the upregulation of the methylation level of gene promoter of epithelial connexin, and thus cause damage to the gingival epithelial barrier and the development of periodontitis. We herein reviewed the effects of bacteria and inflammatory factors induced by bacterial infection on gingival epithelial intercellular junctions and related mechanisms, and summarized the research progress on the relationship between gingival epithelial intercellular junctions and periodontal pathogenic bacteria in recent years. Most recent studies were focused on i n vitro cytological experiments and animal models of infections caused by a single kind of bacterium. We have suggested that building gingival epithelial organoid model and combining multi-omics approaches with high resolution three-dimensional electron microscopy are expected to help pinpoint the key microorganisms and their most important virulence factors that trigger periodontal microecologcal imbalance and cause functional damage to the gingival epithelial barrier, to reveal the key molecular mechanisms involved in the maintenance and destruction of gingival epithelial barrier function, and to provide new perspectives on the pathogenesis and the clinical prevention and treatment of periodontitis.

[PCR detection of transgenic elements in feed raw material].

Based on the heterogeneous genes usually used in transgenic crops, the PCR technique was performed with primers derived from CaMV 35S promoter (35S-promoter,originated from cauliflower mosaic virus), NOS terminator (nopaline synthase-terminator,derived from Agrobacterium tumefaciens), EPSPS (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase) gene, and CryIA(b) (delta-endotoxin,evolved from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki) gene to detect transgenic agents from feed raw materials of soybean dregs and corn gluten meal, respectively. Endogenous corn Zein (a protein extracted from corn gluten) gene, soybean Lectin (chitin-binding protein) gene and negative, positive control were applied for avoiding false results. The method established here has been successfully applied in detecting transgenic elements in imported feed raw material.

Synchronous right hepatectomy and cesarean section in a pregnant lady with hepatocellular carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer in pregnancy is rare and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during pregnancy is even rarer. Due to limited experience, management of these patients remains challenging. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 33-year old pregnant lady presented with HCC at 28 weeks of gestation. She underwent synchronous cesarean section and right hepatectomy at 32 weeks of gestation. The post-operative course was uneventful. She was discharged home on day 10 after surgery. Histolopathology confirmed HCC. The surgical resection margins were clear. At a follow-up of 3 months after surgery, the mother was disease free and the infant was well. DISCUSSION: HCC during pregnancy is extremely rare. The experience in its management and outcomes are lacking. In managing any patient diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm in pregnancy, both the mother and the fetus have to be considered. CONCLUSION: With adequate preoperative assessment and a good management strategy, good results can be obtained for both the mother and the baby for a pregnant patient with HCC.