The mechanism of China's renewable energy utilization impact on carbon emission intensity: Evidence from the perspective of intermediary transmission.

Renewable energy (RE) plays a crucial role in global energy transformation, and a thorough study of the potential impact of RE on regional carbon emissions is of great significance. This is particularly relevant to China, which needs to clarify its path to carbon reduction. Using the sample data of 30 provinces in China from 2000 to 2021, this paper uses the Granger causality test to verify the causal relationship between carbon emission intensity (CEI) and other factors. It builds a mediation effect model on this basis to explore the direct impact effect and indirect transmission path of renewable energy utilization (REU) on CEI. The results show that REU has a one-way causal relationship with CEI. REU can directly and indirectly reduce CEI by improving social wealth and changing the direction of energy investment. In addition, REU indirectly increases CEI through the transmission paths of investment in the energy industry - social affluence and industrial level-social affluence. The CEI is indirectly reduced through the conduction paths of (social affluence-Urbanization rate), (Investment in the energy industry-Urbanization rate), (Industrial level-Urbanization rate), and (Industrial level-Investment in the energy industry). These conclusions will assist policymakers in exploring targeted pathways for low-carbon power development, providing a reference for strategic and sustainable carbon reduction policies.

Regional differences and driving factors of carbon emission intensity in China's electricity generation sector.

As an industry with immense decarbonization potential, the low-carbon transformation of the power sector is crucial to China's carbon emission (CE) reduction commitment. Based on panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2000 to 2019, this research calculates and analyzes the provincial CE intensity in electricity generation (CEIE) and its spatial distribution characteristics. Additionally, the GTWR model based on the construction explains the regional heterogeneity and dynamic development trend of each driving factor's influence on CEIE from time and space. The main results are as follows: CEIE showed a gradual downward trend in time and a spatial distribution pattern of high in the northeast and low in the southwest. The contribution of driving factors to CEIE has regional differences, and the power structure contributes most to the CEIE of the power sector, which promotes regional CE. Concurrently, most provinces with similar economic development, technological level, geographic location, or resource endowment characteristics show similar spatial and temporal trends. These detections will furnish broader insights into implementing CE reduction policies for the regional power sector.

Coordinated development and driving factor heterogeneity of different types of urban agglomeration carbon emissions in China.

Carbon emission (CE) reduction has become the primary task of China's urban agglomerations (UAs) in achieving sustainable development goals. This paper uses a decoupling model and coupling coordination model to measure the relationship between the development levels of different types of UAs and CEs in China from 2004 to 2016. Concurrently, the geographically and temporally weighted regression model is used to explore the spatial heterogeneity of the impact of different driving factors on the CEs of UAs. The results show the following: Most UAs have the potential to further decouple CEs and economic growth. Most UAs are still in coordinated development (> 0.5). Among the service innovation UAs, the Yangtze River Delta UA has a coupling coordination of less than 0.3, while the Pearl River Delta UA has a coupling coordination of more than 0.8, showing polarization. Manufacturing and resource-based UAs are still in the grinding adaptation stage (0.5-0.8). There are apparent spatiotemporal differences in the impacts of various driving factors on the CE of UAs. The level of land urbanization and investment in fixed assets promote CEs. However, the level of population urbanization and industrial structure restrain CEs. Therefore, reducing land development and industrial transformation can be an effective means to reduce CEs in UAs. These findings will provide extensive insights for different UAs to achieve differentiated low-carbon development.

[BMP9 promotes osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells under inflammatory environment via ERK5/KLF4 signaling pathway].

PURPOSE: To explore how bone morphogenetic protein 9(BMP9) promotes the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSCs) via ERK5/KLF4 signaling pathway under an inflammatory environment. METHODS: Recombinant adenovirus to overexpress BMP9 in PDLSCs stimulated with TNF-α was used and the expression level of osteogenic-related genes and proteins in BMP9-treated cells was examined using RT-PCR and Western blot. Then, KLF4 was overexpressed in PDLSCs via transfection and subjected to inflammatory stimulation to observe its effects on osteogenic differentiation and the expression of osteogenic-related genes. overexpression of BMP9 under the condition of KLF4 knockdown was conducted and its effects on osteogenic differentiation and the expression of osteogenic-related genes was analyzed. ERK5 inhibitor BIX02189 was used to explore the role of ERK5 in BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0 software package. RESULTS: BMP9 could promote the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs and the expression of KLF4 in an inflammatory environment. Moreover, the overexpression of KLF4 further promoted the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. However, when KLF4 was knocked down, the osteogenic differentiation promotion effect of BMP9 on PDLSCs was weakened. After BMP9 treatment, the phosphorylation level of ERK5 significantly increased. However, after adding ERK5 inhibitor, the promoting effect of BMP9 on osteogenic differentiation was significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: BMP9 can promote the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs via ERK5/KLF4 signaling pathway in an inflammatory environment.

DNCP induces the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into odontoblasts by activating the Smad/p-Smad and p38/p-p38 signaling pathways.

In recent years, stem cells have been studied for treating tooth loss. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of dentin non-collagen protein (DNCP)-associated microenvironments in the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into dentin cells. iPSCs were cultured and identified by examining octamer-binding transcription-factor-4 (Oct-4) and sex-determining region-Y-2 (Sox-2) expression. iPSCs were differentiated by culturing DNCP-associated microenvironments (containing specific growth factors), and they were divided into control, DNCP, DNCP+bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and DNCP+Noggin (a BMP inhibitor) groups. Msh homeobox 1 (Msx-1), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1) mRNA expression was evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The levels of p38, phosphorylated (p)-p38, Smad and p-Smad were determined by western blotting. Upon treatment with mouse embryonic fibroblasts, iPSCs-dependent embryoid bodies (EBs) were successfully generated. iPSCs exhibited increased Oct-4 and Sox-2 expression. Differentiated iPSCs had higher expression levels of DSPP, DMP-1 and Msx-1 in the DNCP group compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). Noggin treatment significantly downregulated, while BMPs administration significantly increased the expression levels of DSPP, DMP-1 and Msx-1 compared with those of the DNCP group (P<0.05). The ratios of p-p38/p38 and p-Smad/Smad were significantly higher in the DNCP group compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). Noggin and BMPs significantly decreased ratios of p-p38/p38, compared with those of the DNCP group (P<0.05). In conclusion, DNCP induced the differentiation of iPSCs into odontoblasts by activating the Smad/p-Smad and p38/p-p38 signaling pathways.

Application of a new drainage plug for large mandibular cysts after fenestration decompression.

BACKGROUND: In order to improve the postoperative decompression and drainage of large mandibular cysts after fenestration decompression, a new drainage plug was designed and its feasibility for clinical application was explored. METHODS: A total of 74 patients with large mandibular cysts requiring fenestration decompression were included and randomly divided into the control group (n=34) and model group (n=40). Patients in the control group were given a conventional plug, while patients in the model group were given the new silicone drainage plug. The drainage plug mold was printed using 3D printing technology. Subsequently, the mold was filled with silicone material and the drainage tube was placed into the mold to make a drainage plug. The clinical effect of the new drainage plug was assessed, and the postoperative recovery time was compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: In the model group, the average wear time of the new drainage plug was approximately 13 months. Compared with the control group, the course of treatment in the model group was shortened by approximately 5 months, with a better fit, less food debris, and easier installation and removal. CONCLUSIONS: The new drainage plug provides more convenience and better prognosis for patients after fenestration decompression, and holds great promise for clinical application.

STAT3-induced upregulation of long noncoding RNA HNF1A-AS1 promotes the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma via activating Notch signaling pathway.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of biomarkers which can regulate the biological processes of various human cancers. LncRNA HNF1A-AS1 has been reported in human cancers for its oncogenic role. This study focused on the biological function and molecular mechanism of HNF1A-AS1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The high expression of HNF1A-AS1 was examined in OSCC tissues and cell lines. Kaplan Meier method revealed that high expression of HNF1A-AS1 predicted poor prognosis for patients with OSCC. Results of loss-of-function assays demonstrated that silenced HNF1A-AS1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OSCC cells. Mechanically, HNF1A-AS1 was positively regulated by the transcription factor STAT3. Recently, Notch signaling pathway has been reported in human malignancies. In this study, we analyzed the correlation between HNF1A-AS1 and Notch signaling pathway. It was uncovered that the expression of Notch1 and Hes1 (the core factors of Notch signaling pathway) was negatively regulated by HNF1A-AS1 knockdown. Rescue assays further demonstrated the positive regulatory effects of HNF1A-AS1 on Notch signaling pathway in OSCC. In conclusion, upregulation of HNF1A-SA1 induced by transcription factor STAT3 promotes OSCC progression by activating Notch signaling pathway.

Establishment of a congenital tooth agenesis related gene MSX1 knockout human embryonic stem cell lines by CRISPR-Cas9 technology.

Human MSX1 gene is mapped to chromosome 4 and encodes a 303aa homeobox protein MSX1. MSX1 expression appears during early tooth development of vertebrate embryogenesis. Mutations in this protein are related to human tooth anomalie, cleft lip and palate and congenital ectodermal dysplasia syndrome. Most of the confirmed pathogenic mutations are located in exon2 encoded homeobox domain. Here, we report the establishment of MSX1 gene knockout human embryonic stem (hES) cell lines by CRISPR-Cas9 technology. These cell lines provide good materials for further studies of the roles MSX1 plays in human tooth development and congenital tooth agenesis.

Effect of different treatment methods of polymeric porcelain surface on its adhesion to metal brackets / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To analyze and discuss the effect of 4 different surface treatment methods on the bonding effect between polymerization porcelain and metal bracket s.@*Methods@# 45 polymer-ceramics specimens were made and 40 of them were selected and randomly divided into 5 groups according to different surface treatment methods. A group:surface without special treatment. B group: 9.6% hydrofluoric acid gel combine with bonding agent, C group: 9.6% hydrofluoric acid gel combine with silane, D group: 35％ phosphoric acid gel combine with bonding agent, E group: 35％ phosphoric acid gel combine with silane. All specimens were stored in water for 24 hours at 37 ℃ after bonding 10 min utes and then cycled 500 cycles (5 ℃ to 55 ℃). To measure the shear bonding strength and record the damage cases and the adhesive remnant index.@*Results @#The shear strength values were: 3.24 in the control group, 7.24 MPa in the hydrofluoric acid etching treatment group. 10.78 MPa in the hydrofluoric acid gel combined with silane group. 4.17 MPa in the phosphoric acid-only group, 6.84 MPa in the phosphoric acid gel combined with silane group. The results of each group were statistically different from those of the other four groups (P < 0.001). The rate of breakage after the removal of brackets of the hydrofluoric acid gel combined with silane group is higher than the others. @*Conclusion @#As to the high shear bonding strength and low rate of breakage after the removal of brackets, we recommend 35% phosphoric acid etching combining with silane coupling agent in clinical.