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Objective To investigate the mechanism of baicalin in improving pathological airway mucus by regulating the expression of airway epithelial mucus regulators mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) through nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Methods MTT assay was used to detect the effects of different concentrations of baicalin on the viability of human lung cancer H292 cells in order to determine the proper dose of baicalin for subsequent experiments. After H292 cells were induced by IL-1β to establish in vitro inflammatory cell model of mucus hypersecretion, the cells were divided into blank control group, model group, NF-κB inhibitor group (PDTC group, 100 μmol/L) and baicalin group (200 μg/mL). After 24 h of drug intervention, the contents of MUC5AC, IL-8, and TNF-α in the culture supernatant and the levels of MUC5AC and CFTR in the cytoplasm of each group were detected by ELISA. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was adopted to detect the mRNA expression of MUC5AC and CFTR. Western blotting was performed to test the expression of p65 and IκB (inhibitor of NF-κB). Results The results of MTT assay showed that 200 μg/mL was a safe concentration of baicalin for subsequent experiments, with cell viability larger than 80%. As compared with the blank control group, the protein expression of MUC5AC, IL-8, TNF-α, p65 and the mRNA level of MUC5AC in culture supernatant and cytoplasm were all significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.05), while the expression of IκB and CFTR proteins as well as the CFTR mRNA level were remarkably decreased (P < 0.05). When compared with the model group, the PDTC group presented lower level of MUC5AC secretion, declined protein levels of IL-8, TNF-α and p65, as well as MUC5AC mRNA in the culture supernatant (P < 0.05), while higher protein expression of MUC5AC, CFTR and IκB in the cytoplasm, along with elevated mRNA level of CFTR (P < 0.05). In terms of the baicalin group, the secretion levels of MUC5AC, IL-8 and TNF-α were greatly diminished in culture supernatant (P < 0.01) as compared with the model group, whereas the expression of IκB as well as the protein and mRNA levels of CFTR notably improved (P < 0.01), and there was no significant difference in MUC5AC mRNA expression. Conclusion Baicalin reduces MUC5AC secretion and increases CFTR expression by inhibiting the activity of NF-κB, and thus attenuates airway inflammation.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is the prevailing raw material for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing filaments, offering benefits such as a low printing temperature, minimal shrinkage, and biodegradability. However, this material has challenges such as poor toughness, low heat deflection temperature, susceptibility to moisture‐induced thermal degradation, and high costs. This study addressed these concerns by incorporating natural bamboo fiber (BF) into PLA, elevating heat the deflection temperature and lowering the material costs. Additionally, a synthesized branched structure compatibilizer, in the form of epoxidized soybean oil‐branched cardanol ether (ESOn‐ECD), enhanced the toughness of PLA, the bonding strength between PLA and the BF surface, and the flowability of high‐fiber composites during processing and printing. The mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties were assessed, demonstrating the promising processing performance of PLA/BF/ESO3‐ECD. The fully biobased composite exhibits strength, toughness, good processability, excellent 3D printability, and durability, implying substantial potential in FDM 3D filament production. Highlights: Bio‐based PLA/bamboo fiber/ESO3‐ECD FDM 3D printing filaments were developed.The excellent nucleation ability of the bamboo fibers enhances the crystallization rate and crystallinity of PLA.The epoxy values and branching degree of ESOn‐ECD are crucial for its effective modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni was selected as a transition layer and sublayer in the diamondlike carbon-based multilayered film with varied bilayer periods (from 228 to 970 nm) prepared by magnetron sputtering. The reaction between Ni- and C-containing particles was discussed, and the influences of bilayer periods on the structure and morphology, accompanied with the frictional behaviors at different loading forces (2 and 5 N), as well as the field emission properties were investigated. The results showed that Ni grew in the (111) plane, and there was no Ni–C bond or graphene formed in the film because of the relatively lower energy during deposition. Moreover, the content of sp2C in the film, the hardness, and the field emission performance exhibited an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease with increasing bilayer periods. However, the frictional coefficient decreased owing to more graphitization with an increase of the applied load. Particularly noteworthy was that the film possessed a bilayer period of 710 nm, displayed a compact structure with a smaller grain size, and showed reduced sp2C content in the role of Ni. This resulted in sustained lower surface roughness, heightened hardness, decreased coefficient of friction, and a smaller opening electric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the influence of long-term water action on the behavior characteristics of steel slag aggregate-asphalt interface and the related mechanism, atomic force microscope, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, immersion Marshall test, rutting test and so on were used to analyze from macro and micro perspectives. The results show that long-term water erosion changes the surface chemical properties of steel slag, making the surface roughness, surface area and adhesion strength of the steel slag increase. Compared with limestone asphalt mixture, the residual stability and dynamic stability of steel slag asphalt mixture have a growth potential, but the swelling of hot-sealed steel slag and cold-sealed steel slag is different. The swelling amount of cold-sealed steel slag asphalt mixture is greater than that of hot-sealed steel slag asphalt mixture, which should be treated differently in the application process. The slow digestion rate of f-CaO in cold-sealed steel slag aggregate causes the volume expansion of the specimen in the late stage, aggravates the generation of microcracks on the surface of the specimen, and results in the poor freeze-thaw splitting strength of cold-sealed steel slag asphalt mixture in the late stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasticizers are widely used in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polylactic acid (PLA), thermoplastic starch (TPS), and other modified powder materials to enhance the flowability, flexibility, and processability of macromolecules. Because of the reprotoxicity of phthalates in animals and humans, certain phthalates have recently been banned in the United States and Europe. Biobased plasticizers from green biomass–derived renewable resources with low toxicity are expected to be a substitute for phthalates. Among a variety of newly developed biobased monomers, cardanol, and isosorbide are the two most promising materials because of their unique structural features. This review summarizes the research progress of cardanol‐ and isosorbide‐based plasticizers with synergistic effects of plasticization, thermal stabilization, and anti‐migration. By summarizing and analyzing the relationship between molecular structure of plasticizer and plasticizing performance, this review can provide theoretical guidance for future research on the design of isosorbide‐ and cardanol‐based plasticizers. Highlights: Biobased plasticizers with low toxicity are expected to replace certain phthalates.The plasticizing effect of single biobased plasticizer is not good.Biobased plasticizer with synergistic effects is required.There exists the trade‐off effect between the molecular weight and the compatibility.Epoxidized isosorbide ester can be used as a heat stabilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]