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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.

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]

AIM: This study aims to investigate the histopathological and ultrastructural alterations in the lung tissues of rats induced by a single intratracheal administration of bleomycin, with the objective of establishing a reliable model for future applications. METHODS: Six to eight-week-old SD rats were randomly allocated into two groups: the control group and the model group (n=12). Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in the rat models by a single intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (3 mg/kg), while an equivalent volume of saline was administered to the control group. The rats were executed on the 42nd day. Twelve rats remained in the control group, while nine rats remained in the model group. Lung tissue imaging was conducted using CT scans. Lung function tests were performed to assess changes in forced vital capacity (FVC) and dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn). Lung stiffness was determined through Young's modulus testing using a rheometer. The pathological structure of lung tissues was examined using both HE and Masson staining methods. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy was employed to evaluate collagen deposition in lung tissues, alveolar type II epithelial cells, macrophages, and ultrastructural changes of the respiratory membrane. RESULTS: CT scans revealed honeycomb patterns in the lungs of model rats, along with partial bronchiectasis/bronchiectasis. In comparison to the control group, the model group exhibited significantly lower FVC and Cdyn values, while lung stiffness were increased. HE and Masson staining demonstrated that rats in the model group exhibited alveolar structure destruction, alveolar septum thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen deposition in alveolar septum. Transmission electron microscopy revealed several abnormalities in the model group: increased collagen fibers in the alveolar septa, misalignment of micro-villi in alveolar type II epithelial cells, wrinkled nuclei with increased heterochromatin, swollen cytoplasmic mitochondria, fractured or haphazardly structured mitochondrion cristaes, and a significant decrease in their number (P<0.05). Furthermore, lamellar bodies were vacuolated and reduced in number (P<0.05), and dilated endoplasmic reticulums with degranulation were observed. There was an increase in alveolar macrophages and interstitial macrophages (P<0.01). The respiratory membrane displayed structural disruptions and an increase in thickness (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Bleomycin induces decreased lung compliance, alveolar epithelial injury, alveolar septum thickening, collagen deposition, and an increase in interstitial macrophages, ultimately resulting in pulmonary fibrosis in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the important sources of environmental pollution, the sound management of chemicals has entered the international agenda beyond 2020. This article presents the latest trends of sound management of chemicals in the international community, including the negotiation progress on the framework of Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020, relevant resolutions adopted by the Fifth United Nations Environment Conference, and preparations for the Science-Policy Panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution, elabo- rates on the content of the framework text of SAICM beyond 2020 and analyzes the new changes and requirements of the international situation. The sound management of chemicals has become an important chapter in global environmental governance, and China is facing new international situations and challenges. As a new requirement of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee for deepening the battle against pollution, new pollutants control is the primary task of environmental risk management of toxic and harmful chemicals, which is highly consistent with the international goal of sound management of chemicals. At present, it is necessary to gather joint efforts from both domestic and international sources, actively respond to international challenges, and embark on a new journey in the domestic new pollutants control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]