Sustained release of vascular endothelial growth factor A and basic fibroblast growth factor from nanofiber membranes reduces oxygen/glucose deprivation-induced injury to neurovascular units

Upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A/basic fibroblast growth factor(VEGFA/b FGF)expression in the penumbra of cerebral ischemia can increase vascular volume,reduce lesion volume,and enhance neural cell proliferation and differentiation,thereby exerting neuroprotective effects.However,the beneficial effects of endogenous VEGFA/b FGF are limited as their expression is only transiently increased.In this study,we generated multilayered nanofiber membranes loaded with VEGFA/b FGF using layer-by-layer self-assembly and electrospinning techniques.We found that a membrane containing 10 layers had an ideal ultrastructure and could efficiently and stably release growth factors for more than 1 month.This 10-layered nanofiber membrane promoted brain microvascular endothelial cell tube formation and proliferation,inhibited neuronal apoptosis,upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins,and improved the viability of various cellular components of neurovascular units under conditions of oxygen/glucose deprivation.Furthermore,this nanofiber membrane decreased the expression of Janus kinase-2/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3(JAK2/STAT3),Bax/Bcl-2,and cleaved caspase-3.Therefore,this nanofiber membrane exhibits a neuroprotective effect on oxygen/glucose-deprived neurovascular units by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Elaidic acid leads to mitochondrial dysfunction via mitochondria-associated membranes triggers disruption of mitochondrial calcium fluxes

Elaidic acid(EA)stimulation can lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS),accompanied by a large release of Ca^(2+),and ultimately the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in Kupffer cells(KCs).Mitochondrial instability or dysfunction may be the key stimulating factors to activate NLRP3 inflammasome,and sustained Ca^(2+)transfer can result in mitochondrial dysfunction.We focused on KCs to explore the damage to mitochondria by EA.After EA stimulation,cells produced an oxidative stress(OS)response with a significant increase in ROS release.Immunoprecipitation experiments and the addition of inhibitors revealed that the increase in the level of intracellular Ca^(2+)led to Ca^(2+)accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix via mitochondria-associated membranes(MAMs).This was accompanied by a significant release of m ROS,loss of MMP and ATP,and a significant increase in mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening,ultimately leading to mitochondrial instability.These findings confirmed the mechanism that EA induced mitochondrial Ca^(2+)imbalance in KCs via MAM,ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction.Meanwhile,EA induced OS and the decrease of MMP and ATP in rat liver,and significant lesions were found in liver mitochondria.Swelling of the inner mitochondrial cristae and mitochondrial vacuolization occurred,with a marked increase in lipid droplets.

Suppression of current-induced membrane discharge of bipolar membranes by regulating ion crossover transport

Bipolar membranes(BPMs)exhibit the unique capability to regulate the operating environment of electrochemical system through the water dissociation-combination processes.However,the industrial utilization of BPMs is limited by instability and serious energy consumption.The current-induced membrane discharge(CIMD)at high-current conditions has a negative influence on the performance of anion-exchange membranes,but the underlying ion transport mechanisms in the BPMs remain unclear.Here,the CIMD-coupled Poisson-Nernst-Planck(PNP)equations are used to explore the ion transport mechanisms in the BPMs for both reverse bias and forward bias at neutral and acid-base conditions.It is demonstrated that the CIMD effect in the reverse-bias mode can be suppressed by enhancing the diffusive transport of salt counter-ions(Na^(+)and Cl^(−))into the BPMs,and that in the forward-bias mode with acid-base electrolytes can be suppressed by matching the transport rate of water counter-ions(H_(3)O^(+)and OH^(−)).Suppressing the CIMD can promote the water dissociation in the reverse-bias mode,as well as overcome the plateau of limiting current density and reduce the interfacial blockage of salt co-ions(Cl^(−))in the anion-exchange layer in the forward-bias mode with acid-base electrolytes.Our work highlights the importance of regulating ion crossover transport on improving the performance of BPMs.

Regulation of interlayer channels of graphene oxide nanosheets in ultra-thin Pebax mixed-matrix membranes for CO_(2) capture

For the application of carbon capture by membrane process,it is crucial to develop a highly permeable CO_(2)-selective membrane.In this work,we reported an ultra-thin polyether-block-amide(Pebax)mixedmatrix membranes(MMMs)incorporated by graphene oxide(GO),in which the interlayer channels were regulated to optimize the CO_(2)/N_(2) separation performance.Various membrane preparation conditions were systematically investigated on the influence of the membrane structure and separation performance,including the lateral size of GO nanosheets,GO loading,thermal reduction temperature,and time.The results demonstrated that the precisely regulated interlayer channel of GO nanosheets can rapidly provide CO_(2)-selective transport channels due to the synergetic effects of size sieving and preferential adsorption.The GO/Pebax ultra-thin MMMs exhibited CO_(2)/N_(2) selectivity of 72 and CO_(2) permeance of 400 GPU(1 GPU=106 cm^(3)(STP)·cm^(2)·s^(-1)·cmHg^(-1)),providing a promising candidate for CO_(2) capture.

In‑depth proteome characterization of endometrium and extraembryonic membranes during implantation in pig

Background Proteome characterization of the porcine endometrium and extraembryonic membranes is important to understand mother-embryo cross-communication.In this study,the proteome of the endometrium and cho-rioallantoic membrane was characterized in pregnant sows(PS)during early gestation(d 18 and 24 of gestation)and in the endometrium of non-pregnant sows(NPS)during the same days using LC-MS/MS analysis.The UniProtKB database and ClueGO were used to obtain functional Gene Ontology annotations and biological and functional networks,respectively.Results Our analysis yielded 3,254 and 3,457 proteins identified in the endometrium of PS and NPS,respectively;of these,1,753 being common while 1,501 and 1,704 were exclusive to PS and NPS,respectively.In addition,we iden-tified 3,968 proteins in the extraembryonic membranes of PS.Further analyses of function revealed some proteins had relevance for the immune system process and biological adhesion in endometrium while the embryonic chorion displayed abundance of proteins related to cell adhesion and cytoskeletal organization,suggesting they dominated the moment of endometrial remodeling,implantation and adhesion of the lining epithelia.Data are available via Pro-teomeXchange with identifier PXD042565.Conclusion This is the first in-depth proteomic characterization of the endometrium and extraembryonic mem-branes during weeks 3 to 4 of gestation;data that contribute to the molecular understanding of the dynamic environ-ment during this critical period,associated with the majority of pregnancy losses.

Electrifying Ba_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ) for focalized heating in oxygen transport membranes

Industry decarbonization requires the development of highly efficient and flexible technologies relying on renewable energy resources,especially biomass and solar/wind electricity.In the case of pure oxygen production,oxygen transport membranes(OTMs)appear as an alternative technology for the cryogenic distillation of air,the industrially-established process of producing oxygen.Moreover,OTMs could provide oxygen from different sources(air,water,CO_(2),etc.),and they are more flexible in adapting to current processes,producing oxygen at 700^(-1)000℃.Furthermore,OTMs can be integrated into catalytic membrane reactors,providing new pathways for different processes.The first part of this study was focused on electrification on a traditional OTM material(Ba_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)Co_(0.8)Fe_(0.2)O_(3-δ)),imposing different electric currents/voltages along a capillary membrane.Thanks to the emerging Joule effect,the membrane-surface temperature and the associated O_(2) permeation flux could be adjusted.Here,the OTM is electrically and locally heated and reaches 900℃on the surface,whereas the surrounding of the membrane was maintained at 650℃.The O_(2)permeation flux reached for the electrified membranes was~3.7 NmL min^(-1)cm^(-2),corresponding to the flux obtained with an OTM non-electrified at 900℃.The influence of depositing a porous Ce_(0.8)Tb_(0.2)O_(2-δ) catalytic/protective layer on the outer membrane surface revealed that lower surface temperatures(830℃)were detected at the same imposed electric power.Finally,the electrification concept was demonstrated in a catalytic membrane reactor(CMR)where the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane(ODHE)was carried out.ODHE reaction is very sensitive to temperature,and here,we demonstrate an improvement of the ethylene yield by reaching moderate temperatures in the reaction chamber while the O_(2) injection into the reaction can be easily fine-tuned.

Towards high-performance and robust anion exchange membranes(AEMs)for water electrolysis:Super-acid-catalyzed synthesis of AEMs

The increasing demand for hydrogen energy to address environmental issues and achieve carbon neutrality has elevated interest in green hydrogen production,which does not rely on fossil fuels.Among various hydrogen production technologies,anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer(AEMWE)has emerged as a next-generation technology known for its high hydrogen production efficiency and its ability to use non-metal catalysts.However,this technology faces significant challenges,particularly in terms of the membrane durability and low ionic conductivity.To address these challenges,research efforts have focused on developing membranes with a new backbone structure and anion exchange groups to enhance durability and ionic conductivity.Notably,the super-acid-catalyzed condensation(SACC)synthesis method stands out due to its user convenience,the ability to create high molecular weight(MW)polymers,and the use of oxygen-tolerant organic catalysts.Although the synthesis of anion exchange membranes(AEMs)using the SACC method began in 2015,and despite growing interest in this synthesis approach,there remains a scarcity of review papers focusing on AEMs synthesized using the SACC method.The review covers the basics of SACC synthesis,presents various polymers synthesized using this method,and summarizes the development of these polymers,particularly their building blocks including aryl,ketone,and anion exchange groups.We systematically describe the effects of changes in the molecular structure of each polymer component,conducted by various research groups,on the mechanical properties,conductivity,and operational stability of the membrane.This review will provide insights into the development of AEMs with superior performance and operational stability suitable for water electrolysis applications.

Progress and prospects of pH-neutral aqueous organic redox flow batteries:Electrolytes and membranes

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries(AORFBs),which exploit the reversible electrochemical reactions of water-soluble organic electrolytes to store electricity,have emerged as an efficient electrochemical energy storage technology for the grid-scale integration of renewable electricity.pH-neutral AORFBs that feature high safety,low corrosivity,and environmental benignity are particularly promising,and their battery performance is significantly impacted by redox-active molecules and ion-exchange membranes(IEMs).Here,representative anolytes and catholytes engineered for use in pH-neutral AORFBs are outlined and summarized,as well as their side reactions that cause irreversible battery capacity fading.In addition,the recent achievements of IEMs for pH-neutral AORFBs are discussed,with a focus on the construction and tuning of ion transport channels.Finally,the critical challenges and potential research opportunities for developing practically relevant pH-neutral AORFBs are presented.

Diphylleia Grayi-Inspired Intelligent Temperature-Responsive Transparent Nanofiber Membranes

Nanofiber membranes(NFMs) have become attractive candidates for next-generation flexible transparent materials due to their exceptional flexibility and breathability. However, improving the transmittance of NFMs is a great challenge due to the enormous reflection and incredibly poor transmission generated by the nanofiber-air interface. In this research, we report a general strategy for the preparation of flexible temperature-responsive transparent(TRT) membranes,which achieves a rapid transformation of NFMs from opaque to highly transparent under a narrow temperature window. In this process, the phase change material eicosane is coated on the surface of the polyurethane nanofibers by electrospray technology. When the temperature rises to 37 ℃, eicosane rapidly completes the phase transition and establishes the light transmission path between the nanofibers, preventing light loss from reflection at the nanofiber-air interface. The resulting TRT membrane exhibits high transmittance(> 90%), and fast response(5 s). This study achieves the first TRT transition of NFMs, offering a general strategy for building highly transparent nanofiber materials, shaping the future of next-generation intelligent temperature monitoring, anti-counterfeiting measures, and other high-performance devices.

Waste acid recovery utilizing monovalent cation permselective membranes through selective electrodialysis

Selective electrodialysis(SED)has surfaced as a highly promising membrane separation technique in the realm of acid recovery owing to its ability to effectively separate monovalent ions through the utilization of a potential difference.However,the current SED process is limited by conventional commercial monovalent cation permselective membranes(MCPMs).This study systematically investigates the use of an independently developed MCPM in the SED process for acid recovery.Various factors such as current density,volume ratio,initial ion concentration,and waste acid systems are considered.The independently developed MCPM offers several advantages over the commercial monovalent selective cation-exchange membrane(CIMS),including higher recovered acid concentration,better ion flux ratio,improved acid recovery efficiency,increased recovered acid purity,and higher current efficiency.The SED process with the MCPM achieves a recovered acid of 95.9%and a concentration of 2.3 mol·L^(–1) in the HCl/FeCl_(2) system,when a current density of 20 mA·cm^(-2) and a volume ratio of 1:2 are applied.Similarly,in the H_(2)SO_(4)/FeSO_(4) system,a purity of over 99%and a concentration of 2.1 mol·L^(–1) can be achieved in the recovered acid.This study thoroughly examines the impact of operation conditions on acid recovery performance in the SED process.The independently developed MCPM demonstrates outstanding acid recovery performance,highlighting its potential for future commercial utilization.

Flower-like tin oxide membranes with robust three-dimensional channels for efficient removal of iron ions from hydrogen peroxide

Membrane technology has become the mainstream process for the production of electronic grade hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)).But due to the oxidation degradation of the organic membranes(e.g.polyamide)by the strong oxidative radicals(e.g.OH)generated via the activation of H_(2)O_(2)by iron ions(Fe^(3+)),the short effective lifetime of membranes remains a challenge.Inorganic nano tin oxide(SnO_(2))has great potential for the removal of Fe^(3+)in strongly oxidative H_(2)O_(2)because of its ability to stabilize H2O_(2)and preferentially adsorb Fe^(3+).Herein,we have designed for the first time a flower-like robust SnO_(2)membrane on the ceramic support by in situ template-free one-step hydrothermal method.The three-dimensional loose pore structure in the membrane built by interlacing SnO_(2)nanosheets endows the SnO_(2)membrane with a high specific surface area and abundant adsorption sites(AOH).Based on the coordination complexation and electrostatic attraction between the SnO_(2)surface and Fe^(3+),the membrane shows a high Fe3+removal efficiency(83%)and permeability(24 L·m^(-2)·h^(-1)·MPa^(-1))in H_(2)O_(2).This study provides an innovative and simple approach to designing robust SnO_(2)membranes for highly efficient removal of Fe^(3+)in harsh environments,such as strong oxidation conditions.

Amino-functionalized UiO-66-doped mixed matrix membranes with high permeation performance and fouling resistance

For the reduction of bovine serum proteins from wastewater,a novel mixed matrix membrane was prepared by functionalizing the substrate material polyaryletherketone(PAEK),followed by carboxyl groups(C-SPAEKS),and then adding amino-functionalized UiO-66-NH_(2)(Am-UiO-66-NH_(2)).Aminofunctionalization of UiO-66 was accomplished by melamine,followed by an amidation reaction to immobilize Am-UiO-66-NH_(2),which was immobilized on the surface of the membrane as well as in the pore channels,which enhanced the hydrophilicity of the membrane surface while increasing the negative potential of the membrane surface.This nanoparticle-loaded ultrafiltration membrane has good permeation performance,with a pure water flux of up to 482.3 L·m^(-2)·h^(-1) for C-SPAEKS/AmUiO-66-NH_(2) and a retention rate of up to 98.7%for bovine serum albumin(BSA)-contaminated solutions.Meanwhile,after several hydrophilic modifications,the flux recovery of BSA contaminants by this series of membranes increased from 56.2%to 80.55%of pure membranes.The results of ultra-filtration flux time tests performed at room temperature showed that the series of ultrafiltration membranes remained relatively stable over a test time of 300 min.Thus,the newly developed mixed matrix membrane showed potential for high efficiency and stability in wastewater treatment containing bovine serum proteins.

Oncologic outcomes with and without amniotic membranes in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy:A propensity score matched analysis

Objective:Placement of human placenta derived grafts during robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP)hastens the return of continence and potency.The long-term impact on the oncologic outcomes remains to be investigated.Our objective was to determine the oncologic outcomes of patients with dehydrated human amnion chorion membrane(dHACM)at RARP compared to a matched cohort.Methods:In a referral centre,from August 2013 to October 2019,599 patients used dHACM in bilateral nerve-sparing RARP.We excluded patients with less than 12 months follow-up,simple prostatectomy,and unilateral nerve-sparing.Patients with dHACM(amnio group)were 529,and were propensity score matched 1:1 to 2465 patients without dHACM(non-amnio group)and a minimum follow-up of 36 months.At the time of RARP,dHACM was placed around the neurovascular bundle in the amnio group.Continuous and categorical variables in matched groups was tested by two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Fisher's exact test respectively.Outcomes measured were biochemical recurrence(BCR),adjuvant and salvage therapy rates.Results:Propensity score matching resulted in two groups of 444 patients.Cumulative incidence functions for BCR did not show a difference between the groups(p=0.3).Patients in the non-amnio group required salvage therapy more frequently than the amnio group,particularly after partial nerve-sparing RARP(6.3%vs.2.3%,p=0.001).Limitations are the absence of prospective randomization.Conclusion:The data suggest that using dHACM does not have a negative impact on BCR in patients.Outcomes of cancer specific and overall survival will require follow-up study to increase our understanding of these grafts’impact on prostate cancer biology.

Hyperbranched polymer hollow-fiber-composite membranes for pervaporation separation of aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbon mixtures

The separation of aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbon mixtures is crucial in the petrochemical industry.Pervaporation is regarded as a promising approach for the separation of aromatic compounds from alkanes. Developing membrane materials with efficient separation performance is still the main task since the membrane should provide chemical stability, high permeation flux, and selectivity. In this study, the hyperbranched polymer(HBP) was deposited on the outer surface of a polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane by a facile dip-coating method. The dip-coating rate, HBP concentration, and thermal cross-linking temperature were regulated to optimize the membrane structure.The obtained HBP/PVDF hollow-fiber-composite membrane had a good separation performance for aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbon mixtures. For the 50%/50%(mass) toluene/n-heptane mixture, the permeation flux of optimized composite membranes could reach 1766 g·m^(-2)·h^(-1), with a separation factor of 4.1 at 60℃. Therefore, the HBP/PVDF hollow-fiber-composite membrane has great application prospects in the pervaporation separation of aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbon mixtures.

Durable poly(binaphthyl-co-p-terphenyl piperidinium)-based anion exchange membranes with dual side chains

Building well-developed ion-conductive highways is highly desirable for anion exchange membranes(AEMs).Grafting side chain is a highly effective approach for constructing a well-defined phaseseparated morphological structure and forming unblocked ion pathways in AEMs for fast ion transport.Fluorination of side chains can further enhance phase separation due to the superhydrophobic nature of fluorine groups.However,their electronic effect on the alkaline stability of side chains and membranes is rarely reported.Here,fluorine-containing and fluorine-free side chains are introduced into the polyaromatic backbone in proper configuration to investigate the impact of the fluorine terminal group on the stability of the side chains and membrane properties.The poly(binaphthyl-co-p-terphenyl piperidinium)AEM(QBNp TP)has the highest molecular weight and most dimensional stability due to its favorable backbone arrangement among ortho-and meta-terphenyl based AEMs.Importantly,by introducing both a fluorinated piperidinium side chain and a hexane chain into the p-terphenyl-based backbone,the prepared AEM(QBNp TP-QFC)presents an enhanced conductivity(150.6 m S cm^(-1))and a constrained swelling at 80℃.The electronic effect of fluorinated side chains is contemplated by experiments and simulations.The results demonstrate that the presence of strong electro-withdrawing fluorine groups weakens the electronic cloud of adjacent C atoms,increasing OH^(-)attack on the C atom and improving the stability of piperidinium cations.Hence QBNp TP-QFC possesses a robust alkaline stability at 80℃(95.3%conductivity retention after testing in 2 M Na OH for 2160 h).An excellent peak power density of 1.44 W cm^(-2)and a remarkable durability at 80℃(4.5%voltage loss after 100 h)can be observed.

Recent progress in ternary mixed matrix membranes for CO_(2) separation

Mixed matrix membranes(MMMs)could combine the advantages of both polymeric membranes and porousfillers,making them an effective alternative to conventional polymer membranes.However,interfacial incompatibility issues,such as the presence of interfacial voids,hardening of polymer chains,and blockage of micropores by polymers between common MMMsfillers and the polymer matrix,currently limit the gas sep-aration performance of MMMs.Ternary phase MMMs(consisting of afiller,an additive,and a matrix)made by adding a third compound,usually functionalized additives,can overcome the structural problems of binary phase MMMs and positively impact membrane separation performance.This review introduces the structure and fabrication processes for ternary MMMs,categorizes various nanofillers and the third component,and summarizes and analyzes in detail the CO_(2) separation performance of newly developed ternary MMMs based on both rubbery and glassy polymers.Based on this separation data,the challenges of ternary MMMs are also discussed.Finally,future directions for ternary MMMs are proposed.

Enhancing CO_(2) transport with plasma-functionalized ionic liquid membranes

The ionic liquid(IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate treated with radiofrequency plasma is proposed for functionalization and immobilization on polyethersulfone supports to form supported ionic liquid membranes for CO_(2) separation.The effects of treatment time and transmembrane pressure difference on CO_(2) permeance were evaluated.The best gas permeation performance was obtained with a treatment time of 10 min and the transmembrane pressure difference was 0.25 MPa.Characterization of the materials by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrates that the IL is grafted with carboxyl groups and deprotonated through plasma treatment.A preliminary mechanism for the plasma treatment and facilitated transport of CO_(2)has been proposed on this basis.

MXene@c-MWCNT Adhesive Silica Nanofiber Membranes Enhancing Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Thermal Insulation Performance in Extreme Environments

A lightweight flexible thermally stable composite is fabricated by com-bining silica nanofiber membranes(SNM)with MXene@c-MWCNT hybrid film.The flexible SNM with outstanding thermal insulation are prepared from tetraethyl orthosilicate hydrolysis and condensation by electrospinning and high-temperature calcination;the MXene@c-MWCNT_(x:y)films are prepared by vacuum filtration tech-nology.In particular,the SNM and MXene@c-MWCNT_(6:4)as one unit layer(SMC_(1))are bonded together with 5 wt%polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)solution,which exhibits low thermal conductivity(0.066 W m^(-1)K^(-1))and good electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding performance(average EMI SE_(T),37.8 dB).With the increase in func-tional unit layer,the overall thermal insulation performance of the whole composite film(SMC_(x))remains stable,and EMI shielding performance is greatly improved,especially for SMC_(3)with three unit layers,the average EMI SET is as high as 55.4 dB.In addition,the organic combination of rigid SNM and tough MXene@c-MWCNT_(6:4)makes SMC_(x)exhibit good mechanical tensile strength.Importantly,SMC_(x)exhibit stable EMI shielding and excellent thermal insulation even in extreme heat and cold environment.Therefore,this work provides a novel design idea and important reference value for EMI shielding and thermal insulation components used in extreme environmental protection equipment in the future.

Is Induction of Labor with Early Rupture of Membranes Associated with an Increased Rate of Clinical Chorioamnionitis?

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if early rupture of membranes (ROM) in women undergoing induction of labor (IOL) at term is associated with an increased rate of clinical chorioamnionitis. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study was performed on women undergoing IOL. Early ROM was defined as ROM at a modified Bishop score less than 5, cervical dilation less than 4 cm, or cervical effacement less than 80%. The rate of clinical chorioamnionitis was compared between women with early and late ROM. Results: The rate of clinical chorioamnionitis was 8.6% (24/279). ROM at an effacement of less than 80% was associated with a rate of clinical chorioamnionitis of 15.4% (12/78) compared to 6.0% (12/201) at an effacement of equal to or greater than 80%, p = 0.017. The rate of cesarean delivery was higher for patients with early ROM by any definition: 32% compared to 17.5% by modified Bishop score (p = 0.031), 32.4% versus 18.2% by cervical dilation (p = 0.049), and 33.3% versus 14.9% by cervical effacement (p = 0.001). Conclusions: In patients undergoing IOL, early ROM may be associated with an increased rate of clinical chorioamnionitis when performed at a cervical effacement of less than 80% and an increased rate of cesarean delivery.

Biomimetic MXene membranes with negatively thermo-responsive switchable 2D nanochannels for graded molecular sieving

Negatively thermo-responsive 2D membranes,which mimic the stomatal opening/closing of plants,have drawn substantial interest for tunable molecular separation processes.However,these membranes are still restricted significantly on account of low water permeability and poor dynamic tunability of 2D nanochannels under temperature stimulation.Here,we present a biomimetic negatively thermo-responsive MXene membrane by covalently grafting poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)(PNIPAm)onto MXene nanosheets.The uniformly grafted PNIPAm polymer chains can enlarge the interlayer spacings for increasing water permeability while also allowing more tunability of 2D nanochannels for enhancing the capability of gradually separating multiple molecules of different sizes.As expected,the constructed membrane exhibits ultrahigh water permeance of 95.6 L m^(-2) h^(-1) bar^(-1) at 25℃,which is eight-fold higher than the state-of-the-art negatively thermoresponsive 2D membranes.Moreover,the highly temperature-tunable 2D nanochannels enable the constructed membrane to perform excellent graded molecular sieving for dye-and antibiotic-based ternary mixtures.This strategy provides new perspectives in engineering smart 2D membrane and expands the scope of temperature-responsive membranes,showing promising applications in micro/nanofluidics and molecular separation.