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An Aqueous Redox Flow Battery (ARFB) has emerged as a sustainable option for large-scale energy storage systems due to its relatively low cost and abundant raw materials. However, there exists a pressing need to enhance its power density and energy efficiency by addressing limitations such as low stability and poor solubility of redox-active species. In this study, we present a systematic analysis of an asymmetric viologen-based negolyte named MMV (1-methyl-4,4′-bipyridinium iodide) and its detailed comparative study with N,N′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium diiodide (dimethyl viologen (DMV)). Following extensive electrochemical characterization, we constructed an alkaline MMV battery paired with the potassium ferro/ferricyanide posolyte at a higher concentration (0.8 M), yielding a cell voltage of 1.25 V, nearly equivalent to those of vanadium RFBs. Remarkably, long-term cycling with 97% coulombic efficiency (CE) and 71% energy efficiency (EE) was achieved at a current density of 60 mA cm−2. Furthermore, we observed 99% capacity retention over 100 cycles and 75% capacity retention over 500 charge/discharge cycles. Additionally, we performed a detailed Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis of MMV. This study underscores the importance of inhibiting dimer formation in viologen derivatives and positions MMV as a promising negolyte surpassing DMV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background SHANK3, a gene encoding a synaptic scaffolding protein, is implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is disrupted in Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS). Despite evidence of regression or worsening of ASD-like symptoms in individuals with PMS, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Although Shank3 is highly expressed in the cerebellar cortical granule cells, its role in cerebellar function and contribution to behavioral deficits in ASD models are unknown. This study investigates behavioral changes and cerebellar synaptic alterations in Shank3 Δex4–22 mice at two developmental stages. Methods Shank3 Δex4–22 wildtype, heterozygous, and homozygous knockout mice lacking exons 4–22 (all functional isoforms) were subjected to a behavioral battery in both juvenile (5–7 weeks old) and adult (3–5 months old) mouse cohorts of both sexes. Immunostaining was used to show the expression of Shank3 in the cerebellar cortex. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) from cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) were recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. Results Deletion of Shank3 caused deficits in motor function, heightened anxiety, and repetitive behaviors. These genotype-dependent behavioral alterations were more prominent in adult mice than in juveniles. Reduced social preference was only identified in adult Shank3 Δex4–22 knockout male mice, while self-grooming was uniquely elevated in males across both age groups. Heterozygous mice showed little to no changes in behavioral phenotypes in most behavioral tests. Immunofluorescence staining indicated the presence of Shank3 predominantly in the dendrite-containing rosette-like structures in CGCs, colocalizing with presynaptic markers of glutamatergic mossy fiber. Electrophysiological findings identified a parallel relationship between the age-related exacerbation of behavioral impairments and the enhancement of sEPSC amplitude in CGCs. Limitations Other behavioral tests of muscle strength (grip strength test), memory (Barnes/water maze), and communication (ultrasonic vocalization), were not performed. Further study is necessary to elucidate how Shank3 modulates synaptic function at the mossy fiber-granule cell synapse in the cerebellum and whether these changes shape the behavioral phenotype. Conclusions Our findings reveal an age-related exacerbation of behavioral impairments in Shank3 Δex4–22 mutant mice. These results suggest that Shank3 may alter the function of glutamatergic receptors at the mossy fiber-cerebellar granule cell synapse as a potential mechanism causing cerebellar disruption in ASD.

Abstract Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT) is the leading cause of childhood chronic kidney failure and a significant cause of chronic kidney disease in adults. Genetic and environmental factors are known to influence CAKUT development, but the currently known disease mechanism remains incomplete. Our goal is to identify affected pathways and networks in CAKUT, and thereby aid in getting a better understanding of its pathophysiology. With this goal, the miRNome, peptidome, and proteome of over 30 amniotic fluid samples of patients with non-severe CAKUT was compared to patients with severe CAKUT. These omics data sets were made findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) to facilitate their integration with external data resources. Furthermore, we analysed and integrated the omics data sets using three different bioinformatics strategies: integrative analysis with mixOmics, joint dimensionality reduction and pathway analysis. The three bioinformatics analyses provided complementary features, but all pointed towards an important role for collagen in CAKUT development and the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway. Additionally, several key genes (CSF1, IGF2, ITGB1, and RAC1) and microRNAs were identified. We published the three analysis strategies as containerized workflows. These workflows can be applied to other FAIR data sets and help gaining knowledge on other rare diseases.

In organic flow batteries, understanding of the in depth charge storage mechanism is in the immature stage, and is required for the design of efficient electrode materials. Herein we report a non-aqueous static organic battery comprising phenothiazine and phthalimide derivatives as the active electrolytes. We studied different derivatives of phthalimide to explore electrolyte stability during prolonged cycling experiments. Among the prepared derivatives 4-tertiary butyl phthalimide was found to be an excellent candidate with an output voltage of ∼1.4 V with excellent capacity retention and coulombic efficiency as well as good rate performance. The initial capacity for the tertiary butyl derivative was found to be 18.3 mA h at the 141st cycle and remained at 15.1 mA h with ∼18% capacity fade after 100 continuous cycles. The observed capacity was found to be 18.6, 17.1, 14.2, 11.5 and 9.8 mA h for current densities of 20, 30, 40, 50 and 75 mA cm−2 respectively. The current was reversed to evaluate the rate reversibility in which the capacities were found to be 18.4, 16.8, 11 and 9.6 mA h respectively at 20, 30, 40 and 50 mA cm−2. The rate stability, rate reversibility and cycling stability were found to be excellent compared with the other derivatives. The degradation mechanism was studied by NMR, LCMS and UV-visible spectral analysis. Radical self-coupling of the electrode material would be an asset if the capacity of the material would not be affected to a considerable extent. In our case the dimerization of the radical resulted in no loss of the redox-active functional group, however the number of OH groups and the molecular weight of the material were increased. The extensive H-bonding stabilized the material and inhibited the unwanted cross over of the electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personal healthcare monitoring is a promising field, as continuous, individual-specific, real-time health information can enable better care and more precise diagnoses. One barrier to continuous monitoring lies in the power requirements and data retrieval needed for on-body sensors, as well as the need for measurements in different locations on the body. Ideally, these sensors would be self-powered, unobtrusive, and compatible with low-power communication systems. However, existing wireless self-powered on-body sensors are often limited by energy constraints, making real-time data transfer challenging with conventional Bluetooth communications. In this work, we present a wearable, self-powered on-body sensor system that utilizes an ultra-low-power backscatter radio scheme to enable real-time wireless communication, powered by sweat batteries, thus eliminating the need for external power. We demonstrate the capabilities of this system with a continuous, real-time electrocardiogram (ECG) system that transmits data to a cell phone held by the user.

The zeta potential of silica particles depends on the surface area, curvature effect, and protonation/ deprotonation of surface hydroxyl groups. The electro-osmotic flux of the electro-osmotic pump (EOP) is highly dependent on the zeta potential of the silica frit. Herein, we have observed that the type of surfactant has a pronounced effect on the surface morphology, aggregation, and zeta potential of silica particles. Four different surfactants were used under identical experimental conditions. The concentration of the surfactants was well above their critical micelle concentration (CMC). The particle size, size distribution, and volume to surface mean ratio were experimentally evaluated in detail and correlated with the measured zeta potential. All the studied silica particles were highly crystalline with a-cristobalite planes. Out of the four studied silica particles, i.e., AOT--SiO2, SLS--SiO2, DBS--SiO2, and HPC--SiO2, AOT--SiO2 showed the best results with narrow size distribution and a low volume to surface mean ratio. It has a zeta potential of -47.2 mV. We have assembled a sandwich type electro-osmotic pump and tested its performance. The best flux of 62.0 µL min-1 was obtained for a frit with AOT--SiO2 at 5 V constant applied voltage and stability of B5 h in a continuous run. The results demonstrated that the zeta potential of the silica particles can be tuned by an appropriate choice of surfactant for their different applications and utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has variable course; few patients have a benign presentation and other patients present with late stage disease. Endocapillary hypercellularity has a prognostic significance in IgAN. It is important to identify E1 lesions accurately. The use of CD68 immunohistochemistry marker to identify glomerular macrophages will standardize the reporting and help the clinicians prognosticate the patients. Subjects and Methods: The material is from a referral laboratory for renal biopsies in a tertiary care hospital. Renal biopsies are processed as per protocol including light microscopy, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy where ever required. CD68 was used in this study to identify macrophages in E1 lesions. A total of 1220 primary glomerular diseases were diagnosed from January 2019 till date. Out of these, IgA constituted 11.9% of primary glomerular diseases. Renal biopsies received were from the department of nephrology and various other nephrology centers. Biopsies were received in 10% buffered formalin. Immunofluorescence is done on all biopsies, and electron microscopy was done in few cases to differentiate from other lesions with dominant IgA deposits. CD68 was done in 50 cases of IgAN. Apart from hematoxylin and eosin stains, periodic acid-Schiff, Masson trichrome, Jones silver stain were also done. Results: IgAN constituted 11.9% of cases. Twenty-five cases of E0 and twenty-five cases of E1 lesions were correlated with clinical and morphological features. There was correlation with proteinuria and hypertension in E1 lesions. There was no significant correlation with the morphological variants like crescents, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Conclusions: Inter observer correlation of E lesions is poor in classifying IgAN. Use of CD68 is a useful adjunct to identify macrophages. E1 lesions have more proteinuria requiring treatment for delaying the progression to end stage disease. Despite significant association of E1 lesions with progression, there may be many unmeasured factors which would influence the outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]