Indigo-Mediated Semi-Microbial Biofuel Cell Using an Indigo-Dye Fermenting Suspension

Aizome (Japanese indigo dyeing) is a unique dyeing method using microbial activity under anaerobic alkaline conditions. In indigo-dye fermenting suspensions; microorganisms reduce indigo into leuco-indigo with acetaldehyde as a reductant. In this study; we constructed a semi-microbial biofuel cell using an indigo-dye fermenting suspension. Carbon fiber and Pt mesh were used as the anode and cathode materials, respectively. The open-circuit voltage (OCV) was 0.6 V, and the maximum output power was 32 µW cm−2 (320 mW m−2). In addition, the continuous stability was evaluated under given conditions starting with the highest power density; the power density rapidly decreased in 0.5 h due to the degradation of the anode. Conversely, at the OCV, the anode potential exhibited high stability for two days. However, the OCV decreased by approximately 80 mV after 2 d compared with the initial value, which was attributed to the performance degradation of the gas-diffusion-cathode system caused by the evaporation of the dispersion solution. This is the first study to construct a semi-microbial biofuel cell using an indigo-dye fermenting suspension

IgE Plasma Cell Leukemia Harboring t(11;14) and 1q Amplification

IgE plasma cell neoplasm is the rarest subtype of plasma cell neoplasms and is known for its poor prognosis and high incidence of t(11;14). However, t(11;14) has been classified as a standard-risk rather than high-risk cytogenetic abnormality in multiple myeloma. We have been unable to explain the discrepancy that the hallmark of IgE plasma cell neoplasm with a poor prognosis is a standard-risk cytogenetic abnormality. Here, we report a case of IgE primary plasma cell leukemia with extramedullary lesions of the liver, stomach, and lymph nodes. Plasma cell infiltration was pathologically confirmed in each organ. Cytogenetic analysis of plasma cells revealed t(11;14) and amplification of 1q21. Chemotherapy, with immunomodulatory imide drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and CD38 antibodies, was unsuccessful. In IgE plasma cell neoplasm, coexistence of other cytogenetic abnormalities with t(11;14) may be important. Investigating the presence of cytogenetic abnormalities coexisting with t(11;14) is not only useful for evaluating prognosis but also important for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. Recently, venetoclax, an oral BCL2 inhibitor, has demonstrated promising efficacy in plasma cell neoplasm patients harboring t(11;14). Development of an effective venetoclax-based regimen for treating aggressive IgE plasma cell neoplasm with t(11;14) is expected