Membrane Assemblies with Soft Protective Layers: Dense and Gel-Type Polybenzimidazole Membranes and Their Use in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries.

Polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes show excellent chemical stability and low vanadium crossover in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), but their high resistance is challenging. This work introduces a concept, membrane assemblies of a highly selective 2 µm thin PBI membrane between two 60 µm thick highly conductive PBI gel membranes, which act as soft protective layers against external mechanical forces and astray carbon fibers from the electrode. The soft layers are produced by casting phosphoric acid solutions of commercial PBI powder into membranes and exchanging the absorbed acid into sulfuric acid. A conductivity of 565 mS cm-1 is achieved. A stability test indicates that gel mPBI and dense PBI-OO have higher stability than dense mPBI and dense py-PBI, and gel/PBI-OO/gel is successfully tested for 1070 cycles (ca. 1000 h) at 100 mA cm-2 in the VRFB. The initial energy efficiency (EE) for the first 50 cycles is 90.5 ± 0.2%, and after a power outage stabilized at 86.3 ± 0.5% for the following 500 cycles. The initial EE is one of the highest published so far, and the materials cost for a membrane assembly is 12.35 U.S. dollars at a production volume of 5000 m2 , which makes these membranes very attractive for commercialization.

Physio-biochemical and molecular characterization of a rice drought-insensitive TILLING line 1 (ditl1) mutant.

Drought stress is a major abiotic stress that limits rice yield. Therefore, the development of new varieties tolerant to drought stress is a high priority in breeding programs. In this study, 150 rice M10 mutant lines, previously developed using gamma-ray irradiation, were used, and a drought-insensitive rice mutant (ditl1) was selected by drought stress screening. The ditl1 mutant exhibited significantly decreased water loss, leaf curling, and H2 O2 accumulation under drought stress. Chlorophyll leaching assay and toluidine blue staining suggested lower cuticle permeability in ditl1 mutants than in wild-type (WT) plants. In addition, transmission electron microscopy revealed that ditl1 plants accumulated more cuticular wax on the epidermal surface. Whole-genome resequencing analysis suggested that the deletion of a single nucleotide on the LOC_Os05g48260 gene, a putative ortholog of WSD1 (wax ester synthase/diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase in Arabidopsis), maybe be the gene responsible for the drought insensitive phenotype of ditl1. The ditl1 mutant will be a valuable breeding resource for developing drought stress tolerant rice cultivar.

Crlz-1 Controls Germinal Center Reaction by Relaying a Wnt Signal to the Bcl-6 Expression in Centroblasts during Humoral Immune Responses.

Crlz-1 was expressed along with Wnt3a in the rapidly proliferating centroblasts within the dark zone of germinal center (GC) during humoral immune responses. Significantly, Crlz-1 relayed a Wnt/ß-catenin signal to the expression of Bcl-6, the master regulator of centroblasts, by mobilizing the cytoplasmic CBFß into the nucleus to allow Runx/CBFß heterodimerization and its subsequent binding to the Bcl-6 promoter. The knockdown of Crlz-1 or ß-catenin, as well as inhibition of Wnt signaling in the centroblasts, led to the decreased expression of Bcl-6 and, thereby, the altered expression of its various target genes, resulting in their diminished proliferation. Consistently, the administration of Wnt inhibitors into the immunized mice impaired or abolished GC reaction, with concomitant decreases of Crlz-1 and Bcl-6 expression and, thus, centroblastic proliferation. Our observation that Wnt/ß-catenin signaling via Crlz-1 regulates GC reaction would suggest developmental strategies for vaccine adjuvants and cancer therapeutics because both immune efficacy and accidental lymphoma depend on GC reaction. Our studies of Crlz-1 were performed using human cell lines, mice, and their primary cells.

Molecular Functions of Rice Cytosol-Localized RING Finger Protein 1 in Response to Salt and Drought and Comparative Analysis of Its Grass Orthologs.

In higher plants, the post-translational modification of target proteins via the attachment of molecules such as ubiquitin (Ub) mediates a variety of cellular functions via the Ub/26S proteasome system. Here, a really interesting new gene (RING)-H2 type E3 ligase, which regulates target proteins via the Ub/26S proteasome system, was isolated from a rice plant, and its other grass orthologs were examined to determine the evolution of its molecular function during speciation. The gene encoding Oryza sativa cytoplasmic-localized RING finger protein 1 (OsCLR1) was highly expressed under salt and drought stresses. By contrast, the three grass orthologs, SbCLR1 from Sorghum bicolor, ZmCLR1 from Zea mays and TaCLR1 from Triticum aestivum, showed different responses to these stresses. Despite these differences, all four orthologs exhibited E3 ligase activity with cytosol-targeted localization, demonstrating conserved molecular functions. Although OsCLR1-overexpressing plants showed higher survival rates under both salt and drought stresses than that of the wild type (WT) plants, this pattern was not observed in the other orthologs. In addition, OsCLR1-overexpressing plants exhibited lower germination rates in ABA than that of WT plants, whereas the three ortholog CLR1-overexpressing plants showed rates similar to the WT plants. These results indicate the positive regulation of OsCLR1 in response to salt and drought in an ABA-dependent manner. Despite the molecular functions of the three CLR1 orthologs remaining largely unknown, our results provide an insight into the evolutionary fate of CLR1 grass orthologs during speciation after the divergence from a common ancestor.

Charged Amino Acid-rich Leucine Zipper-1 (Crlz-1) as a Target of Wnt Signaling Pathway Controls Pre-B Cell Proliferation by Affecting Runx/CBFß-targeted VpreB and λ5 Genes.

The proliferation of pre-B cells is known to further increase the clonal diversity of B cells at the stage of pre-B cells by allowing the same rearranged heavy chains to combine with differently rearranged light chains in a subsequent developmental stage. Crlz-1 (charged amino acid-rich leucine zipper-1) was found to control this proliferation of pre-B cells by working as a Wnt (wingless-related mouse mammary tumor virus integration site) target gene in these cells. Mechanistically, Crlz-1 protein functioned by mobilizing cytoplasmic CBFß (core binding factor ß) into the nucleus to allow Runx (runt-related transcription factor)/CBFß heterodimerization. Runx/CBFß then turned on its target genes such as EBF (early B cell factor), VpreB, and λ5 and thereby pre-B cell receptor signaling, leading to the expression of cyclins D2 and D3 Actually, the proliferative function of Crlz-1 was demonstrated by not only Crlz-1 or ß-catenin knockdown but also Crlz-1 overexpression. Furthermore, the mechanistic view that the proliferative function of Crlz-1 is caused by relaying Wnt/ß-catenin to pre-B cell receptor signaling pathways through the regulation of Runx/CBFß heterodimerization was also verified by employing niclosamide, XAV939, and LiCl as Wnt inhibitors and activator, respectively.

Nanoengineered Polymeric RNA Nanoparticles for Controlled Biodistribution and Efficient Targeted Cancer Therapy.

RNA nanotechnology, including rolling circle transcription (RCT), has gained increasing interest as a fascinating siRNA delivery nanoplatform for biostable and tumor-targetable RNA-based therapies. However, due to the lack of fine-tuning technologies for RNA nanostructures, the relationship between physicochemical properties and siRNA efficacy of polymeric siRNA nanoparticles (PRNs) with different sizes has not yet been fully elucidated. Herein, we scrutinized the effects of size/surface chemistry-tuned PRNs on the biological and physiological interactions with tumors. PRNs with adjusted size and surface properties were prepared using sequential engineering processes: RCT, condensation, and nanolayer deposition of functional biopolymers. Through the RCT process, nanoparticles of three sizes with a diameter of 50-200 nm were fabricated and terminated with three types of biopolymers: poly-l-lysine (PLL), poly-l-glutamate (PLG), and hyaluronic acid (HA) for different surface properties. Among the PRNs, HA-layered nanoparticles with a diameter of ∼200 nm exhibited the most effective systemic delivery, resulting in superior anticancer effects in an orthotopic breast tumor model due to the CD44 receptor targeting and optimized nanosized structure. Depending on the type of PRNs, the in vivo siRNA delivery with protein expression inhibition differed by up to approximately 20-fold. These findings indicate that the types of layered biopolymers and the PRNs size mediate efficient polymeric siRNA delivery to the targeted tumors, resulting in high RNAi-induced therapeutic efficacy. This RNA-nanotechnology-based size/surface editing can overcome the limitations of siRNA therapeutics and represents a potent built-in module method to design RNA therapeutics tailored for targeted cancer therapy.

In vitro Fertilization Outcomes of Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer with Hatched Blastocysts versus with Hatching Blastocysts.

This study aimed to elucidate the effect of hatching status on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles. Frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles performed at a single fertility center between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively assessed. Analyses were restricted to 6,821 frozen-thawed blastocyst transfers in women aged 24-47 years. For optimal comparability, double embryo transfer (ET) cycles consisting of one hatching and one hatched blastocyst were excluded. The implantation and pregnancy rates were evaluated and compared between the hatching and hatched blastocyst transfer groups based on patients' age (<38 vs. ≥38 years), blastocyst grade (good vs. bad grade), and the number of transferred embryos (single ET vs. double ET). Hatched blastocyst transfer was associated with higher implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in the single ET group (15.7% and 15.6%, respectively; p<0.001). The transfer of two hatched blastocysts had higher implantation and clinical pregnancy rates compared to the transfer of two hatching blastocysts (19.5% and 20.4%, respectively; p<0.001) in the double ET group. In the hatched blastocyst transfer group, the clinical pregnancy and implantation rates were higher, regardless of each woman's age and embryo quality. The IVF treatment outcomes were improved when the blastocysts were hatched during FET cycles. Hence, hatched blastocyst transfer in FET cycles could be considered a superior method in IVF practice.

Crlz-1 Homozygous Null Knockout Mouse Embryos Are Lethally Stopped in Their Early Development.

Although the conditional gene knockout (KO) is a better choice for observing its phenotype in a specific cell, tissue, and/or organ, the simple null gene KO could nevertheless be attempted initially to scan its overall phenotypes at the level of the whole-body system, especially for a new gene such as Crlz-1. Therefore, with a hope to glean phenotypic clues for Crlz-1 at the whole-body system, we attempted to generate its null KO mice. Contrary to our original desire, Crlz-1 homozygous null KO mice were not born. However, in the chasing of their homozygous KO embryos, they were found to be lethally impaired from early development, remaining in a state of small globular mass without ever leading to a body shape, indicating the critical role of Crlz-1 as a Wnt target gene for the proliferation and/or differentiation of cells during early mouse embryonic development.

A novel sPEEK nanocomposite membrane with well-controlled sPOSS aggregation in tunable nanochannels for fast proton conduction.

To greatly increase the proton conductivity of a sPEEK nanocomposite membrane without water swelling problems, sulfonated PEEK (sPEEK) nanocomposite membranes were prepared by regulating the nanocomposite concentration of sulfonated POSS (sPOSS). Incorporation of sPOSS into sPEEK afforded a 39% increase in proton conductivity at 80 °C/100% RH and a 70% increase in cell performance at 1.5 wt% sPOSS concentration. In particular, water swelling problems were not observed even with the attained proton conductivity, as with Nafion. The water swelling of the pristine sPEEK membrane was 18.8%; it increased to 24.4% at 5.0 wt% of sPOSS loading, which was 11.1% lower than that of Nafion. The high modulus of sPOSS and the good distribution of sPOSS also enhanced the tensile strength by 40.5% and the strain by 65.8% compared with the pristine sPEEK membrane. At more than 1.5 wt% sPOSS concentration, the conductivity and power output of the nanocomposite membranes decreased despite the increased IEC, which is highly related to aggregation of sPOSS nanoparticles in the proton conducting nanochannels and changes in the nanochannel size. The sizes of the nanochannels were measured by SAXS, and it was found that expansion of the nanochannels was enhanced at 1.5 wt% by the best distribution of sPOSS and absorption of water. The increased IEC, expanded nanochannels and distribution of sPOSS without aggregation promoted proton conduction through the nanochannels.

Non-convulsive seizure related to Cremophor EL™-free, polymeric micelle formulation of paclitaxel: a case report.

Paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic agent that is effective against ovarian, breast, lung, and other cancers. Although peripheral neurotoxicity is among the most common side effects of paclitaxel treatment, central neurotoxicity is rarely reported. When centrally mediated side effects are observed, they are attributed to Cremophor EL™ (CrEL), a surfactant-containing vehicle used for paclitaxel administration. In the present report, we discuss the case of a 72-year-old woman with ovarian carcinoma who experienced a non-convulsive seizure following administration of a CrEL-free, polymeric micelle formulation of paclitaxel. One week after her fourth round of chemotherapy, she experienced a transient episode of aphasia for 45 minutes. Electroencephalography demonstrated epileptiform discharges. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of seizure associated with a CrEL-free formulation of paclitaxel. Although rare, patients and clinicians should remain aware of the risk of non-convulsive seizure following infusion of this paclitaxel formulation.

Quantitative measurement of serum allergen-specific IgE on protein chip.

Type I allergy is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity disease inflicting more than quarter of the world population. In order to identify allergen sources, skin provocation test and IgE serology was performed using allergen extracts. Such process identifies allergen-containing sources but cannot identify the disease-eliciting allergenic molecules. Recently, microarray technology has been developed for allergen-specific IgE detection using rolling circle amplification. This study was carried out to evaluate protein chip technology for the quantitative measurement and limits of sensitivity of multiple allergen-specific IgE by an immunofluorescence assay. Significance of positive calibrators was tested using purified human IgE. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), egg white, milk, soybean, and wheat were used as allergens and human serum albumin as negative control. Sensitivity and clinical efficacy of protein chip were evaluated using allergy immune serum for Dp. The fluorescent intensities for purified human IgE as calibrator were well correlated with the concentrations of human IgE. Two-fold dilution of serum allowed an optimal reaction with Dp (1 mg/ml) at which serum Dp-specific IgE levels by protein chip were compatible with those by UniCap. The sensitivity of protein chip in this study was found at level of 1 IU/ml of IgE. Dp-specific IgE levels by protein chip correlated well with those of UniCap by comparing 10 atopic dermatitis. Additional 18 sera were tested for above multiple antigens other than Dp and significant results were obtained for many antigens as well as Dp. These results indicated that spotting of heterogeneous protein mixture on protein chip and the quantitative measurement of serum allergen-specific IgE levels using immunofluorescence assay can be successfully applied in the clinical laboratory for the diagnosis of allergy and could be applied to diagnosis of autoimmune and infectious diseases