Synergy between Fenton reagent and solid waste-based solidifying agents during the solidification/stabilization of lead(II) and arsenic(III) contaminated soils.

Due to the different physicochemical properties of lead (Pb) and arsenic (As), coupled remediation processes of contaminated soils containing Pb and As have always been a technical challenge. In the present study, a novel solidifying agent (BER) was synthesized using alkaline oxygen furnace slag (BOFS), modified electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) and red mud (RM). The solidifying agent was synergistically used with Fenton reagent for solidifying/stabilizing Pb- and As-contaminated soils.

NLRP14 Safeguards Calcium Homeostasis via Regulating the K27 Ubiquitination of Nclx in Oocyte-to-Embryo Transition.

Sperm-induced Ca rise is critical for driving oocyte activation and subsequent embryonic development, but little is known about how lasting Ca oscillations are regulated. Here it is shown that NLRP14, a maternal effect factor, is essential for keeping Ca oscillations and early embryonic development. Few embryos lacking maternal NLRP14 can develop beyond the 2-cell stage.

Maternal TDP-43 interacts with RNA Pol II and regulates zygotic genome activation.

Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is essential for early embryonic development. However, the regulation of ZGA remains elusive in mammals. Here we report that a maternal factor TDP-43, a nuclear transactive response DNA-binding protein, regulates ZGA through RNA Pol II and is essential for mouse early embryogenesis.

BCAS2 is involved in alternative splicing and mouse oocyte development.

Alternative splicing (AS) is an important mechanism to regulate organogenesis and fertility. Breast carcinoma amplified sequence 2 (BCAS2) is one of the core components of the PRP19 complex, a multiple function complex including splicing, and it is involved in the initiation of meiosis through regulating AS in male mice. However, the role of BCAS2 in mouse oogenesis remains largely unknown.

Unraveling a genetic roadmap for improved taste in the domesticated apple.

Although taste is an important aspect of fruit quality, an understanding of its genetic control remains elusive in apple and other fruit crops. In this study, we conducted genomic sequence analysis of 497 Malus accessions and revealed erosion of genetic diversity caused by apple breeding and possible independent domestication events of dessert and cider apples. Signatures of selection for fruit acidity and size, but not for fruit sugar content, were detected during the processes of both domestication and improvement.

Konjac glucomannan/polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers with enhanced skin healing properties by improving fibrinogen adsorption.

Skin tissue engineering aims to develop the effective healing strategy to repair the wound by optimizing skin scaffold materials. During the skin wound healing process, fibrin plays an important role due to the specific blood coagulation effect. In this study, the outstanding fibrin capability of konjac glucomannan (KGM) is demonstrated by the molecular dynamics simulation and confirmed by the protein adsorption experiments.

The subcortical maternal complex protein Nlrp4f is involved in cytoplasmic lattice formation and organelle distribution.

In mammalian oocytes and embryos, the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) and cytoplasmic lattices (CPLs) are two closely related structures. Their detailed compositions and functions remain largely unclear. Here, we characterize Nlrp4f as a novel component associated with the SCMC and CPLs.

Zbed3 participates in the subcortical maternal complex and regulates the distribution of organelles.

We previously identified a subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) that is essential for early embryogenesis and female fertility in mice. However, the molecular mechanism by which the SCMC affects female fertility remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we report that a novel maternal protein, zinc finger BED-type containing 3 (Zbed3), participates in the SCMC.