Recent experimental work in the field of synthetic protocell biology has shown that prebiotic vesicles are able to 'steal' lipids from each other. This phenomenon is driven purely by asymmetries in the physical state or composition of the vesicle membranes, and, when lipid resource is limited, translates directly into competition amongst the vesicles. Such a scenario is interesting from an origins of life perspective because a rudimentary form of cell-level selection emerges. To sharpen intuition about possible mechanisms underlying this behaviour, experimental work must be complemented with theoretical modelling. The aim of this paper is to provide a coarse-grain mathematical model of protocell lipid competition. Our model is capable of reproducing, often quantitatively, results from core experimental papers that reported distinct types vesicle competition. Additionally, we make some predictions untested in the lab, and develop a general numerical method for quickly solving the equilibrium point of a model vesicle population.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep05675 | DOI Listing |
Sci Rep
January 2025
School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
The magnetization strategy of isoquinoline alkaloids has been successfully used in the extraction and isolation, but the effect of the magnetization on biological activities of those alkaloids still deserves further investigation. Therefore, the antibacterial, lipid-lowering and antioxidant activities of five isoquinoline alkaloids (berberine, tetrahydroberberine, palmatine, tetrahydropalmatine and tetrahydropapavine) before and after magnetization were compared in this study, and the results showed that the relevant activities were enhanced after magnetization. Additionally, among the five magnetic derivatives studied, berberine magnetic derivative ([Ber·H][FeCl]) had the best antibacterial effect on S.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPharmaceuticals (Basel)
December 2024
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, Polizu No 1, 011061 Bucharest, Romania.
The study aims to investigate an improved version of lipid nanocarriers (NLCs) (formulated with functional coconut butter and marula oil) by designing hyaluronic acid (HA) decorated NLC co-loaded with dual UVA (butyl methoxy dibenzoyl methane, BMDBM), UVB absorbers (ethyl-hexyl-salicylate, EHS) and a Raspberry rich polyphenols fraction (RPRF) for development of more natural NLC-based to-pical formulations. : Quality and quantitative attributes of classic- and HA-NLC have been assigned based on particle size, electrokinetic potential, encapsulation efficiency, spectroscopic characteristics, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. To establish the performance profile of antioxidant activity, release of active substances, sun blocking action, and photostability, in vitro studies were conducted.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnimals (Basel)
January 2025
Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP-UCO), University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain.
Sexual signals in animals encompass a variety of forms including visual, acoustic, and chemical signals that are fundamental for intra- and interspecific communication, including sexual selection processes. Among these, odor signals play a critical role. Chemical compounds involved in sexual signaling vary in nature, with lipids and proteins being particularly important.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPeerJ
January 2025
Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Türkiye.
This study aims to determine and compare the reference values of the haematological and biochemical blood parameters of two fish species collected from the Gökova Bay (Muğla, South-Western of Türkiye): the non-native and invasive Randall's threadfin bream, and the native Common pandora, . Both species inhabit the same environment and compete for resources. Blood samples were collected from a total of 100 fish samples (50 and 50 ) which were caught from a depth of 30 to 60 meters between February 2023 and July 2024.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPediatr Obes
January 2025
Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
Objectives: To investigate the association of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) severity with cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers independently of the adiposity levels; and to explore the role of cardiorespiratory fitness in these associations in children with overweight/obesity.
Methods: A total of 109 children aged 8-11 years with overweight/obesity were included in this cross-sectional study. SDB was assessed using a scale of the reduce version of the Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire.
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