Causation and the Origin of Suboptimal Design in Biology

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-102
Author(s):  
Michael Berhow ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effect ◽  
Intelligent Design ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Simplistic Notion ◽  
Suboptimal Design

This paper seeks to demonstrate why the existence of suboptimal design in biology does not offer a reason for Christians to reject the biological case for Intelligent Design (ID). In it, I argue that Christians who critique ID based upon alleged deficiencies within biology fail to imagine the various ways in which a divine designer might bring about certain biological effects. That is, such critics presumably envision a simplistic notion of divine causation—where God either directly brings about every biological effect, or is not involved in any biological effect. Such either or thinking, I maintain, is theologically unnecessary.

scholarly journals Human adventitial pericytes secrete bioactive factors exerting distinct biological effects on cardiac cells: hints for cardiac repair

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Avolio ◽  
G Mangialardi ◽  
S Slater ◽  
V.V Alvino ◽  
K Heesom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Synthetic Peptides ◽  
Biological Effect ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Cardiac Cells ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Paracrine Factors

Abstract Background Pericytes are attracting much attention as potential candidates for successful cell therapy of myocardial ischaemia. Intramyocardially delivered adventitial pericytes (APCs) secrete paracrine factors which stimulate angiogenesis and recruitment of cardiac stromal cells, reduce fibrosis and promote cardiomyocyte proliferation and viability. However, factors responsible for these biological effects have not been elucidated yet. Purpose To exploit the components of APC secretome exerting a biological effect on cardiac cells with the aim to discover new druggable targets with potential therapeutic activity. Methods and results APCs were derived from saphenous veins of adult patients (n=13, 68±11 yrs, all with coronary artery disease - CAD). The APC-conditioned medium (CM) stimulated the proliferation of human iPS-derived cardiomyocytes compared with unconditioned medium (UCM) (EdU incorporation, 1.3-fold increases, P=0.004). Stimulation with APC-CM increased the number of mitotic figures in cardiomyocytes (Aurora B, 1.5-fold increases compared to UCM, P=0.002). Furthermore, APC-CM abrogated the hypoxia-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes (2-fold increase in Caspase 3/7 activity in hypoxic cells exposed to UCM compared to normoxic cells, P=0.002). We also found that APC-CM stimulates the migration of human cardiac stromal cells (CSCs) obtained from healthy donors (n=6, 54±11 yrs) in both a transwell and scratch migration assays (n=6, P<0.01 and P<0.05 vs UCM respectively). Interestingly, APC-CM activated also the migration of HUVECs (n=6, P<0.01 vs UCM) but did not attract fibroblasts. Next, we aimed to identify the biologically active components of the APC-CM. Depletion of exosomes and heat and RNase treatments did not abolish the pro-migratory action of the APC-CM, while this was abrogated by Proteinase K. Fractionation of the APC-CM based on the MW indicated that the bioactive peptides have MW >30KDa. The pro-migratory fractions of the APC-CM obtained from size exclusion chromatography underwent mass spectrometry analysis (n=3 APCs). This identified 14 proteins uniquely present in the pro-migratory fractions. The two most relevant candidates were SPARC and TGFBI, both confirmed by ELISA. Intriguingly, the recombinant SPARC and TGFBI failed to reproduce the biological effect of APC-CM on CSC migration, suggesting that the secreted proteins may carry unique post-translational modifications not found in synthetic peptides. Further analyses are being carried out to reveal the biological properties of the endogenous SPARC and TGFBI. Conclusions This study suggests a fascinating approach based on the use of the active component of the APC-CM as a surrogate of APC therapy. If the biological properties of the cellular proteins will be successfully reproduced in synthetic peptides in vitro, this innovative approach may extend the benefits of APC therapy to all those patients with CAD for whom cell therapy is not an available option. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation programme grant “Unravelling mechanism of stem cell depletion for the preservation of regenerative fitness in patients with diabetes”

scholarly journals Experimental Study on the Biological Effect of Cluster Ion Beams in Bacillus subtilis Spores

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshihiro Hase ◽  
Katsuya Satoh ◽  
Atsuya Chiba ◽  
Yoshimi Hirano ◽  
Shigeo Tomita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effect ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Lethal Effect ◽  
Molecular Ions ◽  
Ion Beams ◽  
Cluster Ions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cluster Ion Beams ◽  
Cluster Ion

Cluster ion beams have unique features in energy deposition, but their biological effects are yet to be examined. In this study, we employed bacterial spores as a model organism, established an irradiation method, and examined the lethal effect of 2 MeV C, 4 MeV C2, and 6 MeV C3 ion beams. The lethal effect per particle (per number of molecular ions) was not significantly different between cluster and monomer ion beams. The relative biological effectiveness and inactivation cross section as a function of linear energy transfer (LET) suggested that the single atoms of 2 MeV C deposited enough energy to kill the spores, and, therefore, there was no significant difference between the cluster and monomer ion beams in the cell killing effect under this experimental condition. We also considered the behavior of the atoms of cluster ions in the spores after the dissociation of cluster ions into monomer ions by losing bonding electrons through inelastic collisions with atoms on the surface. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to provide a basis for examining the biological effect of cluster ions.

scholarly journals Biological Effects of Corona Discharge on Onions in a Commercial Storage Facility

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 608-612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Song ◽  
Lihua Fan ◽  
Paul D. Hildebrand ◽  
Charles F. Forney
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Corona Discharge ◽  
Allium Cepa ◽  
Biological Effect ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
High Humidity ◽  
Storage Facility ◽  
Discharge Treatment ◽  
Storage Room

The biological effect of corona discharge on onions (Allium cepa L.) in a commercial storage was investigated. Surface discoloration and mold were modestly but significantly reduced by the corona discharge when onions were stored for 2 or 4 weeks with or without an additional 2 weeks of shelf life under high humidity. Corona discharge treatment also reduced airborne mold spores in the storage room. No significant changes in internal decay, firmness, sprouting, or rooting, in treated onions were found.

scholarly journals Biological effects of oxygen-enriched drinking water. Review. Part 2

2021 ◽  
Vol 100 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-29
Author(s):  
Jurii A. Rakhmanin ◽  
Natalija A. Egorova ◽  
Rufina I. Mihajlova ◽  
Irina N. Ryzhova ◽  
Marina G. Kochetkova
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Biological Effect ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
The Body ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Oxygen Homeostasis ◽  
Generalized Peritonitis ◽  
Negative Effect

Human life on Earth depends on the continuous availability of oxygen. Conditions for the entry of oxygen into the body’s cells change in time and space, are easily broken, thus causing the possibility of development of hypoxia - a condition of oxygen starvation of tissues. The second part of the review is devoted to information about the successful use of oxygen-rich water in domestic therapeutic and surgical practice in complex treatment to reduce the negative effect of hypoxia in patients with chronic heart failure and generalized peritonitis complicated by intestinal insufficiency syndrome. Authors consider a common method for improving the supply of oxygen to the body using enteral oxygen therapy - oxygen cocktails in diseases of the cardiovascular system, lungs, bronchi and gastrointestinal tract, atopic dermatitis, placental insufficiency, as well as to improve physical performance, reduce the level of neuroticism and normalize the psychoemotional status. The first part of the review provides data on the modern understanding processes providing oxygen homeostasis in cells, on the critical component responsible for regulating the molecular response to hypoxia - the Hypoxia-Inducible Factors (HIFs) of the family of transcription factors. The possibility to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the body by delivering it to cells and tissues was indicated to consider water and various oxygen cocktails. Data from experimental studies of the biological effect of oxygenated drinking water are analyzed, as well as the results of studying the effects of oxygen-enriched drinking water with the participation of volunteers. The issue of the formation of oxygen (free) radicals when drinking oxygen-enriched drinking water is considered. The review draws specialist’s attention to the problem of the biological effect of oxygen-enriched drinking water, its insufficient knowledge and the possible yet unrealized potential in terms of preventing various diseases and maintaining optimal human health.

Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation and Protection

2014 ◽  
Vol 513-517 ◽  
pp. 3313-3316 ◽  
Author(s):  
De Chun Zhao ◽  
Long Sheng Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Electromagnetic Radiation ◽  
Biological Effect ◽  
Cell Phone ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Electronic Equipment ◽  
Normal Operation ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Radiation Distribution ◽  
Electromagnetic Radiations

With the development of science and technology, electronic equipments are widely applied in society. Electronic equipments make life more convenient and efficient. However, a variety of harmful electromagnetic radiation is generated when the electronic equipment is working. The electromagnetic radiation not only affects the normal operation of other electronic device but also pollutes the environment survival for human. Furthermore, electromagnetic radiation is harm to human. Therefore, it is important to take measures to prevent various electromagnetic radiations. Firstly this paper introduces relevant knowledge of electromagnetic radiation and standards on electromagnetic radiation. Then, it analyses the biological effect of electromagnetic radiations according to the radiation distribution of cell-phone. Finally, it proposes protective measures based on the study of the biological effect.

scholarly journals Exosomes derived from human CD34+ stem cells transfected with miR-26a prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by promoting angiogenesis and osteogenesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongtai Zuo ◽  
Lingchi Kong ◽  
Mengwei Wang ◽  
Wenbo Wang ◽  
Jia Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Femoral Head ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Biological Effect ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Endothelial Cell Migration ◽  
Osteogenic Potential ◽  
Alizarin Red ◽  
Tube Forming

Abstract Background Damaged endothelial cells and downregulated osteogenic ability are two key pathogenic mechanisms of glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Recent studies suggested that transplantation of CD34+ stem cell-derived exosomes (CD34+-Exos) can treat ischemic diseases by promoting neovascularization and that miR-26a is an important positive regulator of osteogenesis. Moreover, the biological effect of exosomes is closely related to their cargo miRNAs. However, it is not clear whether increasing the abundance of miR-26a in CD34+-Exos will inhibit the progress of GC-induced ONFH. Methods MiR-26a was overexpressed in CD34+-Exos (miR-26a-CD34+-Exos) to increase their osteogenic potential. The angiogenic potential of miR-26a-CD34+-Exos was then examined through evaluations of migration and tube-forming capacities in vitro. In addition, in order to observe the osteogenic effect of miR-26a-CD34+-Exos on bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays, and qPCR were carried out. Finally, miR-26a-CD34+-Exos were injected into a GC-induced ONFH rat model to prevent the progress of GC-induced ONFH. The biological effects of miR-26a-CD34+-Exos on the ONFH model were evaluated by micro-CT, angiography, and histological staining. Results Our data showed that miR-26a-CD34+-Exos enhanced human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration and tube-forming capacities. Furthermore, miR-26a-CD34+-Exos strengthened the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs under the influence of GCs in vitro. Finally, the miR-26a-CD34+-Exos increased the vessel density and trabecular bone integrity of the femoral head in the GC-induced ONFH rat model, which inhibited the progress of ONFH. Conclusions MiR-26a-CD34+-Exos protect the femoral head from damage caused by GCs by strengthening angiogenesis and osteogenesis. The biological effect of miR-26a-CD34+-Exos make them suitable for application in the prevention of GC-induced ONFH.

ERYTHROCYTES DAMAGE BY ULTRASOUND AT DIFFERENT HYDROSTATIC PRESSURES

2001 ◽  
Vol 13 (01) ◽  
pp. 8-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
SHIUH-KUANG YANG ◽  
YI-CHENG HUANG
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Biological Effect ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Surrounding Medium ◽  
Cellular Structures ◽  
Chromosomal Anomalies ◽  
Ultrasonic Frequency ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Approximate Expressions ◽  
Important Branch

The study of the biological effect of ultrasound on tissue has become an important branch of biophysical ultrasonics. Among the important biological effects, which have been discovered, are chromosomal anomalies, cell death, destruction of cellular structures. Although heating may be important in some results, nonthermal mechanics, such as cavitation, are often suggested as being responsible for the observed effects. In this paper, the biological subject of this study is the red blood cells (RBC); the relationship between the threshold lesion of RBC and frequency of ultrasound was studied. It has been concerned that a suitable frequency value of ultrasound was selected, capable of driving the bubbles to an interesting reaction. The effective mass of the bubble.for the oscillating system is due to the motion of the surrounding medium. For the purposes, by using the approximate expressions for the effective stiffness and mass of a gas body, one can determine the resonance frequency of the gas body. In the closed system, three types of frequencies were employed with different pressure. The cell death threshold varies with the ultrasonic frequency of exposure, the minimum at about 10 MHz. This report is intended to provide a useful way for the study of the biological effect of ultrasound at medically relevant frequencies.

scholarly journals The biological action of solid solutions (on the example of cadmium-mercury-tellurium alloy)

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 158-162
Author(s):  
Natalia I. Nikolayeva ◽  
Andrey S. Filin ◽  
Ekaterina A. Guseva ◽  
Lubov’ G. Ivanova
Keyword(s):  
Solid Solution ◽  
Solid Solutions ◽  
Biological Effect ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Mercury Vapor ◽  
The Body ◽  
Hazard Class ◽  
Statistical Research

Solid solutions are widely used in various industries. Experimental studies have been conducted to study the biological effects of warm-blooded animals (rat, mouse) solid solution based on cadmium (7%) mercury (52%) and tellurium (41%) (CMT). The purpose of the study: To investigate the biological effect of the solid solution (CMT) on the body of experimental animals. Material and methods. On the models of acute and subchronic exposure, the biological effect of CMT on the organism of warm-blooded animals (rats, mice) was evaluated. Studies have been carried out to establish toxicometry parameters (acute toxicity, the threshold for acute inhalation and intragastric effects, cumulative properties). In subchronic experiments, local and general toxic effects were investigated. The work used biochemical, physiological, toxicological, pathomorphological, statistical research methods. Results. According to acute experiments, the investigated substance belongs to the 4th hazard class (low-hazard compound). The threshold of acute inhalation action for rats is 46.20 mg/m3, and the intragastric effect for rats is 5000 mg/kg. CMT has moderate cumulation (Kcum = 4.79), does not irritate the skin. The compound was found to have a general toxic effect, which is based on functional disorders of the nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Discussion. The results of the study indicate that solid CMT solution has a polytropic effect on the warm-blooded organism. Conclusion. With prolonged exposure, the CMT aerosol can harm the body of workers, it is necessary to provide general preventive measures that prevent the aerosol of solid solutions from entering the body: automation, mechanization, sealing of production, adequate ventilation of production rooms, the use of personal protective equipment, the passage of mandatory periodic medical examinations by workers, and monitoring the concentration of CMT in the air of the working area should be carried out according to the MPC - 1.0 mg / m3 (mercury vapor).

Abstract 466: Stigmasterol Accumulation in ABCG8 Knockout Mice Does Not Account for Xenosterol Toxicity

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shailendra B Patel
Keyword(s):  
Body Fat ◽  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Biological Effect ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Plasma Cholesterol ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Cholesterol Homeostasis ◽  
Significant Toxicity ◽  
Glucose Plasma

Xenosterol accumulation mice deficient in sterolin function leads to significant toxicity, with infertility, decreased body fat accumulation, macrothrombocytopenia, cardiac fibrosis and premature death1, 2. The predominant xenosterols are phytosterols derived from the diet and are a mixture of sitosterol (typically 70%), campesterol (~20%) and stigmasterol (~5-10%). Although sitosterol has been shown to have some biological effect in tissue culture, only stigmasterol has been shown to have a potent biological effect, by activating the transcriptional factor, Lxr3. To delineate whether all of the toxic biological effects were mediated by stigmasterol accumulation, we designed a diet that was supplemented with highly enriched stigmasterol (>80% purity) and fed this to Abcg8 knockout mice. Stigmasterol accumulation in the plasma and tissues was comparable to the levels observed in mice fed a mixed phytosterol-enriched diet that had been shown to result in toxicity. Over a 12-week period, both male and female Abcg8 knockout mice gained normal amounts of weight, body fat, showed no disturbances in tail-cuff measured blood pressure, and plasma analyses showed no abnormalities of platelet counts or volumes, blood glucose, plasma cholesterol, despite accumulation of stigmasterol in the plasma and tissues. Fertility testing showed no abnormalities. Gene expression analyses of livers did not show any consistent patterns, although Lxr target genes were not up-regulated. These data do not support the concept that stigmasterol accumulation, at levels of 5-10mg/dL in plasma, account for the xenosterol-mediated toxicity observed. 1. McDaniel, A.L., H.M. Alger, J.K. Sawyer, K.L. Kelley, N.D. Kock, J.M. Brown, R.E. Temel, and L.L. Rudel, Phytosterol feeding causes toxicity in ABCG5/G8 knockout mice. Am J Pathol, 2013. 182(4): p. 1131-8. 2. Solca, C., G.S. Tint, and S.B. Patel, Dietary xenosterols lead to infertility and loss of abdominal adipose tissue in sterolin-deficient mice. J Lipid Res, 2013. 54(2): p. 397-409. 3. Yang, C., L. Yu, W. Li, F. Xu, J.C. Cohen, and H.H. Hobbs, Disruption of cholesterol homeostasis by plant sterols. J. Clin. Invest., 2004. 114(6): p. 813-22.

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