In silico analysis of putative drug and vaccine targets of the metabolic pathways of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae using a subtractive/comparative genomics approach

Birhanu Biruk Tesfaye,이승진,Na-Hye Park,송주범,Seung-Chun Park 대한수의학회 2018 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.19 No.2

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is a Gram-negative bacterium that resides in the respiratory tract of pigs and causes porcine respiratorydisease complex, which leads to significant losses in the pig industry worldwide. The incidence of drug resistance in this bacterium isincreasing; thus, identifying new protein/gene targets for drug and vaccine development is critical. In this study, we used an in silico approach,utilizing several databases including the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), the Database of Essential Genes (DEG),DrugBank, and Swiss-Prot to identify non-homologous essential genes and prioritize these proteins for their druggability. The results showed20 metabolic pathways that were unique and contained 273 non-homologous proteins, of which 122 were essential. Of the 122 essentialproteins, there were 95 cytoplasmic proteins and 11 transmembrane proteins, which are potentially suitable for drug and vaccine targets,respectively. Among these, 25 had at least one hit in DrugBank, and three had similarity to metabolic proteins from Mycoplasmahyopneumoniae, another pathogen causing porcine respiratory disease complex; thus, they could serve as common therapeutic targets. Inconclusion, we identified glyoxylate and dicarboxylate pathways as potential targets for antimicrobial therapy and tetra-acyldisaccharide 4ʹ-kinaseand 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic-acid transferase as vaccine candidates against A. pleuropneumoniae.

Inhibition of <i>Salmonella</i> Typhimurium adhesion, invasion, and intracellular survival via treatment with methyl gallate alone and in combination with marbofloxacin

Birhanu, Biruk Tesfaye,Park, Na-Hye,Lee, Seung-Jin,Hossain, Md Akil,Park, Seung-Chun BioMed Central 2018 VETERINARY RESEARCH Vol.49 No.-

<P><I>Salmonella enterica</I> serovar Typhimurium infects intestinal epithelia and macrophages, which is prevented by inhibiting adhesion and cell invasion. This study aimed to investigate the role of methyl gallate (MG) in adhesion, invasion, and intracellular survival of <I>Salmonella</I> Typhimurium in Caco-2 and RAW 264.7 cells via a gentamicin protection assay, confocal microscopy, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. MG (30 µg/mL) inhibited adhesion and invasion of <I>Salmonella</I> Typhimurium by 54.01% and 60.5% in RAW 264.7 cells, respectively. The combination of MG with sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of marbofloxacin (MRB) inhibited the adhesion, invasion, and intracellular survival by 70.49%, 67.36%, and 74%, respectively. Confocal microscopy further revealed reductions in bacterial count in Caco-2 cells treated with MG alone or with sub-MIC of MRB. Furthermore, MG alone or in combination with sub-MIC of MRB decreased the motility of <I>Salmonella</I> Typhimurium. Quorum sensing genes including <I>sdiA</I>, <I>srgE</I>, and <I>rck</I> were downregulated by 52.8%, 61.7%, and 22.2%, respectively. Moreover, <I>rac</I>-<I>1</I> was downregulated by 56.9% and 71.9% for MG alone and combined with sub-MIC of MRB, respectively, in mammalian cells. Furthermore, MG downregulated virulence genes of <I>Salmonella</I> Typhimurium including <I>cheY, ompD</I>, <I>sipB</I>, <I>lexA</I>, and <I>ompF</I> by 59.6%, 60.2%, 20.5%, 31.4%, and 16.2%, respectively. Together, the present results indicate that MG alone or in combination with a sub-MIC of MRB effectively inhibited the adhesion, invasion, and intracellular survival of <I>Salmonella</I> Typhimurium in vitro by downregulating quorum sensing and virulence genes.</P><P><B>Electronic supplementary material</B></P><P>The online version of this article (10.1186/s13567-018-0597-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.</P>

Population structure and habitat use of gelada baboon (Theropithecus gelada) in Wof-Washa Forest (Gosh-Meda Area), Central Ethiopia

Birhanu Goshme,Mesele Yihune 한국생태학회 2018 Journal of Ecology and Environment Vol.42 No.4

Background: Gelada baboon is one of the endemic mammals of Ethiopia residing in different highlands. The population structure and habitat use of gelada baboon in Wof-Washa particularly Gosh Meda area was investigated from September 2016 to August 2017. Total counting method was used to collect data on the population status by dividing the study area in to four blocks, namely, Kundi, Arbgebeya, Goshber, and Goshmeda. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The age-sex category and the numbers of geladas found within the different blocks were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and paired t test was also used to analyze the pair wise comparison of the different age and sex categories during both dry and wet seasons. Results: A total of 435 and 471 gelada baboons were counted during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The maximum group size consisted of 178 individuals whereas the minimum group size contained 53 individuals. Out of the total population adult females accounted for 54.7% in the wet and 54.56% in the dry seasons. There was a significant difference among the age-sex categories in both the wet (F2 432 =630, P<0.05) and dry (F2468 =696.6, P<0.05) seasons. The male to female ratio was 1:5.7 during wet season and 1:5.8 during dry season. So that the population will have a better chance to increase in the study area. Conclusion: Wof-Washa Forest could be a good site for eco-tourism activities due to the presence of endemic animals and its scenic beauty. However, the quality of the habitat is decreasing due to livestock grazing, agricultural expansion, and invasion of exotic plants species. Therefore, appropriate conservation measures should be implemented to conserve gelada baboon in particular and other wildlife resources in general.

Role of Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications: Novel Insights and Potential Intervention Strategies

Birhanu Woldeamlak,Ketsela Yirdaw,Belete Biadgo 대한소화기학회 2019 대한소화기학회지 Vol.74 No.6

Type 2 diabetes mellitus has become one of the fastest growing public health problems worldwide. The disease is believed to involve a complex process involving genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. The human intestine harbors hundreds of trillions of bacteria, as well as bacteriophage particles, viruses, fungi, and archaea, which constitute a complex and dynamic ecosystem referred to as the gut microbiota. Increasing evidence has indicated changes in the gut microbiota composition or function in type 2 diabetic patients. An analysis of ‘dysbiosis’ enables the detection of alterations in the specific bacteria, clusters of bacteria, or bacterial functions associated with the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. These bacteria are involved predominantly in the control of inflammation and energy homeostasis. This review attempts to show that the gut microbiota are important factors for the occurrence of type 2 diabetes and are important for the treatment of gut microbiota dysbiosis through bariatric surgery, fecal microbiota transplantation, prebiotics, and probiotics.

Nickel-iron based ultrathin nanosheets for efficient electrochemical water oxidation

( Gicha Birhanu Bayissa ),이재범 한국공업화학회 2019 한국공업화학회 연구논문 초록집 Vol.2019 No.1

In an electrochemical water splitting, developing a cost-effective, abundant and highly efficient electrocatalyst is a major challenge for the large-scale production of hydrogen and oxygen gasses. Recently, applications of transition-metal based layered double hydroxides as electrocatalyst in water splitting have attracted attention because of their abundance, stability and environmental friendliness. Here, an ultrathin nickel-iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) nanosheet was synthesized through electrodeposition on to nickel foam (NF) substrates. In alkaline solution, the as-synthesized ultrathin nanosheet has exhibited an excellent oxygen evolution activity. Combined with its lower overpotential of 240mV at 10mAcm-2 and turnover frequency at overpotential of 400mV, and durability over 15hrs, this material is a promising electrocatalyst for water splitting.

Climate Change, Water Related Hazards and Disasters: Challenge, Mitigation and Policy in Ethiopia

Dereje Birhanu Mitiku,Hyeonjun Kim,Ilpyo Hong,Sanghyun Park 한국방재학회 2015 한국방재학회 학술발표대회논문집 Vol.14 No.-

According to a recent analysis of NASA, the year 2014 now ranks as the warmest on record since 1880. Africa is widely held to be highly vulnerable to future climate change related hazards, and Ethiopia is often cited as one of the most extreme examples. The country’s economy is highly exposed to climate variability and extremes and the nature of agriculture, primarily rain-fed is sensitive to fluctuations in rainfall, which forms the basis of the economy supporting roughly 42% GDP and 85% employment. Wahlström M (2009) reported that over the last two decades (1988-2007), 76% of all disaster events were hydrological, meteorological or climatological in nature. In this review, a great concern is given for extreme conditions (flood and drought) particularly climate change related hazards and tries to look at the challenges, mitigation and policies. Climate change, drought and flood will continue to be a primary concern for many Ethiopian and even agricultural production and water supplies will become more severely diminished. Starting from 1970-1996 droughts and the resulting food shortage have affected millions and cause for the death of a significant number of people and in 2009 Ethiopia has experienced a delay in the main rainy season, particularly in northeastern areas, resulting in 50-70 % of agricultural land being sown for cropping. Ethiopia has also experienced a major flood in 1988, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 2006 and climate change, including extreme events like drought and flood affected areas will likely become more widely spread. Recently, flash floods affected big cities, including Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa (death of 300 people) and result in considerable damage to lives, livelihoods and property. Despite the hugely damaging effect that natural and man-made disasters have on Ethiopia’s economic development, little is done to prevent them. There are significant challenges to reduce climate change related hazards, but linking of climate change adaptation with disaster risk reduction and effective strategies to prevent hazards from becoming disasters and managing those disasters that do occur would make a lasting contribution to the quality of life and sustainable livelihoods. Several factors contribute to Ethiopia’s high vulnerability to disasters, but here the authors will focus on institutional frameworks and policy. There are several NGO and governmental climate change actors in Ethiopia. The country’s National Policy on Disaster Prevention and Management (NPDPM) was prepared in 1993. Ethiopia has also ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and under the mechanism, a National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) was produced in 2001 with an ambition to identify ‘immediate and urgent’ adaptation activities that address current and anticipated adverse effects of climate change and extreme climate events. The Environmental policy of Ethiopia indicates that environmental sustainability to be recognized in policies and strategies as a key prerequisite. In line with this the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was established and mainly assumes a regulatory role and coordinates various activities and included policy on climate change and pollution, particularly on promoting climate monitoring programs as the country is sensitive to changes in climate, identifying a firm and demonstrable commitment to the principle of containing climate change and fostering to use hydro, geothermal and solar energy to minimize an emission of greenhouse gases.

Population structure and habitat use of gelada baboon (Theropithecus gelada) in Wof-Washa Forest (Gosh-Meda Area), Central Ethiopia

Goshme, Birhanu,Yihune, Mesele The Ecological Society of Korea 2018 Journal of Ecology and Environment Vol.42 No.4

Background: Gelada baboon is one of the endemic mammals of Ethiopia residing in different highlands. The population structure and habitat use of gelada baboon in Wof-Washa particularly Gosh Meda area was investigated from September 2016 to August 2017. Total counting method was used to collect data on the population status by dividing the study area in to four blocks, namely, Kundi, Arbgebeya, Goshber, and Goshmeda. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The age-sex category and the numbers of geladas found within the different blocks were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and paired t test was also used to analyze the pair wise comparison of the different age and sex categories during both dry and wet seasons. Results: A total of 435 and 471 gelada baboons were counted during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The maximum group size consisted of 178 individuals whereas the minimum group size contained 53 individuals. Out of the total population adult females accounted for 54.7% in the wet and 54.56% in the dry seasons. There was a significant difference among the age-sex categories in both the wet ($F_{2432}=630$, P < 0.05) and dry ($F_{2468}=696.6$, P < 0.05) seasons. The male to female ratio was 1:5.7 during wet season and 1:5.8 during dry season. So that the population will have a better chance to increase in the study area. Conclusion: Wof-Washa Forest could be a good site for eco-tourism activities due to the presence of endemic animals and its scenic beauty. However, the quality of the habitat is decreasing due to livestock grazing, agricultural expansion, and invasion of exotic plants species. Therefore, appropriate conservation measures should be implemented to conserve gelada baboon in particular and other wildlife resources in general.

Biofilm formation and eradication in Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

Abraham Mechesso,Biruk Birhanu,Seung Chun Park 대한수의학회 2016 대한수의학회 학술대회발표집 Vol.2016 No.-

Thirst for Information and Needs Reflections of Type 2 Diabetes Patients Receiving Insulin Treatment in North-East Ethiopia: A Qualitative Exploration

Bayked, Ewunetie Mekashaw,Workneh, Birhanu Demeke,Kahissay, Mesfin Haile The Korean Society for Preventive Medicine 2021 예방의학회지 Vol.54 No.2

Objectives: Ongoing, proactive, planned, and patient-centered diabetes education is the cornerstone of care for all persons with diabetes. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the information needs of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients receiving insulin treatment in North-East Ethiopia. Methods: The study was conducted from July 2019 to January 2020 using a qualitative enquiry (phenomenological approach) with purposive sampling. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were used to collect data until reaching theoretical saturation. The participants were type 2 diabetes patients receiving insulin treatment. They were identified from the diabetes patients' registration book at the diabetes clinic and interviewed at their appointment time, and were selected to include wide variations in terms of socio-demographic characteristics. Twenty-four participants (11 men and 13 women), with a median age of 57 years, were interviewed. The data were organized using QDA Miner Lite version 2.0.7 and analyzed thematically using narrative strategies. Results: Most participants had not heard of diabetes before their diagnosis. They had limited knowledge of diabetes, but ascribed different connotations for it in the local language (Amharic). The needs reflections of patients were categorized into diabetes education and participants' recommendations. Diabetes education was totally absent at hospitals, and patients received education primarily from the Ethiopian Diabetes Association and broadcast and digital media. Thus, the major concern of patients was the availability of diabetes education programs at health institutions. Conclusions: Patients' main concern was the absence of routine diabetes education, which necessitates urgent action to implement diabetes education programs, especially at health institutions.

BaeR protein acts as an activator of nuclear factor-kappa B and Janus kinase 2 to induce inflammation in murine cell lines

Lee, Seung-Jin,Birhanu, Biruk Tesfaye,Awji, Elias Gebru,Kim, Myung Hee,Park, Ji-Yong,Suh, Joo-Won,Park, Seung-Chun National Research Council 2016 Canadian journal of microbiology Vol.62 No.9

<P> BaeR, a response regulator protein, takes part in multidrug efflux, bacterial virulence activity, and other biological functions. Recently, BaeR was shown to induce inflammatory responses by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In this study, we investigated additional pathways used by BaeR to induce an inflammatory response. BaeR protein was purified from Salmonella enterica Paratyphi A and subcloned into a pPosKJ expression vector. RAW 264.7 cells were treated with BaeR, and RNA was extracted by TRIzol reagent for RT-PCR. Cytokine gene expression was analyzed by using the comparative cycle threshold method, while western blotting and ELISA were used to assess protein expression. We confirmed that BaeR activates nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), thereby inducing an inflammatory response and increases the production of interleukins (IL-)1β and IL-6. During this process, the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-STAT1 signaling pathway was activated, resulting in an increase in the release of interferons I and II. Additionally, COX-2 was activated and its expression increased with time. In conclusion, BaeR induced an inflammatory response through activation of NF-κB in addition to the MAPKs. Furthermore, activation of the JAK2-STAT1 pathway and COX-2 facilitated the cytokine binding activity, suggesting an additional role for BaeR in the modulation of the immune system of the host and the virulence activity of the pathogen. </P>