The Inhibitory Activity of Red Ginseng Saponin Fraction A (RGSF-A) in LPS-induced Pro-inflammatory Cytokine’s mRNA and Protein Expressions of RAW264.7cells

Mehari Endale,Ji-Young Park,Taddesse Yayeh,Yi-Seong Kwak,Yong-Bum Song,Jae Youl Cho,Hwa-Jin Park,Man Hee Rhee 고려인삼학회 2011 고려인삼학회 학술대회 Vol.2011 No.4

Inhibitory effect of Suaeda asparagoides (Miq.) extract on the motility of rat gastric antrum is mediated by β-adrenoceptor

Mehari Endale,Jae Chan Song,Man Hee Rhee,Kwang-Hyeon Liu,Taek-Kyum Kim,Joong Goo Kwon,Kyung Sik Park,Ki-Myung Chung,Tae Wan Kim 한국실험동물학회 2011 Laboratory Animal Research Vol.27 No.4

Suaeda asparagoides (Miq.) has long been used as a Korean folk herbal medicine for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders. However, reports on its pharmacological activity on gastrointestinal motility are scarce. The present study investigated the effects of Suaeda asparagoides water fraction of the extract (SAWF) on antral motility in vitro. Muscle strips from rat gastric antrum were set up in an organ bath in a circular orientation. SAWF (100 μg/mL) inhibited the spontaneous contraction of antral circular muscle strips. These inhibitory effects were not significantly affected by tetrodotoxin (1 μM), Nω-Nitro-Larginine methyl ester hydrochloride (100 μM), 1H-(1, 2, 4)oxadiazolo(4, 3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (10 μM), ryanodine (10 μM) and phentolamine (10 μM). SAWF-induced inhibition was mostly restored by cyclopiazonic acid (10 μM). Furthermore, the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist, propranolol (10 μM), abolished SAWFinduced inhibition. These results suggest that SAWF may exert its activity on gastrointestinal smooth muscle via â-adrenergic receptors and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase.

Nitrogen Uptake and Utilization Efficiency of Malting Barley as Influenced by Variety and Nitrogen Level

Meharie Kassie,Kindie Fanataye 한국작물학회 2019 Journal of crop science and biotechnology Vol.22 No.1

Nitrogen (N) is the primary driver of crop production and it is heavily used in modern agriculture to maximize yield. However, the effectiveness with which N is used by cereals has become increasingly important because of both financial and environmental costs to N fertilization. The aims of this study were to determine the effects of N fertilization rate, variety, and growing season on grain yield, N uptake, and N-efficiency traits of malting barley at Bekoji, southeastern Ethiopia. The treatments studied were five N levels (0, 23, 46, 69, and 92 kg ha-1) and two malting barley varieties (Miscal-21 and Holker) over three seasons (2012, 2013, and 2014). The results showed that as N rates increased, malting barley grain yield, grain, straw, and total N uptakes increased, but N-harvest index, N-use efficiency, N-recovery efficiency, and N-utilization efficiency decreased. Grain yield, grain, and total N uptake, N-harvest index, N-use efficiency, N-recovery efficiency, and N-utilization efficiency were greater in Miscal-21, whilst straw N uptake were greater in Holker. Grain yield, grain, straw, and total N uptake, N-recovery efficiency, and N-harvest index were greater in 2012 than in 2013 and 2014, but growing season had no effect on N-use efficiency and N-utilization efficiency. Grain yield was positively correlated with N-efficiency traits, but the role of N-recovery efficiency in enhancing grain yield was larger than the role of N-utilization efficiency.

Malting Barley Grain Quality and Yield Response to Nitrogen Fertilization in the Arsi Highlands of Ethiopia

Meharie Kassie,Kindie Tesfaye 한국작물학회 2019 Journal of crop science and biotechnology Vol.22 No.3

The malting industry in Ethiopia is often challenged by the availability of barley that meets the quality and quantity requirements set by the industry. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate (i) the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization rate, variety and growing season on grain yield and grain characteristics of malting barley, and (ii) to determine the N rate that optimize grain yield and quality of malting barley. The treatments studied were five N levels (0, 23, 46, 69, and 92 kg ha-1) and two malting barley varieties (Holker and Miscal-21) over three growing seasons (2012, 2013, and 2014). The results showed that as N rates increased, malting barley grain yield, grain and straw N concentration, grain protein content, 1000-kernel weight and kernel plumpness increased, but N rates had no effect on hectoliter weight. Grain yield, grain N concentration, grain protein content, kernel plumpness and 1000-kernel weight were greater in Miscal-21, whilst straw N concentration and hectoliter weight were greater in Holker. Grain yield and hectoliter weight were affected by seasonal conditions, but grain and straw N concentration, grain protein content, kernel plumpness, and 1000-kernel weight were not affected. Although both grain yield and protein content increased with increased N rates, based on the regression equation, application of 48 kg N ha-1 gave the highest net benefit and marginal rate of return with acceptable grain quality. Application of N beyond 48 kg ha-1 did not increase net benefit, but instead increased cost of production. In conclusion, to improve the likelihood that barley will be acceptable for malting, growers should limit N application and select varieties with low protein content.

Temporal variation of ecosystem carbon pools along altitudinal gradient and slope: the case of Chilimo dry afromontane natural forest, Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Tesfaye, Mehari A.,Gardi, Oliver,Bekele, Tesfaye,Blaser, Jurgen The Ecological Society of Korea 2019 Journal of Ecology and Environment Vol.43 No.2

Quantifying the amount of carbon pools in forest ecosystems enables to understand about various carbon pools in the forest ecosystem. Therefore, this study was conducted in the Chilimo dry afromontane forest to estimate the amount of carbon stored. The natural forest was stratified into three forest patches based on species composition, diversity, and structure. A total of 50 permanent sample plots of 20 m × 20 m (400 ㎡ ) each were established, laid out on transects of altitudinal gradients with a distance of 100 m between plots. The plots were measured twice in 2012 and 2017. Tree, deadwood, mineral soil, forest floor, and stump data were collected in the main plots, while shrubs, saplings, herbaceous plants, and seedling data were sampled inside subplots. Soil organic carbon (SOC %) was analyzed following Walkely, while Black's procedure and bulk density were estimated following the procedure of Blake (Methods of soil analysis, 1965). Aboveground biomass was calculated using the equation of Chave et al. (Glob Chang Biol_20:3177-3190, 2014). Data analysis was made using RStudio software. To analyze equality of means, we used ANOVA for multiple comparisons among elevation classes at α = 0.05. The aboveground carbon of the natural forest ranged from 148.30 ± 115.02 for high altitude to 100.14 ± 39.93 for middle altitude, was highest at 151.35 ± 108.98 t C ha^-1 for gentle slope, and was lowest at 88.01 ± 49.72 t C ha^-1 for middle slope. The mean stump carbon density 2.33 ± 1.64 t C ha^-1 was the highest for the middle slope, and 1.68 ± 1.21 t C ha^-1 was the lowest for the steep slope range. The highest 1.44 ± 2.21 t C ha^-1 deadwood carbon density was found under the middle slope range, and the lowest 0.21 ± 0.20 t C ha^-1 was found under the lowest slope range. The SOCD up to 1 m depth was highest at 295.96 ± 80.45 t C ha^-1 under the middle altitudinal gradient; however, it was lowest at 206.40 ± 65.59 t C ha^-1 under the lower altitudinal gradient. The mean ecosystem carbon stock density of the sampled plots in natural forests ranged from 221.89 to 819.44 t C ha^-1. There was a temporal variation in carbon pools along environmental and social factors. The highest carbon pool was contributed by SOC. We recommend forest carbon-related awareness creation for local people, and promotion of the local knowledge can be regarded as a possible option for sustainable forest management.

Ischemia induces regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2) protein upregulation and enhances apoptosis in astrocytes

Endale, Mehari,Kim, Sung Dae,Lee, Whi Min,Kim, Sangseop,Suk, Kyoungho,Cho, Jae Youl,Park, Hwa Jin,Wagley, Yadav,Kim, Suk,Oh, Jae-Wook,Rhee, Man Hee American Physiological Society 2010 American journal of physiology. Cell physiology Vol.298 No.3

<P>Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) family members, such as RGS2, interact with Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins, accelerating the rate of GTP hydrolysis and attenuating the intracellular signaling triggered by the G protein-coupled receptor-ligand interaction. They are also reported to regulate G protein-effector interactions and form multiprotein signaling complexes. Ischemic stress-induced changes in RGS2 expression have been described in astrocytes, and these changes are associated with intracellular signaling cascades, suggesting that RGS2 upregulation may be an important mechanism by which astrocytes may regulate RGS2 function in response to physiological stress. However, information on the functional roles of stress-induced modulation of RGS2 protein expression in astrocyte function is limited. We report the role of ischemic stress in RGS2 protein expression in rat C6 astrocytoma cells and primary mouse astrocytes. A marked increase in RGS2 occurred after ischemic stress induced by chemicals (sodium azide and 2-deoxyglucose) or oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD, real ischemia). RGS2 mRNA expression was markedly enhanced by 1 h of exposure to chemical ischemia or 6 h of OGD followed by 2 or 6 h of recovery, respectively. This enhanced expression in primary astrocytes and C6 cells was restored to baseline levels after 12 h of recovery from chemically induced ischemic stress or 4-6 h of recovery from OGD. RGS2 protein was also significantly expressed at 12-24 h of recovery from ischemic insult. Ischemia-induced RGS2 upregulation was associated with enhanced apoptosis. It significantly increased annexin V-positive cells, cleaved caspase-3, and enhanced DNA ladder formation and cell cycle arrest. However, a small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated RGS2 knockdown reversed the apoptotic cell death associated with ischemia-induced RGS2 upregulation. Upregulated RGS2 was significantly inhibited by SB-203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Rottlerin, a potent inhibitor of PKCδ, completely abrogated the increased RGS2 expression. We also examine whether ischemia-induced RGS2-mediated apoptosis is affected by siRNA-targeted endogenous PKCδ downregulation or its phosphorylation. Although RGS2 upregulation was not affected, siRNA transfection significantly suppressed endogenous PKCδ mRNA and protein expressions. Ischemia-induced PKCδ phosphorylation and caspase-3 cleavage were dose dependently inhibited by PKCδ knockdown, and this endogenous PKCδ suppression reversed ischemia-induced annexin V-positive cells. This study suggests that ischemic stress increases RGS2 expression and that this condition contributes to enhanced apoptosis in C6 cells and primary astrocytes. The signaling it follows may involve PKCδ and p38 MAPK pathways.</P>

Torilin Inhibits Inflammation by Limiting TAK1-Mediated MAP Kinase and NF- <i>κ</i> B Activation

Endale, Mehari,Kim, Tae-Hwan,Kwak, Yi-Seong,Kim, Na-Mi,Kim, Seung-Hyung,Cho, Jae Youl,Yun, Bong-Sik,Rhee, Man-Hee Hindawi Publishing Corporation 2017 Mediators of inflammation Vol.2017 No.-

<P>Torilin, a sesquiterpene isolated from the fruits of<I> Torilis japonica,</I> has shown antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, data on the mechanism of torilin action against inflammation is limited. This study aimed at determining the anti-inflammatory property of torilin in LPS-induced inflammation using in vitro model of inflammation. We examined torilin's effect on expression levels of inflammatory mediators and cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The involvement of NF-kB and AP-1, MAP kinases, and adaptor proteins were assessed. Torilin strongly inhibited LPS-induced NO release, iNOS, PGE<SUB>2</SUB>, COX-2, NF-<I>α</I>, IL-1<I>β</I>, IL-6, and GM-CSF gene and protein expressions. In addition, MAPKs were also suppressed by torilin pretreatment. Involvement of ERK1/2, P38<SUP>MAPK</SUP>, and JNK1/2 was further confirmed by PD98059, SB203580, and SP600125 mediated suppression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins. Furthermore, torilin attenuated NF-kB and AP-1 translocation, DNA binding, and reporter gene transcription. Interestingly, torilin inhibited TAK1 kinase activation with the subsequent suppression of MAPK-mediated JNK, p38, ERK1/2, and AP-1 (ATF-2 and c-jun) activation and IKK-mediated I-<I>κ</I>B<I>α</I> degradation, p65/p50 activation, and translocation. Together, the results revealed the suppression of NF-<I>κ</I>B and AP-1 regulated inflammatory mediator and cytokine expressions, suggesting the test compound's potential as a candidate anti-inflammatory agent.</P>

Aboveground biomass, growth and yield for some selected introduced tree species, namely Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus saligna, and Pinus patula in Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Tesfaye, Mehari Alebachew,Gardi, Oliver,Anbessa, Tesfaye Bekele,Blaser, Jurgen The Ecological Society of Korea 2020 Journal of Ecology and Environment Vol.44 No.1

Background: Species of the genera Eucalyptus, Cupressus, and Pinus are the most widely planted tree species in the country in general and in Chilimo dry Afromontane forest in particular. Eucalyptus covers 90% of the total planted forest area in the country. However, only limited information exists in the country regarding aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass (BGB), growth, and yield. This study was conducted to assess the variables on 25 and 30 years of age for three planted species: Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus saligna, and Pinus patula in Chilimo plantation forest, in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia. A two-times inventory was conducted in 2012 and 2017. A total of nine square sampled plots of 400 ㎡ each, three plots under Cupressus lusitanica, 3 Eucalyptus saligna, and 3 Pinus patula were used for data collection. Data on height, diameter, soil, and tree stumps were collected. Percent C, % N, and bulk density was performed following chemical procedure. Results: The aboveground biomass ranged from 125.76 to 228.67 t C ha^-1 and the basal area and number of stems from 3.76 to 25.50 ㎡ ha^-1 and 483 to 1175 N ha^-1, respectively. The mean annual basal area and volume increment were between 0.97 and 1.20 ㎡ ha^-1 year^-1 and 10.79 and 16.22 ㎥ ha^-1 year^-1. Both carbon and nitrogen stock of the planted forest was non-significant among the tree species. Conclusion: The aboveground biomass, growth, and yield significantly varied among the species. Cupressus lusitanica had the highest aboveground biomass, volume, and basal area, while Eucalyptus saligna had the lowest value. To a depth of 1 m, total carbon stored ranged from 130.13 to 234.26 t C ha^-1. The total annual carbon sequestration potential was 12,575.18 t CO₂ eq. Eucalyptus has the highest carbon stock density and growth rate than other species.

의사결정트리의 분류 정확도 향상

메하리마르타레제네 ( Mehari Marta Rezene ),박상현 ( Sanghyun Park ) 한국정보처리학회 2017 한국정보처리학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.24 No.1

Data quality is the main issue in the classification problems; generally, the presence of noisy instances in the training dataset will not lead to robust classification performance. Such instances may cause the generated decision tree to suffer from over-fitting and its accuracy may decrease. Decision trees are useful, efficient, and commonly used for solving various real world classification problems in data mining. In this paper, we introduce a preprocessing technique to improve the classification accuracy rates of the C4.5 decision tree algorithm. In the proposed preprocessing method, we applied the naive Bayes classifier to remove the noisy instances from the training dataset. We applied our proposed method to a real e-commerce sales dataset to test the performance of the proposed algorithm against the existing C4.5 decision tree classifier. As the experimental results, the proposed method improved the classification accuracy by 8.5% and 14.32% using training dataset and 10-fold crossvalidation, respectively.

Torilin Inhibits Inflammation by Limiting TAK1-Mediated MAP Kinase and NF-κB Activation

Endale, Mehari,Kim, Tae-Hwan,Kwak, Yi-Seong,Kim, Na-Mi,Kim, Seung-Hyung,Cho, Jae Youl,Yun, Bong-Sik,Rhee, Man-Hee Carfax 2017 Mediators of inflammation Vol.2017 No.2