Haizhen Zhu - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Haizhen Zhu

Research paper thumbnail of Role of antiviral therapy in reducing recurrence and improving survival in hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma following curative resection (Review)

Oncology Letters, 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, ... more Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with the majority of cases associated with persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus infection. In particular, chronic HBV infection is a predominant risk factor for the development of HCC in Asian and African populations. Hepatic resection, liver transplantion and radiofrequency ablation are increasingly used for the curative treatment of HCC, however, the survival rate of HCC patients who have undergone curative resection remains unsatisfactory due to the high recurrence rate. HCC is a complex disease that is typically resistant to the most commonly used types of chemotherapy and radiotherapy; therefore, the development of novel treatment strategies is required to improve the survival rate of this disease. A high viral load of HBV DNA is the most important correctable risk factor for HCC recurrence, for example nucleos(t)ide analogs improve the outcome following curative resection of HBV-associated HCC, and interferon-α exhibits antitumor activity against various types of cancer via direct inhibitory effects on tumor cells, anti-angiogenesis, enhanced immunogenicity of tumors, immunomodulatory effects and liver dysfunction. In the present review, antiviral treatment for HBV-associated HCC is described as a strategy to reduce recurrence and improve survival.

Research paper thumbnail of Novel type I interferon IL-28A suppresses hepatitis C viral RNA replication

Virology journal, 2005

Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha)-based therapy is the currently approved treatment for chronic hepati... more Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha)-based therapy is the currently approved treatment for chronic hepatitis C viral infection. The sustained antiviral response rate is approximately 50% for genotype-1 infection. The major challenge to the HCV community is to improve antiviral efficacy and to reduce the side effects typically seen in IFNalpha-based therapy. One of the strategies is to identify new interferons, which may have better efficacy and less undesirable side effects. In this report, we examined the role of IL-28A (IFN lambda2), a novel type I IFN, in suppression of human hepatitis C viral RNA replication. We have cloned both the human genomic DNA and cDNA of IL-28A, and evaluated their biological activity using HCV RNA replicon cell culture system. The results show that IL-28A effectively inhibits HCV subgenomic RNA replication in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of human hepatoma cells with IL-28A activates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and induces the expression of some interfe...

Research paper thumbnail of Primary Human Hepatocyte Culture for HCV Study

Methods in Molecular Biology, 2009

Studies of HCV pathogenesis and antiviral research have been hampered by the lack of adequate cel... more Studies of HCV pathogenesis and antiviral research have been hampered by the lack of adequate cell-culture and small-animal models. The culturing of human primary hepatocytes would greatly facilitate the model development in HCV research. The availability of robust infectious virus, JFH1 (i.e., genotype 2) strain, will further increase the interest in using primary hepatocyte cultures. This cell model system will significantly enhance research in the areas of antiviral research and host-virus interaction, but obtaining pure and viable human primary hepatocytes is not trivial. We have optimized a method of liver perfusion and primary hepatocyte isolation that allows us to establish robust and reliable human primary hepatocyte cultures. Moreover, we have demonstrated that these primary cultures are susceptible to authentic HCV infection in vitro.

Research paper thumbnail of APC2 Cullin Protein and APC11 RING Protein Comprise the Minimal Ubiquitin Ligase Module of the Anaphase-promoting Complex

In mitosis, the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) regulates the onset of sister-chromatid sepa- ra... more In mitosis, the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) regulates the onset of sister-chromatid sepa- ration and exit from mitosis by mediating the ubiquitination and degradation of the securin protein and mitotic cyclins. With the use of a baculoviral expression system, we have reconstituted the ubiquitin ligase activity of human APC. In combination with Ubc4 or UbcH10, a heterodimeric complex of APC2 and

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of Complement-Bound HCV Complexes Using a Novel Immuno-Capture RT-PCR Method

Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 2002

of Complement-Bound HCV Complexes Using a Novel Immuno-Capture RT-PCR Method. Scand J Immunol 200... more of Complement-Bound HCV Complexes Using a Novel Immuno-Capture RT-PCR Method. Scand J Immunol 2002;56:538±542

Research paper thumbnail of Midterm Status of the Forest Dragon Project

… Programme Mid-term …, 2006

The objective of the Forest DRAGON Project is the development of algorithms for classification of... more The objective of the Forest DRAGON Project is the development of algorithms for classification of synthetic aperture radar, SAR, data and interferometric SAR (InSAR) data, and the generation of forest maps at regional level for the main forested regions of ...

Research paper thumbnail of Climatic implications of a 3585-year tree-ring width chronology from the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Quaternary Science Reviews, 2010

In this study we develop a tree-ring width chronology of Qilian juniper (Sabina przewalskii Kom.)... more In this study we develop a tree-ring width chronology of Qilian juniper (Sabina przewalskii Kom.) in the northeastern Qaidam Basin (northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau), China, which extends from 1580 BC to AD 2005 lasting 3585 years. This is by far the longest ring-width chronology in China. It is composed of archaeological wood samples from 13 sites, samples of living trees growing at a site with relatively good moisture condition and other long living trees from multiple sites approximately 100 m below the local upper treeline. Our results suggest that the archaeological wood and long living tree-ring width series belong to the same statistical population, which allows the construction of a single, regional composite chronology. We find that ring-width variations of the archaeological wood have statistical characteristics that are more similar to those trees from the lower part of the forest belt, where the moisture regime during the months at the onset of the growing season is the primary control on tree growth. Only after these analyses it becomes certain that the ring-width variations of the archaeological wood represent the variation of moisture conditions in the past. Therefore, the entire composite chronology is moisturesensitive and suitable for reconstruction of the drought history and the related climate forcing over the past three millennia in the study region. The composite chronology shows considerable variations at inter-decadal to centennial timescales, with ten major multi-decadal low-growth periods corresponding to severe drought events in the past 2850 years, especially for two prominent events centered on AD 1480s and AD 1710s. On the other hand, significant high-growth periods were found centered on AD 590s and AD 1570s, and also in the past 30 years.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of HCV interactions with Toll-like receptors and RIG-I in liver cells

PloS one, 2011

The aim of this study was to examine the mechanisms of IFN induction and viral escape. In order t... more The aim of this study was to examine the mechanisms of IFN induction and viral escape. In order to accomplish the goal we compared our new hepatoma cell line LH86, which has intact TLR3 and RIG-I expression and responds to HCV by inducing IFN, with Huh7.5 cells which lack those features.

Research paper thumbnail of 2.45 GHz Body-Worn Planar Monopole Antenna and its application in Body-Worn Mimo System

Journal of Electromagnetic Waves and Applications, 2011

ABSTRACT In this paper, a body-worn planar monopole antenna is proposed for body-centric wireless... more ABSTRACT In this paper, a body-worn planar monopole antenna is proposed for body-centric wireless communications systems (BWCS) working at the frequency around 2.45 GHz. The effect of human body in the near vicinity of the antenna on the antenna performance is also investigated. Based on the body-worn monopole antenna, a simple body-worn MIMO system is developed to improve the capacity of BWCS. The effect of mutual coupling between elements on capacity is also considered. The studies show that the capacity of data transmission is improved when MIMO system is adopted.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of plant species on shrub fertile island at an oasis–desert ecotone in the South Junggar Basin, China

Journal of Arid Environments, 2007

Shrub fertile islands are a common feature in arid ecosystems. To examine the effect of plant spe... more Shrub fertile islands are a common feature in arid ecosystems. To examine the effect of plant species on the spatial patterns of soil chemical and physical properties surrounding individual shrubs, two deciduous shrub species with different morphologies (Tamarix spp. and Haloxylon ammodendron Bge.) were studied at an oasis-desert ecotone in South Junggar Basin. Soil samples were collected under the shrub crown (canopy), at the vertically projected limit of shrub crown margin (periphery), and in the space between shrub crowns (interspace) at two depths, 0-10 and 10-20 cm, to analyze their physical and chemical properties. The results show that the fertile islands of Tamarix spp. are enriched with more soil nutrients (significantly higher, Po0.05; soil organic matter (SOM); total nitrogen (TN) and available nitrogen (AN); to a deeper depth (420 cm) and in a larger area (beyond the canopied area) compared to that of H. ammodendron (significantly higher, Po0.05, soil nutrients detected only for AN; o20 cm in depth; smaller than the canopied area). Soil texture patterns surrounding the shrubs of the two species are even more different, with more coarse particles under the Tamarix spp. canopies compared to the interspace between shrubs but fewer under the H. ammodendron canopies compared to the interspaces. These variations are attributed to the difference in morphology of the two studied species: the Y-shaped crowns of H. ammodendron are less capable of capturing and maintaining litter under them than the ARTICLE IN PRESS www.elsevier.com/locate/jaridenv 0140-1963/$ -see front matter r (J. Li). hemispheroidal crowns of Tamarix spp., which leads to the less well developed fertile islands surrounding H. ammodendron shrubs.

Research paper thumbnail of Anti-hepatitis C virus activity of albinterferon alfa-2b in cell culture

Hepatology Research, 2007

Interferon-based combination therapy is the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV... more Interferon-based combination therapy is the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The weekly administration of long-acting pegylated interferons (PEG-IFNalpha-2a or PEG-IFNalpha-2b) provides superior antiviral efficacy over standard interferon alfa (IFNalpha) for the treatment of HCV infection. Albinterferon alfa-2b (alb-IFN) is a novel recombinant protein consisting of IFNalpha-2b that is genetically fused to human albumin. To test alb-IFN antiviral efficacy, we compared the antiviral activity of unmodified IFNalpha with the three modified interferons (PEG-IFNalpha-2a, PEG-IFNalpha-2b, and alb-IFN) at clinically relevant serum concentrations using liver cell-based and non-liver cell-based HCV replicon cell lines. The EC(50) in GSB cells for IFNalpha-2b, PEG-IFNalpha-2a, PEG-IFNalpha-2b and alb-IFN was 7 U/mL, 1.1 ng/mL, 18 ng/mL, and 15 ng/mL, respectively. At clinically relevant patient serum concentrations, alb-IFN exhibits more antiviral activity than the pegylated interferons. Alb-IFN showed similar inhibition of HCV replication in human liver cells and non-liver cells, indicating it has anti-HCV activity in non-liver cells. The magnitude of induction of interferon-stimulated genes (MxA, 2'5'OAS1, IFI44, and IFI27) at 6 h and 48 h was comparable for all the modified IFNs in human liver cells at the drug concentrations evaluated. The present study indicates that alb-IFN has a potent, direct anti-HCV activity in both liver and non-liver cells.

Research paper thumbnail of CD8+ T-cell interaction with HCV replicon cells: Evidence for both cytokine- and cell-mediated antiviral activity

Hepatology, 2003

The interaction between the host immune response and infected hepatocytes plays a central role in... more The interaction between the host immune response and infected hepatocytes plays a central role in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The lack of a suitable animal or in vitro model has hindered our understanding of the host T-cell/HCV interaction. Our aim was to develop an in vitro model to study the mechanisms of HCV-specific T-cell-mediated antiviral and cytolytic function. The HCV replicon was HLA typed and lymphocytes were obtained from an HLA class I-matched subject. CD8(+) T cells were expanded with 2 HCV-specific/HLA-restricted peptides for NS3. Lymphocyte preparations were cocultured with HCV replicon (FCA1) and control (Huh7) cells labeled with (51)Cr. After a 48-hour incubation, the cells were harvested for RNA extraction. Standard blocking assays were performed in the presence of anti-interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and anti-FasL. Cytolytic activity was measured by (51)Cr release. HCV replicon cells express homozygous HLA-A11 alleles and present HCV nonstructural proteins. HCV-specific expansion of CD8(+) cells led to a 10-fold decrease in HCV replication by Northern blot analysis and 21% specific lysis of FCA1 cells (compared with 2% of control Huh7 cells). Twenty percent of this antiviral activity was independent of T-cell binding, suggesting cytokine-mediated antiviral activity. The CD8(+) antiviral effect was markedly reduced by blocking either IFN-gamma or FasL but was unaffected by blocking TNF-alpha. In conclusion, HCV-specific CD8(+) cells inhibit viral RNA replication by cytokine-mediated and direct cytolytic effects. This T-cell/HCV subgenomic replicon system represents a model for the investigation of CD8 cell interaction with HCV-infected hepatocytes.

Research paper thumbnail of M1808 Inhibition of Hepatitis C Viral (HCV) Replication By In Vitro Dimerization of IFN Regulatory Factor-3 (IRF3)

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of estrous ewe serum and heparin on in vitro fertilization and subsequent embryonic development in sheep

Small Ruminant Research, 2006

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of adding estrous ewe serum (EES), hep... more The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of adding estrous ewe serum (EES), heparin and BSA at different concentrations to synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) on the cleavage rate and subsequent embryonic development. The three different treatments used were: (i) SOFaa (+3mg/ml BSA) +20%, 10%, 5% or 0% EES (v/v); (ii) SOFaa

Research paper thumbnail of Construction of a cell-free system using extracts from apoptotic plant cells

Chinese Science Bulletin, 1999

To study the mechanism of plant apoptosis, a cell-free system has been developed using the extrac... more To study the mechanism of plant apoptosis, a cell-free system has been developed using the extracts prepared from tobacco cells that become committed to apoptosis induced by heat shock treatment. Tobacco nuclei have displayed such characteristics of apoptosis as nucleus condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies during incubation in this system. Besides, these morphological changes are accompanied by DNA fragmentation,

Research paper thumbnail of Clavien-Dindo classification and risk factors of gastrectomy-related complications: an analysis of 1049 patients

International journal of clinical and experimental medicine, 2015

The objective of the present study was to explore the major risk factors of surgical complication... more The objective of the present study was to explore the major risk factors of surgical complications using the Clavien-Dindo classification. The case-control design was used. A total of 1049 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy in Hunan Cancer Hospital between October 2010 and August 2014 were retrospectively analyzed, including 122 patients (11.6%) with complications and 927 patients (88.4%) with no complications. Risk factors were evaluated. Following radical gastrectomy, 122 patients (11.6%) experienced a total of 151 complications. The incidence of Stages II, IIIa, IIIb, IVa, IVb and V complications was 9.6% (n = 101), 2.5% (n = 26), 1.0% (n = 11), 0.8% (n = 8), 0% (n = 0), and 0.5% (n = 5), respectively. The incidence of severe complications (Stage ≥ IIIa) was 4.8% (n = 50). Multivariate analysis showed that combined resection (Odds Ratio [OR] = 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.71~6.60, P < 0.01), perioperative blood transfusion (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.38-3.29, P <...

Research paper thumbnail of EPSTI1 Is Involved in IL-28A-Mediated Inhibition of HCV Infection

Mediators of inflammation, 2015

It has been reported that IFN-λs inhibit HCV replication in vitro. But the mechanisms of how IL-2... more It has been reported that IFN-λs inhibit HCV replication in vitro. But the mechanisms of how IL-28A conducts antiviral activity and the functions of IL-28A-induced ISGs (IFN-stimulated genes) are not fully understood. In this study, we found that IL-28A has the antiviral effect on HCV life cycle including viral replication, assembly, and release. IL-28A and IFN-α synergistically inhibit virus replication. EPSTI1 (epithelial-stromal interaction 1), one of IL-28A-induced ISGs, plays a vital role in IL-28A-mediated antiviral activity. Furthermore, forced expression of EPSTI1 effectively inhibits HCV replication in the absence of interferon treatment, and knockdown of EPSTI1 contributes to viral enhancement. EPSTI1 can activate PKR promoter and induce several PKR-dependent genes, including IFN-β, IFIT1, OAS1, and RNase L, which is responsible for EPSTI1-mediated antiviral activity.

Research paper thumbnail of Short-hairpin RNAs delivered by lentiviral vector transduction trigger RIG-I-mediated IFN activation

Nucleic Acids Research

Activation of the type I interferon (IFN) pathway by small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a major con... more Activation of the type I interferon (IFN) pathway by small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a major contributor to the off-target effects of RNA interference in mammalian cells. While IFN induction complicates gene function studies, immunostimulation by siRNAs may be beneficial in certain therapeutic settings. Various forms of siRNA, meeting different compositional and structural requirements, have been reported to trigger IFN activation. The consensus is that intracellularly expressed short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are less prone to IFN activation because they are not detected by the cell-surface receptors. In particular, lentiviral vector-mediated transduction of shRNAs has been reported to avoid IFN response. Here we identify a shRNA that potently activates the IFN pathway in human cells in a sequence- and 5'-triphosphate-dependent manner. In addition to suppressing its intended mRNA target, expression of the shRNA results in dimerization of interferon regulatory factor-3, activation ...

Research paper thumbnail of Interferon-α and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor cooperatively mediates TRAIL-induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Experimental cell research, Jan 24, 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Interfer... more Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) has recently been recognized to harbor therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of HCC, but it remains controversial as to whether IFN-α exerts direct cytotoxicity against HCC. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in HCC and is considered to play a role in hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the combined effect of a COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, and IFN-α on in vitro growth suppression of HCC using the hepatoma cell line HLCZ01 and the in vivo nude mouse xenotransplantation model using HLCZ01 cells. Treatment with celecoxib and IFN-α synergistically inhibited cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Apoptosis was identified by 4׳,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride and fluorescent staining. IFN-α upregulated the expression of TRAIL, while celecoxib increased the expression of TRAIL receptors. The combined regimen ...

Research paper thumbnail of Gene expression associated with interferon alfa antiviral activity in an HCV replicon cell line

Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.), 2003

Interferon alfa (IFN-alpha)-based treatment is the only therapeutic option for chronic hepatitis ... more Interferon alfa (IFN-alpha)-based treatment is the only therapeutic option for chronic hepatitis C viral infection. However, the molecular mechanisms of IFN-alpha antiviral activity are not completely understood. The recent development of an HCV replicon cell culture system provides a feasible experimental model to investigate the molecular details of IFN-induced direct antiviral activity in hepatocytes. In this report, we show that IFN-alpha can effectively inhibit HCV subgenomic RNA replication and suppress viral nonstructural protein synthesis. Using cDNA microarray analysis, we also show that the replicon cells have different gene expression profile compared with the parental hepatoma cells (Huh7). IFN-alpha can induce a number of responsive genes in the replicon cells. One of the genes, 6-16 (G1P3), can enhance IFN-alpha antiviral efficacy. In addition, we demonstrate that IFN-alpha can significantly activate STAT3 in hepatoma cells, suggesting that this pathway plays a role in...

Research paper thumbnail of Role of antiviral therapy in reducing recurrence and improving survival in hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma following curative resection (Review)

Oncology Letters, 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, ... more Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with the majority of cases associated with persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus infection. In particular, chronic HBV infection is a predominant risk factor for the development of HCC in Asian and African populations. Hepatic resection, liver transplantion and radiofrequency ablation are increasingly used for the curative treatment of HCC, however, the survival rate of HCC patients who have undergone curative resection remains unsatisfactory due to the high recurrence rate. HCC is a complex disease that is typically resistant to the most commonly used types of chemotherapy and radiotherapy; therefore, the development of novel treatment strategies is required to improve the survival rate of this disease. A high viral load of HBV DNA is the most important correctable risk factor for HCC recurrence, for example nucleos(t)ide analogs improve the outcome following curative resection of HBV-associated HCC, and interferon-α exhibits antitumor activity against various types of cancer via direct inhibitory effects on tumor cells, anti-angiogenesis, enhanced immunogenicity of tumors, immunomodulatory effects and liver dysfunction. In the present review, antiviral treatment for HBV-associated HCC is described as a strategy to reduce recurrence and improve survival.

Research paper thumbnail of Novel type I interferon IL-28A suppresses hepatitis C viral RNA replication

Virology journal, 2005

Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha)-based therapy is the currently approved treatment for chronic hepati... more Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha)-based therapy is the currently approved treatment for chronic hepatitis C viral infection. The sustained antiviral response rate is approximately 50% for genotype-1 infection. The major challenge to the HCV community is to improve antiviral efficacy and to reduce the side effects typically seen in IFNalpha-based therapy. One of the strategies is to identify new interferons, which may have better efficacy and less undesirable side effects. In this report, we examined the role of IL-28A (IFN lambda2), a novel type I IFN, in suppression of human hepatitis C viral RNA replication. We have cloned both the human genomic DNA and cDNA of IL-28A, and evaluated their biological activity using HCV RNA replicon cell culture system. The results show that IL-28A effectively inhibits HCV subgenomic RNA replication in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of human hepatoma cells with IL-28A activates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and induces the expression of some interfe...

Research paper thumbnail of Primary Human Hepatocyte Culture for HCV Study

Methods in Molecular Biology, 2009

Studies of HCV pathogenesis and antiviral research have been hampered by the lack of adequate cel... more Studies of HCV pathogenesis and antiviral research have been hampered by the lack of adequate cell-culture and small-animal models. The culturing of human primary hepatocytes would greatly facilitate the model development in HCV research. The availability of robust infectious virus, JFH1 (i.e., genotype 2) strain, will further increase the interest in using primary hepatocyte cultures. This cell model system will significantly enhance research in the areas of antiviral research and host-virus interaction, but obtaining pure and viable human primary hepatocytes is not trivial. We have optimized a method of liver perfusion and primary hepatocyte isolation that allows us to establish robust and reliable human primary hepatocyte cultures. Moreover, we have demonstrated that these primary cultures are susceptible to authentic HCV infection in vitro.

Research paper thumbnail of APC2 Cullin Protein and APC11 RING Protein Comprise the Minimal Ubiquitin Ligase Module of the Anaphase-promoting Complex

In mitosis, the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) regulates the onset of sister-chromatid sepa- ra... more In mitosis, the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) regulates the onset of sister-chromatid sepa- ration and exit from mitosis by mediating the ubiquitination and degradation of the securin protein and mitotic cyclins. With the use of a baculoviral expression system, we have reconstituted the ubiquitin ligase activity of human APC. In combination with Ubc4 or UbcH10, a heterodimeric complex of APC2 and

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of Complement-Bound HCV Complexes Using a Novel Immuno-Capture RT-PCR Method

Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 2002

of Complement-Bound HCV Complexes Using a Novel Immuno-Capture RT-PCR Method. Scand J Immunol 200... more of Complement-Bound HCV Complexes Using a Novel Immuno-Capture RT-PCR Method. Scand J Immunol 2002;56:538±542

Research paper thumbnail of Midterm Status of the Forest Dragon Project

… Programme Mid-term …, 2006

The objective of the Forest DRAGON Project is the development of algorithms for classification of... more The objective of the Forest DRAGON Project is the development of algorithms for classification of synthetic aperture radar, SAR, data and interferometric SAR (InSAR) data, and the generation of forest maps at regional level for the main forested regions of ...

Research paper thumbnail of Climatic implications of a 3585-year tree-ring width chronology from the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Quaternary Science Reviews, 2010

In this study we develop a tree-ring width chronology of Qilian juniper (Sabina przewalskii Kom.)... more In this study we develop a tree-ring width chronology of Qilian juniper (Sabina przewalskii Kom.) in the northeastern Qaidam Basin (northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau), China, which extends from 1580 BC to AD 2005 lasting 3585 years. This is by far the longest ring-width chronology in China. It is composed of archaeological wood samples from 13 sites, samples of living trees growing at a site with relatively good moisture condition and other long living trees from multiple sites approximately 100 m below the local upper treeline. Our results suggest that the archaeological wood and long living tree-ring width series belong to the same statistical population, which allows the construction of a single, regional composite chronology. We find that ring-width variations of the archaeological wood have statistical characteristics that are more similar to those trees from the lower part of the forest belt, where the moisture regime during the months at the onset of the growing season is the primary control on tree growth. Only after these analyses it becomes certain that the ring-width variations of the archaeological wood represent the variation of moisture conditions in the past. Therefore, the entire composite chronology is moisturesensitive and suitable for reconstruction of the drought history and the related climate forcing over the past three millennia in the study region. The composite chronology shows considerable variations at inter-decadal to centennial timescales, with ten major multi-decadal low-growth periods corresponding to severe drought events in the past 2850 years, especially for two prominent events centered on AD 1480s and AD 1710s. On the other hand, significant high-growth periods were found centered on AD 590s and AD 1570s, and also in the past 30 years.

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of HCV interactions with Toll-like receptors and RIG-I in liver cells

PloS one, 2011

The aim of this study was to examine the mechanisms of IFN induction and viral escape. In order t... more The aim of this study was to examine the mechanisms of IFN induction and viral escape. In order to accomplish the goal we compared our new hepatoma cell line LH86, which has intact TLR3 and RIG-I expression and responds to HCV by inducing IFN, with Huh7.5 cells which lack those features.

Research paper thumbnail of 2.45 GHz Body-Worn Planar Monopole Antenna and its application in Body-Worn Mimo System

Journal of Electromagnetic Waves and Applications, 2011

ABSTRACT In this paper, a body-worn planar monopole antenna is proposed for body-centric wireless... more ABSTRACT In this paper, a body-worn planar monopole antenna is proposed for body-centric wireless communications systems (BWCS) working at the frequency around 2.45 GHz. The effect of human body in the near vicinity of the antenna on the antenna performance is also investigated. Based on the body-worn monopole antenna, a simple body-worn MIMO system is developed to improve the capacity of BWCS. The effect of mutual coupling between elements on capacity is also considered. The studies show that the capacity of data transmission is improved when MIMO system is adopted.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of plant species on shrub fertile island at an oasis–desert ecotone in the South Junggar Basin, China

Journal of Arid Environments, 2007

Shrub fertile islands are a common feature in arid ecosystems. To examine the effect of plant spe... more Shrub fertile islands are a common feature in arid ecosystems. To examine the effect of plant species on the spatial patterns of soil chemical and physical properties surrounding individual shrubs, two deciduous shrub species with different morphologies (Tamarix spp. and Haloxylon ammodendron Bge.) were studied at an oasis-desert ecotone in South Junggar Basin. Soil samples were collected under the shrub crown (canopy), at the vertically projected limit of shrub crown margin (periphery), and in the space between shrub crowns (interspace) at two depths, 0-10 and 10-20 cm, to analyze their physical and chemical properties. The results show that the fertile islands of Tamarix spp. are enriched with more soil nutrients (significantly higher, Po0.05; soil organic matter (SOM); total nitrogen (TN) and available nitrogen (AN); to a deeper depth (420 cm) and in a larger area (beyond the canopied area) compared to that of H. ammodendron (significantly higher, Po0.05, soil nutrients detected only for AN; o20 cm in depth; smaller than the canopied area). Soil texture patterns surrounding the shrubs of the two species are even more different, with more coarse particles under the Tamarix spp. canopies compared to the interspace between shrubs but fewer under the H. ammodendron canopies compared to the interspaces. These variations are attributed to the difference in morphology of the two studied species: the Y-shaped crowns of H. ammodendron are less capable of capturing and maintaining litter under them than the ARTICLE IN PRESS www.elsevier.com/locate/jaridenv 0140-1963/$ -see front matter r (J. Li). hemispheroidal crowns of Tamarix spp., which leads to the less well developed fertile islands surrounding H. ammodendron shrubs.

Research paper thumbnail of Anti-hepatitis C virus activity of albinterferon alfa-2b in cell culture

Hepatology Research, 2007

Interferon-based combination therapy is the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV... more Interferon-based combination therapy is the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The weekly administration of long-acting pegylated interferons (PEG-IFNalpha-2a or PEG-IFNalpha-2b) provides superior antiviral efficacy over standard interferon alfa (IFNalpha) for the treatment of HCV infection. Albinterferon alfa-2b (alb-IFN) is a novel recombinant protein consisting of IFNalpha-2b that is genetically fused to human albumin. To test alb-IFN antiviral efficacy, we compared the antiviral activity of unmodified IFNalpha with the three modified interferons (PEG-IFNalpha-2a, PEG-IFNalpha-2b, and alb-IFN) at clinically relevant serum concentrations using liver cell-based and non-liver cell-based HCV replicon cell lines. The EC(50) in GSB cells for IFNalpha-2b, PEG-IFNalpha-2a, PEG-IFNalpha-2b and alb-IFN was 7 U/mL, 1.1 ng/mL, 18 ng/mL, and 15 ng/mL, respectively. At clinically relevant patient serum concentrations, alb-IFN exhibits more antiviral activity than the pegylated interferons. Alb-IFN showed similar inhibition of HCV replication in human liver cells and non-liver cells, indicating it has anti-HCV activity in non-liver cells. The magnitude of induction of interferon-stimulated genes (MxA, 2&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;5&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;OAS1, IFI44, and IFI27) at 6 h and 48 h was comparable for all the modified IFNs in human liver cells at the drug concentrations evaluated. The present study indicates that alb-IFN has a potent, direct anti-HCV activity in both liver and non-liver cells.

Research paper thumbnail of CD8+ T-cell interaction with HCV replicon cells: Evidence for both cytokine- and cell-mediated antiviral activity

Hepatology, 2003

The interaction between the host immune response and infected hepatocytes plays a central role in... more The interaction between the host immune response and infected hepatocytes plays a central role in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The lack of a suitable animal or in vitro model has hindered our understanding of the host T-cell/HCV interaction. Our aim was to develop an in vitro model to study the mechanisms of HCV-specific T-cell-mediated antiviral and cytolytic function. The HCV replicon was HLA typed and lymphocytes were obtained from an HLA class I-matched subject. CD8(+) T cells were expanded with 2 HCV-specific/HLA-restricted peptides for NS3. Lymphocyte preparations were cocultured with HCV replicon (FCA1) and control (Huh7) cells labeled with (51)Cr. After a 48-hour incubation, the cells were harvested for RNA extraction. Standard blocking assays were performed in the presence of anti-interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and anti-FasL. Cytolytic activity was measured by (51)Cr release. HCV replicon cells express homozygous HLA-A11 alleles and present HCV nonstructural proteins. HCV-specific expansion of CD8(+) cells led to a 10-fold decrease in HCV replication by Northern blot analysis and 21% specific lysis of FCA1 cells (compared with 2% of control Huh7 cells). Twenty percent of this antiviral activity was independent of T-cell binding, suggesting cytokine-mediated antiviral activity. The CD8(+) antiviral effect was markedly reduced by blocking either IFN-gamma or FasL but was unaffected by blocking TNF-alpha. In conclusion, HCV-specific CD8(+) cells inhibit viral RNA replication by cytokine-mediated and direct cytolytic effects. This T-cell/HCV subgenomic replicon system represents a model for the investigation of CD8 cell interaction with HCV-infected hepatocytes.

Research paper thumbnail of M1808 Inhibition of Hepatitis C Viral (HCV) Replication By In Vitro Dimerization of IFN Regulatory Factor-3 (IRF3)

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of estrous ewe serum and heparin on in vitro fertilization and subsequent embryonic development in sheep

Small Ruminant Research, 2006

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of adding estrous ewe serum (EES), hep... more The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of adding estrous ewe serum (EES), heparin and BSA at different concentrations to synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) on the cleavage rate and subsequent embryonic development. The three different treatments used were: (i) SOFaa (+3mg/ml BSA) +20%, 10%, 5% or 0% EES (v/v); (ii) SOFaa

Research paper thumbnail of Construction of a cell-free system using extracts from apoptotic plant cells

Chinese Science Bulletin, 1999

To study the mechanism of plant apoptosis, a cell-free system has been developed using the extrac... more To study the mechanism of plant apoptosis, a cell-free system has been developed using the extracts prepared from tobacco cells that become committed to apoptosis induced by heat shock treatment. Tobacco nuclei have displayed such characteristics of apoptosis as nucleus condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies during incubation in this system. Besides, these morphological changes are accompanied by DNA fragmentation,

Research paper thumbnail of Clavien-Dindo classification and risk factors of gastrectomy-related complications: an analysis of 1049 patients

International journal of clinical and experimental medicine, 2015

The objective of the present study was to explore the major risk factors of surgical complication... more The objective of the present study was to explore the major risk factors of surgical complications using the Clavien-Dindo classification. The case-control design was used. A total of 1049 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy in Hunan Cancer Hospital between October 2010 and August 2014 were retrospectively analyzed, including 122 patients (11.6%) with complications and 927 patients (88.4%) with no complications. Risk factors were evaluated. Following radical gastrectomy, 122 patients (11.6%) experienced a total of 151 complications. The incidence of Stages II, IIIa, IIIb, IVa, IVb and V complications was 9.6% (n = 101), 2.5% (n = 26), 1.0% (n = 11), 0.8% (n = 8), 0% (n = 0), and 0.5% (n = 5), respectively. The incidence of severe complications (Stage ≥ IIIa) was 4.8% (n = 50). Multivariate analysis showed that combined resection (Odds Ratio [OR] = 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.71~6.60, P < 0.01), perioperative blood transfusion (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.38-3.29, P <...

Research paper thumbnail of EPSTI1 Is Involved in IL-28A-Mediated Inhibition of HCV Infection

Mediators of inflammation, 2015

It has been reported that IFN-λs inhibit HCV replication in vitro. But the mechanisms of how IL-2... more It has been reported that IFN-λs inhibit HCV replication in vitro. But the mechanisms of how IL-28A conducts antiviral activity and the functions of IL-28A-induced ISGs (IFN-stimulated genes) are not fully understood. In this study, we found that IL-28A has the antiviral effect on HCV life cycle including viral replication, assembly, and release. IL-28A and IFN-α synergistically inhibit virus replication. EPSTI1 (epithelial-stromal interaction 1), one of IL-28A-induced ISGs, plays a vital role in IL-28A-mediated antiviral activity. Furthermore, forced expression of EPSTI1 effectively inhibits HCV replication in the absence of interferon treatment, and knockdown of EPSTI1 contributes to viral enhancement. EPSTI1 can activate PKR promoter and induce several PKR-dependent genes, including IFN-β, IFIT1, OAS1, and RNase L, which is responsible for EPSTI1-mediated antiviral activity.

Research paper thumbnail of Short-hairpin RNAs delivered by lentiviral vector transduction trigger RIG-I-mediated IFN activation

Nucleic Acids Research

Activation of the type I interferon (IFN) pathway by small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a major con... more Activation of the type I interferon (IFN) pathway by small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a major contributor to the off-target effects of RNA interference in mammalian cells. While IFN induction complicates gene function studies, immunostimulation by siRNAs may be beneficial in certain therapeutic settings. Various forms of siRNA, meeting different compositional and structural requirements, have been reported to trigger IFN activation. The consensus is that intracellularly expressed short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are less prone to IFN activation because they are not detected by the cell-surface receptors. In particular, lentiviral vector-mediated transduction of shRNAs has been reported to avoid IFN response. Here we identify a shRNA that potently activates the IFN pathway in human cells in a sequence- and 5'-triphosphate-dependent manner. In addition to suppressing its intended mRNA target, expression of the shRNA results in dimerization of interferon regulatory factor-3, activation ...

Research paper thumbnail of Interferon-α and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor cooperatively mediates TRAIL-induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Experimental cell research, Jan 24, 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Interfer... more Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) has recently been recognized to harbor therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of HCC, but it remains controversial as to whether IFN-α exerts direct cytotoxicity against HCC. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in HCC and is considered to play a role in hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the combined effect of a COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, and IFN-α on in vitro growth suppression of HCC using the hepatoma cell line HLCZ01 and the in vivo nude mouse xenotransplantation model using HLCZ01 cells. Treatment with celecoxib and IFN-α synergistically inhibited cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Apoptosis was identified by 4׳,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride and fluorescent staining. IFN-α upregulated the expression of TRAIL, while celecoxib increased the expression of TRAIL receptors. The combined regimen ...

Research paper thumbnail of Gene expression associated with interferon alfa antiviral activity in an HCV replicon cell line

Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.), 2003

Interferon alfa (IFN-alpha)-based treatment is the only therapeutic option for chronic hepatitis ... more Interferon alfa (IFN-alpha)-based treatment is the only therapeutic option for chronic hepatitis C viral infection. However, the molecular mechanisms of IFN-alpha antiviral activity are not completely understood. The recent development of an HCV replicon cell culture system provides a feasible experimental model to investigate the molecular details of IFN-induced direct antiviral activity in hepatocytes. In this report, we show that IFN-alpha can effectively inhibit HCV subgenomic RNA replication and suppress viral nonstructural protein synthesis. Using cDNA microarray analysis, we also show that the replicon cells have different gene expression profile compared with the parental hepatoma cells (Huh7). IFN-alpha can induce a number of responsive genes in the replicon cells. One of the genes, 6-16 (G1P3), can enhance IFN-alpha antiviral efficacy. In addition, we demonstrate that IFN-alpha can significantly activate STAT3 in hepatoma cells, suggesting that this pathway plays a role in...