CRA Reputation and Bond Yield: Evidence from the Chinese Bond Market

Hua Wang,Xiaolu Hu,Haozhi Huang,Jing Shi 한국증권학회 2019 Asia-Pacific Journal of Financial Studies Vol.48 No.2

The paper examines the reputation effect of credit rating agencies (CRAs) in China. We find a negative association between CRAs’ reputation and public bonds’ offering yield spreads after controlling for endogeneity. Analyses of the correlation between CRA reputation and bond return volatility in the aftermarket and cross-sectional variations of reputation effects alongside a host of information environment proxies for issuers, we identify the information channel through which CRA reputation plays its role. This is further supported when we utilize an exogenous event, the introduction of an independent CRA (the China Bond Rating Co. Ltd), to explore the potential changes of the reputation effect.

A CLASS OF INVERSE CURVATURE FLOWS IN ℝⁿ⁺¹, II

Hu, Jin-Hua,Mao, Jing,Tu, Qiang,Wu, Di Korean Mathematical Society 2020 대한수학회지 Vol.57 No.5

We consider closed, star-shaped, admissible hypersurfaces in ℝⁿ⁺¹ expanding along the flow Ẋ = |X|^α-1 F^-β, α ≤ 1, β > 0, and prove that for the case α ≤ 1, β > 0, α + β ≤ 2, this evolution exists for all the time and the evolving hypersurfaces converge smoothly to a round sphere after rescaling. Besides, for the case α ≤ 1, α + β > 2, if furthermore the initial closed hypersurface is strictly convex, then the strict convexity is preserved during the evolution process and the flow blows up at finite time.

Indole-3-propionic acid inhibits gut dysbiosis and endotoxin leakage to attenuate steatohepatitis in rats

Ze-Hua Zhao,Feng-Zhi Xin,Yaqian Xue,Zhimin Hu,Yamei Han,Fengguang Ma,Da Zhou,Xiao-Lin Liu,Aoyuan Cui,Zhengshuai Liu,Yuxiao Liu,Jing Gao,Qin Pan,Yu Li,Jian-Gao Fan 생화학분자생물학회 2019 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.51 No.-

Microbial metabolites have emerged as critical components that mediate the metabolic effects of the gut microbiota. Here, we show that indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a tryptophan metabolite produced by gut bacteria, is a potent anti-non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) microbial metabolite. Here, we demonstrate that administration of IPA modulates the microbiota composition in the gut and inhibits microbial dysbiosis in rats fed a high-fat diet. IPA induces the expression of tight junction proteins, such as ZO-1 and Occludin, and maintains intestinal epithelium homeostasis, leading to a reduction in plasma endotoxin levels. Interestingly, IPA inhibits NF-κB signaling and reduces the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6, in response to endotoxin in macrophages to repress hepatic inflammation and liver injury. Moreover, IPA is sufficient to inhibit the expression of fibrogenic and collagen genes and attenuate diet-induced NASH phenotypes. The beneficial effects of IPA on the liver are likely mediated through inhibiting the production of endotoxin in the gut. These findings suggest a protective role of IPA in the control of metabolism and uncover the gut microbiome and liver cross-talk in regulating the intestinal microenvironment and liver pathology via a novel dietary nutrient metabolite. IPA may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating NASH.

Association Between Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Preimplantation Screening and the Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Ran Jing,Han Jin,Wei Hua,Shengwen Yang,Yiran Hu,Shu Zhang 대한심장학회 2020 Korean Circulation Journal Vol.50 No.12

Background and Objectives: Preimplantation QRS-T morphology screening (TMS) is a composite tool for selecting subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) candidates. However, its role in predicting the patient's response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is uncertain. Methods: A total of 55 consecutive de novo CRT candidates were enrolled between January 2016 and March 2017. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and TMS were performed before and soon after implantation. The ECG parameters were recorded, including QRS duration and morphology (such as ΔQRS_Index, QTc during biventricular pacing mode [BiV pacing QTc], and QRS/T ratio during biventricular pacing mode [BiV pacing QRS/T ratio]). TMS monitored three sensory vectors of the S-ICD. Six months after implantation, the responses to CRT were evaluated. Results: Thirty-nine patients (70.9%) passed the TMS during biventricular pacing mode. At the six-month follow-up, the number of responders and super-responders was significantly higher in the passing group than in the non-passing group (responders: 31/39 [79.5%] vs. 5/16 [31.3%], p<0.001; super-responders: 9/39 [23.1%] vs. 1/16 [6.3%], p=0.020). The super-response rate was higher among patients who passed all three vectors than among those who passed 1 or 2 vectors (3 vs. 2 vectors, p=0.018; 3 vs. 1 vector, p=0.003). A smaller left atrial diameter, vectors that passed TMS during biventricular pacing mode, and larger ΔQRS_Index values were independently associated with good CRT response. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that patients on CRT who pass the TMS during biventricular pacing mode are more likely to respond and super-respond to CRT.

Methods on improvements of the poor oral bioavailability of ginsenosides: Pre-processing, structural modifi cation, drug combination, and micro- or nano- delivery system

Qi-rui Hu,Huan Hong,Zhi-hong Zhang,Hua Feng,Ting Luo,Jing Li,Ze-yuan Deng,Fang Chen 고려인삼학회 2023 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.47 No.6

Panax ginseng Meyer is a traditional Chinese medicine that is widely used as tonic in Asia. The mainpharmacologically active components of ginseng are the dammarane-type ginsenosides, which havebeen shown to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, neuroprotective, and metabolicregulatory activities. Moreover, some of ginsenosides (eg, Rh2 and Rg3) have been developed intonutraceuticals. However, the utilization of ginsenosides in clinic is restrictive due to poor permeability incells and low bioavailability in human body. Obviously, the dammarane skeleton and glycosyls of ginsenosidesare responsible for these limitations. Therefore, improving the oral bioavailability of ginsenosideshas become a pressing issue. Here, based on the structures of ginsenosides, we summarized theunderstanding of the factors affecting the oral bioavailability of ginsenosides, introduced the methods toenhance the oral bioavailability and proposed the future perspectives on improving the oral bioavailabilityof ginsenosides.

Novel P/N/Si/S-containing Mononickel Complex as a Metal-based Intumescent Flame Retardant for Cotton Fabrics

Meng-Yuan Hu,Kuan-Kuan Xiong,Jian-Rong Li,Xing-Bin Jing,Pei-Hua Zhao 한국섬유공학회 2019 Fibers and polymers Vol.20 No.9

A new P/N/Si/S-containing mononickel complex NiS, which can be regarded as a rare type of the metal-basedintumescent flame retardant, has been prepared through the condensation reaction of precursor NiCl with 1, 2-ethanedithiolin the presence of triethylamine as acid-binding agent. Its molecular structure is well characterized by elemental analysis,infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. The target flame retardant NiS has been successfullyapplied to cotton fabrics through a pad-dry-cure method. Thermal degradation properties of neat and treated cotton fabricswith 10.7 wt% NiS are studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Flammability behaviors of neat and treated cotton with10.7 wt% NiS are evaluated using vertical burning test, limiting oxygen index (LOI) and microscale combustion calorimeter(MCC). Meanwhile, to further investigate the flame retardancy of NiS for cotton fabrics, the char layers of neat and treatedsamples after combustion are analyzed by SEM image and Raman spectroscopy. As a result, the improved thermal andflammability performance for cotton fabrics by introduction of NiS might be due to the metal-assisted catalytic charringeffect of NiS on the formation of the compact char layer and the release of the flammable gas.

Clinical and Pathologic Features of Multifocal and Multicentric Breast Cancer in Chinese Women: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Mei-rong Zhou,Zhong-hua Tang,Jing Li,Jin-Hu Fan,Yi Pang,Hong-jian Yang,Shan Zheng,Jing-qiao Bai,Ning Lv,You-Lin Qiao,Feng Xu,Hai-zhi Qi 한국유방암학회 2013 Journal of breast cancer Vol.16 No.1

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the clinical-pathological characteristics of multifocal and multicentric breast cancer (MMBC) in Chinese women. Methods: Sixty-seven cases with MMBC were randomly collected and reviewed at seven hospitals in representative districts of China during 1999 to 2008. Results: The incidence of MMBC in breast cancer in China was 1.75%. Compared to those with unifocal breast cancer, women with MMBC were more likely to have larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis (59.70% vs. 45.62%) and stage III to IV (46.26% vs. 21.10%). The peak age at onset of MMBC was 40 to 49 years old and has been gradually increasing during 1999 to 2008. Most of the MMBC women were treated with surgery and adjuvant therapy. Conclusion: In China, the incidence of MMBC in breast cancer is significantly lower than that in Western countries. Compared to unifocal breast cancer, MMBC is biologically more aggressive. Most MMBC women underwent mastectomy, instead of breast conservation surgery.

Role of a Novel Pyridostigmine Bromide-Phospholipid Nanocomplex in Improving Oral Bioavailability

Qun-you Tan,Jing-qing Zhang,Ni-ni Hu,Guo-dong Liu,Hua-feng Yin,Li Zhang,Hong Wang,Lu-yang Lu 대한약학회 2012 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.35 No.3

A novel pyridostigmine bromide (PB)-phospholipid nanocomplex (PBPLC) was prepared to increase the bioavailability of PB. A central composite design approach was employed for process optimization. The physicochemical properties of PBPLC were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry, ultraviolet spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and the n-octano/water partition coefficient. The intestinal permeability of PBPLC was observed via a single pass intestinal perfusion in rats. After oral administration of PBPLC, the concentrations of PB at predetermined time points were determined by HPLC, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were computed by DAS 2.1.1 software. Multiple linear regression analysis for process optimization revealed that the optimal PBPLC was obtained when the values of X1, X2, and X3 were 8, 40oC, and 4 mg/mL, respectively. The average particle size and zeta potential of PBPLC with the optimized formulation were 204.60 nm and −25.12 mV, respectively. Non-covalent interactions between PB and phospholipids were found in the PBPLC. The n-octanol/water partition coefficient of PBPLC was substantially increased. PBPLC had better intestinal permeability in comparison with free PB. Mean plasma drug concentration-time curves of PBPLC and free PB after oral administration were both in accordance with the two-compartment open model. The values of pharmacokinetic parameters of PBPLC and free PB were the peak time (Tmax) 2 h vs 2 h, the maximum concentration (Cmax) 22.79 μg/mL vs 6.00 μg/mL, and the value of the area under the concentration vs time curve (AUC0-∞) 7128.21 μg·min/mL vs 1772.36 μg·min/mL, respectively. In conclusion, compared with free PB, PBPLC remarkably improves the oral bioavailability of PB, which is likely due to its higher lipophilicity and permeability.

Association of TNF-α-308 and -238 Polymorphisms with Risk of Cervical Cancer: A Meta-analysis

Pan, Feng,Tian, Jing,Ji, Chu-Shu,He, Yi-Fu,Han, Xing-Hua,Wang, Yong,Du, Jian-Ping,Jiang, Feng-Shou,Zhang, Ying,Pan, Yue-Yin,Hu, Bing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.11

Published data on the associations between tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) promoter -308G>A and -238G>A polymorphisms and cervical cancer risk are inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. Data were collected from MEDLINE and PubMed databases. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in a fixed/random effect model. 13 separate studies including 3294 cases and 3468 controls were involved in the meta-analysis. We found no association between TNF-${\alpha}$-308G>A polymorphism and cervical cancer in overall population. In subgroup analysis, significantly elevated risks were found in Caucasian population (A vs. G: OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.00-2.03; AA vs. GG: OR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.34-3.25; Recessive model: OR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.35-3.25) and African population (GA vs. GG: OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.02-2.30). An association of TNF-${\alpha}$-238G>A polymorphism with cervical cancer was found (A vs. G: OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.47-0.78; GA vs. GG: OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.45-0.77; Dominant model: OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.46-0.77). When stratified by ethnicity, similar association was observed in Caucasian population (A vs. G: OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.46-0.84; GA vs. GG: OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.43-0.82; Dominant model: OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.44-0.83). In summary, this meta-analysis suggests that TNF-${\alpha}$-238A allele significantly decreased the cervical cancer risk, and the TNF-${\alpha}$-308G>A polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility to cervical cancer in Caucasian and African population.

Age of Diagnosis of Breast Cancer in China: Almost 10 Years Earlier than in the United States and the European Union

Song, Qing-Kun,Li, Jing,Huang, Rong,Fan, Jin-Hu,Zheng, Rong-Shou,Zhang, Bao-Ning,Zhang, Bin,Tang, Zhong-Hua,Xie, Xiao-Ming,Yang, Hong-Jian,He, Jian-Jun,Li, Hui,Li, Jia-Yuan,Qiao, You-Lin,Chen, Wan-Qin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.22

Background: The study aimed to describe the age distribution of breast cancer diagnosis among Chinese females for comparison with the United States and the European Union, and provide evidence for the screening target population in China. Materials and Methods: Median age was estimated from hospital databases from 7 tertiary hospitals in China. Population-based data in China, United States and European Union was extracted from the National Central Cancer Registry, SEER program and GLOBOCAN 2008, respectively. Age-standardized distribution of breast cancer at diagnosis in the 3 areas was estimated based on the World Standard Population 2000. Results: The median age of breast cancer at diagnosis was around 50 in China, nearly 10 years earlier than United States and European Union. The diagnosis age in China did not vary between subgroups of calendar year, region and pathological characteristics. With adjustment for population structure, median age of breast cancer at diagnosis was 50~54 in China, but 55~59 in United States and European Union. Conclusions: The median diagnosis age of female breast cancer is much earlier in China than in the United States and the European Union pointing to racial differences in genetics and lifestyle. Screening programs should start at an earlier age for Chinese women and age disparities between Chinese and Western women warrant further studies.