Explaining the GeV Antiproton Excess, GeV γ-Ray Excess, and W-Boson Mass Anomaly in an Inert Two Higgs Doublet Model.

For the newly discovered W-boson mass anomaly, one of the simplest dark matter (DM) models that can account for the anomaly without violating other astrophysical and experimental constraints is the inert two Higgs doublet model, in which the DM mass (m_{S}) is found to be within ∼54-74 GeV. In this model, the annihilation of DM via SS→bb[over ¯] and SS→WW^{*} would produce antiprotons and gamma rays, and may account for the excesses identified previously in both particles. Motivated by this, we reanalyze the AMS-02 antiproton and Fermi-LAT Galactic center γ-ray data. For the antiproton analysis, the novel treatment is the inclusion of the charge-sign-dependent three-dimensional solar modulation model as constrained by the time-dependent proton data. We find that the excess of antiprotons is more distinct than previous results based on the force-field solar modulation model. The interpretation of this excess as the annihilation of SS→WW^{*} (SS→bb[over ¯]) requires a DM mass of ∼40-80 (40-60) GeV and a velocity-averaged cross section of O(10^{-26}) cm^{3} s^{-1}. As for the γ-ray data analysis, besides adopting the widely used spatial template fitting, we employ an orthogonal approach with a data-driven spectral template analysis. The fitting to the GeV γ-ray excess yields DM model parameters overlapped with those to fit the antiproton excess via the WW^{*} channel. The consistency of the DM particle properties required to account for the W-boson mass anomaly, the GeV antiproton excess, and the GeV γ-ray excess suggests a common origin of them.

Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFR) is a rare disease, but the prognosis is by no means ideal. Pathologically, fungal infection is not only located in the sinus cavity, but also invades the sinus mucosa and bone wall, the surrounding structures and tissues such as the orbit and anterior skull base are often compromised and are accompanied with intracranial and extracranial complications. Despite decades of efforts, acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis remains a devastating disease, the mortality of the disease continues to hover around 50%. The main impediments to improving the prognosis of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis are the difficulties of early diagnosis and the rapid reversal of immune insufficiency. Moreover, aggressive surgery combined with systemic antifungal therapy are significant positive prognostic factors as well. Progress and standardization of AIFR treatment protocols have been limited by the scarcity of the disease and the absence of published randomized studies. Therewith, how to improve the therapeutic outcome and reduce the mortality rate has always been a challenging clinical discussion. We have summarized the relevant case series and literature from the recent years, management with optimal diagnostic and curative strategies are reviewed.

Roles of RAGE/ROCK1 Pathway in HMGB1-Induced Early Changes in Barrier Permeability of Human Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cell.

Background: High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) causes microvascular endothelial cell barrier dysfunction during acute lung injury (ALI) in sepsis, but the mechanisms have not been well understood. We studied the roles of RAGE and Rho kinase 1 (ROCK1) in HMGB1-induced human pulmonary endothelial barrier disruption. Methods: In the present study, the recombinant human high mobility group box 1 (rhHMGB1) was used to stimulate human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). The endothelial cell (EC) barrier permeability was examined by detecting FITC-dextran flux. CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell viability under rhHMGB1 treatments. The expression of related molecules involved in RhoA/ROCK1 pathway, phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC), F-actin, VE-cadherin and ZO-1 of different treated groups were measured by pull-down assay, western blot and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, we studied the effects of Rho kinase inhibitor (Y-27632), ROCK1/2 siRNA, RAGE-specific blocker (FPS-ZM1) and RAGE siRNA on endothelial barrier properties to elucidate the related mechanisms. Results: In the present study, we demonstrated that rhHMGB1 induced EC barrier hyperpermeability in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner by measuring FITC-dextran flux, a reflection of the loss of EC barrier integrity. Moreover, rhHMGB1 induced a dose-dependent and time-dependent increases in paracellular gap formation accompanied by the development of stress fiber rearrangement and disruption of VE-cadherin and ZO-1, a phenotypic change related to increased endothelial contractility and endothelial barrier permeability. Using inhibitors and siRNAs directed against RAGE and ROCK1/2, we systematically determined that RAGE mediated the rhHMGB1-induced stress fiber reorganization via RhoA/ROCK1 signaling activation and the subsequent MLC phosphorylation in ECs. Conclusion: HMGB1 is capable of disrupting the endothelial barrier integrity. This study demonstrates that HMGB1 activates RhoA/ROCK1 pathway via RAGE, which phosphorylates MLC inducing stress fiber formation at short time, and HMGB1/RAGE reduces AJ/TJ expression at long term independently of RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway.

[The analysis of pericardial fluid in forensic practice].

Pericardial fluid is a kind of serous fluid in pericardial cavity. Because blood undergoes postmortem changes such as autolysis and putrefaction, vitreous humor is limited,cerebrospinal fluid is easily mixed with blood, pericardial fluid, on the other hand, exists in a closed cavity and can be hardly contaminated by postmortem changes, and also is easily obtained. Pericardial fluid not only plays an important role in clinic practice, but also is widely applicable in forensic practice. This paper briefly presented the properties of pericardial fluid and its clinical significance. It reviewed biochemical changes in decedents died of heart diseases, drowning and asphyxia, and explored the significance in medico-legal investigation. Moreover, application of pericardial fluid in forensic serology, forensic toxicological analysis and other fields were also discussed. Pericardial fluid analysis may provide important information for determination of the cause of death with further investigation concerning forensic applicability of pericardial fluid.