Two Higgs doublet models for the LHC Higgs boson data at s=\sqrt{s}= 7 and 8 TeV

Updated LHC data on the new 126 GeV boson during the 7 and 8 TeV runnings strengthen the standard model Higgs boson interpretation further. Through the global $\chi^2$ analysis, we investigate whether the new particle could be one of the scalar particles in two Higgs doublet models. Four types (Type I, II, X and Y) are comprehensively studied. Taking the recent analysis on the spin-parity of the new boson, we consider two scenarios: the new boson is either the light CP-even one ($h^0$) or the heavy CP-even one ($H^0$). It is found that both scenarios are consistent with the new data, not only in the parameter regions near the decoupling limit but also in other regions far from the decoupling limit. In addition, the current data are compatible with the possibility that the light Higgs boson $h^0$ is hidden in the mass window of 90-100 GeV. The diphoton or $\tau\tau$ channel can provide a probe of this possibility by the enhanced signal rates.Comment: To appear in JHE

Effect of preoperative statin therapy on myocardial protection and morbidity endpoints following off-pump coronary bypass surgery in patients with elevated C-reactive protein level

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preoperative statin therapy on myocardial protection and morbidity endpoints following off-pump coronary bypass graft surgery (OPCAB) in patients with elevated serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. METHODS: Of the 492 patients who underwent multivessel OPCAB from March 2007 to February 2009, the records of 144 patients whose baseline hs-CRP level > 2 mg/L were reviewed. According to the history of preoperative statin therapy for at least one week, patients were classified as either statin group or control group (72 subjects each). Preoperative and operative characteristics and postoperative data including troponin (Tn)-T level and major morbidity endpoints were obtained and compared. Major morbidity endpoints were defined as permanent stroke, renal dysfunction, hemostatic re-exploration, deep sternal wound infection, and the number of patients requiring prolonged ventilation. RESULTS: Preoperative and operative characteristics were similar between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the incidence of morbidity endpoints between the two groups, except for the number of patients requiring dialysis, which was significantly lower in the statin group (8 vs. 1, P = 0.033). Tn-T level at 24 h after surgery was also significantly lower in the statin group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed beneficial effects of preoperative statin therapy for at least one week in terms of less myocardial enzyme release and fewer patients requiring dialysis following OPCAB in patients whose preoperative hs-CRP was elevatedope

Intra-abdominal angiosarcoma developing in a capsule of a foreign body: report of a case with associated hemorrhagic diathesis

BACKGROUNDS: Angiosarcoma occurs very rarely in the gastrointestinal tract and can present great diagnostic difficulty, especially when it is associated with intraabdominal abscess or granulation tissue. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case where the angiosarcoma was diagnosed after the occurrence of disseminated angiosarcoma and concurrent hemoperitoneum. The tumor developed in the fibrous capsule of a foreign body, which was possibly related to the previous appendectomy twenty years ago, and became a widely disseminated malignant neoplasm in the abdomen. After the operation, the patient's course was dominated by a fatal consumptive coagulapathy. Pathologic examination of the multiple intra-abdominal lesions showed the histological and immunohistological characteristics of the angiosarcoma. CONCLUSION: Even though angiosarcoma in the gastrointestinal tract is extremely rare, when dealing with intraabdominal abscess or the gastrointestinal bleeding in patients who have undergone surgery or radiation therapy in the past, the possibility of angiosarcoma should be considered. To make the definite diagnosis of angiosarcoma and to avoid the misdiagnosis of foreign body granuloma, thorough histological examination and immunohistochemical staining may be prerequisite

Analysis of protein binding characteristics among Arabidopsis BBX protein family

Abstract Plants have evolved various mechanisms of adjusting their diurnal and seasonal growth and development in response to variations in day length and light quality. This plasticity is facilitated by intricate regulatory networksthat comprise transcription factors, whose expression is modulated by the activity of photoreceptors. In Arabidopsis, B-box (BBX) transcription factors, which contain one or two Zn-ligating B-box motifs in their N-termini, serve as key mediators of light signaling for photomorphogenesis, shade avoidance, and photoperiodic flowering. While multiple BBX proteins may function as a single regulatory unit, the binding networks that form among members of the BBX family have not been extensively investigated. Here, we have demonstrated that the homodimerization of two B-box motifs containing CONSTANS protein (BBX1), which regulates light signaling and is the most extensively characterized among all BBX proteins, requires at least three B-box motifs. Therefore, the number of B-box motifs may significantly influence heterodimerization among BBX family members. An interactome analysis of all 32 known B-box family members revealed that the binding affinity between group III and V proteins with only one B-box motif is relatively weaker than that observed among other group members. In fact, the group V proteins BBX26 and BBX27 rarely interact with other BBX members. Taken together, the results of this study emphasize the importance of the B-box motif in network formation among BBX proteins and provide insights into investigating the various signaling pathways mediated by these networks

A Case of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Associated with an Ovarian Teratoma

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with an ovarian teratoma is a very rare disease. However, treating teratoma is the only method to cure the hemolytic anemia, so it is necessary to include ovarian teratoma in the differential diagnosis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. We report herein on a case of a young adult patient who had severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia that was induced by an ovarian teratoma. A 25-yr-old woman complained of general weakness and dizziness for 1 week. The hemoglobin level was 4.2 g/dL, and the direct and indirect antiglobulin tests were all positive. The abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a huge left ovarian mass, and this indicated a teratoma. She was refractory to corticosteroid therapy; however, after surgical resection of the ovarian mass, the hemoglobin level and the reticulocyte count were gradually normalized. The mass was well encapsulated and contained hair and teeth. She was diagnosed as having autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with an ovarian teratoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such a case to be reported in Korea