Search

The minimal model of Universal Extra Dimensions (MUED) is briefly reviewed. We explain how the cross-sections for Higgs production via gluon fusion and decay into photons are modified, relative the the Standard Model (SM) values, by KK particles running in loops, leading to an enhancement of the gg → h → γγ and gg → h → W+W− cross-sections. ATLAS and CMS searches for the SM Higgs in these channels are reinterpreted in the context of MUED and used to place new limits on the MUED parameter space. Only a small region of between 1 and 3 GeV around mh = 125 GeV for 500 GeV < R−1 < 1600 GeV remains open at the 95 % confidence level.

Cryptococcosis is an infectious fungal disease widely studied for its epidemiological importance in the context of public health, given the high morbidity and mortality associated with this invasive fungal infection. Many cases of the disease present clinical resistance and progress to death, even in the presence of antifungal therapy. The prolonged use of triazole drugs to maintain the treatment of cryptococcosis in AIDS patients, can lead to selective pressure from mutant strains, among other resistance mechanisms, justifying the poor clinical evolution of some cases. In this study, a narrative review of the literature on the occurrence of antifungal resistance in cryptococcosis agents was performed. Publications from 2010 to 2022 that address this topic were selected using Google Scholars and Scopus website. Data from the studies were analyzed for the values of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of drugs used in the management of cryptococcosis. The review showed that the highest MIC values occurred for voriconazole, especially against C. neoformans. It is concluded that there is a lack of studies with statistical analysis of the data obtained, in order to provide a better dimensioning of the resistance rates of cryptococcosis agents to different antifungal agents, both in geographical and temporal context.