MIGHTEE-HI: HI galaxy properties in the large scale structure environment at z ∼ 0.37 from a stacking experiment

We present the first measurement of HI mass of star-forming galaxies in different large scale structure environments from a blind survey at z ∼ 0.37. In particular, we carry out a spectral line stacking analysis considering 2875 spectra of colour-selected star-forming galaxies undetected in HI at 0.23 < z < 0.49 in the COSMOS field, extracted from the MIGHTEE-HI Early Science datacubes, acquired with the MeerKAT radio telescope. We stack galaxies belonging to different subsamples depending on three different definitions of large scale structure environment: local galaxy overdensity, position inside the host dark matter halo (central, satellite, or isolated), and cosmic web type (field, filament, or knot). We first stack the full star-forming galaxy sample and find a robust HI detection yielding an average galaxy HI mass of MHI = (8.12 ± 0.75) × 109 M⊙ at ∼11.8σ. Next, we investigate the different subsamples finding a negligible difference in MHI as a function of the galaxy overdensity. We report an HI excess compared to the full sample in satellite galaxies (MHI = (11.31 ± 1.22) × 109, at ∼10.2σ) and in filaments (MHI = (11.62 ± 0.90) × 109. Conversely, we report non-detections for the central and knot galaxies subsamples, which appear to be HI-deficient. We find the same qualitative results also when stacking in units of HI fraction (fHI). We conclude that the HI amount in star-forming galaxies at the studied redshifts correlates with the large scale structure environment

Neurogenic mechanisms in bladder and bowel ageing

The prevalence of both urinary and faecal incontinence, and also chronic constipation, increases with ageing and these conditions have a major impact on the quality of life of the elderly. Management of bladder and bowel dysfunction in the elderly is currently far from ideal and also carries a significant financial burden. Understanding how these changes occur is thus a major priority in biogerontology. The functions of the bladder and terminal bowel are regulated by complex neuronal networks. In particular neurons of the spinal cord and peripheral ganglia play a key role in regulating micturition and defaecation reflexes as well as promoting continence. In this review we discuss the evidence for ageing-induced neuronal dysfunction that might predispose to neurogenic forms of incontinence in the elderly

Polymorphisms at the F12 and KLKB1 loci have significant trait association with activation of the renin-angiotensin system

BACKGROUND: Plasma coagulation Factor XIIa (Hageman factor; encoded by F12) and kallikrein (KAL or Fletcher factor; encoded by KLKB1) are proteases of the kallikerin-kinin system involved in converting the inactive circulating prorenin to renin. Renin is a key enzyme in the formation of angiotensin II, which regulates blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance and is a biomarker for cardiovascular, metabolic and renal function. The renin-angiotensin system is implicated in extinction learning in posttraumatic stress disorder. METHODS & RESULTS: Active plasma renin was measured from two independent cohorts- civilian twins and siblings, as well as U.S. Marines, for a total of 1,180 subjects. Genotyping these subjects revealed that the carriers of the minor alleles at the two loci- F12 and KLKB1 had a significant association with reduced levels of active plasma renin. Meta-analyses confirmed the association across cohorts. In vitro studies verified digestion of human recombinant pro-renin by kallikrein (KAL) to generate active renin. Subsequently, the active renin was able to digest the synthetic substrate angiotensinogen to angiotensin-I. Examination of mouse juxtaglomerular cell line and mouse kidney sections showed co-localization of KAL with renin. Expression of either REN or KLKB1 was regulated in cell line and rodent models of hypertension in response to oxidative stress, interleukin or arterial blood pressure changes. CONCLUSIONS: The functional variants of KLKB1 (rs3733402) and F12 (rs1801020) disrupted the cascade of enzymatic events, resulting in diminished formation of active renin. Using genetic, cellular and molecular approaches we found that conversion of zymogen prorenin to renin was influenced by these polymorphisms. The study suggests that the variant version of protease factor XIIa due to the amino acid substitution had reduced ability to activate prekallikrein to KAL. As a result KAL has reduced efficacy in converting prorenin to renin and this step of the pathway leading to activation of renin affords a potential therapeutic target

A prospective, interventional clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Liv.52 DS in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Introduction. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is excessive fat build-up in the liver due to causes other than alcohol use. Aim. To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Liv.52 DS tablets in the management of NAFLD. Material and methods. Prospective, interventional clinical study conducted on 60 patients of both sex, aged between 18-65 years, confirmed with NAFLD from clinical examination, laboratory test, ultrasound findings and those willing to give informed consent. All patients received Liv.52 DS at a dose of 2 tablets twice daily for 2 months. All patients were evaluated at baseline, end of 1st month, and end of 2nd month for liver function tests, hepatomegaly by ultrasound, NAFLD Fibrosis Score, lipid profile, hematology and biochemical investigations. Results. Study data was analyzed with GraphPad Prism Software Version 6.07. Data of those patients who completed the study was considered for analysis. Significant improvement in hepatomegaly, liver enzymes was observed. NAFLD fibrosis score revealed no progression of liver fibrosis due to NAFLD during the study period. No abnormal lab values were recorded and there were no adverse events reported during the study. Conclusion. Study concludes that Liv.52 DS is safe and beneficial in individuals suffering from NAFLD

Randomized, open-label, controlled, comparative clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Pilex Forte tablets in combination with Pilex Ointment application for the effective management of common ano-rectal conditions

Introduction. Haemorrhoids and anal fissures are considered as the most common anorectal conditions. Aim. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Pilex Forte tablets in combination with Pilex Ointment as compared to the Standard of Care in common anorectal conditions. Material and methods. Randomized, open-label, controlled comparative clinical study conducted on 162 patients of either sex, aged between 18-50 years, confirmed with common anorectal conditions. As per randomization, patients received either standard of care or Pilex Forte tablet along with Pilex Ointment at a recommended dose of two tablets twice daily and twice daily local application (anal) for a period of 4 weeks. Clinical safety and efficacy assessments were carried out at study specific scheduled visits. Laboratory assessments were carried out only at screening and at the end of the study. Results. Patients who completed the study were considered for statistical analysis. Significant clinical improvement was observed in patients with anorectal conditions who received Pilex Forte tablet and Pilex Ointment than to those who received standards of care. No abnormal lab values were recorded and there were no adverse events reported during the study period. Conclusion. Pilex Forte tablet along with Pilex Ointment at recommended dose is safe and effective in the management of anorectal conditions like haemorrhoids and fissure-in-ano