Several modified cosmological models exist, which also try to address the tensions between data and predictions of the Λ-CDM model. Galileon models are particular scalar tensor theories that represent one such possibilities. While it is commonly understood that there may be inconsistencies between predictions of some Galileon models and observations, in particular concerning ISW-Galaxy cross-correlations, there is no proof yet that these models are completely ruled out. Indeed, by using a specific background (known as the the tracker solution) in the generalized covariant Galileon theory, we show that, after imposing all standard theoretical stability constraints, it is still possible to identify a region in the parameter space of the model that allows for positive ISW-Galaxy cross-correlation. By a physical interpretation in terms of a chi-square analysis, we confirm the expectation that in this viable region the predictions of generalized covariant Galileon theory on the tracker solution background have higher likelihood when they approach the physics of the Λ-CDM model.
We sought and detected functionally active complement in human ovarian follicular fluid obtained during the peri-ovulatory period. All the functional complement activities tested, including total haemolytic complement, classical pathway activity, alternative pathway activity and C1 inhibitor function were present with values within the normal serum range. Active complement in follicular fluid is relevant for the function of the enzymatic multifactorial mechanism of ovulation. The presence in hereditary angioedema patients of both complement (C1 inhibitor deficiency and chronically consumed complement) and ovarian abnormalities (cystic ovaries), led us to study complement function in the follicular fluid of women of reproductive age affected with hereditary angioedema. In contrast to healthy women, hereditary angioedema patients showed dramatically reduced classical pathway activity and undetectable functional and antigenic C1 inhibitor. C4 was very low, while C3 and B were slightly reduced or within the normal serum range. This complement profile was also detected in patients' sera. Since hereditary angioedema patients often show cystic ovaries (polycystic or multifollicular), the presence of multifollicular ovaries in the two patients studied, along with complement dysfunction, may be relevant. These findings, as well as the normalisation of the ovaries found by us in hereditary angioedema patients and in the patients reported here who were undergoing danazol treatment, and the increase in C1 inhibitor and the improvement of clinical symptoms, suggest a further link between complement and ovarian function.
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