ABSTRACT
The effect of a year's isolation in Antarctica on the human mucosal immune system was assessed during the winter of 1992 at three Australian Antarctic stations: Casey, Davis and Mawson. Saliva samples were collected from each expeditioner prior to their departure from Australia and during each month in Antarctica. The concentrations of salivary immunoglobulins IgA and IgG were significantly different between the three stations, but there were no differences for salivary IgM and albumin. The mean concentrations of IgA were higher at Mawson (P < 0.008), and the mean concentrations of IgG were lower at Davis (P < 0.001) compared with the other stations. Ranges of values observed at the stations over the 12-13 months were similar. The variability of values within individuals showed station differences for salivary IgM and IgG only. The study revealed significant changes in salivary immunoglobulin values over the period in Antarctica, with similar patterns at the three Australian stations. The salivary IgA and IgM levels were lower in the first 4 months in Antarctica (January-April) and increased to maximum values in July-August, before returning to mean levels when isolation was broken in October-November. The patterns of salivary IgA and IgM suggest that stressors due to isolation may play a role in alterations of mucosal immunity in expeditioners in Antarctica.
Subject(s)
Immunity, Mucosal , Immunoglobulin A, Secretory/immunology , Immunoglobulin G/immunology , Immunoglobulin M/immunology , Saliva/immunology , Adult , Albumins/metabolism , Antarctic Regions , Australia , Cold Temperature , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Salivary Proteins and Peptides/immunology , Salivary Proteins and Peptides/metabolism , Seasons , Stress, Physiological/immunologyABSTRACT
The effect of injection of a cholecystokinetic agent, Ceruletide, was compared with that of the fatty meal following a single dose of Biloptin, and Biloptin with Solubiloptin, in regard to efficiency of gall-bladder contraction, cystic and common bile duct visualisation and side effects. In terms of gall-bladder contraction and ductal delineation no advantage was found from giving Ceruletide or Solubiloptin. Gall-bladder contraction occurred more quickly after Ceruletide than after a fatty meal, with corresponding earlier duct delineation, although the gall bladder was completely emptied of contrast medium in a significant proportion of Ceruletide cases. The incidence of abdominal pain was significantly greater after Ceruletide than after a fatty meal. Because Ceruletide requires an intramuscular injection and has no significant advantage over the fatty meal in regard to gall-bladder contraction and ductal delineation, its use in cholecystography is unjustified. A morning dose of Solubiloptin following Biloptin the previous evening offers no advantage over the Biloptin and fatty meal regimen.
Subject(s)
Cholecystography/methods , Common Bile Duct/diagnostic imaging , Cystic Duct/diagnostic imaging , Gallbladder Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Gallbladder/physiopathology , Ceruletide , Cholecystography/adverse effects , Clinical Trials as Topic , Dietary Fats/administration & dosage , Humans , Ipodate , Random Allocation , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Seventeen of 20 (85%) patients on RDT for six to 13 years were found to have acquired renal cysts. There was a significant positive association between Hb and duration of RDT. The extent of cyst was positively and significantly correlated with the latest Hb and years on dialysis. There was also a significant positive correlation between size and years on dialysis only approached statistical significance. There was no correlation between kidney size and latest Hb. Complications in patients with acquired renal cysts appear to resemble those of familial polycystic disease with the added risk of neoplasia.
