The Medical journal of Australia
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Comparative Study
Funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) antivenom. 1. Preparation and laboratory testing.
An antivenom to the Sydney Funnel-web Spider, Atrax robustus, developed in rabbits, passed exhaustive quality control studies and was subsequently tested in monkeys. It was shown to reverse the syndrome that follows envenomation in both a conscious unmonitored monkey and in two anaesthetised, monitored monkeys. ⋯ An autonomic crisis appears to be the major cause of mortality and morbidity in human victims and monkeys; this aspect of the syndrome is rapidly attenuated by the antivenom. We observed no ill-effects of antivenom.
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In 1965-66 we examined 359 men in the workforce reporting an alcohol consumption ranging from nil to the equivalent of 11.4 L of beer a day. We found an association between reported drinking and the prevalence of hypertension and gout. ⋯ Due to the relatively small numbers involved, the difference in mortality between the lighter and heavier drinkers was not statistically significant. We found no support for the theory that alcohol consumption affords protection against death from coronary heart disease.