University of Mannheim

About: University of Mannheim is a education organization based out in Mannheim, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Politics. The organization has 4448 authors who have published 12918 publications receiving 446557 citations. The organization is also known as: Uni Mannheim & UMA.

Mediators of inflammation in the early and the late phase of allergic rhinitis.

Abstract: Purpose of review This review provides the reader with an overview of the early and the late phase of the immediate allergic reaction. Furthermore, recent publications are presented that could reveal important new insights into the mechanisms of allergic inflammation. Recent findings Recent work on the possible roles of nerve growth factor, nitric oxide synthases, several CC chemokines and other mediators is presented. Summary Allergic rhinitis is characterized by the clinical symptoms of sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion. Frequently, these are accompanied by eye, ear and throat symptoms or postnasal drip. The symptoms arise as a result of inflammation induced by IgE-mediated immune response to a specific allergen. Inflammatory mediators are released and cells are activated and recruited to the mucosa. In this review, early and late phase responses of the allergic type I reaction are described, including the different cell types and mediators involved. Special attention is paid to new inflammatory processes to provide the reader with recent information.

Comparative Factor Analytic Studies of Intelligence throughout The Human Life-Span

Abstract: Comparative factor analytic research related to the investigation of age-related changes in the pattern of intelligence is reviewed. Particular attention is paid to studies examining various forms of the differentiation hypothesis of intelligence as originally proposed by Garrett and Burt. While there appears sufficient evidence to indicate the existence of age-related changes in the factorial pattern of intelligence, the data are too contradictory to permit a clear-cut description of the nature of these changes. Attention is drawn to a number of methodological problems associated with comparative factor analytic research, and some implications for the construction of developmental curves are discussed. Finally, suggestions are made for the use of manipulative experiments in the exploration of the developmental conditions that might produce changes in the structural organization of intelligence.

Guideline for the diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity reactions

Abstract: Drug hypersensitivity reactions are unpredictable adverse drug reactions. They manifest either within 1–6 h following drug intake (immediate reactions) with mild to life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis, or several hours to days later (delayed reactions), primarily as exanthematous eruptions. It is not always possible to detect involvement of the immune system (allergy). Waiving diagnostic tests can result in severe reactions on renewed exposure on the one hand, and to unjustified treatment restrictions on the other. With this guideline, experts from various specialist societies and institutions have formulated recommendations and an algorithm for the diagnosis of allergies. The key principles of diagnosing allergic/hypersensitivity drug reactions are presented. Where possible, the objective is to perform allergy diagnostics within 4 weeks–6 months following the reaction. A clinical classification of symptoms based on the morphology and time course of the reaction is required in order to plan a diagnostic work-up. In the case of typical symptoms of a drug hypersensitivity reaction and unequivocal findings from validated skin and/or laboratory tests, a reaction can be attributed to a trigger with sufficient confidence. However, skin and laboratory tests are often negative or insufficiently reliable. In such cases, controlled provocation testing is required to clarify drug reactions. This method is reliable and safe when attention is paid to indications and contraindications and performed under appropriate medical supervision. The results of the overall assessment are discussed with the patient and documented in an „allergy passport“ in order to ensure targeted avoidance in the future and allow the use of alternative drugs where possible.