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T Fuchs

Publications and source records attributed to T Fuchs.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Short-term immunotherapy: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study of molecular standardized grass and rye allergens in patients with grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Short-term immunotherapy (STI) can be beneficial for patients who are noncompliant with long-term specific immunotherapy. OBJECTIVE: The efficacy and tolerance of STI with seven preseasonal injections of molecular standardized allergens from grass and rye pollen has been investigated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study with 87 patients at 12 German University hospitals. METHODS: Symptoms of the eyes, nose, and bronchi and use of symptomatic drugs were documented daily in diaries by patients with allergic rhinitis to grass and/or rye pollen and without bronchial asthma. Patients were monitored by skin prick test titration and measurement of levels of specific IgE and IgG4. RESULTS: The median nasal score for the 10 weeks with the strongest symptoms during the grass pollen season was significantly lower (p = 0.014) with 35.0 for STI (n = 41) versus 69.0 for placebo (n = 40); the overall symptom score was 54.0 for STI versus 97.5 for placebo (p = 0.020). Only STI-treated patients exposed to less than 40 pollen grains per cubic meter per week showed a significantly lower nasal symptom score of 39.0 versus 75.0 for placebo (p = 0.006); these patients also had fewer nasal symptoms and less use of topical nasal drugs (p < 0.001). The threshold dose in skin prick tests was significantly higher, being 9.06 histamine equivalent for skin prick test (HEP) for STI-treated patients who received the maximum dose (n = 22) versus 4.33 HEP for placebo (p = 0.005). Specific IgE levels were significantly higher, being 55.9 SU/ml for STI versus 39.2 SU/ml for placebo after seven injections (p = 0.006) and level of specific IgG4 was 5.36% for STI versus 1.28% for placebo (p < 0.001). No severe systemic reactions were observed. CONCLUSION: STI with seven preseasonal injections with molecular standardized allergens is effective and well tolerated.

Adolescent

Natural latex, grass pollen, and weed pollen share IgE epitopes.

BACKGROUND: Because of the frequent use of natural latex products, IgE-mediated reactions to latex proteins represent an important health threat in industrialized countries. Although several latex allergens have been characterized and IgE cross-reactivities with allergens present in plant-derived food have been described, limited information is available regarding the presence of common IgE-binding components in latex and plant pollen. METHODS: By using serum IgE from 56 individuals with latex allergy, the IgE-binding components in ammoniated latex milk and latex glove extracts were characterized by immunoblotting. The presence of cross-reactive IgE-binding components in the different latex extracts, extracts from mugwort, ragweed, timothy grass pollen, and recombinant birch pollen allergens (Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 [birch profilin]) was studied by immunoblot inhibitions and quantitative competition experiments. The involvement of carbohydrates in the constitution of cross-reactive IgE epitopes was studied by periodate treatment of extracts. RESULTS: Although sera from certain individuals with latex allergy showed IgE reactivity with protein bands of different molecular weights in Western-blotted latex milk and glove extracts, both extracts contained common IgE epitopes. Although preincubation with recombinant Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 did not significantly inhibit IgE binding to latex proteins, weed and, in particular, timothy grass pollen extract strongly inhibited IgE binding to latex allergens. The cross-reactive IgE epitopes were sensitive to periodate treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Mugwort, ragweed, and timothy grass pollen share IgE epitopes with glycoprotein latex allergens. The presence of common epitopes might in part explain clinical symptoms in patients allergic to pollen on contact with latex.

Adolescent

Induction characteristics of 2% propofol in children.

We have conducted a prospective, randomized study to evaluate the characteristics of induction of anaesthesia in children with 2% propofol. Children were allocated to receive propofol 3 mg kg-1 (group A), 4 mg kg-1 (group B) or 5 mg kg-1 (group C) of the 2% formulation. We observed a high incidence of spontaneous movements (90%) in group A and an incidence of coughing of 70% in group C. Induction in group B was characterized by a short induction time, low incidence of spontaneous movements (20%), pain on injection (10%) and excellent conditions for manual ventilation.

Anesthetics, Intravenous

Removal of proteasomes from the nucleus and their accumulation in apoptotic blebs during programmed cell death.

Apoptosis can be initiated in immortalized cAMP-stimulated rat ovarian granulosa cells by induction of wild-type p53 activity. Immunocytochemical studies using confocal microscopy reveal that in apoptotic, unlike in normal growing cells, the proteasomes are removed from the nucleus and accumulate within the apoptotic blebs at the periphery of the cell. In parallel, a striking reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton is observed which forms a spherical network separating the apoptotic blebs from the cytoplasmic organelles, such as mitochondria and lipid droplets which remain in the perinuclear region. The reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton as well as disappearance of proteasomes from the nucleus suggest possible function of proteasomes in apoptotic regulation.

Animals

[Budesonide].

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Adult

[In search of lost time--memory in dementia].

With the progressing loss of coherent memory the world of the demented person dissolves into a succession of fragmented and incomprehensible situations. The resulting uncertainty leads to an increased need of self-assurance: in search of familiar surroundings and personal identity, the patient escapes into his preserved memories and begins to live in his past. Reminiscence may thus become a source of continuous strain to the persons entrusted with caring for the patient; on the other hand, it may as well open avenues to a deeper understanding of the patient and his world.

Aged

Patch test results with serial dilutions of nickel sulfate (with and without detergent), palladium chloride, and nickel and palladium metal plates.

Clinical experience suggests the existence of different degrees of sensitivity in nickel-allergic patients. For quantification of this phenomenon, 462 consecutive patients with previously diagnosed or strongly suspected nickel allergy were tested with serial dilution patch tests with 5 ppm to 5% nickel sulfate in pet. (Ni), and 5 ppm to 1% nickel sulfate in pet. with 1% detergent (Ni/D). Additionally, nickel and palladium metal plates were tested in 103, and cobalt salts, dichromate and palladium chloride (PdCl2) in most patients. 332 patients reacted positively to Ni or Ni/D. The influence of a concomitantly administered detergent was not significant. A significant correlation was found between positive reactions to low concentrations of Ni (or Ni/D), i.e., 0.1% or less (N = 166), and concomitant reactions to nickel metal plates, cobalt salts and PdCl2 and a history of ear piercing with metal intolerance. The clinical relevance of reactions to PdCl2 is at present not clear. A subgroup of nickel-allergic patients with "high sensitivity" can be defined. In future studies further addressing the clinical relevance of high versus low sensitivity, patch testing with 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 5% nickel sulfate in pet. is recommended instead of routine tests with 5% only.

Adult

Patch testing with fragrances: results of a multicenter study of the European Environmental and Contact Dermatitis Research Group with 48 frequently used constituents of perfumes.

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of reactivity to a series of commonly used fragrances in dermatological patients. A total of 48 fragrances (FF) were chosen, based on the publication of Fenn in 1989 in which the top 25 constituents of 3 types (1. perfumes, 2. household products, 3. soaps) of 400 commercial products on the US market had been determined. In a pilot study on a total of 1069 patients in 11 centres, the appropriate test concentration and vehicle were examined. For most fragrances, 1% and 5% were chosen, and petrolatum proved to be the best vehicle in comparison to isopropyl myristate and diethyl phthalate. In the main study, a set of 5 to 10 fragrances at 2 concentrations was patch tested in each centre on a minimum of 100 consecutive patients seen in the patch test clinic. These patients were also patch tested to a standard series with the 8% fragrance mix (FM) and its 8 constituents. In patients with a positive reaction to any of the 48 FF, a careful history with regard to past or present reactions to perfumed products was taken. A total of 1323 patients were tested in 11 centres. The 8% FM was positive in 89 patients (8.3% of 1072 patients). Allergic reactions to the constituents were most frequent to oak moss (24), isoeugenol (20), eugenol (13), cinnamic aldehyde (10) and geraniol (8). Reactions read as allergic on day 3/4 were observed only 10X to 7 materials of the new series (Iso E Super (2), Lyral (3), Cyclacet (1), DMBCA (1), Vertofix (1), citronellol (1) and amyl salicylate (1)). The remaining 41 fragrances were negative. 28 irritant or doubtful reactions on day 3/4 were observed to a total of 19 FF materials (more than 1 reaction: 5% citronellol (2), 1% amyl salicylate (2), 1% isononyl acetate (3), 0.1% musk xylol (2), 1% citral (2), and 1% ionone beta (2)). Clinical relevance of positive reactions to any of the FF series was not proved in a single case. This included the 4 reactions in patients who were negative to the 8% FM. In conclusion, the top 25 fragrances commonly found in various products caused few reactions in dermatological patients and these few appeared to be clinically irrelevant, with the possible exception of Lyral. However, this data should be interpreted in the light of the relatively small number of patients tested (only 100 in most centres).

Acrolein

[Coenesthesia. On the history of general sensibility].

The term "coenaesthesis" or "Gemeingefühl" (general sensibility), common until 1900, combined different psychological, neurological and psychopathological components of body experience in the borderland between soma and psyche. By and large however, it was replaced by specialized terms like "body scheme", "body image" or "body ego". This development may be pursued from Reil and the so-called romantic medicine up to Griesinger, Wernicke, Head and Schilder in our century; its profits and losses are demonstrated.

Body Image

Uprooting and late-life psychosis.

Biographical information was collected on 60 patients suffering from late-onset (> 50 years) paranoid psychosis (with and without hallucinations), 38 by chart review and 22 by personal examination. Of the patients 28 (47%) had been war refugees expelled from the eastern territories that Germany lost after World War II. This is more than twice the rate of the Bavarian general population. The onset of paranoid symptoms was usually 3 or 4 decades after immigration into western Germany. Among patients with Alzheimer's disease and with endogenous depression the proportion of former war refugees was significantly lower (22% each). The possible relevance of early uprooting and expulsion to the development of late-life paranoid psychosis is examined.

Aged

Latex allergy.

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Female

Reproducibility of patch tests. A multicenter study of synchronous left-versus right-sided patch tests by the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group.

BACKGROUND: The efficiency and reproducibility of patch tests remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the efficiency and reproducibility of patch tests and to identify factors influencing these features. METHODS: We double-tested 1285 patients concomitantly with 10 standard allergens by manually filled test chambers. Additional information was obtained from all patients with a standardized protocol. RESULTS: Patch test efficiency was good (> or = 0.94) with all 10 allergens. In contrast, nonreproducibility of patch tests was strongly allergen dependent, ranging from 0.2 for nickel sulfate to 0.6 for formaldehyde. The likelihood of nonreproducible allergic reactions increased when more than four positive reactions were seen at the same time, and with another positive reaction located in close proximity to an allergic reaction. Sex and age of patients, atopy, dermatitis at distant sites, sleeping habits, and the time of allergen exposure (24 or 48 hours) did not affect the rate of nonreproducible results. CONCLUSION: To increase patch test reproducibility, specific preparations of patch test allergens need to be improved. Furthermore, amplification effects by synchronous neighboring positive reactions should be excluded.

Allergens

[The world as inner space. Kafka's "The Burrow" as a paradigm of paranoid spatial experience].

The paranoid's experience of space is illustrated in the present study by means of an investigation of paraphrenic senile psychosis and an analysis of Kafka's short story, "The Burrow". This may be characterized as an experience of increasing permeability and disintegration of boundaries between one's own, private space and that belonging to others, or between inside and outside. At first, a latent ego-weakness is compensated by shifting the self-boundaries onto the territory of one's dwelling which serves as an "external shell" for the self. The emphasis on fencing-off and isolation from the external world, however, renders the hidden, inner spaces ever more threatening. The protecting barriers change into fragile facades through which enemies are able to attack. Finally, the sheltering but, nevertheless, exposed inner spaces fall prey to threats from the outside. Paradoxically, the disintegration of the inner space of self comes about by the paranoid constantly taking the view point of his fictitious enemies; he, thereby, sees through and penetrates the very barriers which he himself has erected.

Aged