Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Variant spelling of “titer” — the degree of dilution of a substance such as an antibody, reflecting the strength of the solution. Americans spell it “titer” while the English spell it “titre,” French for “title,” derived from the Latin “titulus,” an inscription or label. The “titre” was evidence of the fineness of an alloy of…

(tPA) An enzyme that helps dissolve clots. tPA is made by the cells lining blood vessels and has also been made in the laboratory. It is systemic thrombolytic (clot-busting) agent and is used in the treatment of heart attack and stroke. Activase (alteplase) is a tissue plasminogen activator produced by recombinant DNA technology. Recombinant tPA is abbreviated r-tPA.

A group or layer of cells that perform specific functions. For example, muscle tissue is a group of muscle cells.

A feeling of a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency of accomplishment, usually accompanied by a sense of weariness and fatigue. Tiredness is not a singular symptom that defines any one particular disease. Rather, tiredness can be a symptom of many different diseases and conditions. The causes of tiredness range from lack of sleep or excessive…

A feeling of a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency of accomplishment, usually accompanied by a sense of weariness and fatigue. Tiredness is not a singular symptom that defines any one particular disease. Rather, tiredness can be a symptom of many different diseases and conditions. The causes of tiredness range from lack of sleep or excessive…

TIPS stands for “transjugular, intrahepatic, portosystemic shunt.” It is a shunt (tube) placed between the portal vein which carries blood from the intestines to the liver and the hepatic vein which carries blood from the liver back to the heart. It is used primarily (but not exclusively) in patients with cirrhosis in which the scar tissue within the liver has…

Ringing in the ears. Tinnitus has many causes, including some medications (including aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs), diseases such as M’ni’re’s disease, aging, and ear trauma.

The most common fungus infection of the nails, also called onychomycosis. Onychomycosis makes the nails look white and opaque, thickened, and brittle. Those at increased risk for developing onychomycosis include: Artificial nails increase the risk for onychomycosis because, when an artificial nail is applied, the nail surface is usually abraded with an emery board damaging it, emery boards…

A superficial fungus infection of the crotch and perineum known popularly as jock itch. Good general hygiene helps prevent it, as does keeping the area clean and dry . Laundering underwear and athletic supporters frequently also helps, as do an antifungal or drying powder after bathing.

Tilted disc syndrome (Fuch’s Coloboma): a congenital abnormality (birth defect) of the eye that causes the optic nerve to enter the retina (this area is called the optic disc) at an abnormal angle. In tilted disc syndrome, the abnormal entry of the optic nerve causes an abnormal position and angle of the optic disc. Tilted disc syndrome is a benign condition that is thought…