Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Any disorder that persistently obstructs bronchial airflow. COLD mainly involves two related diseases — chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both bronchitis and emphysema cause chronic obstruction of air flowing through the airways of the lungs. The obstruction is generally permanent and progresses (becomes worse) over time. By contrast, in asthma there is also obstruction of airflow out of the lungs, but the obstruction is…

Street name for cocaine, the most potent stimulant of natural origin, a bitter addictive anesthetic (pain blocker) which is extracted from the leaves of the coca scrub (Erythroxylon coca) indigenous to the Andean highlands of South America. From the name of the plant came the name cocaine and its street name coke (and Coke as in Coca Cola, which once contained it). Once…

A method of contraception, also called withdrawal, in which the man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. Fertilization is prevented because the sperm do not enter the vagina. The effectiveness of this maneuver depends on the man’s ability to withdraw before the ejaculation of any sperm. Withdrawal does not provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV. Infectious diseases can be…

Sexual intercourse.

An abnormal and persistent fear of sexual intercourse. Sufferers from coitophobia experience undue anxiety because they are preoccupied with failing in some way while having sexual intercourse. Among the symptoms of coitophobia are failure to achieve an erection (erectile dysfunction) and failure to achieve orgasm (anorgasmy). “Coitophobia” is a hybrid word derived from the Latin “coitus,” which is the…

In a clinical research trial, a group of study participants or patients.

A relatively short-term form of psychotherapy based on the concept that the way we think about things affects how we feel emotionally. Cognitive therapy focuses on present thinking, behavior, and communication rather than on past experiences and is oriented toward problem solving. Cognitive therapy has been applied to a broad range of problems including depression, anxiety, panic, fears, eating…

Having to do with thought, judgment, or knowledge.

A compound needed for the proper functioning of an enzyme, a protein that speeds up the rate at which chemical reactions take place in the body. Coenzyme Q10 is used to produce energy to fuel cell growth and maintenance. Coenzyme Q10 is thought to improve the function of mitochondria, the “powerhouses” that produce energy in cells. Coenzyme Q10 is…

A substance that enhances the action of an enzyme. (An enzyme is a protein that functions as a catalyst to mediate and speed a chemical reaction). Coenzymes are small molecules. They cannot by themselves catalyze a reaction but they can help enzymes to do so. In technical terms, coenzymes are organic nonprotein molecules that bind with the protein molecule…