Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A genetic mutation that protects against atherogenesis, the formation of atheromas (plaques) in arteries. Antiatherogenic mutations include CETP deficiency (cholesterol ester transfer protein deficiency) and familial hypobetalipoproteinemia.

A drug that blocks the action of androgens (male sex hormones). Antiandrogens are sometimes used in the treatment of prostate cancer. The antiandrogens currently available include flutamide (Eulexin), bicalutamide (Casodex), and nilutamide (Nilandron).

A surgical technique that strengthens the barrier to acid reflux when the lower esophageal sphincter does not work normally and there is gastro-esophageal reflux. Fundoplication has been the standard surgical method for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is the constellation of inflammation, pain (heartburn), and complications that results when acid refluxes (regurgitates) from the stomach back up into the esophagus. Under…

Medications that, like aspirin, reduce the tendency of platelets in the blood to clump and cause clotting.

An autoimmune disorder in which antibodies are produced against NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate)-type glutamate receptors in the brain. This condition was first described in 2007 and is characterized by neurologic and psychiatric symptoms that include agitation, delusions, hallucinations, mania, disorganization, speech changes, movement disorders, and seizures. Other symptoms that can occur include flu-like symptoms, memory problems, sleep disorders, vision and hearing problems, and reduction in breathing requiring…

An agent that is capable of acting against infection, either by inhibiting the spread of an infectious agent or by killing the infectious agent outright.

1. As a noun, a drug taken to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting. As, for example, the antihistamine meclizine hydrochloride (Bonine).2. As an adjective, pertaining to the prevention or treatment of nausea and vomiting. Opening a window in a car can have an antiemetic effect.From anti- + emetic.

An immune protein (antibody) that binds to a non-standard amino acid, citrulline, which is formed by removing amino groups from the natural amino acid, arginine. Citrulline antibody is present in the blood of many patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It is used in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis when evaluating patients with unexplained joint inflammation. Also known as anti-citrulline antibody,…

An immune protein (antibody) that binds to a non-standard amino acid, citrulline, which is formed by removing amino groups from the natural amino acid, arginine. Citrulline antibody is present in the blood of many patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It is used in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis when evaluating patients with unexplained joint inflammation. Also known as anti-citrulline antibody,…

An immune protein (antibody) that binds to a non-standard amino acid, citrulline, which is formed by removing amino groups from the natural amino acid, arginine. Citrulline antibody is present in the blood of many patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It is used in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis when evaluating patients with unexplained joint inflammation. Also known as anti-citrulline antibody,…