Anaplastology: The art and science of restoring a malformed or absent part of the human body through artificial means. An anaplastologist makes prosthetic devices. From the Greek ana, again, + plastos, formed. See also: Prosthesis.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Definition of Analytic specificity
Analytic specificity: How well an assay detects only a specific substance and does not detect closely related substances.
Definition of Analogous
Analogous: In anatomy, similar in appearance or function but otherwise different. Two structures may be analogous if they serve the same purpose but differ evolutionary in origin as, for example, human and insect legs. As compared to homologous.
Definition of ANA
ANA: Antinuclear antibody, an unusual
antibody directed against structures within the nucleus of the
cell. ANAs are found in patients whose immune system is predisposed to cause inflammation against their own body tissues. Antibodies that are directed against one's own tissues are referred to as autoantibodies. The propensity for the immune system to
work against its own body is referred to as autoimmunity. ANAs
indicate the possible presence of autoimmunity.
The fluorescent antinuclear antibody test (FANA) was designed by George Friou, M.D. in 1957. It is done on a blood sample. The antibodies in the serum of the blood are exposed in the laboratory to cells and then one determines whether or not antibodies are present that react with various parts of the nucleus of the cell. It is a sensitive screening test used to detect autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune diseases are conditions characterized by a
disorder of the immune system featured by the abnormal production of
antibodies (autoantibodies) directed against the tissues of the
body. Autoimmune diseases are typically feature inflammation of
various tissues of the body. ANAs are found in patients with a
number of autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus,
Sjogren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, scleroderma,
Hashimoto thyroiditis, juvenile diabetes mellitus, Addison
disease, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, glomerulonephritis, and
pulmonary fibrosis. ANAs can also be found in patients with chronic
infections and cancer. Many medications including procainamide (PROCAN SR), hydralazine, and dilantin can stimulate the production of ANAs.
ANAs present different patterns depending on the
staining of the cell nucleus in the laboratory: homogeneous, or
diffuse; speckled; nucleolar; and peripheral or rim. While these
patterns are not specific for any one illness, certain illnesses can
more frequently be associated with one pattern or another. For
example, the nucleolar pattern is more commonly seen in the disease
scleroderma. The speckled pattern is seen in many conditions and in
persons who do not have any autoimmune disease.
ANAs are present in approximately 5% of the normal population, usually in low titers (low levels). These persons have no disease. Titers of lower than 1:80 are less likely to be significant. Even higher titers are insignificant with aging over age 60 years. Ultimately, the ANA result must be interpreted in the specific context of the symptoms and other test results for the patient. It may or may not be significant in an individual.
antibody directed against structures within the nucleus of the
cell. ANAs are found in patients whose immune system is predisposed to cause inflammation against their own body tissues. Antibodies that are directed against one's own tissues are referred to as autoantibodies. The propensity for the immune system to
work against its own body is referred to as autoimmunity. ANAs
indicate the possible presence of autoimmunity.
The fluorescent antinuclear antibody test (FANA) was designed by George Friou, M.D. in 1957. It is done on a blood sample. The antibodies in the serum of the blood are exposed in the laboratory to cells and then one determines whether or not antibodies are present that react with various parts of the nucleus of the cell. It is a sensitive screening test used to detect autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune diseases are conditions characterized by a
disorder of the immune system featured by the abnormal production of
antibodies (autoantibodies) directed against the tissues of the
body. Autoimmune diseases are typically feature inflammation of
various tissues of the body. ANAs are found in patients with a
number of autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus,
Sjogren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, scleroderma,
Hashimoto thyroiditis, juvenile diabetes mellitus, Addison
disease, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, glomerulonephritis, and
pulmonary fibrosis. ANAs can also be found in patients with chronic
infections and cancer. Many medications including procainamide (PROCAN SR), hydralazine, and dilantin can stimulate the production of ANAs.
ANAs present different patterns depending on the
staining of the cell nucleus in the laboratory: homogeneous, or
diffuse; speckled; nucleolar; and peripheral or rim. While these
patterns are not specific for any one illness, certain illnesses can
more frequently be associated with one pattern or another. For
example, the nucleolar pattern is more commonly seen in the disease
scleroderma. The speckled pattern is seen in many conditions and in
persons who do not have any autoimmune disease.
ANAs are present in approximately 5% of the normal population, usually in low titers (low levels). These persons have no disease. Titers of lower than 1:80 are less likely to be significant. Even higher titers are insignificant with aging over age 60 years. Ultimately, the ANA result must be interpreted in the specific context of the symptoms and other test results for the patient. It may or may not be significant in an individual.
Definition of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 8
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 8: ALS8. A form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) inherited in an autosomal dominant manner due to mutation in a gene on chromosome 20ptel.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Definition of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 7
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 7: ALS7. A form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) inherited in an autosomal dominant manner due to mutation in a gene on chromosome 20ptel.
Definition of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 6
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 6: ALS6. A form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) inherited in an autosomal dominant manner due to mutation in a gene on chromosome 16q12.
Definition of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 5
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 5: ALS5. A form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) inherited in an autosomal recessive manner due to mutation in a gene on chromosome 15q15.1-q21.1.
Definition of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 4
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 4: ALS4. A juvenile-onset form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with no bulbar involvement, inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and caused by mutation in a gene on chromosome 9q34.
Definition of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 3
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 3: ALS3. An adult-onset form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and caused by mutation in a gene on chromosome 18q21.
Definition of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 2
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 2: ALS2. A juvenile-onset form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and caused by mutation in the gene encoding alsin on chromosome 2q33.
Definition of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 1
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 1: ALS1. A form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and caused by mutation in the superoxide dismutase-1 gene (SOD1) on chromosome 21q22.1. About 15 to 20% of familial ALS is type 1 (ALS1). Sporadic cases of ALS are sometimes due to new mutation in the SOD1 gene.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A classic motor neuron
disease. Motor neuron diseases are progressive chronic diseases of
the nerves that come from the spinal cord responsible for supplying
electrical stimulation to the muscles. This stimulation is
necessary for the movement of body parts.
LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is quite a mouthful. The
disease is therefore usually referred to simply as ALS. In North
America it is sometimes called "Lou Gehrig's disease" after the great
durable baseball player who had it. The movie, "Pride of the
Yankees", tells the his life story. As a New York Yankee, Gehrig was named the American League's most valuable player 4 times (in 1927, 1931, 1934 and 1936). In 14 seasons Gehrig did not miss a single game for a total of 2,130 games. Gehrig was born in 1903, and he died in 1941 at the age of 38.
EPIDEMIOLOGY: ALS strikes in mid-life, most often in the
fifth through seventh decades of life. Men are about one-and-a-half
times more
likely to have the disease as women. It affects about 20,000
Americans with 5,000 new cases occurring in the United States each
year.
THE DISEASE PROCESS: ALS occurs when specific nerve cells
in the brain and spinal
cord that control voluntary movement gradually degenerate. The loss
of these motor neurons causes the muscles under their control to
weaken and waste away, leading to paralysis. The cause of this
disease process is still unknown.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: ALS manifests itself in different ways,
depending on which muscles weaken first. Symptoms may include
tripping and falling, loss of motor control in hands and arms,
difficulty speaking, swallowing and/or breathing, persistent fatigue,
and twitching and cramping, sometimes quite severely.
TREATMENT: There is no cure for ALS; nor is there a proven
therapy that will prevent or reverse the course of the disorder. The
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved riluzole, the first drug
that has been shown to prolong the survival of ALS patients. Patients
may also
receive supportive treatments that address some of their symptoms.
PROGNOSIS (OUTLOOK): ALS is progressive and fatal. The
usual causes of death of patients with motor neuron diseases are not
directly related to the disease, but result from simultaneous
additional illnesses which ultimately occur because of weakness of
the body. These illnesses are often infections.
DURATION OF DISEASE: ALS usually leads to death within 5
years of the time the diagnosis of ALS is made; the range is from 2
to 7 years.
disease. Motor neuron diseases are progressive chronic diseases of
the nerves that come from the spinal cord responsible for supplying
electrical stimulation to the muscles. This stimulation is
necessary for the movement of body parts.
LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is quite a mouthful. The
disease is therefore usually referred to simply as ALS. In North
America it is sometimes called "Lou Gehrig's disease" after the great
durable baseball player who had it. The movie, "Pride of the
Yankees", tells the his life story. As a New York Yankee, Gehrig was named the American League's most valuable player 4 times (in 1927, 1931, 1934 and 1936). In 14 seasons Gehrig did not miss a single game for a total of 2,130 games. Gehrig was born in 1903, and he died in 1941 at the age of 38.
EPIDEMIOLOGY: ALS strikes in mid-life, most often in the
fifth through seventh decades of life. Men are about one-and-a-half
times more
likely to have the disease as women. It affects about 20,000
Americans with 5,000 new cases occurring in the United States each
year.
THE DISEASE PROCESS: ALS occurs when specific nerve cells
in the brain and spinal
cord that control voluntary movement gradually degenerate. The loss
of these motor neurons causes the muscles under their control to
weaken and waste away, leading to paralysis. The cause of this
disease process is still unknown.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: ALS manifests itself in different ways,
depending on which muscles weaken first. Symptoms may include
tripping and falling, loss of motor control in hands and arms,
difficulty speaking, swallowing and/or breathing, persistent fatigue,
and twitching and cramping, sometimes quite severely.
TREATMENT: There is no cure for ALS; nor is there a proven
therapy that will prevent or reverse the course of the disorder. The
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved riluzole, the first drug
that has been shown to prolong the survival of ALS patients. Patients
may also
receive supportive treatments that address some of their symptoms.
PROGNOSIS (OUTLOOK): ALS is progressive and fatal. The
usual causes of death of patients with motor neuron diseases are not
directly related to the disease, but result from simultaneous
additional illnesses which ultimately occur because of weakness of
the body. These illnesses are often infections.
DURATION OF DISEASE: ALS usually leads to death within 5
years of the time the diagnosis of ALS is made; the range is from 2
to 7 years.
Definition of Amusia
Amusia: The inability to recognize musical tones or to reproduce them. Amusia can be congenital (present at birth) or be acquired sometime later in life (as from brain damage).
Amusia is composed of a- + -musia and literally means the lack of music. Also commonly called tone deafness.
Amusia is composed of a- + -musia and literally means the lack of music. Also commonly called tone deafness.
Definition of Amsler grid
Amsler grid: While conducting an eye examination, the
eye care professional may ask the patient to look at an Amsler grid.
This grid is a pattern that resembles a checkerboard. The patient
covers one eye and stares at a black dot in the center of the grid.
While staring at the dot, the patient may notice that the straight
lines in the pattern appear wavy.
This kind of wavy pattern on viewing the Amsler grid is abnormal.
It can be an important warning sign of what is called wet age-related
macular degeneration. The macula is an area in the retina of the
eye that is responsible for central (straight-ahead) vision. It
deteriorates most often after age 60 resulting in age-related macular
degeneration (AMD). An early sign of the dangerous "wet" type of
AMD is the wavy appearance of the lines on the Amsler grid. The early
diagnosis of wet AMD is critical since laser surgery is urgently
needed to preserve sight.
The Amsler grids shown here are reduced in size; eye care
specialists have full-size grids in their office and for the patient
to use at home.
eye care professional may ask the patient to look at an Amsler grid.
This grid is a pattern that resembles a checkerboard. The patient
covers one eye and stares at a black dot in the center of the grid.
While staring at the dot, the patient may notice that the straight
lines in the pattern appear wavy.
This kind of wavy pattern on viewing the Amsler grid is abnormal.
It can be an important warning sign of what is called wet age-related
macular degeneration. The macula is an area in the retina of the
eye that is responsible for central (straight-ahead) vision. It
deteriorates most often after age 60 resulting in age-related macular
degeneration (AMD). An early sign of the dangerous "wet" type of
AMD is the wavy appearance of the lines on the Amsler grid. The early
diagnosis of wet AMD is critical since laser surgery is urgently
needed to preserve sight.
The Amsler grids shown here are reduced in size; eye care
specialists have full-size grids in their office and for the patient
to use at home.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Definition of Amplification, DNA
Amplification, DNA: The production of multiple copies of a sequence of DNA. Repeated copying of a piece of DNA.
DNA amplification plays a role in cancer cells. A tumor cell amplifies, or copies, DNA segments as a result of cell signals and sometimes environmental events.
Amplification can occur in vivo (in the living individual) or in vitro (literally "in glass", or in a plastic vessel in the laboratory).
DNA amplification plays a role in cancer cells. A tumor cell amplifies, or copies, DNA segments as a result of cell signals and sometimes environmental events.
Amplification can occur in vivo (in the living individual) or in vitro (literally "in glass", or in a plastic vessel in the laboratory).
Definition of Amplification
Amplification: Making multiple copies of a gene or of any sequence of DNA. Repeated copying of a piece of DNA.
In amplification there is an increase in the number of copies of any particular piece of DNA. Gene amplification plays a role in cancer cells. A tumor cell amplifies, or copies, DNA segments as a result of cell signals and sometimes environmental events.
Amplification can occur in vivo (in the living individual) or in vitro (literally "in glass", or in a plastic vessel in the laboratory).
In amplification there is an increase in the number of copies of any particular piece of DNA. Gene amplification plays a role in cancer cells. A tumor cell amplifies, or copies, DNA segments as a result of cell signals and sometimes environmental events.
Amplification can occur in vivo (in the living individual) or in vitro (literally "in glass", or in a plastic vessel in the laboratory).
Definition of Amphetamine
Amphetamine: A drug with a stimulant effect on the central nervous system that can be both physically and psychologically addictive when overused. This drug has been much abused recreationally. The street term "speed" refers to stimulant drugs such as amphetamine.
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