Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Breakdown (lysis) of the connective tissue protein collagen by a collagenase. The degradation or destruction of collagen.  

Type of psychotherapy used to treat depression, anxiety, pho¬ bias, and other forms of mental disorder. It involves recognizing distorted thinking and learning to replace it with more realistic substitute ideas. Cognitive behavior therapy combines two kinds of psychotherapy-cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. Cognitive therapy teaches patients how certain thinking patterns cause their symptoms. Behavior…

Addiction to an alcoholic, drug addict, or to any person. It is applied most often in the case of chemical dependence (drug or alcohol addiction) in which the chemical becomes the center of the family’s life and every family member must adjust to it; this may involve pretending to be what the addict wants so…

Disease of tropical and subtropical areas, caused by the protozoan parasite Isospora belli or closely related species, characterized by watery diarrhea, fever, and malaise. It usually subsides within 2 weeks, rarely persisting to cause serious complications. Any disease resulting from infestation with Coccidia.  

Infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis, largely confined to the southwestern United States and Central and South America, where it is sometimes called desert rheumatism or valley fever. At first the symptoms resemble those of the common cold or influenza; after apparent recovery the disease may recur in a more serious form, with fever,…

Any of 13 factors in the blood, including fibrinogen and prothrombin, the actions of which are essential for blood coagulation. Also known as clotting factor. A group of substances present in blood plasma that, under certain circumstances, undergo a series of chemical reactions leading to the conversion of blood from a liquid to a solid…

Drug used to lower high blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. A drug that reduces the levels of blood lipids, including cholesterol, and is used to treat atherosclerosis and angina. It is administered by mouth; side-effects can include stomach discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea. Within the realm of cardiovascular health, there exists a remarkable class of…

Congenital defect in which the top of the head appears to be pushed in (is concave); also called clinocephalism. Congenital defect in which one or more fingers or toes are abnormally positioned or bent. Congenital flatness or saddle shape of the top of the head, caused by bilateral premature closure of the sphenoparietal sutures.  

Abnormal condition in which the separation between the third and fourth toes extends into the foot. A rare congenital abnormality characterised by the absence of one or more toes and a deep central cleft that divides the foot into two. It is sometimes known as lobster foot, or lobster claw. It may be accompanied by…

Deformity of the foot characterized by an abnormally high arch and hyperextension of the toes, giving the foot a clawlike appearance. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition; it may involve surgery. Also called pes cavus. A deformity of the foot marked by an excessively high longitudinal arch, usually accompanied by dorsal contracture of…