Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A toxic monounsaturated fatty acid, which occurs in herring oil. Its toxic effects are similar to those of erucic acid.  

A sphingosine derivative with an acyl group attached to its amino group. A class of lipids that do not contain glycerol. They are derived from a sphingosine. Glycosphingolipids and sphingomyelins are derived from ceramides.  

Substances increasing the state of activity of the nervous system. An example of a class of stim¬ ulants is the methylxanthines, which have effects on the peripheral and central nervous system. Caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine are methylxanthines.  

The location of the various organelles of a eukaryotic cell.  

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat arthritis. Celecoxib (Celebrex) relieves the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It was the first of a new subclass of NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors to come on the market for the treatment of arthritis. Celecoxib, like older NSAIDs such as Motrin (ibuprofen) and Naprosyn (naproxen),…

A heterotetrameric cysteine protease that hydrolyzes cellular proteins including caspase zymogens as part of the apoptotic cascade. A protein that regulates programmed cellular death (apoptosis).  

Nonexperimental studies in which cases of a particular disease are selected and the patient’s exposure in the past is compared with that of people without the disease. This type of study is suitable for studying rare diseases. The numbers of subjects needed are small compared to those needed in cohort studies. Since the cases are…

A beta blocker, vasodilator, and antihypertensive drug.  

The process of tooth decay.  

Enlarged heart. The enlargement of the heart as a compensatory response to a circulation deficiency.