Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A sleeping disorder characterized by the inability to fall asleep and/or the inability to remain asleep for a reasonable amount of time. A dyssomnia consisting of difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or of nonrestorative sleep (i.e., sleep is adequate in amount but unrefreshing) associated with daytime fatigue or impaired daytime functioning. The insomnia is called…

An agent that destroys insects. adj. insecticidal. A chemical agent used to destroy insects either by contact or by stomach poisoning. A toxic chemical that kills unwanted insects. A substance which kills insects. A preparation used to kill destructive or disease-carrying insects. Ideally, an insecticide should have no toxic effects when ingested by human beings…

Affecting the force or energy of muscular contractions. A substance that affects the contraction of muscles. Affecting the way muscles contract, especially those of the heart. Influencing the force of contraction of a muscle. Positive inotropic agents, such as digitalis drugs, improve contraction of the heart muscle. Disease states, such as congestive heart failure, lead…

Through its product, nitric oxide (NO), may contribute to the induction of germ cell apoptosis. It plays a crucial role in early sepsis-related microcirculatory dysfunction.  

A medicinal substance that is administered as a vapor into the upper respiratory passages. Recent use or short-term, high-dose exposure to volatile inhalants often leads to maladaptive behavioral or psychological changes such as belligerence, assaultiveness, apathy, and impaired judgment. Accompanying physical signs include dizziness, incoordination, slurred speech, unsteady gait, euphoria, lethargy, psychomotor retardation, and blurred…

A henia into the inguinal canal of the groin. A condition in which the inguinal canal has not closed completely after the testes have descended through it. Portions of intestine may enter the canal and the scrotum. Strenuous exercise may produce symptoms of pain is often treated surgically. A hernia where the intestine bulges through…

A liquid extract obtained by steeping something (e.g. herbs) that are more volatile or dissolve readily in water, to release their active ingredients without boiling. Water-based preparation in which flowers, leaves, or stems are brewed in a similar way to tea. A method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. Also called intravenous infusion.…

A viral infection that affects mainly the nose, throat, bronchi and occasionally, lungs. The flu; an infectious viral respiratory disease characterised by chills, fever, prostration, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, and a dry cough. An acute and highly contagious disease caused by viruses that infect mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. An infectious respiratory disease…

Is the process of tissue death (necrosis) caused by blockage of the tissue’s blood supply. A pathological process consisting of a sudden insufficient blood supply to an area, which results in necrosis of that area. It is usually caused by a thrombus, an embolus, or a vascular torsion. Death of an area of tissue because…