Category: E

Characterized by an increased amount of connective tissue and elastic fibers causing a thickening in the muscular lining of the heart, endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) is a rare condition eventually leading to congestive heart failure if it is not diagnosed early. Whereas some studies advocate that EFE may be the result of an X-linked, autosomal recessive…

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is not a single, homogeneous disorder, but a group of nine different types of genetically inherited disorders characterized by hyperelastic skin that is fragile and bruises easily, excessive laxity (looseness) of the joints, easily damaged blood vessels, and excessive bleeding. The syndrome is caused by abnormal formation of connective tissue due to…

Ectrodactyly ectodermal dysplasia is a rare form of ectodermal dysplasia involving missing or webbed fingers and/or toes, cleft lip and/or palate, and abnormalities of the eyes and urinary tract in addition to the aberrations normally present with ectodermal dysplasia, such as usually dry hair, light colored and sparse eyebrows, dry skin, and missing teeth or…

Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA) is a popular party drug that has a chemical structure similar to amphetamine and mescaline, a hallucinogen. Ecstasy belongs to a group of drugs known collectively as “club drugs” because they are frequently used at dance clubs and all-night dance parties called raves. Ecstasy is typically sold on the street in…

Early visual stimulation is critical to the normal development of the visual system. Early visual deprivation occurs when exposure to visual stimuli is limited in amount or intensity during initial stages of development. The outcome of early visual deprivation varies according to a variety of factors. Deprivation that is monocular and more severe and that…

The term ergolytic was coined to mean the opposite of ergogenic. A device, substance, or technique that hinders performance is considered ergolytic.  

The term “ergogenic aid” can be extremely misleading. One often perceives a compound called an ergogenic aid as a product that is sure to improve athletic performance. In reality, this term is used to describe both effective and ineffective supplements marketed to improve performance. More accurate terminology for unproven products is needed to avoid confusion…

An ergogenic aid is a device, substance, or technique that can be used to increase athletic performance. Specifically, the word’s root “ergo” refers to “work” and “genic” means “producing”; thus, an ergogenic aid allows for the production of work. Ergogenic aids have been classified into many broad categories including nutritional, pharmacological, physiological, psychological, and biomechanical…

During times of competition, athletes often experience the need to eat out while traveling. In many cases, such as in college and high school athletics, food choices can be limited by finances, time-constraints, and the coach’s personal preferences. In other cases, the athlete has a wide array of choices from which to select his or…

A selective cholesterol absorption inhibitor; an antihypercholesterolemic agent.