Category: I

A soluble factor produced by monocytes, macrophages, and other cells which activates T-lymphocytes and potentiates their response to mitogens or antigens. IL-1 consists of two distinct forms, IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta which perform the same functions but are distinct proteins. The biological effects of IL-1 include the ability to replace macrophage requirements for T-cell…

A biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body’s natural response to disease). Interferons interfere with the division of cancer cells and can slow tumor growth. There are several types of interferons, including interferon-alpha, -beta, and -gamma. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for…

Hospital units providing continuous surveillance and care to acutely ill patients. A specialized nursing unit which concentrates in one area within a hospital seriously ill patients needing constant nursing care and observation. Some intensive care units limit their services to certain types of patients such as coronary care, surgical intensive care, and newborn intensive care…

Advanced and highly specialized care provided to medical or surgical patients whose conditions are life-threatening and require comprehensive care and constant monitoring. It is usually administered in specially equipped units of a health care facility. Care provided to patients with life-threatening conditions who require intensive treatment and continuous monitoring.  

A disease characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors are involved in the development of type I diabetes. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), also known as Type I diabetes or juvenile diabetes, is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by pancreatic failure…

The capacity to understand one’s own motives, to be aware of one’s own psychodynamics, to appreciate the meaning of symbolic behavior. Self-understanding; the extent of a person’s understanding of the origin, nature, and mechanisms of his or her maladaptive attitudes and behavior. Sometimes used to indicate whether an individual is aware that he or she…

A technique in which foreign DNA is cloned into a restriction site which occupies a position within the coding sequence of a gene in the cloning vector molecule. Insertion interrupts the gene’s sequence such that its original function is no longer expressed.  

Persons admitted to health facilities which provide board and room, for the purpose of observation, care, diagnosis or treatment. A person being treated in a hospital or other facility as a resident, outpatient. A patient who has been admitted at least overnight to a hospital or other health facility (which is therefore responsible for his…

An isomer of glucose that has traditionally been considered to be a B vitamin although it has an uncertain status as a vitamin and a deficiency syndrome has not been identified in man. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1379) Inositol phospholipids are important in signal transduction. A carbohydrate derivative, a constituent of phospholipids…

Pertaining to substances not of organic origin. Materials of mineral, as distinct from animal or vegetable, origin. Apart from carbonates and cyanides, inorganic chemicals are those that contain no carbon. Compounds that do not contain carbon. Compounds not living or have never lived, organic. Referring to a substance which ii s not made from animal…