| ANA | <immunology> Antinuclear antibody is an antibody that react against components of the cell nucleus such as DNA, RNA, histone or non-histone proteins. These antibodies are present in a variety of immunologic or autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis and in persons taking hydralazine, procainamide or isoniazid. A serologic measurement for antinuclear antibodies can aid in the diagnosis of unexplained arthritis, rashes or chest pains. Acronym: ANA (12 Jan 1998) |
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| Anabaena | <bacteria> A genus of Cyanobacteria that forms filamentous colonies with specialised cells, capable of nitrogen fixation. Ecologically important in wet tropical soils and forms symbiotic associations with the fern Azolla. (18 Nov 1997) |
| anabas | <zoology> A genus of fishes, remarkable for their power of living long out of water, and of making their way on land for considerable distances, and for climbing trees; the climbing fishes. Origin: Gr, p. P. Of to advance. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| anabasine | <chemical> 2-(3-pyridyl)piperidine. Botanical insecticide. Pharmacological action: insecticide, botanical. Chemical name: Pyridine, 3-(2-piperidinyl)-, (S)- (12 Dec 1998) |
| anabasis | 1. A journey or expedition up from the coast, like that of the younger Cyrus into Central Asia, described by Xenophon in his work called "The Anabasis." "The anabasis of Napoleon." (De Quincey) 2. <medicine> The first period, or increase, of a disease; augmentation. Origin: Gr, fr. To go up; up + to go. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| anabiosis | Resuscitation after apparent death. Origin: G. A reviving, fr. Ana, again, + biosis, life (05 Mar 2000) |
| anabiotic | 1. Resuscitating or restorative. 2. A revivifying remedy; a powerful stimulant. Origin: ana-+ G. Bios, life (05 Mar 2000) |
| anabiotic cells | Cell's that are capable of resuscitation after apparent death; the existence of anabiotic tumour cell's is postulated to explain the recurrence of a cancer after a very long symptomless period following operation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anabolic | <biochemistry> Relating to, characterised by or promoting anabolism. (18 Nov 1997) |
| anabolic pathway | <biochemistry> A reaction or series of reactions in a metabolic pathway that synthesise complex molecules from simpler ones, usually requiring the input of energy. Compare: catabolic pathway. (09 Oct 1997) |
| anabolic steroid | <endocrinology> A type of steroid hormone that stimulates the synthesis of protein. Anabolic steroids are compounds which stimulate the body into anabolism. This process involves the building of complex compounds from smaller simpler ones (for example proteins are built from amino acids). This process requires energy. (13 Nov 1997) |
| anabolic steroids | Any of a group of synthetic derivatives of testosterone, having pronounced anabolic properties and relatively weak androgenic properties, that are used mainly to promote growth and repair body tissues. (12 Dec 1998) |
| anabolism | Synthesis, opposite of catabolism. (18 Nov 1997) |
| anabolite | Any substance formed as a result of anabolic processes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anabrosis | Archaic term for superficial erosion or ulceration. Origin: G. Fr. Ana, up, + bibrosko, to eat up (05 Mar 2000) |