| nigrosine | <chemistry> A dark blue dyestuff, of the induline group. Synonym: azodiphenyl blue. Origin: From L. Niger black. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| Nigrospora | A genus of rapidly growing fungi that produces shiny, black conidia in cultures; it is a common contaminant in laboratory cultures and is nonpathogenic for humans. (05 Mar 2000) |
| nigrostriatal | Referring to the efferent connection of the substantia nigra with the striatum. See: substantia nigra. (05 Mar 2000) |
| nigua | <zoology> The chigoe. Origin: Sp. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| NIH | The National Institutes of Health. (12 Dec 1998) |
| NIH 3T3 cell | <cell culture> Very widely used mouse fibroblast cell line, 3T3 cells have been derived from different mouse strains and it is therefore important to define the particular cell line. NIH strain were from the National Institute of Health in the USA. (18 Nov 1997) |
| nihilism | 1. In psychiatry, the delusion of the nonexistence of everything, especially of the self or part of the self. 2. Engagement in acts which are totally destructive to one's own purposes and those of one's group. Origin: L. Nihil, nothing Therapeutic nihilism, a disbelief in the efficacy or value of therapy, as of drugs, psychotherapy, etc. (05 Mar 2000) |
| nihilistic delusion | A delusion in which one imagines that the world and all that relates to it have ceased to exist. Synonym: nihilistic delusion. (05 Mar 2000) |
| nikethamide | <chemical> A central nervous system stimulant. It was formerly used in the treatment of barbiturate overdose but is now considered to be of no value for such purposes and may be dangerous. Pharmacological action: central nervous system stimulants, convulsants. Chemical name: 3-Pyridinecarboxamide, N,N-diethyl- (12 Dec 1998) |
| Nikiforoff | Mikhail, Russian dermatologist, 1858-1915. See: Nikiforoff's method. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Nikiforoff's method | The fixing of blood films by immersion for 5 to 15 minutes in absolute alcohol, a mixture of equal parts of alcohol and ether, or pure ether. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Nikolsky | Pyotr V., Russian dermatologist, 1858-1940. See: Nikolsky's sign. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Nikolsky's sign | <clinical sign> A peculiar vulnerability of the skin in pemphigus vulgaris; the apparently normal epidermis may be separated at the basal layer and rubbed off when pressed with a sliding motion. (05 Mar 2000) |
| nil | Nothing, zero. (18 Nov 1997) |
| nil disease | <nephrology> A disorder of the kidneys which largely affects the glomerulus. This disorder is one common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children affecting 2-3 children per 100,000 population under age 16 in the USA. Minimal change disease is also seen rarely in adults. The cause is unknown but may be related to an autoimmune illness. Risk factors include a history for a immune disorder, recent immunisation or a bee sting. Diagnosis is made by renal biopsy. Treatment include systemic corticosteroids which are usually quite effective in curing this disease. Other medications include chlorambucil and cyclophosphamide. In most cases, a moderate protein diet (1 gram protein per Kg body weight per day) will be recommended. Salt (sodium) restriction can be helpful to reduce swelling and vitamin D is usually supplemented. (27 Sep 1997) |