| desegmentation | <anatomy> The loss or obliteration of division into segments; as, a desegmentation of the body. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| desensitisation | <immunology> A therapeutic regimen that involves the administration of small quantities of a substance that a patient has an allergic response to, for the purpose of diminishing or eradicating the allergic response. The term is used to mean the administration of a graded series of doses of an antigen to which there is an immediate hypersensitivity response. The technique is used in the treatment of allergy and works by inducing the production of blocking antibody (IgG) that inhibits IgE production or blocks IgE binding. Synonym: hyposensitisation, immunotherapy. (13 Oct 1997) |
| desensitise | 1. To reduce or remove any form of sensitivity. Synonym: deallergise. 2. To effect desensitization. 3. In dentistry, to eliminate or subdue the painful response of exposed, vital dentin to irritative agents or thermal changes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| desensitization | 1. The reduction or abolition of allergic sensitivity or reactions to the specific antigen (allergen). Synonym: ananaphylaxis, antianaphylaxis. 2. The act of removing an emotional complex. Synonym: hyposensitization. (05 Mar 2000) |
| desensitization, allergy | Stimulation of the immune system with gradually increasing doses of the substances to which a person is allergic, the aim being to modify or stop the allergy war (by reducing the strength of the IgE and its effect on the mast cells). This form of treatment is very effective for allergies to pollen, mites, cats, and especially stinging insects (e.g., bees, hornets, yellowjackets, wasps, velvet ants, fire ants). Allergy immunotherapy usually takes 6 months to a year to become effective and shots (injections) are usually required for 3-5 years. (12 Dec 1998) |
| desensitization, immunologic | Immunosuppression by the administration of increasing doses of antigen. Though the exact mechanism is not clear, the therapy results in an increase in serum levels of allergen-specific IgG, suppression of specific IgE, and an increase in suppressor T-cell activity. (12 Dec 1998) |
| desensitization, psychologic | A behaviour therapy technique in which deep muscle relaxation is used to inhibit the effects of graded anxiety-evoking stimuli. (12 Dec 1998) |
| deserpidine | 11-Desmethoxyreserpine;ester alkaloid isolated from Rauwolfia canescens (family Apocynaceae) with the same actions and uses as reserpine. (05 Mar 2000) |
| desert | Of or pertaining to a desert; forsaken; without life or cultivation; unproductive; waste; barren; wild; desolate; solitary; as, they landed on a desert island. "He . . . Went aside privately into a desert place." (Luke ix. 10) "Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air. <botany> " (Gray) Desert flora, an American mouse (Hesperomys eremicus), living in the Western deserts. Origin: Cf. L. Desertus, p. P. Of deserere, and F. Desert. See Desert. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| desert climate | A type of climate characterised by insufficient moisture to support appreciable plant life. It is a climate of extreme aridity, usually of extreme heat, and of negligible rainfall. (12 Dec 1998) |
| desert fever | A disease common in the San Joaquin Valley of California and certain additional areas in the southwestern U.S. As well as the Chaco region of Argentina, caused by inhalation of the arthroconidia of Coccidioides immitis; acute onset of symptoms resemble pneumonia or pulmonary tuberculosis, productive of sputum usually containing spores of the fungus, and accompanied by aches, malaise, severe headache, and occasionally an early erythematous or papular eruption; erythema multiforme or erythema nodosum may appear; the coccidioidin test is positive. Synonym: desert fever, San Joaquin fever, San Joaquin Valley disease, San Joaquin Valley fever, valley fever. (05 Mar 2000) |
| desert rheumatism | A fungal infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis. Exists in two forms: primary disease, which is a self-limited respiratory infection (requires no treatment) and a progressive form (diffuse and granulomatous), that can involve almost any part of the body. Approximately 60% of infections cause no symptoms and are identified only by skin testing. Immunocompromised patients (AIDS) are at greatest risk for disseminated disease. Symptoms include cough, anorexia, fever, weight loss and joint pains. Complications include pleural effusion and dissemination. There is a poor prognosis for disseminated disease. Treatment includes amphotericin B for lung infection. Itraconazole and fluconazole are also useful agents. (27 Sep 1997) |
| desert sore | Any of a variety of chronic non-specific cutaneous ulcers, most commonly on the shins, knees, hands, and forearms, and probably a variant of ecthyma, that occur in tropical and desert areas. Synonym: Barcoo rot, veldt sore. (05 Mar 2000) |
| desetope | That part of the Class II major histocompatibility molecule that interacts with the antigen. The term desetope is derived from determinant selection. Origin: determinant selection + -tope (05 Mar 2000) |
| desferrioxamine mesylate | Methanesulfonate of 30-amino-3,14,25-trihydroxy-3,9,14,20,25-penta-azatriacontane-2,10,13,21,24-pentaone;chelate used in the treatment of iron poisoning. Synonym: desferrioxamine mesylate. (05 Mar 2000) |