Animal starch Health Dictionary

A substance belonging to that group of carbohydrate known as the amyloses. It is the form in which utilisable CARBOHYDRATE is stored in granules within the seeds and roots of many plants.

Starch is converted into sugar when treated with heat in presence of a dilute acid. It is changed largely into dextrin when exposed to a considerable degree of dry heat, as in toasting bread; and a similar change into dextrin and malt-sugar takes place under the action of various enzymes (see ENZYME) such as the PTYALIN of the SALIVA. Starch forms a chief constituent of the carbohydrate foods (see DIET); and in the process of digestion, the above-mentioned change takes place to prepare it for absorption. It is also slowly broken down in the process of cooking.

Starch is used as a constituent of dusting powders for application to chafed or irritable areas of the skin.... starch

Along with DEXTRAN and GELATIN, this is a substance with a large molecular structure used to treat shocked patients with burns (see BURNS AND SCALDS) or SEPTICAEMIA in order to expand and maintain their blood volume. Like other plasma substitutes, this form of starch can be used as an emergency, short-term treatment for severe bleeding until blood for transfusion is available. Plasma substitutes must be used with caution in patients who have heart disease or impairment of their kidney function. Patients should be monitored for hypersensitivity reactions and for changes in their BLOOD PRESSURE (see SHOCK).... etherified starch

A person or animal that possesses specific previous antibodies or cellular immunity as a result of previous infection or immunisation, or is so conditioned by such previous specific experience as to respond adequately with production of antibodies sufficient to prevent illness following exposure to the specific infectious agent of the disease. Immunity is relative; an ordinarily effective protection may be overwhelmed by an excessive dose of the infectious agent or an unusual portal of entry.... immune person/animal

The use of animals in research to provide information about animal biology or, by inference, human physiology or behaviour. Animal research has contributed to the development of drugs, such as vaccines, and surgical techniques, such as transplant surgery. However, because of ethical concerns, alternative practices, such as cell cultures, are now used wherever possible.

animals, diseases from See zoonosis. anisometropia Unequal focusing power in the 2 eyes, usually due to a difference in size and/or shape of the eyes, that causes visual discomfort. For example, one eye may be normal and the other affected by myopia (shortsightedness), hypermetropia (longsightedness), or astigmatism (uneven curvature of the cornea). Glasses or contact lenses correct the problem in most cases. ankle joint The hinge joint between the foot and the leg. The talus (uppermost bone in the foot) fits between the 2 bony protuberances formed by the lower ends of the tibia (the shinbone) and the fibula (the outer bone of the lower leg). Strong ligaments on either side of the ankle joint give it support. The ankle allows for up-anddown movement of the foot.

An ankle sprain is one of the most

common injuries.

It is usually caused by twisting the foot over on to its outside edge, causing overstretching and bruising of the ligaments.

Violent twisting of the ankle can cause a combined fracture and dislocation known as Pott’s fracture.... animal experimentation

Any injury inflicted by the mouthparts of an animal, from the puncture wounds of bloodsucking insects to the massive injuries caused by shark or crocodile attacks. Teeth, especially those of carnivores, can inflict severe and widespread mechanical injury. Severe injuries and lacerations to major blood vessels can lead to severe blood loss and physiological shock. Serious infection may occur due to bacteria in the animal’s mouth; and tetanus is a particular hazard. In countries where rabies is present, any mammal may potentially harbour the rabies virus and transmit it via a bite. Medical advice should be sought for all but minor injuries or if there is a possibility of rabies. Treatment usually includes cleaning and examination of the wound. The wound will usually be left open and dressed. Preventive antibiotic drug treatment and an antitetanus injection may also be given. Antirabies vaccine is given, with immunoglobulin, if there is any possibility that the animal is infected with the rabies virus. (See also bites, human insect bites; snake bites; spider bites; venomous bites and stings.)... bites, animal