Auto: From 1 Different Sources
Pre?x meaning self.
An antibody (see ANTIBODIES) produced by a person’s immune system (see IMMUNITY) that acts against the body’s own tissues, resulting in AUTOIMMUNITY.... autoantibody
This is a very e?ective way of ensuring that material (e.g. surgical dressings) is completely sterilised, and that even the most resistant bacteria with which it may be contaminated are destroyed. Its use is based upon the fact that water boils when its vapour pressure is equal to the pressure of the surrounding atmosphere. This means that if the pressure inside a closed vessel is increased, the temperature at which water inside the vessel boils will rise above 100 degrees centigrade. By adjusting the pressure, almost any temperature for the boiling of the water will be obtained.... autoclave
The state of having acquired an immunologic memory that says a normal cell membrane is “other”, and having forming antibody responses against it. A viral infection or organic chemical (hapten) may have started the response, but surviving healthy cells may have so close a charge pattern (epitope) that acquired immunity keeps on as if the cell was still “other”. Any physical stress that causes the target tissue to become inflamed or replicate rapidly to heal can restimulate the auto-immune response.... autoimmunity
The performance of acts without conscious will, as, for example, after an attack of epilepsy or concussion of the brain. In such conditions the person may perform acts of which he or she is neither conscious at the time nor has any memory afterwards. It is especially liable to occur when persons suffering from epilepsy, mental subnormality, or concussion consume alcoholic liquors. It may also occur following the taking of barbiturates or PSYCHEDELIC DRUGS. There are, however, other cases in which there are no such precipitatory factors. Thus it may occur following hypnosis, mental stress or strain, or conditions such as FUGUE or somnambulism (see SLEEP). The condition is of considerable importance from a legal point of view, because acts done in this state, and for which the person committing them is not responsible, may be of a criminal nature. According to English law, however, it entails complete loss of consciousness, and only then is it a defence to an action for negligence. A lesser impairment of consciousness is no defence.... automatism
Part of the nervous system which regulates the bodily functions that are not under conscious control: these include the heartbeat, intestinal movements, salivation, sweating, etc. The autonomic nervous system consists of two main divisions – the SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM and the PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM. The smooth muscles, heart and most glands are connected to nerve ?bres from both systems and their proper functioning depends on the balance between these two. (See also NERVES; NERVOUS SYSTEM.)... autonomic nervous system
A POST-MORTEM EXAMINATION, or the examin ation of the internal organs of a dead body. (See NECROPSY.)... autopsy
Autogenous means self-generated and is the term applied to products which arise within the body. It is applied to bacterial vaccines manufactured from the organisms found in discharges from the body and used for the treatment of the person from whom the bacteria were derived.... autogenous
Literally means ‘self-poisoning’. Any condition of poisoning brought about by substances formed in or by the body.... autointoxication
The disintegration and softening of dead cells brought about by enzymes (see ENZYME) in the cells themselves.... autolysis
The perceived ability to control, cope with and make personal decisions about how one lives on a daily basis, according to one’s own rules and preferences.... autonomy
Any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome. Of the 23 pairs of chromosomes in each human cell, 22 pairs are autosomes.... autosome
A self-induced receptive, hypnotic state which is believed to improve the body’s ability to help itself. Doctors have long realised that if they suggested to a patient that a particular treatment would work, it often did – a type of placebo e?ect. Some techniques now make use of this idea. For instance, people can be taught muscular relaxation to control their anxiety states – the BIOFEEDBACK principle.... auto-suggestion
Self-infection eg from one body site to another.... autoinfection
See TRANSFUSION – Transfusion of blood.... autologous blood transfusion
(Greek) In mythology, a woman who was driven mad by Dionysus... autonoe
See under GENETIC DISORDERS.... autosomal dominant gene
See TRANSFUSION.... continuous autologous transfusion
An abnormal reaction of the body to groups of its own cells which the immune system attacks. In a case of anaemia, it may destroy the red blood cells. Failure of the body’s tolerance mechanism.
The immune system is the body’s internal defence armoury which protects from sickness and disease. White blood cells are influenced by the thymus gland and bone marrow to become “T” lymphocytes or “B” lymphocytes which absorb and destroy bacteria. There are times when these powerful defence components inflame and attack healthy tissue, giving rise to auto immune disease which may manifest as one of the numerous anaemic, rheumatic or nervous disorders, even cancer.
A watchful eye should be kept on any sub-acute, non-specific inflammation going on quietly over a long period – a certain indication of immune-inadequacy. It would appear that some unknown body intelligence operates behind the performance of the immune system; emotional and physic stresses such as divorce or job dissatisfaction can lead to a run-down of body defences. Some psychiatrists believe it to be a self-produced phenomenon due to an unresolved sense of guilt or a dislike of self. When this happens, bacterial, virus or fungus infections may invade and spread with little effective opposition. People who are happy at their home and work usually enjoy a robust immune system.
An overactive immune system may develop arthritis with painful joint inflammation, especially with a background of a fat-rich diet. A link between silicone implants and auto-immune disease is suspected.
“There is increasing evidence,” writes Dr D. Addy, Consulting Pediatrician, “that fevers may enhance the defence mechanism against infection.” (See: FEVER) “There is also increasing evidence of a weakening of the immune system through suppression of fevers by modern drugs. In this way, aspirin and other powerful anti-inflammatories may be responsible for feeble immune response.”
White cell stimulators: Liquorice, Ginseng (Siberian), Goldenseal, Echinacea. These increase ability of white blood cells to attack bacteria and invading cells. Chinese medicine: Ginseng (men), Chinese Angelica (women).
Treatment. To strengthen body defences. Garlic, Borage, Comfrey, Agrimony, Balm, Chamomile (German), Echinacea, Horsetail, Liquorice, Lapacho, Sage, Wild Yam, Wild Indigo, Poke root, Thuja. Shiitake Mushroom. Reishi Mushroom, Chlorella..
Tea. Combine, equal parts, St John’s Wort, Borage, Chamomile (German). 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily.
Powders. Combine, Echinacea 4; Comfrey root 2; Wild Yam 1. 500mg (two 00 capsules, or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.
Tinctures. Combine, Echinacea 4; Poke root 1; Thuja 1. 1-2 teaspoons in water thrice daily.
Tincture: Tincture Myrrh BPC 1973: 5-10 drops in water, morning and evening.
Decoctions. Horse-radish. Fenugreek seeds.
Bio-strath. Yeast-based herbal tonic. Exerts a positive influence on the immune system by rapid and marked increase in white blood cells.
Diet. Foods rich in essential fatty acids: nuts, seeds, beans, pulses, Evening Primrose oil, Cod Liver oil flavoured with mint or lemon. High protein: eggs, fish. (Low protein – acute stage). Foods rich in selenium. Yoghurt, cider vinegar, pineapple juice. Sugar has an immune suppressing effect.
Supplements. To rebuild immune system. Vitamins A, B5, B6, C, D, E. Zinc is required to produce histamine which is a vasodilator. Combination: zinc, selenium and GLA. Iron. Calcium.
Aromatherapy. Lavender oil: massage or baths.
Note: An alleged link exists between silicone implants and auto-immune disease. A new study reveals evidence that women with silicone breast implants who breast-feed their children put them at risk of developing systemic sclerosis. (JAMA Jan 19 1994) ... auto immune disease
Toxic means poisonous. Auto-toxaemia is self-poisoning of the blood and tissues from absorption of bacterial toxins formed during infection from acute or chronic inflammatory disease; or due to defective excretory organs (kidneys, bowel, etc). Raw foods produce little waste, but putrefaction of meats and other acid foods in the intestine and colon create an environment in which hostile bacteria flourish. Retrograde tissue change may be brought about by an unhealthy lifestyle and diet where an accumulation of cell wastes dispose to congestion and decomposition.
Treatment. An eliminative group of herbs include: expectorants, diuretics, lymphatics and alteratives to promote chemical breakdown and expulsion of the body’s waste cell products.
Cleansing teas: Gotu Kola, Bogbean, Ginseng, Nettles, Alfalfa. Or, decoctions: Dandelion root (or Dandelion coffee), Burdock root, Yellow Dock root.
Tablets/capsules. Echinacea, Blue Flag root, Goldenseal, Ginseng, Poke root, Seaweed and Sarsaparilla, Garlic, “Natural Herb Tablet”.
Powders, Liquid Extracts, Tinctures. Combine: Echinacea 2; Goldenseal 1; Myrrh quarter. Doses. Powders: Quarter of a teaspoon. Liquid extracts: 30-60 drops. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. In water or honey thrice daily.
Enema: Chamomile.
Saunas and sweat-promoting exercises; epsom salts bath.
Diet. Regular raw food days. Garlic, Onions, Watercress. Low fat, low salt, high fibre. Drink distilled water. Three-day fast once monthly.
Supplements. Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C 1g thrice daily, niacin, sulphur, zinc.
Auto-toxaemia does not refer to the toxaemia of pregnancy, known as eclampsia, for which a different group of herbs is relevant.
Removal of dental amalgam fillings is believed to assist recovery.
Note: Toxaemia may be caused by the action of toxic molecular fragments known as “free-radicals” which corrode cell membranes and kill cells. See: FREE-RADICALS. ... auto-toxaemia
The use of a person’s own blood, donated earlier, for blood transfusion. Autologous transfusion eliminates the slight but serious risk of contracting a serious infectious illness from contaminated blood. There is no risk of a transfusion reaction occurring as a result of incompatibility between donor and recipient blood. Up to 3.5 litres of blood can be removed and stored in several sessions at least 4 days apart and up to 3 days before planned surgery. Blood may be salvaged during surgery, filtered and returned to the circulation, reducing the need for transfusion of donated blood.... blood transfusion, autologous
See blood transfusion, autologous.... transfusion, autologous
n. the clumping together of the body’s own red blood cells by antibodies produced against them, which occurs in acquired haemolytic anaemia (an *autoimmune disease).... autoagglutination
adj. 1. remaining at the site of formation. A blood clot that has not been carried in the bloodstream from its point of origin is described as autochthonous. 2. originating in an organ without external stimulus, like the beating of the heart.... autochthonous
adj. describing the production by a cell of substances, such as hormones or *growth factors, that can influence the growth of the cell that produces them.... autocrine
n. *fluorescence of structures in the absence of fluorescein dye. Structures such as optic disc *drusen fluoresce when stimulated by cobalt blue light.... autofluorescence
n. a tissue graft taken from one part of the body and transferred to another part of the same individual. The repair of burns is often done by grafting on strips of skin taken from elsewhere on the body, usually the upper arm or thigh. Unlike *allografts, autografts are not rejected by the body’s immunity defences. See also skin graft; transplantation.... autograft
one of a number of otherwise unrelated disorders caused by inflammation and destruction of tissues by the body’s own *immune response. These disorders include acquired haemolytic anaemia, pernicious anaemia, rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, glomerulonephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, myasthenia gravis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and several forms of thyroid dysfunction, including Hashimoto’s disease. It is not known why the body should lose the ability to distinguish between substances that are ‘self’ and those that are ‘non-self’.... autoimmune disease
n. the accidental transfer of inoculated material from one site in the body to another. Following vaccination against smallpox, for example, satellite lesions may occur around the site of inoculation. Sometimes the conjunctiva is affected.... autoinoculation
adj. denoting a graft or transplant that is derived from the recipient of the graft. In dentistry, autologous pulp stem cells are used in the generation of new tissue to replace damaged or defective tissue and autologous bone grafts may be used when placing dental implants.... autologous
(AED) a type of external *defibrillator that can analyse the heart rhythm it detects and advise via voice prompts on therapy to be given according to the latest guidelines. In cases of ventricular fibrillation, some defibrillators will make decisions on delivering electric shocks and do so after issuing appropriate warnings to the attending health-care professionals.... automated external defibrillator
(ALK) excision of the outer layers of the cornea using an automated *keratome. It is usually used as part of a surgical procedure, to alter the shape of the cornea to correct errors of refraction.... automated lamellar keratectomy
see perimeter.... automated perimeter
n. a sensation of being able to hear one’s own voice or breathing unusually loudly. It occurs most commonly in conductive *deafness, more rarely in *patulous Eustachian tube and *superior canal dehiscence syndrome.... autophony
n. the normal condition in cells or individuals, in which each cell has a chromosome set consisting of *homologous pairs, enabling cells to divide normally. —autoploid adj., n.... autoploidy
n. a mechanical device designed to compress the chest (and thereby the heart) rhythmically, with the aim of maintaining the circulation during *cardiac arrest. It is more efficient than manual chest compression and has the advantage of allowing *percutaneous coronary intervention to be performed without interruption of chest compression.... autopulse
(radioautography) n. a technique for examining the distribution of a radioactive *tracer in the tissues of an experimental animal. The tracer is injected into the animal, which is killed after a certain period. Thin sections of its organs are placed in close contact with a radiation-sensitive material, such as a photographic emulsion, and observed under a microscope. Blackening of the film indicates a high concentration of radioactive material.... autoradiography
n. a machine that automatically determines the spectacle prescription for the eye. See also optometer.... autorefractor
see dominant.... autosomal dominant
see recessive.... autosomal recessive
n. reintroduction into a patient of his or her own blood. This may be blood previously drawn and stored in the blood bank or blood that has been lost from the patient’s circulation during surgical operation. The blood is collected by suction during the operation, filtered to remove bubbles and small blood clots, and returned into one of the patient’s veins through a drip. See also cell saver.... autotransfusion
(lithotrophic) adj. describing organisms (known as autotrophs) that synthesize their organic materials from carbon dioxide and nitrates or ammonium compounds, using an external source of energy. Photoautotrophic organisms, including green plants and some bacteria, derive their energy from sunlight; chemoautotrophic (or chemosynthetic) organisms obtain energy from inorganic chemical reactions. All autotrophic bacteria are nonparasitic. Compare heterotrophic.... autotrophic
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