Anthracycline
Anthracycline: A member of a family of chemotherapy drugs that are also antibiotics. The anthracyclines act to prevent cell division by disrupting the structure of the DNA and terminate its function. They do so in two ways: (1) they intercalate into the base pairs in the DNA minor grooves; and (2) they cause free radical damage of the ribose in the DNA. The anthracyclines are frequently used in leukemia therapy. The anthracyclines include daunorubicin (Cerubidine), doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex), epirubicin (Ellence, Pharmorubicin), and idarubicin (Idamycin).
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- Anthophobia
Anthophobia: An abnormal and persistent fear of flowers. Sufferers experience anxiety even though they realize they face no threat from flowers. Any genus or species of flowers can instill fear, as can any flower part, such as a petal or stem. “Anthophobia” is derived from the Greek “anthos” (flower) and “phobos” (fear).
- Anthrax
A serious bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis that occurs primarily in animals. Cattle, sheep, horses, mules, and some wild animals are highly susceptible. Humans and swine are generally quite resistant to anthrax. Humans become infected when the spores of B. anthracis enter the body by contact with animals infected with B. anthracis or from […]
- Anthrax immunization
Anthrax immunization: A series of six injections over a 6-month period, followed by annual booster shots, given to military personnel and others (including veterinarians who work with large animals) who are at high risk of anthrax exposure.
- Anthrax toxin
Anthrax toxin: The toxic substance secreted by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, the cause of the disease anthrax.
- Anti-
Anti-: Prefix generally meaning “against, opposite or opposing, and contrary.” In medicine, anti- often connotes “counteracting or effective against” as in antibacterial, anti-infective, and antiviral. Sometimes medical terms containing anti- take on new meanings as has occurred with antibiotic and antibody. As a prefix, anti- may be shortened to ant- as in antacid. “Anti” is […]