FLAXSEED OIL A M EDICAL D ICTIONARY , B IBLIOGRAPHY , AND A NNOTATED R ESEARCH G UIDE TO I NTERNET R E FERENCES
J AMES N. P ARKER , M.D. AND P HILIP M. P ARKER , P H .D., E DITORS
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ICON Health Publications ICON Group International, Inc. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, 4th Floor San Diego, CA 92122 USA Copyright 2004 by ICON Group International, Inc. Copyright 2004 by ICON Group International, Inc. All rights reserved. This book is protected by copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. Last digit indicates print number: 10 9 8 7 6 4 5 3 2 1
Publisher, Health Care: Philip Parker, Ph.D. Editor(s): James Parker, M.D., Philip Parker, Ph.D. Publisher's note: The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. As new medical or scientific information becomes available from academic and clinical research, recommended treatments and drug therapies may undergo changes. The authors, editors, and publisher have attempted to make the information in this book up to date and accurate in accord with accepted standards at the time of publication. The authors, editors, and publisher are not responsible for errors or omissions or for consequences from application of the book, and make no warranty, expressed or implied, in regard to the contents of this book. Any practice described in this book should be applied by the reader in accordance with professional standards of care used in regard to the unique circumstances that may apply in each situation. The reader is advised to always check product information (package inserts) for changes and new information regarding dosage and contraindications before prescribing any drug or pharmacological product. Caution is especially urged when using new or infrequently ordered drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements, alternative therapies, complementary therapies and medicines, and integrative medical treatments. Cataloging-in-Publication Data Parker, James N., 1961Parker, Philip M., 1960Flaxseed Oil: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References / James N. Parker and Philip M. Parker, editors p. cm. Includes bibliographical references, glossary, and index. ISBN: 0-597-84582-4 1. Flaxseed Oil-Popular works. I. Title.
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Disclaimer This publication is not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher, editors, and authors are not engaging in the rendering of medical, psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. References to any entity, product, service, or source of information that may be contained in this publication should not be considered an endorsement, either direct or implied, by the publisher, editors, or authors. ICON Group International, Inc., the editors, and the authors are not responsible for the content of any Web pages or publications referenced in this publication.
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Acknowledgements The collective knowledge generated from academic and applied research summarized in various references has been critical in the creation of this book which is best viewed as a comprehensive compilation and collection of information prepared by various official agencies which produce publications on flaxseed oil. Books in this series draw from various agencies and institutions associated with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and in particular, the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (OS), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Administration on Aging (AOA), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Healthcare Financing Administration (HCFA), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Indian Health Service (IHS), the institutions of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Program Support Center (PSC), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In addition to these sources, information gathered from the National Library of Medicine, the United States Patent Office, the European Union, and their related organizations has been invaluable in the creation of this book. Some of the work represented was financially supported by the Research and Development Committee at INSEAD. This support is gratefully acknowledged. Finally, special thanks are owed to Tiffany Freeman for her excellent editorial support.
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About the Editors James N. Parker, M.D. Dr. James N. Parker received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Riverside and his M.D. from the University of California, San Diego. In addition to authoring numerous research publications, he has lectured at various academic institutions. Dr. Parker is the medical editor for health books by ICON Health Publications. Philip M. Parker, Ph.D. Philip M. Parker is the Eli Lilly Chair Professor of Innovation, Business and Society at INSEAD (Fontainebleau, France and Singapore). Dr. Parker has also been Professor at the University of California, San Diego and has taught courses at Harvard University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and UCLA. Dr. Parker is the associate editor for ICON Health Publications.
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About ICON Health Publications To discover more about ICON Health Publications, simply check with your preferred online booksellers, including Barnes&Noble.com and Amazon.com which currently carry all of our titles. Or, feel free to contact us directly for bulk purchases or institutional discounts: ICON Group International, Inc. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, Fourth Floor San Diego, CA 92122 USA Fax: 858-546-4341 Web site: www.icongrouponline.com/health
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Table of Contents FORWARD .......................................................................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER 1. STUDIES ON FLAXSEED OIL ........................................................................................... 3 Overview........................................................................................................................................ 3 The Combined Health Information Database................................................................................. 3 Federally Funded Research on Flaxseed Oil................................................................................... 4 The National Library of Medicine: PubMed .................................................................................. 5 CHAPTER 2. NUTRITION AND FLAXSEED OIL ................................................................................... 7 Overview........................................................................................................................................ 7 Finding Nutrition Studies on Flaxseed Oil ................................................................................... 7 Federal Resources on Nutrition ..................................................................................................... 9 Additional Web Resources ............................................................................................................. 9 CHAPTER 3. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND FLAXSEED OIL ........................................................... 11 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 11 National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.................................................. 11 Additional Web Resources ........................................................................................................... 17 General References ....................................................................................................................... 20 CHAPTER 4. DISSERTATIONS ON FLAXSEED OIL ............................................................................. 23 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 23 Dissertations on Flaxseed Oil ...................................................................................................... 23 Keeping Current .......................................................................................................................... 23 CHAPTER 5. PATENTS ON FLAXSEED OIL ....................................................................................... 25 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 25 Patents on Flaxseed Oil ............................................................................................................... 25 Patent Applications on Flaxseed Oil............................................................................................ 28 Keeping Current .......................................................................................................................... 31 CHAPTER 6. BOOKS ON FLAXSEED OIL ........................................................................................... 33 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 33 Book Summaries: Online Booksellers........................................................................................... 33 Chapters on Flaxseed Oil ............................................................................................................. 33 APPENDIX A. PHYSICIAN RESOURCES ............................................................................................ 37 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 37 NIH Guidelines............................................................................................................................ 37 NIH Databases............................................................................................................................. 39 Other Commercial Databases....................................................................................................... 41 APPENDIX B. PATIENT RESOURCES ................................................................................................. 43 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 43 Patient Guideline Sources............................................................................................................ 43 Finding Associations.................................................................................................................... 45 APPENDIX C. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES .................................................................................. 47 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 47 Preparation................................................................................................................................... 47 Finding a Local Medical Library.................................................................................................. 47 Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada ................................................................................... 47 ONLINE GLOSSARIES.................................................................................................................. 53 Online Dictionary Directories ..................................................................................................... 53 FLAXSEED OIL DICTIONARY .................................................................................................... 55 INDEX ................................................................................................................................................ 73
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FORWARD In March 2001, the National Institutes of Health issued the following warning: "The number of Web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites provide valuable information, while others may have information that is unreliable or misleading."1 Furthermore, because of the rapid increase in Internet-based information, many hours can be wasted searching, selecting, and printing. Since only the smallest fraction of information dealing with flaxseed oil is indexed in search engines, such as www.google.com or others, a non-systematic approach to Internet research can be not only time consuming, but also incomplete. This book was created for medical professionals, students, and members of the general public who want to know as much as possible about flaxseed oil, using the most advanced research tools available and spending the least amount of time doing so. In addition to offering a structured and comprehensive bibliography, the pages that follow will tell you where and how to find reliable information covering virtually all topics related to flaxseed oil, from the essentials to the most advanced areas of research. Public, academic, government, and peer-reviewed research studies are emphasized. Various abstracts are reproduced to give you some of the latest official information available to date on flaxseed oil. Abundant guidance is given on how to obtain free-of-charge primary research results via the Internet. While this book focuses on the field of medicine, when some sources provide access to non-medical information relating to flaxseed oil, these are noted in the text. E-book and electronic versions of this book are fully interactive with each of the Internet sites mentioned (clicking on a hyperlink automatically opens your browser to the site indicated). If you are using the hard copy version of this book, you can access a cited Web site by typing the provided Web address directly into your Internet browser. You may find it useful to refer to synonyms or related terms when accessing these Internet databases. NOTE: At the time of publication, the Web addresses were functional. However, some links may fail due to URL address changes, which is a common occurrence on the Internet. For readers unfamiliar with the Internet, detailed instructions are offered on how to access electronic resources. For readers unfamiliar with medical terminology, a comprehensive glossary is provided. For readers without access to Internet resources, a directory of medical libraries, that have or can locate references cited here, is given. We hope these resources will prove useful to the widest possible audience seeking information on flaxseed oil. The Editors
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From the NIH, National Cancer Institute (NCI): http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/ten-things-to-know.
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CHAPTER 1. STUDIES ON FLAXSEED OIL Overview In this chapter, we will show you how to locate peer-reviewed references and studies on flaxseed oil.
The Combined Health Information Database The Combined Health Information Database summarizes studies across numerous federal agencies. To limit your investigation to research studies and flaxseed oil, you will need to use the advanced search options. First, go to http://chid.nih.gov/index.html. From there, select the “Detailed Search” option (or go directly to that page with the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html). The trick in extracting studies is found in the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Journal Article.” At the top of the search form, select the number of records you would like to see (we recommend 100) and check the box to display “whole records.” We recommend that you type “flaxseed oil” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. Consider using the option “anywhere in record” to make your search as broad as possible. If you want to limit the search to only a particular field, such as the title of the journal, then select this option in the “Search in these fields” drop box. The following is what you can expect from this type of search: •
Advances in the Treatment of Lupus Nephritis Source: in Coggins, C.H.; Hancock, E.W., Eds. Annual Review of Medicine: Selected Topics in the Clinical Sciences, Volume 45. Palo Alto, CA: Annual Reviews Inc. 2001. p. 63-78. Contact: Available from Annual Reviews Inc. 4139 El Camino Way, P.O. Box 10139, Palo Alto, CA 94303-0139. (800) 523-8635. Fax: (415) 855-9815. PRICE: $47. ISBN: 0824305450. Summary: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that leads to the formation and deposition of immune complexes throughout the body, which are pathogenic (causing disease) for SLE. Different forms of glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the filtering units of the kidney) can occur in patients with SLE and can contribute significantly to the associated morbidity (illness and complications) and,
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Flaxseed Oil
ultimately, mortality (death) from the disease. Over the past two decades, there have been significant strides in the understanding of the disease and in treatments that attempt to control the formation and deposition of anti-DNA auto-antibodies and immune complexes, as well as the subsequent inflammatory cascade mediated through various cellular and humoral pathways leading to progressive renal (kidney) damage and end stage renal disease (ESRD). This article reviews the current understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of lupus nephritis in its various stages and discusses the experimental and human data regarding some of the potential newer forms of therapy. The authors discuss data regarding the use of steroids, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil, gammaglobulin, plasmapheresis, LJP 394, flaxseed oil, bindarit, anti-CD-40 ligand, and CRLA41g. The authors conclude that the long term morbidity and mortality for patients with lupus nephritis (LN) has improved markedly over the past two decades. This is due in part to the addition of newer adjunctive therapies to control blood pressure and intraglomerular pressure, reduce proteinuria (protein in the urine), and manage hyperlipidemia (high levels of fats in the blood). 89 references.
Federally Funded Research on Flaxseed Oil The U.S. Government supports a variety of research studies relating to flaxseed oil. These studies are tracked by the Office of Extramural Research at the National Institutes of Health.2 CRISP (Computerized Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects) is a searchable database of federally funded biomedical research projects conducted at universities, hospitals, and other institutions. Search the CRISP Web site at http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/crisp_query.generate_screen. You will have the option to perform targeted searches by various criteria, including geography, date, and topics related to flaxseed oil. For most of the studies, the agencies reporting into CRISP provide summaries or abstracts. As opposed to clinical trial research using patients, many federally funded studies use animals or simulated models to explore flaxseed oil. The following is typical of the type of information found when searching the CRISP database for flaxseed oil: •
Project Title: EFFECTS OF DOCOSAHEXENOIC ACID
DIETARY
FLAXSEED
OIL
ON
LEVELS
OF
Principal Investigator & Institution: Connor, William E.; Professor of Medicine; Oregon Health & Science University Portland, or 972393098 Timing: Fiscal Year 2001 Summary: The kinds of fats a lactating woman eats are reflected in her breast milk, and passed on to the nursing baby. An omega-3 fat called DHA is needed by the baby for brain and eye development. Nursing mothers who eat fish (rich source of DHA) have higher levels of DHA in the breast milk than mothers who do not eat fish. Some mothers do not like fish. Flaxseed oil is a plant source of omega-3 fat. The omega-3 fat is linolenic acid that the body can make into DHA. Adults do not make much DHA from linolenic 2
Healthcare projects are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and Office of Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH).
Studies
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acid. The nursing mother may be different. Because her baby needs a lot of DHA for brain and eye development, her body may make more DHA from linolenic acid. The purpose of this study is to find out the effect of taking flaxseed oil on the amount of linolenic acid that is made into the metabolically active fat DHA. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen
The National Library of Medicine: PubMed One of the quickest and most comprehensive ways to find academic studies in both English and other languages is to use PubMed, maintained by the National Library of Medicine.3 The advantage of PubMed over previously mentioned sources is that it covers a greater number of domestic and foreign references. It is also free to use. If the publisher has a Web site that offers full text of its journals, PubMed will provide links to that site, as well as to sites offering other related data. User registration, a subscription fee, or some other type of fee may be required to access the full text of articles in some journals. To generate your own bibliography of studies dealing with flaxseed oil, simply go to the PubMed Web site at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. Type “flaxseed oil” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” The following is the type of output you can expect from PubMed for flaxseed oil (hyperlinks lead to article summaries): •
Arterial compliance in obese subjects is improved with dietary plant n-3 fatty acid from flaxseed oil despite increased LDL oxidizability. Author(s): Nestel PJ, Pomeroy SE, Sasahara T, Yamashita T, Liang YL, Dart AM, Jennings GL, Abbey M, Cameron JD. Source: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 1997 June; 17(6): 1163-70. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9194769
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Nutritional attributes of dietary flaxseed oil. Author(s): Mantzioris E, James MJ, Gibson RA, Cleland LG. Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1995 October; 62(4): 841-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7572718
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Supplementation with flaxseed oil versus sunflowerseed oil in healthy young men consuming a low fat diet: effects on platelet composition and function. Author(s): Allman MA, Pena MM, Pang D. Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1995 March; 49(3): 169-78. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7774533
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PubMed was developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The PubMed database was developed in conjunction with publishers of biomedical literature as a search tool for accessing literature citations and linking to full-text journal articles at Web sites of participating publishers. Publishers that participate in PubMed supply NLM with their citations electronically prior to or at the time of publication.
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•
Supplementing lactating women with flaxseed oil does not increase docosahexaenoic acid in their milk. Author(s): Francois CA, Connor SL, Bolewicz LC, Connor WE. Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2003 January; 77(1): 226-33. Erratum In: Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 October; 78(4): 806. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12499346
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CHAPTER 2. NUTRITION AND FLAXSEED OIL Overview In this chapter, we will show you how to find studies dedicated specifically to nutrition and flaxseed oil.
Finding Nutrition Studies on Flaxseed Oil The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) offers a searchable bibliographic database called the IBIDS (International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements; National Institutes of Health, Building 31, Room 1B29, 31 Center Drive, MSC 2086, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2086, Tel: 301-435-2920, Fax: 301-480-1845, E-mail:
[email protected]). The IBIDS contains over 460,000 scientific citations and summaries about dietary supplements and nutrition as well as references to published international, scientific literature on dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and botanicals.4 The IBIDS includes references and citations to both human and animal research studies. As a service of the ODS, access to the IBIDS database is available free of charge at the following Web address: http://ods.od.nih.gov/databases/ibids.html. After entering the search area, you have three choices: (1) IBIDS Consumer Database, (2) Full IBIDS Database, or (3) Peer Reviewed Citations Only. Now that you have selected a database, click on the “Advanced” tab. An advanced search allows you to retrieve up to 100 fully explained references in a comprehensive format. Type “flaxseed oil” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” To narrow the search, you can also select the “Title” field.
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Adapted from http://ods.od.nih.gov. IBIDS is produced by the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health to assist the public, healthcare providers, educators, and researchers in locating credible, scientific information on dietary supplements. IBIDS was developed and will be maintained through an interagency partnership with the Food and Nutrition Information Center of the National Agricultural Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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Flaxseed Oil
The following information is typical of that found when using the “Full IBIDS Database” to search for “flaxseed oil” (or a synonym): •
Arterial compliance in obese subjects is improved with dietary plant n-3 fatty acid from flaxseed oil despite increased LDL oxidizability. Author(s): Baker Medical Research Institute, Prahran, VIC, Australia. Source: Nestel, P J Pomeroy, S E Sasahara, T Yamashita, T Liang, Y L Dart, A M Jennings, G L Abbey, M Cameron, J D Arterioscler-Thromb-Vasc-Biol. 1997 June; 17(6): 1163-70 1079-5642
•
Effects of dietary flaxseed oil supplementation on equine plasma fatty acid concentrations and whole blood platelet aggregation. Author(s): Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
[email protected] Source: Hansen, R A Savage, C J Reidlinger, K Traub Dargatz, J L Ogilvie, G K Mitchell, D Fettman, M J J-Vet-Intern-Med. 2002 Jul-August; 16(4): 457-63 0891-6640
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Influence of dietary flaxseed oil on the performance, muscle protein deposition, and fatty acid composition of broiler chicks. Author(s): Department of Animal Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Source: Olomu, J M Baracos, V E Poult-Sci. 1991 June; 70(6): 1403-11 0032-5791
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Lipidemic responses in rats fed flaxseed oil and meal. Source: Ranhotra, G.S. Gelroth, J.A. Glaser, B.K. Potnis, P.S. Cereal-Chem. St. Paul, Minn. : American Association of Cereal Chemists. May/June 1993. volume 70 (3) page 364-366. 0009-0352
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Potential of flaxseed and flaxseed oil in baked goods and other products in human nutrition. Source: Carter, J.F. Cereal-foods-world. St. Paul, Minn., American Association of Cereal Chemists. October 1993. volume 38 (10) page 753-759. 0146-6283
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Prostaglandin synthesis and fatty acid composition of phospholipids and triglycerides in skeletal muscle of chicks fed combinations of flaxseed oil and animal tallow. Author(s): Department of Animal Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Source: Olomu, J M Baracos, V E Lipids. 1991 September; 26(9): 743-9 0024-4201
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Supplementation with flaxseed oil versus sunflowerseed oil in healthy young men consuming a low fat diet: effects on platelet composition and function. Author(s): Department of Biochemistry, University of Sydney, Australia. Source: Allman, M A Pena, M M Pang, D Eur-J-Clin-Nutr. 1995 March; 49(3): 169-78 0954-3007
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Supplementing lactating women with flaxseed oil does not increase docosahexaenoic acid in their milk. Author(s): Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Clinical Nutrition, the Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland 97239-3098, USA. Source: Francois, C A Connor, S L Bolewicz, L C Connor, W E Am-J-Clin-Nutr. 2003 January; 77(1): 226-33 0002-9165
Nutrition
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Federal Resources on Nutrition In addition to the IBIDS, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provide many sources of information on general nutrition and health. Recommended resources include: •
healthfinder®, HHS’s gateway to health information, including diet and nutrition: http://www.healthfinder.gov/scripts/SearchContext.asp?topic=238&page=0
•
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Web site dedicated to nutrition information: www.nutrition.gov
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The Food and Drug Administration’s Web site for federal food safety information: www.foodsafety.gov
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The National Action Plan on Overweight and Obesity sponsored by the United States Surgeon General: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/
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The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has an Internet site sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/
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Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/
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Food and Nutrition Information Center, National Agricultural Library sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/
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Food and Nutrition Service sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/
Additional Web Resources A number of additional Web sites offer encyclopedic information covering food and nutrition. The following is a representative sample: •
AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=174&layer=&from=subcats
•
Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/med_nutrition.html
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Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Nutrition/
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Healthnotes: http://www.healthnotes.com/
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Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Nutrition/
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Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Nutrition/
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WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/nutrition
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WholeHealthMD.com: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/reflib/0,1529,00.html
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Flaxseed Oil
The following is a specific Web list relating to flaxseed oil; please note that any particular subject below may indicate either a therapeutic use, or a contraindication (potential danger), and does not reflect an official recommendation: •
Food and Diet Flaxseeds Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Monounsaturated Fats Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Omega-3 Fatty Acids Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Omega-3 Fatty Acids Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,992,00.html Omega-6 Fatty Acids Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,1037,00.html Polyunsaturated Fats Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com
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CHAPTER 3. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND FLAXSEED OIL Overview In this chapter, we will begin by introducing you to official information sources on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) relating to flaxseed oil. At the conclusion of this chapter, we will provide additional sources.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (http://nccam.nih.gov/) has created a link to the National Library of Medicine’s databases to facilitate research for articles that specifically relate to flaxseed oil and complementary medicine. To search the database, go to the following Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nccam/camonpubmed.html. Select “CAM on PubMed.” Enter “flaxseed oil” (or synonyms) into the search box. Click “Go.” The following references provide information on particular aspects of complementary and alternative medicine that are related to flaxseed oil: •
A comparison of the effects of n-3 fatty acids from linseed oil and fish oil in wellcontrolled type II diabetes. Author(s): McManus RM, Jumpson J, Finegood DT, Clandinin MT, Ryan EA. Source: Diabetes Care. 1996 May; 19(5): 463-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8732710&dopt=Abstract
•
A controlled trial of the effect of linolenic acid on incidence of coronary heart disease. The Norwegian vegetable oil experiment of 1965-66. Author(s): Natvig H, Borchgrevink CF, Dedichen J, Owren PA, Schiotz EH, Westlund K. Source: Scand J Clin Lab Invest Suppl. 1968; 105: 1-20. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=5756076&dopt=Abstract
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A possible contribution of decrease in free fatty acids to low serum triglyceride levels after diets supplemented with n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Author(s): Singer P, Wirth M, Berger I.
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Source: Atherosclerosis. 1990 August; 83(2-3): 167-75. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=2146966&dopt=Abstract •
Accelerative effect of olive oil on liver glycogen synthesis in rats subjected to waterimmersion restraint stress. Author(s): Takeuchi H, Suzuki N, Tada M, He P. Source: Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. 2001 July; 65(7): 1489-94. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11515530&dopt=Abstract
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Accumulation of alpha-tocopherol in eggs enriched with omega3 and omega6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Author(s): Galobart J, Barroeta AC, Cortinas L, Baucells MD, Codony R. Source: Poultry Science. 2002 December; 81(12): 1873-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12512580&dopt=Abstract
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Agreements signed to test foods for cancer prevention. Author(s): Reynolds T. Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 1991 August 7; 83(15): 1050-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=1875407&dopt=Abstract
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alpha-Linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Author(s): Dyerberg J, Bang HO, Aagaard O. Source: Lancet. 1980 January 26; 1(8161): 199. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=6101648&dopt=Abstract
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Alpha-linolenic acid in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled and randomized study: flaxseed vs. safflower seed. Author(s): Nordstrom DC, Honkanen VE, Nasu Y, Antila E, Friman C, Konttinen YT. Source: Rheumatology International. 1995; 14(6): 231-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=7597378&dopt=Abstract
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Alpha-linolenic acid vs. long-chain n-3 fatty acids in hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Author(s): Singer P. Source: Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 1992 March-April; 8(2): 133-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=1350474&dopt=Abstract
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Alpha-tocopherol transfer efficiency and lipid oxidation in fresh and spray-dried eggs enriched with omega3-polyunsaturated fatty acids. Author(s): Galobart J, Barroeta AC, Baucells MD, Cortinas L, Guardiola F.
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Source: Poultry Science. 2001 October; 80(10): 1496-505. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11599710&dopt=Abstract •
Alterations in brain function after loss of docosahexaenoate due to dietary restriction of n-3 fatty acids. Author(s): Salem N Jr, Moriguchi T, Greiner RS, McBride K, Ahmad A, Catalan JN, Slotnick B. Source: Journal of Molecular Neuroscience : Mn. 2001 April-June; 16(2-3): 299-307; Discussion 317-21. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11478385&dopt=Abstract
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Altered fatty acid compositions in atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fed diets containing linseed and rapeseed oils can be partially restored by a subsequent fish oil finishing diet. Author(s): Bell JG, Tocher DR, Henderson RJ, Dick JR, Crampton VO. Source: The Journal of Nutrition. 2003 September; 133(9): 2793-801. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12949367&dopt=Abstract
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Amino acid availability of isolated rumen microbes as affected by protein supplement. Author(s): Burris WR, Bradley NW, Boling JA. Source: Journal of Animal Science. 1974 January; 38(1): 200-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=4590934&dopt=Abstract
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Antihypertensive effect of dietary sunflowerseed oil and linseed oil in spontaneously hypertensive rats during a multigeneration feeding study. Author(s): Hoffmann P, Forster W. Source: Prostaglandins Leukot Med. 1986 November; 25(1): 65-70. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=3541000&dopt=Abstract
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Arterial compliance in obese subjects is improved with dietary plant n-3 fatty acid from flaxseed oil despite increased LDL oxidizability. Author(s): Nestel PJ, Pomeroy SE, Sasahara T, Yamashita T, Liang YL, Dart AM, Jennings GL, Abbey M, Cameron JD. Source: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 1997 June; 17(6): 1163-70. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9194769&dopt=Abstract
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Attenuation of high blood pressure by primrose oil, linseed oil and sunflowerseed oil in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Author(s): Singer P, Naumann E, Hoffmann P, Block HU, Taube C, Heine H, Forster W. Source: Biomed Biochim Acta. 1984; 43(8-9): S243-6. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=6097233&dopt=Abstract
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Bioactive compounds in foods: their role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Author(s): Kris-Etherton PM, Hecker KD, Bonanome A, Coval SM, Binkoski AE, Hilpert KF, Griel AE, Etherton TD. Source: The American Journal of Medicine. 2002 December 30; 113 Suppl 9B: 71S-88S. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12566142&dopt=Abstract
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Can manipulation of the ratios of essential fatty acids slow the rapid rate of postmenopausal bone loss? Author(s): Kettler DB. Source: Alternative Medicine Review : a Journal of Clinical Therapeutic. 2001 February; 6(1): 61-77. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11207457&dopt=Abstract
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Carcass composition of chickens fed carbohydrate-free diets containing various lipid energy sources. Author(s): Edwards HM Jr, Hart P. Source: The Journal of Nutrition. 1971 August; 101(8): 989-96. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=5109404&dopt=Abstract
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Changes in prostanoid synthesis in response to diet and hypertension in one-kidney, one clip rats. Author(s): Codde JP, McGowan HM, Vandongen R, Beilin LJ. Source: Hypertension. 1985 November-December; 7(6 Pt 1): 886-92. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=3908314&dopt=Abstract
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Changes of N-6 and N-3 fatty acids in liver from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive rats after diets supplemented with alpha-linolenic or eicosapentaenoic acids. Author(s): Singer P, Berger I, Gerhard U, Wirth M, Moritz V, Forster D. Source: Prostaglandins Leukot Med. 1987 July; 28(2): 183-93. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=2888133&dopt=Abstract
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Comparative aspects of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in rabbits and rats: effects on platelet function, thromboxane and prostacyclin generation, tissue phospholipid fatty acids and membrane fluidity. Author(s): Bolton-Smith C, Gibney MJ, Vas Dias FW, Hillier K. Source: Br J Clin Pract Suppl. 1984; 31: 37-41. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=6091719&dopt=Abstract
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Comparison of n-3 fatty acid sources in laying hen rations for improvement of whole egg nutritional quality: a review. Author(s): Van Elswyk ME.
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Source: The British Journal of Nutrition. 1997 July; 78 Suppl 1: S61-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9292775&dopt=Abstract •
Comparison of the effects of linseed oil and different doses of fish oil on mononuclear cell function in healthy human subjects. Author(s): Wallace FA, Miles EA, Calder PC. Source: The British Journal of Nutrition. 2003 May; 89(5): 679-89. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12720588&dopt=Abstract
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Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content of milk from cows offered diets rich in linoleic and linolenic acid. Author(s): Dhiman TR, Satter LD, Pariza MW, Galli MP, Albright K, Tolosa MX. Source: Journal of Dairy Science. 2000 May; 83(5): 1016-27. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=10821577&dopt=Abstract
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Conservation of docosahexaenoic acid in rod outer segments of rat retina during n-3 and n-6 fatty acid deficiency. Author(s): Wiegand RD, Koutz CA, Stinson AM, Anderson RE. Source: Journal of Neurochemistry. 1991 November; 57(5): 1690-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=1833510&dopt=Abstract
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Consumption of a functional oil rich in phytosterols and medium-chain triglyceride oil improves plasma lipid profiles in men. Author(s): St-Onge MP, Lamarche B, Mauger JF, Jones PJ. Source: The Journal of Nutrition. 2003 June; 133(6): 1815-20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12771322&dopt=Abstract
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Defective desaturation and elongation of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in hypertensive patients. Author(s): Singer P, Jaeger W, Voigt S, Thiel H. Source: Prostaglandins Leukot Med. 1984 August; 15(2): 159-65. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=6387718&dopt=Abstract
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Determination of lignans and isoflavonoids in human female plasma following dietary supplementation. Author(s): Morton MS, Wilcox G, Wahlqvist ML, Griffiths K. Source: The Journal of Endocrinology. 1994 August; 142(2): 251-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=7930998&dopt=Abstract
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Development of dermal symptoms resembling those of an essential fatty acid deficiency in immature hypophysectomized rats. Author(s): Haeffner EW, Privett OS.
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Source: The Journal of Nutrition. 1973 January; 103(1): 74-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=4739163&dopt=Abstract •
Dietary alpha-linolenic acid alters tissue fatty acid composition, but not blood lipids, lipoproteins or coagulation status in humans. Author(s): Kelley DS, Nelson GJ, Love JE, Branch LB, Taylor PC, Schmidt PC, Mackey BE, Iacono JM. Source: Lipids. 1993 June; 28(6): 533-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8102770&dopt=Abstract
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Dietary cholesterol and/or n-3 fatty acid modulate delta 9-desaturase activity in rat liver microsomes. Author(s): Garg ML, Wierzbicki AA, Thomson AB, Clandinin MT. Source: Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. 1988 October 14; 962(3): 330-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=2901857&dopt=Abstract
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Dietary docosahexaenoic acid ameliorates, but rapeseed oil and safflower oil accelerate renal injury in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats as compared with soybean oil, which is associated with expression for renal transforming growth factor-beta, fibronectin and renin. Author(s): Miyazaki M, Takemura N, Watanabe S, Hata N, Misawa Y, Okuyama H. Source: Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. 2000 January 3; 1483(1): 101-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=10601699&dopt=Abstract
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Dietary linolenic acid-mediated increase in vascular prostacyclin formation. Author(s): Rupp H, Turcani M, Ohkubo T, Maisch B, Brilla CG. Source: Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 1996 September 6; 162(1): 59-64. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8905626&dopt=Abstract
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Dietary lipid profile is a determinant of tissue phospholipid fatty acid composition and rate of weight gain in rats. Author(s): Pan DA, Storlien LH. Source: The Journal of Nutrition. 1993 March; 123(3): 512-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8463854&dopt=Abstract
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Effects of dietary flaxseed oil supplementation on equine plasma fatty acid concentrations and whole blood platelet aggregation. Author(s): Hansen RA, Savage CJ, Reidlinger K, Traub-Dargatz JL, Ogilvie GK, Mitchell D, Fettman MJ. Source: J Vet Intern Med. 2002 July-August; 16(4): 457-63. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12141309&dopt=Abstract
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Influence of dietary flaxseed oil on the performance, muscle protein deposition, and fatty acid composition of broiler chicks. Author(s): Olomu JM, Baracos VE. Source: Poultry Science. 1991 June; 70(6): 1403-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=1886847&dopt=Abstract
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Nutritional attributes of dietary flaxseed oil. Author(s): Mantzioris E, James MJ, Gibson RA, Cleland LG. Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1995 October; 62(4): 841-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=7572718&dopt=Abstract
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Prostaglandin synthesis and fatty acid composition of phospholipids and triglycerides in skeletal muscle of chicks fed combinations of flaxseed oil and animal tallow. Author(s): Olomu JM, Baracos VE. Source: Lipids. 1991 September; 26(9): 743-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=1762521&dopt=Abstract
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Supplementation with flaxseed oil versus sunflowerseed oil in healthy young men consuming a low fat diet: effects on platelet composition and function. Author(s): Allman MA, Pena MM, Pang D. Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1995 March; 49(3): 169-78. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=7774533&dopt=Abstract
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Supplementing lactating women with flaxseed oil does not increase docosahexaenoic acid in their milk. Author(s): Francois CA, Connor SL, Bolewicz LC, Connor WE. Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2003 January; 77(1): 226-33. Erratum In: Am J Clin Nutr.
Additional Web Resources A number of additional Web sites offer encyclopedic information covering CAM and related topics. The following is a representative sample: •
Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.: http://www.herbmed.org/
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AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=169&layer=&from=subcats
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Chinese Medicine: http://www.newcenturynutrition.com/
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drkoop.com: http://www.drkoop.com/InteractiveMedicine/IndexC.html
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Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/med_altn.htm
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Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Alternative/
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Healthnotes: http://www.healthnotes.com/
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MedWebPlus: http://medwebplus.com/subject/Alternative_and_Complementary_Medicine
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Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Alternative/
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HealthGate: http://www.tnp.com/
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WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/drugs_and_herbs
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WholeHealthMD.com: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/reflib/0,1529,00.html
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Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Alternative_Medicine/
The following is a specific Web list relating to flaxseed oil; please note that any particular subject below may indicate either a therapeutic use, or a contraindication (potential danger), and does not reflect an official recommendation: •
General Overview Anxiety and Panic Attacks Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Arthritis Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Asthma Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Atherosclerosis Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Atherosclerosis Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease Prevention Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Autoimmune Conditions Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Alternative names: Prostate Enlargement Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Bursitis Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Cancer Prevention (reducing the Risk) Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com
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Colorectal Cancer Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Constipation Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Crohn's Disease Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Cutaneous Drug Reactions Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Dysmenorrhea Alternative names: Painful Menstruation Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Hair Disorders Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Heart Attack Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com High Blood Pressure Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com High Cholesterol Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com High Cholesterol Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com High Triglycerides Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Hypertension Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Hypertension Alternative names: High Blood Pressure Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Immune Function Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Menopause Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Migraine Headache Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Pericarditis Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com
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Prostate Cancer Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Psoriasis Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Rheumatoid Arthritis Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Rheumatoid Arthritis Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Rheumatoid Arthritis Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Skin Conditions Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Thyroid Inflammation Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Thyroiditis Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Ulcerative Colitis Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com •
Herbs and Supplements Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Fiber Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Flaxseed Alternative names: Linum usitatissimum, Linseed Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Linseed Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Linum Usitatissimum Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com
General References A good place to find general background information on CAM is the National Library of Medicine. It has prepared within the MEDLINEplus system an information topic page
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dedicated to complementary and alternative medicine. To access this page, go to the MEDLINEplus site at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alternativemedicine.html. This Web site provides a general overview of various topics and can lead to a number of general sources.
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CHAPTER 4. DISSERTATIONS ON FLAXSEED OIL Overview In this chapter, we will give you a bibliography on recent dissertations relating to flaxseed oil. We will also provide you with information on how to use the Internet to stay current on dissertations. IMPORTANT NOTE: When following the search strategy described below, you may discover non-medical dissertations that use the generic term “flaxseed oil” (or a synonym) in their titles. To accurately reflect the results that you might find while conducting research on flaxseed oil, we have not necessarily excluded non-medical dissertations in this bibliography.
Dissertations on Flaxseed Oil ProQuest Digital Dissertations, the largest archive of academic dissertations available, is located at the following Web address: http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations. From this archive, we have compiled the following list covering dissertations devoted to flaxseed oil. You will see that the information provided includes the dissertation’s title, its author, and the institution with which the author is associated. The following covers recent dissertations found when using this search procedure: •
Effects of Ground Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil Capsules on Blood Lipids in Healthy Adult Subjects by Vene-Dwyer, Donna Marie; MS from Texas Woman's University, 2002, 54 pages http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/1408625
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The Influence of Ground Flaxseed or Flaxseed Oil on Indicators for Diabetes in Adults by Brooks, Angela Todd; MS from Texas Woman's University, 2002, 80 pages http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/1408609
Keeping Current Ask the medical librarian at your library if it has full and unlimited access to the ProQuest Digital Dissertations database. From the library, you should be able to do more complete searches via http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations.
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CHAPTER 5. PATENTS ON FLAXSEED OIL Overview Patents can be physical innovations (e.g. chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment) or processes (e.g. treatments or diagnostic procedures). The United States Patent and Trademark Office defines a patent as a grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the Patent and Trademark Office.5 Patents, therefore, are intellectual property. For the United States, the term of a new patent is 20 years from the date when the patent application was filed. If the inventor wishes to receive economic benefits, it is likely that the invention will become commercially available within 20 years of the initial filing. It is important to understand, therefore, that an inventor’s patent does not indicate that a product or service is or will be commercially available. The patent implies only that the inventor has “the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” the invention in the United States. While this relates to U.S. patents, similar rules govern foreign patents. In this chapter, we show you how to locate information on patents and their inventors. If you find a patent that is particularly interesting to you, contact the inventor or the assignee for further information. IMPORTANT NOTE: When following the search strategy described below, you may discover non-medical patents that use the generic term “flaxseed oil” (or a synonym) in their titles. To accurately reflect the results that you might find while conducting research on flaxseed oil, we have not necessarily excluded non-medical patents in this bibliography.
Patents on Flaxseed Oil By performing a patent search focusing on flaxseed oil, you can obtain information such as the title of the invention, the names of the inventor(s), the assignee(s) or the company that owns or controls the patent, a short abstract that summarizes the patent, and a few excerpts from the description of the patent. The abstract of a patent tends to be more technical in nature, while the description is often written for the public. Full patent descriptions contain much more information than is presented here (e.g. claims, references, figures, diagrams, etc.). We will tell you how to obtain this information later in the chapter. The following is an 5Adapted
from the United States Patent and Trademark Office: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/whatis.htm.
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example of the type of information that you can expect to obtain from a patent search on flaxseed oil: •
Healthy food spreads Inventor(s): Eger; Shaul (Yokneam Moshava 20600, IL), Neeman; Isaac (Haifa, IL) Assignee(s): Eger; Shaul (Yokneam, IL), Ehrich; Menachem (Rehovot, IL) Patent Number: 6,117,476 Date filed: January 4, 1999 Abstract: The present invention is of a food spread containing a mixture of an edible oil of natural origin and a monoglyceride. The oil is preferably one or more of the oils from the group of olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil, mustardseed oil, camelina oil, chia oil, flaxseed oil, perilla oil, fish oil or corn oil. More preferably an oil such as avocado oil or olive oil is used and most preferably the oil is olive oil. The monoglycerides used are preferably derivatives of oleic, or palmitic acid. The ratio of oil to monoglyceride is preferably from about 9 to about 1 to from about 49 to about 1 and most preferably from about 15 to about 1 to from about 24 to about 1. The more monoglyceride used, the greater the degree of solidity of the food spread at room temperature. It is therefore possible to produce a desired degree of solidity, by changing the proportion of monoglyceride. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a novel food spread and its production. In particular, it concerns a food spread containing a mixture of an edible oil from a natural origin and a monoglyceride. Food spreads such as margarine and butter are commonplace in the kitchen. They are used in the home and industry for cooking, baking, sandwiches and numerous food products. In recent years, attention has been directed to producing healthier food spreads, in the form of reduced fat alternatives to the existing products. Margarines contain a water phase and an oil phase, which are emulsified. They are generally in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion. The taste of margarines and food spreads is due mostly to water soluble flavors, oil soluble flavors and salt included in the water phase. Margarine type compounds contain at least 80% of fat by weight. The fat content is made up mainly of polysaturated fats. In the production of margarine the polysaturated fats are hydrogenated, however the hydrogenated products are very readily acidified to produce free radical carcinogenic compounds. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06117476__
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Lubricating composition for hands and skin Inventor(s): Harbeck; Marie Helena (3202 Clumpgrass Cove, Austin, TX 78735) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 6,193,987 Date filed: February 11, 1999 Abstract: A topical transdermal delivery system for lubricating and alleviating distressed skin conditions of the hands, and skin. It has as its constituents a mixture of organic safflower oil, flaxseed oil, tincture of benzoin, and organic beeswax blended in a cream-like base.
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Excerpt(s): This invention relates to an organic skin lubricating composition with a potent alleviating affect on distressed hand and skin infirmities. The cosmetic industry is continually expanding its efforts in order to provide topical preparations which will moisten and soften the skin, eliminate chapping, chafing, redness and restore the skin to its natural condition, thus the combinations of skin-aggravating synthetic compositions employed continue to increase yearly. Thus, synthetic surfactants, silicones, ammonia, alcohol's, solvents, acids, preservatives and the like are being incorporated into the compositions of the cited prior art to extend the shelf life of the cited compositions that are supplied to stores and supermarkets. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06193987__ •
Process for reducing platelet adhesiveness Inventor(s): Martin; Wayne (1222 Pelham Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,061,738 Date filed: December 29, 1975 Abstract: A process for reducing platelet adhesiveness in flowing human blood by orally administering to humans an effective amount of an enriched, edible flaxseed oil. The oil is obtained by pressing flaxseeds under controlled conditions and adding thereto 3% by weight of flax phosphatides, 3% by weight of soy phosphatides and a small amount of mixed grain and soya tocopherols. Excerpt(s): This discovery relates to a method of reducing platelet adhesiveness and therefore the aggregation of platelets in flowing blood within human subjects. Aggregation of platelets is commonly accepted as the first stage of intravascular thrombosis in flowing blood and is the type of thrombosis which occurs in coronary thrombosis. By reducing platelet adhesiveness, I propose to inhibit the occurrence of coronary thrombosis. For the past decade medical opinion has held that coronary thrombosis is related to a disease state referred to as atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, atheroma, a yellow wax-like material containing fatty acids in diet along with cholesterol, is deposited in the arteries under the capillary membrane, the endothelium. In time the endothelium will thicken and become fragile. As long as the endothelium remains intact, blood is unlikely to clot at the site of atheroma. Eventually, however, in the intrinsic blood system the endothelium over a plaque of atheroma will ulcerate or break, or become damaged and disappear and a thrombus is likely to form at that location. Quite often the result is death. It follows that if these described widespread and deeply held beliefs had validity the degree of atheroma would be greater in parts of the world where the degree of thrombosis is greater. As inhabitants of Japan are predisposed to suffer only about one-tenth the number of fatalities from thrombosis as compared to people in the United States (on a unit basis), it should follow that atheroma among people in Japan is only one-tenth as prevalent as in the United States. The evidence shows no such correlation. Gore (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Jan. 1959, vol. 7, page 50) did a pathological study on the degree of atheroma both in the United States and Japan on a comparative basis. What was found in both nations is that the degree of atheroma increased with age until the seventh decade of life at which time it became most severe in individuals of both nations. There was essentially no difference in the degree of atheroma, age group for age group, in the two nations. Confronted by a situation in which inhabitants of the two nations experience the same degree of atheroma, there is a difference of a factor of ten with respect to thrombosis. This
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undisputed evidence clearly indicates the presence of some unappreciated factor causing thrombosis. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04061738__ •
Topical treatment of the skin with a grapeseed oil composition Inventor(s): Cleaves; Frederick T. (4519-F Lawndale Dr., Greensboro, NC 27455), Spiers; Samantha M. (1619B Country Club Dr., Crawfordsville, IN 47933) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 5,916,573 Date filed: August 19, 1996 Abstract: A grapeseed oil composition for topical application to the skin comprising: a) about 1 to about 99% by weight of grapeseed oil; b) at least one hydrating agent; and c) water. Hydrating agents include vegetable glycerin, aloe-vera, and vegetable oils other than grapeseed oil, for example, vitamin E oil, jojoba oil, flaxseed oil, primrose oil and any other botanical oil. The grapeseed oil composition may further include at least one amino acid, for example, lysine and tyrosine. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to the treatment of skin with an antioxidant, and more particularly to the treatment of skin with a topical grapeseed oil composition. Natural plant oils have long been used in a variety of applications. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,564 (Grollier et. al.) discloses an oily composition intended for the treatment of keratin substances in particular human hair and skin. Vegetable oils including grapeseed oil are among the suitable components for the oily compound. U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,585 (Desjonqueres) discloses the use of peroxidated lipids such as natural vegetable oils like grapeseed oil to treat circulatory insufficiencies. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05916573__
Patent Applications on Flaxseed Oil As of December 2000, U.S. patent applications are open to public viewing.6 Applications are patent requests which have yet to be granted. (The process to achieve a patent can take several years.) The following patent applications have been filed since December 2000 relating to flaxseed oil: •
Anti-inflammatory complex containing flaxseed oil Inventor(s): Maffetone, Philip B.; (St. Augustine, FL) Correspondence: Steptoe & Johnson Llp; 1330 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.; Washington; DC; 20036; US Patent Application Number: 20030077336 Date filed: November 6, 2002 Abstract: A nutritional supplement includes flaxseed oil, ginger, sesame, citrus, garlic, tumeric, vitamins and minerals. The nutritional supplement preferably includes about 400 to 800 mg of flaxseed oil, about 50 to 100 mg of ginger, about 50 to 100 mg of
6
This has been a common practice outside the United States prior to December 2000.
Patents 29
sesame, about 50 to 100 mg of citrus, about 50 to 100 of garlic, about 10 to 30 mg of tumeric, about 6 to 10 mg of Vitamin C, about 1 to 5 IU of Vitamin E, about 0.25 to 1 mg of Vitamin B6, about 0.25 to 1 mg of niacin, about 3 to 6 mg of magnesium, and about 0.25 to 1 mg of zinc. The nutritional supplement may be used in a method of treating inflammation by administering to a patient in need thereof an effective dose of the nutritional supplement. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a nutritional supplement containing a variety of naturally occurring substances useful for treating inflammatory conditions. Flaxseed oil contains significant amounts of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid. ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid. The body turns ALA to a limited extent into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which requires a variety of vitamins and minerals. EPA and DHA are omega-3 fatty acids also found in fish oil. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •
Cream compositions for skin management Inventor(s): Harbeck, Marie; (Austin, TX) Correspondence: Marie Harbeck; 3202 Clumpgrass Cove; Austin; TX; 78735; US Patent Application Number: 20010001665 Date filed: January 3, 2001 Abstract: A composition for the maintenance of youthful, glowing, radiant, and hydrated skin, including a sufficient amounts of acids of hydroxacid, to facilitate exfoliation of skin in a novel moist manner, without substantial irritation, as well as the prevention, treatment and management of skin conditions, such as acne, wrinkled, irregularly pigmented, photoaged, and thickened layers of the epidermis, and the like, which has as major constituents, safflower oil, flaxseed oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, organic beeswax, stearic acid, cetearyl alcohol, a skin exfoliating agent, cocoa butter, vitamin A, tocopheral linoleate, borax, oil of lavender, and tincture of benzoin as an antimicrobial agent to inhibit or reduce microorganisms on the skin. Excerpt(s): This invention is a "Continuation-In-Part" Application for Ser. No. 09/248,573 filed Feb. 11, 1999, for Marie Harbeck. This invention relates to an improved and useful transdermal composition for maintenance of skin, including a sufficient amount of an acidic component of hydroxyacid, to facilitate exfoliation of skin in a moist, without substantial irritation manner, as well as the prevention, treatment and management of skin conditions, such as acne, wrinkled, irregularly pigmented, aged, photoaged, and thickened layers of the epidermis, and the like, which has as its constituents, safflower oil, flaxseed oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, tocopheral linoleate, organic beeswax, and tincture of benzoin as an antimicrobial agent to inhibit or reduce microorganisms on the skin. It is known that the outer layers of human skin can be caused to peel by applying preparations to remove dead skin without wounding underlying living skin tissue. The beneficial result of such skin peeling is that when underlying layers of new skin are exposed, the new skin is relatively free of wrinkles, dryness, pigmentation, and aging spots, and the skin is more youthful looking. Removing old, dead, skin cells, to expose younger looking skin, can be accomplished by exfoliating, since exfoliation removes only dead skin cells from the skin surface and does not wound living cells. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html
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Flaxseed Oil
•
Food supplement formulation Inventor(s): Watson, Brenda F.; (Dunedin, FL), Watson, Tommy Stanley; (Dunedin, FL) Correspondence: Macmillan Sobanski & Todd, Llc; One Maritime Plaza Fourth Floor; 720 Water Street; Toledo; OH; 43604-1619; US Patent Application Number: 20030124240 Date filed: December 28, 2001 Abstract: A food supplement formulation consists essentially of flaxseed oil and lipase. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to a food supplement formulation. More particularly, the invention is directed to a food supplement formulation containing omega-3 essential fatty acids which are important for maintaining good health. Natural compounds and herbal formulations can provide a supplement to the daily human diet. Certain compounds are useful to the human body, but are not produced in substantial quantities thereby. Thus, formulations made from natural products have been found useful for supplementing the intake of these compounds for the human diet. It would be desirable to prepare a food supplement formulation which may be taken in addition to the daily human diet, which food supplement formulation may promote good health. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html
•
Pet food composition for reducing inflammatory response in cats Inventor(s): Hayek, Michael G.; (Dayton, OH), Reinhart, Gregory Allen; (Dayton, OH) Correspondence: Killworth, Gottman, Hagan & Schaeff, L.L.P.; Suite 500; One Dayton Centre; Dayton; OH; 45402-2023; US Patent Application Number: 20010051206 Date filed: April 30, 2001 Abstract: A pet food composition and method is provided for reducing inflammatory response in cats. The method includes administering a pet food composition including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a weight ratio of about 5:1, where the majority of omega-3 fatty acids comprise alpha-linolenic acid. Flaxseed oil is the preferred source of alpha-linolenic acid. Excerpt(s): This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/201,029, filed May 1, 2000. This invention relates to a pet food composition and method for reducing inflammatory response in cats. More particularly, the invention relates to a feline dietary composition that includes omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, especially the form of the omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid, which, when provided to a cat, produces a reduction in the feline inflammatory response. Inflammation occurs when tissues are damaged. Inflammation can often be characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Cells involved in the inflammatory response include polymorphonuclear luekocytes (PMN), macrophages, and mast cells. One type of inflammatory response is an allergic response, or Type I hypersensitivity response. Upon exposure to an allergen, B cells produce immunoglobulin E (IgE), which complexes with mast cells, resulting in the release of toxic cytokines and inflammatory mediators such as histamine, protease, prostaglandin, and leukotriene. In atopic individuals, this IgE-mast cell complex persists longer, resulting in an over-production
Patents 31
of mediators and in inflammation, with the key mediator of inflammation being histamine. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •
Skin care composition Inventor(s): Harbeck, Marie; (Austin, TX) Correspondence: Marie Harbeck; 3202 Clumparass Cove; Austin; TX; 78735; US Patent Application Number: 20010014343 Date filed: January 3, 2001 Abstract: Improved and useful formulation for a topical transdermal delivery system in the form of a lotion for the swift alleviation and treatment of skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, lupus, and rosacea, including cracking, peeling, flaking, dry and distressed skin infirmities, that has as its constituents a mixture of safflower oil, flaxseed oil, tincture of benzoin, vitamin A and tocopheryl linoleate. Excerpt(s): This invention is a "Continuation-In-Part" application for Ser. No. 09/248,573 filed Feb. 11, 1999 for Marie Harbeck. This invention relates to improved and useful formulation for a topical transdermal skin care composition for alleviating and treating skin infirmities, including dermatitis, eczema, lupus, rosacea, and dry skin, that has as its main consituents a mixture of organic safflower oil, flaxseed oil, and tincture of benzoin. The cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry is continually expanding its efforts in order to provide topical preparations which will moisten and soften the skin, eliminate dryness, cracking, chapping, chaffing, redness and restore the skin to its natural healthy condition. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html
Keeping Current In order to stay informed about patents and patent applications dealing with flaxseed oil, you can access the U.S. Patent Office archive via the Internet at the following Web address: http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. You will see two broad options: (1) Issued Patent, and (2) Published Applications. To see a list of issued patents, perform the following steps: Under “Issued Patents,” click “Quick Search.” Then, type “flaxseed oil” (or synonyms) into the “Term 1” box. After clicking on the search button, scroll down to see the various patents which have been granted to date on flaxseed oil. You can also use this procedure to view pending patent applications concerning flaxseed oil. Simply go back to http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. Select “Quick Search” under “Published Applications.” Then proceed with the steps listed above.
33
CHAPTER 6. BOOKS ON FLAXSEED OIL Overview This chapter provides bibliographic book references relating to flaxseed oil. In addition to online booksellers such as www.amazon.com and www.bn.com, excellent sources for book titles on flaxseed oil include the Combined Health Information Database and the National Library of Medicine. Your local medical library also may have these titles available for loan.
Book Summaries: Online Booksellers Commercial Internet-based booksellers, such as Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com, offer summaries which have been supplied by each title’s publisher. Some summaries also include customer reviews. Your local bookseller may have access to in-house and commercial databases that index all published books (e.g. Books in Print). IMPORTANT NOTE: Online booksellers typically produce search results for medical and non-medical books. When searching for “flaxseed oil” at online booksellers’ Web sites, you may discover non-medical books that use the generic term “flaxseed oil” (or a synonym) in their titles. The following is indicative of the results you might find when searching for “flaxseed oil” (sorted alphabetically by title; follow the hyperlink to view more details at Amazon.com): •
Flaxseed Oil: The Premiere Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids by Rita Elkins, Kate Gilbert Udall; ISBN: 1885670710; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1885670710/icongroupinterna
Chapters on Flaxseed Oil In order to find chapters that specifically relate to flaxseed oil, an excellent source of abstracts is the Combined Health Information Database. You will need to limit your search to book chapters and flaxseed oil using the “Detailed Search” option. Go to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find book chapters, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Book Chapter.” Type “flaxseed oil” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. The following is a typical result when searching for book chapters on flaxseed oil:
34
Flaxseed Oil
•
Plants Can Do It: Herbal Medicines for Males Source: in Newman, A.J. Beyond Viagra: Plain Talk About Treating Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction. Montgomery, AL: Starrhill Press. 1999. p. 113-117. Contact: Available from Black Belt Press. P.O. Box 551, Montgomery, AL 36101. (800) 959-3245 or (334) 265-6753. Fax (334) 265-8880. PRICE: $13.95 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 1573590142. Summary: This chapter on herbal medicines for males is from a book that discusses the drug sildenafil (Viagra) in the context of a larger discussion about sexuality and sexual dysfunction. The author describes six widely used natural medicines: yohimbine, potency wood (Muira Puama), ginkgo biloba extract, Damiana (turnera diffusa), Panax ginseng, and chaste berry. For the most part, the herbal medicines may either increase male libido or, in some cases, play a role in improving arterial circulation. The natural approach to erectile dysfunction treatment involves overall improvements in diet, increased regular exercise with avoidance of bad health practices such as smoking or excess alcohol and drug consumption, nutritional supplements with vitamins, one tablespoon daily of flaxseed oil, and herbs. The chapter is written in nontechnical language but includes enough medical information to be of use to medical professionals wishing to learn more about sexuality and sexual dysfunction.
35
APPENDICES
37
APPENDIX A. PHYSICIAN RESOURCES Overview In this chapter, we focus on databases and Internet-based guidelines and information resources created or written for a professional audience.
NIH Guidelines Commonly referred to as “clinical” or “professional” guidelines, the National Institutes of Health publish physician guidelines for the most common diseases. Publications are available at the following by relevant Institute7: •
Office of the Director (OD); guidelines consolidated across agencies available at http://www.nih.gov/health/consumer/conkey.htm
•
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS); fact sheets available at http://www.nigms.nih.gov/news/facts/
•
National Library of Medicine (NLM); extensive encyclopedia (A.D.A.M., Inc.) with guidelines: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html
•
National Cancer Institute (NCI); guidelines available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/list.aspx?viewid=5f35036e-5497-4d86-8c2c714a9f7c8d25
•
National Eye Institute (NEI); guidelines available at http://www.nei.nih.gov/order/index.htm
•
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI); guidelines available at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/index.htm
•
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI); research available at http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10000375
•
National Institute on Aging (NIA); guidelines available at http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/
7
These publications are typically written by one or more of the various NIH Institutes.
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Flaxseed Oil
•
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA); guidelines available at http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/publications.htm
•
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); guidelines available at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/
•
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS); fact sheets and guidelines available at http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/index.htm
•
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD); guidelines available at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubskey.cfm
•
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD); fact sheets and guidelines at http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/
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National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR); guidelines available at http://www.nidr.nih.gov/health/
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK); guidelines available at http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/health.htm
•
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); guidelines available at http://www.nida.nih.gov/DrugAbuse.html
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National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS); environmental health information available at http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/facts.htm
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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); guidelines available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/practitioners/index.cfm
•
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); neurological disorder information pages available at http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorder_index.htm
•
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR); publications on selected illnesses at http://www.nih.gov/ninr/news-info/publications.html
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National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; general information at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/becon/becon_info.htm
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Center for Information Technology (CIT); referrals to other agencies based on keyword searches available at http://kb.nih.gov/www_query_main.asp
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National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM); health information available at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/
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National Center for Research Resources (NCRR); various information directories available at http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/publications.asp
•
Office of Rare Diseases; various fact sheets available at http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/html/resources/rep_pubs.html
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; various fact sheets on infectious diseases available at http://www.cdc.gov/publications.htm
Physician Resources
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NIH Databases In addition to the various Institutes of Health that publish professional guidelines, the NIH has designed a number of databases for professionals.8 Physician-oriented resources provide a wide variety of information related to the biomedical and health sciences, both past and present. The format of these resources varies. Searchable databases, bibliographic citations, full-text articles (when available), archival collections, and images are all available. The following are referenced by the National Library of Medicine:9 •
Bioethics: Access to published literature on the ethical, legal, and public policy issues surrounding healthcare and biomedical research. This information is provided in conjunction with the Kennedy Institute of Ethics located at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_bioethics.html
•
HIV/AIDS Resources: Describes various links and databases dedicated to HIV/AIDS research: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/aidsinfs.html
•
NLM Online Exhibitions: Describes “Exhibitions in the History of Medicine”: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/exhibition.html. Additional resources for historical scholarship in medicine: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/hmd.html
•
Biotechnology Information: Access to public databases. The National Center for Biotechnology Information conducts research in computational biology, develops software tools for analyzing genome data, and disseminates biomedical information for the better understanding of molecular processes affecting human health and disease: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
•
Population Information: The National Library of Medicine provides access to worldwide coverage of population, family planning, and related health issues, including family planning technology and programs, fertility, and population law and policy: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_population.html
•
Cancer Information: Access to cancer-oriented databases: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_cancer.html
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Profiles in Science: Offering the archival collections of prominent twentieth-century biomedical scientists to the public through modern digital technology: http://www.profiles.nlm.nih.gov/
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Chemical Information: Provides links to various chemical databases and references: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/Chem/ChemMain.html
•
Clinical Alerts: Reports the release of findings from the NIH-funded clinical trials where such release could significantly affect morbidity and mortality: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/alerts/clinical_alerts.html
•
Space Life Sciences: Provides links and information to space-based research (including NASA): http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_space.html
•
MEDLINE: Bibliographic database covering the fields of medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the healthcare system, and the pre-clinical sciences: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_medline.html
8
Remember, for the general public, the National Library of Medicine recommends the databases referenced in MEDLINEplus (http://medlineplus.gov/ or http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/databases.html). 9 See http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases.html.
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•
Toxicology and Environmental Health Information (TOXNET): Databases covering toxicology and environmental health: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/Tox/ToxMain.html
•
Visible Human Interface: Anatomically detailed, three-dimensional representations of normal male and female human bodies: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/visible/visible_human.html
The NLM Gateway10 The NLM (National Library of Medicine) Gateway is a Web-based system that lets users search simultaneously in multiple retrieval systems at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). It allows users of NLM services to initiate searches from one Web interface, providing one-stop searching for many of NLM’s information resources or databases.11 To use the NLM Gateway, simply go to the search site at http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd. Type “flaxseed oil” (or synonyms) into the search box and click “Search.” The results will be presented in a tabular form, indicating the number of references in each database category. Results Summary Category Journal Articles Books / Periodicals / Audio Visual Consumer Health Meeting Abstracts Other Collections Total
Items Found 396 2 554 3 0 955
HSTAT12 HSTAT is a free, Web-based resource that provides access to full-text documents used in healthcare decision-making.13 These documents include clinical practice guidelines, quickreference guides for clinicians, consumer health brochures, evidence reports and technology assessments from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), as well as AHRQ’s Put Prevention Into Practice.14 Simply search by “flaxseed oil” (or synonyms) at the following Web site: http://text.nlm.nih.gov.
10
Adapted from NLM: http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd?Overview.x.
11
The NLM Gateway is currently being developed by the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications (LHNCBC) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 12 Adapted from HSTAT: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/hstat.html. 13 14
The HSTAT URL is http://hstat.nlm.nih.gov/.
Other important documents in HSTAT include: the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference Reports and Technology Assessment Reports; the HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service (ATIS) resource documents; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA/CSAT) Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIP) and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (SAMHSA/CSAP) Prevention Enhancement Protocols System (PEPS); the Public Health Service (PHS) Preventive Services Task Force's Guide to Clinical Preventive Services; the independent, nonfederal Task Force on Community Services’ Guide to Community Preventive Services; and the Health Technology Advisory Committee (HTAC) of the Minnesota Health Care Commission (MHCC) health technology evaluations.
Physician Resources
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Coffee Break: Tutorials for Biologists15 Coffee Break is a general healthcare site that takes a scientific view of the news and covers recent breakthroughs in biology that may one day assist physicians in developing treatments. Here you will find a collection of short reports on recent biological discoveries. Each report incorporates interactive tutorials that demonstrate how bioinformatics tools are used as a part of the research process. Currently, all Coffee Breaks are written by NCBI staff.16 Each report is about 400 words and is usually based on a discovery reported in one or more articles from recently published, peer-reviewed literature.17 This site has new articles every few weeks, so it can be considered an online magazine of sorts. It is intended for general background information. You can access the Coffee Break Web site at the following hyperlink: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Coffeebreak/.
Other Commercial Databases In addition to resources maintained by official agencies, other databases exist that are commercial ventures addressing medical professionals. Here are some examples that may interest you: •
CliniWeb International: Index and table of contents to selected clinical information on the Internet; see http://www.ohsu.edu/cliniweb/.
•
Medical World Search: Searches full text from thousands of selected medical sites on the Internet; see http://www.mwsearch.com/.
15 Adapted 16
from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Coffeebreak/Archive/FAQ.html.
The figure that accompanies each article is frequently supplied by an expert external to NCBI, in which case the source of the figure is cited. The result is an interactive tutorial that tells a biological story. 17 After a brief introduction that sets the work described into a broader context, the report focuses on how a molecular understanding can provide explanations of observed biology and lead to therapies for diseases. Each vignette is accompanied by a figure and hypertext links that lead to a series of pages that interactively show how NCBI tools and resources are used in the research process.
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APPENDIX B. PATIENT RESOURCES Overview Official agencies, as well as federally funded institutions supported by national grants, frequently publish a variety of guidelines written with the patient in mind. These are typically called “Fact Sheets” or “Guidelines.” They can take the form of a brochure, information kit, pamphlet, or flyer. Often they are only a few pages in length. Since new guidelines on flaxseed oil can appear at any moment and be published by a number of sources, the best approach to finding guidelines is to systematically scan the Internet-based services that post them.
Patient Guideline Sources The remainder of this chapter directs you to sources which either publish or can help you find additional guidelines on topics related to flaxseed oil. Due to space limitations, these sources are listed in a concise manner. Do not hesitate to consult the following sources by either using the Internet hyperlink provided, or, in cases where the contact information is provided, contacting the publisher or author directly. The National Institutes of Health The NIH gateway to patients is located at http://health.nih.gov/. From this site, you can search across various sources and institutes, a number of which are summarized below. Topic Pages: MEDLINEplus The National Library of Medicine has created a vast and patient-oriented healthcare information portal called MEDLINEplus. Within this Internet-based system are “health topic pages” which list links to available materials relevant to flaxseed oil. To access this system, log on to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html. From there you can either search using the alphabetical index or browse by broad topic areas. Recently, MEDLINEplus listed the following when searched for “flaxseed oil”:
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Flaxseed Oil
Dietary Fats http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dietaryfats.html Dietary Fiber http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dietaryfiber.html Raynaud's Disease http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/raynaudsdisease.html Rheumatoid Arthritis http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rheumatoidarthritis.html You may also choose to use the search utility provided by MEDLINEplus at the following Web address: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/. Simply type a keyword into the search box and click “Search.” This utility is similar to the NIH search utility, with the exception that it only includes materials that are linked within the MEDLINEplus system (mostly patient-oriented information). It also has the disadvantage of generating unstructured results. We recommend, therefore, that you use this method only if you have a very targeted search. The NIH Search Utility The NIH search utility allows you to search for documents on over 100 selected Web sites that comprise the NIH-WEB-SPACE. Each of these servers is “crawled” and indexed on an ongoing basis. Your search will produce a list of various documents, all of which will relate in some way to flaxseed oil. The drawbacks of this approach are that the information is not organized by theme and that the references are often a mix of information for professionals and patients. Nevertheless, a large number of the listed Web sites provide useful background information. We can only recommend this route, therefore, for relatively rare or specific disorders, or when using highly targeted searches. To use the NIH search utility, visit the following Web page: http://search.nih.gov/index.html. Additional Web Sources A number of Web sites are available to the public that often link to government sites. These can also point you in the direction of essential information. The following is a representative sample: •
AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=168&layer=&from=subcats
•
Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/specific.htm
•
Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/
•
Med Help International: http://www.medhelp.org/HealthTopics/A.html
•
Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/
•
Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/
•
WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/health_topics
Patient Resources
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Finding Associations There are several Internet directories that provide lists of medical associations with information on or resources relating to flaxseed oil. By consulting all of associations listed in this chapter, you will have nearly exhausted all sources for patient associations concerned with flaxseed oil. The National Health Information Center (NHIC) The National Health Information Center (NHIC) offers a free referral service to help people find organizations that provide information about flaxseed oil. For more information, see the NHIC’s Web site at http://www.health.gov/NHIC/ or contact an information specialist by calling 1-800-336-4797. Directory of Health Organizations The Directory of Health Organizations, provided by the National Library of Medicine Specialized Information Services, is a comprehensive source of information on associations. The Directory of Health Organizations database can be accessed via the Internet at http://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov/Dir/DirMain.html. It is composed of two parts: DIRLINE and Health Hotlines. The DIRLINE database comprises some 10,000 records of organizations, research centers, and government institutes and associations that primarily focus on health and biomedicine. To access DIRLINE directly, go to the following Web site: http://dirline.nlm.nih.gov/. Simply type in “flaxseed oil” (or a synonym), and you will receive information on all relevant organizations listed in the database. Health Hotlines directs you to toll-free numbers to over 300 organizations. You can access this database directly at http://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov/hotlines/. On this page, you are given the option to search by keyword or by browsing the subject list. When you have received your search results, click on the name of the organization for its description and contact information. The Combined Health Information Database Another comprehensive source of information on healthcare associations is the Combined Health Information Database. Using the “Detailed Search” option, you will need to limit your search to “Organizations” and “flaxseed oil”. Type the following hyperlink into your Web browser: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find associations, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” For publication date, select “All Years.” Then, select your preferred language and the format option “Organization Resource Sheet.” Type “flaxseed oil” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. You should check back periodically with this database since it is updated every three months.
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The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. has prepared a Web site that provides, at no charge, lists of associations organized by health topic. You can access this database at the following Web site: http://www.rarediseases.org/search/orgsearch.html. Type “flaxseed oil” (or a synonym) into the search box, and click “Submit Query.”
47
APPENDIX C. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES Overview In this Appendix, we show you how to quickly find a medical library in your area.
Preparation Your local public library and medical libraries have interlibrary loan programs with the National Library of Medicine (NLM), one of the largest medical collections in the world. According to the NLM, most of the literature in the general and historical collections of the National Library of Medicine is available on interlibrary loan to any library. If you would like to access NLM medical literature, then visit a library in your area that can request the publications for you.18
Finding a Local Medical Library The quickest method to locate medical libraries is to use the Internet-based directory published by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM). This network includes 4626 members and affiliates that provide many services to librarians, health professionals, and the public. To find a library in your area, simply visit http://nnlm.gov/members/adv.html or call 1-800-338-7657.
Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada In addition to the NN/LM, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) lists a number of libraries with reference facilities that are open to the public. The following is the NLM’s list and includes hyperlinks to each library’s Web site. These Web pages can provide information on hours of operation and other restrictions. The list below is a small sample of
18
Adapted from the NLM: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/psd/cas/interlibrary.html.
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libraries recommended by the National Library of Medicine (sorted alphabetically by name of the U.S. state or Canadian province where the library is located)19: •
Alabama: Health InfoNet of Jefferson County (Jefferson County Library Cooperative, Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences), http://www.uab.edu/infonet/
•
Alabama: Richard M. Scrushy Library (American Sports Medicine Institute)
•
Arizona: Samaritan Regional Medical Center: The Learning Center (Samaritan Health System, Phoenix, Arizona), http://www.samaritan.edu/library/bannerlibs.htm
•
California: Kris Kelly Health Information Center (St. Joseph Health System, Humboldt), http://www.humboldt1.com/~kkhic/index.html
•
California: Community Health Library of Los Gatos, http://www.healthlib.org/orgresources.html
•
California: Consumer Health Program and Services (CHIPS) (County of Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Library) - Carson, CA, http://www.colapublib.org/services/chips.html
•
California: Gateway Health Library (Sutter Gould Medical Foundation)
•
California: Health Library (Stanford University Medical Center), http://wwwmed.stanford.edu/healthlibrary/
•
California: Patient Education Resource Center - Health Information and Resources (University of California, San Francisco), http://sfghdean.ucsf.edu/barnett/PERC/default.asp
•
California: Redwood Health Library (Petaluma Health Care District), http://www.phcd.org/rdwdlib.html
•
California: Los Gatos PlaneTree Health Library, http://planetreesanjose.org/
•
California: Sutter Resource Library (Sutter Hospitals Foundation, Sacramento), http://suttermedicalcenter.org/library/
•
California: Health Sciences Libraries (University of California, Davis), http://www.lib.ucdavis.edu/healthsci/
•
California: ValleyCare Health Library & Ryan Comer Cancer Resource Center (ValleyCare Health System, Pleasanton), http://gaelnet.stmarysca.edu/other.libs/gbal/east/vchl.html
•
California: Washington Community Health Resource Library (Fremont), http://www.healthlibrary.org/
•
Colorado: William V. Gervasini Memorial Library (Exempla Healthcare), http://www.saintjosephdenver.org/yourhealth/libraries/
•
Connecticut: Hartford Hospital Health Science Libraries (Hartford Hospital), http://www.harthosp.org/library/
•
Connecticut: Healthnet: Connecticut Consumer Health Information Center (University of Connecticut Health Center, Lyman Maynard Stowe Library), http://library.uchc.edu/departm/hnet/
19
Abstracted from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/libraries.html.
Finding Medical Libraries
49
•
Connecticut: Waterbury Hospital Health Center Library (Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury), http://www.waterburyhospital.com/library/consumer.shtml
•
Delaware: Consumer Health Library (Christiana Care Health System, Eugene du Pont Preventive Medicine & Rehabilitation Institute, Wilmington), http://www.christianacare.org/health_guide/health_guide_pmri_health_info.cfm
•
Delaware: Lewis B. Flinn Library (Delaware Academy of Medicine, Wilmington), http://www.delamed.org/chls.html
•
Georgia: Family Resource Library (Medical College of Georgia, Augusta), http://cmc.mcg.edu/kids_families/fam_resources/fam_res_lib/frl.htm
•
Georgia: Health Resource Center (Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon), http://www.mccg.org/hrc/hrchome.asp
•
Hawaii: Hawaii Medical Library: Consumer Health Information Service (Hawaii Medical Library, Honolulu), http://hml.org/CHIS/
•
Idaho: DeArmond Consumer Health Library (Kootenai Medical Center, Coeur d’Alene), http://www.nicon.org/DeArmond/index.htm
•
Illinois: Health Learning Center of Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago), http://www.nmh.org/health_info/hlc.html
•
Illinois: Medical Library (OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria), http://www.osfsaintfrancis.org/general/library/
•
Kentucky: Medical Library - Services for Patients, Families, Students & the Public (Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington), http://www.centralbap.com/education/community/library.cfm
•
Kentucky: University of Kentucky - Health Information Library (Chandler Medical Center, Lexington), http://www.mc.uky.edu/PatientEd/
•
Louisiana: Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation Library (Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans), http://www.ochsner.org/library/
•
Louisiana: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Medical LibraryShreveport, http://lib-sh.lsuhsc.edu/
•
Maine: Franklin Memorial Hospital Medical Library (Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington), http://www.fchn.org/fmh/lib.htm
•
Maine: Gerrish-True Health Sciences Library (Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston), http://www.cmmc.org/library/library.html
•
Maine: Hadley Parrot Health Science Library (Eastern Maine Healthcare, Bangor), http://www.emh.org/hll/hpl/guide.htm
•
Maine: Maine Medical Center Library (Maine Medical Center, Portland), http://www.mmc.org/library/
•
Maine: Parkview Hospital (Brunswick), http://www.parkviewhospital.org/
•
Maine: Southern Maine Medical Center Health Sciences Library (Southern Maine Medical Center, Biddeford), http://www.smmc.org/services/service.php3?choice=10
•
Maine: Stephens Memorial Hospital’s Health Information Library (Western Maine Health, Norway), http://www.wmhcc.org/Library/
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•
Manitoba, Canada: Consumer & Patient Health Information Service (University of Manitoba Libraries), http://www.umanitoba.ca/libraries/units/health/reference/chis.html
•
Manitoba, Canada: J.W. Crane Memorial Library (Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg), http://www.deerlodge.mb.ca/crane_library/about.asp
•
Maryland: Health Information Center at the Wheaton Regional Library (Montgomery County, Dept. of Public Libraries, Wheaton Regional Library), http://www.mont.lib.md.us/healthinfo/hic.asp
•
Massachusetts: Baystate Medical Center Library (Baystate Health System), http://www.baystatehealth.com/1024/
•
Massachusetts: Boston University Medical Center Alumni Medical Library (Boston University Medical Center), http://med-libwww.bu.edu/library/lib.html
•
Massachusetts: Lowell General Hospital Health Sciences Library (Lowell General Hospital, Lowell), http://www.lowellgeneral.org/library/HomePageLinks/WWW.htm
•
Massachusetts: Paul E. Woodard Health Sciences Library (New England Baptist Hospital, Boston), http://www.nebh.org/health_lib.asp
•
Massachusetts: St. Luke’s Hospital Health Sciences Library (St. Luke’s Hospital, Southcoast Health System, New Bedford), http://www.southcoast.org/library/
•
Massachusetts: Treadwell Library Consumer Health Reference Center (Massachusetts General Hospital), http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/library/chrcindex.html
•
Massachusetts: UMass HealthNet (University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester), http://healthnet.umassmed.edu/
•
Michigan: Botsford General Hospital Library - Consumer Health (Botsford General Hospital, Library & Internet Services), http://www.botsfordlibrary.org/consumer.htm
•
Michigan: Helen DeRoy Medical Library (Providence Hospital and Medical Centers), http://www.providence-hospital.org/library/
•
Michigan: Marquette General Hospital - Consumer Health Library (Marquette General Hospital, Health Information Center), http://www.mgh.org/center.html
•
Michigan: Patient Education Resouce Center - University of Michigan Cancer Center (University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor), http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/learn/leares.htm
•
Michigan: Sladen Library & Center for Health Information Resources - Consumer Health Information (Detroit), http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=39330
•
Montana: Center for Health Information (St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, Missoula)
•
National: Consumer Health Library Directory (Medical Library Association, Consumer and Patient Health Information Section), http://caphis.mlanet.org/directory/index.html
•
National: National Network of Libraries of Medicine (National Library of Medicine) provides library services for health professionals in the United States who do not have access to a medical library, http://nnlm.gov/
•
National: NN/LM List of Libraries Serving the Public (National Network of Libraries of Medicine), http://nnlm.gov/members/
Finding Medical Libraries
51
•
Nevada: Health Science Library, West Charleston Library (Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Las Vegas), http://www.lvccld.org/special_collections/medical/index.htm
•
New Hampshire: Dartmouth Biomedical Libraries (Dartmouth College Library, Hanover), http://www.dartmouth.edu/~biomed/resources.htmld/conshealth.htmld/
•
New Jersey: Consumer Health Library (Rahway Hospital, Rahway), http://www.rahwayhospital.com/library.htm
•
New Jersey: Dr. Walter Phillips Health Sciences Library (Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood), http://www.englewoodhospital.com/links/index.htm
•
New Jersey: Meland Foundation (Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood), http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/9360/
•
New York: Choices in Health Information (New York Public Library) - NLM Consumer Pilot Project participant, http://www.nypl.org/branch/health/links.html
•
New York: Health Information Center (Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, Syracuse), http://www.upstate.edu/library/hic/
•
New York: Health Sciences Library (Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park), http://www.lij.edu/library/library.html
•
New York: ViaHealth Medical Library (Rochester General Hospital), http://www.nyam.org/library/
•
Ohio: Consumer Health Library (Akron General Medical Center, Medical & Consumer Health Library), http://www.akrongeneral.org/hwlibrary.htm
•
Oklahoma: The Health Information Center at Saint Francis Hospital (Saint Francis Health System, Tulsa), http://www.sfh-tulsa.com/services/healthinfo.asp
•
Oregon: Planetree Health Resource Center (Mid-Columbia Medical Center, The Dalles), http://www.mcmc.net/phrc/
•
Pennsylvania: Community Health Information Library (Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey), http://www.hmc.psu.edu/commhealth/
•
Pennsylvania: Community Health Resource Library (Geisinger Medical Center, Danville), http://www.geisinger.edu/education/commlib.shtml
•
Pennsylvania: HealthInfo Library (Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton), http://www.mth.org/healthwellness.html
•
Pennsylvania: Hopwood Library (University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System, Pittsburgh), http://www.hsls.pitt.edu/guides/chi/hopwood/index_html
•
Pennsylvania: Koop Community Health Information Center (College of Physicians of Philadelphia), http://www.collphyphil.org/kooppg1.shtml
•
Pennsylvania: Learning Resources Center - Medical Library (Susquehanna Health System, Williamsport), http://www.shscares.org/services/lrc/index.asp
•
Pennsylvania: Medical Library (UPMC Health System, Pittsburgh), http://www.upmc.edu/passavant/library.htm
•
Quebec, Canada: Medical Library (Montreal General Hospital), http://www.mghlib.mcgill.ca/
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•
South Dakota: Rapid City Regional Hospital Medical Library (Rapid City Regional Hospital), http://www.rcrh.org/Services/Library/Default.asp
•
Texas: Houston HealthWays (Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library), http://hhw.library.tmc.edu/
•
Washington: Community Health Library (Kittitas Valley Community Hospital), http://www.kvch.com/
•
Washington: Southwest Washington Medical Center Library (Southwest Washington Medical Center, Vancouver), http://www.swmedicalcenter.com/body.cfm?id=72
53
ONLINE GLOSSARIES The Internet provides access to a number of free-to-use medical dictionaries. The National Library of Medicine has compiled the following list of online dictionaries: •
ADAM Medical Encyclopedia (A.D.A.M., Inc.), comprehensive medical reference: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html
•
MedicineNet.com Medical Dictionary (MedicineNet, Inc.): http://www.medterms.com/Script/Main/hp.asp
•
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary (Inteli-Health, Inc.): http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/
•
Multilingual Glossary of Technical and Popular Medical Terms in Eight European Languages (European Commission) - Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish: http://allserv.rug.ac.be/~rvdstich/eugloss/welcome.html
•
On-line Medical Dictionary (CancerWEB): http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/omd/
•
Rare Diseases Terms (Office of Rare Diseases): http://ord.aspensys.com/asp/diseases/diseases.asp
•
Technology Glossary (National Library of Medicine) - Health Care Technology: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nichsr/ta101/ta10108.htm
Beyond these, MEDLINEplus contains a very patient-friendly encyclopedia covering every aspect of medicine (licensed from A.D.A.M., Inc.). The ADAM Medical Encyclopedia can be accessed at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html. ADAM is also available on commercial Web sites such as drkoop.com (http://www.drkoop.com/) and Web MD (http://my.webmd.com/adam/asset/adam_disease_articles/a_to_z/a).
Online Dictionary Directories The following are additional online directories compiled by the National Library of Medicine, including a number of specialized medical dictionaries: •
Medical Dictionaries: Medical & Biological (World Health Organization): http://www.who.int/hlt/virtuallibrary/English/diction.htm#Medical
•
MEL-Michigan Electronic Library List of Online Health and Medical Dictionaries (Michigan Electronic Library): http://mel.lib.mi.us/health/health-dictionaries.html
•
Patient Education: Glossaries (DMOZ Open Directory Project): http://dmoz.org/Health/Education/Patient_Education/Glossaries/
•
Web of Online Dictionaries (Bucknell University): http://www.yourdictionary.com/diction5.html#medicine
55
FLAXSEED OIL DICTIONARY The definitions below are derived from official public sources, including the National Institutes of Health [NIH] and the European Union [EU]. Abdomen: That portion of the body that lies between the thorax and the pelvis. [NIH] Acceptor: A substance which, while normally not oxidized by oxygen or reduced by hydrogen, can be oxidized or reduced in presence of a substance which is itself undergoing oxidation or reduction. [NIH] Acne: A disorder of the skin marked by inflammation of oil glands and hair glands. [NIH] Acyl: Chemical signal used by bacteria to communicate. [NIH] Adrenergic: Activated by, characteristic of, or secreting epinephrine or substances with similar activity; the term is applied to those nerve fibres that liberate norepinephrine at a synapse when a nerve impulse passes, i.e., the sympathetic fibres. [EU] Agar: A complex sulfated polymer of galactose units, extracted from Gelidium cartilagineum, Gracilaria confervoides, and related red algae. It is used as a gel in the preparation of solid culture media for microorganisms, as a bulk laxative, in making emulsions, and as a supporting medium for immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. [NIH]
Algorithms: A procedure consisting of a sequence of algebraic formulas and/or logical steps to calculate or determine a given task. [NIH] Alkaline: Having the reactions of an alkali. [EU] Alkaloid: A member of a large group of chemicals that are made by plants and have nitrogen in them. Some alkaloids have been shown to work against cancer. [NIH] Allergen: An antigenic substance capable of producing immediate-type hypersensitivity (allergy). [EU] Aloe: A genus of the family Liliaceae containing anthraquinone glycosides such as aloinemodin or aloe-emodin (emodin). [NIH] Alopecia: Absence of hair from areas where it is normally present. [NIH] Alpha-helix: One of the secondary element of protein. [NIH] Alpha-Linolenic Acid: A fatty acid that is found in plants and involved in the formation of prostaglandins. [NIH] Alternative medicine: Practices not generally recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches and used instead of standard treatments. Alternative medicine includes the taking of dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, and herbal preparations; the drinking of special teas; and practices such as massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] Amine: An organic compound containing nitrogen; any member of a group of chemical compounds formed from ammonia by replacement of one or more of the hydrogen atoms by organic (hydrocarbon) radicals. The amines are distinguished as primary, secondary, and tertiary, according to whether one, two, or three hydrogen atoms are replaced. The amines include allylamine, amylamine, ethylamine, methylamine, phenylamine, propylamine, and many other compounds. [EU] Amino Acid Sequence: The order of amino acids as they occur in a polypeptide chain. This
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is referred to as the primary structure of proteins. It is of fundamental importance in determining protein conformation. [NIH] Ammonia: A colorless alkaline gas. It is formed in the body during decomposition of organic materials during a large number of metabolically important reactions. [NIH] Angiotensinogen: An alpha-globulin of which a fragment of 14 amino acids is converted by renin to angiotensin I, the inactive precursor of angiotensin II. It is a member of the serpin superfamily. [NIH] Antibodies: Immunoglobulin molecules having a specific amino acid sequence by virtue of which they interact only with the antigen that induced their synthesis in cells of the lymphoid series (especially plasma cells), or with an antigen closely related to it. [NIH] Antibody: A type of protein made by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign substance (antigen). Each antibody can bind to only a specific antigen. The purpose of this binding is to help destroy the antigen. Antibodies can work in several ways, depending on the nature of the antigen. Some antibodies destroy antigens directly. Others make it easier for white blood cells to destroy the antigen. [NIH] Antigen: Any substance which is capable, under appropriate conditions, of inducing a specific immune response and of reacting with the products of that response, that is, with specific antibody or specifically sensitized T-lymphocytes, or both. Antigens may be soluble substances, such as toxins and foreign proteins, or particulate, such as bacteria and tissue cells; however, only the portion of the protein or polysaccharide molecule known as the antigenic determinant (q.v.) combines with antibody or a specific receptor on a lymphocyte. Abbreviated Ag. [EU] Antimicrobial: Killing microorganisms, or suppressing their multiplication or growth. [EU] Antineoplastic: Inhibiting or preventing the development of neoplasms, checking the maturation and proliferation of malignant cells. [EU] Antioxidant: A substance that prevents damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that often contain oxygen. They are produced when molecules are split to give products that have unpaired electrons. This process is called oxidation. [NIH] Aqueous: Having to do with water. [NIH] Arachidonic Acid: An unsaturated, essential fatty acid. It is found in animal and human fat as well as in the liver, brain, and glandular organs, and is a constituent of animal phosphatides. It is formed by the synthesis from dietary linoleic acid and is a precursor in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. [NIH] Arterial: Pertaining to an artery or to the arteries. [EU] Arteries: The vessels carrying blood away from the heart. [NIH] Arterioles: The smallest divisions of the arteries located between the muscular arteries and the capillaries. [NIH] Atopic: Pertaining to an atopen or to atopy; allergic. [EU] Autoimmune disease: A condition in which the body recognizes its own tissues as foreign and directs an immune response against them. [NIH] Bacteriophage: A virus whose host is a bacterial cell; A virus that exclusively infects bacteria. It generally has a protein coat surrounding the genome (DNA or RNA). One of the coliphages most extensively studied is the lambda phage, which is also one of the most important. [NIH] Base: In chemistry, the nonacid part of a salt; a substance that combines with acids to form salts; a substance that dissociates to give hydroxide ions in aqueous solutions; a substance
Dictionary 57
whose molecule or ion can combine with a proton (hydrogen ion); a substance capable of donating a pair of electrons (to an acid) for the formation of a coordinate covalent bond. [EU] Basement Membrane: Ubiquitous supportive tissue adjacent to epithelium and around smooth and striated muscle cells. This tissue contains intrinsic macromolecular components such as collagen, laminin, and sulfated proteoglycans. As seen by light microscopy one of its subdivisions is the basal (basement) lamina. [NIH] Benzaldehyde: A colorless oily liquid used as a flavoring agent and to make dyes, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals. Benzaldehyde is chemically related to benzene. [NIH] Benzoin: A white crystalline compound prepared by condensation of benzaldehyde in potassium cyanide and used in organic syntheses. [NIH] Bile: An emulsifying agent produced in the liver and secreted into the duodenum. Its composition includes bile acids and salts, cholesterol, and electrolytes. It aids digestion of fats in the duodenum. [NIH] Biotechnology: Body of knowledge related to the use of organisms, cells or cell-derived constituents for the purpose of developing products which are technically, scientifically and clinically useful. Alteration of biologic function at the molecular level (i.e., genetic engineering) is a central focus; laboratory methods used include transfection and cloning technologies, sequence and structure analysis algorithms, computer databases, and gene and protein structure function analysis and prediction. [NIH] Bladder: The organ that stores urine. [NIH] Blood pressure: The pressure of blood against the walls of a blood vessel or heart chamber. Unless there is reference to another location, such as the pulmonary artery or one of the heart chambers, it refers to the pressure in the systemic arteries, as measured, for example, in the forearm. [NIH] Blood vessel: A tube in the body through which blood circulates. Blood vessels include a network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. [NIH] Bone Marrow: The soft tissue filling the cavities of bones. Bone marrow exists in two types, yellow and red. Yellow marrow is found in the large cavities of large bones and consists mostly of fat cells and a few primitive blood cells. Red marrow is a hematopoietic tissue and is the site of production of erythrocytes and granular leukocytes. Bone marrow is made up of a framework of connective tissue containing branching fibers with the frame being filled with marrow cells. [NIH] Branch: Most commonly used for branches of nerves, but applied also to other structures. [NIH]
Bronchial: Pertaining to one or more bronchi. [EU] Buccal: Pertaining to or directed toward the cheek. In dental anatomy, used to refer to the buccal surface of a tooth. [EU] Capillary: Any one of the minute vessels that connect the arterioles and venules, forming a network in nearly all parts of the body. Their walls act as semipermeable membranes for the interchange of various substances, including fluids, between the blood and tissue fluid; called also vas capillare. [EU] Carbohydrate: An aldehyde or ketone derivative of a polyhydric alcohol, particularly of the pentahydric and hexahydric alcohols. They are so named because the hydrogen and oxygen are usually in the proportion to form water, (CH2O)n. The most important carbohydrates are the starches, sugars, celluloses, and gums. They are classified into mono-, di-, tri-, polyand heterosaccharides. [EU] Carcinogenic: Producing carcinoma. [EU]
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Carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. [NIH]
Cardiovascular: Having to do with the heart and blood vessels. [NIH] Cardiovascular disease: Any abnormal condition characterized by dysfunction of the heart and blood vessels. CVD includes atherosclerosis (especially coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke), and hypertension (high blood pressure). [NIH] Cell: The individual unit that makes up all of the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells. [NIH] Cell membrane: Cell membrane = plasma membrane. The structure enveloping a cell, enclosing the cytoplasm, and forming a selective permeability barrier; it consists of lipids, proteins, and some carbohydrates, the lipids thought to form a bilayer in which integral proteins are embedded to varying degrees. [EU] Cerebrovascular: Pertaining to the blood vessels of the cerebrum, or brain. [EU] Cholesterol: The principal sterol of all higher animals, distributed in body tissues, especially the brain and spinal cord, and in animal fats and oils. [NIH] Choroid: The thin, highly vascular membrane covering most of the posterior of the eye between the retina and sclera. [NIH] Citrus: Any tree or shrub of the Rue family or the fruit of these plants. [NIH] Clinical trial: A research study that tests how well new medical treatments or other interventions work in people. Each study is designed to test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. [NIH] Cloning: The production of a number of genetically identical individuals; in genetic engineering, a process for the efficient replication of a great number of identical DNA molecules. [NIH] Coagulation: 1. The process of clot formation. 2. In colloid chemistry, the solidification of a sol into a gelatinous mass; an alteration of a disperse phase or of a dissolved solid which causes the separation of the system into a liquid phase and an insoluble mass called the clot or curd. Coagulation is usually irreversible. 3. In surgery, the disruption of tissue by physical means to form an amorphous residuum, as in electrocoagulation and photocoagulation. [EU] Cod Liver Oil: Oil obtained from fresh livers of the cod family, Gadidae. It is a source of vitamins A and D. [NIH] Coenzymes: Substances that are necessary for the action or enhancement of action of an enzyme. Many vitamins are coenzymes. [NIH] Cofactor: A substance, microorganism or environmental factor that activates or enhances the action of another entity such as a disease-causing agent. [NIH] Collagen: A polypeptide substance comprising about one third of the total protein in mammalian organisms. It is the main constituent of skin, connective tissue, and the organic substance of bones and teeth. Different forms of collagen are produced in the body but all consist of three alpha-polypeptide chains arranged in a triple helix. Collagen is differentiated from other fibrous proteins, such as elastin, by the content of proline, hydroxyproline, and hydroxylysine; by the absence of tryptophan; and particularly by the high content of polar groups which are responsible for its swelling properties. [NIH] Complement: A term originally used to refer to the heat-labile factor in serum that causes immune cytolysis, the lysis of antibody-coated cells, and now referring to the entire functionally related system comprising at least 20 distinct serum proteins that is the effector
Dictionary 59
not only of immune cytolysis but also of other biologic functions. Complement activation occurs by two different sequences, the classic and alternative pathways. The proteins of the classic pathway are termed 'components of complement' and are designated by the symbols C1 through C9. C1 is a calcium-dependent complex of three distinct proteins C1q, C1r and C1s. The proteins of the alternative pathway (collectively referred to as the properdin system) and complement regulatory proteins are known by semisystematic or trivial names. Fragments resulting from proteolytic cleavage of complement proteins are designated with lower-case letter suffixes, e.g., C3a. Inactivated fragments may be designated with the suffix 'i', e.g. C3bi. Activated components or complexes with biological activity are designated by a bar over the symbol e.g. C1 or C4b,2a. The classic pathway is activated by the binding of C1 to classic pathway activators, primarily antigen-antibody complexes containing IgM, IgG1, IgG3; C1q binds to a single IgM molecule or two adjacent IgG molecules. The alternative pathway can be activated by IgA immune complexes and also by nonimmunologic materials including bacterial endotoxins, microbial polysaccharides, and cell walls. Activation of the classic pathway triggers an enzymatic cascade involving C1, C4, C2 and C3; activation of the alternative pathway triggers a cascade involving C3 and factors B, D and P. Both result in the cleavage of C5 and the formation of the membrane attack complex. Complement activation also results in the formation of many biologically active complement fragments that act as anaphylatoxins, opsonins, or chemotactic factors. [EU] Complementary and alternative medicine: CAM. Forms of treatment that are used in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments. These practices are not considered standard medical approaches. CAM includes dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] Complementary medicine: Practices not generally recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches and used to enhance or complement the standard treatments. Complementary medicine includes the taking of dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, and herbal preparations; the drinking of special teas; and practices such as massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] Computational Biology: A field of biology concerned with the development of techniques for the collection and manipulation of biological data, and the use of such data to make biological discoveries or predictions. This field encompasses all computational methods and theories applicable to molecular biology and areas of computer-based techniques for solving biological problems including manipulation of models and datasets. [NIH] Consumption: Pulmonary tuberculosis. [NIH] Contraindications: Any factor or sign that it is unwise to pursue a certain kind of action or treatment, e. g. giving a general anesthetic to a person with pneumonia. [NIH] Corn Oil: Oil from corn or corn plant. [NIH] Corneum: The superficial layer of the epidermis containing keratinized cells. [NIH] Coronary: Encircling in the manner of a crown; a term applied to vessels; nerves, ligaments, etc. The term usually denotes the arteries that supply the heart muscle and, by extension, a pathologic involvement of them. [EU] Coronary heart disease: A type of heart disease caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart, which needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood in the coronary arteries. When the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged by fat and cholesterol deposits and cannot supply enough blood to the heart, CHD results. [NIH] Coronary Thrombosis: Presence of a thrombus in a coronary artery, often causing a
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myocardial infarction. [NIH] Cottonseed Oil: Oil obtained from the seeds of Gossypium herbaceum L., the cotton plant. It is used in dietary products such as oleomargarine and many cooking oils. Cottonseed oil is commonly used in soaps and cosmetics. [NIH] Curative: Tending to overcome disease and promote recovery. [EU] Cutaneous: Having to do with the skin. [NIH] Cyclic: Pertaining to or occurring in a cycle or cycles; the term is applied to chemical compounds that contain a ring of atoms in the nucleus. [EU] Cyclophosphamide: Precursor of an alkylating nitrogen mustard antineoplastic and immunosuppressive agent that must be activated in the liver to form the active aldophosphamide. It is used in the treatment of lymphomas, leukemias, etc. Its side effect, alopecia, has been made use of in defleecing sheep. Cyclophosphamide may also cause sterility, birth defects, mutations, and cancer. [NIH] Cyclosporine: A drug used to help reduce the risk of rejection of organ and bone marrow transplants by the body. It is also used in clinical trials to make cancer cells more sensitive to anticancer drugs. [NIH] Cytokines: Non-antibody proteins secreted by inflammatory leukocytes and some nonleukocytic cells, that act as intercellular mediators. They differ from classical hormones in that they are produced by a number of tissue or cell types rather than by specialized glands. They generally act locally in a paracrine or autocrine rather than endocrine manner. [NIH] Databases, Bibliographic: Extensive collections, reputedly complete, of references and citations to books, articles, publications, etc., generally on a single subject or specialized subject area. Databases can operate through automated files, libraries, or computer disks. The concept should be differentiated from factual databases which is used for collections of data and facts apart from bibliographic references to them. [NIH] Decarboxylation: The removal of a carboxyl group, usually in the form of carbon dioxide, from a chemical compound. [NIH] Decubitus: An act of lying down; also the position assumed in lying down. [EU] Decubitus Ulcer: An ulceration caused by prolonged pressure in patients permitted to lie too still for a long period of time. The bony prominences of the body are the most frequently affected sites. The ulcer is caused by ischemia of the underlying structures of the skin, fat, and muscles as a result of the sustained and constant pressure. [NIH] Dermal: Pertaining to or coming from the skin. [NIH] Dermatitis: Any inflammation of the skin. [NIH] Detergents: Purifying or cleansing agents, usually salts of long-chain aliphatic bases or acids, that exert cleansing (oil-dissolving) and antimicrobial effects through a surface action that depends on possessing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. [NIH] Diagnostic procedure: A method used to identify a disease. [NIH] Diastolic: Of or pertaining to the diastole. [EU] Dietary Fats: Fats present in food, especially in animal products such as meat, meat products, butter, ghee. They are present in lower amounts in nuts, seeds, and avocados. [NIH]
Digestion: The process of breakdown of food for metabolism and use by the body. [NIH] Direct: 1. Straight; in a straight line. 2. Performed immediately and without the intervention of subsidiary means. [EU]
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Drive: A state of internal activity of an organism that is a necessary condition before a given stimulus will elicit a class of responses; e.g., a certain level of hunger (drive) must be present before food will elicit an eating response. [NIH] Eczema: A pruritic papulovesicular dermatitis occurring as a reaction to many endogenous and exogenous agents (Dorland, 27th ed). [NIH] Electrocoagulation: Electrosurgical procedures used to treat hemorrhage (e.g., bleeding ulcers) and to ablate tumors, mucosal lesions, and refractory arrhythmias. [NIH] Electrons: Stable elementary particles having the smallest known negative charge, present in all elements; also called negatrons. Positively charged electrons are called positrons. The numbers, energies and arrangement of electrons around atomic nuclei determine the chemical identities of elements. Beams of electrons are called cathode rays or beta rays, the latter being a high-energy biproduct of nuclear decay. [NIH] Emodin: Purgative anthraquinone found in several plants, especially Rhamnus frangula. It was formerly used as a laxative, but is now used mainly as tool in toxicity studies. [NIH] Emulsion: A preparation of one liquid distributed in small globules throughout the body of a second liquid. The dispersed liquid is the discontinuous phase, and the dispersion medium is the continuous phase. When oil is the dispersed liquid and an aqueous solution is the continuous phase, it is known as an oil-in-water emulsion, whereas when water or aqueous solution is the dispersed phase and oil or oleaginous substance is the continuous phase, it is known as a water-in-oil emulsion. Pharmaceutical emulsions for which official standards have been promulgated include cod liver oil emulsion, cod liver oil emulsion with malt, liquid petrolatum emulsion, and phenolphthalein in liquid petrolatum emulsion. [EU] Enamel: A very hard whitish substance which covers the dentine of the anatomical crown of a tooth. [NIH] Endothelium: A layer of epithelium that lines the heart, blood vessels (endothelium, vascular), lymph vessels (endothelium, lymphatic), and the serous cavities of the body. [NIH] Endothelium, Lymphatic: Unbroken cellular lining (intima) of the lymph vessels (e.g., the high endothelial lymphatic venules). It is more permeable than vascular endothelium, lacking selective absorption and functioning mainly to remove plasma proteins that have filtered through the capillaries into the tissue spaces. [NIH] Endothelium, Vascular: Single pavement layer of cells which line the luminal surface of the entire vascular system and regulate the transport of macromolecules and blood components from interstitium to lumen; this function has been most intensively studied in the blood capillaries. [NIH] Environmental Health: The science of controlling or modifying those conditions, influences, or forces surrounding man which relate to promoting, establishing, and maintaining health. [NIH]
Enzymatic: Phase where enzyme cuts the precursor protein. [NIH] Enzyme: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. [NIH] Epidermis: Nonvascular layer of the skin. It is made up, from within outward, of five layers: 1) basal layer (stratum basale epidermidis); 2) spinous layer (stratum spinosum epidermidis); 3) granular layer (stratum granulosum epidermidis); 4) clear layer (stratum lucidum epidermidis); and 5) horny layer (stratum corneum epidermidis). [NIH] Epinephrine: The active sympathomimetic hormone from the adrenal medulla in most species. It stimulates both the alpha- and beta- adrenergic systems, causes systemic vasoconstriction and gastrointestinal relaxation, stimulates the heart, and dilates bronchi and cerebral vessels. It is used in asthma and cardiac failure and to delay absorption of local
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anesthetics. [NIH] Epithelium: One or more layers of epithelial cells, supported by the basal lamina, which covers the inner or outer surfaces of the body. [NIH] Erectile: The inability to get or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Also called impotence. [NIH] Erection: The condition of being made rigid and elevated; as erectile tissue when filled with blood. [EU] Exfoliation: A falling off in scales or layers. [EU] Exogenous: Developed or originating outside the organism, as exogenous disease. [EU] Family Planning: Programs or services designed to assist the family in controlling reproduction by either improving or diminishing fertility. [NIH] Fat: Total lipids including phospholipids. [NIH] Fatty acids: A major component of fats that are used by the body for energy and tissue development. [NIH] Fibrin: A protein derived from fibrinogen in the presence of thrombin, which forms part of the blood clot. [NIH] Fibronectin: An adhesive glycoprotein. One form circulates in plasma, acting as an opsonin; another is a cell-surface protein which mediates cellular adhesive interactions. [NIH] Forearm: The part between the elbow and the wrist. [NIH] Gas: Air that comes from normal breakdown of food. The gases are passed out of the body through the rectum (flatus) or the mouth (burp). [NIH] Gastric: Having to do with the stomach. [NIH] Gene: The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein. [NIH]
Ginger: Deciduous plant rich in volatile oil (oils, volatile). It is used as a flavoring agent and has many other uses both internally and topically. [NIH] Ginkgo biloba: Exclusive species of the genus Ginkgo, family Ginkgoacea. It produces extracts of medicinal interest. Ginkgo may refer to the genus or species. [NIH] Ginseng: An araliaceous genus of plants that contains a number of pharmacologically active agents used as stimulants, sedatives, and tonics, especially in traditional medicine. [NIH] Glomerular: Pertaining to or of the nature of a glomerulus, especially a renal glomerulus. [EU]
Glomeruli: Plural of glomerulus. [NIH] Glomerulonephritis: Glomerular disease characterized by an inflammatory reaction, with leukocyte infiltration and cellular proliferation of the glomeruli, or that appears to be the result of immune glomerular injury. [NIH] Glomerulus: A tiny set of looping blood vessels in the nephron where blood is filtered in the kidney. [NIH] Glucose: D-Glucose. A primary source of energy for living organisms. It is naturally occurring and is found in fruits and other parts of plants in its free state. It is used therapeutically in fluid and nutrient replacement. [NIH] Glycerol: A trihydroxy sugar alcohol that is an intermediate in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It is used as a solvent, emollient, pharmaceutical agent, and sweetening agent. [NIH]
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Glycerophospholipids: Derivatives of phosphatidic acid in which the hydrophobic regions are composed of two fatty acids and a polar alcohol is joined to the C-3 position of glycerol through a phosphodiester bond. They are named according to their polar head groups, such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. [NIH] Glycogen: A sugar stored in the liver and muscles. It releases glucose into the blood when cells need it for energy. Glycogen is the chief source of stored fuel in the body. [NIH] Glycoprotein: A protein that has sugar molecules attached to it. [NIH] Governing Board: The group in which legal authority is vested for the control of healthrelated institutions and organizations. [NIH] Graft: Healthy skin, bone, or other tissue taken from one part of the body and used to replace diseased or injured tissue removed from another part of the body. [NIH] Graft-versus-host disease: GVHD. A reaction of donated bone marrow or peripheral stem cells against a person's tissue. [NIH] Growth: The progressive development of a living being or part of an organism from its earliest stage to maturity. [NIH] Heart attack: A seizure of weak or abnormal functioning of the heart. [NIH] Hemorrhage: Bleeding or escape of blood from a vessel. [NIH] Histamine: 1H-Imidazole-4-ethanamine. A depressor amine derived by enzymatic decarboxylation of histidine. It is a powerful stimulant of gastric secretion, a constrictor of bronchial smooth muscle, a vasodilator, and also a centrally acting neurotransmitter. [NIH] Histidine: An essential amino acid important in a number of metabolic processes. It is required for the production of histamine. [NIH] Hormone: A substance in the body that regulates certain organs. Hormones such as gastrin help in breaking down food. Some hormones come from cells in the stomach and small intestine. [NIH] Horny layer: The superficial layer of the epidermis containing keratinized cells. [NIH] Humoral: Of, relating to, proceeding from, or involving a bodily humour - now often used of endocrine factors as opposed to neural or somatic. [EU] Humour: 1. A normal functioning fluid or semifluid of the body (as the blood, lymph or bile) especially of vertebrates. 2. A secretion that is itself an excitant of activity (as certain hormones). [EU] Hydrogen: The first chemical element in the periodic table. It has the atomic symbol H, atomic number 1, and atomic weight 1. It exists, under normal conditions, as a colorless, odorless, tasteless, diatomic gas. Hydrogen ions are protons. Besides the common H1 isotope, hydrogen exists as the stable isotope deuterium and the unstable, radioactive isotope tritium. [NIH] Hygienic: Pertaining to hygiene, or conducive to health. [EU] Hyperlipidemia: An excess of lipids in the blood. [NIH] Hypersensitivity: Altered reactivity to an antigen, which can result in pathologic reactions upon subsequent exposure to that particular antigen. [NIH] Hypertension: Persistently high arterial blood pressure. Currently accepted threshold levels are 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. [NIH] Id: The part of the personality structure which harbors the unconscious instinctive desires and strivings of the individual. [NIH] Immersion: The placing of a body or a part thereof into a liquid. [NIH]
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Immune response: The activity of the immune system against foreign substances (antigens). [NIH]
Immunity: Nonsusceptibility to the invasive or pathogenic microorganisms or to the toxic effect of antigenic substances. [NIH]
effects
of
foreign
Immunoglobulin: A protein that acts as an antibody. [NIH] Immunosuppressive: Describes the ability to lower immune system responses. [NIH] Impotence: The inability to perform sexual intercourse. [NIH] Indicative: That indicates; that points out more or less exactly; that reveals fairly clearly. [EU] Infarction: A pathological process consisting of a sudden insufficient blood supply to an area, which results in necrosis of that area. It is usually caused by a thrombus, an embolus, or a vascular torsion. [NIH] Infection: 1. Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, which may be clinically unapparent or result in local cellular injury due to competitive metabolism, toxins, intracellular replication, or antigen-antibody response. The infection may remain localized, subclinical, and temporary if the body's defensive mechanisms are effective. A local infection may persist and spread by extension to become an acute, subacute, or chronic clinical infection or disease state. A local infection may also become systemic when the microorganisms gain access to the lymphatic or vascular system. 2. An infectious disease. [EU]
Infiltration: The diffusion or accumulation in a tissue or cells of substances not normal to it or in amounts of the normal. Also, the material so accumulated. [EU] Inflammation: A pathological process characterized by injury or destruction of tissues caused by a variety of cytologic and chemical reactions. It is usually manifested by typical signs of pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. [NIH] Interstitial: Pertaining to or situated between parts or in the interspaces of a tissue. [EU] Intracellular: Inside a cell. [NIH] Intravascular: Within a vessel or vessels. [EU] Intrinsic: Situated entirely within or pertaining exclusively to a part. [EU] Ions: An atom or group of atoms that have a positive or negative electric charge due to a gain (negative charge) or loss (positive charge) of one or more electrons. Atoms with a positive charge are known as cations; those with a negative charge are anions. [NIH] Kb: A measure of the length of DNA fragments, 1 Kb = 1000 base pairs. The largest DNA fragments are up to 50 kilobases long. [NIH] Keratin: A class of fibrous proteins or scleroproteins important both as structural proteins and as keys to the study of protein conformation. The family represents the principal constituent of epidermis, hair, nails, horny tissues, and the organic matrix of tooth enamel. Two major conformational groups have been characterized, alpha-keratin, whose peptide backbone forms an alpha-helix, and beta-keratin, whose backbone forms a zigzag or pleated sheet structure. [NIH] Leukocytes: White blood cells. These include granular leukocytes (basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils) as well as non-granular leukocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes). [NIH] Libido: The psychic drive or energy associated with sexual instinct in the broad sense (pleasure and love-object seeking). It may also connote the psychic energy associated with instincts in general that motivate behavior. [NIH] Library Services: Services offered to the library user. They include reference and circulation. [NIH]
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Ligaments: Shiny, flexible bands of fibrous tissue connecting together articular extremities of bones. They are pliant, tough, and inextensile. [NIH] Lipase: An enzyme of the hydrolase class that catalyzes the reaction of triacylglycerol and water to yield diacylglycerol and a fatty acid anion. It is produced by glands on the tongue and by the pancreas and initiates the digestion of dietary fats. (From Dorland, 27th ed) EC 3.1.1.3. [NIH] Lipid: Fat. [NIH] Liver: A large, glandular organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile. [NIH] Localized: Cancer which has not metastasized yet. [NIH] Lupus: A form of cutaneous tuberculosis. It is seen predominantly in women and typically involves the nasal, buccal, and conjunctival mucosa. [NIH] Lupus Nephritis: Glomerulonephritis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. It is classified into four histologic types: mesangial, focal, diffuse, and membranous. [NIH] Lymph: The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease. [NIH] Lymphocyte: A white blood cell. Lymphocytes have a number of roles in the immune system, including the production of antibodies and other substances that fight infection and diseases. [NIH] Lymphoid: Referring to lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Also refers to tissue in which lymphocytes develop. [NIH] Lysine: An essential amino acid. It is often added to animal feed. [NIH] Mediator: An object or substance by which something is mediated, such as (1) a structure of the nervous system that transmits impulses eliciting a specific response; (2) a chemical substance (transmitter substance) that induces activity in an excitable tissue, such as nerve or muscle; or (3) a substance released from cells as the result of the interaction of antigen with antibody or by the action of antigen with a sensitized lymphocyte. [EU] MEDLINE: An online database of MEDLARS, the computerized bibliographic Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System of the National Library of Medicine. [NIH] Melanin: The substance that gives the skin its color. [NIH] Membrane: A very thin layer of tissue that covers a surface. [NIH] Membrane Fluidity: The motion of phospholipid molecules within the lipid bilayer, dependent on the classes of phospholipids present, their fatty acid composition and degree of unsaturation of the acyl chains, the cholesterol concentration, and temperature. [NIH] Menopause: Permanent cessation of menstruation. [NIH] MI: Myocardial infarction. Gross necrosis of the myocardium as a result of interruption of the blood supply to the area; it is almost always caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, upon which coronary thrombosis is usually superimposed. [NIH] Microfibrils: Components of the extracellular matrix consisting primarily of fibrillin. They are essential for the integrity of elastic fibers. [NIH] Molecular: Of, pertaining to, or composed of molecules : a very small mass of matter. [EU] Molecule: A chemical made up of two or more atoms. The atoms in a molecule can be the same (an oxygen molecule has two oxygen atoms) or different (a water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). Biological molecules, such as proteins and DNA, can be made up of many thousands of atoms. [NIH]
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Mononuclear: A cell with one nucleus. [NIH] Mucosa: A mucous membrane, or tunica mucosa. [EU] Mycophenolate mofetil: A drug that is being studied for its effectiveness in preventing graft-versus-host disease and autoimmune disorders. [NIH] Mydriatic: 1. Dilating the pupil. 2. Any drug that dilates the pupil. [EU] Myocardial infarction: Gross necrosis of the myocardium as a result of interruption of the blood supply to the area; it is almost always caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, upon which coronary thrombosis is usually superimposed. [NIH] Myocardium: The muscle tissue of the heart composed of striated, involuntary muscle known as cardiac muscle. [NIH] Necrosis: A pathological process caused by the progressive degradative action of enzymes that is generally associated with severe cellular trauma. It is characterized by mitochondrial swelling, nuclear flocculation, uncontrolled cell lysis, and ultimately cell death. [NIH] Need: A state of tension or dissatisfaction felt by an individual that impels him to action toward a goal he believes will satisfy the impulse. [NIH] Nephritis: Inflammation of the kidney; a focal or diffuse proliferative or destructive process which may involve the glomerulus, tubule, or interstitial renal tissue. [EU] Nerve: A cordlike structure of nervous tissue that connects parts of the nervous system with other tissues of the body and conveys nervous impulses to, or away from, these tissues. [NIH] Nervous System: The entire nerve apparatus composed of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and ganglia. [NIH] Neural: 1. Pertaining to a nerve or to the nerves. 2. Situated in the region of the spinal axis, as the neutral arch. [EU] Niacin: Water-soluble vitamin of the B complex occurring in various animal and plant tissues. Required by the body for the formation of coenzymes NAD and NADP. Has pellagra-curative, vasodilating, and antilipemic properties. [NIH] Nitrogen: An element with the atomic symbol N, atomic number 7, and atomic weight 14. Nitrogen exists as a diatomic gas and makes up about 78% of the earth's atmosphere by volume. It is a constituent of proteins and nucleic acids and found in all living cells. [NIH] Normotensive: 1. Characterized by normal tone, tension, or pressure, as by normal blood pressure. 2. A person with normal blood pressure. [EU] Nucleus: A body of specialized protoplasm found in nearly all cells and containing the chromosomes. [NIH] Ointments: Semisolid preparations used topically for protective emollient effects or as a vehicle for local administration of medications. Ointment bases are various mixtures of fats, waxes, animal and plant oils and solid and liquid hydrocarbons. [NIH] Omega-3 fatty acid: A type of fat obtained in the diet and involved in immunity. [NIH] Optic Nerve: The 2nd cranial nerve. The optic nerve conveys visual information from the retina to the brain. The nerve carries the axons of the retinal ganglion cells which sort at the optic chiasm and continue via the optic tracts to the brain. The largest projection is to the lateral geniculate nuclei; other important targets include the superior colliculi and the suprachiasmatic nuclei. Though known as the second cranial nerve, it is considered part of the central nervous system. [NIH] Oxidation: The act of oxidizing or state of being oxidized. Chemically it consists in the increase of positive charges on an atom or the loss of negative charges. Most biological oxidations are accomplished by the removal of a pair of hydrogen atoms (dehydrogenation)
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from a molecule. Such oxidations must be accompanied by reduction of an acceptor molecule. Univalent o. indicates loss of one electron; divalent o., the loss of two electrons. [EU]
Palmitic Acid: A common saturated fatty acid found in fats and waxes including olive oil, palm oil, and body lipids. [NIH] Pancreas: A mixed exocrine and endocrine gland situated transversely across the posterior abdominal wall in the epigastric and hypochondriac regions. The endocrine portion is comprised of the Islets of Langerhans, while the exocrine portion is a compound acinar gland that secretes digestive enzymes. [NIH] Patch: A piece of material used to cover or protect a wound, an injured part, etc.: a patch over the eye. [NIH] Pathogenesis: The cellular events and reactions that occur in the development of disease. [NIH]
Pathologic: 1. Indicative of or caused by a morbid condition. 2. Pertaining to pathology (= branch of medicine that treats the essential nature of the disease, especially the structural and functional changes in tissues and organs of the body caused by the disease). [EU] Peptide: Any compound consisting of two or more amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Peptides are combined to make proteins. [NIH] Petrolatum: A colloidal system of semisolid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. It is used as an ointment base, topical protectant, and lubricant. [NIH] Pharmacologic: Pertaining to pharmacology or to the properties and reactions of drugs. [EU] Phenolphthalein: An acid-base indicator which is colorless in acid solution, but turns pink to red as the solution becomes alkaline. It is used medicinally as a cathartic. [NIH] Phenylalanine: An aromatic amino acid that is essential in the animal diet. It is a precursor of melanin, dopamine, noradrenalin, and thyroxine. [NIH] Phospholipids: Lipids containing one or more phosphate groups, particularly those derived from either glycerol (phosphoglycerides; glycerophospholipids) or sphingosine (sphingolipids). They are polar lipids that are of great importance for the structure and function of cell membranes and are the most abundant of membrane lipids, although not stored in large amounts in the system. [NIH] Photocoagulation: Using a special strong beam of light (laser) to seal off bleeding blood vessels such as in the eye. The laser can also burn away blood vessels that should not have grown in the eye. This is the main treatment for diabetic retinopathy. [NIH] Physiologic: Having to do with the functions of the body. When used in the phrase "physiologic age," it refers to an age assigned by general health, as opposed to calendar age. [NIH]
Pigment: A substance that gives color to tissue. Pigments are responsible for the color of skin, eyes, and hair. [NIH] Pigmentation: Coloration or discoloration of a part by a pigment. [NIH] Plants: Multicellular, eukaryotic life forms of the kingdom Plantae. They are characterized by a mainly photosynthetic mode of nutrition; essentially unlimited growth at localized regions of cell divisions (meristems); cellulose within cells providing rigidity; the absence of organs of locomotion; absense of nervous and sensory systems; and an alteration of haploid and diploid generations. [NIH] Plaque: A clear zone in a bacterial culture grown on an agar plate caused by localized destruction of bacterial cells by a bacteriophage. The concentration of infective virus in a fluid can be estimated by applying the fluid to a culture and counting the number of. [NIH]
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Plasma: The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells. The proteins that form blood clots are in plasma. [NIH] Plasma cells: A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. [NIH] Plasmapheresis: Procedure whereby plasma is separated and extracted from anticoagulated whole blood and the red cells retransfused to the donor. Plasmapheresis is also employed for therapeutic use. [NIH] Platelet Adhesiveness: The process whereby platelets adhere to something other than platelets, e.g., collagen, basement membranes, microfibrils, or other "foreign" surfaces. [NIH] Platelet Aggregation: The attachment of platelets to one another. This clumping together can be induced by a number of agents (e.g., thrombin, collagen) and is part of the mechanism leading to the formation of a thrombus. [NIH] Platelets: A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called thrombocytes. [NIH] Pleated: Particular three-dimensional pattern of amyloidoses. [NIH] Polyunsaturated fat: An unsaturated fat found in greatest amounts in foods derived from plants, including safflower, sunflower, corn, and soybean oils. [NIH] Postmenopausal: Refers to the time after menopause. Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop permanently; also called "change of life." [NIH] Potassium: An element that is in the alkali group of metals. It has an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte and it plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the water-electrolyte balance. [NIH] Potassium Cyanide: Potassium cyanide (K(CN)). A highly poisonous compound that is an inhibitor of many metabolic processes, but has been shown to be an especially potent inhibitor of heme enzymes and hemeproteins. It is used in many industrial processes. [NIH] Practice Guidelines: Directions or principles presenting current or future rules of policy for the health care practitioner to assist him in patient care decisions regarding diagnosis, therapy, or related clinical circumstances. The guidelines may be developed by government agencies at any level, institutions, professional societies, governing boards, or by the convening of expert panels. The guidelines form a basis for the evaluation of all aspects of health care and delivery. [NIH] Precursor: Something that precedes. In biological processes, a substance from which another, usually more active or mature substance is formed. In clinical medicine, a sign or symptom that heralds another. [EU] Progressive: Advancing; going forward; going from bad to worse; increasing in scope or severity. [EU] Prone: Having the front portion of the body downwards. [NIH] Prostaglandin: Any of a group of components derived from unsaturated 20-carbon fatty acids, primarily arachidonic acid, via the cyclooxygenase pathway that are extremely potent mediators of a diverse group of physiologic processes. The abbreviation for prostaglandin is PG; specific compounds are designated by adding one of the letters A through I to indicate the type of substituents found on the hydrocarbon skeleton and a subscript (1, 2 or 3) to indicate the number of double bonds in the hydrocarbon skeleton e.g., PGE2. The predominant naturally occurring prostaglandins all have two double bonds and are synthesized from arachidonic acid (5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid) by the pathway shown in the illustration. The 1 series and 3 series are produced by the same pathway with fatty acids having one fewer double bond (8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid or one more double bond
Dictionary 69
(5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid) than arachidonic acid. The subscript a or ß indicates the configuration at C-9 (a denotes a substituent below the plane of the ring, ß, above the plane). The naturally occurring PGF's have the a configuration, e.g., PGF2a. All of the prostaglandins act by binding to specific cell-surface receptors causing an increase in the level of the intracellular second messenger cyclic AMP (and in some cases cyclic GMP also). The effect produced by the cyclic AMP increase depends on the specific cell type. In some cases there is also a positive feedback effect. Increased cyclic AMP increases prostaglandin synthesis leading to further increases in cyclic AMP. [EU] Prostaglandins A: (13E,15S)-15-Hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-10,13-dien-1-oic acid (PGA(1)); (5Z,13E,15S)-15-hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,10,13-trien-1-oic acid (PGA(2)); (5Z,13E,15S,17Z)-15hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,10,13,17-tetraen-1-oic acid (PGA(3)). A group of naturally occurring secondary prostaglandins derived from PGE. PGA(1) and PGA(2) as well as their 19hydroxy derivatives are found in many organs and tissues. [NIH] Protease: Proteinase (= any enzyme that catalyses the splitting of interior peptide bonds in a protein). [EU] Protein S: The vitamin K-dependent cofactor of activated protein C. Together with protein C, it inhibits the action of factors VIIIa and Va. A deficiency in protein S can lead to recurrent venous and arterial thrombosis. [NIH] Proteins: Polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The specific sequence of amino acids determines the shape and function of the protein. [NIH] Proteinuria: The presence of protein in the urine, indicating that the kidneys are not working properly. [NIH] Pruritic: Pertaining to or characterized by pruritus. [EU] Psychic: Pertaining to the psyche or to the mind; mental. [EU] Public Policy: A course or method of action selected, usually by a government, from among alternatives to guide and determine present and future decisions. [NIH] Pulmonary: Relating to the lungs. [NIH] Pulmonary Artery: The short wide vessel arising from the conus arteriosus of the right ventricle and conveying unaerated blood to the lungs. [NIH] Randomized: Describes an experiment or clinical trial in which animal or human subjects are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments. [NIH] Refer: To send or direct for treatment, aid, information, de decision. [NIH] Renin: An enzyme which is secreted by the kidney and is formed from prorenin in plasma and kidney. The enzyme cleaves the Leu-Leu bond in angiotensinogen to generate angiotensin I. EC 3.4.23.15. (Formerly EC 3.4.99.19). [NIH] Retina: The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the optic nerve and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the choroid and the inner surface with the vitreous body. The outer-most layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent. [NIH] Retinal: 1. Pertaining to the retina. 2. The aldehyde of retinol, derived by the oxidative enzymatic splitting of absorbed dietary carotene, and having vitamin A activity. In the retina, retinal combines with opsins to form visual pigments. One isomer, 11-cis retinal combines with opsin in the rods (scotopsin) to form rhodopsin, or visual purple. Another, all-trans retinal (trans-r.); visual yellow; xanthopsin) results from the bleaching of rhodopsin by light, in which the 11-cis form is converted to the all-trans form. Retinal also combines with opsins in the cones (photopsins) to form the three pigments responsible for colour vision. Called also retinal, and retinene1. [EU]
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Flaxseed Oil
Rheumatism: A group of disorders marked by inflammation or pain in the connective tissue structures of the body. These structures include bone, cartilage, and fat. [NIH] Rheumatoid: Resembling rheumatism. [EU] Rheumatoid arthritis: A form of arthritis, the cause of which is unknown, although infection, hypersensitivity, hormone imbalance and psychologic stress have been suggested as possible causes. [NIH] Rod: A reception for vision, located in the retina. [NIH] Rod Outer Segments: The portion of the retinal rod cell between the inner segment and the pigment epithelium layer of the retina. [NIH] Saturated fat: A type of fat found in greatest amounts in foods from animals, such as fatty cuts of meat, poultry with the skin, whole-milk dairy products, lard, and in some vegetable oils, including coconut, palm kernel, and palm oils. Saturated fat raises blood cholesterol more than anything else eaten. On a Step I Diet, no more than 8 to 10 percent of total calories should come from saturated fat, and in the Step II Diet, less than 7 percent of the day's total calories should come from saturated fat. [NIH] Scleroproteins: Simple proteins characterized by their insolubility and fibrous structure. Within the body, they perform a supportive or protective function. [NIH] Screening: Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. [NIH] Secretion: 1. The process of elaborating a specific product as a result of the activity of a gland; this activity may range from separating a specific substance of the blood to the elaboration of a new chemical substance. 2. Any substance produced by secretion. [EU] Serous: Having to do with serum, the clear liquid part of blood. [NIH] Serum: The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed. [NIH] Side effect: A consequence other than the one(s) for which an agent or measure is used, as the adverse effects produced by a drug, especially on a tissue or organ system other than the one sought to be benefited by its administration. [EU] Skeletal: Having to do with the skeleton (boney part of the body). [NIH] Skeleton: The framework that supports the soft tissues of vertebrate animals and protects many of their internal organs. The skeletons of vertebrates are made of bone and/or cartilage. [NIH] Skin Care: Maintenance of the hygienic state of the skin under optimal conditions of cleanliness and comfort. Effective in skin care are proper washing, bathing, cleansing, and the use of soaps, detergents, oils, etc. In various disease states, therapeutic and protective solutions and ointments are useful. The care of the skin is particularly important in various occupations, in exposure to sunlight, in neonates, and in decubitus ulcer. [NIH] Smooth muscle: Muscle that performs automatic tasks, such as constricting blood vessels. [NIH]
Soaps: Sodium or potassium salts of long chain fatty acids. These detergent substances are obtained by boiling natural oils or fats with caustic alkali. Sodium soaps are harder and are used as topical anti-infectives and vehicles in pills and liniments; potassium soaps are soft, used as vehicles for ointments and also as topical antimicrobials. [NIH] Somatic: 1. Pertaining to or characteristic of the soma or body. 2. Pertaining to the body wall in contrast to the viscera. [EU] Soybean Oil: Oil from soybean or soybean plant. [NIH] Specialist: In medicine, one who concentrates on 1 special branch of medical science. [NIH]
Dictionary 71
Species: A taxonomic category subordinate to a genus (or subgenus) and superior to a subspecies or variety, composed of individuals possessing common characters distinguishing them from other categories of individuals of the same taxonomic level. In taxonomic nomenclature, species are designated by the genus name followed by a Latin or Latinized adjective or noun. [EU] Spinal cord: The main trunk or bundle of nerves running down the spine through holes in the spinal bone (the vertebrae) from the brain to the level of the lower back. [NIH] Spinous: Like a spine or thorn in shape; having spines. [NIH] Sterility: 1. The inability to produce offspring, i.e., the inability to conceive (female s.) or to induce conception (male s.). 2. The state of being aseptic, or free from microorganisms. [EU] Steroids: Drugs used to relieve swelling and inflammation. [NIH] Stimulant: 1. Producing stimulation; especially producing stimulation by causing tension on muscle fibre through the nervous tissue. 2. An agent or remedy that produces stimulation. [EU]
Stress: Forcibly exerted influence; pressure. Any condition or situation that causes strain or tension. Stress may be either physical or psychologic, or both. [NIH] Stroke: Sudden loss of function of part of the brain because of loss of blood flow. Stroke may be caused by a clot (thrombosis) or rupture (hemorrhage) of a blood vessel to the brain. [NIH] Supplementation: Adding nutrients to the diet. [NIH] Systemic: Affecting the entire body. [NIH] Systemic lupus erythematosus: SLE. A chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease marked by skin rashes, joint pain and swelling, inflammation of the kidneys, inflammation of the fibrous tissue surrounding the heart (i.e., the pericardium), as well as other problems. Not all affected individuals display all of these problems. May be referred to as lupus. [NIH] Systolic: Indicating the maximum arterial pressure during contraction of the left ventricle of the heart. [EU] Threshold: For a specified sensory modality (e. g. light, sound, vibration), the lowest level (absolute threshold) or smallest difference (difference threshold, difference limen) or intensity of the stimulus discernible in prescribed conditions of stimulation. [NIH] Thrombin: An enzyme formed from prothrombin that converts fibrinogen to fibrin. (Dorland, 27th ed) EC 3.4.21.5. [NIH] Thrombocytes: Blood cells that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called platelets. [NIH] Thrombosis: The formation or presence of a blood clot inside a blood vessel. [NIH] Thrombus: An aggregation of blood factors, primarily platelets and fibrin with entrapment of cellular elements, frequently causing vascular obstruction at the point of its formation. Some authorities thus differentiate thrombus formation from simple coagulation or clot formation. [EU] Thyroid: A gland located near the windpipe (trachea) that produces thyroid hormone, which helps regulate growth and metabolism. [NIH] Tissue: A group or layer of cells that are alike in type and work together to perform a specific function. [NIH] Topical: On the surface of the body. [NIH] Toxic: Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects. [NIH]
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Flaxseed Oil
Toxicology: The science concerned with the detection, chemical composition, and pharmacologic action of toxic substances or poisons and the treatment and prevention of toxic manifestations. [NIH] Transdermal: Entering through the dermis, or skin, as in administration of a drug applied to the skin in ointment or patch form. [EU] Transfection: The uptake of naked or purified DNA into cells, usually eukaryotic. It is analogous to bacterial transformation. [NIH] Transmitter: A chemical substance which effects the passage of nerve impulses from one cell to the other at the synapse. [NIH] Triglyceride: A lipid carried through the blood stream to tissues. Most of the body's fat tissue is in the form of triglycerides, stored for use as energy. Triglycerides are obtained primarily from fat in foods. [NIH] Tuberculosis: Any of the infectious diseases of man and other animals caused by species of Mycobacterium. [NIH] Tyrosine: A non-essential amino acid. In animals it is synthesized from phenylalanine. It is also the precursor of epinephrine, thyroid hormones, and melanin. [NIH] Unconscious: Experience which was once conscious, but was subsequently rejected, as the "personal unconscious". [NIH] Urethra: The tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder. [NIH]
Urine: Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra. [NIH] Vascular: Pertaining to blood vessels or indicative of a copious blood supply. [EU] Vasodilator: An agent that widens blood vessels. [NIH] Venous: Of or pertaining to the veins. [EU] Venules: The minute vessels that collect blood from the capillary plexuses and join together to form veins. [NIH] Veterinary Medicine: The medical science concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in animals. [NIH] Virus: Submicroscopic organism that causes infectious disease. In cancer therapy, some viruses may be made into vaccines that help the body build an immune response to, and kill, tumor cells. [NIH] Vitreous Body: The transparent, semigelatinous substance that fills the cavity behind the crystalline lens of the eye and in front of the retina. It is contained in a thin hyoid membrane and forms about four fifths of the optic globe. [NIH] Weight Gain: Increase in body weight over existing weight. [NIH] Yohimbine: A plant alkaloid with alpha-2-adrenergic blocking activity. Yohimbine has been used as a mydriatic and in the treatment of impotence. It is also alleged to be an aphrodisiac. [NIH]
73
INDEX A Abdomen, 55, 65 Acceptor, 55, 67 Acne, 29, 55 Acyl, 55, 65 Adrenergic, 55, 61, 72 Agar, 55, 67 Algorithms, 55, 57 Alkaline, 55, 56, 67 Alkaloid, 55, 72 Allergen, 30, 55 Aloe, 28, 55 Alopecia, 55, 60 Alpha-helix, 55, 64 Alpha-Linolenic Acid, 16, 30, 55 Alternative medicine, 55 Amine, 55, 63 Amino Acid Sequence, 55, 56 Ammonia, 27, 55, 56 Angiotensinogen, 56, 69 Antibodies, 4, 56, 65, 68 Antibody, 56, 58, 60, 64, 65 Antigen, 56, 59, 63, 64, 65 Antimicrobial, 29, 56, 60 Antineoplastic, 56, 60 Antioxidant, 28, 56 Aqueous, 56, 61 Arachidonic Acid, 56, 68 Arterial, 8, 13, 34, 56, 63, 69, 71 Arteries, 27, 56, 57, 59, 65, 66 Arterioles, 56, 57 Atopic, 30, 56 Autoimmune disease, 3, 56 B Bacteriophage, 56, 67 Base, 26, 56, 64, 67 Basement Membrane, 57, 68 Benzaldehyde, 57 Benzoin, 26, 29, 31, 57 Bile, 57, 63, 65 Biotechnology, 5, 12, 39, 57 Bladder, 57, 72 Blood pressure, 4, 13, 57, 58, 63, 66 Blood vessel, 57, 58, 61, 62, 67, 70, 71, 72 Bone Marrow, 57, 60, 63 Branch, 16, 51, 57, 67, 70 Bronchial, 57, 63 Buccal, 57, 65
C Capillary, 27, 57, 72 Carbohydrate, 14, 57, 62 Carcinogenic, 26, 57 Carcinoma, 57, 58 Cardiovascular, 14, 58 Cardiovascular disease, 14, 58 Cell, 15, 30, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 62, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72 Cell membrane, 58, 67 Cerebrovascular, 58 Cholesterol, 16, 19, 27, 57, 58, 59, 65, 70 Choroid, 58, 69 Citrus, 28, 58 Clinical trial, 4, 39, 58, 60, 69 Cloning, 57, 58 Coagulation, 16, 58, 71 Cod Liver Oil, 58, 61 Coenzymes, 58, 66 Cofactor, 58, 69 Collagen, 57, 58, 68 Complement, 58, 59 Complementary and alternative medicine, 11, 21, 59 Complementary medicine, 11, 59 Computational Biology, 39, 59 Consumption, 15, 34, 59 Contraindications, ii, 59 Corn Oil, 26, 59 Corneum, 59, 61 Coronary, 11, 27, 58, 59, 65, 66 Coronary heart disease, 11, 58, 59 Coronary Thrombosis, 27, 59, 65, 66 Cottonseed Oil, 26, 60 Curative, 60, 66 Cutaneous, 19, 60, 65 Cyclic, 60, 69 Cyclophosphamide, 4, 60 Cyclosporine, 4, 60 Cytokines, 30, 60 D Databases, Bibliographic, 39, 60 Decarboxylation, 60, 63 Decubitus, 60, 70 Decubitus Ulcer, 60, 70 Dermal, 15, 60 Dermatitis, 31, 60, 61 Detergents, 60, 70
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Flaxseed Oil
Diagnostic procedure, 25, 60 Diastolic, 60, 63 Dietary Fats, 44, 60, 65 Digestion, 57, 60, 65 Direct, iii, 60, 69 Drive, ii, vi, 7, 27, 61, 64 E Eczema, 31, 61 Electrocoagulation, 58, 61 Electrons, 56, 57, 61, 64, 67 Emodin, 55, 61 Emulsion, 26, 61 Enamel, 61, 64 Endothelium, 27, 61 Endothelium, Lymphatic, 61 Endothelium, Vascular, 61 Environmental Health, 38, 40, 61 Enzymatic, 59, 61, 63, 69 Enzyme, 58, 61, 65, 69, 71 Epidermis, 29, 59, 61, 63, 64 Epinephrine, 55, 61, 72 Epithelium, 57, 61, 62, 70 Erectile, 34, 62 Erection, 62 Exfoliation, 29, 62 Exogenous, 61, 62 F Family Planning, 39, 62 Fat, 4, 8, 17, 26, 56, 57, 59, 60, 62, 65, 66, 68, 70, 72 Fatty acids, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 27, 29, 30, 62, 63, 68, 70 Fibrin, 62, 71 Fibronectin, 16, 62 Forearm, 57, 62 G Gas, 56, 62, 63, 66 Gastric, 62, 63 Gene, 57, 62 Ginger, 28, 62 Ginkgo biloba, 34, 62 Ginseng, 34, 62 Glomerular, 62 Glomeruli, 62 Glomerulonephritis, 3, 62, 65 Glomerulus, 62, 66 Glucose, 62, 63 Glycerol, 62, 63, 67 Glycerophospholipids, 63, 67 Glycogen, 12, 63 Glycoprotein, 62, 63 Governing Board, 63, 68
Graft, 63, 66 Graft-versus-host disease, 63, 66 Growth, 16, 56, 63, 67, 71 H Heart attack, 58, 63 Hemorrhage, 61, 63, 71 Histamine, 30, 63 Histidine, 63 Hormone, 61, 63, 70, 71 Horny layer, 61, 63 Humoral, 4, 63 Humour, 63 Hydrogen, 55, 57, 63, 65, 66 Hygienic, 63, 70 Hyperlipidemia, 4, 12, 63 Hypersensitivity, 30, 55, 63, 70 Hypertension, 12, 14, 19, 58, 63 I Id, 9, 17, 44, 50, 52, 63 Immersion, 12, 63 Immune response, 56, 64, 72 Immunity, 64, 66 Immunoglobulin, 30, 56, 64 Immunosuppressive, 60, 64 Impotence, 62, 64, 72 Indicative, 33, 64, 67, 72 Infarction, 64 Infection, 64, 65, 70 Infiltration, 62, 64 Inflammation, 3, 20, 29, 30, 55, 60, 64, 66, 70, 71 Interstitial, 64, 66 Intracellular, 64, 68, 69 Intravascular, 27, 64 Intrinsic, 27, 57, 64 Ions, 56, 63, 64 K Kb, 38, 64 Keratin, 28, 64 L Leukocytes, 57, 60, 64 Libido, 34, 64 Library Services, 50, 64 Ligaments, 59, 65 Lipase, 30, 65 Lipid, 12, 14, 15, 16, 62, 65, 72 Liver, 12, 14, 16, 56, 57, 60, 61, 63, 65 Localized, 64, 65, 67 Lupus, 3, 4, 31, 65, 71 Lupus Nephritis, 3, 4, 65 Lymph, 61, 63, 65 Lymphocyte, 56, 65
Index 75
Lymphoid, 56, 65 Lysine, 28, 65 M Mediator, 31, 65 MEDLINE, 39, 65 Melanin, 65, 67, 72 Membrane, 14, 27, 58, 59, 65, 66, 67, 69, 72 Membrane Fluidity, 14, 65 Menopause, 19, 65, 68 MI, 53, 65 Microfibrils, 65, 68 Molecular, 13, 16, 39, 41, 57, 59, 65 Molecule, 56, 57, 59, 65, 67 Mononuclear, 15, 66 Mucosa, 65, 66 Mycophenolate mofetil, 4, 66 Mydriatic, 66, 72 Myocardial infarction, 60, 65, 66 Myocardium, 65, 66 N Necrosis, 64, 65, 66 Need, 3, 29, 33, 45, 63, 66 Nephritis, 4, 66 Nerve, 55, 65, 66, 72 Nervous System, 65, 66 Neural, 63, 66 Niacin, 29, 66 Nitrogen, 55, 60, 66 Normotensive, 14, 66 Nucleus, 60, 66 O Ointments, 66, 70 Omega-3 fatty acid, 29, 30, 66 Optic Nerve, 66, 69 Oxidation, 12, 55, 56, 66 P Palmitic Acid, 26, 67 Pancreas, 65, 67 Patch, 67, 72 Pathogenesis, 4, 67 Pathologic, 59, 63, 67 Peptide, 64, 67, 69 Petrolatum, 61, 67 Pharmacologic, 67, 72 Phenolphthalein, 61, 67 Phenylalanine, 67, 72 Phospholipids, 8, 17, 62, 65, 67 Photocoagulation, 58, 67 Physiologic, 67, 68 Pigment, 67, 70 Pigmentation, 29, 67 Plants, 34, 55, 58, 61, 62, 67, 68
Plaque, 27, 67 Plasma, 8, 15, 16, 56, 58, 61, 62, 68, 69 Plasma cells, 56, 68 Plasmapheresis, 4, 68 Platelet Adhesiveness, 27, 68 Platelet Aggregation, 8, 16, 68 Platelets, 27, 68, 71 Pleated, 64, 68 Polyunsaturated fat, 11, 12, 14, 68 Postmenopausal, 14, 68 Potassium, 57, 68, 70 Potassium Cyanide, 57, 68 Practice Guidelines, 40, 68 Precursor, 56, 60, 61, 67, 68, 72 Progressive, 4, 63, 66, 68 Prone, 16, 68 Prostaglandin, 8, 17, 30, 68 Prostaglandins A, 68, 69 Protease, 30, 69 Protein S, 13, 57, 69 Proteins, 56, 58, 60, 61, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 Proteinuria, 4, 69 Pruritic, 61, 69 Psychic, 64, 69 Public Policy, 39, 69 Pulmonary, 57, 59, 69 Pulmonary Artery, 57, 69 R Randomized, 12, 69 Refer, 1, 57, 58, 62, 69 Renin, 16, 56, 69 Retina, 15, 58, 66, 69, 70, 72 Retinal, 66, 69, 70 Rheumatism, 70 Rheumatoid, 12, 20, 44, 70 Rheumatoid arthritis, 12, 70 Rod, 15, 70 Rod Outer Segments, 15, 70 S Saturated fat, 67, 70 Scleroproteins, 64, 70 Screening, 58, 70 Secretion, 63, 70 Serous, 61, 70 Serum, 11, 58, 70 Side effect, 60, 70, 71 Skeletal, 8, 17, 70 Skeleton, 68, 70 Skin Care, 31, 70 Smooth muscle, 63, 70 Soaps, 60, 70
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Flaxseed Oil
Somatic, 63, 70 Soybean Oil, 16, 26, 68, 70 Specialist, 45, 70 Species, 61, 62, 71, 72 Spinal cord, 58, 66, 71 Spinous, 61, 71 Sterility, 60, 71 Steroids, 4, 71 Stimulant, 63, 71 Stress, 12, 70, 71 Stroke, 16, 38, 58, 71 Supplementation, 8, 15, 16, 17, 71 Systemic, 3, 57, 61, 64, 65, 71 Systemic lupus erythematosus, 3, 65, 71 Systolic, 63, 71 T Threshold, 63, 71 Thrombin, 62, 68, 71 Thrombocytes, 68, 71 Thrombosis, 13, 27, 69, 71 Thrombus, 27, 59, 64, 68, 71 Thyroid, 20, 71, 72 Tissue, 14, 16, 29, 56, 57, 58, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69, 70, 71, 72 Topical, 26, 27, 28, 31, 67, 70, 71
Toxic, iv, 30, 64, 71, 72 Toxicology, 40, 72 Transdermal, 26, 29, 31, 72 Transfection, 57, 72 Transmitter, 65, 72 Triglyceride, 11, 15, 72 Tuberculosis, 59, 65, 72 Tyrosine, 28, 72 U Unconscious, 63, 72 Urethra, 72 Urine, 4, 57, 69, 72 V Vascular, 13, 16, 58, 61, 64, 71, 72 Vasodilator, 63, 72 Venous, 69, 72 Venules, 57, 61, 72 Veterinary Medicine, 8, 39, 72 Virus, 56, 67, 72 Vitreous Body, 69, 72 W Weight Gain, 16, 72 Y Yohimbine, 34, 72
