Glossary

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase – the key enzyme of the methyl cycle, it catalyzes the conversion of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate that results in the methylation of homocysteine with methionine as the end product. Mutations in the gene producing this enzyme have been associated with cancers and neural tube defects among other things.

Mammalian target of rapamycin – a protein kinase that regulates cell growth, proliferation, motility and survival. This regulatory effect can be disrupted by some forms of cancer leading to accelerated cell growth.

Examination of blood vessel architecture using a CT with multiple rows of detector elements as opposed to a simple linear array.  The type of CT scanner used has both a faster speed of image acquisition and greater image resolution as compared to a conventional CT scanner.

Motor vehicle accident

Nanoparticle: Refers to an ultrafine particle or a particle of matter that is between 1 and 100 nanometres (nm) in diameter.

Neurocysticercosis, an infestation of the central nervous system by encysted larva of the parasite Taenia solium.

Nerve Conduction Study

Neodynium-doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet laser.

Neural tube defects. A failure in closure of the neural tube during the first trimester of fetal development. It is one of the most common types of developmental anomalies occurring in 1 of every 1000 births. Myelomeningoceles and anencephaly are common examples.

The act of neurulation. The closure of the neural tube during embryogenesis or the emulation of same.