Some of the medical and scientific terms you may encounter in the novel or short story version are explained here. If you find them difficult to understand, I've researched their meanings for you. Please note that I am not a professional in this field, so if you notice any errors, kindly let me know. I will update this chapter periodically. The "(I)" indicates the chapters where the term appears, while "[1]" refers to the reference.

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× Alcohol metabolites (I)

~ the byproducts formed when the body processes alcohol. This breakdown primarily occurs in the liver, which plays a central role in metabolizing alcohol. [1]

× Anaphylaxis (I)

~ a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen, such as peanuts or bee stings. [2]

~ During this, the immune system releases a surge of chemicals, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure and narrowing of the airways, which can obstruct breathing. [2]

× Encephalitis (I)

~ refers to inflammation of the brain. [3]

~ can result from viral or bacterial infections, or from the immune system mistakenly attacking brain tissue. [3]

~ Certain viruses that cause this can be transmitted through insect bites, such as those from mosquitoes and ticks. [3]

× Epinephrine syringe (I)

~ employed for the emergency management of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, triggered by insect bites, stings, medications, foods, or other allergens. They are also used to address anaphylaxis caused by unidentified triggers or physical exertion. [4]

~ Additionally administered to elevate blood pressure in adults experiencing hypotension related to septic shock. [4]

× Ethanol (I)

~ found in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits and serves various purposes beyond consumption. [5]

× Haemolacria (I)

~ Crying tears mixed with blood, though it may sound fictional, is a genuine medical condition known as haemolacria. This rare condition results in tears that are either tinged with blood or partially composed of it. [6]

× HIV (I)

~ human immunodeficiency virus

~ a virus that compromises the body's immune system by attacking white blood cells. [7]

~ Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) represents the most advanced stage of HIV infection. [7]

~ The weakening of the immune system caused by this increases susceptibility to illnesses such as tuberculosis, various infections, and certain cancers. [7]

× Hypoxia (I)

~ refers to reduced oxygen levels in the body's tissues, leading to symptoms such as confusion, restlessness, difficulty breathing, a rapid heart rate, and bluish skin. [8]

× IgE test (I)

~ allergen-specific immunoglobulin E

~ measures the levels of various IgE antibodies in the body. These antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are proteins produced by the immune system to defend against bacteria, viruses, and allergens. [9]

× Meningitis (I)

~ an infection that causes inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. [10]

× Pedigree (I)

~ a diagram that uses standardized symbols to represent family history. [11]

~ illustrates relationships between family members and identifies individuals with specific genetic pathogenic variants, traits, or diseases, as well as their vital status. [11]

~ are useful for analyzing inheritance patterns of diseases within a family. [11]

× Saline bolus (I)

~ Bolus can be done via injection, inhalation, or intravenous (IV) delivery. [12]

~ provides a faster method of treatment, allowing the body to quickly absorb and benefit from the vitamins, minerals, and medications in the saline solution, resulting in rapid relief. [12]

× Seizures (I)

~ a sudden surge of uncontrolled electrical activity between neurons (nerve cells) in the brain. This can lead to temporary disruptions in muscle tone or movements, such as stiffness, twitching, or limpness, as well as changes in behavior, sensations, or awareness. [13]

References:

[1] Testing. (2021). Alcohol Blood Testing. https://www.testing.com/tests/alcohol-blood-test/#:~:text=Alcohol%20metabolites%20are%20substances%20that,alcohol%20in%20a%20person's%20blood.

[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Anaphylaxis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468.

[3] Mayo Clinic. (2024). Epinephrine (injection route). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/epinephrine-injection-route/description/drg-20072429.

[4] Mayo Clinic. (2024). Encephalitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/encephalitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20356136.

[5] Department of Climate Change, Energy,  the Environment and Water. (2022). Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol). https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/npi/substances/fact-sheets/ethanol-ethyl-alcohol.

[6] Griff A. M. (2019). Why Am I Crying Blood? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/haemolacria#:~:text=What%20is%20haemolacria%3F,or%20partially%20made%20of%2C%20blood.

[7] World Health Organization. (2024). HIV and AIDS. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids#:~:text=Overview,cells%2C%20weakening%20the%20immune%20system.

[8] Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Hypoxia. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23063-hypoxia.

[9] NEMOURS Children's Health. (2023). Blood Test: Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE). https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/test-ige.html#:~:text=An%20allergen%2Dspecific%20immunoglobulin%20E%20(IgE)%20test%20measures%20the,bacteria%2C%20viruses%2C%20and%20allergens.

[10] Mayo Clinic. (2024). Meningitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350508#:~:text=Meningitis%20is%20an%20infection%20and,fever%20and%20a%20stiff%20neck.

[11] National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Pedigree. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/genetics-dictionary/def/pedigree.

[12] Hinkel, P. (2022). IV Bolus vs. IV Push. MobileIVNurses. https://mobileivnurses.com/blog/iv-bolus-vs-iv-push/#:~:text=A%20bolus%20can%20refer%20to,included%20in%20the%20saline%20solution.

[13] John Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Types of Seizures. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/epilepsy/types-of-seizures#:~:text=A%20seizure%20is%20a%20burst,sensations%20or%20states%20of%20awareness.

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The characters Katara and Sonora are the property of MissNerdyGirl20. I sought permission from the author mentioned before including her character in my story. The main story featuring this character is from the book The Guild of the Prey. Events in this book may or may not be related to their original plotlines.