Category: L

Atrial fibrillation that is not caused by or associated with underlying disease of the heart muscle, heart valves, coronary arteries, pulmonary circulation, or thyroid gland. Prognosis seems better for this type of atrial fibrillation than for that which results from anatomical or metabolic abnormalities.  

Formation of lactic acid from carbohydrates by bacterial action. The genera Streptococcus and Lactobacillus are the forms usually involved. Bacterial action is responsible for the souring of milk.  

A lymphokine that inhibits movement of neutrophils.  

A cytokine that regulates the growth and differentiation of many cells throughout the body, including endothelial cells, fat cells, embryonic stem cells, germ cells, osteoblasts, and peripheral nerve cells.  

An eye that has become adjusted to viewing objects in bright light; one adapted for phototic, or cone, vision. In this type of eye, most rhodopsin has been broken down.  

The lower limb, including the hip, thigh, leg, ankle, and foot.  

A dry brown powder obtained from mammalian livers that was once used as a crude source of vitamin B12 and other vitamins.  

A device added to lengthen the legs of furniture (e.g., beds, tables, chairs) to accommodate the needs of persons with functional limitations.  

A flaw in the design or organization of health care delivery systems that may allow, on occasion, injuries to occur to patients.  

Epilepsy with onset in early childhood. This type of epilepsy is characterized by a variety of seizure patterns and an abnormal electroencephalogram, and is frequently associated with developmental and mental retardation. Seizures are not controlled by the usual antiepileptic drugs; however, adjunctive therapy with felbamate may be beneficial.