Category: M
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Moraxella catarrhalis
A species that is a frequent cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including otitis media in children and bronchitis and pneumonia in the elderly. It is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics such as most penicillins, but can be treated with many cephalosporins, macrolides, and sulfa drugs.
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Moral isolationism
A philosophical view based on the premise that one can understand only the ethics and values of one’s own family, clan, culture, or society and not those of others.
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Moore’s lightning streaks
The perception of zigzag flashes of light in the peripheral field of vision that occurs in the dark, especially in older persons. These flashes are due to vitreous tags on the retina. The condition is benign. The subjective visual sensation of lightning-like flashes at the time of eye movements, especially noticeable in dim or absent…
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Mood swings
Periods of variation in how one feels, changing from a sense of wellbeing to one of depression. This occurs normally, but may become abnormally intense in persons with manic-depressive states. Swift shifts in emotions are termed mood swings. Mild mood swings, like transitioning from feeling calm to anxious, irritable, or tearful, can manifest in women…
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Mixed episode mood disorder
A mood disorder characterized by a period lasting for at least 1 week in which the diagnosis of manic episode and major depressive episode are met nearly each day.
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Manic episode mood disorder
A distinct period of an abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that lasts at least 1 week.
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Mood disorder due to a general medical disorder
A prominent and persistent disturbance in mood characterized by either or both of the following: markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities; and elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. The clinical and laboratory findings are consistent with attributing the cause to a direct physiological consequence of the general medical condition. The condition…
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Montgomery straps
Paired adhesive straps applied to either side of a wound (usually abdominal), the central sections of which are folded back on themselves with several perforations at the leading edges. This provides a method of securing a bandage and subsequently changing it without having to replace the tape each time.
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Monteggia’s fracture
Fracture of the upper portion of the ulna with dislocation of the radial head. An angulated break in the ulna, which is the longer of the two major bones in the forearm. Angulated breaks cause the bone segments to be at angles to each other and may cause the forearm to have a bent or…
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Monteggia’s dislocation
A dislocation of the hip joint in which the head of the femur is near the anterosuperior spine of the ilium.