Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Fetal fibronectin assay
A screening test that identifies the probability of preterm labor. Fibronectin, a cold insoluble globulin, is usually found in cervicovaginal fluid during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is then undetectable until about gestational week 34. A positive fFN test result in women with symptoms of threatened preterm labor indicates the probability of delivery…
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Asporogenic
Not reproducing by spores.
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Asporin
A protein found in the extracellular matrix that decreases cartilage production and the accumulation of proteoglycans.
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Asplenia syndrome
A rare disorder of fetal development that occurs before the fifth gestational week and results in congenital anomalies of the left hemi-body, including absence of the spleen.
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Dental aspirator
An aspirator that suctions water, saliva, blood, or tissue debris from the oral cavity.
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Risk for aspiration
The state in which an individual is at risk for entry of gastric secretions, oropharyngeal secretions, or exogenous food or fluids into tracheobronchial passages due to dysfunction or absence of normal protective mechanisms. Pathological respiratory aspiration is prevented by placing the unconscious patient (or any other patient without a gag reflex) on his or her…
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Transbronchial needle aspiration
A method of sampling abnormal tissue masses found in the mediastinum. A needle is guided into the mass during bronchoscopy and then cells are dislodged with a sawing motion. Suction is applied to gather specimens. TBNA is typically used to determine whether the mass represents a malignancy, such as a bronchogenic carcinoma or lymphoma.
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Fetal meconium aspiration
Aspiration by the fetus of the first stool, occurring either in utero during episodes of severe fetal hypoxia or with the first few breaths after birth.
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Simple asphyxiant
A gas that displaces oxygen from the atmosphere, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen available during inhalation.
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Chemical asphyxiant
Any agent that prevents the delivery of oxygen from the blood stream to cells, or that disables the biochemistry of cellular respiration even in the presence of adequate oxygen levels in the blood. Chemical asphyxiants include agents such as carbon monoxide and cyanide. Initial treatment consists of the administration of 100% inspired oxygen, usually by…
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