Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Diseases of rectum
The following are described under their separate dictionary entries: faeces; haemorrhoids; fistula; diarrhoea; constipation.
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Read codes
These form an agreed UK list of health-care terminology named after the general practitioner who devised them initially in the 1970s. The coding system provides a basis for computerized clinical records that can be shared across professional and administrative boundaries. The codes accommodate the different views of specialists, but use simple terms without any loss…
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Randomised controlled trial
A method of comparing the results between two or more groups of patients intentionally subjected to different methods of treatment or sometimes of prevention. Those entering the trial have to give their informed permission. They are allocated to their respective groups using random numbers, with one group (controls) receiving no active treatment, instead receiving either…
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Quinghaosu
A herbal drug used for two millennia in China to treat malaria. Its action derives from sesquiterpene lactone, a substance that cuts the number of blood-borne malarial parasites.
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Pyrazinamide
An antituberculous drug used in combination, usually with rifampicin and isoniazid, as the treatment regime for tuberculosis. It penetrates the meninges so is valuable in treating tuberculous meningitis. An occasional medication utilized for tuberculosis treatment. Potential negative effects include nausea, joint discomfort, gout, and liver impairment.
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Pulmonary surfactant
Naturally produced in the lungs by cells called pneumocytes, this substance is a mixture of phospholipids and lipoproteins. Present in fluid lining the alveoli in the lungs, their action helps keep them open, rather than sticking together, particularly after breathing out. Premature babies may have a deficiency of surfactant, a disorder which causes severe breathing…
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Puerperal depression
Also called postnatal depression, this is the state of depression that may affect women soon after they have given birth. The condition often occurs suddenly a day or so after the birth. Many women suffer from it and usually they can be managed with sympathetic support. If, however, the depression sometimes called ‘maternal blues’ persists…
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Pudendal nerve
The nerve that operates the lowest muscles of the floor of the pelvis and also the anal sphincter muscle. It may be damaged in childbirth, resulting in incontinence.
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Psychosomatic diseases
Taken at face value, the term ‘psychosomatic’ simply means the interaction of psyche (mind) and soma (body). As such it is a non-controversial concept that points out the many ways in which psychological factors affect the expression of physical disorder and vice-versa. Few doubt that stress makes many physical illnesses worse, at least as far…
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Psychedelic drug
Drugs, such as cannabis and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), that expand consciousness and perception. Psychedelic drugs have mind-expanding or mind-affecting capabilities and include hallucinogens such as LSD.
Got any book recommendations?