Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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March haemoglobinuria
A complication of walking and running over long distances. It is caused by damage to red blood cells in the blood vessels of the soles of the feet. This results in haemoglobin being released into the bloodstream, which is then voided in the urine a condition known as haemoglobinuria. No treatment is required.
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Managed health care
This process aims to reduce the costs of health care while maintaining its quality. The concept originated in the United States but has attracted interest in the United Kingdom and Europe, where the spiralling costs of health care have been causing widespread concern. It involves designing and implementing methods of financing and organizing the delivery…
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Mallet toe
The condition in which it is not possible to extend the terminal part of the toe. It is usually due to muscular imbalance but may be caused by congenital absence of the extensor muscle. A callosity often forms on the toe, which may be painful. Should this be troublesome, treatment consists of removal of the…
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Malathion
Organophosphorus insecticide which is a preferred scabicide and pediculocide; applied externally; resistance is rare. An effective pesticide; an organophosphate that inhibits the enzyme cholinesterase. An insecticide with neurotoxic properties, this substance is an organic phosphate that effectively eliminates lice. Malathion is an antiparasitic medication used to treat skin and hair infestations like lice and scabies.…
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Malar
Anything relating to the cheek. For example, cheek bone is also known as the malar bone and a malar flush is reddening of the cheeks. Relating to the cheekbones or the cheeks.
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Lymphogranuloma inguinale
A venereal disease in which the chief characteristic is enlargement of glands in the groin the infecting agent being a virus. A viral sexually transmitted infection marked by the development of a firm sore in the genital region, followed by swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin. It is also known as venereal lymphogranuloma.…
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Lung volumes
The volume of air within the lungs changes with the respiratory cycle. The volumes defined below can be measured, and may be useful indicators of pulmonary disease.
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Lumbar sympathectomy
Destruction of the lumbar chain of sympathetic nerves by means of surgery, diathermy or injection of chemicals (phenol or alcohol). The technique is used to improve the blood flow to the leg in patients with peripheral vascular disease, and to treat some types of chronic leg pain. It has only limited success.
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Lugol’s Solution
A compound solution of iodine and potassium iodide used in the preoperative preparation of patients with thyrotoxicosis. A solution composed of iodine and potassium iodide in water, employed to treat hyperactivity of the thyroid gland.
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Loop diuretics
Drugs used in pulmonary oedema (excess fluid in the lungs), caused by failure of the left ventricle of the heart. Diuretics cause an increase in excretion of urine, thus reducing the amount of fluid in the body. Intravenous administration of loop diuretics relieves patients’ breathlessness. They work by inhibiting resorption of fluid in the renal…
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