Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Peritoneal lavage
Irrigation of the peritoneal cavity (e.g., to diagnose blunt abdominal trauma; to diagnose, by obtaining cytologic specimens, or treat tumors of the peritoneum with chemotherapeutic agents; and to treat peritonitis, assist in evacuation of blood, fecal soilage, and/or purulent secretions as in hemorrhage or peritonitis).
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Ductal lavage
The injection of a small amount of saline into the ducts of the breast through a miniature catheter, followed by collection of the fluid and the cells that wash out with it. The cells are analyzed for evidence of early changes that may suggest an increased risk of future cancers. Occasionally they may reveal an…
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Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome
The combination of girdle-type obesity, sexual underdevelopment, mental retardation, retinal degeneration, polydactyly, and deformity of the skull. The condition is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. A rare genetic condition marked by obesity, retinal degeneration which can result in blindness, intellectual challenges, the presence of extra fingers or toes, and reduced function of the ovaries…
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Launch
The release of a new drug or medical device into broad clinical use, that is, into the marketplace.
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Laughter reflex
Uncontrollable laughter resulting from tickling or the fear of tickling.
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Pathological laughter
Uncontrolled laughter (occasionally accompanied by, or alternating with, uncontrolled crying), caused by pseudobulbar lesions of the brain. These lesions may result from lacunar strokes, multiple sclerosis, anoxic brain injury, and other forms of brain injury.
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Compulsive laughter
Laughter without cause, occurring in certain psychoses, especially schizophrenia.
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Laughter
A series of inarticulate sounds produced as an expression of emotion, usually happiness or mirth. The role of humor and laughter in promoting a positive attitude and health and in preventing the progress of some diseases has been documented especially when it is combined with proven medical therapies.
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Laudable
Commendable; healthy; normal; formerly said erroneously of pus.
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Lattice degeneration
Atrophy or thinning of the retina at its margins, a common condition that affects about 10% of the population. The condition is usually bilateral and is often asymptomatic, although affected persons may complain of seeing sudden flashes of light. It is an occasional cause of retinal detachment.
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