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Argon laser
Argon laser A laser with ionized argon as the active medium. Argon lasers are used for photocoagulation in ophthalmology.
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Laser
An acronym of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. A surgical tool that creates intense heat and power when focused at close range, destroying cells by vaporizing them.
Lasers
Recently high intensity light (lasers) has been developed for use in the dental field. Dental lasers allow for an easier and cleaner way to cut soft tissue and recently have been improved to enable the dentist to cut hard tissue (enamel) as well. The lasers used in dentistry come in three different variations. The greatest difference is in the laser beam and the depth of cut and temperature at the surface of the cut being made by the laser. The two most common types of soft tissue lasers are the CO2 laser and the YAG laser. The CO2 cuts more on the surface and does not raise the temperature very high on the surface to be treated which allows the tissue a better response to healing. The YAG laser will cut deeper and at a higher temperature so it can overheat some of the underlying structures below the tissue surface. The third type of laser is the newly developed laser for cutting hard tissue (enamel) called the erbium laser. An attribute of the erbium laser is that it does not overheat the tooth so that the tooth pulp (nerve) will not die. The erbium laser is currently being utilized in a small number of dental practices in the United States but may be more generally available in the near future.
Photocoagulation
Using a special strong beam of light (laser) to seal off bleeding blood vessels such as in the eye. The laser can also burn away blood vessels that should not have grown in the eye. This is the main treatment for diabetic retinopathy.
Ophthalmology
The branch of medicine that pertains to the eye and its diseases.
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Arenaviridae
See: Arenavirus.
Arenavirus
One of a family of viruses called Arenaviridae whose members are generally associated with diseases transmitted by rodents to humans. Each arenavirus is usually associated with a particular rodent host species in which it is maintained. Arenavirus infections are relatively common in humans in some areas of the world and can cause severe illnesses.
Arg
Arginine. See also: Amino acid symbols.
Argentaffinoma
A tumor which secretes large amounts of the hormone serotonin. Argentaffinoma is also called carcinoid tumor. The tumor usually arises in the gastrointestinal tract, anywhere between the stomach and the rectum (the favorite spot is in the appendix) and from there may metastasize (spread) to the liver. In the liver the tumor produces and releases large quantities of serotonin into the systemic bloodstream.
Arginine
"An amino acid, one of the 20 amino acids that serve as the building blocks in protein. Arginine is not an ""essential"" amino acid. It is not essential to the diet, but can be made by the body from other substances. However, it is usually considered essential to the diet for children so they can grow normally. Lack of arginine in the diet impairs growth and in adult males it decreases the sperm count."
Argon laser
Argyria
Silver poisoning resulting in ashen gray discolored skin (and other tissues of the body). Due to long-term use of silver salts.
Arimidex
Brand name for anastrozole, an oral antiestrogen. Arimidex inhibits the enzyme aromatase in the adrenal glands that produces the estrogens (estradiol and estrone) and thereby lowers their levels.
Aristolochia fangchi
A Chinese herb that is injurious to the kidney and is also associated with an increased risk of cancer of the urinary system.
Aristolochic acid
"A chemical found in nature in the plant Aristolochia fangchi. Aristolochic acid is contained in a number of botanical products sold as ""traditional medicines"" or as dietary supplements or weight-loss remedies. The use of products containing aristolochic acid can cause permanent kidney damage, including end-stage kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. In addition, aristolochic acid can cause cancer, most often in the urinary tract, specifically transitional cell carcinoma (urothelial carcinoma). In sum, aristolochic acid is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic; it is toxic to the kidney and causes cancer."
ARM (abr)
Abbreviation of age-related maculopathy, any pathologic condition of the macula, the small spot in the retina where vision is keenest. The late stages of ARM are also referred to as age-related macular degeneration.
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