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Fluoride
Fluoride A compound of fluorine with another element or radical. Fluoride compounds are present in drinking water and some foods. Fluoride ions replace hydroxyl ions in hydroxyapatite in teeth, forming fluorapatite, which leads to fewer cavities. Fluoride compounds are therefore added to some toothpastes and dentists may also give a yearly fluoride treatment. It is generally recommended that fluorides be added to water supplies in which the natural level is less than 0.7 ppm in water to increase the concentration to 0.7-1.2 ppm. The addition of fluoride to water systems is one of the major achievements in public health in the 20th century. Fluoride, in combination with calcium and vitamin D, also increases bone mass and lowers the risk of backbone fractures associated with osteoporosis. The only accepted adverse effect of fluoridation is dental fluorosis.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Fluoride A compound of fluorine with another element or radical. Fluoride compounds are present in drinking water and some foods. Fluoride ions replace hydroxyl ions in hydroxyapatite in teeth, forming fluorapatite, which leads to fewer cavities. Fluoride compounds are therefore added to some toothpastes and dentists may also give a yearly fluoride treatment. It is generally recommended that fluorides be added to water supplies in which the natural level is less than 0.7 ppm in water to increase the concentration to 0.7-1.2 ppm. The addition of fluoride to water systems is one of the major achievements in public health in the 20th century. Fluoride, in combination with calcium and vitamin D, also increases bone mass and lowers the risk of backbone fractures associated with osteoporosis. The only accepted adverse effect of fluoridation is dental fluorosis.
Hydroxyapatite Calcium hydroxyapatite. One form of calcification which may be associated with acute inflammation in soft tissue or a destructive arthropathy (Milwaukee shoulder).
Cavities Holes in the two outer layers of a tooth called the enamel and the dentin. The enamel is the outermost white hard surface and the dentin is the yellow layer just beneath enamel. Both layers serve to protect the inner living tooth tissue called the pulp, where blood vessels and nerves reside. Small cavities may not cause pain, and may be unnoticed by the patient. Larger cavities can collect food, and the inner pulp of the affected tooth can become irritated by bacterial toxins, foods that are cold, hot, sour, or sweet - causing toothache. Also referred to as caries.
Natural Not human-induced or manmade.
Calcium Chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves
Vitamin Any of many organic substances that are vital in small amounts to the normal functioning of the body. Vitamins are found in food, produced by the body, and manufactured synthetically; along with minerals, they are known as micronutrients.
Bone Bone refers either to a hardened connective tissue or to one of the individual structures, or organs, into which it is formed, found in many animals. Bones support body structures, protect internal organs, and (in conjunction with muscles) facilitate movement; are also involved with cell formation, calcium metabolism, and mineral storage. The bones of an animal are, collectively, known as the skeleton.
Risk In clinical trials, the probability of harm or discomfort for subjects, arising from the test product. Acceptable risk differs depending on the condition for which a product is being tested. A product for sore throat, for example, will be expected to have a low incidence of side effects. However, unpleasant side effects may be an acceptable risk when testing a promising treatment for a life-threatening illness.
Backbone The spine. A flexible row of bones stretching from the base of the skull to the tailbone.
Osteoporosis Break-down or disintegration of bone, resulting in diminished and porous bone mass. Osteoporosis can result from cancer (including breast cancer) that has spread to the bones), some cancer therapies, and estrogen deficiency (estrogen is an important participant in maintaining bone). Osteoporosis can cause pain, deformity (especially of the spine), pathologic fractures (fractures caused by weakened bone), or traumatic fractures (for example, wrist or hip fracture from a fall).
Fluoridation 1. In general, treatment with fluoride. 2. Specifically, the addition of fluoride to a water supply to help prevent dental caries.
Fluorosis An abnormal condition caused by excessive intake of fluorine, characterized chiefly by mottling of the teeth.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Fluocet Fluocet is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluocinolone acetonide.
Fluocinolone acetonide Fluocinolone acetonide is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluocinolone acetonide.
Fluocinonide Fluocinonide is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluocinonide.
Fluocinonide emulsified base Fluocinonide emulsified base is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluocinonide.
Fluonid Fluonid is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluocinolone acetonide.
Fluor-op Fluor-op is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluorometholone.
Fluorescein A compound used as a diagnostic aid to show injuries of the cornea or retina of the eye.
Fluorescein angiograms Photographs of the back of the eye, taken after a fluorescent dye is placed in the blood stream.ÿ This is used to test the circulation in the retina of the eye.
Fluorescein angiography Fluorescein Angiography is a diagnostic test used to assess pathology that affects the retina, choroid and/or iris of the eye. Fluorescein angiography is used to assess the blood flow of the eye and abnormal states are referred to as either hyperfluorescence or hypofluorescence relative to the normal amount of fluorescence. Fluorescein angiography involves an intravenous injection of sodium Fluorescein ( a dye) into the antecubical vein ( a vein in the arm) and then photographs are taken of the eye as the dye enters and leaves the blood system of the eye. The doctor will evaluate prefilling ( i.e., what the retina and choroid look like before the dye enters the eye), transit ( i.e., first passage of dye through the retina and choroid), recirculation (i.e., fluoroscien has become equally distributed throughout the eye and then starts to circulate through again) and later phase ( i.e., as the fluoroscien is eliminated from the body by the kidneys). The test lasts about 30 minutes. Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects, occurring in about 5% or less of patients. Severe side effects ( e.g., anaphylaxis, death) have been reported but are very rare.
Fluorescein Angiography A method of taking a picture of the flow of blood in the vessels of the eye by tracing the progress of an injected dye.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) A technique that can be used for prenatal diagnosis, in which specifically designed fluorescent molecules are used to "light up" particular genes or sections of chromosomes to make them visible under a microscope. The fluorescence makes even small abnormalities in the chromosomes visible.
Fluorescent antibody An antibody coupled with a fluorescent dye, used with a fluorescence microscope to detect antigen on cells, tissues, or microorganisms.
Fluorescent in situ hybridization An important molecular cytogenetic method for identifying chromosomes and parts of chromosomes, deciphering chromosome rearrangements, and locating genes on chromosomes.
Fluorescent microscope A microscope equipped to examine material that fluoresces under ultraviolet light. Fluorescence microscopy is based on the principle that fluorescent materials emit visible light when they are irradiated with ultraviolet rays or with violet-blue visible rays.
Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbed test A blood serum screening test for syphilis designed to demonstrate the presence or absence of specific antibodies directed against the organism (Treponema pallidum) responsible for syphilis.
Fluoridation 1. In general, treatment with fluoride. 2. Specifically, the addition of fluoride to a water supply to help prevent dental caries.
Fluorine f-18 Fluorine f-18 is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): sodium fluoride, f-18.
Fluorobody A hybrid molecule that combines the affinity and specificity of an antibody with the visibility of a green fluorescent protein (GFP). The GSP provides the antibody with a built-in detection system.
Fluoroplex Fluoroplex is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluorouracil.
Fluoroscopy An x-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. Fluoroscopy uses x-ray to produce real-time video images. After the x-rays pass through the patient, instead of using film, they are captured by a device called an image intensifier and converted into light. The light is then captured by a TV camera and displayed on a video monitor.
Fluorosis An abnormal condition caused by excessive intake of fluorine, characterized chiefly by mottling of the teeth.
Fluorouracil A much-used anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites. Full name: 5-fluorouracil. Abbreviation: 5-FU. 5-FU is a pyrimidine antagonist. 5-FU is similar in structure to the pyrimidine base thymine and functions to inhibit DNA synthesis both by blocking the formation of normal pyrimidine nucleotides via both enzyme inhibition and by interfering with DNA synthesis after incorporation into a growing DNA molecule. 5-FU is also able to block the production of RNA and thereby induce cell death. 5-FU affects the processing of messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and small nuclear RNA (snRNA). 5-FU may also inhibit cell growth is through its ability to prevent the synthesis of thymine nucleotides from uracil nucleotides.
Fluothane Fluothane is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): halothane.
Fluotrex Fluotrex is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluocinolone acetonide.
Fluoxetine A drug used to treat depression. It belongs to the family of drugs called antidepressants.
Fluoxetine hcl Fluoxetine hcl is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluoxetine hydrochloride.
Fluoxymesterone Fluoxymesterone is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluoxymesterone.
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Fluid, cerebrospinal (CSF) A watery fluid, continuously produced and absorbed, which flows in the ventricles (cavities) within the brain and around the surface of the brain and spinal cord. The CSF is produced by the choroid plexus, a series of infolded blood vessels projecting into the cerebral ventricles, and it is absorbed into the venous system. If production exceedes absorption, the CSF pressure rises and the result is hydrocephalus. This can also occur if the CSF pathways are obstructed and CSF accumulates.
Fluorescent in situ hybridization An important molecular cytogenetic method for identifying chromosomes and parts of chromosomes, deciphering chromosome rearrangements, and locating genes on chromosomes.
Fluorescent microscope A microscope equipped to examine material that fluoresces under ultraviolet light. Fluorescence microscopy is based on the principle that fluorescent materials emit visible light when they are irradiated with ultraviolet rays or with violet-blue visible rays.
Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbed test A blood serum screening test for syphilis designed to demonstrate the presence or absence of specific antibodies directed against the organism (Treponema pallidum) responsible for syphilis.
Fluoridation 1. In general, treatment with fluoride. 2. Specifically, the addition of fluoride to a water supply to help prevent dental caries.
Fluoride
Fluorobody A hybrid molecule that combines the affinity and specificity of an antibody with the visibility of a green fluorescent protein (GFP). The GSP provides the antibody with a built-in detection system.
Fluoroscopy An x-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. Fluoroscopy uses x-ray to produce real-time video images. After the x-rays pass through the patient, instead of using film, they are captured by a device called an image intensifier and converted into light. The light is then captured by a TV camera and displayed on a video monitor.
Fluorosis An abnormal condition caused by excessive intake of fluorine, characterized chiefly by mottling of the teeth.
Fluorouracil A much-used anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites. Full name: 5-fluorouracil. Abbreviation: 5-FU. 5-FU is a pyrimidine antagonist. 5-FU is similar in structure to the pyrimidine base thymine and functions to inhibit DNA synthesis both by blocking the formation of normal pyrimidine nucleotides via both enzyme inhibition and by interfering with DNA synthesis after incorporation into a growing DNA molecule. 5-FU is also able to block the production of RNA and thereby induce cell death. 5-FU affects the processing of messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and small nuclear RNA (snRNA). 5-FU may also inhibit cell growth is through its ability to prevent the synthesis of thymine nucleotides from uracil nucleotides.
Flush (1) A redness of the skin, typically over the cheeks or neck. A flush is usually temporary and brought on by excitement, exercise, fever, or embarrassment. Flushing is an involuntary (uncontrollable) response of the nervous system leading to widening of the capillaries of the involved skin. Also referred to as a blush (or, as a verb, to blush). Flushing may also be caused by medications or other substances that cause widening of the capillaries, such as niacin. (2) Flush also means to wash out a wound or body area.
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