Category: As-As

1. In dysmorphology (the study of birth defects), the nonrandom occurrence in two or more individuals of a pattern of multiple anomalies (birth defects) not known to be a malformation syndrome (such as Down syndrome), a malformation sequence (of birth defects) or what is called a polytopic field defect (in which all of the defects are concentrated…

This term may be used to mean an assistive device, but more commonly denotes some kind of electronic or computerized device that helps a disabled person to function more easily in the world. Examples of assistive technology include devices that allow people to control a computer with the mouth, keyboards that can “speak” for mute…

Any device that is designed, made, or adapted to assist a person perform a particular task. For examples, canes, crutches, walkers, wheel chairs, and shower chairs are all assistive devices.

The deliberate hastening of death by a terminally ill patient with assistance from a doctor, family member, or another individual.

A type of long-term care facility for elderly or disabled people who are able to get around on their own but who may need help with some activities of daily living or simply prefer the convenience of having their meals in a central cafeteria and having nursing staff on call.

A physician assistant (PA) is a mid-level medical practitioner who works under the supervision of a licensed doctor (an MD) or osteopathic physician (a DO). The physician assistant came about in the 1960s as a response to the need for more clinicians (there was a shortage of family physicians) and better access to health care.…

1. A non-medical assistant in childbirth. A doula is not the father but is usually a woman who is experienced in childbirth. The role of the doula is to provide the mother with physical and emotional assistance before, during, or after childbirth. Also known as a birth assistant, birth companion, childbirth assistant, or labor support professional.2. A non-professional assistant in dying, someone…

An arrangement by which a patient requests that their health benefit payments be made directly to a designated person or facility, such as a physician or hospital.

The process of putting fragments of DNA that have been sequenced into their correct chromosomal positions. The pieces of DNA are assembled to reconstitute the sequence of the chromosome from which they came.

A portion of the processes by which new HIV is formed in infected host cells. Viral core proteins, enzymes, and RNA gather (assemble) just inside the cell’s membrane, while the viral envelope proteins aggregate within the membrane. An immature viral particle is formed and then pinches off (buds) from the cell, acquiring an envelope and the cellular…