Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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BP1
Beta protein 1, a protein encoded by a member of the homeobox gene family, a group of genes important to early development of the fetus. Specifically, BP1 belongs to the DLX homeobox family. BP1 acts as a transcription factor that turns other genes on and off and regulates the beta globin gene. BP1 is overexpressed…
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BP
Commonly used abbreviation for blood pressure. On a medical chart, you might see “BP90/60 T98.6 Ht60/reg R15,” which signifies that the blood pressure (BP) is 90/60 mm Hg, the temperature (T) is 98.6° Fahrenheit, the heart rate (Ht) is 60 beats per minute and regular, and respirations are occurring at 15 per minute.
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Bowen disease
An early stage of skin cancer. Bowen’s disease is medically the same as “squamous cell carcinoma in situ.” Squamous cell carcinoma is a tumor that develops from the squamous cells which are flat, scale-like cells in the outer layer of the skin (the epithelium). The term “in situ” (borrowed from the Romans) means “in the natural or normal place” and, in…
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Bowel sounds
The gurgling, rumbling, or growling noises from the abdomen caused by the muscular contractions of peristalsis, the process that moves the contents of the stomach and intestines downward. Bowel sounds are normal. Their absence can indicate intestinal paralysis (ileus). Bowel sounds may also be temporarily absent after abdominal surgery. Their increase may indicate bowel obstruction. Bowel sounds are also…
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Bowel disorders and fiber
High-fiber diets help delay the progression of and number of bouts with diverticulosis. In many cases, high-fiber diets help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is generally accepted that a diet high in fiber is protective or at least reduces the incidence of colon polyps and colon cancer.
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Bowel disease, inflammatory
A group of chronic intestinal diseases characterized by inflammation of the bowel — the large or small intestine. The most common types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease. Crohn disease favors the ileum (the lower part of the small intestine) but can occur anywhere along the intestinal tract while, by contrast, ulcerative colitis affects the colon (the large…
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Bowel Cancer
A malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine (the colon). In the U.S., bowel cancer is the third leading type of cancer in males and the fourth in females. Risk factors for cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer) include colon polyps, long-standing ulcerative colitis, and genetic family history. Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps. Removal of colon…
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Bowel
The small and large intestine.
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Bow-legs
A condition in which the legs curve out to leave a gap between the knees after the period of infancy has passed. It can be corrected with surgery or casting. Also called genu varum, tibia vara.
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Bovine tuberculosis
Tuberculosis in cattle caused by infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis which can be transmitted to other animals and to humans.
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