| NPT | neoprecipitin test; nocturnal penile tumescence; normal pressure and temperature; sodium phosphate t... |
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| PBI | parental bonding instrument; penile pressure/brachial pressure index; protein-bound iodine |
| PBPI | penile-brachial pulse index |
| PDS | pain-dysfunction syndrome; paroxysmal depolarizing shift; patient data system; Patient-Doctor Societ... |
| PE | Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia; pancreatic extract; paper electrophoresis; partial epilepsy; pelvic examina... |
| erection, penile | When the penis fills with blood and is rigid. The penis contains two chambers, called the corpora cavernosa, which run the length of the organ, are filled with spongy tissue, and surrounded by a membrane, called the tunica albuginea. The spongy tissue contains smooth muscles, fibrous tissues, spaces, veins, and arteries. The urethra, which is the channel for urine and ejaculate, runs along the underside of the corpora cavernosa. Erection begins with sensory and mental stimulation. Impulses from the brain and local nerves cause the muscles of the corpora cavernosa to relax, allowing blood to flow in and fill the open spaces. The blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa, making the penis expand. The tunica albuginea helps to trap the blood in the corpora cavernosa, thereby sustaining erection. Erection is reversed when muscles in the penis contract, stopping the inflow of blood and opening outflow channels. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| advanced life support | Definitive emergency medical care that includes defibrillation, airway management, and use of drugs and medications. Compare: basic life support. (05 Mar 2000) |
| basic life support | Emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation, control of bleeding, treatment of shock, acidosis, and poisoning, stabilization of injuries and wounds, and basic first aid. (05 Mar 2000) |
| research support | Financial support of research activities. (12 Dec 1998) |
| health planning support | Financial resources provided for activities related to health planning and development. (12 Dec 1998) |
| social support | Support systems that provide assistance and encouragement to individuals with physical or emotional disabilities in order that they may better cope. Informal social support is usually provided by friends, relatives, or peers, while formal assistance is provided by churches, groups, etc. (12 Dec 1998) |
| nutritional support | The administration of nutrients for assimilation and utilization by a patient by means other than normal eating. It does not include fluid therapy which normalises body fluids to restore water-electrolyte balance. (12 Dec 1998) |
| decision support systems, clinical | Computer-based information systems used to integrate clinical and patient information and provide support for decision-making in patient care. (12 Dec 1998) |
| decision support systems, management | Computer-based systems that enable management to interrogate the computer on an ad hoc basis for various kinds of information in the organization, which predict the effect of potential decisions. (12 Dec 1998) |
| decision support techniques | Mathematical or statistical procedures used as aids in making a decision. They are frequently used in medical decision-making. (12 Dec 1998) |
| support | 1. To bear by being under; to keep from falling; to uphold; to sustain, in a literal or physical sense; to prop up; to bear the weight of; as, a pillar supports a structure; an abutment supports an arch; the trunk of a tree supports the branches. 2. To endure without being overcome, exhausted, or changed in character; to sustain; as, to support pain, distress, or misfortunes. "This fierce demeanor and his insolence The patience of a god could not support." (Dryden) 3. To keep from failing or sinking; to solace under affictive circumstances; to assist; to encourage; to defend; as, to support the courage or spirits. 4. To assume and carry successfully, as the part of an actor; to represent or act; to sustain; as, to support the character of King Lear. 5. To furnish with the means of sustenance or livelihood; to maintain; to provide for; as, to support a family; to support the ministers of the gospel. 6. To carry on; to enable to continue; to maintain; as, to support a war or a contest; to support an argument or a debate. 7. To verify; to make good; to substantiate; to establish; to sustain; as, the testimony is not sufficient to support the charges; the evidence will not support the statements or allegations. "To urge such arguments, as though they were sufficient to support and demonstrate a whole scheme of moral philosophy." (J. Edwards) 8. To vindicate; to maintain; to defend successfully; as, to be able to support one's own cause. 9. To uphold by aid or countenance; to aid; to help; to back up; as, to support a friend or a party; to support the present administration. "Wherefore, bold pleasant, Darest thou support a published traitor?" (Shak) 10. A attend as an honorary assistant; as, a chairman supported by a vice chairman; O'Connell left the prison, supported by his two sons. Support arms, a command in the manual of arms in responce to which the piece is held vertically at the shoulder, with the hammer resting on the left forearm, which is passed horizontally across the body in front; also, the position assumed in response to this command. Synonym: To maintain, endure, verify, substantiate, countenance, patronize, help, back, second, succor, relieve, uphold, encourage, favor, nurture, nourish, cherish, shield, defend, protect, stay, assist, forward. Origin: F. Supporter, L. Supportare to carry on, to convey, in LL, to support, sustain; sub under + portare to carry. See Port demeanor. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| support medium | The material in which separation takes place, as in separation of components in electrophoresis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| training support | Financial support for training including both student stipends and loans and training grants to institutions. (12 Dec 1998) |
| financial support | The provision of monetary resources including money or capital and credit; obtaining or furnishing money or capital for a purchase or enterprise and the funds so obtained. (12 Dec 1998) |
| life support care | Care provided patients requiring extraordinary therapeutic measures in order to sustain and prolong life. (12 Dec 1998) |