| divinyl ether | O(CH==CH2)2;a volatile liquid, the vapor of which produces rapid induction of general anaesthesia; prolonged administration is associated with adverse side effects on the liver and central nervous system; an obsolete agent. Synonym: vinyl ether. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| divinyl ether synthase | <enzyme> Catalyses conversion of hydroperoxides to divinyl ethers; isolated from garlic bulbs allium sativum; preferentially acts sterospecifically on the (s) enantomer of 13-hpod ((9z,11e,13s)-13-hydroperoxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid Registry number: EC 1.- (26 Jun 1999) |
| ether | 1. <physics> A medium of great elasticity and extreme tenuity, supposed to pervade all space, the interior of solid bodies not excepted, and to be the medium of transmission of light and heat; hence often called luminiferous ether. 2. Supposed matter above the air; the air itself. 3. <chemistry> A light, volatile, mobile, inflammable liquid, (C2H5)2O, of a characteristic aromatic odour, obtained by the distillation of alcohol with sulphuric acid, and hence called also sulphuric ether. It is powerful solvent of fats, resins, and pyroxylin, but finds its chief use as an anaesthetic. Called also ethyl oxide. Any similar oxide of hydrocarbon radicals; as, amyl ether; valeric ether. <chemistry> Complex ether, Mixed ether, a condensing engine like a steam engine, but operated by the vapor of ether instead of by steam. Origin: Written also aether. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| ether convulsion | A convulsion occasionally associated with divinyl and diethyl ether anaesthesia. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ether, ethyl | <chemical> 1,1'-oxybisethane. A mobile, very volatile, highly flammable liquid used as an inhalation anaesthetic and as a solvent for waxes, fats, oils, perfumes, alkaloids, and gums. It is mildly irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Pharmacological action: anaesthetics, inhalation, solvents. Chemical name: Ethane, 1,1'-oxybis- (12 Dec 1998) |
| ethyl ether | CH3CH2OCH2CH3;a flammable, volatile organic solvent used in extraction procedures; formerly widely used as an inhalation anaesthetic; shortcomings include: irritating vapor, slow onset and prolonged recovery phase, explosion hazard. Synonym: ethyl ether, ethyl oxide, sulfuric ether. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Abbe test plate | <equipment> A long, wedge-shaped coverslip about 0.20 mm thick at one end and 0.10 to 0.12 mm at the other end coated chemically with a silver film on which are ruled horizontal lines. at each variation in thickness of 0.01 mm there are vertical lines. By means of oblique illumination and by focusing on different portions of the plate, it is possible to determine the optimum coverslip thickness for any objective and also, for microscopes with drawtubes, the tube length for best objective performance. The approximate freedom from spherical and chromatic aberrations can also be estimated. Small isolated bits of silver near the edges of the lines form good objects for the star test (05 Aug 1998) |
| acetone test | A test for ketonuria; the suspected urine is shaken up with a few drops of sodium nitroprusside, and strong ammonia water is then gently poured over the mixture; if acetone is present, a magenta ring forms at the line of contact; tablets containing sodium nitroprusside and alkali are now more commonly used. (05 Mar 2000) |
| achievement test | A standardised test used to measure acquired learning, e.g., competence in a specific subject area such as reading or arithmetic, in contrast to an intelligence test which is a useful index of potential ability or learning. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acidified serum test | Lysis of the patient's red cells in acidified fresh serum, specific for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria. Synonym: Ham's test. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acid loading test | <nephrology> This is a test used in the diagnosis of renal tubular acidosis. The patient takes ammonium chloride capsules for 3 days to acidify the blood (lower blood pH). A sample of the urine and the blood is then collected and the results are interpreted. (27 Sep 1997) |
| acid perfusion test | <gastroenterology, investigation> A test used to diagnosis gastrooesophageal reflux disease. This investigation requires that the patient swallow 3 tiny tubes into the stomach. A mixture of hydrochloric acid (like stomach acid) and saline are alternatively injected into the tubes. The patient then reports any symptoms they may have. Some patients may vomit. (13 Nov 1997) |
| acid phosphatase test for semen | A screening test for semen by determining acid phosphatase content; because seminal fluid contains high concentrations of acid phosphatase, while other body fluids and extraneous foreign materials have very low concentrations, high values of acid phosphatase on vaginal aspirate or lavage, or on wash fluid from stains, render positive identification of semen, even if the male is aspermic. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acid reflux test | A test to detect gastroesophageal reflux by monitoring oesophageal pH by an electrode in the distal oesophagus either basally or after acid is instilled into the stomach. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ACTH stimulation test | A test for adrenal cortical function; ACTH administered by continuous intravenous infusion, or intramuscularly, evokes an increase in plasma cortisol in normal persons; in adrenal cortical insufficiency, the expected increase in plasma cortisol is limited or nonexistent. (05 Mar 2000) |