| Fischer projection formula | <biochemistry> Of sugars, representations, by projection, of cyclic sugars, or derivatives thereof, in which the carbon chain is depicted vertically. The lowest-numbered asymmetric carbon atom (C-1 in aldoses; C-2 in 2-ketoses, e.g., fructose) is drawn at the top, and the rest of the carbon atoms of the chain are drawn in sequence below the top carbon atom. For each carbon atom, depicted in projection as lying in the plane of the paper, the carbon-to-carbon bond(s), which actually point away from the viewer, are drawn as vertical lines. The left-hand and right-hand bonds of each carbon atom, which actually point toward the viewer, are, in projection, depicted as horizontal lines. The conventions for the Fischer formulas of cyclic sugars are as follows: 1) if the highest-numbered asymmetric carbon atom has its OH (or its replacement) lying to the right, as is the 2-OH of d-glyceraldehyde, the sugar has the d configuration; if the OH is to the left, the sugar has the l configuration. 2) On the anomeric carbon atom (C-1 in the aldoses; C-2 in the 2-ketoses), an OH or substituted OH that lies to the right, with the OH of the highest-numbered asymmetric carbon atom also to the right is defined to be a; if it is to the left, with the OH of the highest-numbered carbon atom still to the right, it is b; the reverse applies if the latter OH is to the left. 3) The orientation of a terminal CH2OH group in the aldoses carries no configurational significance, as it contains no asymmetric carbon atom. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| Flesch formula | A method of determining the difficulty of a written passage by a formulation that provides an estimate of how many people in the U.S. Would be able to read and understand the passage; used in determining patient comprehension of hospital consent forms. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Florschutz' formula | The correct relation of height to the abdominal circumference: L: (2B -L), L representing the individual's height, and B the circumference of the abdomen; the normal value so determined would be 5, and any below that would indicate obesity. (05 Mar 2000) |
| formula | Origin: L, dim. Of forma form, model. SeeForm. 1. A prescribed or set form; an established rule; a fixed or conventional method in which anything is to be done, arranged, or said. 2. A written confession of faith; a formal statement of foctrines. 3. <mathematics> A rule or principle expressed in algebraic language; as, the binominal formula. 4. <medicine> A prescription or recipe for the preparation of a medicinal compound. 5. <chemistry> A symbolic expression (by means of letters, figures, etc) of the constituents or constitution of a compound. Chemical formulae consist of the abbreviations of the names of the elements, with a small figure at the lower right hand, to denote the number of atoms of each element contained. <chemistry> Empirical formula, a formula indicating the supposed molecular constitution of a compound. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| formula feeding | The ability of the breast to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Immunity factors in breast milk can help the baby to fight off infections. Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes which aid the baby's digestion. Breast and formula feeding can be used together. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Ledermann formula | A formula to calculate alcohol dependancy levels. Ledermann showed empirically that the distribution of alcohol consumption in a population is log normal; the formula used this observation to estimate the prevalence of various degrees of alcohol dependency. Some questions have been raised about the validity of Ledermann's observations. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Long's formula | A formula for estimating from the specific gravity of a specimen of urine the approximate amount of solids in grams per liter; the last two figures of the value for specific gravity are multiplied by 2.6. Synonym: Long's coefficient. (05 Mar 2000) |
| administration, oral | The giving of drugs, chemicals, or other substances by mouth. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cancer, oral | Cancer of the mouth area. A sore in the mouth that does not heal can be a warning sign of oral cancer. A biopsy is the only to know whether as abnormal area in the oral cavity is cancer. Oral cancer is caused by tobacco (smoking and chewing) and alcohol use. Surgery to remove the tumour in the mouth is the usual treatment for patients with oral cancer. (12 Dec 1998) |
| candidiasis, oral | Infection of the mucous membranes of the mouth by a fungus of the genus candida. (12 Dec 1998) |
| canine oral papilloma | Warts affecting mucous membranes of young dogs; caused by a papillomavirus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| magnesia and alumina oral suspension | A mixture of magnesium hydroxide and variable amounts of aluminum oxide; used as an antacid. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pathology, oral | A dental specialty concerned with pathology of the oral cavity. (12 Dec 1998) |
| pharyngo-oral | Relating to the pharynx and the mouth; oropharyngeal. Origin: pharyngo-+ L. Os (or-), mouth (05 Mar 2000) |
| combination oral contraceptive | A mixture of a steroid having progestational activity and an oestrogen. (05 Mar 2000) |