Glossary of Bio-Medical Terms
W
RETURN TO INDEX Waardenburg's Syndrome
MS = Rare, autosomal dominant disease with variable penetrance and several known clinical types. Characteristics may include depigmentation of the hair and skin, congenital deafness, heterochromia iridis, medial eyebrow hyperplasia, hypertrophy of the nasal root, and especially dystopia canthorum. The underlying cause may be defective development of the neural crest (neurocristopathy). Waardenburg's syndrome may be closely related to piebaldism. Klein-Waardenburg Syndrome refers to a disorder that also includes upper limb abnormalities.
AN = a syndrome of multiple abnorm; check syndrome book for other Waardenburg skull deform syndromes; do not use /congen & do not coord with INFANT, NEWBORN, DISEASES
UI = D014849
WAGR Syndrome
MS = A contiguous gene syndrome associated with hemizygous deletions of chromosome region 11p13. The condition is marked by the combination of Wilms' tumor (W), ANIRIDIA (A), genitourinary abnormalities (G), and MENTAL RETARDATION (R).
UI = D017624
Waikavirus
MS = A genus of plant viruses in the family SEQUIVIRIDAE. Transmission is by leafhoppers or APHIDS and depends on a self-encoded helper protein. The type species is Rice tungro spherical virus.
AN = coord IM with specific plant (often RICE) /virol
UI = D019193
Waiting Lists
MS = Prospective patient listings for appointments.
AN = no qualif
UI = D014850
Wakefulness
MS = A state in which there is an enhanced potential for sensitivity and an efficient responsiveness to external stimuli.
UI = D014851
Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
MS = A plasma cell dyscrasia resembling leukemia with cells of lymphocytic, plasmacytic, or intermediate morphology, which secrete an IMMUNOGLOBULIN M monoclonal component. There is diffuse infiltration of bone marrow and also, in many cases, of the spleen, liver, or lymph nodes. The circulating macroglobulin produces symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome: weakness, fatigue, bleeding disorders, and visual disturbances. Peak incidence is in the sixth and seventh decades. (Dorland, 28th ed)
AN = in titles & translations use diacrit: Waldenström
UI = D008258
Wales
UI = D014852
Walkers
MS = Walking aids generally having two handgrips and four legs.
UI = D014853
Walking
MS = An activity in which the body advances at a slow to moderate pace by moving the feet in a coordinated fashion. This includes recreational walking, walking for fitness, and competitive race-walking.
AN = human & animal; /inj: coord IM with specific inj (IM); /physiol permitted; differentiate from GAIT, the way one walks
UI = D016138
Wallerian Degeneration
MS = Degeneration of distal aspects of a nerve axon following injury to the cell body or proximal portion of the axon. The process is characterized by fragmentation of the axon and its MYELIN SHEATH.
UI = D014855
Walrus
AN = IM; qualif permitted
UI = D014856
War
MS = Hostile conflict between organized groups of people.
AN = war wounds: index under WOUNDS AND INJURIES or specific inj (IM) + WAR (IM or NIM); Persian Gulf War: index under WAR + MIDDLE EAST
UI = D014857
War Crimes
MS = Criminal acts committed during, or in connection with, war, e.g., maltreatment of prisoners, willful killing of civilians, etc.
UI = D014858
Warfarin
MS = An anticoagulant that acts by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. Warfarin is indicated for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of venous thrombosis and its extension, pulmonary embolism, and atrial fibrillation with embolization. It is also used as an adjunct in the prophylaxis of systemic embolism after myocardial infarction. Warfarin is also used as a rodenticide.
AN = an anticoagulant & rodenticide
UI = D014859
Warts
MS = Benign epidermal proliferations or tumors; some are viral in origin.
AN = a non-neoplastic tumor virus infect; coord IM with precoord organ/dis term (IM)
UI = D014860
Wasabia
MS = A plant genus of the family BRASSICACEAE used for its hot peppery root.
AN = HORSERADISH see ARMORACIA is also available; coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D031228
Washington
AN = the state; for Washington, D. C. use DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
UI = D014861
Wasp Venoms
MS = Venoms produced by the wasp (Vespid) family of stinging insects, including hornets; the venoms contain enzymes, biogenic amines, histamine releasing factors, kinins, toxic polypeptides, etc., and are similar to bee venoms.
AN = /antag permitted but consider also ANTIVENINS; /enzymol permitted
UI = D014862
Wasps
MS = Any of numerous winged hymenopterous insects of social as well as solitary habits and having formidable stings.
AN = /microbiol /parasitol /virol permitted; wasp stings: coord IM with INSECT BITES AND STINGS (IM)
UI = D014863
Waste Disposal, Fluid
MS = The discarding or destroying of liquid waste products or their transformation into something useful or innocuous.
UI = D014865
Waste Management
MS = Disposal, processing, controlling, recycling, and reusing the solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes of plants, animals, humans, and other organisms. It includes control within a closed ecological system to maintain a habitable environment.
UI = D018505
Waste Products
MS = Debris resulting from a process that is of no further use to the system producing it. The concept includes materials discharged from or stored in a system in inert form as a by-product of vital activities. (From Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, 1981)
AN = MEDICAL WASTE & DENTAL WASTE are also available
UI = D014866
Wasting Disease, Chronic
MS = A transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (prion disease) of DEER and elk characterized by chronic weight loss leading to death. It is thought to spread by direct contact between animals or through environmental contamination with the prion protein (PRIONS).
UI = D034081
Wasting Syndrome
MS = Any disease marked especially by progressive emaciation and weakness. (Dorland, 28th ed, p490)
AN = do not confuse with CACHEXIA: do not make diagnoses, use words of text; HIV WASTING SYNDROME is also available
UI = D019282
Water
MS = Water. A clear, odorless, tasteless liquid that is essential for most animal and plant life and is an excellent solvent for many substances. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed)
AN = note category: D1 as H2O, G3 as environmental; in body or tissue = BODY WATER; /admin: consider also FLUID THERAPY or INFUSIONS, PARENTERAL or REHYDRATION SOLUTIONS; /adv eff: consider also WATER INTOXICATION; /metab must refer to metab of exogenous water: for water content of organs & tissue use BODY WATER /metab or BODY WATER /chem; /stand: consider also WATER SUPPLY; /ther use: try HYDROTHERAPY & related terms; /microbiol = WATER MICROBIOLOGY (IM) + specific microbe (IM), /parasitol permitted: coord IM with specific parasite (IM), /virol = WATER MICROBIOLOGY (IM) + specific virus (IM); atmospheric water = HUMIDITY; heavy water = DEUTERIUM OXIDE; water intake = DRINKING; hardness or softness of water: probably WATER /chem & not also HARDNESS but consider also WATER SOFTENING; water consumption = WATER or WATER SUPPLY if on a wide scale: on a personal level = DRINKING
UI = D014867
Water Deprivation
MS = The withholding of water in a structured experimental situation.
AN = human & animal; /physiol permitted for physiol & metab eff
UI = D014868
Water Intoxication
MS = A condition resulting from the excessive retention of water with sodium depletion.
UI = D014869
Water Loss, Insensible
MS = Loss of water by diffusion through the skin and by evaporation from the respiratory tract.
UI = D014870
Water Microbiology
MS = The presence of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in water. This term is not restricted to pathogenic organisms.
AN = IM; coord with specific bact, virus or fungus (IM); DF: WATER MICROBIOL
UI = D014871
Water Movements
AN = no qualif; for waves, currents, tides; floods = NATURAL DISASTERS
UI = D014872
Water Pollutants
MS = Substances which pollute the water or bodies of water. Use for water pollutants in general or for which there is no specific heading.
AN = specify pollutant if pertinent (IM or NIM)
UI = D014873
Water Pollutants, Chemical
MS = Chemical compounds which pollute the water of rivers, streams, lakes, the sea, reservoirs, or other bodies of water.
AN = restrict to in situ water in rivers, reservoirs, streams, lakes, sea & the like; specify pollutant if pertinent (IM or NIM)
UI = D014874
Water Pollutants, Radioactive
MS = Pollutants, present in water or bodies of water, which exhibit radioactivity.
AN = specify radiopollutant if pertinent (IM or NIM)
UI = D014875
Water Pollution
AN = IM; coord with source of pollution (IM); note X ref THERMAL WATER POLLUTION: coord with HEAT (IM) only if heat is particularly discussed; specify geog if pertinent
UI = D014876
Water Pollution, Chemical
AN = IM; coord with specific source of pollution (IM); specify geog if pertinent
UI = D014877
Water Pollution, Radioactive
AN = IM; coord with specific source of pollution (IM); specify geog if pertinent
UI = D014878
Water Purification
MS = Any of several processes in which undesirable impurities in water are removed or neutralized; for example, chlorination, filtration, primary treatment, ion exchange, and distillation. It includes treatment of waste water to provide potable and hygiene water in a controlled or closed environment as well as provision of public drinking water supplies. (From McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed)
UI = D018508
Water Softening
UI = D014880
Water Supply
MS = Source, means, or process of supplying water (as for a community) usually including reservoirs, tunnels, and pipelines and often the watershed from which the water is ultimately drawn. (Webster, 3d ed)
AN = do not use WATER SUPPLY with regard to FLUORIDATION: assume to be of the water supply
UI = D014881
Water-Electrolyte Balance
MS = The state of the body in relation to the intake and excretion of water and electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium. It exists in a metabolic balance internally with BODY FLUID COMPARTMENTS, total BODY WATER; BLOOD VOLUME; EXTRACELLULAR SPACE; etc., externally through sensible and insensible SWEATING. The hypothalamus controls water balance. (Dorland, 27th ed; Mountcastle, Medical Physiology, 14th ed, 1980, p1152)
UI = D014882
Water-Electrolyte Imbalance
MS = Disturbances in the body's water-electrolyte metabolism.
AN = note category
UI = D014883
Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome
MS = A condition characterized by the abrupt onset of fever, petechiae, ARTHRALGIA, weakness, and myalgias followed by acute hemorrhagic necrosis of the adrenal glands and severe cardiovascular dysfunction. The syndrome is most often associated with meningococcal septicemia but may occur as a complication of sepsis caused by other organisms, including certain STREPTOCOCCUS species. This disorder may be associated with a prior history of SPLENECTOMY. (From J Emerg Med 1998 Jul-Aug;16(4):643-7)
AN = do not coord with NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS unless particularly discussed; if caused by other organism, coord IM with precoord organism/infection term
UI = D014884
Waxes
MS = A plastic substance deposited by insects or obtained from plants. Waxes are esters of various fatty acids with higher, usually monohydric alcohols. The wax of pharmacy is principally yellow wax (beeswax), the material of which honeycomb is made. It consists chiefly of cerotic acid and myricin and is used in making ointments, cerates, etc. (Dorland, 27th ed)
AN = D25-26 qualif
UI = D014885
Weaning
MS = Permanent deprivation of breast milk and commencement of nourishment with other food. (From Stedman, 25th ed)
AN = human & animal; no qualif; NIM when merely an aspect of growth (as "in newborn, suckling & weaned")
UI = D014886
Weather
AN = no qualif; do not confuse X ref FOG with SMOG, a mixture of smoke & fog
UI = D014887
Wechsler Scales
MS = Tests designed to measure intellectual functioning in children and adults.
UI = D014888
Wedelia
MS = A plant genus of the family ASTERACEAE. Members contain wedelolactone and wedeloside.
AN = coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D031209
Wedge Argument
MS = An assertion that an action apparently unobjectionable in itself would set in motion a train of events leading ultimately to an undesirable outcome. (From Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy, 1995)
UI = D035761
Wegener's Granulomatosis
MS = A multisystem disease chiefly affecting males, characterized by necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis involving the upper and lower respiratory tracts, glomerulonephritis, and variable degrees of systemic, small vessel vasculitis, which is generally considered to represent an aberrant hypersensitivity reaction to an unknown antigen. (Dorland, 27th ed)
AN = necrotizing granulomas of resp tract & multisystem dis
UI = D014890
Weibel-Palade Bodies
MS = Rod-shaped storage granules for VON WILLEBRAND FACTOR specific to endothelial cells.
UI = D020302
Weight Gain
MS = Increase in body weight over existing weight.
UI = D015430
Weight Lifting
MS = A sport in which weights are lifted competitively or as an exercise.
AN = /inj: coord IM with specific inj (IM); /physiol permitted; Manual 30.15+; includes body building if restricted to weight lifting, otherwise index under EXERCISE
UI = D014891
Weight Loss
MS = Decrease in existing body weight.
UI = D015431
Weight Perception
MS = Recognition and discrimination of the heaviness of a lifted object.
UI = D014892
Weight-Bearing
MS = The physical state of supporting an applied load. This often refers to the weight-bearing bones or joints that support the body's weight, especially those in the spine, hip, knee, and foot.
AN = by machines & humans or animals; for weight-bearing bones or joints, coord NIM with specific bone or joint with /physiol (IM)
UI = D016474
Weightlessness
MS = Condition in which no acceleration, whether due to gravity or any other force, can be detected by an observer within a system. It also means the absence of weight or the absence of the force of gravity acting on a body. Microgravity, gravitational force between 0 and 10 -6 g, is included here. (From NASA Thesaurus, 1988)
AN = natural only: WEIGHTLESSNESS SIMULATION is also available; /adv eff permitted
UI = D014893
Weightlessness Countermeasures
MS = Techniques and routines designed to prevent or reverse unwanted effects of weightlessness experienced during actual and simulated space flight, including physiologic changes related to removal of gravitational loading. Specific measures include creation of artificial gravity, exercise, low-level lower body negative pressure, and use of anti-deconditioning devices. (From Nicogossian, Space Physiology and Medicine, 2d ed, pp294-297)
AN = in actual or simulated space flight; no qualif
UI = D018544
Weightlessness Simulation
MS = Condition under normal Earth gravity where the force of gravity itself is not actually altered but its influence or effect may be modified and studied. (From ASGSB Bull 1992;5(2):27)
UI = D018474
Weights and Measures
MS = A unit or standard of measurement. (Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2d ed)
AN = METRIC SYSTEM is available; TN 192: not for "weight" of anything; DF: WEIGHTS
UI = D014894
Weil Disease
MS = A severe form of LEPTOSPIROSIS, usually caused by LEPTOSPIRA INTERROGANS SEROVAR ICTEROHAEMORRHAGIAE and occasionally other serovars. It is transmitted to humans by the rat and is characterized by hemorrhagic and renal symptoms with accompanying JAUNDICE.
AN = if not caused by LEPTOSPIRA INTERROGANS SEROVAR ICTEROHAEMORRHAGIAE, coord IM with specific Leptospira interrogans serovar (IM) or LEPTOSPIRA INTERROGANS (IM)
UI = D014895
Welding
UI = D014896
Werner Syndrome
MS = An autosomal recessive disorder that causes premature aging in adults, characterized by sclerodermal skin changes, cataracts, subcutaneous calcification, muscular atrophy, a tendency to diabetes mellitus, aged appearance of the face, baldness, and a high incidence of neoplastic disease.
UI = D014898
Wernicke Encephalopathy
MS = An acute neurological disorder characterized by the triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and disturbances of mental activity or consciousness. Eye movement abnormalities include nystagmus, external rectus palsies, and reduced conjugate gaze. THIAMINE DEFICIENCY and chronic ALCOHOLISM are associated conditions. Pathologic features include periventricular petechial hemorrhages and neuropil breakdown in the diencephalon and brainstem. Chronic thiamine deficiency may lead to KORSAKOFF'S SYNDROME. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1139-42; Davis & Robertson, Textbook of Neuropathology, 2nd ed, pp452-3)
AN = DF: WERNICKE ENCEPH
UI = D014899
West Indies
MS = Islands lying between southeastern North America and northern South America, enclosing the Caribbean Sea. They comprise the Greater Antilles (CUBA; DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; HAITI; JAMAICA; and PUERTO RICO), the Lesser Antilles (ANTIGUA and the other Leeward Islands, BARBADOS; MARTINIQUE and the other Windward Islands, NETHERLANDS ANTILLES; VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES, and the islands north of Venezuela which include TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO), and the BAHAMAS. (From Webster's New Geographical Dictionary, 1988, p1330)
AN = the indentions can be grouped as the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles & the Bahamas: see MeSH definition
UI = D014900
West Nile Fever
MS = A mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the WEST NILE VIRUS, a FLAVIVIRUS and endemic to regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Common clinical features include HEADACHE, FEVER, maculopapular rash, gastrointestinal symptoms, and lymphadenopathy. MENINGITIS; ENCEPHALITIS; and MYELITIS may also occur. The disease may occasionally be fatal or leave survivors with residual neurologic deficits. (From Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1996, Ch26, p13; Lancet 1998 Sep 5;352(9130):767-71)
UI = D014901
West Nile virus
MS = A species of FLAVIVIRUS, one of the Japanese encephalitis virus group (ENCEPHALITIS VIRUSES, JAPANESE), which produces encephalitis experimentally when inoculated into some rodents, chicks, birds, or monkeys. In humans, it is seen most frequently in Africa, Asia, and Europe presenting as a silent infection or undifferentiated fever (WEST NILE FEVER). It is transmitted by CULEX spp mosquitoes.
AN = infection = WEST NILE FEVER
UI = D014902
West Virginia
UI = D014903
Western Australia
MS = A state in western Australia. Its capital is Perth. It was first visited by the Dutch in 1616 but the English took possession in 1791 and permanent colonization began in 1829. It was a penal settlement 1850-1888, became part of the colonial government in 1886, and was granted self government in 1890. (From Webster's New Geographical Dictionary, 1988, p1329)
AN = a state of Australia
UI = D014904
Western World
MS = A historical and cultural entity dispersed across the wide geographical area of Europe, as opposed to the East, Asia, and Africa. The term was used by scholars through the late medieval period. Thereafter, with the impact of colonialism and the transmission of cultures, Western World was sometimes expanded to include the Americas. (Dr. James H. Cassedy, NLM History of Medicine Division)
AN = note category; refers usually to Europe & the Americas; IM; specify Category Z continent or country if relevant
UI = D019366
Wettability
MS = The quality or state of being wettable or the degree to which something can be wet. This is also the ability of any solid surface to be wetted when in contact with a liquid whose surface tension is reduced so that the liquid spreads over the surface of the solid.
AN = almost never IM
UI = D017155
Wetting Agents
MS = A surfactant that renders a surface wettable by water or enhances the spreading of water over the surface; used in foods and cosmetics; important in contrast media; also with contact lenses, dentures, and some prostheses. Synonyms: humectants; hydrating agents.
AN = D25-26 qualif; also called "hydrating agents" but do not confuse these with intravenous solutions for rehydrating dehydrated subjects
UI = D014906
Whales
MS = Large marine mammals of the order Cetacea. In the past, they were commercially valued for whale oil, for their flesh as human food and in animal feed and fertilizer, and for baleen. The sperm whale produces AMBERGRIS, an intestinal secretion used in perfumery. (From Webster, 3d ed)
AN = mammals; IM; qualif permitted; some dolphins are misnamed "whales": note FALSE KILLER WHALES see DOLPHINS, KILLER WHALES see DOLPHINS, MELON-HEADED WHALES see DOLPHINS, PIGMY WHALES see DOLPHINS, PILOT WHALES see DOLPHINS
UI = D014907
Wheat Germ Agglutinin-Horseradish Peroxidase Conjugate
MS = The lectin wheatgerm agglutinin conjugated to the enzyme HORSERADISH PEROXIDASE. It is widely used for tracing neural pathways.
AN = DF: note short X ref
UI = D018998
Wheat Germ Agglutinins
MS = Lectins purified from the germinating seeds of common wheat (Triticum vulgare); these bind to certain carbohydrate moieties on cell surface glycoproteins and are used to identify certain cell populations and inhibit or promote some immunological or physiological activities. There are at least two isoforms of this lectin.
UI = D014909
Wheat Hypersensitivity
MS = Allergic reaction to wheat that is triggered by the immune system.
AN = differentiate from CELIAC DISEASE
UI = D021182
Wheelchairs
MS = Chairs mounted on wheels and designed to be propelled by the occupant.
UI = D014910
Whiplash Injuries
MS = Hyperextension injury to the neck, often the result of being struck from behind by a fast-moving vehicle, in an automobile accident. (From Segen, The Dictionary of Modern Medicine, 1992)
UI = D014911
Whipple's Disease
MS = A disease marked by diarrhea with fatty stools, arthritis, emaciation, and loss of strength, and attended with deposits of fat in the intestinal lymphatic tissue. Rod-shaped bacteria-like forms are present, presumed to be infectious, although no organism has been consistently isolated from patient specimens. (Dorland, 27th ed; from Segen, Dictionary of Modern Medicine, 1992).
AN = a malabsorption syndrome
UI = D008061
Whistleblowing
MS = The reporting of observed or suspected PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT or incompetence to appropriate authorities or to the public.
UI = D035642
White Muscle Disease
MS = A myodegeneration most frequent in calves and lambs whose dams have been fed during gestation or longer on feeds, especially legumes (FABACEAE), grown in certain areas where selenium is either deficient or unavailable in the soil. It has been recorded in many countries. It has been produced experimentally in several species of animals on low-selenium intake. A similar myopathy occurs naturally in goats, deer, foals, and dogs but proof of the etiology is lacking. (Merck Veterinary Manual, 5th ed)
AN = a form of musc dystrophy usually in calves & lambs; manifest of selenium defic; check tag ANIMAL; coord IM with precoord animal/dis term (IM) + animal (NIM) or with animal (IM) in absence of precoord
UI = D014912
Whites
MS = An ethnic group of the Caucasoid Race.
AN = see note under CAUCASOID RACE; do not index WHITES routinely: only when pertinent as cultural, social, sociol, polit, psychol entity; /genetics = CAUCASOID RACE /genet; Manual 30.8-30.10: policy on ethnic groups; differentiate from CAUCASOID RACE, genetic & physiol entity; specify geog
UI = D014913
Whole Blood Coagulation Time
MS = Measurement of the time required by whole blood to produce a visible clot. Factors that could influence the test are all but III, VII, and XIII. Activation may be by contact with the glass tube or exposure to diatomaceous earth. Delay of onset of coagulation may be achieved by use of nonwettable plastic or silicone-coated glass tubes. It is used for monitoring heparin therapy and as a bedside screening test for deficiencies in the intrinsic coagulation pathway. "Activated coagulation time" is sometimes referred to as ACT.
AN = NIM; DF: WHOLE BLOOD COAG TIME
UI = D014914
Whole-Body Counting
MS = Measurement of radioactivity in the entire human body.
UI = D014915
Whole-Body Irradiation
MS = Irradiation of the whole body with ionizing or non-ionizing radiation. It is applicable to humans or animals but not to microorganisms.
AN = in rad experiments IM when point of article is irrad of entire animal & coord with organ or process /rad eff (IM or NIM); no qualif when NIM; in radiother coord IM with disease /radiother (IM); TN 198: when not to use; DF: WHOLE BODY IRRAD
UI = D014916
Whooping Cough
MS = A respiratory infection caused by BORDETELLA PERTUSSIS and characterized by paroxysmal coughing ending in a prolonged crowing intake of breath.
AN = caused by Bordetella pertussis
UI = D014917
Widowhood
MS = The state of having lost a marital partner by death.
AN = woman or man: note X refs; spousal bereavement: coord IM with BEREAVEMENT (IM); coping behavior, coping strategy, coping style: coord IM with ADAPTATION, PSYCHOLOGICAL
UI = D017805
Wikstroemia
MS = A plant genus of the family THYMELAEACEAE. Members contain daphnoretin and wikstroelides and daphnane-type DITERPENES.
AN = coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D032365
Williams Syndrome
MS = A contiguous gene syndrome associated with a heterozygous microdeletion in the chromosomal region 7q11.23, encompassing the ELASTIN gene. Clinical manifestations include supravalvular aortic stenosis (AORTIC STENOSIS, SUPRAVALVULAR), MENTAL RETARDATION, elfin facies, impaired visuospatial constructive abilities, and transient hypercalcemia in infancy. The condition affects both sexes, with onset at birth or in early infancy.
AN = do not confuse with Williams-Campbell syndrome, congen bronchomalacia causing bronchiectasis
UI = D018980
Wills
MS = Legal documents that are declarations of individuals' wishes regarding the disposal of their property or estate after death; esp: written instruments, legally executed, by which dispositions are made of estates. LIVING WILLS are written declarations regarding prolongation of life by extraordinary means.
AN = do not confuse X ref INHERITANCE with HEREDITY
UI = D014918
Wind
AN = no qualif; for cyclones, typhoons & hurricanes consider NATURAL DISASTERS
UI = D014919
Wine
MS = Fermented juice of fresh grapes or of other fruit or plant products used as a beverage.
UI = D014920
Wing
AN = for bird, insect or bat
UI = D014921
Winteraceae
MS = A plant family of the order Magnoliales, subclass Magnoliidae, class Magnoliopsida. The wood lacks water-conducting cells but has acrid sap. The leaves are gland-dotted, leathery, and smooth-margined. The flowers are small, in clusters, with two to six sepals, petals in two or more series, several stamens, and one to several carpels.
AN = prefer specific plant; coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D032423
Wisconsin
UI = D014922
Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
MS = A rare, X-linked immunodeficiency syndrome characterized by eczema, thrombocytopenic purpura, and recurrent pyogenic infection. It is seen exclusively in young boys. Typically, IMMUNOGLOBULIN M levels are low and IMMUNOGLOBULIN A and IMMUNOGLOBULIN E levels are elevated. Lymphoreticular malignancies are common.
UI = D014923
Wissler's Syndrome
MS = A rheumatic syndrome of possibly allergic origin, usually affecting children and adolescents, and characterized by high fever, exanthema, arthralgia, leukocytosis, and increased sedimentation rate.
AN = a form of rheumatic fever
UI = D014924
Wisteria
MS = A plant genus of the family FABACEAE. Members contain wistarin.
AN = coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D032447
Wit and Humor
MS = The faculty of expressing the amusing, clever, or comical or the keen perception and cleverly apt expression of connections between ideas that awaken amusement and pleasure. (From Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2d ed)
AN = IM
UI = D014925
Witchcraft
MS = An act of employing sorcery (the use of power gained from the assistance or control of spirits), especially with malevolent intent, and the exercise of supernatural powers and alleged intercourse with the devil or a familiar. (From Webster, 3d ed)
AN = IM; MAGIC is also available
UI = D018599
Withania
MS = A plant genus of the family SOLANACEAE. Members contain withanolides. Withania somnifera is the source of ashwagandha and aswal.
AN = coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D032341
Withholding Treatment
MS = Withholding or withdrawal of a particular treatment or treatments, often (but not necessarily) life-prolonging treatment, from a patient or from a research subject as part of a research protocol. The concept is differentiated from REFUSAL TO TREAT, where the emphasis is on the health professional's or health facility's refusal to treat a patient or group of patients when the patient or the patient's representative requests treatment. Withholding of life-prolonging treatment is usually indexed only with EUTHANASIA, PASSIVE, unless the distinction between withholding and withdrawing treatment, or the issue of withholding palliative rather than curative treatment, is discussed.
AN = human only; EUTHANASIA, PASSIVE: do not coord with WITHHOLDING TREATMENT unless particularly discussed
UI = D028761
Wolbachia
MS = A genus of bacteria comprised of a heterogenous group of gram-negative small rods and coccoid forms associated with arthropods. (From Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, vol 1, 1984)
UI = D020577
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
MS = A form of pre-excitation characterized by a short PR interval and a long QRS interval with a delta wave.
AN = short PR interval & long QRS interval with delta wave; see PRE-EXCITATION SYNDROMES for other ECG notes
UI = D014927
Wolffian Duct
MS = An excretory duct of the embryonic kidney.
UI = D014928
Wolfram Syndrome
MS = An hereditary association of DIABETES INSIPIDUS; DIABETES MELLITUS; OPTIC ATROPHY; and DEAFNESS.
AN = X ref = Diabetes Insipidus-Diabetes Mellitus-Optic Atrophy-Deafness
UI = D014929
Wolinella
MS = A genus of gram-negative, anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria isolated from the bovine rumen, the human gingival sulcus, and dental root canal infections.
AN = infection: coord IM with BACTEROIDACEAE INFECTIONS (IM)
UI = D016968
Wolman Disease
MS = The severe infantile form of inherited lysosomal lipid storage diseases, due to deficiency of acid lipase. It results in accumulation of neutral lipids, particularly cholesterol esters, within cells (particularly leukocytes, fibroblasts, and liver cells). An allelic variant of CHOLESTEROL ESTER STORAGE DISEASE, it is also known as Wolman's xanthomatosis.
AN = a lysosomal storage dis; do not use /congen & do not coord with INFANT, NEWBORN, DISEASES
UI = D015223
Wolves
MS = Any of several large carnivorous mammals of the family Canidae usually hunting in packs, formerly common throughout the Northern Hemisphere but now chiefly restricted to the more unpopulated parts of its range. (From Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2d ed)
AN = IM; qualif permitted
UI = D019596
Women
MS = Human adult females as cultural, psychological, sociological, political, and economic entities.
AN = for women only as a cultural, social, sociol, polit, economic force; do not confuse with FEMALE for disease, organs, physiol, genetics, etc.; check tags HUMAN & FEMALE; Manual 18.9.6, 34.12
UI = D014930
Women's Health
MS = The concept covering the physical and mental conditions of women.
AN = no qualif; specify geog if pertinent
UI = D016387
Women's Health Services
MS = Organized services to provide health care to women. It excludes maternal care services for which MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES is available.
AN = does not include maternal care services: index under MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES; check also tags HUMAN and FEMALE; DF: WOMENS HEALTH SERV
UI = D014932
Women's Rights
MS = The rights of women to equal status pertaining to social, economic, and educational opportunities afforded by society.
AN = specify geog
UI = D014933
Women, Working
MS = Women who are engaged in gainful activities usually outside the home.
UI = D014931
Wood
AN = no qualif
UI = D014934
Woodfordia
MS = A plant genus of the family LYTHRACEAE. Members contain woodfordins.
AN = coord with specific PLANT COMPONENTS term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATIONS or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual 26.29
UI = D031565
Wool
AN = as animal hair & as textile; use qualif cautiously
UI = D014935
Word Association Tests
MS = Lists of words to which individuals are asked to respond ascertaining the conceptual meaning held by the individual.
AN = DF: WORD ASSOC TESTS
UI = D014936
Word Processing
MS = Automated production of typewritten documents with text editing and storage functions using computer software.
UI = D015443
Work
MS = Productive or purposeful activities.
AN = purposeful activity: differentiate from EXERTION (physiol effort), EMPLOYMENT (for pay), ENERGY EXPENDITURE (metab); /physiol permitted; BURNOUT, PROFESSIONAL is available
UI = D014937
Work Capacity Evaluation
MS = Assessment of physiological capacities in relation to job requirements. It is usually done by measuring certain physiological (e.g., circulatory and respiratory) variables during a gradually increasing workload until specific limitations occur with respect to those variables.
AN = no qualif; DF: WORK CAPAC EVALUATION
UI = D014938
Work of Breathing
MS = Respiratory muscle contraction during inspiration. The work is accomplished in three phases: that required to expand the lungs against its elastic forces (LUNG COMPLIANCE work), that required to overcome the viscosity of the lung and chest wall structures (tissue resistance work), and that required to overcome airway resistance during the movement of air into the lungs (AIRWAY RESISTANCE work). Work of breaking does not refer to expiration, which is entirely a passive process caused by elastic recoil of the lung and chest cage. (Guyton, Textbook of Medical Physiology, 8th ed, p406)
AN = a resp funct test
UI = D014939
Work Schedule Tolerance
MS = Physiological or psychological effects of periods of work which may be fixed or flexible such as flexitime, work shifts, and rotating shifts.
AN = /physiol /psychol permitted
UI = D014940
Work Simplification
MS = The construction or arrangement of a task so that it may be done with the greatest possible efficiency.
AN = no qualif
UI = D014941
Workers' Compensation
MS = Insurance coverage providing compensation and medical benefits to individuals because of work-connected injuries or disease.
AN = specify country or state
UI = D014942
Workload
MS = The total amount of work to be performed by an individual, a department, or other group of workers in a period of time.
UI = D016526
Workplace
MS = Place or physical location of work or employment.
AN = NIM; coord with specific industry or occupation (IM) or specific milieu (as clinic, laboratory, hosp, school, etc.) (IM)
UI = D017132
World Health
MS = The concept pertaining to the health status of inhabitants of the world.
AN = no qualif
UI = D014943
World Health Organization
MS = A specialized agency of the United Nations designed as a coordinating authority on international health work; its aim is to promote the attainment of the highest possible level of health by all peoples.
AN = DF: WHO CATALOG: use NAF entry
UI = D014944
Wound Healing
MS = Restoration of integrity to traumatized tissue.
AN = also available is FRACTURE HEALING; not for invertebrates or plants
UI = D014945
Wound Infection
MS = Invasion of the site of trauma by pathogenic microorganisms.
AN = IM; do not coord with BACTERIAL INFECTIONS unless particularly discussed but coord IM with specific bact infect (IM)
UI = D014946
Wounds and Injuries
MS = Damage inflicted on the body as the direct or indirect result of an external force, with or without disruption of structural continuity.
AN = GEN or unspecified; prefer /inj with organs (Manual 19.7+, 19.8.38) or specific organ /inj precoords; policy: Manual 23.23+; types of wounds are also available, as WOUNDS, PENETRATING, etc.; MULTIPLE TRAUMA is available; wound suction: coord wd & inj concept with DRAINAGE; DF: WOUNDS
UI = D014947
Wounds, Gunshot
MS = Disruption of structural continuity of the body as a result of the discharge of firearms.
AN = IM; coord with organ /inj or precoord inj term (IM); ballistics in gunshot wds goes here & under FORENSIC MEDICINE if pertinent
UI = D014948
Wounds, Nonpenetrating
MS = Injuries caused by impact with a blunt object where there is no penetration of the skin.
AN = IM; coord with organ /inj or precoord inj term (IM)
UI = D014949
Wounds, Penetrating
MS = Wounds caused by objects penetrating the skin.
AN = note WOUNDS, GUNSHOT & WOUNDS, STAB; IM; coord with organ /inj or precoord inj term (IM)
UI = D014950
Wounds, Stab
MS = Penetrating wounds caused by a pointed object.
AN = IM; coord with organ /inj or precoord inj term (IM)
UI = D014951
Wrestling
MS = A sport consisting of hand-to-hand combat between two unarmed contestants seeking to pin or press each other's shoulders to the ground.
AN = /inj: coord IM with specific inj (IM); /physiol permitted
UI = D014952
Wrist
MS = The region of the upper limb between the metacarpus and the FOREARM.
AN = primates only; for non-primate vertebrates: Manual 21.58; wrist ganglion is indexed under WRIST (IM) + SYNOVIAL CYST (IM); differentiate from WRIST JOINT; wrist bone = CARPAL BONES or specifics
UI = D014953
Wrist Injuries
MS = Injuries to the wrist or the wrist joint.
AN = consider also CARPAL BONES /inj
UI = D014954
Wrist Joint
AN = primates only; wrist ganglion is indexed under WRIST (IM) + SYNOVIAL CYST (IM); TN 238: differentiation from WRIST & indexing instructions; use CARPUS, ANIMAL for non-primate vertebrates; TN 117: other animal joints
UI = D014955
Writing
MS = The act or practice of literary composition, the occupation of writer, or producing or engaging in literary work as a profession.
AN = the act or profession of writing or its product, i.e., being a writer or creating text for books, articles, speeches, etc.: do not confuse with PUBLISHING (the industry & dissemination of knowledge & research) or LITERATURE (literary production) or AUTHORSHIP (identity as author) or JOURNALISM (writing for publication in the media); "medical writing" can go here but consider JOURNALISM; style of writing goes here; editing for publication goes under PUBLISHING; writing for periodicals goes under PERIODICALS; HANDWRITING is also available; includes typewriting; letters & correspondence of biographees & famous persons are indexed as CORRESPONDENCE (IM) + required biog terms & hist tags
UI = D014956
Wrongful Life
MS = In civil law a cause of action which alleges that a defendant has wrongfully caused a child to be born.
AN = legal action alleging "that a defendant has wrongfully caused a child to be born"
UI = D015974
WT1 Proteins
MS = Isoforms encoded by the WT1 Wilms tumor suppressor gene (GENES, WILMS TUMOR) and produced by alternative splicings. They are zinc finger-containing transcription factors involved in both transactivation and repression, and are critical for normal development and function of the urogenital tract.
UI = D025721
Wuchereria
MS = A genus of filarial nematodes.
AN = infection: coord IM with FILARIASIS (IM); coord with specific helminth term (ANTIGENS, HELMINTH, etc) if pertinent; /drug eff: consider FILARICIDES
UI = D014957
Wuchereria bancrofti
MS = A white threadlike worm which causes elephantiasis, lymphangitis, and chyluria by interfering with the lymphatic circulation. The microfilaria are found in the circulating blood and are carried by mosquitoes.
AN = infection: coord IM with probably ELEPHANTIASIS, FILARIAL (IM) but if elephantiasis is not present, coord with FILARIASIS (IM) instead; coord with specific helminth term (ANTIGENS, HELMINTH, etc) if pertinent; /drug eff: consider FILARICIDES
UI = D014958
Wyoming
UI = D014959