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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - Actinomyces Actinomyces is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria that resemble fungi in appearance, although they are true bacteria. These organisms are nonmotile and typically grow in branching filamentous forms. They are normally present in the human mouth and other body sites but can sometimes cause disease.


One important species, Actinomyces israelii, is responsible for the infection known as actinomycosis. When these bacteria invade deeper tissues, usually following dental infections or injury, they can produce chronic infections characterized by swelling and abscess formation. Their fungus-like appearance historically led to confusion regarding their classification.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - actinomycin D
​Actinomycin D is another name for the chemotherapy drug dactinomycin. It is an antibiotic substance that interferes with DNA-dependent RNA synthesis, thereby inhibiting cell growth and replication.



Because of this ability to block genetic activity within cells, actinomycin D is used in cancer treatment to slow or stop the growth of rapidly dividing tumour cells. It is used particularly in certain childhood cancers and other specific malignancies. The drug must be administered carefully due to its potent biological effects and potential side effects.

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​KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - actinomycosis Actinomycosis is a chronic, noncontagious infection caused by the bacterium Actinomyces israelii. The disease most commonly affects the jaw region but may also involve the lungs, brain, or digestive organs. The bacteria normally live harmlessly in the mouth but can become pathogenic if they enter deeper tissues.


This often occurs following dental infections, such as an apical abscess, or after tooth extraction. The infection is characterized by the formation of abscesses and multiple sinus tracts that may open onto the skin. Treatment generally involves surgical drainage of infected areas combined with a prolonged course of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria.
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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acervulus cerebri
​ Acervulus cerebri, also known as “brain sand,” is a collection of calcium-containing granules found in the pineal gland as it undergoes natural calcification.


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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acetaminophen Acetaminophen is another name for paracetamol, a commonly used medication for pain relief and fever reduction.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acetabulum
​The acetabulum is the deep socket in the hip bone into which the head of the femur fits, forming the hip joint.


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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acesulfame potassium Acesulfame potassium is an artificial sweetener about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is not metabolized by the body and is suitable for diabetic diets and cooking.

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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acetonuria
​ Acetonuria refers to the presence of ketone bodies in the urine, typically seen in ketosis.


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KembaraXtra - Medical Terms - acetone body (ketone body)
​An acetone body, or ketone body, refers to compounds produced during fat metabolism, including acetone, acetoacetic acid, and beta-hydroxybutyrate.


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