Posts made by soniportgo

an autonomous republic in southwestern Russia in the northern Caucasus Mountains bordering on Georgia; declared independence from the USSR in 1991 but Russian troops invaded and continue to prosecute a relentless military campaign in the largely Muslim republic

The Papanicolaou test (abbreviated as Pap test, also known as Pap smear (AE), cervical smear (BE), cervical screening (BE), or smear test (BE)) is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix (opening of the uterus or womb) or colon (in both men and women). Abnormal findings are often followed up by more sensitive diagnostic procedures and, if warranted, interventions that aim to prevent progression to cervical cancer. The test was independently invented in the 1920s by the Greek physician Georgios Papanikolaou and named after him. A simplified version of the test was introduced by the Canadian obstetrician Anna Marion Hilliard in 1957.
A Pap smear is performed by opening the vagina with a speculum and collecting cells at the outer opening of the cervix at the transformation zone (where the outer squamous cervical cells meet the inner glandular endocervical cells), using an Ayre spatula or a cytobrush. A similar method is used to collect cells in anus of both women and men. The collected cells are examined under a microscope to look for abnormalities. The test aims to detect potentially precancerous changes (called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical dysplasia; the squamous intraepithelial lesion system (SIL) is also used to describe abnormalities) caused by human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted DNA virus. The test remains an effective, widely used method for early detection of precancer and cervical cancer. While the test may also detect infections and abnormalities in the endocervix and endometrium, it is not designed to do so.
In the United States, Pap smear screening is recommended starting around 21 years of age until the age of 65. Guidelines on frequency vary from every three to five years. If results are abnormal, and depending on the nature of the abnormality, the test may need to be repeated in six to twelve months. If the abnormality requires closer scrutiny, the patient may be referred for detailed inspection of the cervix by colposcopy, which magnifies the view of the cervix, vagina and vulva surfaces. The person may also be referred for HPV DNA testing, which can serve as an adjunct to Pap testing. Additional biomarkers that may be applied as ancillary tests with the Pap test are evolving.

A magpie is a type of bird, typically belonging to the Corvidae family, characterized by its distinctive black and white or brightly colored plumage and long tail. They are known for their intelligence, with abilities to recognize themselves in a mirror. Some species of magpies are also known for their tendency to collect shiny objects. They are native to various parts of the world including Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.

Dihydroxyphenylalanine, also known as DOPA, is an amino acid that is involved in the biosynthesis of proteins. It is an intermediate in the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. It is also used as a drug in the treatment of Parkinsons disease and other medical conditions.

In phonetics and phonology, a semivowel is a sound, such as English or, that is phonetically similar to a vowel sound but functions as the syllable boundary rather than as the nucleus of a syllable.

Woodenly is an adverb that describes an action performed in an ungraceful, inflexible, stiff or unnatural manner. It often implies a lack of emotion, energy, or spirit.

cottonwood of western North America with dark green leaves shining above and rusty or silvery beneath

Metropolitan refers to a large city, its surrounding suburbs, and other neighboring urban communities which have a high population density, developed infrastructure, and numerous economic, social, and cultural activities. This term is often used to describe a major city that significantly influences the regions or areas around it.

a newly invented word or phrase

A work of fiction that is shorter than a novel.

Alteration by editorial criticism, as of a text so as to give a better reading; removal of errors or corruptions from a document.

the quality or state of being transparent or translucent

Doctor of Fine Arts is doctoral degree in fine arts, typically given as an honorary degree. The degree is typically conferred to honor the recipient who has made a contribution to society in the arts. Notable individuals who have been conferred the honor are Michelle Burton, Frank Stella, Richard Serra, Stephen Colbert, Carmen De Lavallade, Anna Deavere Smith, Jacques dAmboise. Bill Pullman, Abelardo Morell, Twyla Tharp, Gordon Parks, and Jack Nicholson.
At Yale University, the D.F.A. is conferred on students who hold a Master of Fine Arts degree in dramaturgy and dramatic criticism from the Yale School of Drama, and who have completed M.F.A. qualifying comprehensive examinations, and have written a dissertation of distinction whose subject has been approved by the D.F.A. committee of faculty.

In finance, an accrual (accumulation) of something is the adding together of interest or different investments over a period of time.

The outset is the start or beginning of something. It often refers to the initial stage of a situation, project, or time period.

Chinese tree bearing seeds that yield tung oil

capital of Armenia

A fan-produced manga, anime, or video game.

express with regret

made tender as by marinating or pounding