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Glossary

Entries for the website glossary.

PATSINsearch for term

Positive Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Network. A NAPWHA-auspiced national membership-based network of Indigenous people living with HIV/AIDS.

PBSsearch for term

[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs.] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs.

Synonyms: Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
peer reviewsearch for term

Review of clinicalPertaining to or founded on observation and treatment of participants, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science. research results by experts chosen by the study sponsor. These experts review the trials for scientific merit, participant safety, and ethical considerations.

periodontal diseasesearch for term

Disease of the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal membrane and the underlying bone. Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitisInflammation of the gums (the gingiva) caused by poor oral hygiene. Chronic gingivitis can worsen to become periodontal disease. and the more serious periodontitisDisease of the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal membrane and the underlying bone. Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis, is the most common cause of loss of teeth in adults. People with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease, even with good oral hygiene., is the most common cause of loss of teeth in adults. People with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease, even with good oral hygiene.

See also: gingivitis Synonyms: gum disease, periodontitis
pHsearch for term

[Potential of Hydrogen] A measure of acidity or alkalinity. pH[Potential of Hydrogen] A measure of acidity or alkalinity. pH levels are expressed on a scale from 0 (most acid) to 14 (most alkaline). A pH level of 7 is neutral. levels are expressed on a scale from 0 (most acid) to 14 (most alkaline). A pH level of 7 is neutral.

pharmacokineticsearch for term

Referring to the processes (in a living organism) of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of a drug or vaccine. In clinical trials, measurements are made of the rate at which a drug is absorbed into the bloodstream and then excreted via the kidneys or liverA large organ, located in the upper right abdomen, which assists in digestion by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins, stores vitamins and minerals, produces amino acids, bile and cholesterol, and removes toxins from the blood., to determine the optimum dose of the drug.

Synonyms: PK
Phase Isearch for term

A clinical trialA clinical trial is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase I tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase II expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase III expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IV takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed. designed to establish whether an experimental(Of a drug) Not licensed for use in humans, or as a treatment for a particular condition. Experimental drugs are studied in clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy, and are sometimes made available via Special Access Schemes prior to their approval. drug is safe for humans to take. Phase IA clinical trial designed to establish whether an experimental drug is safe for humans to take. Phase I studies determine the metabolism and pharmacologic actions of drugs in humans, the side effects associated with increasing doses, and look for early evidence of effectiveness; these studies may include either people with HIV, HIV-negative volunteers, or both studies determine the metabolism and pharmacologic actions of drugs in humans, the side effects associated with increasing doses, and look for early evidence of effectiveness(Of a drug or treatment). The maximum ability of a drug or treatment to produce a result regardless of dosage. A drug passes efficacy trials if it is effective at the dose tested and against the illness for which it is prescribed. In the standard procedure, Phase II clinical trials gauge efficacy, and Phase III trials confirm it.; these studies may include either people with HIV, HIV-negative volunteers, or both

See also: clinical trial, Phase II, Phase III Synonyms: phase 1
Phase IIsearch for term

A smaller clinical trialA clinical trial is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase I tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase II expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase III expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IV takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed. designed to establish whether a drug is effective. Phase IIA smaller clinical trial designed to establish whether a drug is effective. Phase II studies are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug for a particular indication or indications in patients with the disease or condition under study and to determine the common short-term side effects and risks. If there is evidence that the drug is effective, a Phase III study is undertaken, with a larger number of participaants, to confirm this. studies are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness(Of a drug or treatment). The maximum ability of a drug or treatment to produce a result regardless of dosage. A drug passes efficacy trials if it is effective at the dose tested and against the illness for which it is prescribed. In the standard procedure, Phase II clinical trials gauge efficacy, and Phase III trials confirm it. of the drug for a particular indication or indications in patients with the disease or condition under study and to determine the common short-term side effects and risks. If there is evidence that the drug is effective, a Phase IIIA large clinical trial designed to establish whether a drug is effective and safe enough for widespread use. Phase III studies include expanded controlled and uncontrolled trials after preliminary evidence suggesting effectiveness of the drug has been obtained, and are intended to gather additional information to evaluate the overall benefit-risk relationship of the drug and provide and adequate basis for physician labeling. study is undertaken, with a larger number of participaants, to confirm this.

See also: clinical trial, Phase I, Phase III Synonyms: phase 2
Phase IIIsearch for term

A large clinical trialA clinical trial is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase I tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase II expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase III expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IV takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed. designed to establish whether a drug is effective and safe enough for widespread use. Phase IIIA large clinical trial designed to establish whether a drug is effective and safe enough for widespread use. Phase III studies include expanded controlled and uncontrolled trials after preliminary evidence suggesting effectiveness of the drug has been obtained, and are intended to gather additional information to evaluate the overall benefit-risk relationship of the drug and provide and adequate basis for physician labeling. studies include expanded controlled and uncontrolled trials after preliminary evidence suggesting effectiveness(Of a drug or treatment). The maximum ability of a drug or treatment to produce a result regardless of dosage. A drug passes efficacy trials if it is effective at the dose tested and against the illness for which it is prescribed. In the standard procedure, Phase II clinical trials gauge efficacy, and Phase III trials confirm it. of the drug has been obtained, and are intended to gather additional information to evaluate the overall benefit-risk relationship of the drug and provide and adequate basis for physician labeling.

See also: clinical trial, Phase I, Phase II Synonyms: phase 3
Phase IVsearch for term

Post-marketing studies to delineate additional information including the drug's risks, benefits, and optimal use.

Synonyms: phase 4
placebosearch for term

A dummy medical treatment, designed to have no pharmacological effect, administered to the control groupA group of patients in a clinical trial who do not receive the drug or treatment being investigated, for the purpose of comparison with those who do. Participants in the control group of a clinical trial are either given standard treatment (excluding the drug being studied) or a placebo. of a clinical trialA clinical trial is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase I tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase II expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase III expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IV takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed. .

See also: control group, placebo controlled, placebo effect
placebo controlledsearch for term

A method of investigation of drugs in which an inactive substance (the placeboA dummy medical treatment, designed to have no pharmacological effect, administered to the control group of a clinical trial.) is given to one group of participants, while the drug being tested is given to another group. The results obtained in the two groups are then compared to see if the investigational(Of a drug) Not licensed for use in humans, or as a treatment for a particular condition. Experimental drugs are studied in clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy, and are sometimes made available via Special Access Schemes prior to their approval. treatment is more effective in treating the condition.

See also: placebo Synonyms: placebo-controlled
placebo effectsearch for term

A physical or emotional change, occurring after a substance is taken or administered, that is not the result of any special property of the substance. The change may be beneficial, reflecting the expectations of the participant and, often, the expectations of the person giving the substance.

See also: placebo
plaquesearch for term

A sticky substance that forms on the surface of the teeth, helping bacteriaA microscopic organism composed of a single cell. Many bacteria can cause disease in humans. growth and acid formation beneath its surface, and causing tooth decay. PlaqueA sticky substance that forms on the surface of the teeth, helping bacteria growth and acid formation beneath its surface, and causing tooth decay. Plaque build-up can irritate the gums and cause gum disease. Removal of plaque through regular brushing and flossing is the key to good oral hygiene. build-up can irritate the gums and cause gum diseaseDisease of the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal membrane and the underlying bone. Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis, is the most common cause of loss of teeth in adults. People with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease, even with good oral hygiene.. Removal of plaque through regular brushing and flossing is the key to good oral hygiene.

See also: gingivitis
PLHIVsearch for term

Person (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHAPerson (or People) Living with HIV/AIDS..

See also: PLWHA
PLWHAsearch for term

Person (or People) Living with HIV/AIDS.

See also: PLHIV Synonyms: plha, pwa
pneumoniasearch for term

An inflammation of the lung, usually caused by infection with bacteriaA microscopic organism composed of a single cell. Many bacteria can cause disease in humans. or other microorganisms, in which the air sacs of the lung become filled with inflammatory cells which solidify and inhibit breathing.

PNGsearch for term

Papua New Guinea

preclinicalsearch for term

Referring to the testing of experimental(Of a drug) Not licensed for use in humans, or as a treatment for a particular condition. Experimental drugs are studied in clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy, and are sometimes made available via Special Access Schemes prior to their approval. drugs in the test tube or in animals – the testing that occurs before trials in humans may be carried out.

prevention trialsearch for term

A research trial to find better ways to prevent disease in people who have never had the disease or to prevent a disease from returning. These approaches may include medicines, vaccines, vitamins, minerals, or lifestyle changes.

protease inhibitorsearch for term

A type of anti-HIV drug that works by preventing the production of an enzyme, protease, that HIV needs to replicate.

See also: drug class, HAART Synonyms: PI, PIs, proteases, protease inhibitors
protocolsearch for term

A study plan on which all clinical trials are based. The plan is carefully designed to safeguard the health of the participants as well as answer specific research questions. A protocolA study plan on which all clinical trials are based. The plan is carefully designed to safeguard the health of the participants as well as answer specific research questions. A protocol describes what types of people may participate in the trial; the schedule of tests, procedures, medications, and dosages; and the length of the study. While in a clinical trial, participants following a protocol are seen regularly by the research staff to monitor their health and to determine the safety and effectiveness of their treatment describes what types of people may participate in the trial; the schedule of tests, procedures, medications, and dosages; and the length of the study. While in a clinicalPertaining to or founded on observation and treatment of participants, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science. trial, participants following a protocol are seen regularly by the research staff to monitor their health and to determine the safety and effectiveness(Of a drug or treatment). The maximum ability of a drug or treatment to produce a result regardless of dosage. A drug passes efficacy trials if it is effective at the dose tested and against the illness for which it is prescribed. In the standard procedure, Phase II clinical trials gauge efficacy, and Phase III trials confirm it. of their treatment

See also: clinical trial