Glossary

Entries for the website glossary.

CARAM search for term

Coordination of Action Research on AIDS and Mobility.

Synonyms: CARAM-Asia
carbohydrate search for term

Any of a number of compounds, including sugars and starches, which are important as sources of energy. Along with fat and protein, one of the main constituents of food.

See also: triglyceride Synonyms: carbs
cardiomyopathy search for term

A progressive disorder, which can be the result of any of a number of diseases, that damages the muscular wall between the two lower chambers of the heart (the left and right ventricles).

cholesterol search for term

An essential component of cell membranes and nerve fibre insulation, cholesterol is important for the metabolism and transport of fatty acids and the production of hormones and Vitamin D. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liver, and is also present in certain foods. High blood cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and may be a side effect of some anti-HIV medications.

See also: lipid
clinical search for term

Pertaining to or founded on observation and treatment of participants, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science.

clinical investigator search for term

A medical researcher in charge of carrying out a clinical trial's protocol.

Synonyms: investigator
clinical trial search for term

A 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: arm, control group, Data Safety and Monitoring Board, dose-ranging, double-blind, intent-to-treat, open label, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, protocol, randomised, randomised trial Synonyms: trial, clinical study, study
cohort search for term

In epidemiology, a group of individuals with some characteristics in common. A cohort study is a special kind of clinical trial which looks at a treatment or treatment strategy in a cohort of people.

complementary therapy search for term

A broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies that Western (conventional) medicine does not commonly use to promote well-being or treat health conditions. Examples include acupuncture, herbs, Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc.

Synonyms: alternative therapy, complementary therapies, alternative therapies
contraindication search for term

A specific circumstance when the use of certain treatments could be harmful.

Synonyms: contraindicated
control group search for term

A 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.

See also: clinical trial, controlled trial, placebo Synonyms: control arm
controlled trial search for term

In clinical trials, one group of participants is given an experimental drug, while another group (i.e., the control group) is given either a standard treatment for the disease or a placebo.

See also: control group
coronary artery search for term

One of the two arteries that supply the heart with oxygenated blood.

See also: artery
coronavirus search for term

A genus of viruses of the family _Coronaviridae_ which look like coronas or halos when viewed with a microscope. Coronaviruses can cause hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) in mice, gastroenteritis (inflammation of the digestive system) in pigs, and respiratory infections in birds and people.

See also: virus