| public opinion | The attitude of a significant portion of a population toward any given proposition, based upon a measurable amount of factual evidence, and involving some degree of reflection, analysis, and reasoning. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| emerging viruses | In epidemiology, a class of viruses that have long infected humans or animals but now have the opportunity to attain epidemic proportions due to human encroachment on tropical rainforests, increased international travel, burgeoning populations in less developed countries, and, possibly, global warming. About two dozen viruses have been termed emergent, including haemorrhagic viruses such as Ebola, Marburg, and Hantaan; the rabies-like viruses Mokola and Duvenhage; rodent-borne Jinin and Lassa virus; and mosquito-borne dengue. Virologists speculate that the strain of HIV that causes AIDS may also fall into this category, having entered humans through contact with monkeys in central Africa, possibly having existed among monkey populations for some 50,000 years. (05 Mar 2000) |
| expert system | Expert systems are computer programs designed to simulate the problem-solving behaviour of human experts within very narrow domains or scientific disciplines (entomology, plant pathology, etc.). This discipline is a sub-set of Artificial Intelligence. See: artificial intelligence. Synonym: knowledge-based systems (13 Jan 1998) |
| expert systems | Computer programs based on knowledge developed from consultation with experts on a problem, and the processing and/or formalizing of this knowledge using these programs in such a manner that the problems may be solved. (12 Dec 1998) |
| expert testimony | Presentation of pertinent medical data by a qualified medical specialist before a court. (12 Dec 1998) |
| veterinary drugs | Drugs used by veterinarians in the treatment of animal diseases. The veterinarian's pharmacological armamentarium is the counterpart of drugs treating human diseases, with dosage and administration adjusted to the size, weight, disease, and idiosyncrasies of the species. In the united states most drugs are subject to federal regulations with special reference to the safety of drugs and residues in edible animal products. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cytotoxic drugs | <pharmacology> Anti-cancer drugs which act by killing or preventing the division of cells. See: chemotherapy. (13 Nov 1997) |
| psychotropic drugs | A loosely defined grouping of drugs that have effects on psychological function. Here the psychotropic agents include the antidepressive agents, hallucinogens, and tranquillising agents (including the antipsychotics and anti-anxiety agents). (12 Dec 1998) |
| neuroleptic drugs | Literally nerve seising: used of chlorpromazine like drugs. Antagonise the effects of dopamine. Origin: Gr. Lepsis = a taking hold (18 Nov 1997) |
| street drugs | Drugs obtained and often manufactured illegally for the subjective effects they are said to produce. They are often distributed in urban areas, but are also available in suburban and rural areas, and tend to be grossly impure and may cause unexpected toxicity. (12 Dec 1998) |
| designer drugs | Drugs designed and synthesised, often for illegal street use, by modification of existing drug structures (e.g., amphetamines). Of special interest are mptp (a reverse ester of meperidine), mda (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine), and mdma (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Many drugs act on the aminergic system, the physiologically active biogenic amines. (12 Dec 1998) |
| drugs, chinese herbal | Chinese herbal or plant extracts which are used as drugs to treat diseases or promote general well-being. The concept does not include synthesised compounds manufactured in china. (12 Dec 1998) |
| drugs, essential | Drugs considered essential to meet the health needs of a population as well as to control drug costs. (world health organization action programme on essential drugs, 1994, p3) (12 Dec 1998) |
| drugs, generic | Drugs whose drug name is not protected by a trademark. They may be manufactured by several companies. (12 Dec 1998) |
| drugs, investigational | Drugs which have received FDA approval for human testing but have yet to be approved for commercial marketing. This includes drugs used for treatment while they still are undergoing clinical trials (treatment ind). The main heading includes drugs under investigation in foreign countries. (12 Dec 1998) |