A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L    M    N    O    P    Q    R    S    T    U    V    W    X    Y    Z     Earmarked Taxes: taxes which are collected with the specific purpose of using them for health care. Economic Impact Assessment: economic impact assessment involves exploring and identifying the ways in which the economy in general, or local economic circumstances in particular, will be affected by a policy, program or project. Economics: the study of how individuals and societies choose to allocate scarce productive resources among competing alternative uses and to distribute the products from these uses among the members of the society. Economic Analysis/ Evaluation: analyses which involve the allocation of scarce resources among competing alternative uses and the distribution of the products from these uses among the members of the society. Economies of Scale, in contrast to Economies of Scope: the average cost per unit decreases as output increases. Economies of Scope, in contrast to Economies of Scale: benefits of producing multiple goods or services (i.e., if it is cheaper to produce both good X and good Y together rather than separately). Economic Outcome, see Health Outcome: a consequence of the use of health care products, services, or programs that affect costs from any of several perspectives. Ectopic Pregnancy: a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, and the placenta and fetus begin to develop there. The most common site is within a fallopian tube. Eczema: pruritic dermatitis that occurs as a reaction to a drug or some other skin contact. Characterized in the acute state by an erythema; edema associated with serious exudates between the cells of the epidermis; and an inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis, causing oozing, vesiculation, crusting, and scaling of the epidermis. Effectiveness: a measure of the extent to which a specific intervention, procedure, regimen, or service, when deployed in the field in routine circumstances, does what it is intended to do for a specified population. Whether services deliver the outcome(s) in the way that is claimed in actual practice; does it do more good than harm. Efficacy: the benefit of using a technology for a particular problem under ideal conditions, for example, in a laboratory setting, with in the protocol of a carefully managed randomized controlled trial, or at a “center of excellence.” Whether services deliver the outcome(s) in the way that is claimed in ideal conditions; can it work. Efficiency: the capacity to produce the maximum output for a given input. e-Health: it is the transfer of health resources and health care by electronic means. It encompasses three main areas: The delivery of health information, for health professionals and health consumers, through the Internet and telecommunications. Using the power of IT and e-commerce to improve public health services, e.g. through the education and training of health workers. The use of e-commerce and e-business practices in health systems management. Elasticity: the ratio of substitution between two factors such as quantity of goods demanded and its price to the consumer. Electrical Stimulation: application of electric current to stimulate or inhibit the pelvic floor muscles or their nerve supply in order to induce a direct therapeutic response. Electromyography (EMG): diagnostic test used to measure the electrical activity of muscles. Electron Volt (eV): the energy of motion acquired by an electron accelerated through a potential difference of 1 volt. Electrophoresis: a method of separating large molecules (such as DNA fragments or proteins) from a mixture of similar molecules. An electric current is passed through a medium containing the mixture, and each kind of molecule travels through the medium at a different rate, depending on its electrical charge and size. Agarose and acrylamide gels are the media commonly used for electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids. Electroporation: a process using high-voltage current to make cell membranes permeable to allow the introduction of new DNA; commonly used in recombinant DNA technology. See also — transfection. Embryonic Disc: the group of cells from which the embryo will develop, usually visible at the end of the first week of development after fertilization in humans. Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells: an embryonic cell that can replicate indefinitely, transform into other types of cells, and serve as a continuous source of new cells. Emergency Admission: a patient admitted on the same day that admission is requested. Employment Zone: 15 Employment Zones (EZs) were launched in March 2000 in areas experiencing high levels of long term unemployment in order to help long term unemployed people get and keep work. Employment Zones pool funds for training, Employment Service support and the equivalent of benefit to maximize flexibility and choice. The areas selected were amongst the worst 150 unitary authorities or local authority districts in Great Britain when ranked by a composite measure of the share of unemployed claimants aged 25+ who were long term unemployed, the employment rate and the number of people unemployed for over two years as a percentage of the working age population based on 1997 data. Participants in the EZ schemes work with a personal adviser to establish their needs and identify any barriers preventing them from moving into sustainable work. A costed action plan is then drawn up between adviser and participant. Once the participant has started work, they continue to be supported to ensure that their move into employment is sustained where possible. A range of different organizations were contracted through a tendering process to administer the zones and their performance is monitored and linked to the funding process (Department for Work and Pensions, 2002). Endonuclease: see — restriction enzyme. Enhancement Factor: see blocking factor. Enhancing Antibodies: antibodies that enhance the survival of a graft or of a tumor. Enterocele: prolapse or falling down of the intestines into the vagina. Entitlements: benefits in-kind or cash benefits to which beneficiaries are entitled by law with little regard to actual contributions or premiums, or income qualifications. Enuresis: involuntary loss of urine (urinary incontinence). Environmental Impact Assessment: environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a well developed discipline, both in terms of theory and practice, having been in operation for nearly 30 years in the United States (Glasson et al. 1994). Its origins lie in the US National Environmental Policy Acts of 1969. In the same way that HIA explores the effect of policies, programs and projects on health, EIA does the same in terms of environmental effects. In many countries, including those of the European Union, there is now a statutory requirement for EIA to be undertaken under certain circumstances. The rules vary from country to country but generally EIA should lead to proposals which are likely to have any significant adverse effects on the environment being abandoned or modified (Hendley et al., 1998). There are numerous definitions of EIA, including the following an assessment of the impact of a planned activity on the environment (UN Economic Commission for Europe, 1991 in Glasson et al, 1994) the process of evaluating the likely environmental consequences of a proposed major action significantly affecting the natural and man-made environment (Walthern 1988, cited in Wood 1995) a technique and a process by which information about the environmental effects of a project is collected, both by the developed and from other sources, and taken into account by the planning authority in forming their judgments about whether the development should go ahead (Department of the Environment, Welsh Office 1989) Enzyme: a protein that acts as a catalyst, speeding the rate at which a biochemical reaction proceeds but not altering the direction or nature of the reaction. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent (ELISA): the assay in which an enzyme is linked to an antibody and a colored substrate is used to measure the activity of bound enzyme and the amount of bound antibody. Epidemiology: the study of the incidence and distribution of disease. The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to control health problems. Epididymitis: inflammation of the epididymis; occasional complication of untreated urethral infection. Epigenetic: non-DNA/RNA related process that affects genotype and phenotype (ie, methalization). Episiotomy: surgical incision into the perineum between the vagina and anus to ease childbirth through the vagina. Epistasis: one gene interferes with or prevents the expression of another gene located at a different locus. Epithelialize: to become covered with epithelial tissue (to heal). Epitope: an alternative term for antigenic determinant. Equality: principle by which all persons or things under consideration are treated in the same way. Equality of Child Survival: a composite index based on the distribution of child survival across countries and intended to provide a summary measure of countries’ achievements in the distribution of health. Equity: principle of being fair to all, with reference to a defined and recognized set of values. Equity in Health: inequity — as opposed to inequality — has a moral and ethical dimension, resulting from avoidable and unjust differentials in health status. Equity in health implies that ideally everyone should have a fair opportunity to attain their full health potential and, more pragmatically, that no one should be disadvantaged from achieving this potential if it can be avoided. (WHO EURO, 1985) More succinctly, Equity is concerned with creating equal opportunities for health and with bringing health differentials down to the lowest possible level. (Whitehead, 1990). HIA is usually underpinned by an explicit value system and a focus on social justice in which equity plays a major role so that not only both health inequalities and inequities in health are explored and addressed wherever possible (Barnes and Scott-Samuel, 1999). Escherichia coli: common bacterium that has been studied intensively by geneticists because of its small genome size, normal lack of pathogenicity, and ease of growth in the laboratory. Essential Drugs: a policy initiative to ensure that a minimal number of effective drugs are available to treat priority health problems at a cost which can be afforded by the community. Estimated General Mortality Rate: the estimated total number of deaths in a population of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Estimated Incidence of Malignant Neoplasms of the Cervix Uteri, Adjusted: the ratio of the number of new cases from malignant neoplasms of the cervix uteri (ICD-9 code 179; ICD-10 code C53) estimated in a specific year among the female population, to the number of residents in that population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Estimated Incidence of Malignant Neoplasms of the Female Breast, Adjusted: the ratio of the number of new cases from malignant neoplasms of the female breast (ICD-9 code 174; ICD-10 code C50) estimated in a specific year among the female population, to the number of residents in that population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Estimated Incidence of Malignant Neoplasms of the Lung, Adjusted: the ratio of the number of new cases from malignant neoplasms of the lung (ICD-9 code 162; ICD-10 codes C33-C34; both including trachea and bronchus) estimated in a specific year among the population of a given sex, to the number of residents in that population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Estimated Incidence of Malignant Neoplasms of the Stomach, Adjusted: the ratio of the number of new cases from malignant neoplasms of the stomach (ICD-9 code 151; ICD-10 code C16) estimated in a specific year among a population of a given sex, to the number of residents in that population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Estimated Mortality Rate from Accidents, Excluding Transport Accidents: the estimated total number deaths from accidents, excluding transport accidents, in the total population of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under ICD-9 codes E850-E949 or to ICD-10 codes W00-X59. Estimated Mortality Rate from Cerebrovascular Diseases: the estimated total number deaths from cerebrovascular diseases in the total population or of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under ICD-9 codes 430-438 or ICD-10 codes I60-I69. Estimated Mortality Rate from Communicable Diseases, Adjusted by Age: the estimated total number of deaths from communicable diseases in a population of a given sex divided by the corresponding total number of this population, after removing the effect of differences in the age distribution, expressed per 100,000 population for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are: ICD-9 Chapter I (codes 001-139) or ICD-10 Chapter I (A00-B99), plus acute respiratory infections (ICD-9 codes 460-466, 480-487; ICD-10 codes J00-J22) and meningitis (CIE-9 codes 320-322; ICD-10 codes G00-G03). Estimated Mortality Rate from Communicable Diseases: the estimated total number of deaths from communicable diseases in a population of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. The cause categories grouped under this heading are Chapter I, ICD9 (codes 001-139) and ICD10 Chapter I (A00-B99), plus acute respiratory infections (ICD9 codes 460-466, 480-487; ICD10 codes J00-J22) and meningitis (CIE9 codes 320-322; ICD10 codes G00-G03). Estimated Mortality Rate from Diseases of the Circulatory System, Age Adjusted: the estimated total number of deaths from diseases of the circulatory system in the total population or by a given sex, divided by the corresponding total number of this population, after removing the effect of differences in the age distribution, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under ICD-9 Chapter VIII (codes 390-459) and ICD-10 Chapter IX (codes I00-I99). Estimated Mortality Rate from Diseases of the Circulatory System: the estimated total number deaths from diseases of the circulatory system in the total population or of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under ICD-9 Chapter VIII (codes 390-459) or ICD-10 Chapter IX (codes I00-I99). Estimated Mortality Rate from Cirrhosis and Other Chronic Liver Diseases: the estimated total number deaths from cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases, in the total population or of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under the ICD-9 code 571 or to ICD-10 codes K70, K73-K74, K76. Estimated Mortality Rate from Diabetes Mellitus: the estimated total number deaths from diabetes mellitus, in the total population or of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under the ICD-9 code 250 or to ICD-10 codes E10-E14. Estimated Mortality Rate from External Causes: the estimated total number deaths from external causes in the total population or of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under the ICD-9 supplementary classification of external causes of injuries and poisonings (codes E800-E999) or ICD-10 Chapter XX (codes V01-Y89). Estimated Mortality Rate from External Causes, Adjusted by Age: the estimated total number of deaths from external causes in the total population or of a given sex, divided by the total number of this population, after removing the effect of differences in the age distribution, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under the ICD-9 supplementary classification of external causes of injuries and poisonings (codes E800-E999) or ICD-10 Chapter XX (codes V01-Y89). Estimated Mortality Rate from Homicide: the estimated total number deaths from homicide and injury purposely inflicted, and injury due to legal intervention or war operations, in the total population or of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under ICD-9 codes E960-E969, or to ICD-10 codes X85-Y09, Y87.1. Estimated Mortality Rate from Ischemic Heart Disease: the estimated total number of deaths from ischemic heart disease in the total population or of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. The cause categories grouped under this heading are: ICD-9 codes 410-414 or ICD-10 codes I20-I25. Estimated Mortality Rate from Malignant Neoplasms: the estimated total number deaths from malignant neoplasms in the total population or of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under ICD-9 codes 140-208 or ICD-10 codes C00-C97. Estimated Mortality Rate from Malignant Neoplasms, Adjusted by Age: the estimated total number of deaths from malignant neoplasms in the total population or of a given sex, divided by the total number of this population, after removing the effect of differences in the age distribution, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under ICD-9 codes 140-208 or ICD-10 codes C00-C97. Estimated mortality Rate from Malignant Neoplasms of the Breast, Female: the estimated total number deaths from malignant neoplasms of the female breast in a female population of a given age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under the ICD-9 code 174 or the ICD-10 code C50. Estimated Mortality Rate from Malignant Neoplasms of the Digestive Organs and Peritoneum: the estimated total number deaths from malignant neoplasms of the digestive organs and peritoneum in the total population or of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under ICD-9 codes 150-159 or ICD-10 codes C15-C26. Estimated Mortality Rate from Malignant Neoplasms of the Lung, Trachea and Bronchi: the estimated total number deaths from malignant neoplasms of the lung, trachea, and bronchus in the total population or of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under the ICD-9 code 162 or ICD-10 codes C33-C34. Estimated Mortality Rate from Malignant Neoplasms of the Uterus, Female: the estimated total number deaths from malignant neoplasms of the uterus in a female population of a given age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under ICD-9 codes 179-180, 182, or ICD-10 codes C53-C55. Estimated Mortality Rate from Neoplasms, Adjusted by Age: the estimated total number of deaths from neoplasms in the total population or of a given sex, divided by the total number of this population, after removing the effect of differences in the age distribution, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under ICD-9 Chapter II (codes 140-239) or ICD-10 Chapter II (codes C00-D48). Estimated Mortality Rate from Neoplasms, Total: the estimated total number deaths from neoplasms in the total population or of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under ICD-9 Chapter II (codes 140-239) or ICD-10 Chapter II (codes C00-D48). Estimated Mortality Rate from Suicide and Purposely Self-Inflicted Injuries: the estimated total number deaths from suicide and purposely self-inflicted injuries, in the total population or of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under ICD-9 codes E950-E959 or to ICD-10 codes X60-X84. Estimated Mortality Rate from Transport Accidents: the estimated total number deaths from transport accidents, in the total population or of a given sex and/or age, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Underlying causes of death grouped under this heading are those under ICD-9 codes E800-E848 or to ICD-10 codes V01-V99. Estimated Mortality Rate due to Tuberculosis: the estimated number of deaths in total or by sex from tuberculosis, divided by the total number of this population, expressed per 100.000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area (ICD-9 codes 010-018; ICD-10 codes A15-A19). Estrogen: hormone produced primarily by the ovaries. Estrogen is believed to play a major role in maintaining the strength and tone of the pelvic floor. Eugenics: the study of improving a species by artificial selection; usually refers to the selective breeding of humans. Eukaryote: cell or organism with membrane-bound, structurally discrete nucleus and other well-developed sub-cellular compartments. Eukaryotes include all organisms except viruses, bacteria, and blue-green algae. See also — prokaryote, chromosome. Evaluation: the process of collecting and analyzing information at regular intervals about the effectiveness and impact of the program. Evidence Base: the evidence base refers to a body of information, drawn from routine statistical analyses, published studies and “grey” literature, which tells us something about what is already known about factors affecting health. For example, in the field of housing and health there are a number of studies which demonstrate the links between damp and cold housing and respiratory disease and, increasingly, the links between high quality housing and quality of life (Thomson et al., 2001). Evidence-Based Health Care: evidence-based health care is the conscientious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients or the delivery of health services. Current best evidence is up-to-date information from relevant, valid research about the effects of different forms of health care, the potential for harm from exposure to particular agents, the accuracy of diagnostic tests, and the predictive power of prognostic factors. Evidence-Based Medicine: the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. As much as possible, medical decisions should be based on quality evidence. The best evidence is a properly designed randomized controlled trial. Evolutionarily Conserved: see — conserved sequence. Excitation: the moving of an electron to a more distant orbit within the same action. Exon: a region of a gene made up to DNA sequences that will be transcribed into mRNA. The protein-coding DNA sequence of a gene. The region of DNA coding for a protein or a segment of a protein. See also — intron. Exogenous DNA: DNA originating outside an organism that has been introduced into the organism. Exonuclease: an enzyme that cleaves nucleotides sequentially from free ends of a linear nucleic acid substrate. Expansion: (see Hereditary Unstable DNA). Experience Rating: setting a group premium based on the actual losses experienced by that group during the prior year or years. Experimental Research Design: “true” experimental research designs allow researchers to test a hypothesis by introducing a manipulated change (independent variable) into a system (a group of subjects, hospital or community setting) and subsequently assess the impact of that change on a dependent variable — ideally, all other phenomena that might affect change in the dependent variable under study are eliminated through internal control mechanisms. One of the primary features of experimental design is the random assignment of subjects. Explanatory Data: data or information that explain “why” and/or “how”. Expressed Gene: see — gene expression. Expressed Sequence Tag (EST): a short strand of DNA that is a part of a cDNA molecule and can act as identifier of a gene. Used in locating and mapping genes. See also — cDNA, sequence tagged site. Expressivity: the degree to which a genotype is expressed in the phenotype (range of phenotypic features). Externality: the result of an activity that causes incidental benefits (desirable effects) or damages (costs, pollution) to others with no corresponding compensation provided or paid by those who generate the externality. External (Condom) Catheters: devices made from latex, rubber, polyvinyl, or silicone that is used for externally draining the bladder. They are secured on the shaft of the penis by some form of adhesive and connected to urine collecting bags by a tube. Also called penile sheaths. External Sphincter: band of muscle downstream from the internal sphincter that is responsible for maintaining urinary and fecal continence. External Validity: a study is externally valid or generalizable if it can produce unbiased inferences regarding a target population (beyond the subjects in the study). This aspect of validity is only meaningful with regard to a specified external target population. For example, the results of a study conducted using only white male subjects might or might not be generalizable to all human males (the target population consisting of all human males). It is not generalizable to females (the target population consisting of all people).Read More

    A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L    M    N    O    P    Q    R    S    T    U    V    W    X    Y    Z     UEMS: European Union of Medical Specialists. Under-5 Mortality, Estimated: the quotient between the number of deaths in children under 5 year of age in a given year and the number of live births in that year, for a given country, territory, or geographic area, expressed per 1,000 live births. Technical Note: Data correspond to mid-year estimated values, obtained by linear interpolation of the corresponding United Nations fertility medium-variant quinquennial population projections. Under-Registered Deaths: the difference between the number of estimated deaths, according to the corresponding period life tables, and the number of currently registered deaths, expressed as a percentage of the total estimated deaths at a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. Under-The-Table Payments: informal, unofficial payments which are usually prohibited in order to obtain one’s wishes/ demands/ needs fulfilled in a timely manner/to a larger extent than by following the official rules and regulations. Unemployed Proportion of the Labor Force: the number of members of the total population or of a given sex of the economically active population, who are unemployed but are available to work and seeking employment. This includes members who have lost their jobs and those who have voluntarily left work, at a specific point in time, expressed as a percentage of the economically active population in total or by sex. An economically active individual is considered employed if he or she falls into one of the following categories: has in-currency or in-kind paid employment, is self-employed, works in a family business, or is not working temporarily for a particular reason. Technical Note: Unemployment rates represent mid-year estimated values, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates and definitions. The ILO definition of unemployment notwithstanding, reference periods, criteria for seeking work, and the treatment of people temporarily laid off and those seeking work for the first time vary across countries. Informal sector employment is difficult to quantify in the absence of regulation for registering and tracking informal activities. Uninformative: the term used to describe the situation when the two homologous chromosomes from an individual cannot be distinguished from one another at a given locus; homozygous is an alternative term. Uniparental Disomy: inheritance of two copies of part or all of a chromosome from one parent and no copy from the other parent. Uniparental Heterodisomy: inheritance of two homologous chromosomes from one parent. Uniparental Isodisomy: inheritance of two identical chromosomes from one parent. Unique Identifier (ID): a unique identifier is assigned by a register to each registered trial. This identifier is unique to a specific register. If a trial is registered on more than one register they may have more than one unique identifier. Unique Trial: a trial is considered a single, unique trial if it is conducted according to a single document (the protocol) that describes the objective(s), design, methodology, statistical considerations, and organization of a trial. Univariate Analysis: analyses may be Univariate or multivariate as they examine one or more variables at a time, respectively. Universal Health Insurance: a national plan providing health insurance or services to all citizens, or to all residents. Unplanned Pregnancy: a pregnancy that is not expected. Unsafe Abortion: a procedure for terminating unwanted pregnancy either by persons lacking the necessary skills or in an environment lacking the minimal medical standards or both. Unwanted Pregnancy: a pregnancy that for a variety of often overlapping reasons is unexpected and undesired. Reasons a pregnancy may be unwanted include, but are not limited to, social/cultural, environmental, economic, and/or health factors. Upper Genital Tract Infection: includes infection of endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries and surrounding tissues. Uracil: a nitrogenous base normally found in RNA but not DNA; uracil is capable of forming a base pair with adenine. See also — base pair, nucleotide. Ureters: two very thin muscular tubes about 8 or 9 inches long that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Urethra: narrow tube through which urine flows from the bladder to the outside of the body; the opening of the urethra is at the end of the penis in men and just above the vaginal opening in women. Urethral Dilatation: procedure in which a metal rod, called a dilator, is passed through the urethra for purpose of opening a urethral stricture. Urethral Obstruction: blockage of the urethra causing difficulty with urination, usually caused by a stricture or, in men, by an enlarged prostate. Urethral Pressure Profilometry (UPP): test used to measure pressures in the urethra. Urethral Sphincter Mechanism: segment of the urethra that influences storage and emptying of urine in the bladder. It controls bladder voiding by relaxing, which opens the outlet from the bladder, allowing urine to flow from the bladder to the outside of the body. A deficiency of the urethral sphincter mechanism may allow leakage of urine in the absence of a detrusor contraction. Urethral Stricture: narrowing of the urethra. Urethrocele: prolapse or falling down of the urethra into the vaginal wall. Urge: sensation from the bladder producing the desire to void. Urge Incontinence: involuntary and accidental loss of urine when the person is aware of the need to get to the bathroom but is not able to hold the urine long enough to get there. Usually, it is accompanied by or immediately preceded by urgency. Urgency: strong, intense, and often sudden desire to void. Urgency, with or without urge incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia, can be described as overactive bladder syndrome, urge syndrome, or urgency-frequency syndrome. Urinary Frequency: voiding more than eight times in a 24-hour period. Urinary Frequency Volume Chart: records the volumes voided as well as the time of each micturition, day and night, for at least 24 hours. Urinary Incontinence (UI): involuntary or accidental loss (leakage) of urine. Urinary Retention: inability to empty urine from the bladder, which can be caused by atonic bladder or obstruction of the urethra. Urinary System: Part of the body (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra) that produces, stores, and eliminates urine. Urinary Tract: Passageway from the pelvis of the kidney to the urinary orifice through the ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): infection in the urinary tract caused by the invasion of disease-causing micro-organisms that proceed to establish themselves, multiply, and produce various symptoms in their host. UTI in women is known as cystitis. In men, infection is usually associated with obstruction to the flow of urine, such as prostate gland enlargement. Urinate: to void or to pass urine. Urination: act of passing urine. Urine: waste products filtered from the blood and combined with excess water by the kidneys. Urine Culture: test to determine whether bacteria is present in the urine. The type of bacteria can be determined by the color and appearance of the colonies. The number of bacteria is determined by estimating the number of colonies per milliliter. Urodynamic Assessment: tests designed to duplicate as nearly as possible the symptoms of incontinence in the way that people actually experience them. These tests determine the anatomic and functional status of the urinary bladder and urethra. Uroflowmetry: urodynamic test that measures urine flow either visually, electronically, or with the use of a disposable flowmeter unit. Urosepsis: infection of the urinary tract that causes bacteria to enter the blood-stream, causing tissue destruction. User Charge: user charges are charges for goods or services that the user, or patient, is required to pay. Uterine Prolapse: uterus has dropped from its normal position, and the cervix is closer to or may protrude outside the vagina. Utilization: the number of health services used, often expressed per 1000 persons per month or year. UTRN (Universal Trial Reference Number): the UTRN is a number, obtained by the trial’s Sponsor, early in the history of the trial. The intention is that this number will then become part of the trial’s identity. Trial investigators will be encouraged to use the UTRN whenever they communicate information in relation to the trial, and specifically to document it in the trial protocol. The aim of the UTRN is to facilitate the unique identification of clinical trials submitted to the Central Repository and hence the Search Portal.Read More

    A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L    M    N    O    P    Q    R    S    T    U    V    W    X    Y    Z     Fab (Fragment Antigen Binding): that segment of the IgG antibody molecule, derived by papain treatment and reduction, containing only one antibody reaction site. Under oxidizing conditions, Fab fragments recombine to form the divalent molecule F (ab’) 2 devoid of the Fc segment of the original molecule. Fair Financing: one of the three intrinsic goals of a health system whereby every member of society should pay the same share of their disposable income to cover their health costs. Fairness: the attitude of being just to all. Fairness of Financial Contribution: index used to measure the distribution of the households’ health financing contribution. Fc: fragment of antibody without antigen-binding sites, generated by cleavage by papain; the Fc fragments recombine the C-terminal domains of the immunoglobulin heavy chains. Fecal Impaction: large amount of hardened stool in the rectum that an individual is unable to pass. A fecal impaction may present as small amounts of watery and incontinent stool. Fecal Incontinence: accidental and involuntary loss of liquid or solid stool or gas from the anus. Feces: waste material from the intestines. Feces are composed of bacteria, undigested food, and material sloughed from the intestines. Fee-For-Service: payments to a provider for each act or service rendered. Fee Schedule: a list of approved fees for each service promulgated by an insurance company, government agency, or professional society. Female Reproductive Tract: includes vulva, vagina, uterine cavity and the fallopian tubes. Fertility Rate: indicator used in population studies to assess the average number of children women have in a given population. Fertilization: the process which renders gametes capable of further development; it begins with the sperm contacts the plasma membrane of the oocyte and ends with the formation of the zygote. Filial Generation (F1, F2): each generation of offspring in a breeding program, designated F1, F2, etc. Financing: function of a health system concerned with the mobilization, accumulation and allocation of money to cover the health needs of the people, individually and collectively, in the health system. Raising revenue to pay for a good or service. Financial Resource Allocation: any process by which financial resources flow from a third-party payer (e.g., government, insurer, etc.) through the health care organization to the individual clinical provider. Fingerprinting: in genetics, the identification of multiple specific alleles on a person’s DNA to produce a unique identifier for that person. See also — forensics. Finished DNA Sequence: high-quality, low error, gap-free DNA sequence of the human genome. Achieving this ultimate 2003 HGP goal requires additional sequencing to close gaps, reduce ambiguities, and allow for only a single error every 10,000 bases, the agreed-upon standard for HGP finished sequence. See also — sequencing, draft sequence. Fistula: abnormal passage or connection between a hollow body cavity or organ and the surface of the body. Fixed Budget: a budget that is not adjusted for changes in the volume of service. Flatulence: release of gas through the anus. Flexible Budget: a budget that is adjusted for changes in the volume of service. Flow Cytometry: analysis of biological material by detection of the light-absorbing or fluorescing properties of cells or sub-cellular fractions (i.e., chromosomes) passing in a narrow stream through a laser beam. An absorbance or fluorescence profile of the sample is produced. Automated sorting devices, used to fractionate samples, sort successive droplets of the analyzed stream into different fractions depending on the fluorescence emitted by each droplet. Flow Karyotyping: use of flow cytometry to analyze and separate chromosomes according to their DNA content. α-Fetoprotein: synthesized in the fetus by perivascular hepatic parenchymal cells. It is found in a high percentage of patients with hepatomas and endodermal sinus tumor of the ovary or testes. It is a serum protein present in concentrations up to 400 mg/dl in early fetal life, falling to <3 mg/dl in adults. Increased levels may be detected in the serum of adults with hepatoma (80% positive) and endodermal sinus tumor (60-80% positive) and may be used to observe progression of the disease. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH): a procedure for detecting specific nucleic acid sequences in morphologically preserved chromosomes, cells, and tissue sections using fluorescent labeled oligonucleotide probes. A physical mapping approach that uses fluorescein tags to detect hybridization of probes with metaphase chromosomes and with the less-condensed somatic interphase chromatin. Focus Group Discussion: sometimes called a group interview, focus group discussions are small (usually 5-15 people) interactive interviews led by an impartial facilitator, usually with a focused agenda. Fora: plural of forum; meetings, conferences, etc. Forensics: the use of DNA for identification. Some examples of DNA use are to establish paternity in child support cases; establish the presence of a suspect at a crime scene, and identify accident victims. Forensic Examination: examination to look for evidence that can later be used in legal proceedings; should be done by specially trained professional. Formulary: a list of approved drugs for reimbursement, with all non-approved drugs paid at a lesser rate or not at all. Forssman Antigen: an interspecies-specific antigen present in erythrocytes of many species, including some micro-organisms, that is capable of inducing the formation of lysin for sheep erythrocytes in animals devoid of such antigen. Fracture-pan: specially-designed bedpan for individuals who are unfit to lift their hips to position themselves on the bedpan. A handle allows the caregiver to remove the pan gently, without turning or lifting the user. Frame-shift: a mutation caused by deletions or insertions that are not a multiple of three base pairs. Results in a change in the reading frame in which triplet codons are translated into protein. Fraternal Twin: siblings born at the same time as the result of fertilization of two ova by two sperm. They share the same genetic relationship to each other as any other siblings. See also — identical twin. Frequency Distribution: a statistical term that denotes number of occurrences for a particular variable. Freund Adjuvant: Complete: Freund emulsion of mineral oil, plant waxes, and killed tubercle bacilli used to combine with antigen to stimulate antibody production. Incomplete: Freund mixture without tubercle bacilli. Full Gene Sequence: the complete order of bases in a gene. This order determines which protein a gene will produce. Function: the special kind of activity proper to something, the mode of action by which it fulfills its purpose. Also in general application, esp. as contrasted with structure. Functional Genomics: the study of genes, their resulting proteins, and the role played by the proteins the body’s biochemical processes. Funding: providing health care organizations with the financial resources required to carry out a general range of health-related activities. Fundholding: a system of payment for medical care which has the following characteristics: financial resources for health care are allocated on a per capita basis; financial resources are held in a fund; and the general practitioner is usually the decision-maker for allocating the fundsRead More

    A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L    M    N    O    P    Q    R    S    T    U    V    W    X    Y    Z     Vaccination: injection or ingestion of an immunogenic antigen for the purpose of producing active immunity. Vaccine: a suspension of dead or living micro-organisms that is injected or ingested for the purpose of producing active immunity. Vagina: collapsible tube of smooth muscle with its opening located between the urethral orifice and the anal sphincter of women. Also known as the birth canal. Validity: the accuracy of research results based on the method(s) used to obtain them. Valsalva Maneuver: action of closing the airways and straining down on the abdominal muscles (such as when straining to have a bowel movement). Variable: any measurable entity that might constitute an aspect of a research study. Vector: a DNA vehicle that can be propagated in living cells (e.g., bacteria and yeast) into which foreign DNA can be inserted and propagated with the vector DNA. Examples of vectors include bacterial plasmids, cosmids, bacteriophages, and most recently, yeast artificial chromosomes. See — cloning vector. Vertical Transmission of Viruses: transmission from one generation to another. Can include transmission from one generation to the next through milk or through the placenta. Very Low Birth Weight: a birth weight of less than 1500 g. Virus: a non-cellular biological entity that can reproduce only within a host cell. Viruses consist of nucleic acid covered by protein; some animal viruses are also surrounded by membrane. Inside the infected cell, the virus uses the synthetic capability of the host to produce progeny virus. See also — cloning vector. Void: synonym for urination. Voiding or Bladder Diary (Record): record maintained by the patient or caregiver that is used to record the frequency, timing, amount of voiding, and/or other factors associated with the patient’s urinary incontinence. Also called an incontinence chart. Voiding Reflex: reflex in which the bladder indicates to the spinal cord that it is full of urine, and the spinal cord signals the bladder to contract and empty. Voluntary Health Insurance (VHI): Health insurance which is taken up and paid for at the discretion of individuals (whether directly or via their employers). Vulnerable Groups: while there is agreement that globalization has both positive and negative effects, it is less clear exactly how these negative effects exert their impact on people’s lives. Whether globalization is the cause of increased vulnerability or whether vulnerability is maintained by an inability to maximize the benefits of globalization is not clear. It is probable that both forces are at work. Thus vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the young, and the poor are already so marginalized that they cannot benefit from globalization, and are increasing in numbers as globalization increases the gap between rich and poor.Read More

    A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L    M    N    O    P    Q    R    S    T    U    V    W    X    Y    Z     Gamete: mature male or female reproductive cell (sperm or ovum) with a haploid set of chromosomes (23 for humans). Mature reproductive cells, usually haploid in chromosome number (e.g., sperm or ovum). Gamma Rays: electromagnetic irradiation (originating inside the nucleus) emitted by excited nuclei. The gamma rays from an isotope will have one or several sharply defined energies. Gas: material that results from swallowed air or that is created when bacteria in the colon break down waste material. Gas that is released from the rectum is called flatulence. Gasping: occasional breaths with long pauses in between, not sufficient breathing. Gatekeeper: a primary care physician/general practitioner (or another provider) who is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all the medical needs of a patient. The gatekeeper must authorize any referral of the patient to a specialist or hospital. GC-rich Area: many DNA sequences carry long stretches of repeated G and C which often indicate a gene-rich region. Gel Electrophoresis: a molecular biology laboratory technique in which DNA, RNA, or proteins are separated according to molecular weight, charge, and special characteristics in an electric field applied to a gel. For example, because DNA is negatively charged, it migrates toward the positively charged electrode. See — electrophoresis. Gender: refers to the economic, social and cultural attributes and opportunities associated with being male or female in a particular point in time. Gender Equality: means equal treatment of women and men in laws and policies, and equal access to resources and services within families, communities and society at large. Gender Equity: means fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits and responsibilities between women and men. It often requires women-specific programs and policies to end existing inequalities. Gender Discrimination: refers to any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of socially constructed gender roles and norms which prevents a person from enjoying full human rights. Gene: a unit of heredity responsible for the inheritance of a specific trait that occupies a fixed chromosomal site and corresponds to a sequence of nucleotides along a DNA molecule. The fundamental physical and functional unit of heredity. A gene is an ordered sequence of nucleotides located in a particular position on a particular chromosome that encodes a specific functional product (i.e., a protein or RNA molecule). See also — gene expression. Gene Amplification: repeated copying of a piece of DNA; a characteristic of tumor cells. See also — gene, oncogene. Gene Chip Technology: development of cDNA microarrays from a large number of genes. Used to monitor and measure changes in gene expression for each gene represented on the chip. Gene Deletion: the deletion of part or all of a gene through removal of DNA sequences by any of several mechanisms. Gene Expression: the process by which a gene’s coded information is converted into the structures present and operating in the cell. Expressed genes include those that are transcribed into mRNA and then translated into protein and those that are transcribed into RNA but not translated into protein (e.g., transfer and ribosomal RNAs). Gene Family: group of closely related genes that make similar products. Gene Library: see — genomic library. Gene Mapping: determination of the relative positions of genes on a DNA molecule (chromosome or plasmid) and of the distance, in linkage units or physical units, between them. Gene Pool: all the variations of genes in a species. See also — allele, gene, polymorphism. Gene Prediction: predictions of possible genes made by a computer program based on how well a stretch of DNA sequence matches known gene sequences Gene Product: the biochemical material, either RNA or protein, resulting from expression of a gene. The amount of gene product is used to measure how active a gene is; abnormal amounts can be correlated with disease-causing alleles. Gene Rearrangement: the process by which part or all of a gene is moved from its normal location in the genome to another site within the genome. Gene Testing: see — genetic testing, genetic screening. Gene Therapy: an experimental procedure aimed at replacing, manipulating, or supplementing nonfunctional or misfunctioning genes with healthy genes. See also — gene, inherit, somatic cell gene therapy, germ line gene therapy. Gene Transfer: incorporation of new DNA into an organism’s cells, usually by a vector such as a modified virus. Used in gene therapy. See also — mutation, gene therapy, vector. General Estimated Mortality Rate, Adjusted by Age: the estimated total number of deaths in a population of a given sex, divided by the total number of that population after removing the effect of differences in the age distribution, expressed per 100,000 population, for a given year, in a given country, territory, or geographic area. General (Medical) Practitioner (GP): a general doctor, or family doctor, who is the first point of contact with the health services for all non-emergency cases. Generic Drugs: drugs which are identical in chemical composition to a brand name pharmaceutical preparation, but produced by competitors after the firm’s patent expire. Genetic Code: the sequence of nucleotides, coded in triplets (codons) along the mRNA, that determines the sequence of amino acids in protein synthesis. A gene’s DNA sequence can be used to predict the mRNA sequence, and the genetic code can in turn be used to predict the amino acid sequence. Genetic Counseling: provides patients and their families with education and information about genetic-related conditions and helps them make informed decisions. Genetic Discrimination: prejudice against those who have or are likely to develop an inherited disorder. Genetic Engineering: altering the genetic material of cells or organisms to enable them to make new substances or perform new functions. Genetic engineering technology: see — recombinant DNA technology. Genetic Illness: sickness, physical disability, or other disorder resulting from the inheritance of one or more deleterious alleles. Genetic Informatics: see — bioinformatics. Genetic Map: see — linkage map. Genetic Marker: a gene or other identifiable portion of DNA whose inheritance can be followed. See also — chromosome, DNA, gene, inherit. Genetic Material: see — genome. Genetic Mosaic: an organism in which different cells contain different genetic sequence. This can be the result of a mutation during development or fusion of embryos at an early developmental stage. Genetic Polymorphism: difference in DNA sequence among individuals, groups, or populations (e.g., genes for blue eyes versus brown eyes). Genetic Predisposition: susceptibility to a genetic disease. May or may not result in actual development of the disease. Genetic Screening: testing a group of people to identify individuals at high risk of having or passing on a specific genetic disorder. Genetic Testing: analyzing an individual’s genetic material to determine predisposition to a particular health condition or to confirm a diagnosis of genetic disease. Genetics: the study of inheritance patterns of specific traits. Genome: the entire complement of genetic material in a chromosome set. All the genetic material in the chromosomes of a particular organism; its size is generally given as its total number of base pairs. Genome Project: research and technology-development effort aimed at mapping and sequencing the genome of human beings and certain model organisms. See also — Human Genome Initiative. Genomic Imprinting: the existence of parent-of-origin differences in the expression of certain genes. Genomic Library: a collection of clones made from a set of randomly generated overlapping DNA fragments that represent the entire genome of an organism. See also — library, arrayed library. Genomic Sequence: see — DNA. Genomics: the study of genes and their function. Genotype: the genetic constitution of an organism, as distinguished from its physical appearance (its phenotype). Germ Cell: sperm and egg cells and their precursors. Germ cells are haploid and have only one set of chromosomes (23 in all), while all other cells have two copies (46 in all). Germ Line: the continuation of a set of genetic information from one generation to the next. See also — inherit. Germ Line Gene Therapy: an experimental process of inserting genes into germ cells or fertilized eggs to cause a genetic change that can be passed on to offspring. May be used to alleviate effects associated with a genetic disease. See also — genomics, somatic cell gene therapy. Germ Line Genetic Mutation: see — mutation. Germline Mosaicism: mosaicism that is confined to the gonad. Gerontopsychiatric: mental health care for older people. Global Budget: an aggregate cash sum, fixed in advance, intended to cover the total cost of a service, usually for one year ahead. Global Health: global health refers to the transnational impacts of globalization upon health determinants and health problems which are the beyond the control of individual nations. Goal: a general objective towards which to strive. Unlike objectives and targets, goals are not constrained by time or existing resources, nor are they necessarily attainable but are rather an ultimate desired state towards which actions and resources are directed. Good: term meaning tangible economic products that contribute to the satisfaction of demand. Governance: the exercise of political, economic and administrative authority in the management of a country’s affairs at all levels. It is a neutral concept comprising the complex mechanisms, processes, relationships and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their rights and obligations and mediate their differences. (UNDP) GP: general practitioner. Gray (Gy): the special name for the unit of absorbed dose and specific energy impacted; 1 Gy = 1 joule / kg = 100 rads. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), per capita, international $ (PPP-adjusted): the average per capita market value of the sum of gross values added of all resident institutional units engaged in production, for a given national economy, at a given period in time, usually a year, expressed in international dollars using purchasing power parity rates. The gross domestic product (GDP) at market prices is the sum of gross value added by all resident producers in the economy plus any taxes and minus any subsidies that are not included in the valuation of output. GDP measures the total output of goods and services for final use occurring within the domestic territory of a given country, regardless of the allocation to domestic and foreign claims; it provides an aggregate measure of production. The residency of an institutional unit is defined on the basis of economic interest in the territory for more than a year. An international dollar is defined as the currency unit that has the same purchasing power over GNP as the US dollar in the United States. Technical Note: GDP figures are those estimated by the World Bank from the corresponding ones in the United Nations’ Systems of National Accounts, expressed in domestic currency. GDP is calculated without making deductions for depreciation of fabricated assets or for depletion and degradation of natural resources. Purchasing power parity conversion factors are estimated by the World Bank based on data collected by the International Comparison Program (ICP), which is coordinated by the United Nations regional economic commissions and other international organizations. Per capita figures are based on the World Bank’s population estimates and projections. Gross Primary Enrollment Ratio: total number of pupils or of a given sex enrolled in primary education, regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of the corresponding population of the age group, which officially corresponds to primary schooling, at a specific period of time, usually a year, for a given country, territory, or geographic area. According to the 1997 International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED-97), adopted by UNESCO, primary education is defined as the level of education which the main function is to provide the basic elements of education at such establishments as elementary schools, and primary schools. Technical Note: Gross enrollment ratios are based on the enrollment estimates made by UNESCO from national enrollment figures and population mid-year estimates from the corresponding United Nations fertility medium-variant quinquennial population projections. All ratios are expressed as percentages and may exceed 100 because of early entry, repetition, and, for countries with almost universal education at a given level, whenever the actual age distribution of pupils extends beyond the official school ages. Gross National Income (GNI), per capita, current US$ (Atlas Method): the Gross National Income, GNI, formerly referred to as gross national product (GNP), measures the total domestic and foreign value added claimed by residents, at a given period in time, usually a year, expressed in current US dollars using the World Bank Atlas method. GNI comprises GDP plus net receipts of primary income (compensation of employees and property income) from nonresident sources. Technical Note: GNI figures are those estimated by the World Bank from the corresponding ones in the United Nations’ Systems of National Accounts, expressed in domestic currency. The World Bank Atlas method of conversion is used to smooth fluctuations in prices and exchange rates in the cross-country comparison of national incomes. The conversion factor averages the exchange rate for a given year and the two preceding years, adjusted for the difference between the rate of inflation in the country and that in Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Euro Zone. Gross National Income (GNI), per capita, international $ (PPP-adjusted): the Gross National Income, GNI, formerly referred to as gross national product (GNP) measures the total domestic and foreign value added claimed by residents at a given period in time, usually a year, expressed in international dollars using purchasing power parity rates. GNI comprises GDP plus net receipts of primary income (compensation of employees and property income) from nonresident sources. GNI provides an aggregate measure of income. An international dollar is defined as the currency unit that has the same purchasing power over GNI as the US dollar in the United States. Technical Note: GNI figures are those estimated by the World Bank from the corresponding ones in the United Nations’ systems of National Accounts, expressed in domestic currency. Purchasing power parity conversion factors are estimated by the World Bank based on data collected by the International Comparison Program (ICP), which is coordinated by the United Nations regional economic commissions and other international organizations. Per capita figures are based on the World Bank’s population estimates and projections. Group Interview: sometimes called a focus group discussion, group interviews are small (usually 5-15 people) interactive discussions led by an impartial facilitator, usually with a focused agenda. Growth Factor: protein that acts on cells to promote cell growth. Growth Factor Receptors: proteins that interact with growth factors and transmit the growth signal to the cell. Guanine (G): a nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair GC (guanine and cytosine) in DNA. See also — base pair, nucleotide. Guidelines: sets of steps which can be taken in performing a task or implementing a policy and the manner of so doing. Gyandromorph: organisms that have both male and female cells and therefore express both male and female characteristics.Read More

    A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L    M    N    O    P    Q    R    S    T    U    V    W    X    Y    Z     Waiting List: the number of people awaiting admission to hospital as inpatients. Waiting Period: the period an insured or covered person has to wait before he or she qualifies for benefits. Waiting Time: the time which elapses between 1) the request by a general practitioner for an appointment and the attendance of the patient at the outpatients’ department, or 2) the date a patient’s name is put on an inpatients’ list and the date he is admitted. Washington Consensus: This is the set of 10 policies that the US government and the international financial institutions based in the US capital believed were necessary elements of “first stage policy reform” that all countries should adopt to increase economic growth. At its heart is an emphasis on the importance of macroeconomic stability and integration into the international economy – in other words a neo-liberal view of globalization. The framework included: Fiscal discipline – strict criteria for limiting budget deficits Public expenditure priorities – moving them away from subsidies and administration towards previously neglected fields with high economic returns Tax reform – broadening the tax base and cutting marginal tax rates Financial liberalization – interest rates should ideally be market-determined Exchange rates – should be managed to induce rapid growth in non-traditional exports Trade liberalization Increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) – by reducing barriers Privatization – state enterprises should be privatized Deregulation – abolition of regulations that impede the entry of new firms or restrict competition (except in the areas of safety, environment and finance) Secure intellectual property rights (IPR) – without excessive costs and available to the informal sector Reduced role for the state. These ideas proved very controversial, both inside and outside the Bretton Woods Institutions. However, they were implemented through conditionality under International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank guidance. They are now being replaced by a post-Washington consensus. Weighted Sample: a sample that is not strictly proportional to the distribution of classes in the total population. A weighted sample has been adjusted to include larger proportions of some other parts of the total population, because those parts accorded greater “weight” would otherwise not have the sufficient numbers in the sample to lead to generalizable conclusions. Well-Being Impact Assessment: well-being impact assessment is difficult to distinguish from HIA although it could be argued that, instead of looking at all aspects of health, including medical factors, it concentrates primarily on aspects of quality of life and physical and mental well being. Western Blot: a technique, conceptually related to the Southern and Northern blot that is used to detect specific proteins. A technique used to identify and locate proteins based on their ability to bind to specific antibodies. See also — DNA, Northern blot, protein, RNA, Southern blotting. WHO Network of Collaborating Clinical Trial Registers (The Register Network): the Register Network is a forum for registers to exchange information and work together to establish best practice for clinical trial registration. Wild Type: the form of an organism that occurs most frequently in nature. The term used to describe the normal gene or gene product. In contrast, a gene that has had its DNA sequence altered is referred to as a mutant gene, and its resultant product is a mutant protein. A gene that encodes a proto-oncogene, for example, is a wild-type gene because it is unaltered. Willingness To Pay: how far a person or group is prepared to pay for particular goods or services. Workers Compensation: a mandatory insurance program covering the costs of medical treatment and disability due to work-related accidents and illness. Working Draft DNA Sequence: see — Draft DNA Sequence. Working Group: in contrast to a steering group, a working group convened for the purpose of carrying out usually consists of those charged with carrying out the work on a day to day basis. Typically it might include people with a range of complementary public health skills such as project management, epidemiology, statistical analysis and presentation, questionnaire design and community development (Barnes and MacArthur, 2000). Workshops: workshops involve bringing together a group of people for a specific purpose. In HIA this might include, for example, identifying key stakeholders’ health concerns in relation to the policy, program or project being addressed, identifying sources of current knowledge in relation to the evidence base or training staff in HIA techniques. Workshops are usually structured in some way with a mixture of presentations and “hands on” participative work. WPA: World Psychiatric Association.Read More