How Does the Use of Telemonitoring in Adult Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension Improve Blood Pressure Control? An Integrative Review

Hypertension is an evolving problem worldwide and it constitutes a great risk for cardiovascular diseases. Despite the research and new drugs on the market to manage high blood pressure, hypertension remains the leading cause of disability-adjusted life and death worldwide. With many people suffering from hypertension around the world, and the burden of uncontrolled hypertension, it is imperative to find an intervention that can improve blood pressure control. To better target uncontrolled hypertension, the conventional method of management of high blood pressure based on in-person visits has shown some limitations and it must be combined with a contemporary approach that allows for fast decision-making and fast results. One measure that has been identified to improve blood pressure control is the use of telemonitoring. Telemonitoring is a remote delivery of care that provides a quick transfer of information between a healthcare professional and a patient. Telemonitoring improves access to care, patient education, counseling, medication management, and titration, improve adherence to care plans, improves healthcare cost, speeds up healthcare delivery and decision-making strategies, and improves the overall health of patients. There is strong evidence in research studies showing that telemonitoring can improve blood pressure control and prevent cardiovascular events in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. However, challenges remain relating to the sustainability and long-term clinical effectiveness of telemonitoring

A new approach for discrete event simulations

International audienceno abstrac

A new approach for discrete event simulations

International audienceno abstrac

A new approach for discrete event simulations

International audienceno abstrac

A new approach for discrete event simulations

International audienceno abstrac

Porcelain stoneware with pegmatite and nepheline syenite solid solutions: Pore size distribution and descriptive microstructure

Investigations correlating the pore size distribution-cumulative pore volume to the microstructure are used to compare the efficiency of two solid solutions of pegmatite and nepheline syenite as fluxing agents for the design of porcelainized stoneware. Particularly the fusibility of the two solid solutions was modified by adjusting the CaO content of the bodies. As results, the pegmatite based flux produced an extended viscous phase capable on embedding the crystalline phases and close open porosity as from 1175°C. Conversely, the bodies with nepheline syenite remained relatively porous up to 1225°C although the similar results of the mechanical strength at this temperature. The investigations on microstructure, pores size distribution and cumulative pore volume indicated almost complete reduction of the open pores in the pegmatite based bodies and the development of a band of closed pores ranged between 0.080 and 0.9μm showing P series as a more compact structure. For the nepheline syenite based bodies, the incomplete reduction of the open pores and the relative absence of the band of pores between 0.080 and 0.9μm were ascribed to the difference in fusibility and the viscosity of the glassy phases. These differences were interpreted in term of the differential action of CaO in Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2 and K2O-Al2O3-SiO2 on the amount and viscosity of the liquid phase formed already described in the literature. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd

Sintering behaviors of two porcelainized stoneware compositions using pegmatite and nepheline syenite minerals

Semi-vitreous bodies, with flexural strength of ~78 MPa and water absorption of ~0.4 % for the optimal maturated specimens, were successfully prepared with solid solutions of pegmatite and nepheline syenite, respectively, for the full dense (P) and relatively porous composition (G). Despite the similarity on the bulk chemical composition of the two formulations, it was found that their thermal behaviors were significantly affected by the action of CaO on the flux system considered leading to earlier vitrification of P specimens with high flexural strength as from 1,175 C. Conversely, the flexural strength of G specimens increases progressively with soaking time and temperature development up to 1,225 C. The positive action of 5 mass% of CaO in the vitrification range of pegmatite solution, the relative low temperature of maturation of the semi-vitreous matrices, and the results of water absorption allow us to describe the formulations studied to offer promising potential in the production of sustainable and low-cost porcelainized stoneware. The high strength of P at relatively low temperature could be explained by the matrix-strengthening theory, while the extent of crystallization of G could be ascribed to the mullite theory. © 2013 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary