Mathematical model of Boltzmann's sigmoidal equation applicable to the spreading of the coronavirus (Covid-19) waves.

Currently, investigations are intensively conducted on modeling, forecasting, and studying the dynamic spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) new pandemic. In the present work, the sigmoidal-Boltzmann mathematical model was applied to study the Covid-19 spread in 15 different countries. The cumulative number of infected persons I has been accurately fitted by the sigmoidal-Boltzmann equation (SBE), giving rise to different epidemiological parameters such as the pandemic peak t, the maximum number of infected persons I, and the time of the epidemic stabilization t.

'Take as directed'--strategies to improve adherence to cardiac medication.

In patients with cardiovascular diseases, adherence to medication is a fundamental prerequisite for pharmacological therapy to be effective. Nonadherence to medication is a major public health problem that compromises the effectiveness of therapies and results in suboptimal clinical outcomes. The behaviour of nonadherence is complex and is strongly influenced by an interaction between various factors, such as patient education, communication between patients and physicians, drug dosing schedules, and access to health care.

The prevalence and contents of advance directives in patients with pacemakers.

Background: Little is known about the use of advance directives (ADs) in patients who have implantable cardiac pacemakers (PMs).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, who underwent implantation of a cardiac PM at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) during 2006 and 2007, and determined the prevalence and contents of ADs in these patients.

Results: During the study period, 205 residents of Olmsted County (men, 53%) underwent PM implantation (mean age [standard deviation] at implantation, 77 [15] years).