Feasibility and usability of an ontology-based mobile intervention for patients with hypertension.

Background: Lifestyle changes and the adoption of healthy behaviours are well established recommendations for the management of hypertension-a risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney disease. Mobile health interventions offer unique advantages and novel approaches to helping individuals make and maintain such behaviour changes; however, current interventions often lack theoretical and scientific grounding.

Objective: The goal of this study is to effectively model the knowledge, concepts and relationships relevant to the management of a chronic illness like hypertension, and to implement this knowledge model within a mobile self-management application that can be used by patients.

Mechanical & cell culture properties of elastin-like polypeptide, collagen, bioglass, and carbon nanosphere composites.

Collagen, the most commonly used extra-cellular matrix protein for tissue engineering applications, displays poor mechanical properties. Here, we report on the preparation and characterization of novel multi-component composite systems that incorporate a genetically engineered, biocompatible polymer (elastin-like polypeptide, ELP), biodegradable ceramic (45S5 bioglass), carbon nanosphere chains (CNSC), and minimal amount (~25% w/w) of collagen. We hypothesized that incorporation of bioglass and CNSC would improve mechanical properties of the composites.