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Macitentan is beneficial for long-term treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The microvasculopathy of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension are similar. The phase 2, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled MERIT-1 trial assessed macitentan in 80 patients with CTEPH adjudicated as inoperable. Patients identified as WHO functional class II–IV with a pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of at least 400 dyn·s/cm5 and a walk distance of 150–450 m in 6 min were randomly assigned (1:1), via an interactive voice/web response system, to receive oral macitentan (10 mg once a day) or placebo. Treatment with phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors and oral or inhaled prostanoids was permitted for WHO functional class III/IV patients. The primary endpoint was resting PVR at week 16, expressed as percentage of PVR measured at baseline. Analyses were done in all patients who were randomly assigned to treatment; safety analyses were done in all patients who received at least one dose of the study drug. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov , number NCT02021292. Between April 3, 2014, and March 17, 2016, we screened 186 patients for eligibility at 48 hospitals across 20 countries. Of these, 80 patients in 36 hospitals were randomly assigned to treatment (40 patients to macitentan, 40 patients to placebo). At week 16, geometric mean PVR decreased to 71·5% of baseline in the macitentan group and to 87·6% in the placebo group (geometric means ratio 0·81, 95% CI 0·70–0·95, p=0·0098). The most common adverse events in the macitentan group were peripheral oedema (9 [23%] of 40 patients) and decreased haemoglobin (6 [15%]). In MERIT-1, macitentan significantly improved PVR in patients with inoperable CTEPH and was well tolerated. Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) face a wide range of physical and mental issues. Hhealth-related quality of life (HRQoL) has to be given more attention, since HIV/AIDS epidemic has not been fully addressed. Study participants were those living with HIV/AIDS, who wanted to learn more about variables, which influence their HRQoL. Material and methods: Using a cross-sectional technique, the study was performed in a descriptive analytic style. Overall sample size was 101 respondents, who were selected using a basic random sampling procedure, based on inclusion criteria. Characteristics of participants in this research, including income, duration of sickness, ease in accessing care and infrastructure, and presence of family and peer support, served as independent factors. Health-related quality of life was the dependent variable in this research. A questionnaire was employed as a testing tool. Logistic regression statistical test was applied, with a significance threshold of p = 0.05. Results: According to the findings of the present study, there was a correlation between income (p = 0.044), infrastructure (p = 0.003), social support (p = 0.009), and health-related quality of life (p = 0.009). An individual's HRQoL was most strongly influenced by the presence of adequate infrastructure (Exp(B) = 38.549), social support (Exp(B) = 31.575), and a stable source of income (Exp(B) = 26.764). Conclusions: HRQoL of people living with HIV/AIDS can be affected by variables, including income, infrastructure, and social support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the feasibility of using a milled polyetheretherketone (PEEK) post and core in endodontically treated teeth with or without a ferrule. Sixty bovine tooth roots were endodontically treated followed by cementation of intraradicular retainers (IR), according to each experimental group: a) non-ferrule glass fiber post (f0FP); b) 2-mm-ferrule glass fiber post (f2FP); c) nonferrule resized glass fiber post (f0PR); d) 2-mm-ferrule resized glass fiber post (f2PR); e) non-ferrule PEEK post and core (f0PPC); and f) 2-mm-ferrule PEEK post and core (f2PPC). Metal crowns were made and cemented. A periodontal ligament was simulated using polyether. A force was applied to the palatine portion of each sample at 45°, until fracture. Fracture resistance data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (a = 0.05). Three-dimensional digital models were developed to calculate the tensions formed in the root using finite element analysis. Models of glass fiber posts and PEEK posts and cores were evaluated with or without a ferrule. The results were analyzed by the Mohr-Coulomb criterion. The type of IR was not influenced by fracture strength (p = 0.243). There were significant statistical differences among the remaining factors. Ferrule groups had greater fracture resistance, and the failure mode of teeth with a ferrule was more catastrophic than the non-ferrule group. A ferrule increases fracture resistance and influences failure mode; the PEEK post and core did not modify the biomechanics of endodontically treated teeth, and resembled the glass fiber post results. The crack initiation point differed between the ferrule and non-ferrule groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated stresses generated at maxillary central incisor (21) root restored with lithium disilicate crown (LDC), and glass fiber (GFP) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK) post. 3D models created by computed tomographic image (i-CAT Cone Beam 3D Dental Imaging System) reproduced maxillary central incisor. Each model had prosthetic LDCs (2.0 mm thick) cemented to GFP or PEEK posts with dual resin cement. Different loads were applied to each model (cervical, incisal, axial, middle). At maximum principal stress, PEEK showed higher stress than GFP in all loads, but with qualitative similarity. At minimum principal stress, PEEK and GFP showed qualitative and quantitative similarities, except axial load. Maxillary central incisor restored with GFP or PEEK and LDC presented, in general, similar stress intensity and distribution for main occlusal loads. Only two of sixteen occlusal loads tested (cervical for maximum principal; axial for minimum principal) showed significant quantitative difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stunting is a serious nutrition problem in children aged 24-60 months which is increasing every year in Madura Island. One of the causes of stunting is the local Madura culture that prohibits certain foods to be consumed by pregnant women even though it contains high protein. This study explained the relationship between mother’s eating behavior during pregnancy and family income with stunting prevention strategy for children aged 24 – 60 months in Madura, Indonesia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 141 mothers in Madura Island. This study used purposive sampling technique. Structured interview-administered questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information, mothers’ eating behavior during pregnancy and stunting prevention strategy. Data were analyzed using Chi-square with a level of significance of 0.05. Mother’s eating behavior during pregnancy (p = 0.000) and family income (p=0.001) had a relationship with stunting prevention behavior. Mothers having a good eating behavior during pregnancy and family income more than 150 USD had positive stunting prevention strategies. Mothers’ eating behavior during pregnancy and family income play an important role in stunting prevention strategy. It is recommended to continue health education by health workers in collaboration with community leaders regarding stunting prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited information is available to clinicians on the use of dental mini-implants (MI) as opposed to standard-diameter implants (SDIs) for the stabilization of implant-retained mandibular overdentures (MOs). The purpose of this in vitro and finite element analysis study was to analyze and compare the biomechanical behavior of MOs with either 1 or 2 implants with external hexagon (EH), Morse taper (MT) SDIs, and MIs. Thirty photoelastic models (n=30) of each group (n=5) of SDIs (EH-1, EH-2, MT-1, MT-2) and MI (MI-1, MI-2) were fabricated for posterior, peri-implant, and total maximum shear stress evaluation by quantitative photoelastic analysis. One specimen of each group was further used to create the 6 computational models to be analyzed by finite element analysis. The maximum von Mises values and stress maps were plotted for each ductile component. Two types of load were applied to the overdenture: a150-N load bilaterally and simultaneously on the first molar and a 100-N load on the incisal edge of the central incisors at a 30-degree angle. The data were subjected to the 2-way ANOVA test and the Tukey honestly significant difference test (α=.05). The EH-2 and MT-2 showed the lowest posterior (P <.001) and total (P <.05) mean shear stress values. For peri-implant shear stress, no difference was found among all groups (P >.05). Regardless of the loading area, the MI-1 and MI-2 groups showed the lowest von Mises stress values. However, for implant housing, the MI-1 group, under incisor loading, presented greater stress, followed by MT-1, EH-1, EH-2, MI-2, and MT-2. The attachment was the most overloaded structure, with high values under incisor loading, especially for the groups with 2 implants (MT-2, EH-2) as compared with the other models. Biomechanically, regardless of the implant number, MI is a promising rehabilitation method with similar peri-implant shear stress and lower von Mises stress on the implant when compared with SDIs for MOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of RGO: Revista Gaúcha de Odontologia is the property of RGO: Revista Gaucha de Odontologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: The present in silico study evaluated the behavior of titanium dental implants associated with abutments in zirconia and monotype zirconia implant using finite element analysis (FEA). Methods: A partial image of the anterior region of the maxilla was obtained by computed tomography. Three models of finite element were made using 3D modeling software (SolidWorks): Ti-Ti (control): implant morse cone (3.75 x 11mm; NobelActive) and titanium abutment (Esthetic Abutment); Ti-Zr: cone morse implant in titanium (3.75 x 11mm; NobelActive) and zirconia abutment (Procera Esthetic Abutment #9); Zr: monotype zirconia implant (4.1 x 12mm; Straumann Pure Ceramic). Computerized crowns of element 11 in lithium disilicate (IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar Vivadent) cemented in all groups were created. A load of 100N (45°) was applied simulating the excursion movement of the incisal guide. The von Mises, modified von Mises, maximum (tensile) and minimum (compression) principal stresses were obtained, compared and used for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the groups. Results: The Zr presented the lowest values of maximum, minimum, and von Mises tensions than the two pieces systems (Ti-Ti and Ti-Zr). Ti-Zr group had the highest values of tensions evaluated in this study. Conclusions: The type of material as well as the geometry of implant influenced the tension values evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High rate copper electrodeposition with high-quality coating was achieved through an additive system. • The possible mechanism of the proposed additive system was analyzed. • The proposed additive system improves uniformity of through holes which enhances its potential in practical application. A novel additive system comprising bis-(sodium sulfopropyl)-disulfide, polyethylene glycol and hydroquinone (HQ) was developed and investigated to achieve high rate copper electrodeposition at high temperature. HQ, as the key additive compound in this system, refines the Cu grain, makes the coating surface bright and smooth at high current density. The underlying mechanism of the additive-assisted electroplating was investigated through electrochemical, morphological characterizations and molecular dynamics simulation. Nanocubical copper particles were found through chronoamperometry tests, which explains the fine crystalline Cu grains and the bright coating surface. Additionally, the formation of the nanocubical copper particles is caused by the different adsorption energies of HQ on (311), (111) and (220) crystal faces and further leads to a strong suppression on the (220) orient crystal faces. Moreover, the electroplating results of through-holes illustrate the feasibility of this additive system in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our experience, we reperformed pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) in 10 patients who previously underwent a first PEA. We analyzed this cohort of patients to investigate the main causes of recurrence of symptomatic pathology and the clinical and hemodynamic results of redo surgery. Between 1994 and April 2016, 10 of 716 patients were reoperated at our institution. Available postoperative data were analyzed, and a comparison between first and second PEA hemodynamic and clinical results was carried out. In-hospital mortality rate was also evaluated. After reoperation, mean pulmonary arterial pressure decreased from 45?±?9 to 34?±?10?mm Hg, and pulmonary vascular resistance reduced from 932?±?346?dyne*s*cm?5 to 428?±?207?dyne*s*cm?5. Hemodynamic data revealed worthy results of redo PEA, although they are less important than after first PEA. The World Health Organization (WHO) functional class improvement demonstrated satisfactory clinical results. In-hospital mortality of repeat PEA is 40%. Reoperative PEA operative candidacy should be assessed in case of young patients, no other risk factor, and recent medical history of pulmonary hypertension. In the other cases, in-hospital mortality rate is very high and pulmonary hypertension-specific drug therapy or interventional approach should be previously considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyze the stress distribution at the peri-implant bone tissue of mandible in full-arch implant-supported rehabilitation using a different number of implants as support. Methods: Three-dimensional finite element models of full-arch prosthesis with 3, 4 and 5 implants and those respective mandibular bone, screws and structure were built. ANSYS Workbench software was used to analyze the maximum and minimum principal stresses (quantitative analysis) and modified von Mises stress (qualitative analysis) in peri-implant bone tissue after vertical and oblique forces (100N) applied to the structure at the cantilever site (region of the first molars). Results: The peak of tensile stress values were at the bone tissue around to the distal implant in all models. The model with 3 implants presented the maximum principal stress, in the surrounding bone tissue, higher (~14%) than the other models. The difference of maximum principal stress for model with 4 and 5 implants was not relevant (~1%). The first medial implant of the model with 5 implants presented the lower (17%) stress values in bone than model with 3 implants. It was also not different from model with 4 implants. Conclusion: Three regular implants might present a slight higher chance of failure than rehabilitations with four or five implants. The use of four implants showed to be an adequate alternative to the use of classical five implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate three rigid, stable fixation methods for sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO), using finite element analysis. The hypothesis is that a customized miniplate presents better stress concentration and distribution. A 3D model of a hemimandible was created, and a 10-mm-advancement SSRO was simulated and fixed as follows: 3-DCP group — one custom miniplate fixed by eight screws; 4-H2P group — two miniplates of four holes each, fixed by eight screws; and 6-H2P group — two miniplates of six holes each fixed by 12 screws. After a vertical loading of 100 N, the values for von Mises stress, modified von Mises stress, and maximum and minimum principal stresses were measured. The area of maximum principal stress was similar for the three groups — located in the upper miniplate, in the screw near the proximal segment osteotomy. The maximum von Mises stresses were 1580.4 MPa, 1005 MPa, and 977.56 MPa for the 3DCP, 4-H2P, and 6-H2P groups, respectively, showing an allowable displacement of 2.57 mm, 1.62 mm, and 1.52 mm for the 3DCP, 4-H2P, and 6-H2P groups, respectively. The customized miniplate did not present better stress distribution than two commonly used types of fixation. Fixation with two straight miniplates, either with four or six holes, offers adequate resistance for 10 mm linear advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present study evaluated the fatigue behavior of monolithic translucent zirconia polycrystals (TZ) and lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LD) bonded to different substrates. Disc-shaped specimens of ceramic materials TZ and LD were bonded to three substrates with different elastic modulus (E) (fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) – softest material, E = 14.9 GPa; titanium alloy (Ti) – intermediary properties, E = 115 GPa; and zirconia (Yz) – stiffest material, E = 210 GPa). The surfaces were treated and bonded with resin cement (disc-disc set-up). Fatigue testing followed a step-stress approach (initial maximum load = 200 N for 5000 cycles, incremental step load = 200 N for 10,000 cycles/step). The fatigue failure load and number of cycles until failure were recorded and statistically analyzed. Fractographic and finite element (FEA) analyzes were conducted as well. TZ ceramic depicted higher fatigue failure load, number of cycles until failure, and survival probabilities than LD, irrespective of the substrate. Moreover, TZ and LD presented better fatigue behaviors when bonded to substrates Ti and Yz in comparison to FRC. FEA revealed lower tensile stresses at restorative material when bonded to stiffer substrates. Fractography showed that the fracture origin started at bottom surface of restorative material (except for TZ bonded to Yz, in which crack initiated at load contact point). Translucent zirconia polycrystals present superior mechanical behavior than lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. The substrate type influences the mechanical performance of monolithic dental ceramics (stiffer substrates lead to better fatigue behavior). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes of electrocardiographic (ECG) markers of right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy/overload in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). Methods and Results: We evaluated 99 CTEPH patients who underwent PEA. P wave amplitude in DII, R wave amplitude in V1 and the number of patients with negative T wave in V1-V3 decreased significantly at 1month after surgery with no further change at 1year, in parallel with the rapid improvement in right heart hemodynamics. S wave amplitude in V1, R:S wave ratio in lead V6 and prevalence of SIQIII pattern improved significantly at 1year, in parallel with the progressive reverse remodeling of the right ventricle at echocardiography. Conclusions: The study shows that some of the ECG markers of RV hypertrophy/overload better reflect RV hemodynamic overload while others better reflect the pathologic remodeling of the right ventricle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the crucial and unsolved problems of the airborne carbon nanoparticles is the role played by the adsorbed environmental pollutants on their toxicological effect. Indeed, in the urban areas, the carbon nanoparticles usually adsorb some atmospheric contaminants, whose one of the leading representatives is the benzo(α)pyrene. Herein, we used the proteomics to investigate the alteration of toxicological pathways due to the carbon nanopowder-benzo(α)pyrene complex in comparison with the two contaminants administered alone on human skin-derived fibroblasts (hSDFs) exposed for 8 days in semi-static conditions. The preliminary confocal microscopy observations highlighted that carbon-nanopowder was able to pass through the cell membranes and accumulate into the cytoplasm both when administered alone and with the adsorbed benzo(α)pyrene. Proteomics revealed that the effect of carbon nanopowder-benzo(α)pyrene complex seems to be related to a new toxicological behavior instead of simple additive or synergistic effects. In detail, the cellular pathways modulated by the complex were mainly related to energy shift (glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway), apoptosis, stress response and cellular trafficking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics is the property of Dental Press International and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: To compare the reliability between photoelastic and finite element (FE) analyses by evaluating the effect of different marginal misfit levels on the stresses generated on two different implant-supported systems using conventional and short implants. Methods: Two photoelastic models were obtained: model C with two conventional implants (4.1×11 mm); and model S with a conventional and a short implant (5×6 mm). Three-unit CoCr frameworks were fabricated simulating a superior first pre-molar (P) to first molar (M) fixed dental prosthesis. Different levels of misfit (μm) were selected based on the misfit average of 10 frameworks obtained by the single-screw test protocol: low (<20), medium (>20 and <40) and high (>40). Stress levels and distribution were measured by photoelastic analysis. A similar situation of the in vitro assay was designed and simulated by the in silico analysis. Maximum and minimum principal strain were recorded numerically and color-coded for the models. Von Mises Stress was obtained for the metallic components. Results: Photoelasticity and FE analyses showed similar tendency where the increase of misfit generates higher stress levels despite of the implant design. The short implant showed lower von Mises stress values; however, it presented stresses around its full length for the in vitro and in silico analysis. Also, model S showed higher μstrain values for all simulated misfit levels. The type of implant did not affect the stresses around pillar P. Conclusions: Photoelasticity and FEA are reliable methodologies presenting similarity for the investigation of the biomechanical behavior of implant-supported rehabilitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illicit drugs have been identified as emerging aquatic pollutants because of their widespread presence in freshwaters and potential toxicity towards aquatic organisms. Among illicit drug residues, cocaine (COC) and its main metabolites, namely benzoylecgonine (BE) and ecgonine methyl ester (EME), are commonly detected in freshwaters worldwide at concentration that can induce diverse adverse effects to non-target organisms. However, the information of toxicity and mechanisms of action (MoA) of these drugs, mainly of COC metabolites, to aquatic species is still fragmentary and inadequate. Thus, this study was aimed at investigating the toxicity of two concentrations (0.3 and 1.0 μg/L) of COC, BE and EME similar to those found in aquatic ecosystems on zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) embryos at 96 h post fertilization through a functional proteomics approach. Exposure to COC and both its metabolites significantly altered the protein profile of zebrafish embryos, modulating the expression of diverse proteins belonging to different functional classes, including cytoskeleton, eye constituents, lipid transport, lipid and energy metabolism, and stress response. Expression of vitellogenins and crystallins was modulated by COC and both its main metabolites, while only BE and EME altered proteins related to lipid and energy metabolism, as well as to oxidative stress response. Our data confirmed the potential toxicity of low concentrations of COC, BE and EME, and helped to shed light on their MoA on an aquatic vertebrate during early developmental period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Macitentan is beneficial for long-term treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The microvasculopathy of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension are similar. Methods The phase 2, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled MERIT-1 trial assessed macitentan in 80 patients with CTEPH adjudicated as inoperable. Patients identified as WHO functional class II–IV with a pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of at least 400 dyn·s/cm 5 and a walk distance of 150–450 m in 6 min were randomly assigned (1:1), via an interactive voice/web response system, to receive oral macitentan (10 mg once a day) or placebo. Treatment with phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors and oral or inhaled prostanoids was permitted for WHO functional class III/IV patients. The primary endpoint was resting PVR at week 16, expressed as percentage of PVR measured at baseline. Analyses were done in all patients who were randomly assigned to treatment; safety analyses were done in all patients who received at least one dose of the study drug. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov , number NCT02021292 . Findings Between April 3, 2014, and March 17, 2016, we screened 186 patients for eligibility at 48 hospitals across 20 countries. Of these, 80 patients in 36 hospitals were randomly assigned to treatment (40 patients to macitentan, 40 patients to placebo). At week 16, geometric mean PVR decreased to 73·0% of baseline in the macitentan group and to 87·2% in the placebo group (geometric means ratio 0·84, 95% CI 0·70–0·99, p=0·041). The most common adverse events in the macitentan group were peripheral oedema (9 [23%] of 40 patients) and decreased haemoglobin (6 [15%]). Interpretation In MERIT-1, macitentan significantly improved PVR in patients with inoperable CTEPH and was well tolerated. Funding Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare, debilitating, and life-threatening disease. We investigated associations between markers of disease severity and long-term outcomes in patients with inoperable CTEPH or persistent or recurrent pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) who were receiving the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator riociguat. We also present safety and efficacy from the final data cutoff of CHEST-2, where most patients had received riociguat for at least 2 years. Methods Eligible patients from the CHEST-1 study entered the CHEST-2 open-label extension study, in which all patients received riociguat individually adjusted to a maximum dose of 2·5 mg three times per day. The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability. We did exploratory assessments of associations between markers of disease severity (6-min walking distance [6MWD], N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP] concentration, and WHO functional class) at baseline and follow-up with overall survival and clinical worsening-free survival. We used Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses. CHEST-2 is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov , number NCT00910429 . Findings 237 patients entered CHEST-2. At 2 years, overall survival was 93% (95% CI 89–96) and clinical worsening-free survival was 82% (77–87). A significant association with overall survival was seen for 6MWD and NT-proBNP concentration at baseline (p=0·0199 and p=0·0183, respectively) and at follow-up (p=0·0385 and p=0·0068, respectively). Change from baseline in 6MWD was also significantly associated with survival (p=0·0047). WHO functional class at baseline and follow-up showed no significant association with overall survival but was associated with clinical worsening-free survival. Riociguat was well tolerated by most patients and no new safety signals were identified. Serious adverse events were seen in 129 (54%) of 237 patients, and 14 (6%) discontinued riociguat therapy because of adverse events. Interpretation Riociguat may be used long term in patients with CTEPH. 6MWD and NT-proBNP concentration are good prognostic markers. Funding Bayer Pharma AG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyoxylic acid is seen as a promising candidate to replace formaldehyde as reducing agent in electroless Cu baths. For deposition on ruthenium, the anodic reaction of glyoxylic acid has been evaluated and compared to formaldehyde using linear sweep voltammetry. Significant differences were observed for the deposition of copper on ruthenium. First of all. a faster nucleation was inferred from open-circuit potential measurements, which is beneficial as it reduces the total process time. Secondary, we found 2.2' bipyridyl worked as stabilizer and brightener in this glyoxylic acid-based electroless bath. Thirdly, the purity of the copper films improved when 2,2' bipyridyl was present in the solution. Using the optimized composition, we demonstrate a conformai Cu seed layer .deposition (~100 nm) inside high aspect ratio (16.7) through-Si vias. This work shows the feasibility for electroless Cu seeding in a through-Si via metallization sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]