Search Results (51)

Background & Objectives: Endovascular embolization has matured into a sophisticated, precision-guided discipline that is central to the management of complex neurovascular pathologies. This review synthesizes contemporary treatment strategies, evaluating the advanced material characteristics of conventional inert liquid polymers, specifically non-adhesive ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers and adhesive cyanoacrylates, alongside their targeted clinical applications in brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs), dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs), hypervascular intracranial tumors, and chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs). Furthermore, it examines the critical material and hemodynamic constraints that limit these agents in cerebral aneurysm repair. Methods: A comprehensive literature synthesis through 3 July 2026 was integrated with peer-reviewed clinical illustrations to evaluate both procedural mechanics and the necessity of post-procedural physiological management. Review Findings: Embolization serves a critical dual role: as a definitive curative therapy and as an essential preoperative or radiosurgical adjunct. As demonstrated by recent clinical validations, technical angiographic success must be closely coupled with vigilant neurocritical oversight to manage profound, localized hemodynamic shifts. While these conventional methods represent established clinical practice, the field is evolving away from inert mechanical occlusion toward a highly integrated approach. The convergence of stimuli-responsive “smart” hydrogels and endovascular robotics is being evaluated for potential roles in transforming these interventions into dynamic, bioactive platforms capable of modulating disease-specific mechanisms, such as Rat Sarcoma-Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (RAS-MAPK) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling in bAVMs or the Von Hippel-Lindau/Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VHL/VEGF) axis in hypervascular tumors. This review further analyzes landmark data, including the Squid Trial For the Embolization of the Middle Meningeal Artery for Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma (STEM) trial for CSDH, providing a synthesis for translating these advanced material sciences into standardized, multidisciplinary neurointerventional care. Full article

Fresh Pleurotus pulmonarius is highly perishable during logistics because of its high water content, active respiration, and susceptibility to oxidative damage and membrane deterioration. This study optimized modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions and evaluated their effects on postharvest quality and membrane lipid stability under simulated logistics temperature fluctuations. Single-factor and orthogonal experiments were used to optimize the package gas composition, including O₂ and CO₂ concentrations, as well as the packaging film. The selected MAP treatment (5% O₂ + 20% CO₂ with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer film) was compared with the control during 3 d of simulated logistics at 25 °C followed by 2 d of cold storage at 4 °C. Compared with the control, MAP maintained higher sensory quality, reduced weight loss and browning, and preserved total phenolic and flavonoid contents. It also inhibited O₂^.− and malondialdehyde accumulation, enhanced superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities, and delayed ascorbic acid and glutathione depletion. Moreover, MAP reduced membrane permeability, suppressed lipase, lipoxygenase, and phospholipase D activities, delayed phospholipid degradation, and maintained higher unsaturated fatty acid levels, U/S, and IUFA. These results indicate that MAP delays postharvest deterioration of P. pulmonarius during the 5-day simulated logistics and cold storage period, partly by maintaining ROS homeostasis and membrane lipid stability. Full article

Type 2 endoleaks (EL2s) are potentially life-threatening complications, defined as persistent arterial perfusion of the excluded aneurysmal sac after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Most EL2s are managed endovascularly, through embolization of the aneurysmal sac and its arterial feeders. During embolization, attention should be given to anatomical variants such as “corona mortis”, an arterial anastomosis connecting external iliac (via inferior epigastric) and internal iliac (via obturator) arteries. We present the case of an 88-year-old male previously treated with EVAR for a left common iliac artery aneurysm (CIAA), complicated by EL2 originating from the ipsilateral ilio-lumbar branch of the internal iliac artery. Successful embolization of the endoleak was achieved through catheterization of the inferior epigastric artery, taking advantage of the “corona mortis” variant. This route allowed access to the sac and embolization with ethylene-vinyl-alcohol-copolymer. This approach represents a safe alternative to direct sac puncture or superior gluteal artery access in patients exhibiting this anatomical variant. Full article

Ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers are widely used in packaging, films, foams, and adhesives because of their softness and optical clarity; however, their relatively low mechanical strength limits broader applications. In this study, a scalable masterbatch strategy was developed to reinforce EVA by introducing TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (T-CNFs), pre-encapsulated within an ethylene–vinyl alcohol (EVOH) matrix. EVOH acted as a compatibilizer, establishing robust hydrogen bonding with T-CNFs (evidenced by a 2.73-fold increase in the hydrogen bonding index) and thereby promoting their uniform dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion in the hydrophobic EVA phase. The resulting nanocomposites demonstrated significant improvements in mechanical performance, achieving a maximum 1.54-fold increase in tensile strength and a 1.42-fold increase in Young’s modulus compared to neat EVA. These findings highlight a practical route to produce bio-based, mechanically enhanced EVA nanocomposites with potential for industrial-scale applications. Full article

The accurate analysis of the sealing performance of underground lined cavern hydrogen storage is critical for enhancing the stability and economic viability of storage facilities. This study conducts an innovative investigation into hydrogen leakage behavior by developing a multiphysical coupled model for a composite system of support structures and surrounding rock in the operation process. By integrating Fick’s first law with the steady-state gas permeation equation, the gas leakage rates of stainless steel and polymer sealing layers are quantified, respectively. The Arrhenius equation is employed to characterize the effects of temperature on hydrogen permeability and the evolution of gas permeability. Thermalmechanical coupled effects across different materials within the storage system are further considered to accurately capture the hydrogen leakage process. The reliability of the established model is validated against analytical solutions and operational data from a real underground compressed air storage facility. The applicability of four materials—stainless steel, epoxy resin (EP), ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), and polyimide (PI)—as sealing layers in underground hydrogen storage caverns is evaluated, and the influences of four operational parameters (initial temperature, initial pressure, hydrogen injection temperature, and injection–production rate) on sealing layer performance are also systematically investigated. The results indicate that all four materials satisfy the required sealing performance standards, with stainless steel and EP demonstrating superior sealing performance. The initial temperature of the storage and the injection temperature of hydrogen significantly affect the circumferential stress in the sealing layer—a 10 K increase in initial temperature leads to an 11% rise in circumferential stress, while a 10 K increase in injection temperature results in a 10% increase. In addition, the initial storage pressure and the hydrogen injection rate exhibit a considerable influence on airtightness—a 1 MPa increase in initial pressure raises the leakage rate by 11%, and a 20 kg/s increase in injection rate leads to a 12% increase in leakage. This study provides a theoretical foundation for sealing material selection and parameter optimization in practical engineering applications of underground lined caverns for hydrogen storage. Full article

Objective: To retrospectively assess the safety and efficacy of endovaginal guidance for embolizing perivaginal varices associated with persistent localized symptoms, including dyspareunia and postcoital pain. Methods: From February 2024 to January 2025, 10 women (median age: 36 years, range: 23–45) underwent pelvic embolization using endovaginal guidance. Eight patients had already undergone endovascular embolization, with persistent perivaginal varices that were inaccessible by this approach, accompanied by dyspareunia or postcoital pain. Primary efficacy was assessed three months post-embolization, defined as a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of <2 and a ≥50% decrease. Outcomes were assessed through clinical and imaging follow-up. Results: Technical efficacy was achieved in all procedures (100%). Embolization was performed using Glubran/Lipiodol in eight cases (80%) and Onyx^® in two cases (20%). The primary efficacy of the procedures was 90.0% (9 out of 10 cases). A reduction in dyspareunia and postcoital pain was observed, with median VAS scores decreasing to one and zero, respectively, compared to initial scores of seven and seven (p = 0.002 and p = 0.016) and to scores after endovascular embolization to five and five (p = 0.004 and p = 0.016). No major complications were recorded. Imaging follow-up showed a significant reduction in perivaginal varicosities in all cases. Conclusions: Endovaginal guidance proves to be a fast and effective technique for the embolization of perivaginal varices, highlighting its integration into the principles of personalized medicine. Full article

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of different packaging materials on the composition of the headspace (CO₂ and O₂) of rennet cheeses packed in unit packaging under different modified atmosphere (MAP) conditions during a storage period of 90 days at 2 °C and 8 °C. The packaging materials comprised different combinations of BOPP—biaxially oriented polypropylene; PET—polyester; PE—polyethylene; PP—polypropylene; EVOH—ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer; PET—polyethylene terephthalate; and PA—polyamide. As the properties of the packaging material (foil) affect the gas conditions inside the packaging, it is important to study whether the modifications, i.e., properties and thickness, of the foils will result in significant differences in the composition of the headspace of packed cheeses. The CO₂ content in the headspace of Gouda cheese packages ranged from 35% to 45%, while for Maasdamer and Sielski Klasyczny cheese, it varied between 55% and 65%. Throughout the storage period, the O₂ content in the headspace of cheeses packaged in tested foils (1–5) did not exceed 0.5%. The type of foil used did not influence the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions. Full article

Lysozyme, a common antimicrobial agent, is widely used in the food, biopharmaceutical, chemical, and medicine fields. Rapid and effective isolation of lysozymes is an everlasting topic. In this work, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer nanofibrous membranes with a gradient porous structure used for lysozyme adsorption were prepared through layer-by-layer nanofiber wet-laying and a cost-efficient ultraviolet (UV)-assisted graft-modification method, where benzophenone was used as an initiator and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid as a modifying monomer. As indicated in the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectric energy spectrometer (XPS) investigation, sulfonic acid groups were introduced on the surface of the modified nanofibrous membrane, which possessed the ability to adsorb lysozyme. Compared with membranes with homogenous porous structures, membranes with a gradient porous structure present higher static (335 mg/g) and dynamic adsorption capacities (216.3 mg/g). Meanwhile, the adsorption capacity remained high after five cycles of the adsorption–desorption process. The results can be attributed to the gradient porous structure rather than the highest porosity and specific surface area. This suggests that the membrane with comprehensive separation performance can be designed from the view of the transmembrane porous structure, which is of significance for the development of next-generation advanced chromatographic membranes. Full article

This study investigates the rheological, morphological, and mechanical properties of melt-processed polylactide/ethylene vinyl alcohol (70PLA/30EVOH) blend composites containing 0.25, 0.5, and 1 wt.% of graphene oxide (GO) nanoplates. Thermodynamic-based suggested the localization of nanoparticles in EVOH, SEM studies showed that the introduction of GO to the blend increased dispersed droplet size, which was attributed to the localization of GO within EVOH, as confirmed by TEM. The rheology results indicated a decrease in the elasticity for the composite containing 0.25 wt.% of GO compared to the neat blend, which was attributed to the sliding effect of the added GO nanoplatelets. However, samples containing higher amounts of GO nanoplatelets exhibited more excellent elasticity than the neat blend. The increased elasticity was suggestively attributed to the dominance of hydrodynamic interactions, the physical network of added nanoplatelets, and polymer/GO interactions over the sliding role of the GO nanoplatelets at higher loadings. In addition, the effect of the order of mixing was investigated, and the premixing of PLA and GO exhibited a decrease in the droplet radius compared to the neat blend. It was ascribed to the localization of GO nanosheets in the PLA and interface, which was confirmed by rheological results and mechanical assessments. Full article

This research aimed to provide an understanding of the selection and safe application of pipeline liner materials for hydrogen transport by examining the permeation properties and mechanisms of hydrogen within polymers commonly used for this purpose, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), through molecular simulation. The study was carried out within defined operational parameters of temperature (ranging from room temperature to 80 °C) and pressure (from 2.5 to 10 MPa) that are pertinent to hydrogen pipeline infrastructures. The results reveal that with an increase in temperature from 30 °C to 80 °C, the solubility, diffusion, and permeability coefficients of hydrogen in HDPE increase by 18.7%, 92.9%, and 129.0%, respectively. Similarly, in EVOH, these coefficients experience increments of 15.9%, 81.6%, and 112.7%. Conversely, pressure variations have a negligible effect on permeability in both polymers. HDPE exhibits significantly higher hydrogen permeability compared to EVOH. The unique chain segment configuration of EVOH leads to the formation of robust hydrogen bonds among the hydroxyl groups, thereby impeding the permeation of hydrogen. The process by which hydrogen is adsorbed in polymers involves aggregation at low potential energy levels. During diffusion, the hydrogen molecule primarily vibrates within a limited range, with intermittent occurrences of significant hole-to-hole transitions over larger distances. Hydrogen exhibits a stronger interaction with HDPE compared to EVOH, leading to a higher number of adsorption sites and increased hydrogen adsorption capacity in HDPE. Hydrogen molecules move more actively in HDPE than in EVOH, exhibiting greater hole amplitude and more holes in transition during the diffusion process. Full article

With the development of coal mining and the increase in excavation depth, the stress on roadway surrounding rock is also increasing. This creates conditions for crack development in the roadway, so it is urgent to develop rock repair materials with excellent performance. The ability of thin spray-on liner (TSL) to repair rock and concrete opens up the possibility of reusing abandoned roadways. The ability of TSL to support the surrounding rock is also important in preventing the generation of roadway waste. In this paper, styrene–acrylic emulsion (SAE), vinyl acetate–ethylene copolymer emulsion (VAE), and polyvinyl alcohol powder (PVA) were used to prepare three TSLs. Rock-like materials were configured using cement mortar according to similar principles. Three types of TSLs were tested for basic properties such as viscosity and mechanical strength, which provided data to support the explanation of the repair performance of TSLs. Three TSLs were used to repair pre-cracked rock-like specimens (PR). The number of brushing times and the angle of PR’s cracks were regarded as test variables. Changes in the mechanical strength of repaired PRs were tested by compressive and flexural tests. TSL repair performance was evaluated with the help of mechanical strength changes. Results show that polyvinyl alcohol powder modified cement-based thin spray-on liner is most suitable for repairing rock cracks; as the thickness of the brush slurry increases, its repair performance continues to improve. This paper can provide experience and a theoretical basis for the research of other rock repair materials, and it is also instructive for repairing shotcrete in the roadway. Full article

The use of active coatings in fresh food packaging is an innovative technique that optimizes the functional properties of films, resulting in a longer product shelf life and reduced food waste. But, which is more sustainable, active packaging (AP) or conventional packaging (CP) for the packaging of fresh-cut products? To answer this research question, this study analyzes the environmental performance of AP during its life cycle for packaging a minimally processed fresh salad mix compared with CP, in terms of its manufacture and use. The AP is a bag that includes a bioactive component, oregano essential oil (OEO), which is an inhibitor of microbial growth, incorporated into an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) coating on a conventional polypropylene (PP) film. To this end, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was carried out based on ISO 14040 and 14044, using the ReCiPe methodology. The results showed that using active packaging has a beneficial affect, reducing the amount of produced food by 30% compared with conventional packaging over the same period. The reductions in the studied impact categories were greater than 50% in most of them, with a 62% reduction in global warming. The proposed sensitivity analysis showed the difference between the disposal or treatment of waste generated by the packaging production process and the packaged product, indicating that this step is of great importance for the environmental impacts and sustainability of this process. In 80% of the scenarios analyzed, the AP achieved better results than the CP in terms of damage categories. Full article

Background and Objectives: Treatment of visceral artery pseudoaneurysms (VAPs) is always indicated regardless of their diameters, as their risk of rupture is significantly higher than that of visceral artery aneurysms. The invasiveness of surgery and its associated complications have led to a shift in favor of radiological interventions as the initial treatment of choice. However, there are still some unanswered questions on endovascular treatment of VAPs regarding the optimal endovascular technique and the efficacy and safety outcomes. The purpose of this multicenter study was to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endovascular treatment of visceral pseudoaneurysms using Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) Copolymer-Based Non-Adhesive Liquid Embolic Agents (NALEAs). Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent endovascular embolization with EVOH-based NALEAs for visceral artery pseudoaneurysms between January 2018 and June 2023 were retrospectively evaluated. Results: 38 embolizations were performed. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The clinical success rate was high (92.1% overall), with no significant differences between ruptured and unruptured VAPs (p = 0.679). Seven patients (18.4%) experienced procedure-related complications, related to one case of non-target embolization, four splenic abscesses due to end-organ infarction, and two femoral pseudoaneurysms. The rates of procedure-related complications, end-organ infarction, and vascular access-site complications did not significantly differ between ruptured and unruptured VAPs (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both ruptured and unruptured visceral pseudoaneurysms can be effectively and safely treated with NALEA-based endovascular embolization. We suggest considering the use of NALEAs, particularly in specific clinical cases that highlight their advantages, including patients with coagulopathy, fragile vessels, and embolization targets that are located at a considerable distance from the microcatheter tip and are otherwise difficult to reach. Full article

Stability and narrow size distribution are among the main requirements that apply to drug formulations based on polymeric nanoparticles. In this study, we obtained a series of particles based on biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (P(D,L)LA_n-b-PEG₁₁₃) copolymers with varied hydrophobic P(D,L)LA block length n from 50 to 1230 monomer units stabilized by poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by a simple “oil-in-water” emulsion method. We found that nanoparticles of P(D,L)LA_n-b-PEG₁₁₃ copolymers with relatively short P(D,L)LA block (n ≤ 180) are prone to aggregate in water. P(D,L)LA_n-b-PEG₁₁₃ copolymers with n ≥ 680 can form spherical unimodal particles with values of hydrodynamic diameter less than 250 nm and polydispersity less than 0.2. The aggregation behavior of P(D,L)LA_n-b-PEG₁₁₃ particles was elucidated in terms of tethering density and conformation of PEG chains at the P(D,L)LA core. Docetaxel (DTX) loaded nanoparticles based on P(D,L)LA₆₈₀-b-PEG₁₁₃ and P(D,L)LA₁₂₃₀-b-PEG₁₁₃ copolymers were formulated and studied. It was observed that DTX-loaded P(D,L)LA_n-b-PEG₁₁₃ (n = 680, 1230) particles are characterized by high thermodynamic and kinetic stability in aqueous medium. The cumulative release of DTX from the P(D,L)LA_n-b-PEG₁₁₃ (n = 680, 1230) particles is sustained. An increase in P(D,L)LA block length results in a decrease in DTX release rate. The in vitro antiproliferative activity and selectivity studies revealed that DTX-loaded P(D,L)LA₁₂₃₀-b-PEG₁₁₃ nanoparticles demonstrate better anticancer performance than free DTX. Favorable freeze-drying conditions for DTX nanoformulation based on P(D,L)LA₁₂₃₀-b-PEG₁₁₃ particles were also established. Full article

Transarterial embolization (TAE) of renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is effective in treating and preventing hemorrhage. We report our experience using EVOH with a single-center retrospective study of all AML embolized with EVOH between June 2013 and March 2022 at the Montpellier University Hospital. A total of 29 embolizations were carried out in 24 consecutive patients (mean age: 53.86 years; 21 women and 3 men) with 25 AMLs for severe bleeding, symptomatic AML, tumor size > 4 cm, or presence of aneurysm(s) > 5 mm. Data collected included imaging and clinical outcomes, tuberous sclerosis complex status, change in AML volume, rebleeding, renal function, volume and concentration of EVOH used, and complications. Out of 29 embolizations performed for 25 AMLs, four were performed in an emergency. Technical success was achieved for 24/25 AMLs. Mean AML volume reduction was 53.59% after a mean follow-up time of 446 days using MRI or CT scan. Aneurysms on angiogram and the symptomatological nature of AML, as well as secondary TAE and multiple arterial pedicles, were statistically associated (p < 0.05). Two patients (8%) underwent nephrectomy after TAE. Four patients had a second embolization. Minor and major complication rates were 12% and 8%, respectively. Neither rebleeding nor renal function impairment was noticed. TAE of AML using EVOH is, thus, highly effective and safe. Full article