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Liquid embolic agents are widely used for the endovascular embolization of vascular conditions. However, embolization based on phase transition is limited by the adhesion of the microcatheter to the embolic agent, use of an organic solvent, unintentional catheter retention, and other complications. By mimicking thrombus formation, a watersoluble polymer that rapidly glues blood into a gel without triggering coagulation was developed. The polymer, which consists of cationic and aromatic residues with adjacent sequences, shows electrostatic adhesion with negatively charged blood substances in a physiological environment, while common polycations cannot. Aqueous polymer solutions are injectable through clinical microcatheters and needles. The formed blood gel neither adhered to the catheter nor blocked the port. Postoperative computed tomography imaging showed that the polymer can block the rat femoral artery in vivo and remain at the injection site without nontarget embolization. This study provides an alternative for the development of waterborne embolic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on an exploratory study to identify support mechanisms for educating forensic pathology trainees in Japan. Topics discussed include the decline in the number of physicians who choose forensic medicine as a career path, factors that contribute to the selection of the forensic pathology program such as role models and lack of employment opportunities for future forensic pathologists, and the need for medical societies and governments to collaborate to address the issue.