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We consider the unitary Abelian Higgs model and investigate its spectral functions at one-loop order. This analysis allows to disentangle what is physical and what is not at the level of the elementary particle propagators, in conjunction with the Nielsen identities. We highlight the role of the tadpole graphs and the gauge choices to get sensible results. We also introduce an Abelian Curci-Ferrari action coupled to a scalar field to model a massive photon which, like the non-Abelian Curci-Ferarri model, is left invariant by a modified non-nilpotent BRST symmetry. We clearly illustrate its non-unitary nature directly from the spectral function viewpoint. This provides a functional analogue of the Ojima observation in the canonical formalism: there are ghost states with nonzero norm in the BRST-invariant states of the Curci-Ferrari model. * david.dudal@kuleuven.be †

Onyx is a nonadhesive liquid embolic agent approved for the treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations. Here, the use of Onyx is discussed in different peripheral procedures. The Onyx's features, its manipulation, technical details, tips, and tricks are presented followed by illustrative cases.

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Purpose To define predictive factors for endoleak type II (EL-II) based on quantifiable factors in the imaging studies of patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods The data on 208 consecutive patients (137 men; mean age 75.2 years, range 62–84) who underwent EVAR between the years 2003 and 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter ranged from 4.8 to 12.8 cm. Data were collected on the type of AAA; the type of stent-graft (aortomonoiliac versus bifurcated); the performance of hypogastric artery embolization; the presence, number, diameter, and patency of aortoiliac branches identified on the pre and post-EVAR imaging studies; and the presence and type of EL-II (transient vs. persistent) with the goal of identifying any imaging-based predictive factors for the development of EL-II. Results Among the 208 cases, 11 patients had endoleaks other than type II and were excluded, leaving 195 patients for analysis. In all, 28 (13.4%) patients were diagnosed with EL-II. All had ≥4 patent lumbar arteries (mean diameter >2.3 mm). Ten patients with a transient EL-II had a mean of 4.3 patent lumbar arteries, which had diameters <2 mm (mean 1.5 mm). In the 18 patients with persistent EL-II, the mean diameter of the 4 lumbar arteries was 2.7 mm; at least 1 of the lumbar arteries was >2 mm. The presence of at least 4 patent lumbar arteries (p<0.001) and at least 1 patent hypogastric artery (p<0.001) were predictive factors for EL-II. At least 1 lumbar artery >2 mm in diameter was a positive predictive factor for the development of persistent EL-II (p<0.001). Conclusion Patent hypogastric and lumbar arteries are significantly associated with a higher risk of developing EL-II. Larger diameter lumbar arteries tend to be associated with persistent EL-IIs, while lumbar arteries <2 mm would more likely be seen with a transient EL-II. If substantiated in larger studies, these angiographic criteria may guide early treatment of EL-II to avoid aneurysm sac expansion and potential rupture.

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Diverticulosis remains the commonest cause for acute lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding (GIB). Conservative management is initially sufficient for most patients, followed by elective diagnostic tests. However, if acute lower GIB persists, it can be investigated with colonoscopy, CT angiography (CTA), or red blood cell (RBC) scan. Colonoscopy can identify the site and cause of bleeding and provide

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