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We present a quasi-analytical model for Tunnel Field Effect Transistors (TFETs) that includes the microscopic physics and chemistry of interfaces and non-idealities. The ballistic band-to-band tunneling current is calculated by modifying the well known Simmons equation for oxide tunneling, where we integrate the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin tunneling current over the transverse modes. We extend the Simmons equation to finite temperature and non-rectangular barriers using a two-band model for the channel material and an analytical channel potential profile obtained from Poisson's equation. The two-band model is parametrized first principles by calibrating with hybrid Density Functional Theory calculations and extended to random alloys with a band unfolding technique. Our quasi-analytical model shows quantitative agreement with ballistic quantum transport calculations. On top of the ballistic tunnel current, we incorporate higher order processes arising at junctions coupling the bands, specifically interface trap assisted tunneling and Auger generation processes. Our results suggest that both processes significantly impact the off-state characteristics of the TFETs—Auger, in particular, being present even for perfect interfaces. We show that our microscopic model can be used to quantify the TFET performance on the atomistic interface quality. Finally, we use our simulations to quantify circuit level metrics such as energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to compare the hematological parameters of two snow trout fish species, Schizopyge plagiostomus and Schizopyge niger, inhabiting two different habitats, to establish and compare baseline information about the hematological profile of the two species using standard methodology and light microscopy. Results showed significant (P < 0.05) differences in hematological parameters of the two species. Significantly higher hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC) and hematocrit (Hct) values were recorded in S. plagiostomus as compared to S. niger. Conversely, the values of thrombocyte count (TC), white blood cell count (WBC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were higher in S. niger in comparison to S. plagiostomus. The erythrocyte dimensions of these two species were distinguished and characterized under light microscopy; different morphometric characteristics were observed, such as larger size and smaller number in S. niger as compared to S. plagiostomus. The variation in hematological parameters and morphometric characteristics of erythrocytes between the two species inhabiting different environments might be due to their divergent physiological activity level, movement, metabolic rate and feeding behavior. This study will provide essential tools for physiologists and pathologists in monitoring the health status of these fish species in particular and fish species in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion channels play important roles in human physiology and their dysfunction is linked to a variety of diseases. This has sparked considerable interest in their molecular function and pharmacology and generated a need to manipulate them with great precision. The use of high‐sensitivity electrophysiological methods allows for the implementation of chemical biology manipulations, as even minute protein amounts can be studied. For example, modification of solvent‐accessible cysteines is a powerful tool to site‐selectively modify proteins through the introduction of charged moieties or those with fluorescent properties. This has been harnessed to study ion conduction pathways and monitor conformational dynamics. In ligand‐directed chemistry, a high‐affinity ligand is used to modify an ion channel with a chemical probe via a reactive linker. While these approaches are typically limited to extracellular positions, genetic code expansion provides a means to introduce non‐canonical amino acids in any position of the protein. This enables the insertion of subtle analogues of naturally occurring side chains or the protein backbone, as well as amino acids with fluorescent, cross‐linking or photo‐switchable properties. Finally, protein semi‐synthesis enables the simultaneous insertion of multiple modifications, including those that would not be tolerated by the ribosomal translation machinery. Collectively, these chemical biology tools have overcome various shortcomings of conventional mutagenesis and vastly expanded the scope of possible modifications and the type of ion channels they can be applied to. Their application in both heterologous and native cell systems will no doubt play an increasingly important role in ion channel research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Iran, applying geostatistics to regional analysis is said to be in its early stages. The fundamental principle of this technique emphasizes the interpolation of hydrological variables in physiographical, instead of geographical, spaces. This paper deals with the adaptation, application, and comparison of two regional analysis methods based on geostatistics. In this study, data from 38 gauging stations located in the north of Iran were used to investigate the performance of geostatistical methods in two physiographical spaces. Two multivariate analysis methods, namely, Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) and Principal Components Analysis (PCA), were used to identify physiographical spaces. Gaussian and exponential models were selected as the best theoretical variogram models in CCA and PCA spaces, respectively. Ordinary and simple kriging geostatistical estimators were also used for regional estimations in both physiographical spaces. Using the interpolation methods in CCA and PCA spaces, regional flood estimations were made for different return periods (10, 20, 50, and 100 years). Finally, performance of both models was studied using five statistical indices. The results showed that both methods had similar and satisfactory performance; however, regional estimations in CCA had higher accuracy and less uncertainty than those in PCA-space. Furthermore, the results indicated that the ordinary kriging method had better performance than the simple kriging method in both spaces and the best interpolation efficiency was observed in the CCA space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 30-year-old man with a cervical mass and underwent into ultrasonography. The patient was subjected to undergo into fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) due to neck swelling. The article also discusses the common symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), lymphoepithelial carcinoma, and FNA cytodiagnosis with metastatic epithelial malignancy.

Background and Objective: By increasing the number of athletes, sports-related injuries are increased and of those lower extremities injuries are more common. This study was done to evaluate the relation of sole arch index and static balance in female athletes with lower-extremity injury. Methods: This case -- control study, was done on 18 female athletes without a history of lower extremity injury which were considered as controls and 18 female athletes with a history of lower extremity injury in past two years which were considered as cases. Static balance and sole arch index were evaluated using stork stand and Chippaux-Smirak index tests. Results: Static balance with open eyes was 16.10 seconds and 26.53 seconds in cases and controls (P<0.05), whereas, there was no significant difference in static balance with closed eyes and sole arch index between cases and controls. Conclusion: Poor static balance with neuromuscular control deficit can consider as lower extremity injury in female athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The head and neck region harbours crucial structures and hence the surgical technique used to remove schwannomas from this region should cause minimal damage to these structures, with complete removal of pathology.Methods:This study entailed a retrospective analysis of 10 patients with head and neck schwannomas that were excised using a nerve-sparing subcapsular dissection technique. The primary aims were to assess the functional impact of the surgical technique on the structure of origin and to evaluate local control.Results:One patient with parapharyngeal schwannoma developed symptoms suggestive of ‘first bite syndrome’ in the late post-operative period. Another patient with facial nerve schwannoma had House–Brackmann grade II weakness in the immediate post-operative period, which subsequently resolved. None of the patients developed recurrence during a median follow-up period of two years.Conclusion:The nerve-sparing subcapsular dissection technique provided effective local control of tumour pathology, with relative preservation of neural function post-operatively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

CONTEXT: Hysterectomy is an integral part of ovarian cancer surgery. The authors have evaluated the uterine involvement in ovarian cancer in this study. AIMS: Conventionally, removal of the uterus is considered an essential part of ovarian cancer surgery, but rationale for same in absence of its gross involvement is questionable. Aim of this study was to evaluate the microscopic involvement of uterus in ovarian cancer and whether there are any predictors of uterine involvement. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors analyzed 128 patients of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) operated from 2004 January to 2008 June, who had not undergone hysterectomy previously. Data regarding their demographic, clinical, and pathological findings was collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test. RESULTS: Most of our patients (n=111) presented with stage III or above. Serous carcinoma was the most common histology encountered (86.7%). Uterus was grossly involved in only 19 patients and microscopic involvement was noted in 20 patients. Only one patient with absence of gross involvement had microscopic disease in the uterus. Involvement of the uterus was found to be independent of stage, type of tumor, laterality, and preoperative chemotherapy. The grade of tumor and gross uterine involvement were only factors that showed statistically significant correlation with microscopic uterine involvement. Only one patient had synchronous endometrial cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine involvement in EOC is not common. Absence of gross uterine involvement reliably predicts absence of microscopic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the role of liver function tests in predicting common bile duct stones in acute calculous cholecystitis. Use of predictive models in inflammatory gallstone disease; Predictive value of bilirubin; Cutoff point for glutamyl transpeptidase.

Evaluates the role of laparoscopic surgery in the early management of acute gallbladder disease in a single large British teaching hospital. Conversion rate in patients with acute calculous cholecystitis; Finding that elective surgery for previous acute cholecystitis was associated with a higher conversion rate than elective surgery for biliary pain; Recommendation of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis within 48 hours after admission.

A technique of depolarization is used to investigate the coherence and spectral properties of the radiation emitted in the two-photon decay of metastable atomic deuterium. The results agree with the quantum mechanical predictions but may also be interpreted to show that a single photon of a two-photon pair can be considered to have a very short coherence length, a very short coherence time and a broad bandwidth, all limited, in practice, by the transmission properties of the detection system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tunnel Field Effect Transistors (TFETs) are known to be compromised by higher order processes that downgrade their performance compared to ballistic projections. Using a quasi-analytical model that extends the chemistry based Simmons equation to include finite temperature effects, potential variations and scattering, we exhibit that non-idealities like trap-assisted tunneling and Auger generation can explain the observed performance discrepancy. In particular, Auger generation is the dominant leakage mechanism in TFETs at low trap densities. Our studies suggest that possible ways of reducing Auger generation rate are reducing source carrier concentration and increasing the valence band transport effective mass of the source material. In this paper, we specifically investigate the impact of variations of these factors on device performance of staggered bandgap planar III-V heterojunction Tunnel FETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the use of sub-Tenon's anaesthesia for cataract surgery using a plastic cannula. Evaluation of the usefulness of a plastic cannula to perform the sub-Tenon's block for cataract surgery; Comparison of the status of the patients with metallic cannula and patients with plastic cannula; Experience of pain faced by patients at the time of injection.

Tool wear prediction has become an indispensable technique to prevent downtime in manufacturing and production processes. Airborne emission from a machining process using a low-cost microphone may provide a vital signal of tool health. However, the effect of background noise results in anomaly in data that may lead to wrong prediction of tool health. The paper presents an adaptive approach using neural networks for background noise filtration in acoustic signal for a turning process. Acoustic signal of a turning process is mixed with background noise from four different machines and introduced at different RPMs and feed-rate at a constant depth of cut. A comparison of Backpropagation neural network (BPNN), Self-organizing map and k-means clustering algorithm for noise filtration is investigated in this paper. In this regard, back-propagation neural network showed better performance with an average accuracy for all the four sources. It shows 100 % accuracy for grinding machine signal, 94.78 % accuracy for background signal from 3-axis milling machine, 45.57 % and 12.69 % for motor and 4-axis milling machine, respectively. Signal reconstruction is then done using Discrete cosine transform (DCT). The proposed technique shows a promising future for noise filtration in airborne acoustic data of a machining process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objectives CT guided lung biopsy is a proven diagnostic method for lung cancer. However, traditionally complication rates from this procedure have been high. The aim of our study was to assess current complication rates from this procedure and the determine what possible risk factors may account for these. Methods A retrospective cohort of CT guided lung biopsy procedures done between August 2008 and November 2010 were analysed. Patient notes and electronic radiology records (Centricity PACS) were reviewed. Complications of haemorrhage, pneumothorax, and death were recorded and the sample adequacy of biopsy specimens for pathological examination was determined for each procedure. A univariate analysis was performed for determining the risk of post-biopsy pneumothorax and biopsy type (core or FNA), number of co-axial needle passes, needle pleural angle, lesion size, and lesion distance from pleura at point of biopsy, and lesion location (lung or mediastinal). Consequently, a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed on the most significantly correlated risk factors for pneumothorax from the univariate analysis. Results Exactly 200 biopsy procedures done in 184 patients were included of which 64% were core biopsies (n=128). The mean age was 69 years (range 31 90 years) with with 79.5% of patients over e 65 years old (n=151) and 59.5% of patients male (n=119). Haemorrhage occurred in 2.5% (n=5) and pneumothorax in 17% (n=34) with 5% (n=10) of procedures requiring intercostals chest drain insertion for pneumothorax. No deaths were recorded. A statistically significant higher risk was observed for core biopsy (OR 3.65, p=0.00, 95% CI 1.38 to 9.65) and lesion distance from pleura >2 cm (OR 4.13, p<0.001, 95% CI 1.88 to 9.08). A multivariate analysis showed that the risk was greatest when core biopsies were taken from lesions more than 2 cm from the pleura at point of biopsy (OR 9.14, p<0.001, 95 % CI 2.72 to 30.69). The sample adequacy rate was 95.5% (n=191). Conclusions In this recent study all complication rates were found to be lower than that reported in the national survey which is the current standard for BTS guidelines on acceptable complication rates. However, a higher rate of intercostal drain insertion was observed. Lesion distance from pleura at point of biopsy >2 cm and core biopsies were the most significant risk factors for post-biopsy pneumothorax and operators should consider these prior to biopsy. Larger studies are needed to reasses current national complication rates and target complication rates may need to be specified by biopsy type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONTEXT: As of today, there is no validated standard method to assess clinical response of breast cancer to neo- adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Some centers use clinical dimensions while others use radiological measurements to evaluate response according to RECIST criteria. AIMS: The aim was to correlate and compare the clinical, radiological, and pathological parameters for assessing the tumor response in patients of breast cancer receiving NACT. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Single institution, prospective nonrandomized study conducted over a 2-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with diagnosed breast cancer were assessed for response to NACT prior to surgery using clinical and radiological techniques. This was correlated with pathological reponse which was assessed by measuring gross dimensions and Miller-Payne grading of response to chemotherapy. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Spearman's rho nonparametric. RESULTS: Fifty two patients completed the evaluation (out of 313 cases of ca breast treated during the same period) with a median age of 52.5 years. We noted a 26.9% clinical complete response (CR) and 19.2% had pathological CR. Clinical evaluation had a sensitivity and specificity of 73.5% and 88.5% respectively compared to 14.2% and 100% respectively for radiological assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical assessment of response to NACT shows a higher sensitivity compared to radiological assessment. However the overall low sensitivity and specificity rates of clinical assessment mandate a search for a better method of evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxic effects of chronic fluoride (F) exposure in the forms of dental, skeletal and non-skeletal fluorosis were observed in diverse species of domesticated animals viz., 386 cattle (Bos taurus), 131 buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), 67 sheep (Ovis aries), 158 goats (Capra hirus), 11 horses (Equus caballus), and 7 donkeys (E. asinus) from 10 villages of Dungarpur district of Rajasthan, India. The mean F concentration in drinking water in these villages ranged from 1.5 to 4.4 ppm. Out of 760 animals 370 (48.68) were found to be afflicted with mild to dental mottling with varying grades. Equuses showed relatively a high incidence (81.8%) of dental fluorosis. Mandibular and maxillary teeth were bilaterally and vertically or horizontally brown to blackyellowish in color. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was relatively higher in immature (94.0%) animals as compared to their counter parts (42.0%). On clinical examination 42.8% animals revealed periosteal exostoses, intermittent lameness, hoof deformities, stiffness in the legs and tendons and wasting of main mass of hind quarter and shoulder muscles. Fluorosed animals also showed signs of non-skeletal fluorosis such as gastro-intestinal discomforts, impaired reproductive functions, neurological disorders, and congenital abnormalities. Prevalence and severity of these F effects increased with increasing F concentration in water and age. Data pertaining to the relationship between F concentration and prevalence figures of dental and skeletal fluorosis were statistically analyzed and found to exhibit highly positive correlations. Possible factors causing variations in severity and prevalence of fluorosis in diverse species of animals of same F endemic areas are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite criteria to guide intubation from the American Burn Association (ABA), concerns remain regarding over-intubation of burns patients. The purpose of this study was to review appropriateness of intubation at a UK regional burns centre over a 5-year period. A 5-year retrospective review of adult patients admitted to the Manchester Burns Centre who underwent intubation at or prior to admission was performed. Intubations for non-burn indications or burns >40%TBSA were excluded. Patient demographic and burn characteristics data were extracted from medical records. Indications for intubation were compared to ABA and Denver criteria. 47 patients were identified, of which 40 met inclusion criteria for analysis. 72.5% and 95% of these patients met ABA or Denver criteria respectively. 30.8% of patients were extubated within 48 h. 50% patients extubated within 48 h had ≤1 indication for intubation or negative laryngoscopy. Complications related to intubation and ventilation were noted in 37.5% of patients, with ventilation associated pneumonia (VAP) being the most common occurring in 27.5%. 95% of patients fulfilled recognised criteria for intubation. However, 30% were extubated within 48 h, suggesting potentially avoidable intubation. This study suggests current intubation criteria may over-estimate risk of airway compromise and supports results from non-UK studies that a proportion of patients may be suitable for close observation rather than early intubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unprecedented wide bandgap tunability (∼1 eV) of AlxIn1-xAsySb1-y lattice-matched to GaSb enables the fabrication of photodetectors over a wide range from near-infrared to mid-infrared. In this paper, the valence band-offsets in AlxIn1-xAsySb1-y with different Al compositions are analyzed by tight binding calculations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The observed weak variation in valence band offsets is consistent with the lack of any minigaps in the valence band, compared to the conduction band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Sand fly vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sarakhs district, tested for Leishmania infection. [•] Three Sergentomyia and six Phlebotomus species were found in the region. [•] Ph. papatasi was the most common Phlebotomine species in outdoor and indoor resting places. [•] Leishmania infection was found at in Ph. papatasi, Ph. caucasicus, Ph. alexandri, and S. sintoni. [•] The parasites were L. major (n =5), L. turanica (n =10), and L. gerbilli (n =4). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Synopsis The surface energy of the human nail plate is expected to influence the adhesion of microorganisms (and subsequent colonization and infections) as well as that of medicines (and subsequent drug permeation) and of cosmetics. The aim of the study was therefore to measure the surface energy of nail plates in vivo. The surface energy of healthy human fingernails (untreated, hydrated and abraded) and of hoof membranes (often used as a model for the nail plate) was estimated from contact angle measurements of liquids (water, formamide, diiodomethane and glycerol) on the nail plate and subsequent computation using the Lifshitz-van der Waals/acid-base (LW-AB) approach. The surface energy of untreated fingernail plates was found to be 34 mJ m−2. Most of this total energy was from the apolar Lifshitz-van der Waals component. When the polar component of the surface energy was analysed, the electron donor component was considerably larger than the electron acceptor one. Hydrating the nail plate had no significant influence on the surface energy. In contrast, abrasion caused a small, but statistically significant increase in the apolar surface energy component. The surface energy of bovine hoof membrane was similar to that of the fingernail plate. We conclude that the human fingernail plate is a low-energy surface and that bovine hoof membranes may be used as a substitute for the nail plate in certain experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is often complicated by pleural effusion and ascites. The present study is an attempt to categorize the lymphomatous effusions according to the WHO classification, using archival material. Methods: May-Grünwald–Giemsa and Papanicolaou-stained smears of 31 lymphomatous effusion specimens were reviewed. Of these, detailed cytological assessment was done on 12 pleural effusions and ten ascitic fluid specimens from 22 patients using the WHO lymphoma classification system. Immunocytochemical studies were performed in 21 specimens. Results: Based on cytomorphological features, the 22 lymphomatous effusion specimens were categorized into lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma (1), follicle centre cell (FCC) grade-1 (centrocytic) lymphoma (3), FCC grade-2 (centrocytic–centroblastic) lymphoma (3), FCC grade-3 (centroblastic) lymphoma (4), large cell immunoblastic lymphoma (4), lymphoblastic lymphoma (2), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (3) and miscellaneous types (2). Immunocytochemically, the lymphoma cells were T-cell (positive for CD3) and B-cell type (CD20 positive) in five and six cases respectively. Conclusion: Cytological examination of pleural effusion and ascitic fluid samples, supported by immunocytochemical studies, may be useful for the classification of lymphomas under the WHO system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intracytoplasmic lumens (ICL) with or without magenta material and transgressing vessels are features of Hürthle cell neoplasms (HCN). After detection of intracytoplasmic colloid inclusions (CIs) including targetoid (magenta) body-like structures in the Hürthle cells (HC) in a case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), we reviewed cases of HT, thyroid neoplasms, hyperplastic nodules (HN) and colloid goitres to determine the frequency of these structures. Further, an attempt was made to find out the significance of CIs. Methods: FNA smears of 120 HT, 101 colloid goitres, 11 HN, and 76 neoplastic goitres were examined. The presence of CIs and empty ICL were noted in epithelial cells in these lesions. An attempt was made to find out the difference between HT with and without CIs in respect of various cytomorphologic features. The groups were compared using the Fisher's exact test of probability. Results: The CIs were present in 36 (30.0%) of HT, 26 (34.2%) of neoplastic goitres, 3 (27.3%) of HN, and 4 (4.0%) colloid goitres. As compared to colloid goitres, CIs were present in a significant higher number of cases in HN ( P = 0.0202), neoplastic goitres ( P < 0.0001), and HT ( P < 0.0001). Among neoplasms the frequency of CIs in HCN (75.0%) was significantly higher than that of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) (33.3%, P = 0.0466), and follicular neoplasm (14.3%, P = 0.0083). The CIs were more frequent in HC in HT and HCN but in follicular cells (FC) in other lesions. The HT cases with CIs differed significantly from those without CIs in respect of HC and their cellularity, cellularity of reactive lymphoid cells, extracellular colloid and empty ICL. Conclusion: Care should be taken not to diagnose HT cases with an excessive Hürthle cell component and CIs, and PTC cases with Hürthlization and CIs, as HCN in FNA smears. Based on review of the literature and our findings, it is suggested that the Hürthle cell metaplasia in HT is a survival response of FC and the presence of CIs in Hürthle cell may represent their limited ability to synthesize colloid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Value of radiologically guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis: a study of 29 casesFNAC is a simple diagnostic tool for the initial evaluation of various deep seated pathological lesions. This study describes the applicability and practical aspects of the technique in establishing the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis (TB) with the aid of radiographic guidance. The study was conducted in a major teaching hospital in Kuwait between the years 1985 and 1994. Twenty-nine patients (M:F = 18:11 and age range 8–72 years) with clinically and/or radiologically suspected spinal TB were seen in the Department of Cytology, Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital. The patients were re-examined by either computed tomography (CT) scanning (n = 19) or fluoroscopy (n = 10) to localize the lesion for FNAC. FNAC smears were routinely stained with Papanicolaou and Diff Quik stains and one smear of each case was stained with Ziehl–Neelsen (Z-N) stain for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). Aspirated purulent material or syringe washings of dry aspirates were also submitted for microbiological cultures including AFB. Radiological and cytological findings were recorded in each case. Radiological findings included: bony rarefaction and destruction (93.1%), narrowed disc space (89.7%), soft tissue calcification (65.5%) and para-vertebral abscess formation (51.7%). Cytological findings included: epithelioid cell granulomas (89.7%), granular necrotic background (82.8%) and lymphocytic infiltration (75.9%). Smears were positive for AFB in 51.7% of cases. A positive AFB culture was obtained in 82.8% of cases, including all cases with positive AFB on smear by Z-N stain. Radiologically guided FNAC with AFB culture is a simple, reliable and practical approach to diagnosing spinal TB lesions. With a high diagnostic yield, it allows immediate initiation of specific treatment, helps to avoid invasive diagnostic procedures, and decreases hospitalization time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]