Controllable Hartman effect by vortex beam in a one dimensional photonic crystal doped by graphene quantum dots.

The Hartman effect is studied in a one dimensional photonic crystal doped with graphene quantum dots. It is shown that the Hartman effect can be switched from negative to positive by increasing the Rabi-frequency of the controlling field and also by manipulating the relative phase of the applied fields. The effect of the vortex beam on the Hartman effect is also presented.

Performances of the BD MAX™ CDIFF assay for the detection of toxigenic Clostridioides difficile using Cary-Blair preserved samples.

Toxigenic Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a high concern because of its increasing prevalence, among both nosocomial infection and community-acquired infection contexts. A total of 1320 prospective stool samples collected on FecalSwab™ (Cary-Blair medium) were screened using BD Max™ CDIFF assay (BDM). Results were compared to the routine algorithm including immunochromatographic testing for glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and toxin A/B (tox) using C.

A preliminary study of the original TIBSIT and its cultural adaptation in Malaysia.

Background: A simple and self-administered 'scratch & sniff' test kit like the TIBSIT smell kit based on the Taiwan Smell Identification Test (TWSIT), provides a safe and quick assessment of olfaction. The original TIBSIT has been validated for use in Taiwan with age specific scores for different age groups and diagnosis. The main aim of this study is to examine if TIBSIT can be applicable for the Malaysian population and perform cultural adaptation as necessary to allow a more accurate assessment using this tool.

Diagnostic Utility of High Sensitivity Troponins for Echocardiographic Markers of Structural Heart Disease.

The conventional use of high-sensitivity troponins (hs-troponins) is for diagnosing myocardial infarction however they also have a role in chronic disease management. This pilot study assessed the relationship of hs-troponins with echocardiographic markers of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and structural heart disease (SHD). Patients undergoing computer gomography (CT) coronary angiogram for low-intermediate risk chest pain and healthy volunteers were recruited.