Hybrid Fabrication and Characterization of Two-Dimensional Vanadium Disedelined Related Materials

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) materials have attracted significant interest for next- generation spintronic, electronic, and energy-storage applications due to their unique layer-dependent properties, including magnetism, charge transport, and mechanical flexibility. Nevertheless, the development of robust and scalable devices remains challenging. Key issues include the air sensitivity of many 2D crystals, difficulties in integrating conventional lithographic methods without contamination, and obstacles in forming uniform, high-quality oxide barriers for tunneling applications. In this work, a “hybrid” fabrication method is introduced that combines confocal laser-induced oxidation with inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching, providing a mask-free, controllable strategy for surface modification and patterning. Vanadium diselenide (VSe2) is used as a demonstration platform, wherein localized laser irradiation in an oxygen-rich environment generates a vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) layer with adjustable thickness and lateral dimensions. By exploiting differential ICP etch rates for VSe2 and V2 O5, selective removal enables precise device geometries to be defined without the need for polymeric masks or chemical developers. The resulting oxide barrier can serve as an ultrathin insulating layer suitable for tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) applications, while preserving a cleaner oxide–metal interface to mitigate spin-scattering defects and pinholes. In addition, localized oxidation or doping introduced at the oxide interface can potentially modify magnetic anisotropy, suggesting a route toward perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in 2D magnets that typically exhibit in-plane magnetization. Beyond VSe2, this approach is compatible with other 2D magnets and transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g., MoS2, WSe2, MnBi2Te4), facilitating the design of multi-barrier tunnel junctions, lateral heterostructures, and integrated energy-storage architectures without conventional mask alignments. The method’s scalability is supported by the widespread availability of industrial laser scanning platforms and standard ICP tools. Overall, the hybrid laser– plasma fabrication presented here addresses critical barriers to integrating 2D materials in spintronic devices and lays the groundwork for the creation of novel magnetic and electronic architectures

Spatial patterns and urban governance in Kuwait: exploring the links between the physical, the socio-economic and the political

As a city-state, Kuwait represents an instructive case-study to investigate barriers to sustainable urban development. Among the many challenges faced by the country, the spatial configuration of the metropolis – and the various adverse effects that stem from it – is a key area of concern. In this study, we focus on spatial segregation and measure it at the metropolitan and governorate levels to determine just how serious the problem really is. The results confirm the existence of a highly divided society. Without being able to make causality claims (given the limitations in the data), our evidence points to potential drivers of different nature. A key working hypothesis of our investigation was that urban governance arrangements in Kuwait may be an important part of the story behind these spatial patterns. The empirical findings of our analysis of the governance network of spatial planning in Kuwait strongly support this notion and allow us to draw some policy recommendations to break urban Kuwait’s ‘vicious cycle’, where popular aspirations around unsustainable practices send strong signals to the institutions tasked with formulating policy which, once implemented, recreate societal expectations

Potential benefits of hybrid closed-loop systems for managing moderate- to high-risk individuals with type 1 diabetes during Ramadan fasting

Aim: We evaluated whether using hybrid closed-loop systems (HCL) provides a safer, more effective fasting experience compared with multiple daily injections with continuous glucose monitoring (MDI + CGM) for people with T1D at moderate-to-high risk in a real-world setting. Materials and Methods: In this multicentre prospective study, 178 adults with T1D [HCL n = 98 (39 males 59 females); MDI + CGM n = 80 (30 males 50 females)] who chose to fast in Ramadan of 2024 were assessed for clinical and glycaemic profiles and risk stratified according to the International Diabetes Federation–Diabetes and Ramadan (IDF-DAR) criteria. The composite endpoint was completing &gt;15 days of fasting and achieving time in range (TIR) ≥70%, with time below range (TBR) &lt;4%. Results: At baseline, the MDI + CGM group was older than the HCL group (mean ± standard deviation, 29.2 ± 9.6 vs. 26.3 ± 9.4 years) (p = 0.049). Half of the HCL participants met the composite endpoint versus only 8% of MDI + CGM users (p &lt; 0.001). Similarly, participants in the HCL group were able to complete all possible fasting days more frequently than the MDI + CGM group (p &lt; 0.05). The use of HCL was associated with nine-fold higher odds ratio (OR) (9.4 [95% confidence intervals 3.1–28.4]) of achieving the composite endpoint. Conclusions: For moderate-to-high risk individuals with T1D, HCL substantially improves the safety and feasibility of prolonged daytime fasting during Ramadan, outperforming MDI + CGM in achieving glycaemic and fasting targets. While the results favour HCL, causal inference is still limited, given the lack of randomization and cross-over design. Concurrently, there is a need to update current recommendations for high-risk populations and underscore the central role of advanced diabetes technology in Ramadan.</p

Physicians Perspective Towards Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycaemia in Patients With Diabetes: A Forgotten Area

Aim This study aims to assess knowledge, and practices of primary care physician in Saudi Arabia about IAH. Method: A cross-sectional study conducted using a newly designed self-administered questionnaire among 292 primary care physicians at three tertiary hospitals and primary care clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between December 2018 and June 2019. Results Of the participants, 59.9% of them had acceptable knowledge of IAH while only 40.1% had poor knowledge. Around half (46.2%) of physicians rated their familiarity with IAH as average or above average, and these had higher mean knowledge scores than participants who reported below average familiarity (mean 5.32 versus 4.39) (P = 0.000). Higher mean knowledge scores were found among physicians who have managed IAH patients than those who have not managed IAH patients (5.58 versus 5.01) (P = 0.019). The differences between physicians’ mean knowledge scores and their ages, levels of training, and years in practice were statistically significant. Conclusion: A considerable gap was established in the knowledge, awareness, and practice of IAH among physicians in Saudi Arabia. An effort is needed to implement extensive educational activities about impaired hypoglycemia awareness to be directed to primary care physicians and further research in this area is warranted

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in primary care clinics at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome is present in a subset of individuals harboring a constellation of metabolic risk factors that heightens their likelihood of developing coronary artery disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) manifests through the incremental accumulation of fat within liver cells in the absence of secondary causes. NAFLD has long been recognized as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Our study seeks to ascertain the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among NAFLD patients at King Khalid University Hospital and to explore the factors associated with metabolic syndrome.Method and designWe conducted a retrospective study targeting 1,173 patients diagnosed with NAFLD at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from March 2020 to March 2021. NAFLD diagnosis was made based on ultrasonographic evidence of a fatty liver, excluding other liver ailments and alcohol intake. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) criteria, which require at least three of five metabolic risk factors to be present. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests for categorical variables and independent t-tests for continuous variables, with a significance level set at p &lt; 0.05.ResultsOut of 1173 NAFLD participants evaluated, 38.2% met the NCEP/ATPIII criteria for metabolic syndrome. Additionally, 23.8% had at least one metabolic syndrome component coinciding with their ultrasonographically confirmed NAFLD diagnosis. The incidence of NAFLD was not linked to gender. Married individuals constituted a higher percentage (42.8%) of the NAFLD cohort. Elevated blood glucose and triglyceride levels, along with reduced HDL levels, were predominantly observed among the metabolic syndrome components in NAFLD patients.ConclusionA significant portion of the NAFLD patient population was concurrently affected by metabolic syndrome. There exists a marked interrelationship between NAFLD and the components of metabolic syndrome. Regular metabolic disorder screenings are recommended for this patient group

Validation of the Arabic version of the Diabetes Therapy-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (DTR-QOL) in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: a pilot study

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that significantly influences the patient's quality of life. This serious disease is approaching an epidemic, and the Arab countries are in the diabetes super region. Improving the patient's quality of life is vital for good glycemic control. However, the Diabetes Therapy-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (DTR-QOL) is not available in Arabic. Thus, we aimed to validate the questionnaire among patients with diabetes in Saudi Arabia. Subjects and methods: This pilot study was conducted among randomly selected 30 patients with diabetes who came for regular follow-up in the Diabetes Center in King Fahd Specialist Hospital in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, during March and April 2023. A structured questionnaire based on sociodemographic data and the DTR-QOL was used. The information collected were age, gender, diabetes medications, glycemic indices, lipid profile, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and body mass index. Forward/backward translation, expert assessment, and Cronbach's alpha were used to assess the validity and reliability. Results: Out of the 30 patients with diabetes piloted for the questionnaire validation, 60% were females, the mean age was 51.1 ± 14.056 years, and 94% had type 2 diabetes. The internal consistency varied from 0.80 for hypoglycemia to 0.94 for anxiety and dissatisfaction with treatment. The Arabic version of the DTR-QOL is valid and reliable for use among patients with diabetes, with a content validity of 0.938 and Cronbach's alpha of 0.93. Conclusion: The Arabic version of the DTR-QOL is valid and reliable for use among patients with diabetes in Arab countries and has good sensitivity and consistency

Ultrafast dynamics of wavelength-sensitive magnons in unconventional compensated semiconducting antiferromagnet

Antiferromagnet is a promising candidate for the next generation spintronic devices, benefiting from its ultrafast dynamics and spontaneous zero stray field. However, the understanding of their ultrafast spin behaviors is lacking due to the challenges of controlling/detecting the quenched net magnetization. Unconventional compensated semiconducting antiferromagnets present strong time-reversal symmetry breaking, spin splitting in the momentum space, and suitable bandgap for optical control/detection. Thus, it is a powerful platform to uncover the ultrafast dynamics of antiferromagnets. Here, we show an exotic wavelength-dependent spin dynamic in the unconventional compensated semiconducting antiferromagnet {\alpha}-MnTe via time-resolved quadratic magneto-optical Kerr effect measurement, where the probing photon energy of the laser matches its bandgap. This direct excitation and detection of distinct magnon modes reveal varying spin behaviors and time characteristics in a broad temperature range. It originates from the spins triggered at different bands of electronic structures and is depicted in an energy transfer model among electrons, phonons, and magnons. Our study of exotic optical properties in this unconventional semiconducting antiferromagnet fulfills the missing information of spin evolution in the time domain and paves the way for its utilization in ultrafast spintronic devices

Artificial intelligence in sickle disease

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming an established arm in medical sciences and clinical practice in numerous medical fields. Its implications have been rising and are being widely used in research, diagnostics, and treatment options for many pathologies, including sickle cell disease (SCD). AI has started new ways to improve risk stratification and diagnosing SCD complications early, allowing rapid intervention and reallocation of resources to high-risk patients. We reviewed the literature for established and new AI applications that may enhance management of SCD through advancements in diagnosing SCD and its complications, risk stratification, and the effect of AI in establishing an individualized approach in managing SCD patients in the future. Aim: to review the benefits and drawbacks of resources utilizing AI in clinical practice for improving the management for SCD cases.Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library.Scopu

A multicenter mixed-methods study on the effects of intermittent fasting in patients with immune thrombocytopenia receiving thrombopoietin receptor agonists

IntroductionIn recent years, significant advances have been made in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) with the development of thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs). TPO-RAs are often used following the failure of prior therapies or when bleeding episodes persist despite glucocorticoid use. In Muslim countries, where religious observance includes 16/8 intermittent fasting, the timing of medication administration may be affected. This study is the first to evaluate the impact of Ramadan fasting on patients receiving different TPO-RAs.MethodsA multicenter mixed-design study was performed in which Muslim patients who fasted during Ramadan while receiving TPO-RAs were interviewed between 2015 and 2023. Patient responses before, during, and after Ramadan were evaluated retrospectively. The bleeding tendency was assessed as (1) no bleeding, (2) minor cutaneous/mucosal bleeding, or (3) severe bleeding that involves major organs.ResultsThe present study included 100 patients from three Muslim countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, across four tertiary centers. A complete response was observed in 63% of patients on ROM, 46% on ELT and 37% on AVA. For AVA, the mean platelet (PLT) count before Ramadan was estimated at [146.11 ± 111.76], while during Ramadan, it dropped to [131.7 ± 107.6]. For patients on ELT, the mean PLT count before Ramadan was estimated at [120.02 ± 59.7], while during Ramadan, it dropped to [100.8 ± 68.16] (p = 0.016). For patients on ROM, the mean platelet count before Ramadan was estimated at [122.68 ± 80.57], while during Ramadan, it was [130.94 ± 84.96]. Only 3% (3 patients on ELT) experienced bleeding episodes.ConclusionThis study supports the feasibility of Ramadan fasting for ITP patients receiving TPO-RAs. Further studies with a larger sample size are recommended to investigate the impact of other types of fasting on the efficacy and safety of TPO-RAs

Clinical Characteristics of Non-Intensive Care Unit COVID-19 Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The ongoing pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health concern. It has affected more than 5 million patients worldwide and resulted in an alarming number of deaths globally. While clinical characteristics have been reported elsewhere, data from our region is scarce. We investigated the clinical characteristics of mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Data of 401 confirmed COVID-19 patients were collected from 22 April 2020 to 21 May 2020 at five tertiary care hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The patients were divided into four groups according to age, Group 1: 0-60 years; and their clinical symptoms were compared. Results: The median (IQR) age in years was 10.5 (1.5-16) in group I, 34 (29-41) in group II, 53 (51-56) in group III, and 66 (61-76) in group IV. Most patients were male (80%, n = 322) and of Arabian or Asian descent. The median length of stay in the hospital was 10 (8-17) days (range 3-42 days). The most common symptoms were cough (53.6%), fever (36.2%), fatigue (26.4%), dyspnea (21.9%), and sore throat (21.9%). Hypertension was the most common underlying comorbidity (14.7%), followed by obesity (11.5%), and diabetes (10%). Hypertensive patients were less likely to present with shortness of breath, cough, sputum, diarrhea, and fever. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the symptoms among different age groups and comorbidities were mostly seen in the older age group. Interestingly, hypertensive patients were found to have milder symptoms and a shorter length of stay. Further larger collaborative national studies are required to effectively understand clinical characteristics in our part of the world to efficiently manage and control the spread of SARS-CoV-2