Background: Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) is a chronic, progressive encephalitis affecting one hemisphere of the brain. Intractable focal seizures, progressive neurological & cognitive decline and hemispheric atrophy are common clinical and radiological presentations of the disease. Objective: To see the clinical spectrum & short-term treatment outcome of Rasmussen Encephalitis. Method: It was a prospective interventional study, conducted at Department of Pediatric Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from July 2022 to July 2023. Total 15 patients with Rasmussen encephalitis were evaluated after IV Methylprednisolone therapy at the doses of 20-30 mg/kg/day. Results: Among 15 patients, 8 (53.3%) were aged 5–10 years and 7 (46.7%) were <5 years; males predominated (11, 73.3%). All presented with seizures, hemiparesis, neuroregression, and cognitive impairment. Dysarthria was observed in 10 (66.7%) and facial nerve palsy in 4 (26.7%). Focal seizures were most common (7, 46.7%), followed by generalized tonic–clonic seizures (3, 20%). EEG showed unihemispheric slowing in 12 (80%) and generalized slowing in 3 (20%). Neuroimaging revealed unihemispheric insular–perisylvian atrophy with basal ganglia involvement in all cases. Following IV methylprednisolone, seizure frequency improved in 13 (86.7%) and EEG improved in 8 (53.3%). Conclusion: All patients with Rasmussen encephalitis presented with seizure, hemiparesis, neuroregression & cognitive impairment. IV Pulse methylprednisolone therapy were effective where seizure frequency reduced more than three-fourth cases & electroencephalographical improvement occured more than half of the cases of all Rasmussen encephalitis.

Background: Transitioning to full oral feeding is a critical developmental milestone for preterm infants and a primary requirement for hospital discharge. The Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI) is a novel, evidence-based technique designed to strengthen oral muscles and decrease the length of hospital stays. Despite its clinical benefits, the successful implementation of PIOMI depends heavily on the competence and attitudes of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses. Objective: This review aimed to appraise the current state of knowledge and practices among neonatal nurses regarding the implementation of PIOMI. Method: A systematic approach was employed to search electronic databases including PubMed, Ovid (Medline), and Elsevier. The search focused on peer-reviewed articles published within the last five years using specific keywords such as "PIOMI," "oral feeding practices," and "neonatal nurses' knowledge." Strict inclusion criteria ensured the selection of empirical studies focused on NICU settings and nurse-led interventions. Result: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. The review of literature reveals that while PIOMI significantly improve feeding efficiency and reduce hospital stays, a notable disparity exists between nurses' positive attitudes and their practical competence. Several studies highlighted that structured training programs significantly improve nurses' knowledge levels and the speed at which infants achieve independent feeding. Conclusion: The literature underscores the efficacy of PIOMI in optimizing developmental outcomes for preterm infants. However, the gap between nurse enthusiasm and clinical skill necessitates the integration of standardized, competency-based educational programs into NICU protocols. Collaborative efforts to involve parents in feeding interventions and the adoption of standardized assessment scales are crucial for fostering the successful transition to oral feeding and improving the overall quality of neonatal care.

The persistent increase in atmospheric CO₂ levels presents a dual challenge of environmental mitigation and sustainable energy generation. This study introduces a unified nano-engineered platform combining nanostructured metals, plasmonic nanoparticles, quantum dots, and defect-rich TiO₂ to drive selective CO₂ conversion into CO, CH₄, and CH₃OH. By leveraging synergistic nano-interfaces, this work integrates catalytic activity with optoelectronic functionality, enabling simultaneous energy harvesting and chemical transformation. Nanostructured metals provide tailored surface states for CO₂ adsorption, while plasmonic nanoparticles induce hot-electron injection, and quantum dots facilitate directional charge transfer. Defective TiO₂ layers introduce oxygen vacancies that localize charges and modulate reaction pathways. Comprehensive material characterization using TEM, XRD, XPS, PL, and UV–Vis spectroscopy confirms controlled interface formation, defect density, and optical enhancement. CO₂ conversion experiments under gas-phase and photo-assisted modes demonstrate tunable product selectivity via defect engineering and electrical bias application. The hybrid platform achieves enhanced Faradaic efficiency, turnover number, and operational stability compared to conventional systems. Mechanistic insights reveal that defect-plasmon-quantum dot interactions govern charge localization and transfer, providing a predictive framework for reaction steering. Integration with photovoltaic and optoelectronic modules showcases the feasibility of combined chemical and energy conversion, offering a pathway toward scalable, smart CO₂-to-fuel system. These findings provide a transformative approach to CO₂ utilization, highlighting the potential for decentralized renewable energy generation and sustainable fuel production. The methodology and insights reported herein establish a foundation for designing multi-functional catalytic systems with controllable reaction pathways and integrated energy recovery.

Bulbar ulcer bleeding remains a frequent cause of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, although its incidence has decreased with the use of proton pump inhibitors and the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between bulbar ulcer topography and clinical severity. This was a prospective analytical study conducted over a 28-month period, from April 2020 to August 2022, including patients admitted on an emergency basis for upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to a bulbar ulcer. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and tobacco consumption were the main identified risk factors. A marked male predominance was observed, and anterior localization of the bulbar ulcer was significantly associated with an increased risk of hemodynamic instability.

Background: Immunization during pregnancy, specifically with Tdap and Influenza vaccines, is vital for reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite global recommendations, vaccination coverage remains suboptimal due to knowledge gaps, safety concerns, and negative attitudes among expectant mothers. Aim: This review evaluates the current state of knowledge and attitudes regarding Tdap and Influenza vaccination among pregnant women and assesses the impact of educational interventions on vaccine uptake. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2024. The search utilized keywords related to pregnancy vaccination, Tdap, influenza, and educational interventions. A total of 27 studies (24 quantitative, 1 qualitative, and 2 mixed-methods) were included in the final synthesis. Results: Findings reveal significant global variations in vaccine awareness. Studies from Saudi Arabia, India, and China reported low levels of knowledge regarding vaccine safety and the benefits of maternal immunization. In contrast, European studies generally showed higher awareness, though misconceptions regarding fetal risks persisted. Across all regions, the primary barriers to vaccination included fear of side effects, lack of healthcare provider (HCP) recommendations, and misinformation. Conversely, educational interventions—including tailored mobile applications and provider-led health education—demonstrated a marked increase in vaccine acceptance and uptake post-intervention. Conclusion: Knowledge gaps and lack of HCP encouragement are critical barriers to maternal immunization. Structured educational interventions and strong provider-patient communication are essential strategies to demystify vaccinations and improve uptake. Future research should focus on longitudinal, culturally tailored interventional studies to develop effective public health campaigns.

Purpose ‒ The aims to examine the factors influencing the adoption of Islamic Banking in Uganda, utilizing the theory of Diffusion of Innovation (DOI). The study investigates the effects of relative advantage, compatibility, and perceived risk on adoption, and evaluates the moderating role of customer awareness in the relationships. Design/Methodology/Approach ‒ A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 256 banking customers in Kampala Metropolitan Area. Data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS. Findings ‒ Findings indicate that relative advantage and compatibility have a significant and positive influence on adoption, whereas perceived risk has an adverse effect. Customer awareness significantly moderates these relationships, enhancing the effects of relative advantage and compatibility and reducing the negative impact of perceived risk Originality/Value ‒This research is among the first empirical investigation of Islamic Banking adoption in Uganda following the launch of the country’s first dedicated Islamic Bank back in 2023. It provides a timely and critical examination of adoption drivers, uniquely introducing and validating customer awareness as a significant moderator within the DOI framework in Ugandan novel context. Research Limitations/Implications ‒ The study's focus on the Kampala Metropolitan Area may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions. Future research could expand the geographical scope. This study addresses a notable gap in the empirical literature on Islamic banking within Sub-Saharan Africa and contributes to understanding financial innovation diffusion in emerging Muslim communities. Practical Implications ‒ The insights provide strategic value to practitioners aiming to promote Islamic Banking in Uganda. Enhancing customer awareness initiatives can accelerate adoption by showcasing the benefits and alignment of Islamic Banking with customers’ financial values. Concurrently, marketing and educational campaigns should explicitly address and mitigate perceived risks to broaden acceptance.

This study aimed to examine the effects of open and closed kinetic chain exercise interventions and to determine how these structured training programs influence selected physiological variables, specifically breathe holding time and VO2 Max, among inter-collegiate cricketers. A total of 45 inter-collegiate male cricketers aged 18–25 years from AAA College of Engineering and Technology, Amathur, Sivakasi, Tamilnadu were selected for the study. The participants were randomly assigned into three groups: An Open Kinetic Chain Exercise Group (OKCEG), a Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise Group (CKCEG), and a Control Group (CG). The experimental groups underwent their respective structured kinetic chain training programs for six weeks, while the control group continued with their regular physical activities. Breathe holding time and VO2 Max was selected as the dependent physiological variable and were assessed using a standardized test. Pre- and post-intervention data were statistically analyzed using appropriate inferential statistical techniques to determine significant differences among the groups. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The results revealed significant improvements in breathe holding time and VO2 Max in both the open and closed kinetic chain exercise groups when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The control group did not exhibit any significant change in breathe holding time and VO2 Max. The findings of the study indicate that structured open and closed kinetic chain exercise interventions are effective in enhancing breathe holding time and VO2 Max among inter-collegiate cricket players. Both training methods proved superior to regular activity alone, highlighting the importance of incorporating kinetic chain exercises into cricket training programs to improve physiological performance.