bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A field study on hydraulic performance of drip irrigation system for optimization of operating pressure
Authors: Hussain Mairaj , Gupta Sudhiranjan Prasad
Published: April 2018

Drip irrigation technology will undoubtedly plays an important role in the future of the agriculture. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of drip system with five operating pressure viz. I1 (0.4 kg/ cm2), I2 (0.6 kg/cm2), I3 (0.8 kg/cm2), I4 (1.0 kg/cm2), I5 (1.2 kg/cm2). It was observed that the average discharge of drippers was 1.08 lph, 1.24 lph, 1.50 lph, 1.62 lph and 1.74 lph and emission uniformity was 80.55%, 84.89%, 86.30%, 88.88% and 90.80 in each treatment respectively and coefficient of variation was observed 0.12, 0.13, 0.12, 0.11, and 0.09. Flow component was found 0.450 and the value of k was 0.572 while R2 was observed 0.986.Based on the result it can be concluded that the operation of drip irrigation system at 1.2 kg/cm2 pressure head, gives the maximum efficiency in respect of discharge, emission uniformity and coefficient of variation.
Applications of molecular markers for bacterial blight resistant varieties in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Premkumar A. , Kumar Manoj
Published: April 2018

Bacterial blight is one of devasting disease in almost all rice growing countries. The most effective, eco-nomic and environmental strategy for control of this disease is to develop rice varieties with genetic resistance. However, new pathotype has overcome single gene for resistance in the new cultivars. So, plant breeders are con-centrating to develop high yielding varieties with durable resistance using novel technologies. Molecular marker technology has progressed tremendously in the past decade for genetic improvement of field crops. Molecular markers can improve efficiency of breeding in different ways for trait in segregating population like identify plants with target gene in maximum recovery portion of recurrent parent. The transfer of two or three genes into single variety with the help of molecular marker is expected to lead to more durable resistance. Thus, thus review describes progress made in the development of bacterial blight resistance rice varieties using Marker Assisted Selection.
Nutrient uptake and soil fertility status after harvest of Bt cotton as influenced by graded levels of NPK fertilizers in Alfisol
Authors: Jyothi T. V. , Hebsur N. S.
Published: April 2018

Field studies were conducted at farmer’s fields in Jodalli (Kalghatgi taluk) and Pale (Hubballi taluk) villages in 2012-13 and 2013-14, respectively to investigate the effect of NPK fertilizers on uptake of nutrients by Bt cotton and soil fertility status at harvest in Alfisol. Among the different treatment combinations, the application of 150:50:75 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 (N3P1K2) recorded significantly (P=0.05) higher nitrogen (132.63 kg ha-1), phosphorus (31.26 kg ha-1) and potassium (128.94 kg ha-1) uptake by cotton. The interaction effect with respect to total micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) uptake remained non significant at all the growth stages. Graded levels of fertilizers failed to exert significant impact on pH and electrical conductivity, soil organic carbon and available micronutrients during both the years of experimentation. The application of 100:50:50 kgN:P2O5:K2O ha-1 (N1P1K1) recorded significantly (P=0.05) highest available nitrogen (150.39 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (37.98 kg ha-1) and available potassium (230.99 kg ha-1) compared to rest of the treatments. The lowest available nitrogen (134.92 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (31.65 kg ha-1) and available potassium (217.63 kg ha-1) were recorded in treatment receiving 150:50:75 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 (N3P1K2).
Comparative analysis of changes in leaf area index in different wheat genotypes exposed to high temperature stress by late sown condition
Authors: Dhyani Kamla , Shukla Alok , Verma R.S.
Published: April 2018

High temperature stress during grain-filling period is one of the major environmental constraints limiting the grain yield of wheat in India. Crop growth response and relative performance of yield components of 12 wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes were studied in two date of sowing in crop research center (Pantnagar) to identify the causes of yield reduction in wheat particularly Leaf Area Index and its impact in yield loss and other tolerance mech-anism and comparative study of LAI and yield attributes to identify the genotype for high temperature tolerance in late sown condition. The higher temperature enhanced plant growth, flowering, and maturation which ultimately effects the crop performance in case of yield (Leaf Area Index, grain weight/spike and test weight were drastically reduced in time under high temperature. Out of 12 diverse genotypes namely HI 1539, DBW 14, HW 5021, HS 240, PBW-574, Raj 4101, Lok 54, Raj 3765, WH 1021, K-0-307, HW 2045 and HI1544,four were (Lok54, Raj3765, HI1539 and HI1544 ) were characterized as high temperature tolerant based on their relative performance in leaf area index, grain yield and heat susceptibility index. Leaf area Index studies in context to heat stress in wheat is least studied area in heat tolerance research in wheat (Triticum aestivum), in the present study LAI is used as a screening tool for heat tolerance and effect of LAI in wheat yield.
Comparative development of sorghum, redgram and rice breeding population of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) feeding on cereals and split redgram dhal
Authors: Vijay S. , Bhuvaneswari K.
Published: April 2018

Rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) mainly attacks whole grains such as wheat, corn, barley and rice and have been found actively breeding in such foods. The host range of S. oryzae now extended to split pulses. An experiment was carried out at the Entomology Laboratory, TNAU, Coimbatore during 2014-2015 to study the comparative development of sorghum, redgram and rice breeding population of S. oryzae feeding on cereals and split redgram dhal. The assessed parameters were survival percentage, per cent mortality and F1 progeny. The per cent mortality was higher in sorghum breeding population while feeding on redgram (98.33%) and rice (44.67%). In case of redgram breeding population per cent mortality was maximum in rice (21.67%) and sorghum (19.67%). The survival percentage was maximum in sorghum population while feeding on sorghum (95 %). F1 progeny emergence of sorghum breeding population was higher while feeding on sorghum (75.67%) and rice (36.67%). In case redgram breeding population F1 progeny emergence was maximum in redgram (62.33%) and sorghum (15.33%), whereas in rice breeding population maximum progeny emergence was observed in rice (72.33%) and sorghum (65.67%). The cereal bred population did not survive on redgram, whereas redgram bred population able to survive on cereals, but the progeny emergence and their development was affected.
Menjadi Lelaki Sejati: Maskulinitas Dalam Komik Daring Webtoon Indonesia
Authors: Jatnika Asep Wawan , Hermawan Ferry Fauzi
Published: April 2018

Perkembangan teknologi telah mengubah cara penyebaran komik di Indonesia. Saat ini internet dan media sosial menjadi salah satu media utama penyebaran komik. Salah satu media yang menjadi pilihan tempat menyebarkan dan membaca komik adalah Webtoon. Tulisan ini bermaksud menganalisis wacana homoseksualitas dan maskulinitas yang terdapat dalam komik No Homo karya Apitnobaka yang diterbikan dalam Webtoon. Menggunakan pemahaman Foucault dan Bartkly tentang panoptikon dan gender hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa pembicaraan masyarakat (gosip) merupakan alat utama dalam pengonstruksian gender di masyarakat. Gosip berperan sebagai pengawas perilaku seperti apa yang boleh dilakukan laki-laki dan sebaliknya. Gosip berperan sebagai panoptikon dalam mengawasi pelanggengan konstruksi maskulinitas di masyarakat. Selain itu, ditemukan juga salah satu penanda maskulinitas ideal di masyarakat yaitu, laki-laki harus menjadi seorang alfa dan tidak bergantung pada orang lain. Jika seorang laki-laki tidak mampu memenuhi hal tersebut dirinya akan digolongkan bukan laki-laki ideal. Dalam komik No Homo dipandang memiliki orientasi seksual lain yaitu homoseksual yang dianggap tabu dalam masyarakat. Selain itu, komik No Homo merefleksikan dan melanggengkan anggapan bahwa orientasi seksual yang bukan hetero seperti homoseksual bukanlah berasal dari Indonesia. Hal itu dipandang sebagai bagian dari budaya Barat.Technological developments have changed the way in which comics are circulated and distributed throughout Indonesia. Currently the internet and social media have become the primary media for the distribution of comics. One of the media that has been chosen for circulation, distribution and consumption of comics is Webtoon. This paper intends to analyze discourse in subjects such as homosexuality and masculinity as can be observed in Apitnobaka's No Homo comic as published on Webtoon. Using Foucault's and Bartkly's understanding of the panopticon and the gender; this study suggests that community talk (gossip) plays a major role in gender-building in society. Gossip serves as a supervisory behaviour that shapes gender norms in society i.e., what is considered as acceptable behaviour by a male or vice versa. Gossip serves as a panopticon in overseeing the construction of masculinity in consumer society. Moreover, it can be observed that one of the markers of ideal masculinity in the community is that a male must be an alpha and does not rely on the others can be found within this comic. If a male does not capably fulfil these terms, he will consequently be classified a as non-ideal man by consumer society. In No Homo comics, the male is portrayed as being of homosexual orientation and it is considered as taboo in society. In addition, No Homo comics reflect upon and perpetuate the assumption that sexual orientation other than heterosexual such as a homosexual is apart from Indonesian heteronormative culture. However, it is viewed as being a symptom of western culture.
Does Remittance Receiving Households Prepared against Natural Disasters in Nepal?
Authors: Chaudhary Gangadhar , Timsina Tatwa Prasad
Published: April 2018

The study examines the perception of remittance receiving families to consume its portion of income on building capacity and preparedness against any natural disasters in Nepal. Moreover, there is growing evidence that remittance income is consumed to improve livelihood, especially on household expenses, education, treatment and the construction of the new house or repairing existing one. The objective of this study is to analyze to what extent the poor people whose earning incomes, including remittance, prepare them to cope with the upcoming natural disasters to minimize the loss afterward. The sites were purposefully selected in different districts in Nepal to observe the way of preparedness and have vulnerable to natural disaster. The snowball sampling method was chosen to interview with open and closed questionnaires only to remittance receiving families. Similarly, the observation method was used to assess the quality and type of houses they belong. The qualitative data were processed using SPSS 20 with statistical tools as frequencies and verified with one way ANOVA test. The result showed that the remittance receiving families improved their livelihood (improving their living standard with more expenses in home, health, and education, construction, savings) It was observed that the remittance receiving families consumed income in new construction of houses and repairing to make their houses strong without consulting the technical expert or use of building codes, that rising doubt to withstand the worse impact of natural disasters mainly earthquake, flood and landslide. This study concludes that the remittance receiving household, though have better livelihood, yet they are not better prepared against the ruthless impact of any natural disasters.
Financial Sustainability of Small Farmer Cooperative (SFC) in Mid-Western Region of Nepal
Authors: Tiwari Liladhar , Nepal Govind
Published: April 2018

This article is based on Financial Sustainability of Small Farmers Cooperative (SFC) in Mid-Western of Nepal. It attempts to provide the practices and their impacts of financial sustainability of SFC. As the cooperative movement originated from the philosophy of cooperation and later developed as a powerful tool to support to improve socio-economic position of resource poor, vulnerable, members of the lower caste people, women, labors and peasants, the SFC functions with the guiding philosophy of group principle, self-help development and institutionalization of networks at the grassroots level to reduce the scarcity. This study applied a descriptive and analytical research design using both primary (observation; questionnaires, focused group discussion) and secondary (Department of Cooperative (DoC), Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), and National Cooperative Federation of Nepal (NCF/N and annual report of sampled cooperatives) sources of data. After the analysis and interpretation of data, a number of contributions were found such as saving collection, credit investment, socio-economic development etc. The SFCs were found to be guided by self-governing norms and shares were issued to the members who are empowered with one member one vote for the general assembly purpose. The institutions function for socio-economic development with the strong policy of being apolitical and unbiased with no discrimination of any kind on religion and gender basis. The socio-economic position of cooperative members has changed through income generating programs. This study is concentrated on perception study of the financial sustainability of Small Farmer Cooperative (SFC) for the economic as well as financial development.
Women’s Empowerment Through Small Farmers’ Cooperatives: A Case Study from Eastern Nepal
Authors: Poudel Gehanath , Pokharel Binod
Published: April 2018

Small farmers cooperative limited (SFCL) is one of the very effective microcredit programs. It supports the rural farmer especially poor, marginalized, disadvantage and women of society by providing the saving and credit facilities. It has aimed to improve the socio-economic status of people and reduce the poverty level. The study aims to identify the contribution of SFCL on socio-cultural and political empowerment of Nepalese women. The study was conducted in Ilam district among the 522 women beneficiaries of SFCL. The data were collected by applying the mixed method. Census method was used for this study. The analysis of data found that there was significant difference in socio-cultural and political empowerment of women after involving in SFCL program. Women have been empowered to maintain the social relationship, reduce the gender disparity, involve in social program, and participate in political program through SFCL activities. Women have expanded their network of relationship through saving and credit program. This study argues that women’s access to economic resources changes their social status at household and community level. The study shows the need of expansion of SFCL program in hard-to-reach areas also to empower the socially disadvantaged groups.
Utilization of Postnatal among Mothers having under Two years Child in Mahalaxmi Municipality, Lalitpur, Nepal
Authors: Paudel Radha Kumari , Maharjan Mamata , Shrestha Sabina
Published: April 2018

Postnatal care is a critical phase in the lives of mothers and newborn babies as major changes occur during this period which determines the well-being of mothers and newborns. Adequate utilization of postnatal care can help reduce maternal as well as infant morbidity and mortality. Thus, this study generates the information regarding postnatal care utilization in Lubhu of Mahalaxmi Municipality. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in a Lubhu of Lalitpur district. The study sample comprised of 130 mothers having unser2 year’s children in year 2017. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The findings showed that majority of mothers fall under age group 20-29, maximum were from Hindu and Newar ethnicity. This study highlighted more than half (67.7%) mothers utilize the postnatal services. One of the important reasons for not utilizing postnatal services is absence of disease condition in child followed by less knowledge about postnatal services. There was a significant (p=0.018) association between mothers’ education status with utilization of postnatal services. This study concludes that maternal education status affects the maternal utilization of postnatal care services. In order to achieve 100% postnatal care utilization, awareness programs, educational package and other various Postnatal women focused program must be conducted to make them aware about the importance of the utilization of Postnatal services and availability of Postnatal services in different level of health facility.
Utilization of Available Facilities of Computer Aided Teaching in Secondary Level School of Nepal
Authors: Giri Bhimsen , Dhakal Megha Raj
Published: April 2018

Computer aided teaching is modern technical teaching practice which is gradually replacing the traditional teaching practice by using the blackboard, chalk and duster. Nepalese secondary level schools are also gradually practicing the computer aided teaching system. The growing completion of private boarding school also compels to manage such modern facilities to attract the students. The facilities are comparatively weak in public school because the public school depends on the government funding. The study measured the utilization practice of available facilities of computer aided teaching in secondary level school. The study was conducted in Dang and Pyuthan district of Nepal. In total 578 students were selected from the different schools of two district by using the simple random sampling. The result shows that there was significant (p = .019) different between the students of two districts regarding their practice to spend the total days in a week in computer lab, use of internet in school and types of computer users whereas there was no difference in use of computer in leisure time and facility of soft copy of reading materials provided by school. The comparatively, computer and internet use practice is found better in Dang district than the Pyuthan though in totality, the result of computer aided teaching practice is not satisfactory. So, the concerned authority of public and private school of both districts should enhance the capacity of management and teachers to maximize the facilities of computer aided teaching practice in Nepal.
Instructional Facilities in Secondary Level School of Banke District, Nepal
Authors: Acharya Lal Mani , Maharjan Ram Krishna
Published: April 2018

Talking about the instructional facilities indicates the facilities available for the classroom teaching and learning of students. This is the age of modern technology so students want to learn with new tools and techniques. In this context, school should be aware on the management of such basic facilities in school. The aim of this study is to identify the instructional facilities in secondary level school of Banke district of Nepal. The study was based on the descriptive and exploratory research design. In total 674 students from public and private secondary schools were selected for the study. Structure questionnaire survey was done to collect the data. The result shows that comparatively, the instructional facilities were better in private school than the public school. Private school had managed the computer aided teaching system, separate computer and science lab better than the public school. Considering the better result in final exam, private school has managed the additional coaching class for their students than the public school. Public schools are service oriented supported by Nepal Government so government should be responsible to improve the quality of teaching, learning and infrastructure development as the demand of modern teaching system.
A Study of Investors’ Preference towards Mutual Funds in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal
Authors: Bajracharya Rajan Bilas , Mathema Rushil Bhakta
Published: April 2018

A Mutual Fund is an investment vehicle that pools funds from various investors and invests the funds in stocks, bonds, short-term money-market instruments, other securities or assets or some combination of these investments. The primary goal behind investment in mutual fund is to earn goods return with comparatively low risk. The main objective of this research is to identify investors’ preference towards mutual fund in Kathmandu metropolitan city. By using in structured questionnaire, Description statistical tools like chi-square test have been used for analyzing the data. The findings from this research are that the most of the investors are doubtful to invest the new age investment like mutual funds.
Editorial
Authors: Kandel Rajan Kumar
Published: April 2018

Not available.Journal of NELTA Surkhet Vol. 5 January, 2018, page: III
Use of Test-Teach-Test Method in English as a Foreign Language Classes
Authors: Paudel Pitmbar
Published: April 2018

The present study 'Use of test-teach-test method in EFL classes' aims to find out the effect of teach-test-teach method in developing vocabulary, grammatical and reading comprehension skills of Bachelor level first year EFL students in the faculty of education, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. For this experimental research, the sample population consisted 42 B. Ed. students from a Public College, Pokhara who were selected using purposive non-random sampling procedure. The students were divided into two groups; experimental and controlled; each consisted 21 students on the basis of odd even ranking system. The main tools for data collection were test items. A pre-test was administered before they were taught for 4 weeks. Then, the experimental group was taught using test-teach-test method. After experimental teaching, post-test was administered by using the same set as that was used in pre-test. The results of both the tests were compared and determined using simple statistical tool; mean. The findings revealed that the experimental group was found to be performed significantly higher than controlled group.Journal of NELTA Surkhet Vol. 5 January, 2018, Page: 15-27
Mother Tongue based Multilingual Education (MT- MLE): Teachers' Language Ideologies
Authors: Paudel Jnanu Raj
Published: April 2018

Mother Tongue based Multilingual Education (MT- MLE) is a form of multilingual education built on the learners' mother tongue. This article explores the teachers' ideology on the policy (as policy appropriator). The ideologies of the language teachers have been drawn from the interpretive perspectives where the reality is judged based on the experiences of the research and the researched. The participants in this study covered five English language teachers who have been working in the area of multilingualism. The in-depth interview with them supplied the data for arriving into the results and conclusions. Finally, the teachers unraveled their strong belief on the use of MLE for language promotion and protection of indigenous knowledge.Journal of NELTA Surkhet Vol. 5 January, 2018, Page: 28-40
The Maxim of Order from Teachers’ Perspective
Authors: Kandel Ganesh Kumar
Published: April 2018

This article reports the perception of teachers towards the maxim of order. It also tries to reflect the teachers’ classroom behaviours or culture of teaching. It is physical reflection of their maxim that they have developed in their mind about different aspects of ELT. The researcher used classroom observation and interview as research tools. Ten teachers were the respondents in this study. These ten teachers were interviewed and three classes of each teacher were observed to obtain required information. Most of the respondents reported that they prefer calm, peaceful, ordered and disciplined classes. They provided several reasons to support their views. They expressed their positive and supporting view towards the maxim of order. The disciplined and ordered classroom is justified in this research. They argued that disciplined and ordered classroom assists the teachers to conduct their activities in comfortable way in the classroom and assists students to grasp what teacher offers them.Journal of NELTA Surkhet, Vol. 5 January, 2018
Mother Tongue Education: A Quest of Quality and Access in Education
Authors: Khadka Bishnu Kumar
Published: April 2018

As it is claimed and is the ground reality that language is not everything but everything is nothing in education without language. Moreover, language shapes the learning and learning begins with language. In this regards, this article attempts to review the multilingual perspectives in terms of access and quality in education through mother tongue based education advocacy. It is theoretical in nature which is based on the secondary sources of theoretical review and tries to justify with policy and practice based rational for mother tongue education in Nepalese context.Journal of NELTA Surkhet,  Vol. 5 January, 2018, Page: 65-74
Learning to Read and Reading to Learn in English
Authors: Pokharel Parbati Kumari
Published: April 2018

Reading is one of key language skills which enables the readers to learn many things i.e. reading is the gateway of knowledge. Enabling the readers to read in English is one of the major issue in ELT. This article defines reading as the key skill with various reading strategies and comprehension as the goal of reading. It is based on the secondary sources of data basically based on the review of related literature and attempts to review on learning to read and reading to learn in English in particular.Journal of NELTA Surkhet,  Vol. 5 January, 2018, Page: 75-81
Critical Incidents for Teachers’ Professional Development
Authors: Joshi Khem Raj
Published: April 2018

Analysis of critical incidents is one of the approaches of teacher professional development. A critical incident is any unplanned event which takes place during the class. It is something we interpret as a problem or challenge in a particular context, rather than a routine occurrence. The incident is said to be critical because it is valuable and has some meaning. In other words, incidents happen but critical incidents are created because of their importance. Teachers can critically analyze any of their lessons and can make a particular event critical by reflecting on it. The teachers ask not only what happened but also why it happened. They then use the incidents for future reference. This article deals with the benefits of critical incidents and the ways to analyze them, which lead to successful teacher professional development.Journal of NELTA Surkhet,  Vol. 5 January, 2018f, Page: 82-88
Multistaged, multidirectional strategy for safe removal of large meningiomas in the pineal region
Authors: Otani Naoki , Mori Kentaro , Wada Kojiro , Tomiyama Arata , Toyooka Terushige , Takeuchi Satoru
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE

Pineal region meningiomas are rare and tend to be discovered only after they grow. Several simultaneous multidirectional approaches performed as a single operation have been proposed, but the best strategy to remove these deeply situated large meningiomas involving the deep vital venous system remains to be established. The authors advocate a multistaged, multidirectional approach to safely remove these challenging tumors.

METHODS

Four consecutive cases of meningioma in the pineal region were treated between April 2013 and June 2016. The 3 large (> 40 mm diameter) tumors were removed via multistaged, multidirectional approaches (2 surgeries in 2 patients and 3 surgeries in 1 patient) with gravity retraction of the occipital or parietal lobe. The large occipital skin incision extending bilaterally was used for the next operation from the contralateral side. Combinations of the occipital transtentorial approach with or without the transfalcine approach, occipital bitranstentorial/falcine approach, combined supra-/infratentorial transsinus approach, and contralateral parietal interhemispheric transcallosal approach were used.

RESULTS

Transient visual field deficits occurred after 2 of the 8 operations, but all tumors were removed grossly or subtotally without permanent surgery-related morbidity. The galenic venous system and straight sinus remained intact in all patients. During the follow-up period (mean 29.5 months [range 13–52 months]), there were no recurrences after the final operation.

CONCLUSIONS

A multistaged, multidirectional strategy with an intentional large occipital scalp incision and gravity retraction of the occipital lobe is a good choice for the safe removal of large meningiomas in the pineal region.
Preoperative embolization of skull base meningiomas: current indications, techniques, and pearls for complication avoidance
Authors: Yoon Nam , Shah Aatman , Couldwell William T. , Kalani M. Yashar S. , Park Min S.
Published: April 2018

Skull base meningiomas are technically challenging tumors to treat because of their deep vascular supply that can preclude early devascularization during resection. Preoperative embolization of these arterial feeders is thought to decrease blood loss and facilitate resection; however, given the complex and varied anatomy of these skull base lesions, preoperative embolization is not without risk. It is essential for both endovascular and skull base neurosurgeons to understand these risks in light of the potential benefits. The authors review the vascular anatomy of skull base meningiomas, indications for preoperative devascularization, endovascular techniques, and published results regarding embolization of these lesions.
Pretemporal trans–Meckel’s cave transtentorial approach for large petroclival meningiomas
Authors: Liao Chih-Hsiang , Wang Jui-To , Lin Chun-Fu , Chen Shao-Ching , Lin Chung-Jung , Hsu Sanford P. C. , Chen Min-Hsiung
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE

Despite the advances in skull base techniques, large petroclival meningiomas (PCMs) still pose a challenge to neurosurgeons. The authors’ objective of this study was to describe a pretemporal trans–Meckel’s cave transtentorial approach for large PCMs and to report the surgical outcomes.

METHODS

From 2014 to 2017, patients harboring large PCMs (> 3 cm) and undergoing their first resection via this procedure at the authors’ institute were included. In combination with pretemporal transcavernous and anterior transpetrosal approaches, the trans–Meckel’s cave transtentorial route was created. Surgical details are described and a video demonstrating the procedure is included. Retrospective review of the medical records and imaging studies was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients (6 men and 12 women) were included in this study, with mean age of 53 years. The mean sizes of the preoperative and postoperative PCMs were 4.36 cm × 4.09 cm × 4.13 cm (length × width × height) and 0.83 cm × 1.08 cm × 0.75 cm, respectively. Gross-total removal was performed in 7 patients, near-total removal (> 95%) in 7 patients, and subtotal removal in 4 patients (> 90% in 3 patients and > 85% in 1 patient). There were no surgical deaths or patients with postoperative hemiplegia. Surgical complications included transient cranial nerve (CN) III palsy (all patients, resolved in 3 months), transient CN VI palsy (2 patients), CN IV palsy (3 patients, partial recovery), hydrocephalus (3 patients), and CSF otorrhea (1 patient). Temporal lobe retraction–related neurological deficits were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

A pretemporal trans–Meckel’s cave transtentorial approach offers large surgical exposure and multiple trajectories to the suprasellar, interpeduncular, prepontine, and upper-half clival regions without overt traction, which is mandatory to remove large PCMs. To unlock Meckel’s cave where a large PCM lies abutting the cave, pretemporal transcavernous and anterior transpetrosal approaches are prerequisites to create adequate exposure for the final trans–Meckel’s cave step.
Decision-making algorithm for minimally invasive approaches to anterior skull base meningiomas
Authors: Ottenhausen Malte , Rumalla Kavelin , Alalade Andrew F. , Nair Prakash , La Corte Emanuele , Younus Iyan , Forbes Jonathan A. , Ben Nsir Atef , Banu Matei A. , Tsiouris Apostolos John , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE

Anterior skull base meningiomas are benign lesions that cause neurological symptoms through mass effect on adjacent neurovascular structures. While traditional transcranial approaches have proven to be effective at removing these tumors, minimally invasive approaches that involve using an endoscope offer the possibility of reducing brain and nerve retraction, minimizing incision size, and speeding patient recovery; however, appropriate case selection and results in large series are lacking.

METHODS

The authors developed an algorithm for selecting a supraorbital keyhole minicraniotomy (SKM) for olfactory groove meningiomas or an expanded endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for tuberculum sella (TS) or planum sphenoidale (PS) meningiomas based on the presence or absence of olfaction and the anatomical extent of the tumor. Where neither approach is appropriate, a standard transcranial approach is utilized. The authors describe rates of gross-total resection (GTR), olfactory outcomes, and visual outcomes, as well as complications, for 7 subgroups of patients. Exceptions to the algorithm are also discussed.

RESULTS

The series of 57 patients harbored 57 anterior skull base meningiomas; the mean tumor volume was 14.7 ± 15.4 cm3 (range 2.2–66.1 cm3), and the mean follow-up duration was 42.2 ± 37.1 months (range 2–144 months). Of 19 patients with olfactory groove meningiomas, 10 had preserved olfaction and underwent SKM, and preservation of olfaction in was seen in 60%. Of 9 patients who presented without olfaction, 8 had cribriform plate invasion and underwent combined SKM and EEA (n = 3), bifrontal craniotomy (n = 3), or EEA (n = 2), and one patient without both olfaction and cribriform plate invasion underwent SKM. GTR was achieved in 94.7%. Of 38 TS/PS meningiomas, 36 of the lesions were treated according to the algorithm. Of these 36 meningiomas, 30 were treated by EEA and 6 by craniotomy. GTR was achieved in 97.2%, with no visual deterioration and one CSF leak that resolved by placement of a lumbar drain. Two patients with tumors that, based on the algorithm, were not amenable to an EEA underwent EEA nonetheless: one had GTR and the other had a residual tumor that was followed and removed via craniotomy 9 years later.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilizing a simple algorithm aimed at preserving olfaction and vision and based on maximizing use of minimally invasive approaches and selective use of transcranial approaches, the authors found that excellent outcomes can be achieved for anterior skull base meningiomas.
Impact of preoperative endovascular embolization on immediate meningioma resection outcomes
Authors: Brandel Michael G. , Rennert Robert C. , Wali Arvin R. , Santiago-Dieppa David R. , Steinberg Jeffrey A. , Lopez Ramos Christian , Abraham Peter , Pannell J. Scott , Khalessi Alexander A.
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE

Preoperative embolization of meningiomas can facilitate their resection when they are difficult to remove. The optimal use and timing of such a procedure remains controversial given the risk of embolization-linked morbidity in select clinical settings. In this work, the authors used a large national database to study the impact of immediate preoperative embolization on the immediate outcomes of meningioma resection.

METHODS

Meningioma patients who had undergone elective resection were identified in the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) for the period 2002–2014. Patients who had undergone preoperative embolization were propensity score matched to those who had not, adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics. Associations between preoperative embolization and morbidity, mortality, and nonroutine discharge were investigated.

RESULTS

Overall, 27,008 admissions met the inclusion criteria, and 633 patients (2.34%) had undergone preoperative embolization and 26,375 (97.66%) had not. The embolization group was younger (55.17 vs 57.69 years, p < 0.001) with a lower proportion of females (63.5% vs 69.1%, p = 0.003), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (p = 0.002), and higher disease severity (p < 0.001). Propensity score matching retained 413 embolization and 413 nonembolization patients. In the matched cohort, preoperative embolization was associated with increased rates of cerebral edema (25.2% vs 17.7%, p = 0.009), posthemorrhagic anemia or transfusion (21.8% vs 13.8%, p = 0.003), and nonroutine discharge (42.8% vs 35.7%, p = 0.039). There was no difference in mortality (≤ 2.4% vs ≤ 2.4%, p = 0.82). Among the embolization patients, the mean interval from embolization to resection was 1.49 days. On multivariate analysis, a longer interval was significantly associated with nonroutine discharge (OR 1.33, p = 0.004) but not with complications or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Relative to meningioma patients who do not undergo preoperative embolization in the same admission, those who do have higher rates of cerebral edema and nonroutine discharge but not higher rates of stroke or death. Thus, meningiomas requiring preoperative embolization represent a distinct clinical entity that requires prolonged, more complex care. Further, among embolization patients, the timing of resection did not affect the risk of in-hospital complications, suggesting that the timing of surgery can be determined according to surgeon discretion.
Tuberculum sellae meningiomas: grading scale to assess surgical outcomes using the transcranial versus transsphenoidal approach
Authors: Magill Stephen T. , Morshed Ramin A. , Lucas Calixto-Hope G. , Aghi Manish K. , Theodosopoulos Philip V. , Berger Mitchel S. , de Divitiis Oreste , Solari Domenico , Cappabianca Paolo , Cavallo Luigi M. , McDermott Michael W.
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE

Tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) are surgically challenging tumors that can severely impair vision. Debate exists regarding whether the transcranial (TC) or endoscopic transsphenoidal (TS) approach is best for resecting these tumors, and there are few large series comparing these approaches.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed at 2 academic centers comparing TC and TS approaches with respect to vision, extent of resection, recurrence, and complications. The authors report surgical outcomes and propose a simple preoperative tumor grading scale that scores tumor size (1–2), optic canal invasion (0–2), and arterial encasement (0–2). The authors performed univariate, multivariate, and recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) to evaluate outcomes.

RESULTS

The TSMs were resected in 139 patients. The median follow-up was 29 months. Ninety-five (68%) cases were resected via a TC and 44 (32%) via a TS approach. Tumors treated via a TC approach had a higher tumor (p = 0.0007), artery (p < 0.0001), and total score (p = 0.0012) on the grading scale. Preoperative visual deficits were present in 87% of patients. Vision improved in 47%, stayed the same in 35%, declined in 10%, and was not recorded in 8%. The extent of resection was 65% gross-total resection, 23% near-total resection (95%–99% resection), and 12% subtotal resection (< 95%). A lower tumor score was significantly associated with better or stable vision postoperatively (p = 0.0052). The RPA confirmed low tumor score as the key predictor of postoperative visual improvement or stability. Multivariate analysis and RPA demonstrate that lower canal score (p < 0.0001) and TC approach (p = 0.0019) are associated with gross-total resection. Complications occurred in 20 (14%) patients, including CSF leak (5%) and infection (4%). There was no difference in overall complication rates between TC and TS approaches; however, the TS approach had more CSF leaks (OR 5.96, 95% CI 1.10–32.04). The observed recurrence rate was 10%, and there was no difference between the TC and TS approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Tuberculum sellae meningiomas can be resected using either a TC or TS approach, with low morbidity and good visual outcomes in appropriately selected patients. The simple proposed grading scale provides a standard preoperative method to evaluate TSMs and can serve as a starting point for selection of the surgical approach. Higher scores were associated with worsened visual outcomes and subtotal resection, regardless of approach. The authors plan a multicenter review of this grading scale to further evaluate its utility.
Oral and Electronic Poster Presentations 2018 Lumbar Spine Research Society Annual Scientific Meeting
Authors: _ _
Published: April 2018

Abstracts of the Oral and Electronic Poster Presentations 2018 Lumbar Spine Research Society Annual Scientific Meeting
Oral Presentations 2018 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting
Authors: _ _
Published: April 2018

Abstracts of the Oral Presentations 2018 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting
Oral health status among the adult tobacco users in a selected rural area of Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Shahria , Sultana Nihar , Rahman Md Mahfuzur
Published: April 2018

Tobacco use is a primary cause of many oral diseases and adverse oral conditions and it is a risk factor for oral cancer, periodontal diseases, congenital defects such as cleft lip and palate in children whose mother smokes during pregnancy. A cross sectional study was conducted among 190 adult tobacco users in Charpaterdoho Union, Madarganj Upazilla, Jamalpur District, during the period from July 2013 to December 2013 to assess the oral health status of the adult tobacco users in rural area of Bangladesh. Data were collectedby using pre tested interview administered questionnaire andto assess the oral health status intra oral examination was performed by a dental surgeon assisted by two trained and calibrated investigators. Both descriptive and inferential statistics has been used for analysis of data with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science SPSS (Version 21) software on the basis of different variables. The study result revealed that out of 190 respondents maximum 61 (32.1%) belongs to 18-28 years age group, majority 116 (61.1) % were male. Among the respondents tobacco used in different ways like cigarette, ‘Gul’, ‘Zorda’, betel leaf, ‘Sadapata’ consumption where cigarette was the commonly used form of tobacco and the least commonly used form of tobacco was betel leaf and ‘Sadapata’. In intra oral examination this study result revealed that around 50 (26%) respondents dentition condition was healthy, and 121 (63.7%) respondents had less than 25% decayed teeth, 115(60.5%) respondents had periodontitis, around less than three fourth 132 (69.5%)had gingivitis,almost all (95.3%) had dental deposition or plaque and 155 (81.6%) respond- ents had no functional prosthesis. In logistic regression analysis monthly family income level (p =.004) was significantly associated with oral health status when the adjusted with other variables (education, sex, age). Sex and age were not associated with oral health status. Exposure to tobacco is a signifi- cant, modifiable risk factor for different oral diseases, so the changing attitude can be occurred by giving adequate information and motivation to the mass people along with dental health education.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2017; 7 (2): 04-08
Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sultana Nihar , Mian Md Anower Hussain , Rubby Md Golam , Banik Palash Chandra
Published: April 2018

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most important occupational health problems particularly in dentists. Technological advancements in the field of dental equipment and material- shave not fully eliminated the musculoskeletal problems of dentists.Methods: This systematic review began with a search of a range of a relevant articles from May to July 2017 in Google Scholar with the key words musculoskeletal disorders, dental practitioners, dentist, risk factors. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the manuscript a total 13 origi- nal articles were included for this review work.Results : This review work observed the highest overall prevalence of MSDs among dental practition- ers were 92% with the most prevalent regions for pain in dentists have been shown to be the neck (41-75.7%), lower back (35–73.5 %) and shoulder (29–43.3%). Different risk factors have been identi- fied, including inadequate postures, long working hours without pause, direct inspection, physical load, repetitive movements etc.Conclusion: Overall, the review emphasizes that MSDs represent a significant burden for the dental professionals. Further studies are required including large sample size to be able to reach valid conclusion and be able to generalize results.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2017; 7 (2): 38-42
Inhibiting TRK Proteins in Clinical Cancer Therapy
Authors: Lange Allison , Lo Hui-Wen
Published: April 2018

Gene rearrangements resulting in the aberrant activity of tyrosine kinases have been identified as drivers of oncogenesis in a variety of cancers. The tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) family of tyrosine receptor kinases is emerging as an important target for cancer therapeutics. The TRK family contains three members, TRKA, TRKB, and TRKC, and these proteins are encoded by the genes NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3, respectively. To activate TRK receptors, neurotrophins bind to the extracellular region stimulating dimerization, phosphorylation, and activation of downstream signaling pathways. Major known downstream pathways include RAS/MAPK/ERK, PLCγ, and PI3K/Akt. While being rare in most cancers, TRK fusions with other proteins have been well-established as oncogenic events in specific malignancies, including glioblastoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, and secretory breast carcinomas. TRK protein amplification as well as alternative splicing events have also been described as contributors to cancer pathogenesis. For patients harboring alterations in TRK expression or activity, TRK inhibition emerges as an important therapeutic target. To date, multiple trials testing TRK-inhibiting compounds in various cancers are underway. In this review, we will summarize the current therapeutic trials for neoplasms involving NTKR gene alterations, as well as the promises and setbacks that are associated with targeting gene fusions.
Interplay of Viral Infection, Host Cell Factors and Tumor Microenvironment in the Pathogenesis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Shaina Chor Mei , Tsao Sai Wah , Tsang Chi Man
Published: April 2018

Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. In addition, heavy infiltration of leukocytes is a common characteristic of EBV-associated NPC. It has long been suggested that substantial and interactive impacts between cancer and stromal cells create a tumor microenvironment (TME) to promote tumorigenesis. The coexistence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with EBV-infected NPC cells represents a distinct TME which supports immune evasion and cancer development from the early phase of EBV infection. Intracellularly, EBV-encoded viral products alter host cell signaling to facilitate tumor development and progression. Intercellularly, EBV-infected cancer cells communicate with stromal cells through secretion of cytokines and chemokines, or via release of tumor exosomes, to repress immune surveillance and enhance metastasis. Although high expression of miR-BARTs has been detected in NPC patients, contributions of these more recently discovered viral products to the establishment of TME are still vaguely defined. Further investigations are needed to delineate the mechanistic linkage of the interplay between viral and host factors, especially in relation to TME, which can be harnessed in future therapeutic strategies.