Suspected Anthrax Outbreaks or Sudden Animal Deaths in Hyati Mundaragi Village in Koppal, Karnataka, India: A Farmer Prospective

Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is a persistent global threat to both public health and livestock industries. This study investigates an outbreak of sheep anthrax in Hyati Mundaragi Village, Karnataka, India. The demographic and ecological characteristics of this region are pivotal factors influencing disease emergence, with varying outbreak years observed among sheep farmers. Socio-economic factors and Risk Exposure and Mitigation Behaviour (REMB) were found to be critical determinants of anthrax incidence, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the disease's spread. Sheep migration and proximity to water bodies, notably the Tungabhadra reservoir, facilitated spore transfer and contributed to the outbreak in this village. The study highlights the urgency of proactive measures, including comprehensive disease surveillance, vaccine accessibility, training initiatives for local veterinarians and farmers, and the integration of AI tools for early detection and rapid response.

Farmer’s Sagaciousness on Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies in Agriculture: A Case Study in Hyatimundaragi Village of Koppala District of Karnataka, India

Climate change is recognized as one of the leading challenges affecting the performance of agriculture and the livelihood of people. Farmers are the hardest hit as they have to continuously respond to climate variations. In order to know farmers' perception of climate change and its impacts and to identify adaptation needs semi-structured questionnaire surveys were carried out in Hyatimundaragii village of Koppala district, Karnataka. Farmers have faced climate variability and noticed increasing temperature, delayed onset of rainfall, intermittent rainfall, prolonged drought conditions, depletion of the water table, untimely filling of water bodies, increased incidence of pests and diseases, livestock diseases, and decreasing soil moisture as the critical factors affecting their cultivation, decrease yield and quality of crop produce. Some of them have started to adapt to these changes by soil conservation measures like the construction of graded bunds, mulching, green manuring and sorghum+pigeonpea intercropping, crop rotation, cultivating drought, pest and disease resistance short duration varieties, providing lifesaving irrigation to crops.

Evaluation of Effects of Irradiation with 980 nm Diode Laser at 0.8 W, 1.2 W and 1.4 W, on Sheep Bone - An In Vitro Histological Study

Diode laser has been a boon to treat various periodontal diseases in the last decade. Literature cautions that contact of diode laser would be detrimental to bone and leads to bone resorption. However, till date no studies have documented bone damage at different power settings of laser. So, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 980 nm diode laser irradiation on sheep bone under different power settings in continuous wave mode for fixed amount of time. MethodsA fresh femur of sheep devoid of any muscle and soft tissue was obtained. Three markings, each 10 mm long were made for the specimens. The specimens were categorized as sample A, B and C. 980 nm Diode Laser was used to irradiate the specimens with 0.8 W, 1.2 W and 1.4 W at continuous mode as the power settings for sample A, B and C respectively for 10 seconds in direct contact with bone in a brushing like pattern. ResultsThe depth of bone damage was measured using Haematoxylin and Eosin stain. Bone damage was minimum for group 1 followed by group 2 and 3. ConclusionsWhen the specimens were irradiated by a 980 nm diode laser in direct contact with the bone tissue, damage was seen both clinically and microscopically in all groups.

Gingival Depigmentation Using Surgical Scalpel and Sieve Method of Diode Laser Techniques - A Comparative Clinical Intervention Study.

This study was carried out to compare the treatment outcome after application of surgical scalpel and sieve methods of diode laser for depigmentation techniques with one year follow up period. METHODSThis was a comparative split mouth intervention study with follow up period of one year. A total of 5 systemically healthy patients, were enrolled in this study. Right and left quadrant were divided into Group A and Group B. In Group A, depigmentation with Sieve method of diode laser and in Group B depigmentation with surgical scalpel technique were used. Dummett Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) and Verbal Analogue Scale (VAS) Questionnaires were used to assess the intensity of gingival pigmentation and the pain intensity of the patients respectively. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 2.5 and P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTSThe pain intensity in Group B (mean rank 1.60, 4.0) was high as compared to Group A (mean rank 0.0, 2.0) at 2 weeks and one month follow up and the results were statistically significant. Group A (mean rank 0.20, 0.80) showed better depigmentation outcome compared group B (mean rank 1.0, 1.80) at six months and one year and the results were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONSSeive method of diode laser therapy showed a significant improvement in gingival pigmentation as well as reduction in pain intensity as compared to surgical scalpel technique.

Anatomical Study of Lumbar Spinal Canal Diameter on MRI to Assess Spinal Canal Stenosis.

Introduction: Lumbar canal stenosis occurs due to narrowing of spinal canal diameter and is usually diagnosed by MRI. Aims and Objectives of the study: To study and compare the lumbar canal diameters (Antero Posterior) and Cross sectional areas in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with Lumbar canal stenosis diagnosed using MRI. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective observational study. A total of 100 patients were subjected to MRI and canal diameters were measured. Among them 60 patients were symptomatic with low back pain and 40 patients were asymptomatic without any back pain. Fifty five patients were males and 45 were females. Majority (31%) were in the age group of 20-30 years. Results: In symptomatic cases, 41 (68%) cases were stenosed. Stenosis at all the three levels was seen in 5 (12%) cases. At L3-L4, L4- L5 stenosis was seen in 6 (14%) cases, L4-L5, L5-S1 stenosis was seen in 22(53%) cases, L3- L4, L5-S1 stenosis was seen in 8(19%) cases. In asymptomatic cases, stenosis at all the three levels was seen in 5 (13%) cases and at L4-L5; L5-S1 stenosis was seen in 5(12.5%) cases, L3-L4, L5-S1stenosis was seen in 2(5%) cases. Conclusion: Even in symptomatic Patients, normal diameter of the spinal canal was noticed in 19 (32%) cases. Even in asymptomatic cases canal narrowing was noticed. Most of the symptomatic cases had normal Cross sectional area. Detailed history and clinical examination of the patient along with the radiological investigation of stenosis with MRI scan, will establish the diagnosis.

Stem cell therapy: A challenge to periodontist.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease which manifests clinically as loss of supporting periodontal tissues including periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone, and periodontal therapy is aimed at achieving complete regeneration of these structures. To date, this goal has been tried to accomplish using various bone grafts, growth factors, and barrier membranes. Stem cells are the most fascinating area of biology today and have been used clinically in the field of medicine to treat many incurable diseases. Various human and animal studies have confirmed the presence of stem cells in dental tissues including periodontal ligament. This has opened new avenues aiming toward complete periodontal regeneration using cell-based therapies. This review provides an overview of various types of stem cells in medicine and dentistry and their potential uses especially pertaining to periodontal regeneration.