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Background: The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic affected health in all domains i.e., physical, mental, and social aspects. Liver transplant (LT) recipients faced a multitude of challenges during the first wave of lockdown. The aim was to identify the psychosocial difficulties and quality of life during the first year of the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on LT recipients with a predefined structured questionnaire that included clinical, COVID-19 anxiety scale, and Post-Transplant Quality of life questionnaire (pLTQ). Results: A total of 109 patients were studied; with a mean age of 50.5 ± 11.1 years, with a median post-transplant follow-up of 52.4 months and a live donor transplant in the majority (79.8%). Almost all (99.1%) could come to the hospital for regular follow-up, prior to the pandemic. But during the first wave only 57% could maintain planned hospital visits and about 88% could not pursue their regular activities, and 39% missed their routine exercise because of imposed restrictions. Similarly, financial implications were responsible for 4% defaulting from treatment; while 7.3% managed by curtailing supportive drugs (on their own) leading to deranged liver tests in 4.6%; requiring immediate attention. The psychosocial difficulties raised the stress of pandemic (median score 18), and impacted quality of life (mean total pLTQ score 4.7 ± 0.9) Conclusions: For LT recipients, the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic affected their physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing; in addition to the disease itself. Awareness, psychosocial support, and comprehensive care are some unmet needs for this special group; especially when it is expected that subsequent waves may continue to occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is pathognomonic of invasive Pseudomonas infection or septicemia. It is characterized by pustules that rapidly evolve into hemorrhagic blister with central necrosis with the surrounding erythema. It is more often seen in immunocompromised patients but can be seen in healthy neonate also. We report the case of a 4-day-old neonate presenting with Pseudomonas bacteremia and EG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The Indian Ocean region is one among the six major cyclone prone regions in the world with an annual average of about five to six cyclones. Prior studies conducted for this region are location-specific and confined to storm surge characteristic and associated inundation. A detailed study to develop precomputed scenarios on storm surge and inundation maps for the entire Indian coast is still lacking for emergency preparedness. An effort in this direction can drastically reduce preparedness time in the eventuality of a real cyclone approaching its landfall location for effective coastal zone management measures. The present study is a motivation in this direction leading to the generation of a comprehensive data set on storm surges and associated coastal flooding for entire Odisha coast located in the east coast of India and that can be extended to other coastal regions as well. Historically, the Odisha State experiences highest number of cyclone strikes with the highest risk of exposure to storm surge and inundation. The novelty of this study is in the preparation of a comprehensive storm data set using synthetic tracks simulated with various combinations of landfall location, angle of attack, intensity, and forward translation speed. It also generates possible storm surge and inundation associated with intensified cyclones expected in a changing climate scenario. Further, the study also correlates power dissipation index with storm tide all along this coast. The distribution of surge height follows a third-order polynomial to wind speed. An in-depth analysis was also carried out to understand the characteristics of storm surge height and extent of coastal inundation with respect to coastal geomorphology, angle of attack, and varying forward speed of cyclones. The authors believe that information and analysis from this comprehensive data set will have immense potential in understanding the impacts from tropical cyclone climatology and disaster management applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bay of Bengal (BoB) basin in the North Indian Ocean reports the highest number of tropical cyclones, and the frequency is much higher almost five times compared with the Arabian Sea (AS). Semi-enclosed nature of this basin in conjunction with its funnel shape steers the cyclone pathway striking the land. Historical reports signify that most deadly cyclones with highest catastrophe and death tolls occurred in this basin. The four maritime states located in the east coast of India are highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones. Hence, there is a need to understand the risk factors attributed from extreme winds, storm surge, and associated coastal inundation. Historical data signify higher frequency of post-monsoon cyclones compared with pre-monsoon cyclones in the BoB. This study aims to develop a synthetic track or the most probable cyclone track for each state located along the east coast of India. The synthetic track is a general guidance for numerical models, with utility to evaluate and assess the risk factors along coastal belts. This study also deals with aspects on frequency and cyclogenesis locations in the BoB based on analysis from historical data. Results for decadal scale variability signify that in the present decade, the eastern BoB is quite conducive for cyclogenesis. In this region, oceanic thermal field exhibits a warming trend, and found to extend up to water depth of 600 m. In addition, this study also evaluates the energy metrics such as Power Dissipation Index (PDI), and Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) for tropical cyclones that occurred during past four decades in the BoB. The results signify that PDI for tropical cyclones in the present decade is six times higher when compared with the past. The study has practical applications for mapping coastal vulnerability in a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in developed as well as in developing countries. Overweight and obesity in childhood are known to have significant impact on both physical and psychological health. Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. The mechanism of obesity development is not fully understood and it is believed to be a disorder with multiple causes. Environmental factors, lifestyle preferences, and cultural environment play pivotal roles in the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide. In general, overweight and obesity are assumed to be the results of an increase in caloric and fat intake. On the other hand, there are supporting evidence that excessive sugar intake by soft drink, increased portion size, and steady decline in physical activity have been playing major roles in the rising rates of obesity all around the world. Childhood obesity can profoundly affect children's physical health, social, and emotional well-being, and self esteem. It is also associated with poor academic performance and a lower quality of life experienced by the child. Many co-morbid conditions like metabolic, cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurological, hepatic, pulmonary, and renal disorders are also seen in association with childhood obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]