No abstract

Justification Recent research has provided evidence for lack of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through human milk and breastfeeding. Updating the practice guidelines will help in providing appropriate advice and support regarding breastfeeding during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Objectives To provide evidence-based guidelines to help the healthcare professionals to advise optimal breastfeeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Process Formulation of key questions was done under the chairmanship of President of the IAP. It was followed by review of literature and the recommendations of other international and national professional bodies. Through Infant and Young child (IYCF) focused WhatsApp group opinion of all members was taken. The final document was prepared after the consensus and approval by all members of the committee. Recommendations The IYCF Chapter of IAP strongly recommends unabated promotion, protection and support to breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic with due precautions.

No abstract

Mycobacterium abscessus, a rapidly growing and potentially pathogenic Mycobacterium, is an environmental contaminant and is commonly found in tap water supplies. We report a case of M. abscessus meningitis following VP shunt insertion. A 9-year-old male patient with previous history of aqueductal stenosis and hydrocephalus with VP shunt in situ, presented with pain abdomen of 10 days duration. Investigations revealed multiple mesenteric lymph nodes with impacted VP shunt tip within the omentum. Ascitic fluid and CSF tap showed Acid-Fast Bacilli, later confirmed to be M. abscessus. The patient was treated with Clarithromycin and Amikacin, leading to resolution of the infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of M. abscessus meningitis in an immunocompetent individual. We discuss the possible sources of infection and therapeutic challenges. It is of utmost importance to consider, with high index of suspicion, nontubercular Mycobacteria as the causative organism in patients, who do not respond to regular anti-tubercular regimen.

The study was conducted to forecast the price of black pepper in one of the major markets of Karnataka state as the state ranks first position in production of pepper in India. The Gonikoppal market in Kodagu district was selected purposively on the basis of highest area and production in the state. The monthly prices of black pepper in Gonikoppal market were collected from the Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing Board, Bangalore, Karnataka state for the year 2008-09 to 2017-18. The time-series models such as ARIMA and ARCH models were applied to price data using software's such as SPSS, Gretl and EViews. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller test and Heteroscedasticity Lagrange's Multiplier test were used to test the stationarity and volatility of the time-series respectively. The best forecasted model was determined based on the lowest values of Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) and Schwartz Bayesian Information Criterion (SBIC). However, the predictability power, performance and quality of the model was measured based on the lowest error value of the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Prediction Error (MAPE). Among the tested models the prediction accuracy of the ARIMA model was higher than ARCH family models. On the basis of the results, the ARIMA (0,1,1) provide a good fit for forecasting the price of black pepper.