Magnesium though a micronutrient should be supplemented to patient with type II diabetes, low plasma magnesium level have been found to be associated with insulin resistance.

This is an analysis made from case study of six patients to focus on a concept which is so far neglected. All these patients with type II DM without considering age, sex had low magnesium level. Some are on the borderline and the insulin requirement were high.

Magnesium correction through food item rich in green leafy vegetable, fruits and nuts or supplements about 30 mg/day can lead to good magnesium levels intracellularly as well as extracellularly and induce the requirement of insulin to some extent in diabetic type II.

Typha angustata (TA), a ubiquitous weed exhibit monoporous pattern under scanning electron microscopy. Aerobiological studies in Mumbai showed the high prevalence of pollens of TA among the predominant aeroallergen. Patients having sensitivity to pollen allergen of TA were subjected to estimation of total, allergen specific IgE and nasal provocation test (NPT). 559 patients with allergic rhinobronchitis were investigated for eosinophilia, SPT, PFT, RT. Out of which, 38 (6.8%) patients gave strong positive response to TA 16 out of 20 patients showed strong positive response when challenged with TA in NPT. The pollen extract of TA resolved into 21 Coomassie blue-stained bands. Of these, nine protein components of TA pollen extract with molecular weights of 82,75,49,42,36,33,27,23 and 14 kDa were recognized by 90% of the patients sera tested on immunoblot. The present study establishes the allergenic important of TA pollen grains.

Urticaria, commonly known as hives which is allergic reaction to foods, medicines and environmental substances. It is characterized by development of itchy welts or wheals varying in size. This reaction in upper epidermis is vascular in nature. Sporadic reports are documented in literature regarding very few aeroallergens in atopic dermatitis. Purpose of this work is to study the significance of food and aeroallergens in urticaria.

The study comprises 100 consecutive cases (47 males, 53 females) of urticaria. They were divided into two groups : non-vegetarians (65) and vegetarians (35). In both the groups reactions were equal to various offending food stuff as well as aeroallergens. Strong reactions (3+ — 4+) to pineapple, tamarind and yeast were significantly higher in vegetarians. Non-vegetarians showed higher sensitivity to legumes and seafood. Interesting observation of the study is that sensitivity to fungi (3+ — 4+) was (41.54%), house dust (40%), house dust mites (40%), was significantly higher in non-vegetarians. Amongst fungi, sensitivity to Candida albicans (15.38%) was highest followed by various species of Aspergillus viz tamari, fumigatus and niger (9.23%, 7.69%, 7.69% respectively), Rhizopus nigricans (9.23%), Curvularia lunata (9.23%), Penicillum (9.23%), Fusarium solani (6.15%) Alternaria (4.61%), Cladosporium herbarum (4.61%). Predominant pollen were : Parthenium (15.38%), Xanthium stromarium (9.23%) Prosopis julifera (7.69%), Cocos nucifera (6.15%). The study strongly suggests the need to incorporate aeroallergens in panel of commercial extracts of allergens employed for diagnosis and are of therapeutic importance.

Silent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) coexists with and worsens asthma by multiple mechanisms. Role of H. pylori in GERD is controversial. A recent report suggests that eradication of H. pylori reduces recurrence rates of GERD. Serologic and case control studies have shown that H. pylori infection may be associated with development of chronic bronchitis. The aim of this study was to study the effect of treatment for H. pylori in moderate persistent asthma.

Treatment for H. pylori results in significant improvements in peak flow rates compared to standard therapy in moderate persistent asthma, even in patients with no dyspepsia.

H. pylori infection may be common in asthmatics, and worsen airway disease. Treatment for H. pylori may result in improved early asthma control.