Abstract: Background: Many studies worldwide have reported prevalence of atopic sensitization and its international variations. A positive skin prick reaction, however, does not always correlate with clinical symptoms. Positive skin tests (SPT) reveal rather atopy - specific IgE presence, than an atopic disease itself. When combined clinical manifestation and SPT are a powerful instrument for defining allergic diseases. Such data for Bulgaria are, however, scarce. The objective of the present study is to assess prevalence patterns and clinical relevance of sensitization to environmental and food allergens in a cross-sectional community sample in Bulgaria. Methodology and results: Patients, 225 men and women, age 4-81 years, were included. They completed a questionnaire to define asthma and rhinitis. Patients were skin prick tested to 18 commercial inhalant and food allergen extracts. The clinical relevance of each of the positively tested allergens was assessed. Among 225 patients 129 (57.3%) were sensitized to at least one allergen, using cut-off level ≥3 mm. In the inhalant allergens group the highest were rates of sensitization to 12 grasses – 26.6% and 4 cereals – 24.0%, followed by these to DFR – 18.2%, DPT – 17.8% and cockroach -16.4%. Among food allergens the highest rates of sensitizations were found to pork – 16.9%, walnut – 15.1%, apple – 13.3%, egg whole – 10.7%, celery – 9.8% and milk – 9.3%. The highest proportions of relevant tests in the inhalant allergens group were for DPT - 72.2%, DFR - 62.9%, 4 cereals - 69.2%, 12 grasses - 69%, Penicillium mix – 61.9, cockroach - 54.8%, Betulaceae - 52.4%. Among food allergens the highest proportions of relevant sensitization were found for walnut – 32.3%, peanut 29.4%, Milk - 22.2%, egg whole - 21.1%. Conclusions: We found rates and patterns of sensitization which were in line with data from other studies. The percentage of clinically relevant sensitizations differed significantly depending on the allergen.

Abstract: Background: Malpositioning during total hip arthroplasty may cause dislocation, pain, and other complications. To evaluate the potential of sacral slope (SS) as a reliable parameter of pelvic flexion. Methods: We developed a model of pelvic flexion to determine the intraobserver and interobserver variability and reliability of SS measurements by lateral radiography by three independent observers. Results: Measurement error was 1.2 and the intraobserver reliability was moderate to substantial (Interclass correlation coefficient: 0.31 to 0.66). Based on the Spearman-Brown formula, the measurement is reliable if it is done at least seven times by two observers, and four times by three observers. Conclusions: The data suggest that measurement of SS of pelvic flexion is a clinically useful parameter for the optimization of THA conditions.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the frequency of Helicobacter Pylori infection on histopathology in patients presenting with dyspepsia. Background: Helicobacter Pylori is associated with dyspepsia in patients who have gastric mucosal abnormalities and this infection can be diagnosed by invasive and non invasive test. Histology of endoscopically taken biopsy, for exploration of this organism is used in this study. Study Design: Cross-sectional, observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Emergency Medicine, Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi for Six months from March 2013 to August 2013. Methodology: A total of 362 cases with dyspeptic symptoms were underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy after fulfilling the selection criteria. H. Pylori infection would be defined by the presence of dyspeptic symptoms with detection of the bacterium on histopathology. All the data was collected by using a proforma and different parameters were assessed for a minimum follow-up period of one month. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS software version 19. Result: Out of 362 cases of dyspepsia 218 (60.2%) males and 144 (39.8%) females (Male: Female was 1.5: 1). Two fifty one (69.3%) patients with dyspepsia were H. Pylori positive on histopathology. Out of 251 cases having H. Pylori infection 165 (75.7%) were male and 86 (59.7%) female. High percentage was found in the age between 31 – 50 years, 160 (77.3%). Conclusion: In this study 69.3% of the patients examined were H. Pylori positive on histopathology. Male sex and older age (> 30 years) are independent risk factor of H. Pylori infection in dyspeptic patients.