Background: Gallstone disease (GSD) is a significant global health burden with variable prevalence influenced by metabolic, genetic, and infectious factors. Increasing evidence suggests that Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus species, contribute to gallstone pathogenesis through enzymatic activity and biofilm formation. Objectives: To characterize Gram-positive bacteria within gallstones from Iraqi patients, evaluate their biofilm-forming capacity, and analyze the relationship between bacterial colonization, gallstone type, and cholesterol levels. Methods: A total of 100 gallstones were obtained from patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy between October 2024 and March 2025. Stones were aseptically processed for bacterial isolation and identification using selective culture media and the VITEK® 2 Compact System. Serum cholesterol levels were determined by enzymatic colorimetric assay. Biofilm formation was quantified via the 96-well microtiter plate method, and statistical correlations between gallstone type, cholesterol level, and bacterial presence were analyzed. Results: Cholesterol stones (57%) were more prevalent than pigment (40%) and mixed stones (3%). Bacterial growth was observed in 43% of gallstones, with Enterococcus species (31 isolates) predominating over S. aureus (12 isolates). Species-level identification revealed E. faecalis (n= 16), E. faecium (n= 9), and E. gallinarum (n= 6), marking the first reported isolation of E. gallinarum from gallstones. Cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher in sterile stones (median 235 mg/dL) compared to bacteria-positive stones (173-186 mg/dL) (P < 0.0001). Biofilm analysis showed all S. aureus isolates as strong producers, whereas E. faecalis exhibited predominantly moderate-to-strong formation, while E. faecium and E. gallinarum displayed weaker capacities. Conclusion: A significant interplay between microbial colonization and gallstone composition. Strong biofilm-producing Gram-positive bacteria, particularly S. aureus and E. faecalis, may facilitate stone maturation and persistence. The novel isolation of E. gallinarum expands the spectrum of biliary microbiota.
Background: Zinc is involved in a variety of
metabolic processes and it has a well known
antioxidant activity, so the measurement of its serum
level can have a special value in several diseases.
Objectives: The study is designed to determine the
serum zinc level in heart failure patients and to
compare it with that of healthy individuals and to
study the significance of the results obtained.
Methods: Atomic absorption spectrometer
technique was used to determine serum zinc level in
fifty heart failure patients and fifty healthy individuals
who were age and sex matched.
Results: The mean serum zinc level in healthy
individuals was about 45.5% greater than that of heart
failure patients. This diffe
Flow unit and reservoir rock type identification in carbonates are difficult due to the intricacy of pore networks caused by facies changes and diagenetic processes. On the other hand, these classifications of rock type are necessary for understanding a reservoir and predicting its production performance in the face of any activity. The current study focuses on rock type and flow unit classification for the Mishrif reservoir in Iraq's southeast and the study is based on data from five wells that penetrate it. Integration of several methods was used to determine the flow unit based on well log interpretation and petrophysical properties. The flow units were identified using the Quality Index of Rock and the Indicator of Flow Zone. Th
... Show MoreBackground: Bell's palsy was defined as facial weakness of lower motor neuron type caused by idiopathic facial nerve involvement outside the central nervous system without evidence of aural or more widespread neurologic disease. The cause is unclear, but the disorder occurs more commonly in diabetics.Objectives: to differentiate cases of idiopathic Bell's palsy from diabetic mononeuropathy presented with Facial nerve palsy by assessing the taste, because they differ in etiology, management & prognosis.Patients &Methods: One hundred and fifteen consecutive patients were referred for the treatment of facial palsy, from May the 5th 2012 to April 12th 2013 in Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital and The Neurosciences Hospital, in Baghdad / Ira
... Show MoreWell dispersed Cu2FeSnSe4 (CFTSe) nanofilms were synthesized by hot-injection method. The structural and morphological measurements were characterized using XRD (X-ray diffraction), Raman spectroscopy, SEM (scanning electron microscopy), and TEM (transmission electron microscopy). Chemical composition and optical properties of as-synthesized CFTSe nanoparticles were characterized using EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy) and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The average particle size of the nanoparticles was about 7-10 nm. The UV-Vis absorption spectra showed that the synthesized CFTS nanofilms have a band gap (Eg) of about 1.16 eV. Photo-electrochemical characteristics of CFTSe nanoparticles were studied and indicated their potential application
... Show MoreThe MTX was converted to MTX nanoparticles by the modified method based on changing the pH gradually with exposure to ultrasound and shaking , changing the pH with exposure to ultrasound plays an significant role in the formation of nanoparticles, and this is shown in some previous studies. As the change in pH affects the nature of bonding between molecules, as well as the strength of bonding that depends on the change of electrical charges The exposure to ultrasound waves will greatly affect the breakdown of large particles into small particles that reach the level of nanoparticles. The MTX NPs formation was characterized by UV-Vis spectra analysis , Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fou
... Show Morediasotiation compondnds sulphate upon with melting elemental aryl been used in his mouth for a while of studied
The current research (violence in contemporary Iraqi drawing) study the nature of the manifestations of violence, Kdoual effective in technical text and give these functions of the images have multiple connotations psychological symbolism, and has read the text in the light of the impact of the Iraqi social reality after the recent occupation of events and to study the impact of this stage on Iraqi contemporary painting, and this research consists of three chapters included the first chapter defines the research problem, which is illustrated through the following questions which are real problems require study and research .
Is constitute an objective treatment of the Academy of artistic representations of a phenomenon in the for
... Show MoreBackground: Moral distress, as one of the most important issues in the nursing profession, can negatively affect the healthcare system Objectives: To examine the effect of moral distress on decision making. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study a non-probability sampling method was used and a total sample collected was (126) ICU nurses Result: Moral distress among ICUs nurses were moderate and decision making was good Conclusion: Although nurses in ICUs perceive good decision making but suffered from moderate MD which affected their decision making. MD is still an important issue that nurses may face in ICUs Conclusion: Although nurses in ICUs perceive good decision making but suffered from moderate MD which affected the
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