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.
Objective(s): To assess nurses' practices for neurological unconscious patients in intensive care units.
Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted that included (50) nurse who are working in intensive care
units in hospitals and departments of the nervous system in (4) hospitals (neuroscience hospital, teaching
neurosurgical hospital, surgical specialist hospital, and sheck zaied hospital) in Baghdad city from March, 30th
,
2009 to July, 30th 2009 for the purpose of assessing their skills towards unconscious patients. A purposive "nonprobability
sample" was selected that consisted of (50) nurse who are working in intensive care units. A
questionnaire format and observational checklist were used which consist of
Objective: To assess the nutritional status of hemodialysis patients.
Methodology: A descriptive quantitative cross sectional study was effectuated in hemodialysis centers from
February 2011 to September 2011. A purposive "non-probability" sample of (70) male and female hemodialysis
patients in al-Najaf al-Ashraf Governorate from those who have spent more than six months on maintenance
hemodialysis schedule. Data collected through using of a well-designed questionnaire consist of five parts, part
one consists of sociodemographic contain (9) items, and part two consists of medical data contain (8) items, and
part three consists of health and nutrition behavior contain (12) items plus (8) items of anthropometric
measur
Background: Alopecia areata(AA) is a common autoimmune disease that causes hair loss without scarring. It occurs as a result of T-helper 1 (Th1) and Th17 cells attacking the anagen hair follicles. Genetic factors play a role in the occurrence of infection, which stimulates the production of pro and anti-inflammatory interleukins. Polymorphisms of IL-37 play a role in autoimmune diseases. However, IL37 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP) have not been identified in patients with AA. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the IL37 gene SNP and its relationship to AA. Methods: Genotyping of IL-37 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs were detected using sequence-specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) method was done following
... Show MoreObjective: To investigate and prove that aspirin
protects, or at least attenuates amikacin ototoxicity in
humans.
Method: This study was conducted in 60 patients that
completed all
requirements .The patients were divided into two
groups:
• Control group: receive placebo treatment.
• Drug–treated group: They receive aspirin
coated tablets (1.5gm/ day), 500mg 8 hourly.
Both groups had similar aspects regarding the gender,
age and weight. The duration of therapy was 7 days
and dosage of amikacin was 1gm/day (500mg 12
hourly).
Results: Comparison of Audiometry test in
Ear/Nose/Throat (E.N.T.) Department (Pure Tone
Audiometry) at 1000 Hertz (Hz), 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz,
and 8000 Hz showed sig
Many diseases can produce cardiac overload, of these disease hypertension, valve disease congenital anomaly in addition to many other disease. One of the most common diseases causing left ventricle overload is hypertension. A long term hypertension can cause myocardium hypertrophy leading to changes in the cardiac contractility and reduced efficiency. The investigations were carried out using conventional echocardiography techniques in addition to the tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) from which many noninvasive measurements can be readily obtained. The study has involved the effect of hypertension on the myocardium stiffness index through the measurement of early diastolic filling (E) and the early velocity of lateral mitral annulus (Ea
... Show MoreBackground: Dental calculus is mineralized dental plaque formed on teeth and dental prosthesis surfaces in the oral cavity. Urinary stone is a crystal aggregation formed in urinary system due to minerals saturation present in urine. The structure of dental calculus is similar to that of urinary stone. Objective: To assess oral hygiene and gingival status in patients with urinary stone. And compared with healthy subjects. Patients and Methods: Sixty participants, 25-40 years, were involved in this study who were divided into study and control group. The study group involved patients with urinary stone while the control group involved healthy subjects. Clinical parameters including plaque, calculus and gingival indices were recorded for al
... Show MoreKidney disease is a kidney injury or disease that affects many people globally. The study aims to evaluate the effect of Phosphatidyl Inositol (4,5) Bisphosphate, 5-Phosphatase (PIP2) enzyme on calcium (Ca2+) levels and its relationship to oculocerebrorenal gene variations in kidney stone and kidney failure patients. The enzyme-produced amount was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Genetic variations were studied through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, followed by the sequencing of fragments of the exons (9, 13, 15). Blood samples were collected from eighty patients (40 with kidney stones and 40 with kidney failure), and 40 were healthy individuals. Results showed a significant difference between t
... Show MoreIntroduction and Aim: The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-39, a member of the IL-12 family plays a key role in the inflammatory response by modulating immune cell activity and inflammation. A literature search shows no study undertaken for the effect of IL-39's on arthritis so far. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of IL-39 in rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and Methods: This study involved 80 patients with rheumatoid arthritis registered at the Rheumatology Clinic at Baghdad teaching hospital. The patients were divided into three groups based on treatments received. Group 1 included patients who were not on any treatment for arthritis, Group 2 with patients on hydroxychloroquine and or prednisone treatment,
... Show MoreThe present study was identified the type of bacterial contamination of Iraqi banknotes currency (Iraqi dinars) in circulation. 68 Iraqi banknotes currency of different denominations samples were randomly gathered from different locations and different occupational groups in Baghdad city. The results showed 61 (89.70%) of the samples were determined to be contaminated with bacteria, whereas 7 (10.29%) were confirmed to be sterile. A total of 11 different species of bacteria resulting in 72 isolates were found from those 61 contaminated Iraqi banknotes currency. Based on culture, morphological and biochemical tests, 11 isolates were identified as Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Corynebacterium diphtheria, Leu
... Show More