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: Nutritional condition was reported as one of the factors affecting the oral health status, particularly among underprivileged groups. Orphans are one of the known high-risk groups. The aims of this study were to assess the nutritional status of orphans, and its impact on the oral health status. Materials and Methods: Five-hundred children aged 6-12 years old, 254 males and 246 females: institutionalized, non-institutionalized orphans and controls were participated in this study. Nutritional status assessed according to body mass index (BMI). Ramfjord index teeth were examined to assess oral cleanliness and gingival condition. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results this study revealed the institutionalized orphans
... Show MoreVaccination is a vital cornerstone of public health, which has saved countless lives throughout history. Therefore, achieving high vaccination uptake rates is essential for successful vaccination programs. Unfortunately, vaccine uptake has been hindered by deferent factors and challenges. The objective of this study is to assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake and associated factors among the general population.
This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Basmaia city, Baghdad from June to October 2022. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire using multi-stag
Background: Saliva is a specific bio-fluid with important biomarkers. Analyzing any alternation in these markers could give valuable information, in relation to oral health status parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of α -amylase in unstimulated whole saliva of healthy, primary school children in relation to some oral health parameters. Materials and Methods: A questionnaires consisted of demography and medical histories of participants were filled by children families. Saliva samples were collected for 5- minutes between 9:00 -11:00 AM from 114 healthy students aged 6-13 years, divided into four age groups. Flow- rate, Plaque and Gingival Index were assessed and dentition status was investigated by DMFT/dmft
... Show MoreHere, we synthesized three new blended ligand complexes of chromium (III), iron (III), and lanthanum (III) ions with a Schiff base made from the condensation of [o-aminophenol and 2-hydroxyacetophenone in the presence of concentrated sulphoric acid (HL1)] as a primary ligand and o-nitroaniline (L2) as a secondary. The Schiff base and its dual ligand chelate were characterized using several spectroscopic studies, IR, 1HNMR, electronic and mass spectra, in addition to elemental analyses, molar conductivity measurements, and magnetic moments. The spectroscopic and analytical outcomes confirmed the formation of the chelates in a 1:1:1(L1: M: L2) ratio. Similarly, an octahedral structure became counseled for all chelates.
16S rRNA gene sequence examination is an effective instrument for characterization of new pathogens in clinical specimens. Akey component of colonization, biofilm formation, and protection of the pragmatic human pathogen Pseudomonasaeruginosais the biosynthesis of the exopolysaccharide Psl.Extracellular polysaccharides,biofilm, are secreted by microorganisms into the neighboring environment and are significant for surface attachment and keeping structural safety within biofilms.Biofilm production is an important technique for the survival of P. aeruginosa,and its association with antimicrobial resistance represents a defy for patient therapeutics. The aim of the current research is to assess the antibiotic resistance manner and distribution
... Show MoreBackground: Energy drinks are non alcoholic beverages which contain stimulant drugs chiefly caffeine and marketed as mental and physical stimulators. Consumption of energy drinks is popular practice among college students as they are exposed to academic stress. Caffeine which is the main constituent of energy drinks could become an addictive substance or cause intoxication. Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence of energy drinks consumption among medical students of alkindy college of Medicine.Type of the study: A cross sectional study.Methods: It was performed at alkindy medical college on March 2016. A total number of 600 students were contacted to participate in this study. A self administered questionnaire was used to c
... Show MoreAbstract. Healthy skin is an important layer that gives appearance and self-confidence. The skin is affected by internal and external factors that surrounding the body. The problem of skin diseases is considered as one of the widespread diseases. The occurrence of these diseases varies from place to place depending on the nature of climate, the culture of the people, and their economic condition. A cross-sectional study of skin diseases was conducted at the dermatology centre for outpatient clinic of Baghdad hospital. The study is based on 7555 patients of all ages who are attended to this hospital in order to determine the prevalence of skin diseases. The study shows that the most prevalence skin diseases were infectious diseases with
... Show MoreBackground: Oral mucositis is regarded as one of the major complications of radiation therapy especially in patients with head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of glutamine in preventing or minimizing the development of mucositis of the oral cavity. Subjects and methods: Forty-six participants were randomly selected amongst those who were planned to receive radiation therapy for head and neck region cancers. They were randomly divided into two groups of 23 subjects, one group received glutamine and the second group received a placebo. Results: Glutamine had a statistically significant effect in reducing the occurrence and/or severity of oral mucositis in the treated patients compared to patients in the con
... Show MoreBackground: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most commonly encountered valve lesion in modern clinical practice. Severe mitral regurgitation may cause systolic dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction may not be an accurate measurement of LV function in patients with mitral insufficiency. Myocardial performance index (MPI) is a simple non invasive measure of myocardial function. Methods: The study involved 50 patients with valvular mitral regurgitation and 50 healthy subjects as a control group. Transthoracic echocardiography was carried out for all patients and control group. The echocardiographic measurements included left ventricular end diastolic and end systolic dimensions, left atrial diameter, ejection fraction (EF), and myoca
... Show MoreObjectives: The study aims to: (1) assess the prevalence of phantom vibration and ringing syndrome among
nurses, (2) determine the level of job-related stress among those nurses who are working at teaching hospitals in
Al- Nasiriyah city, and (3) identify the association between job-related stress and experience of phantom
vibration and ringing syndrome.
Methodology: : A descriptive design, cross-sectional study was used for the present study was carried out
from 4th December, 2017 to the 4th April, 2018 in order to determine the association of Phantom
Vibration and Ringing Syndrome with Job - Related Stress among nurses at Teaching Hospitals in AlNasiriyah
City , on a purposive (non-probability) sample was used in t