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.
Abstract Background: The lifestyle of an individual significantly influences health-promoting behaviors. The World Health Organization defines health promotion as a mechanism enabling people to increase control over and improve their health. This study aimed to evaluate the health promoting lifestyle profile of medical staff working in primary health care centers of Al-Rusafa, Baghdad.
OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding obesity management among family and non family physicians working in primary health care centers.
Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate anemia among lactating women and their children less than 2 years of
age.
Methodology: The study was done on (148) lactating mothers and their children under 2 years of age in the primary
health care center at AL-Salam Quarter/Baghdad from l/10/2009 to 15/10/2010.
Result: This study recommends that there is a significant relationship between anemic mothers and their children. The
study also revealed that there is (77.8%) from nursing mothers in the age groups (25-29) who suffered from anemia,
while (23.1%) for the age group (20-24) did not have anemia
Recommendation: We encourage the use of breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula only for any milk-based part
of
Background: Type two diabetic patients have higher risk of cardiovascular and periodontal disease. Furthermore, patients with more severe periodontal disease have higher incidence of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to assess the association between periodontal health status and the risk of vascular disease in type 2 diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and fifty apparently healthy males were enrolled in this study. Oral examinations conducted were; plaque Index, calculus index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level. For the assessment of vascular risk, arterial stiffness index was used. Results: According to arterial stiffness index, type 2 diabetic p
... Show MoreThe research aims to conduct a comparative study between the events (800) m and (1500) m track in the types of muscular strength and to identify the differences between them among Iraqi sports club players. The sample represented the players participating in the Iraqi Athletics Championship for the period between (02/11/2023) and (04 /11/2023), and their number was (16) players (8) for each event, as the selection was made intentionally. The researchers used the descriptive approach to achieve the goal of the research and used the statistical package (SPSS) to process the data statistically. According to the results collected, it was found that there was superiority among the intermediate track players (800) m in explosive power and the s
... Show MoreThe aim of this research is to find out the influence of Daniel's model on the skills of the twenty-first century among the students of the scientific-fifth grade at the secondary and preparatory government morning schools for the academic year 2022- 2023. Two groups were chosen out of five groups for the fifth-scientific grade, one of which represents the experimental group that is taught by the Daniel model, and the other is the control group that is taught in the traditional method. The equivalence of the two research groups was verified with a set of variables. As for the research tool, a scale was developed by the researchers for the skills of the twenty-first century, in which they adopted the framework of the Partnership Organizat
... Show MoreTherapeutically and prophylactically using Microspheres containing doxycycline isolated from shell of shrimp. Low molecule weight poly lactic acid was prepared. In this study, Poly lactic acid (PLA)/ poly vinyl alcohol (PVA)/poly ethyleneglycol(PEG) loading doxycycline blend solutions was prepared. Also Poly lactic acid (PLA)-Tannin blend via solvent evaporation method was prepared. Microspheres of chitosan/gelatin microsphere loading doxycycline was prepared by emulsion crosslinking technique. Both microsphere and blends were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer. The FTIR spectra were shown distinguish bands. The in vitro release of doxcycline from its matrix at pH 7 was studied. The prophylactic
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