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.
The present study was conducted to estimate the antimicrobial activity and the potential biological control of the killer toxin produced by
Specific microorganisms can produce bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), with acetic acid bacteria (AAB) being the most active producer. The family Acetobacteraceae includes the obligate aerobic, motile acetic acid bacteria. The BNC has attracted a lot of interest across a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, due to its flexible characteristics, properties, and advantages. The present study was conducted to purify and characterize BNC produced from AAB isolated from apple vinegar. Bacterial nanocellulose was synthesized using a natural date palm liquid medium at pH 6 at 30°C for 8–10 days. The bacterial cellulose produced was then purified using a technique involving 0.1 M sodium hydroxide. To ascertain the surface mor
... Show MoreTin Selenide (SnSe) Nano crystalline thin films of thickness 400±20 nm were deposited on glass substrate by thermal evaporation technique at R.T under a vacuum of ∼ 2 × 10− 5 mbar to study the effect of annealing temperatures (as-deposited, 100, 150 and 200) °C on its structural, surface morphology and optical properties. The films structure was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) which showed that all the films have polycrystalline in nature and orthorhombic structure, with the preferred orientation along the (111) plane. These films was synthesized of very fine crystallites size of (14.8-24.5) nm, the effect of annealing temperatures on the cell parameters, crystallite size and dislocation density were observed.
... Show MoreGelatin-grafted N- proflavine acryl amide was synthesized through two steps; firstly the Gelatin was grafted with acrylic acid free radically using Ammonium per-sulfate at 60℃, Then it was modified to its corresponding acyl chloride derivation, second step included the substitution with amino group of proflavine, in this research Gelatin was used as a natural nontoxic, water soluble polymer as a drug carrier. The prepared pro drug polymer was characterized by FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopies, Controlled drug release was studied in different pH values at 37℃. Many advantages were obtained comparing with other known methods.
In recent years, observed focus greatly on gold nanoparticles synthesis due to its unique properties and tremendous applicability. In most of these researches, the citrate reduction method has been adopted. The aim of this study was to prepare and optimize monodisperse ultrafine particles by addition of reducing agent to gold salt, as a result of seed mediated growth mechanism. In this research, gold nanoparticles suspension (G) was prepared by traditional standard Turkevich method and optimized by studying different variables such as reactants concentrations, preparation temperature and stirring rate on controlling size and uniformity of nanoparticles through preparing twenty formulas (G1-G20). Subsequently, the selected formula that pr
... Show MoreThe present research was conducted to synthesis Y-Zeolite by sol-gel technique using MWCNT (multiwalled carbon nanotubes) as crystallization medium to get a narrow range of particle size distribution with small average size compared with ordinary methods. The phase pattern, chemical structure, particle size, and surface area were detected by XRD, FTIR, BET and AFM, respectively. Results shown that the average size of Zeolite with and without using MWCNT were (92.39) nm and (55.17) nm respectively .Particle size range reduced from (150-55) nm to (130-30) nm. The surface area enhanced to be (558) m2/g with slightly large pore volume (0.231) km3/g was obtained. Meanwhile, degree of crystallization decrease
... Show MoreThree azo compounds were synthesized in two different methods, and characterized by FT-IR, HNMR andVis) spectra, melting points were determined. The inhibitory effects of prepared compounds on the activity of human serum cholinesterase have been studied in vitro. Different concentrations of study the type of inhibition. The results form line weaver-Burk plot indicated that the inhibitor type was noncompetitive with a range (33.12-78.99%).
(E)-2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yliazenyl)-4-methoxyaniline was synthesized by reaction the diazonium salt of 2-aminobenzothiazole with 4-methoxyaniline. Identified of the ligand by spectral techniques (UV-Vis, FTIR,1HNMR and LC-Mass) and microelemental analysis (C.H.N.S.O) are used to produce of the azo ligand. Complexes of (Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+) were synthesized and identified using atomic absorption of flame, elemental analysis, infrared and UV-Vis spectral process as well conductivity and magnetic quantifications. Nature of compounds produced have been studied followed the mole ratio and continuous contrast methods, Beer's law followed during a concentration scope (1×10-4-3×10-4 mole/L). height molar absorptivity of compound solutions h
... Show MoreFor the first time Iron tungstate semiconductor oxides films (FeWO4) was successfully synthesized simply by advanced controlled chemical spray pyrolysis technique, via employed double nozzle instead of single nozzle using tungstic acid and iron nitrate solutions at three different compositions and spray separately at same time on heated silicone (n-type) substrate at 600 °C, followed by annealing treatment for one hour at 500 °C. The crystal structure, microstructure and morphology properties of prepared films were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), electron Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) respectively. According to characterization techniques, a material of well-crystallized monoclinic ph
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