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
The current research aims to identify the level of E-learning among middle school students, the level of academic passion among middle school students, and the correlation between e-learning and academic passion among middle school students. In order to achieve the objectives of the research, the researcher developed two questionnaires to measure the variables of the study (e-learning and study passion) among students, these two tools were applied to the research sample, which was (380) male and female students in the first and second intermediate classes. The research concluded that there is a relationship between e-learning and academic passion among students.
Abstract: The aim of the current research is to identify (the relationship between deep understanding skills and mathematical modeling among fifth grade students) the research sample consisted of (411) male and female students of the fifth grade of biology distributed over the General Directorates of Education in Baghdad / Al-Rusafa / 2 / and Al-Karkh / 1 /, and two research tools were built: 1- A test of deep understanding skills, consisting of (20) test items and a scale for two skills. 2- The second test consists of (24) test items distributed among (18) essay items and (6) objective items. The psychometric properties of validity, stability, discriminatory strength, and effectiveness of alternatives were verified for the two tests fo
... Show MoreThe aim of the present study is to identify the level of prosoical behavior of Baghdad University's students and to recognize the differences between male and female students. Moreover, it also aims to identify the level of openness to experience for these students. A random sample of (123) students has been selected; 77 males and 46 females. Two scales have been used in the study. The Prosocialness scale for adults by Caprara. Et al (2005) has been translated into the Arabic language and relies on four types of actions (Helping, Sharing, Taking care, and feeling Empathetic with others) and the other scale is the Openness to Experience Scale, which is one of the Big Five Inventory by John and Srivastava (1999). The main results showed a
... Show MoreThe present study aims to develop and apply the unrealistic optimism scale among high school students. The researcher has designed a scale of (38) paragraphs to measure the unrealistic optimism. A sample of (200) male and female students were chosen randomly to collect the needed data. The study found that the unrealistic scale of optimism has good psychometric characteristics. The research sample has a high level of التفاؤل غير الواقعي لدى عينة البحث unrealistic optimism. There is a statistically significant difference between male and female in the unrealistic optimism in favor of the male students. Finally, there is a statistically significant difference between students in the fourth and sixth gra
... Show MoreThe use of antibiotics without prescription (self-medication) is growing globally and is associated with increased bacterial resistance, ineffective treatment and adverse reactions. This study aimed at assessing the practice of antibiotic self-medication in the Iraqi population. A cross-sectional study design was adopted in this work. The sample was comprised of 303 staff members from the non-medical colleges in Iraq. An online questionnaire was distributed between the 29th of June to the 14th of September 2021 to collect data including socio-demographic characteristics and questions about antibiotic self-medication. Most of the participants had a university degree and a moderate monthly income. The majority (88%) h
... Show MoreThe purpose of the study is to identify the teaching techniques that mathematics' teachers use due to the Brain-based learning theory. The sample is composed of (90) teacher: (50) male, (40) female. The results have shown no significant differences between male and female responses' mean. Additionally, through the observation of author, he found a lack of using Brain-based learning techniques. Thus, the researcher recommend that it is necessary to involve teachers in remedial courses to enhance their ability to create a classroom that raise up brain-based learning skills.
equality between man and woman
Among Islamic law
International conventions and agreements
The study aims to identify the level of modesty and self-assertiveness among Tikrit university’s students in regard with students’ gender and major (scientific, human studies), and to identify the correlation between modesty trait and self-assertiveness of students. To this end, the researcher has designed a scale to measure modesty that consisted of four-domains (decency, avoiding of unattractive, pang of conscience, and apprehension). Moreover, the researcher adopted a scale of self-assertiveness that designed by (shawki, 1998). The sample included (600) student on first-stage at the university of Tikrit. The results revealed that students have a high level of modesty and self-assertiveness; there is a correlation between modesty t
... Show MoreThe current research aims to identify the level of both psychological comfort and job performance among a sample of high school teachers for the academic year (2019-2020). The researcher has built two tools to measure psychological comfort, and one to measure job performance. The researcher applied the two scales to a random stratified sample of (100) male and female teachers. The results showed a low level of feeling with psychological comfort among secondary school teachers and a good level of sense of job performance. There is no statistically significant difference in the level of psychological comfort according to gender. There is a significant difference in psychological comfort according to the variable of the length of service in
... Show More