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: Generally, the facial esthetics depends on the esthetic appearance of the maxillary anterior teeth. The purposes of this study were to analyse the macro-aesthetic appearance of the face and the micro-aesthetic appearance of the maxillary anterior teeth to establish the normative values for class I normal occlusion and to detect possible gender differences. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 120 Iraqi adults (60 males and 60 females) aged (18-23) years. Each individual was clinically examined, then with cephalostat based head position, extraoral and intraoral photographs were taken for each subject. The facial and dental measurements were measured using AutoCad program 2014. Descriptive statistics was obtaine
... Show MoreObjective(s): The present study aims at identifying the Iraqi Colleges of Nursing Deans' leadership
behaviors effectiveness and faculty members' motivation towards work in these colleges.
Methodology: Descriptive design has been used for the sample survey manner, which is the
appropriate approach to the study of social phenomena in the field where provides data on the reality of
these phenomena and relations between the causes and consequences and an analysis of it and perhaps
the factors affecting it and how it appears. The study relies on a questionnaire to collect data from the
participants which is composed of (86) items distributed on three axes: First, the demographic
characteristics which are composed of (8) i
Transformations of the actor when acting many characters are the product of joint work between the actor and the director through the instructions and the exercises that facilitate the reach for the desired goal.
The method or way has often been used which is Stanislavsky premises in his work with the actor in the role. The first section consists of two parts under the heading of the actor's work with himself. The two parts are preparing the actor in creative suffering (internal), and in coexistence and embodiment (outside). The second section is the book of the actor's work with the role. The current research aims at identifying the mechanism of the acting performance transformations among many characters of the same actor.
... Show MorePregnancy and delivery are physiological conditions that are marked by abrupt alterations to hormones, immunological and molecular characters. The current study aimed to evaluate oxytocin (OT), prolactin (PRL), cortisol and insulin growth factor-2 (IGF-2) levels as physiological biomarkers; programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1),interleukin-6 (IL-6) as immunological biomarkers, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs53576 and rs2254298) of oxytocin receptor gene OXTR as molecular factors in samples of Iraqi women undergoing caesarean section (CS) and normal delivery (ND). Blood samples were collected from 96 pregnant women at term with ages ranging between 16-43 years. Regarding
... Show MoreThe current study was conducted in Baghdad governorate (Karkh and Al-Rasafa regions) which included collecting 50 samples of freshly slaughtered sheep meat randomly collected from local slaughter areas and approved governmental slaughterhouses (25 liver and 25 ulna muscles). The results of the aflatoxin B1 detection showed that all samples were contaminated with this toxin at different concentrations ranging from 25–422 ppb and 65–492 ppb for each ulna muscles and liver, respectively. The histopathological and immunological study was conducted in meat samples containing higher and lower concentrations of the toxin. The results of the pathological study in the liver revealed that the concentration (492 ppb) caused thickening of t
... Show MoreThe study showed significant differences between the average weight lens and the average amount protein in the lens between that Kestrel Falco tinnunculus L. and the Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto F. , also the study electrical migration of lens proteins having one bundle of crystalline –? in Kestrel compared with three bundles in Collared Dove, two bundles of crystalline – ? in both , and crystalline – ? appeared as one bundle in both birds.
The research discusses two variables are important, orientation marketing and quality of service, and that the purpose of the research is to see whether the telecom companies applied orientation marketing or not and to what extent is keen to apply it to suit the Iraqi environment as it has been applied research in kork Telecom company and Asia Cell Telecom are sectors service job in the business sector in Iraq, The information was obtained through the design of the questionnaire compatible runway Likert, and distribution (92) questionnaire, which (50) for the company Korek Telecom and (42) of the Asia-Cell, research population sample included a number of staff in the departments and units in the two companies, it has been support
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