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.
Sound effects are considered to be a key element in children’s theatre, for it relays the context and amplifies its understandability, acceptability and its impact on the audience, so it’s a fundamental method in portraying the characters within the idea or the story, to produce the title and content with completeness in its relations that are associated with the rest of the fundamental elements represented in lighting, costumes, dialogue, decoration, etc. And this research included a set of subjects that are related to implementing the sound effects used in the Iraqi children’s theatre plays, chapter one included the problem and the need for studying this subject, as well as its importance and aim, and specifying the basic phrases
... Show MoreA summary of zooplankton research done in Peruvian marine waters is presented. We first provide a brief overview of the evolution of zooplankton studies off Peru before reviewing zooplankton biodiversity, regional distribution, seasonal and interannual fluctuation, trophodynamics, secondary production, and modeling are some of these topics. We evaluate research on various meroplankton, macroplankton, mesoplankton, and microplankton groups and provide a list of species from both published and unpublished sources. Three regional zooplankton groups have been identified: A shelf group on the continental shelf dominated by Acartia tonsa and Centropages brachiatus; A slope group on the continental shelf with siphonophores, bivalves, foramin
... Show MoreEfficient cuttings transport and hole cleaning are very important factors for obtaining an effective drilling operation. In an inclined and horizontal drilling, hole cleaning issue is a common and complex problem.
The scope of this research is to study the drilling parameters which affect hole cleaning in Iraqi directional wells through studying and analyzing some drilled wells ( vertical , directional (30 degree) , directional (60 degree) and horizontal ).An excel sheet is prepared to calculate carrying capacity index which represents an indicator for good hole cleaning in different sections. The study indicated through the field investigations, practical experiences and theoretical calculations tha
... Show MoreThe research tagged (the image of the soldier in contemporary Iraqi painting) dealt with the concept of the image as one of the basic concepts in the creative achievement, whether it is in the field of art, literature or beauty. Therefore, the concept of the image expanded to express the various aspects of human creativity, including the field of painting. To know the image of the soldier in contemporary Iraqi painting, the research included four chapters. The first chapter focused on the methodological framework of the research, while the second chapter included three sections. The first topic dealt with the philosophical and artistic concept of the image. The second topic was concerned with the representations of the soldier's image in
... Show MoreThe research seeks to examine the image of women in Iraqi films produced after 2003 over the answer to questions such as “ level of the representation of women and appearing in films and features that are attributable to them and their relationships with men and their interests and tendencies , activities and ways and methods pursued to achieve their goals , or what appeared to be trying to achieve and whether made movies vivid and varied models for women, or confined to a rigid model and duplicate Is films raised issues concerning women? The research seeks to examine the image of women in Iraqi films produced after 2003 over the answer to questions such as “ level of the representation of women and appearing in films and features th
... Show MoreAfter the political change in Iraq in 2003, Iraq witnessed a stage of social and political development and the strengthening of the legal foundations of the state system, by the approval of the permanent Iraqi constitution of 2005, and stipulating the quota system.
Iraqi women participated in the parliamentary elections from 2005 until 2021, and despite the participation of Iraqi women in all elections, there are challenges that women in Iraq face that prevent their political participation in general and participation in parliament in particular. There are factors behind this, including those related to Iraqi women themselves, including those concerning the political institution and factors related to the nature of society, and it
... Show MoreBackground: The posterior slope of the articular eminence of completely edentulous patients compared to patients with maintained occlusion shows significant flattening. This study aimed to correlate between the flattening of the posterior slope of the articular eminence, with dental status, age, genders, on both sides using computed tomography. Materials and Methods: The sample of the present study was a total of 117 Iraqi subjects, who admitted to the maxillofacial department at Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital in Al-Najaf city. The examination was performed on CT scanner; the eminence inclination was measured in two methods using sagittal section. Results: Clinically, the inclination of articular eminence was higher in edentulous subjects than i
... Show MoreGlobally, iron deficiency anemia is a problematic nutritional deficiency health-related issue that impacts early-adulthood people such as university students. The aim was to asses female nursing students’ knowledge concerning iron deficiency anemia in the College of Nursing, University of Baghdad.
A cross-sectional survey was carried out from the period of June 18, 2023 to December 20, 2023. Nonprobability (purposive) samples of 100 female nursing students were selected from the second, third, and fourth stages in the College of N
Background: The incidence of oral cancers is increasing all over the world. Early detection ofthis important public health matter makes them more amenable to treatment and allows the greatest chance of cure.The aim of this study was to investigate the awareness and knowledge on oral cancer among final -year dental students in Iraq. Materials and methods: Questionnaires were delivered to 160 final–year dental students in the College of Dentistry in Baghdad. The questionnaire focused on the awareness/knowledge of oral cancer, earlyand common clinical signs and symptoms andassociated risk factors. Results: It was found that 87% of students were aware of oral cancer. The followings were recognized as signs and symptoms of oral cancer: persis
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