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.
Compression study of Irisin, Vitamin D and Kidney Function Parameters Between Iraqi Fracture Patients with and Without DM2 and Healthy Control, Omar Yousif Majnun*, Altaie AF
The study included the collection of samples of raw cow milk to isolate Leuconostoc bacteria, samples were sub cultured on De-Man Rogosa Sharpe-Vancomycin medium, the pure colonies were selected and subjected to the cultural and microscopically tests, according to that 25 cocci bacterial isolates were obtained, then isolates were subjected to biochemical tests. Result of tests showed that 12 isolates belong to the genus Leuconostoc out of 25 cocci bacterial isolates, Vitek2 system was used as a supplementary step. Results of final identification showed that 3 sub species were obtained included Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp. cremoris 9 out of 12 isolates, while it was 2 isolates of Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp. mesenteroides and one isol
... Show MoreObjective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have increased morbidity and mortality from premature cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD). Framingham risk score (FRS) is a simplified coronary prediction tool developed to enable clinicians to assess the risk of a cardiovascular event and to identify candidate patients for risk factors modifications worldwide. The predictive ability of the FRS varies between populations, ethnic groups, and socio-economic status. The aim of this study is to find if there is any correlation between the Framingham risk score and the inflammatory and biochemical parameters used to measure disease activity and functional ability in Iraqi patients with active RA.
Background: Despite the fact that asthma is a long-term disease that may be treated, many people are unable to control their symptoms due to a lack of knowledge about their condition. The study's purpose was to find out if a pharmacist intervention improved asthma management because of this.
Objective: this study designed to assess the effect of pharmaceutical care on pulmonary functions test.
Method: The study was completed in three months. The patients who were enrolled were divided into two groups: Group 1 consists of 23 asthma patients who were randomly assigned to receive conventional therapy for chronic bronchial asthma based on disease stage and se
... Show MoreGastritis can be defined as histological inflammation of the gastric mucosa. It can be classified according to the time course of the disease as acute or chronic, histological findings, anatomic location, and pathological mechanisms. The objective of this study was to evaluation of serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-8, IL-17 and IL-22 in Helicobacter pylori infection and their association with the degree of gastritis histopathology in a sample of Iraqi patients. The case-control prospective study consists of 60 patients who attended the Gastrointestinal Tract Center at Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital during the period from December 2019 to April 2020. In addition, the control group included 60 apparently healthy individuals. Bio
... Show MoreGeneral Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer affecting women, with increasing incidence worldwide. Specific Background: Recent research has focused on the role of epigenetic changes in DNA damage, repair mechanisms, and the potential therapeutic effects of probiotics. Probiotics have shown promise in promoting tissue regeneration and DNA repair. Knowledge Gap: However, the precise impact of probiotics on DNA repair in cancer cells, specifically breast cancer cells, remains underexplored. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotics on DNA damage repair in AMJ13 Iraqi breast cancer cells and assess the cytotoxic effects of probiotics on these cells. Results: Using the comet assay, we found significan
... Show MoreAbstract: Background: Optical biosensors offer excellent properties and methods for detecting bacteria when compared to traditional analytical techniques. It allows direct detection of many biological and chemical materials. Bacteria are found in the human body naturally non-pathogenic and pathologically, as they are found in other living organisms. One of these bacteria is Escherichia coli (E. coli) which are found in the human body in its natural and pathogenic form. E.coli bacteria cause many diseases, including Stomach, intestines, urinary system infections, and others. The aim of this study: is sensing and differentiation between normal flora and pathogenic E.coli. Material and method:
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