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.
Background: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov2) which utilizes angiotensin converting enzyme2 (ACE2) to invade the host cells. This membrane-bound peptidase is widely distributed in the body; its activity antagonizes the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Once SARS-Cov2 enters the cell, it causes downregulation of ACE2, resulting in the unopposed activation of RAAS. The unregulated activity of the RAAS system can deteriorate the prognosis in COVID-19 patients. A soluble form of ACE2 (sACE2) was reported to have a role in the SARS-Cov2 invasion of the susceptible cells.
Aim of the study: This study aims to inve
... Show MoreNanoparticles generation by laser ablation of a solid target in a liquid environment is an easy method. Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) colloidal nanoparticles have been synthesized by laser ablation Nd:YAG with wavelengths of 1064nm and double frequency at 532 nm, number of pulses 50 pulses, with pulse energy= 620mJ, 700mJ of a solid target CdTe is immersed in double distilled deionized water (DDIW) and in methanol liquid. Influences of the laser energy and different solutions on the formation and optical characterization of the CdTe nanoparticles have been studied using atomic force microscope (AFM) and the UV-Vis absorption. As a results, it leads to the absorbance in UV-Vis spectra of samples prepared in water at laser wavelength of 532nm i
... Show MoreFlurbiprofen (FLB) is chemically 2-(3- fluoro-4-phenyl phenyl) propanoic acid. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Oral administration of this drug is associated with severe gastrointestinal side effects like ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding. The solution to this problem lies in the fact that topically applied NSAIDs are safer than orally. This study aims to prepare different topical semisolid formulation of FLB as cream base (o/w), (w/o) and gel base using different gel-forming agents in different concentrations. Comparing characterization properties in addition to release and diffusion study for all the prepared formulas to select the best on
... Show MoreAbstract Bilastine, a second-generation antihistamine, is commonly prescribed for managing allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria due to its prolonged action. However, its therapeutic potential is constrained by poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability. This study aimed to enhance bilastine dissolution and patient compliance by formulating a nanosuspension-based orodispersible film (ODF). An anti-solvent precipitation method was employed to produce nanosuspension using different hydrophilic stabilizers (Soluplus®, Poloxamer 188, and PEG 6000). The influence of formulation parameters, such as the stabilizer ratio, the anti-solvent ratio, stirring speed, and the stabilizer type, on particle size and polydispersity index (PDI)
... Show MoreAll - Mighty Allah is beautiful and loves beauty and Man is the only living that is given by the gift of Almighty Allah the ability to awareness of beauty and the taste of everything which recognized by him around all aspects of life.
So the children have more ability than others towards feeling the sense of beauty and the distinction between the beautiful and the ugly understanding , as they are attracted to the beauty , so we should promote and encourage their sense of beauty in future the beauty in behavior , in psychology and in the community, as well.
This is definitely be done through all of
... Show MoreThe development of a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography fluorescence method for the determination of the mycotoxins fumonisin B1 and fumonisin B2 by using silica-based monolithic column is described. The samples were first extracted using acetonitrile:water (50:50, v/v) and purified by using a C18 solid phase extraction-based clean-up column. Then, pre-column derivatization for the analyte using ortho-phthaldialdehyde in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol was carried out. The developed method involved optimization of mobile phase composition using methanol and phosphate buffer, injection volume, temperature and flow rate. The liquid chromatographic separation was performed using a reversed phase Chromolith® RP-18e column
... Show MoreBackground: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) virus is a recognized important cause of congenital CMV infection which carries a significant risk for symptomatic disease and developmental defects in newborns. Its prevalence varies from place to other and time to time. This study is conducted to estimate its prevalence in Baghdad among infants suspected of having a congenital infection and to study the associated findings.
Subjects and Methods: The study was carried out in Al-Alwyia pediatrics teaching hospital. Data were collected, and blood samples were taken for infants suspected to have intrauterine infections over a period of one year, from 1 October 2019 to 1 October 2020. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) tests for CMV w
... Show Morediasotiation compondnds sulphate upon with melting elemental aryl been used in his mouth for a while of studied