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Assessment Of Serum Level Of Il-38 In Patients With Non-Segmental Vitiligo And Its Relation To Disease Severity, Zahraa Jafar Ahmed Altaitoon, Al-Shahat Farag Ahmed Sharaf, Hamdy Fouad A. Marzo, Mohammed Samir Sultan

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Vitiligo is a common autoimmune disorder (AID) characterized by extensive loss of melanocytes, causing depigmented skin patches. Interleukin-38 (IL- 38), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, has been linked to several autoimmune conditions, but its involvement in vitiligo hasn’t been confirmed. Aim: To measure serum IL-38 levels in patients with non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) and explores how these levels relate to disease severity and activity. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional case-control study that included 40 patients with non-segmental vitiligo and 40 healthy individuals matched for age, sex, and BMI. Assessment of disease severity and activity was conducted by using the Vitiligo Area Scoring …

Impact Of Body Mass Index On Clinical Outcomes In Metastatic Breast Cancer Running Title: Impact Of Bmi On Mbc Outcome, Alaa Abdelrahman Sonbol, Maha Elzaafarany, Ahmed Albehairy, Sherif Refaat

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Body mass index (BMI) has been suggested as an important patient-related factor influencing treatment outcomes in breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the association between BMI categories and clinical outcomes among patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included 400 patients with MBC. Clinical outcomes assessed included response to first-line treatment, treatment-related toxicity, and status at last follow-up and BMI was calculated using the Quetelet index .

Results: Patients were characterized by a high prevalence of obesity and predominantly good performance status. Disease progression following first-line treatment was the most common …

Role Of Foxl2 Immunohistochemical Marker In Diagnosis Of Ovarian Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors, Correlation With Histopathologic Features And Inhibin Expression, Eman Magdi Hikal, Sylvia Albair Ashamallah, Nadia Abd El-Moniem Nada, Dina Abdallah Ibrahim

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Ovarian Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors (SCST) are a broad category of rare neoplasms that exhibit diagnostic challenges. Alpha-inhibin has been traditionally used as immunohistochemical marker (IHC) for SCST, but restrictions as lack of specificity and variability of cytoplasmic staining evolved.  Forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) is one of the earliest markers of ovarian differentiation and is essential for the normal development of granulosa cells and has been identified to be a sensitive and specific marker of Sex Cord-Stromal differentiation.

Aim: Assess FOXL2-IHC expression in different types of SCSTs and correlate its expression with histopathological features and Inhibin-IHC.

Methods: …

Serum High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Level And Its Relation To Severity Of Psoriasis Vulgaris, Aya Hassan Mohammed El-Shamy, Samia Mohammed Abdel Naby, Mohammed Fawzy El Sayed, Amany Ragab Youssef Ahmed

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 2.5% of the worldwide population. Troponin I levels are accompanied by cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in psoriatic cases. So, this study was conducted to detect serum levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (HScTnI) in psoriasis vulgaris (PV) cases compared to healthy controls. Methods: This case-control study included 40 cases with PV and 40 healthy subjects as a control group. Disease severity evaluation was conducted by using the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score to classify the cases into groups according to severity. Measurement of HScTnI levels was conducted. Results: Mean HsCTn …

Use Of Thyroid Imaging Reporting And Data Systems (Tirads) Ultrasound In Differential Diagnosis Of Thyroid Nodules, Aya Mohamed Hamed Abdelaal, Ghada M Ahmed Gaballah, Donia Mohamed Sobh

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Thyroid nodules refer to masses of abnormally proliferating cells with abnormal tissue stiffness in thyroid. This study aimed to assess diagnostic accuracy of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System in differentiating benign from malignant thyroid nodules.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included forty adult patients with sixty-two thyroid nodules. A 7.5-10 MHz linear array transducer was used to perform imaging protocol. Three-dimensional measurements were done on nodules. All thyroid nodules were  examined using doppler ultrasound. All thyroid nodules were described in terms of composition, echogenicity, margins, shape and echogenic foci.  According to ACR TI-RADS,  the points were given …

Whole Tumor Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Histogram In Assessment Of Treatment Response In Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer, Wahdan. N, Wahba. H, Samir. S, Dina. G. Abdelzaher

Mansoura Medical Journal

Purpose:

We aimed to determine the prognostic value of whole-tumor ADC histogram analysis in predicting therapeutic outcomes for patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC).

Methods:

This prospective, single-institution study enrolled 40 women (mean age 53.8 ± 11.4 years) with pathologically confirmed LACC (FIGO stages IIB–IVA). Pelvic MRI including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was performed at baseline and after CCRT. Whole-tumor regions of interest (ROIs) were manually delineated on ADC maps to extract histogram parameters (mean, minimum, maximum ADC, skewness, and kurtosis). Using RECIST 1.1 criteria, patients were classified as responders (complete or partial response) or …

Clinical Outcomes Of Bloodstop Ix Application In Crico-Tracheal Resection And Anastomosis For Laryngotracheal Stenosis, Mohamed Yasser Elnaggar, Hisham Atef Ebada, Hossam Elsisi, Ali Tawfik

Mansoura Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the surgical outcomes among laryngotracheal stenosis patients who underwent tracheal/crico-tracheal resection anastomosis for with application of BloodSTOP iX on the anastomotic line as well as the operative field.

Methods: Fourteen patients participated in this prospective study. The stenotic airway segment was resected circumferentially using primary end-to-end anastomosis. The authors of this article used the same standardized surgical techniques described in the literature and used by them previously. All patients had suprahyoid release, and trachea-hyoid de-tensioning stitches were inserted to reduce the anastomotic tension. To promote healing, BloodSTOP iX was administered across the anastomosis line and surgical outcomes …

Effect Of Adenotonsillectomy On Nocturnal Enuresis In Children With Obstructive Sleeping Apnea, Ramla Dahir Hersi, Hossam El-Sayed Elsisi, Ahmed Abdoo Elzehzahy

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is the involuntary passage of urine during sleep and is a common condition in the pediatric population. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, has increasingly been identified as a significant contributing factor to NE. Previous studies indicate that children with OSA have a higher prevalence of bedwetting than their healthy counterparts.

Objective: To assess the impact of adenotonsillectomy (AT) on NE in children diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods: This prospective study enrolled 20 pediatric patients presenting with both NE and OSA secondary to severe adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Tonsillar …

Survivin And C-Reactive Protein Serum Levels In Acne Vulgaris Patients In Relation To Its Severity, Asmaa Ayman Gouda, Sara Hamdy Fouad, Hyam Sameh Nada, Hanan Ahmed Salem

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit with variable clinical severity. Increasing evidence suggests that acne may represent a localized inflammatory condition with potential systemic inflammatory involvement. Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein has been implicated in abnormal keratinocyte and sebocyte survival, while C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of systemic inflammation.

Aim of the study: To evaluate serum survivin and CRP levels in cases with AV compared to healthy controls and to assess their relationship with disease severity.

Subjects and methods: This case-control study included 45 patients with clinically diagnosed AV and 45 …

The Role Of Vitamin D In Management Of Pediatric Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia, Eman Magdy Yahia, Suzy Abd El Mabood Abd El Hameed, Dalia Tawfeek Hussein, Amany Mamdouh Shoumah

Mansoura Medical Journal

In children, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) remains a serious health concern, which is an autoimmune disorder (AID) characterized by an isolated decrease in platelet count, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.

The use of vitamin D supplementation represents a turning point in many autoimmune diseases, with the potential to deliver high cure rates with fewer side effects than previous therapies. In this review, we explore the incidence of ITP , immunopathogenesis, diagnosis and management in pediatric patients. We will discuss the mechanisms of action of vitamin D , focusing on its role in autoimmune diseases especially ITP

Role Of Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (Pet-Ct) In Evaluation Of Hepato-Cellular Carcinoma, Mona Baz, Ahmed Youssef Kandeel, Mohamed Ali El-Adalany, Dina El-Metwally

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Globally HCC appeared to be the third main reason of mortality associated with cancer.  According to degree of differentiation, HCC can be classified into four grades. PET/CT represents a functional imaging technique that offers metabolic insights into the tumor. It may play a substantial turn in prediction of biological behavior of HCC, predicting tumor grade and presence of microvascular invasion.

Aim of the work:  This work aimed to assess the utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in identification of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in predicting its histological grade.

Methods: A total of 52 patients with established HCC were included in …

Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging In Rectal Cancer, Ebtehal A. Mohamed, Fatma Mohamed Sherif, Wael Abdulghaffar, Ahmed M Fareed, Gehad A. Saleh

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Rectal cancer (RC) is a major cancer burden globally as it is among the tumors that are most frequently diagnosed worldwide and a significant contributor to global cancer mortality yearly. Imaging with diffusion weighting (DWI) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best radiological modality for the local staging and restaging of RC due to its excellent soft-tissue contrast and high spatial resolution.

Aim of the work: This study aims to assess the value of DW-MRI in staging and assessing treatment response in patients with RC who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Methods: Forty-two patients with RC diagnoses …

The Potential Role Of Naftidrofuryl Oxalate In Rat Model Of Ulcerative Colitis, Omar Mohsen Elmazny, Ahmed Abdel-Monem Elmetwally, Vivian Boshra, H.M. El-Beltagi, Basma Hamed Othman, Heba Sheta

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, recurrent bowel disease characterized by inflammation that leads to superficial damage to the colon wall. The rate of incidence of UC differs from 0.5 to 31.5 per 100,000 subjects annually. The exact cause is still not well-identified. Studies suggest genetic factors, altered immune response, and environmental factors may play a role in the initiation and progression of the disease. Its pharmacological treatment remains unsatisfactory. Aim: To assess the possible protective effect of Naftidrofuryl oxalate (NFT) (praxilene) on intestinal epithelial cells in acetic acid (AA)-induced UC model in rats.  Materials and Methods: sixty female …

The Role Of Adult Appendicitis Score In Reducing The Negative Appendectomy Rate, Mohamed Mahmoud Mansour El Ghzzawy, Magdy Basheer, Mohamed Balata, Amir A. Fikry

Mansoura Medical Journal

Aim: Approximately 15 – 30% of all acute appendectomies are performed based only on clinical suspicion. A negative appendectomy has a 10–12% morbidity rate, which could be detrimental to patients. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adult appendicitis score (AAS) in accurate identification of cases with acute appendicitis.

Patients and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 150 patients who presented with manifestations of acute appendicitis admitted to Mansoura Emergency Hospital.  The AAS was calculated, the decision on appendectomy was solely based on the surgeon’s clinical judgment after taking into consideration all the findings of clinical, …

Evaluation Of Β2-Microglobulin In Patients With Psoriasis Vulgaris Case Controlled Study, Ishraq Mazhar Shaaban, Fatma Faisal El Dakrory, Alshaimaa Hamdi Abd Elmaksoud, Youssef El-Bayoumi Youssef Soliman

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Psoriasis is a persistent, immune-mediated dermatological condition influenced by complex genetic architectures and systemic inflammation. This investigation evaluated the diagnostic utility of serum β2-microglobulin β2 as a quantitative indicator for gauging clinical severity in psoriatic patients.

Aim of the work: The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of serum β2-microglobulin (β2M) as a quantitative biomarker for assessing disease severity in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Specifically, the study sought to determine the correlation between circulating β2M levels and established clinical parameters, including the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), body mass index (BMI), and …

Comparative Study Between Serum Levels Of Interleukin-19 And Interleukin-38 In The Egyptian Patients With Non-Segmental Vitiligo, Reem Ahmed Al Maaddawy, Mohamed Kh. Selim, Ahmed Fawzi Ismail, Ahmad S. Hasan, Manar Ali Hassan

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: The precise etiology of vitiligo remains unclear; nonetheless, it is predominantly regarded as an autoimmune disorder. This work aimed to compare serum levels of IL-19 and IL-38 between patients with non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) and healthy controls (HC). Patients and Methods: This study included 88 participants, evenly split into two groups: 44 individuals with non-segmental vitiligo and 44 healthy controls. Both groups underwent full history taking. The Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI) score and Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) score were used to assess disease severity and activity. The levels of human IL-19 and IL-38 were also measured.

Results:Serum IL-38 …

Short Term Echocardiographic And Clinical Assessment Of Aortic Valve Neo-Cuspidization (Ozaki Procedure) In Comparison With Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement, Amr Mohamed Ahmed Elshabrawy, Mohamed A. Gabr, Eid M Daoud, Mohammed Sanad, Sherif Arafa

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Aortic valve neo-cuspidization (AVNeo, Ozaki procedure) has emerged as an alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement, aiming to preserve native aortic root dynamics and improve postoperative hemodynamics. The replacement of the aortic valve presents challenges because both biological and mechanical prostheses have notable limitations.

Aim: To evaluate the short-term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of aortic valve neocuspidization (Ozaki procedure) compared with mechanical aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with isolated aortic valve disease.

Patients and methods: This prospective comparative observational study included 42 adult patients with isolated aortic valve disease. 20 patients underwent AVNeo (Ozaki procedure) and 22 …

The Biosynthesis Of The Natural Product N-Nitroglycine, Gabriel Padilla

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

N-Nitroglycine (NNG) is a nitramine [R(R′)N–NO2; R′=H or alkyl] natural product (NP) produced by certain actinomycetes, such as Streptomyces noursei. At the beginning of this project, the biosynthesis of this NP was unknown. The goal was to determine how NNG and its nitramine moiety are enzymatically formed. This could lead to the discovery of novel nitramine NPs with diverse applications as well as alternative/green synthesis of nitramine explosives. This work begins by examining diverse biochemical N–N bond formation strategies. Nitrogen cycle enzymes, nitration of NPs, kutzneride biosynthesis, the aspartate/nitrosuccinate superfamily, hydrazinoacetic acid (HAA) biosynthesis, and streptozocin biosynthesis are among the …

Can You Hear Me Now?, Daniel Gonzalez, Amanda Moore

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Complexity Theory And Environmental Conservation Management: A Case Study With Coyote And Red Wolf Hybridization, Gretchen E. Mahalic

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Conservation biology and invasion biology are value-led scientific disciplines founded on environmental advocacy, operating at the intersection of research and action. Though these disciplines are known for their scientific veracity, unexamined values are often promulgated without scrutiny and drive decisions that work against good ecological outcomes. A case in point is that coyotes migrating into southeastern territory are framed as the greatest threat to the conservation of the endangered red wolf because hybridization is seen as diminishing their species integrity. Applying Val Plumwood’s ecofeminist account of dualistic frameworks, I will use this case to show how the vilification of the …

A Chicken Model For Non-Invasive Diagnosis Of Infant Developmental Dysplasia Of The Hip (Ddh) Using Acoustic Transmission Measurements, Aliza Shah

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition characterized by abnormal development and stability of the hip joint. In a healthy infant, the femoral head (ball) fits securely within the acetabulum (socket of the pelvis), allowing for proper joint function. In DDH, the relationship is disrupted, ranging from mild acetabular dysplasia to partial (subluxation) or complete dislocation of the femoral head. This condition represents a range of structural abnormalities that develop during early growth. The integrity of the hip joint is essential for physical mobility, and disruption of this structure can lead to significant functional impairment. DDH may result …

Investigating The Role Of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine For Cancer Symptom Management In Older Adults: A Rapid Review, Isabelle C. Karshner

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Patients with cancer often experience symptoms related to disease, complications, and treatment. One potential method of alleviating these symptoms is traditional Chinese herbal medications (TCHM). This rapid review explores the role of traditional Chinese herbal medications in treating cancer-related symptoms in older adults.

Purpose: The purpose of this rapid review is to gain and provide a better understanding of the effects of TCHM on cancer-symptom management in the older adult population. This review explores the association between TCHM and effects on cancer symptoms in older adults, including interactions, toxicity, and signs/symptoms of TCHM use that may be useful information …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors H2/Z14 And C6/Z96 In Order To Combat Small Cell Lung Cancer, Lauren M. Graves

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The use of ubiquinone inhibitors to combat cancer is a recent development in medicinal science and procedures to efficiently synthesize these drugs remain limited. C6/Z96 and H2/Z14, two succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors, have been previously tested in vitro against NSCLC with positive results. Their similarity to ubiquinone is what makes them a strong candidate for a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor at the ubiquinone binding site. The heterocyclic scaffolds and substituents are proposed to bind strongly through a combination of electronics, hydrogen-bonding, and fit, allowing them to bind well and prove to be more favorable than ubiquinone when competing for the Q-site. By …

A Test Of The Three-Step Theory: Examining Pain, Hopelessness, And Suicidal Desire Among College Students, Shelby Baker

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Suicide is a leading cause of death, and suicidal thoughts are prevalent among emerging adults and undergraduate students. Still, many prominent risk factors remain understudied. Guided by the Three-Step Theory of Suicide (3ST), this study examined the roles of hopelessness, psychological pain, and physical pain in prediction of suicidal desire among undergraduate college students (N = 1,705) recruited from UCF’s SONA system and CloudResearch’s Connect platform. Participants completed an online, cross-sectional survey that included measures of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, hopelessness, psychological pain, physical pain, and other psychological variables of interest. Psychological pain and physical pain were tested as moderators …

Investigating Effects Of The Macroalga Caulerpa Prolifera On Restoration Of The Seagrass Halodule Wrightii In The Indian River Lagoon, Florida, Luciana M. Banquero

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Seagrass restoration efforts have been motivated by global decreases in coverage associated with anthropogenic influences on the environment. In the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), FL, seagrass declined by 75% between 2011 and 2021. During this time, abundance of the macroalga Caulerpa prolifera increased substantially in the IRL. The macroalga is native to this estuary, however C. prolifera abundance has fluctuated widely in the past few decades. Being highly opportunistic, C. prolifera took advantage of areas formerly inhabited by seagrass. It is not known how dense, continuous beds of C. prolifera impact seagrass restoration projects or natural recovery of seagrass. Previous …

Quantifying The Effects Of Anthropogenic Disturbance On Two Marine Mammal Species With Agent-Based Models, Landon S. Myers

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

This dissertation details the construction and results from two agent-based models (ABMs) that quantify the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on very different marine mammals.  Most would agree the anthropogenic effects on animals are “bad”; the unknown is “how bad.”  Chapter 1 describes the ABM assessing the mortality risk from seagrass loss and the potential loss of a warm water refuge on manatees living in Florida ‘s Indian River Lagoon (IRL).  IRL manatees are at the northern habitat limit and susceptible to hypothermic mortality, and utilize natural and artificial warm water refuges to maintain core temperature.  Combined with reduced seagrass availability, …

Evaluation Of Electroencephalography Processing Methods For Estimating Metabolic Energy Expenditure During Walking, Stephanie L. Pinelo

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

In this study, three EEG datasets, created via different levels of pre-processing, were used to train VO2 prediction models whose performance was tested and compared. Understanding the link between EEG and VO2 during walking is important when working in rehabilitation or studying metabolic energy optimization. Common methods of measuring these two bio-signals tend to be bulky, uncomfortable, and inefficient, so finding a way to predict VO2 from EEG via 1D CNN model training is a worthy pursuit.  It was hypothesized that, due to a CNN needing more data to find patterns for prediction, a minimally processed EEG dataset would have …

Old Maps Of The New World & New Theories On The European Encounter With La Florida: An Historical Archaeological And Four Field Anthropological Approach To Peter Apian's Cosmographia (1575), Emerson S F Richards

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

This thesis examines the 1575 Spanish edition of the Cosmographia, a geographic textbook initially authored by Peter Apian and expanded by Gemma Frisius, as a source for anthropological inquiry into early European encounters with the Americas. Little attention has been given to the text’s potential as a source for anthropological analysis, particularly regarding its representations of the Americas and the cultural information embedded in the geographic data. This study addresses that gap by applying a Four-Field anthropological framework—cultural, biological, linguistic, and archaeological—to this edition, which incorporates excerpts from Ieronimo Girava’s qualitative and quantitative description of the Americas, including a …

Monitoring Shifts In Estuarine Microbial Communities: A Dna-Metabarcoding Approach, Ashley M. Reaume

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Estuarine microbial communities, including plankton, algae, and bacteria, play important roles in nutrient cycling and food web structure. They are sensitive to changes in abiotic conditions, and shifts in community composition can provide insight into estuarine ecosystem functioning in the face of various physiochemical and anthropogenic stressors. Therefore, monitoring these communities is essential for understanding and maintaining estuarine health. DNA metabarcoding is an emerging technique for enhancing biological monitoring, allowing for the detection of multiple species within a single sample. This dissertation first focuses on how methodological decisions impact DNA metabarcoding results and then implements these optimized methods to perform …

Exercise-Induced Muscle Swelling And Impedance Changes Of The Elbow Flexor, Sofea Smith

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a non-invasive method that assesses body fluid distribution using impedance (Z), resistance (R), reactance (Xc), and phase angle (PhA). These values have previously been used to interpret cellular health and fluid shifts. Acute muscle edema known as a “pump,” has been reported during and after resistance training exercise and the extent to which bioelectrical properties of the muscle tissue are affected during this process remains relatively unexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess changes in EIM during exercise-induced muscle swelling via resistance training. Thirty-one resistance-trained adults (male=21, female=10; age=23.4±6.5 years, BMI=26.17±3.04 kg/m2) …