Digital Commons Network^™

Mundane, Ordinary And Eerie Undertones, Yixuan Xia

Theses

When people encounter fear and uncertainty, their mental and physical reactions can vary. Drawing from my personal experience and the ‘Uncanny Valley’ theory [2], I explore various materials and juxtapose ordinary elements with unsettling imagery. In this project, I focus on donuts, transforming them by adding surreal details to imbue them with eerie undertones. For example, in one of my works, a delicious-looking donut appears perfectly normal at first glance. When viewers have a close look at the donut, its surface is crawling with worms, creating an unsettling contrast between the familiar and the disturbing. By altering these familiar items, …

Low Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Concentrations At Hospital Admission As Markers For Severe Pediatric Sars-Cov-2-Related Acute Illnesses, Sneha Jayadeep, Julie A. George, Bishara J. Freij

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Background: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is composed of several isoenzymes. The measured serum (total) ALP is mostly of bone and liver origin. ALP activity changes with growth and puberty, and its level is affected by age and sex. Abnormal ALP levels have been noted in COVID19 patients but its use as a marker of severity has not been assessed to our knowledge.

Objective: Assess if low serum ALP is a marker of disease severity in acute Pediatric SARS-CoV-2-related illnesses.

Design/Methods: Retrospective observational study of children 0-18 years of age hospitalized at Beaumont Children’s Hospital from 3/1/2020-3/31/2022 with positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2 …

Gospel Choir

Bailey School of Music Concert Programs

Oral Moses, Director

Kamaya Locke, Violin

Bailey School of Music Concert Programs

Kamaya Locke, Violin

Dr. Eric Jenkins, Piano

John Stagmeier, Violin

Bailey School of Music Concert Programs

John Stagmeier, Violin

Eric Jenkins, Piano

Using Least Cost Path Analysis To Explore The Archaeological Path Connecting Between Hatim Al-Taie Houses And His Stove, Iman Abdulaziz Al-Saif Dr.

Journal of Arabic Sciences and Humanities

Reviving ancient paths between archaeological sites in mountainous regions and improving accessibility to them is very important; it drives local economic development and achieves sustainable tourism. Hail Province possesses a unique geographical environment, with mountains, valleys, agricultural lands, villages, and urban areas. It is rich in archaeological sites, many of which are located in mountainous areas. The primary obstacle lies in the difficulty or impossibility of accessing these sites. The study aims to exploration the path linking two sites: Hatim Al-Tai's houses in Tuwairan il, and Hatim Al-Tai's fireplace in Jabal Al-Samra, and verify its validity. The study takes a …

Renewed Archaeological Research In Singida Region, Central Tanzania, Makarius Itambu, Eslem Ben Arous, Ricardo Fernandes, Marina Gallinaro, Jana Ilgner, Mary Lucas, Patrick Roberts, Erin Scott, Axel Steinhof, Robert Patalano

Biological and Biomedical Sciences Department Faculty Journal Articles

Archaeological research in central Tanzania, chiefly in the Singida Region, has only been sporadically conducted, with the focus of such investigations being mostly on rock art and Later Stone Age (LSA) material. Here, we report preliminary results from renewed research expeditions conducted in the Singida Region. In 2021 and 2022, we located 31 archaeological sites in Ikungi District, excavated an open-air site (Nkungi) and a rock shelter (Itramuka), and uncovered well-stratified cultural sequences containing lithics, ceramics, and metallurgical remains, as well as human remains and animal bones. The recent archaeological discoveries in the region revealed a rich and composite archaeological …

Urban Heat Mapping Strategies For Predicting Near-Surface Air Temperature In Unsampled Cities In Iowa, Mark D. Ecker, John P. Degroote, Clemir A. Coproski, Bingqing Liang, John Darko, James T. Dietrich

Faculty Publications

Elevated urban temperatures are a significant concern across the globe due to their negative health effects and increased energy use. Understanding the spatial variation in urban air temperatures can lead to informed mitigation and planning efforts. Air temperatures for multiple urban areas in the state of Iowa, USA, at three times of the day, were collected using customized sensors mounted on vehicles driven through a variety of landscapes in each urban area. Geographic information systems technology was used to process high-resolution landscape datasets and derive variables that summarize the urban landscape surrounding each temperature measurement point. Five different statistical models: …

Management Of Recalcitrant Hypotension In Cocaine Positive Trauma Patient With Ich, Christopher Wojcik, Aladino De Ranieri, Moez Sumar

Advocate GME

Introduction: Peri-operative substance abuse presents various substance-specific challenges for anesthesia providers. Cocaine is a sympathomimetic alkaloid with two primary mechanisms of action including inhibition of monoamine re-uptake as well as blockade of sodium channels. Acute intoxication may manifest as agitation, hypertension, hyperthermia, tachycardia and tachyarrhythmias, and myocardial ischemia. At higher doses (3 mg/kg), cocaine has also been shown to have cardiovascular depressant effects. Chronic cocaine abuse results in peripheral catecholamine depletion and may manifest as hypotension or rebound hypertension. Case Presentation: A 30-year-old male with unknown past medical history presents after assault with a crowbar. Vitals showed SBP 150, HR …

Awakening A Patient With Congenital Deafness From General Anesthesia, Christopher Wojcik, Ramsis F. Ghaly, Chu-Yin Yeh

Advocate GME

Introduction: Emergence from general anesthesia signifies the waning of the anesthetic effect and the recovery of consciousness. After general anesthesia, one criterion for extubation is the ability to follow simple commands. The ability to follow commands demonstrates that the patient has adequate consciousness, can protect their airway, and can coordinate basic movements, which suggests an ET tube can be safely removed. Congenital deafness thus presents an obstacle for the Anesthesiologist to communicate with a patient as they awaken from general anesthesia. Case Presentation: A 44-year-old female with a history of congenital deafness and bilateral DCIS S/P bilateral mastectomy presents for …

Cameron Lesion In The Setting Of A Diaphragmatic Hernia Leading To Occult Bleeding, Amir Siddiqui, Arjang Khorasani

Advocate GME

Introduction: Diaphragmatic hernias can present as symptoms that are similar in nature to acid reflux disease or even gastroparesis. Cameron lesions, which are uncommon ulcerations at the hiatus of a hernia, present themselves as occult bleeding. Case Presentation: A 65 y/o male with PMH of ESRD on HD, diaphragmatic hernia, HTN, and DM presented for an LUE AVF creation with plans for a supraclavicular block with sedation. During preoperative evaluation, the patient endorsed he was asymptomatic from his hernia diagnosis which was made several years ago. The case was uneventful until heparin administration, after which the patient had significant emesis …

Proceeding With Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Following Cardiac Arrest During Anesthesia Induction, Mohammed Rashid, Arjang Khorasani

Advocate GME

Introduction: Cardiac arrest following induction of anesthesia is a rare but serious event that significantly increases morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program indicates that approximately 3% of cardiac surgery patients undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) following cardiac arrest [1]. However, the exact incidence of arrests occurring specifically after the induction of general anesthesia remains unknown. This presents a challenging decision: whether to proceed with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) following a peri-induction arrest or to cancel the procedure. Case Presentation: An 80-year-old male with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and …

Perioperative Management Of Life-Threatening Penetrating Thoracic Trauma, Mohammed Rashid, Simin Saatee

Advocate GME

Introduction: Thoracic trauma is a significant contributor to trauma-related mortality, accounting for approximately 25% of traumatic deaths in the United States[1,2]. The mechanisms of thoracic trauma are broadly categorized into penetrating and blunt injuries, each with distinct causes and clinical implications [2]. Case Presentation: This case involves a 22-year-old male who presented to the trauma bay after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to the bilateral chest, epigastric region, and right arm. Upon initial assessment, the patient had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13 and was hemodynamically stable. He had multiple bullet entry wounds to the chest, abdomen, and right …

Overcoming Perioperative Challenges: Aspirated Blood Clots During Internal Jugular Line Placement In A Factor V Leiden Patient, Mohammed Rashid, Arjang Khorasani

Advocate GME

Introduction: Hypercoagulable coagulopathy is a serious condition associated with increased morbidity and higher complication rates. In this case, we highlight the devastating consequences of a hypercoagulable state in a young female patient and emphasize the critical role of the anesthesia team in perioperative management. Case Presentation: A 33-year-old female with a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heterozygous Factor V Leiden mutation presented with extensive right lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and an acute non-occlusive pulmonary embolism (PE) in the right lower lobe, along with a stable chronic PE. Her medical history was significant for multiple thrombotic events, including …

Considerations For Laparoscopic Gastrectomy In A Patient With Lumboperitoneal Shunt, Isabel Rao Shuai, Katayoun Aghajani, Rishi Gaiha, Nebojsa Nick Knezevic

Advocate GME

Introduction: One relative contraindication of laparoscopic surgery is patients having a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt that drains into the peritoneum due to reports of perioperative shunt complications. These complications include intracranial hypertension due to reversed flow of CSF, shunt failure, and emphysema along the shunt trajectory. However, due to ongoing improvements of these CSF shunts, recent data suggests that laparoscopic surgeries are safe to proceed with special considerations.[1] There are no major studies or reviews standardizing practices regarding patients with CSF shunts. Case Presentation: A 49 years old female with a past medical history significant for recurrent headaches, obesity class …

Perioperative Management And Considerations Of Super-Morbid Patients In Back Surgeries, Isabel Rao Shuai, Katayoun Aghajani, Nebojsa Nick Knezevic

Advocate GME

Introduction: Obesity is an increasingly common condition. ASA classifies obesity based on BMI, with class 3 being BMI > 40. Class 3 obesity is associated with many comorbidities, thus increasing perioperative risk.[1] There are several recommendations for obese patients, however there are not many guidelines regarding super morbid patients. This case focuses on airway management and positioning. Case presentation: A 45 years female with medical history of asthma, thrombocytopenia, BMI of 89, 165cm of height came for lumbar-sacral ulcer debridement. She has been bedridden for 1 month after laparoscopic gastrectomy. She presented with decubitus ulcer that needed surgical debridement. Initially surgeon …

Converting Intravenous To Oral Ketamine In A Cancer Palliative Patient, Aisha Patel, Rishi Gaiha, Isabel Rao Shuai, Nebojsa Nick Knezevic

Advocate GME

Introduction: Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that was first developed in the 1960s as a safer pharmacological alternative to phencyclidine [1]. Its primary mechanism of action involves inhibiting the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor which disrupts excitatory neurotransmission in the superficial dorsal horn [2]. This unique property not only provides sedation during anesthesia but also yields some analgesic and antidepressant effects. While ketamine is commonly administered intravenously, its use in the oral form remains limited due to its variable bioavailability and extensive first-pass metabolism. These challenges have hindered the widespread adoption of oral ketamine. As a result, there is a clear need …

Breaking Age Barriers: Neuroaxial Anesthesia For Intramedullary Rod Insertion Of Right Femur In A 99-Year-Old Patient, Aisha Patel, Rishi Gaiha, Moez K. Sumar, Nebojsa Nick Knezevic

Advocate GME

Introduction: Neuraxial anesthesia is a commonly utilized technique for lower extremity surgeries by offering significant benefits such as reduced cardiovascular and respiratory risks compared to general anesthesia. Femoral rod fixation often poses unique anesthetic challenges in the elderly due to their advanced age, comorbidities, and reduced physiological reserves [1]. For a 99-year-old patient, extensive discussion between healthcare providers and patient’s family, as well as having a tailored anesthetic plan is crucial to optimize patient outcomes and minimize potential complications. Case Presentation: The case represents a 99-year-old female with a BMI of 18.8 and a significant past medical history of atrial …

Propofol-Induced Green Discoloration Of Breast Milk: A Case Report, Hamad A. Hussain, Nebojsa Nick Knezevic

Advocate GME

Introduction: Propofol is a widely used intravenous sedative-hypnotic agent, known for its rapid onset, and is commonly used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia and sedation. Propofol is extensively metabolized in the liver into water-soluble metabolites that are excreted by the kidneys. Propofol has been associated with the green discoloration of urine, breast milk, and other bodily fluids. Although the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated, it is thought to be related to the phenolic derivatives of propofol. Here we present a case of a 27-year-old breastfeeding mother producing green-colored breast milk following propofol induction for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. …

Sglt-2 Inhibitor-Induced Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Case Report, Hamad A. Hussain, Amanda Park

Advocate GME

Introduction: Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eDKA) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, such as empagliflozin (Jardiance). The incidence of eDKA is rising with increasing use of SGLT-2 inhibitors. Unlike traditional DKA, eDKA is characterized by significant ketoacidosis with normal to only mildly elevated blood glucose levels, making it a diagnostic challenge. The mechanisms underlying eDKA include increased glucagon secretion, enhanced lipolysis, and reduced insulin secretion, all of which promote ketogenesis despite euglycemia. Surgery, prolonged fasting, and critical illness further exacerbate this metabolic state. Here, we present a case of a 79-year-old female with type 2 …

Ethnic Disparities In The Management Of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain, Alvaro Guerra Branger, Nebojsa Nick Knezevic, Amir Siddiqui, Stefania Diaz Morales

Advocate GME

Introduction: Recent studies indicate a disparity in chronic pain management across different racial groups, particularly among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Additional findings highlight variations in pain prevalence and the response to both acute and chronic pain withing these groups. This study explores the demographic and clinical factors influencing pain management across various racial populations. Methods: We followed 1,662 patients in the greater Chicago area, who sought treatment for a variety of chronic pain conditions, for one year at minimum and had at least four different clinic appointments. Patients were stratified based on race, where they identified as White-non …

Challenges In The Management Of A Patient With Cauda Equina Syndrome And An Incidental Anterior Mediastinal Thymoma, Hamad A. Hussain, Ramsis F. Ghaly

Advocate GME

Introduction: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a neurosurgical emergency that often necessitates urgent decompressive surgery. However, the presence of an anterior mediastinal mass poses significant perioperative risks, particularly when extensive spinal fusion is required in the prone position. This case highlights the unique challenges encountered in the surgical planning and execution for an 83-year-old female presenting for lumbar spine surgery with a newly discovered thymoma. Case Presentation: An 83-year-old female with a 10-year history of progressive neurogenic claudication, severe lower extremity pain, and severe mobility impairment presented for surgical intervention for CES. She exhibited profound lower extremity weakness (2-3/5 strength), …

Anesthesia For A Patient With Angelman Syndrome Undergoing Dental Rehabilitation, Alyeldin Elgamil, Sahel Keshavarzi

Advocate GME

Introduction: Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic disorder with a prevalence of 1:52,000 live births. It is characterized by severe developmental disability, craniofacial abnormalities, ataxia, seizures, sleep disturbances, hand flapping, and frequent laughing and smiling. It is mostly caused by a maternal deletion of the ubiquitin-protein ligase gene in chromosome 15. This deletion also affects the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (A) β3 subunit gene which contributes to the high rate of epilepsy seen in these patients. Due to the rarity of AS, there are no large studies to address whether these patients may have specific anesthetic complications. Case Presentation: A …

From Electrophysiology To Open Heart Surgery: A Fatal Case Of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Gone Wrong, Jennifer Dziemianko, Farzad Ebrahimi, Evan Lian, Lincoln Arbogast

Advocate GME

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, affecting 0.4–1.0% of the global population [1], with a rising prevalence. AF is associated with a 1.5 to 2-fold increased risk of mortality, a 2.4-fold higher risk of stroke, and an elevated risk of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease [2]. Current evidence supports the use of general anesthesia (GA) for most AF ablation procedures, as it enhances patient comfort, improves the accuracy of electrical mapping, allows for more precise catheter manipulation, and increases ablation success rates [2,3]. The most common life-threatening complication of AF ablation is cardiac perforation …

I Would Like An Epidural, And Oh, By The Way, I'M Allergic To Local Anesthesia!, Kishori Dhaku Bawdane, Ned Nasr, Konstantin Inozemtsev, Nathan Cao

Advocate GME

Introduction: Allergies to local anesthetics (LAs) are rare [1] but can present significant challenges in patient management, particularly for laboring patients seeking neuraxial analgesia. While there is limited cross-reactivity between amide and ester LAs, significant cross-reactivity can occur within the same class, especially among ester LAs. This case illustrates a safe approach to testing and administering LAs in a patient with an allergy to an unknown LA. Case Presentation: This case involves a 20-year-old female, G1P0 at 40 weeks and 0 days gestation, with a medical history of gestational hypertension and obesity (BMI 36), who was admitted to the labor …

Global Ionospheric F Region Parameters From Gnss-Pod Limb Measurements: Evaluations And Comparisons With Two Empirical Models - Iri-2020 And Nequick-2, Nimalan Swarnalingam, Dong L. Wu, Dieter Bilitza, Daniel J. Emmons, Cornelius Csar Jude H. Salinas, Artem Smirnov, Yenca Migoya-Oru

Faculty Publications

An optimal estimation (OE) technique has recently been developed for F region electron density (Ne) using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) limb sounding on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites (COSMIC-2, Spire, and FengYun-3). This method provides unprecedented spatiotemporal sampling for global monthly Ne climatology within 100–500 km in 2 hr intervals. The global dataset, collected during mid to moderately high solar activity, is compared with leading models: IRI-2020 and NeQuick-2. Diurnal variations in summer, winter, and equinoctial months are examined for the F2-layer peak, as well as the topside and bottomside of the F region. The observed and modeled NmF2 …

Jtc 25: Grit And Grace Lead To Graduation, Andrea Drummond

University of Mississippi News

This story is part of the 2025 Journey to Commencement series, which celebrates the pinnacle of the academic year by highlighting University of Mississippi students and their outstanding academic and personal journeys from college student to college graduate.

Usa Today Journalist To Discuss First 100 Days Of Trump Presidency, Marvis Herring

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Susan Page, Washington bureau chief for USA Today, will speak Tuesday (April 29) at the University of Mississippi as part of a public program hosted by the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics.

Creative Ties: Using Design To Build Connections And Reduce Loneliness, Madelyn Arnold

Honors Projects

While loneliness is a universal infliction, there are specific demographics that are disproportionately affected by this experience. The older adult population is at a much higher risk of experiencing feelings of loneliness and the negative health risks that come from extended periods of isolation. The severity of loneliness within the older adult population cannot be overstated. Art therapy techniques have been studied as a potential tool to reduce these feelings and side effects in this vulnerable population.

Moved by the profound effects and high rates of loneliness for older adults, this project seeks to create a tool to alleviate these …

The Philosopher’S Art: The Alchemical And Religious Writings Of Sir Isaac Newton, Caleb J. Stamp

Senior Honors Theses

Sir Isaac Newton is inarguably one of the most famous yet divisive geniuses in human history. His writing touched on a staggering variety of topics, including chemistry, physics, and history, among others. Some of his less well-known works – most notably, his alchemical experiments and his prophetic commentaries – have created wildly conflicting views of both him and his theories. However, Newton’s alchemical and religious writings are crucial to understanding his broader worldview: namely, that the spiritual and natural aspects of the world worked together in a universe created by a supreme God who ordained that reality operates in a …