Digital Commons Network^™

Children's Literacy Project Launches 'A Night For Literacy', Don Feitel

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi students working with the Children's Literacy Project know what success looks like when it comes to improving literacy for children in grades K-5. But they need help to make it happen.

Super Bowl Champion A.J. Brown Named Ole Miss Commencement Speaker, Marvis Herring

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver and former Ole Miss Rebel A.J. Brown will go from catching touchdowns in the Super Bowl to delivering words of encouragement and inspiration at the University of Mississippi's 172nd annual Commencement on May 10.

Issue 464: April 17-May 1, 2025, The Local Voice

The Local Voice

Special Issue: 2025 Double Decker Arts Festival

Capturing Tradition: The Business, Branding, And Personal Identity Of Senior Portraits In The Modern South, Xenia R. Minton

Honors Theses

The rise of college students starting photography businesses, particularly in graduation portraits, has transformed the creative and entrepreneurial landscape in the South. This thesis explores the senior portrait culture at the University of Mississippi, analyzing its rapid growth through the perspectives of photographers and academic experts in Southern Studies. Grounded in eight years of experience as a photographer, this study examines the evolution of the industry, business strategies, and cultural significance. Through interviews with seasoned senior portrait photographers and Southern Studies professors, this research investigates how regional traditions, social media, and consumer expectations have shaped the profession. By analyzing these …

Designing An Optimal Thermal Preference Arena For Southern Cricket Frog (Acris Gryllus) Juveniles, Eleanor E. Briggs, David M. Phillips Jr.

Honors Theses

Climate change has been altering ecosystems across the world at a substantial rate, disrupting the delicate ecophysiological relationships between ecosystems and the organisms that live in them. Ectotherms, such as amphibians, rely on external temperatures to behaviorally thermoregulate, making it especially imperative to study their thermal biology. Thermal preference, which assesses the environmental temperature an organism would seek out in the absence of external stimuli, provides valuable information about an amphibian’s thermal biology and can be used to predict the effects of climate change on a species or population. A commonly used method to measure thermal preference is an arena …

April 17, 2025, The Daily Mississippian

Daily Mississippian (all digitized issues)

No abstract provided.

Estate Planning For Controlling Shareholders, Allan H. Savage, Mason P. Dillaway

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Researchers Use Machine Learning To Predict Exercise Adherence, Jordan Karnbach

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss – Sticking to an exercise routine is a challenge many people face. But a University of Mississippi research team is using machine learning to uncover what keeps individuals committed to their workouts.

The Effect Of Kefir Consumption On Gut And Mental Well-Being, Danh Nguyen, Kate Digges, Emerson Morris, Nicole Hinkley-Kellum, Cas Simpson, Dow Mccarty, Erik F. Y. Hom

Neuroscience Research Showcase

(All authors are affiliated with the Department of Biology: Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Research, University of Mississippi)

Members of the Hom Lab are studying the potential benefits of water kefir consumption on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms and mental health through Brain-Gut-Microbiota Axis modulation. Water kefir is a probiotic-rich beverage produced by the fermentation of sugar water using symbiotic aggregates of microbes known as water kefir grains (WKGs). WKGs consist of various yeast, lactic acid bacteria, and acetic bacteria bound together through extracellular polysaccharides. Probiotics are defined as foods or supplements that contain live, beneficial microbes that foster well-being …

Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels (Vdacs) Possess A Bh3-Like Domain Capable Of Functionally Complementing The Bh3 Domains Of Bax And Bcl-Xl, Saroj Nepal, Clement Agyemang, Mika Jekabsons, Bradley W. Jones

Neuroscience Research Showcase

(All authors are affiliated with the University of Mississippi)

Abstract: The Bcl-2 protein family plays a critical role in controlling apoptosis through interactions of multidomain pro-apoptotic proteins (e.g., Bax, Bak), anti-apoptotic proteins (e.g., Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1), and BH3-only pro-apoptotic proteins (e.g., Bid, Puma, Noxa). Recent studies have shown that the Voltage-Dependent Anion Channels (VDAC) interact with Bax and Bak to regulate apoptosis. We hypothesize VDACs interact with Bax through their N-terminal region, which we discovered is homologous with the BH3 domains of Bcl-2 family proteins. The results show that the N-terminus of VDACs 1 and 2 can functionally replace the …

Analyzing The Neuroprotective Effects Of Phytoestrogens And Aromatase On Male Zebra Finch Cerebellum Post Lesion, Tony Irovic, Grace Thompson, Lainy B. Day

Neuroscience Research Showcase

(All authors are affiliated with Interdisciplinary Studies: Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Minor, University of Mississippi)

Introduction:

• Estradiol (E2) & aromatase (AROM) are neuroprotective
• AROM enzymatically converts testosterone (T) into E2
• E2 alters testicular function and increases stroke and cancer risk
• Phytoestrogens, such as genistein (GEN), are plant derived compounds that have a similar chemical structure to E2 and some E2 -like effects
• GEN may possess the neuroprotective effects of E2 while not having the negative effects
• Zebra finch (ZF) brains are highly plastic, and the cerebellum (CB) has low AROM constitutively
• The CB has high levels of estrogen …

Pioneering Cannabis Research: Um Leads New National Resource Center, Staff Report

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi will be home to a new center designed to help researchers nationwide address challenges that hamper research into therapeutic uses for cannabis.

04.14.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Updated CITI Training Courses

Science Celebration

IHL Prepayment Approval

The Effects Of Estradiol And Genistein On Cerebellar Neuroprotection In Zebra Finches, Grace Thompson, Tony Irovic, Lainy B. Day

Neuroscience Research Showcase

Poster presented at Annual Neuroscience Showcase University of Mississippi related to neuroprotection of genistein and estradiol post-brain lesion.

How Taste Shaped The Use Of Botanical Drugs, Marco Leonti

Oxford ICSB

The perception of taste and flavour (a combination of taste, smell and chemesthesis) also referred to as chemosensation, enables animals to find high-value foods and avoid toxins. Humans have learned to use unpalatable and toxic substances as medicines, yet the importance of chemosensation in this process is poorly understood. We generated tasting-panel data for botanical drugs and applied phylogenetic generalised linear mixed models to test whether intensity and complexity of chemosensory qualities as well as particular tastes and flavours can predict ancient Graeco-Roman drug use. We found chemosensation to be strongly predictive of therapeutic use: botanical drugs with high therapeutic …

The Relevance Of Gut Microbiota For The Activity Of Herbal Drugs, Rudolf Bauer

Oxford ICSB

Despite intensive research, the active principles and mechanisms of action of many herbal drugs are still not clear. Moreover, the bioavailability of many polar plant constituents is rather limited, why they are not likely to act systemically. Therefore, alternative approaches to explain their activity have to be considered. Gut microbiota and the human body form a symbiosis which is essential for our health and well-being. Dysbiosis can lead to various diseases, like inflammation, obesity, asthma, diabetes, and even cancer. Therefore, gut microbiota are a relevant target for herbal drugs, and may help to understand their effects. For example, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii …

Insights From Ethnobotanical Research In North America, Latin America, And West Africa Into The Phytochemical Quality, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, And Toxicology Of Botanicals, Robin Marles

Oxford ICSB

Insights perhaps worth sharing have been gained over a career spanning 50 years of ethnobotanical and pharmacognostic research on botanicals of Canada, Mexico, Ecuador, and Togo, and the development of standards on the quality, safety, and evidence-based uses of botanicals in health products and foods. Perspectives provided by traditional healers in these countries have informed approaches to a better understanding of, and possible goals for future research on traditionally used plants. This includes their phytochemical quality; absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion; possible mechanisms of action; and potential safety concerns. These insights will be illustrated by specific examples from research conducted …

Korea Ginseng Corporation: Ginseng Expertise Since 1899, Joanne Lee

Oxford ICSB

Ginseng has been cultivated in Korea for over 1,000 years, and Korea Ginseng Corporation has been at the forefront of developing Red ginseng as a core ingredient since 1899. Over 126 years, KGC has become the world's leading ginseng brand, holding a 43% share of the global ginseng market. This success is driven by more than $2M in annual investment in R&D and over 100 clinical studies, which have built trust with customers. KGC secures high-quality raw materials through a 100% contracted cultivation system and supports farmers with financial and technical support. The company also maintains rigorous quality standards, conducting …

Unlocking Nature’S Pharmacy: Using Hidden Secrets From Post Famine Ireland To Direct Modern Scientific Exploration Of Irish Bogland Species., Helen Sheridan

Oxford ICSB

Boglands are iconic landscapes and important carbon sinks, extending across the northern hemisphere, covering approximately 20% of Ireland's land area. These ancient water-logged ecosystems are reservoirs of a unique biodiversity adapted to survive in nutrient-poor yet strikingly beautiful environments. Irish mythology is deeply connected to boglands, featuring stories about healing plants, fairies, and ancient curses. Irish communities historically used bogland plants for their medicinal properties. Many uses are recorded in the Schools' Manuscript Collection (SMC) (1937-1939), a treasure-trove of Irish folklore, customs, and ethnographic data, collected as part of the Irish Folklore Commission's effort to preserve Ireland’s oral traditions (Dúchas.ie). …

The Contribution Of The European Pharmacopoeia To The Quality Control Of Herbal Medicinal Products, Salvador Canigueral

Oxford ICSB

The European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) is an international regulatory document setting the standards for the quality control of medicinal products. It is elaborated by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM), a body of the Council of Europe, headquartered in Strasbourg, France. It is mandatory in 39 European countries and the European Union. The Ph. Eur. establishes quality specifications for active ingredients, excipients, dosage forms, and finished products. In relation to herbal medicinal products, the upcoming 12th Edition (effective January 2026) includes: 25 general methods in pharmacognosy, 6 general monographs, 2 information chapters, and 392 individual …

Students For Sustainable Fashion & The Impact Of Fast Fashion, Anne M. York

Honors Theses

This thesis report took a project-based approach, making a change on campus through Students for Sustainable Fashion (SFSF), a club I founded here at the University of Mississippi. My thesis intends to document the establishment process and record the growth of SFSF throughout its last three semesters. SFSF emerged due to a significant challenge identified through casual class conversations, observational thinking, and campus engagement. However, university students are provided with abundant information about fast fashion's detrimental effects, and many feel unable to act due to social pressures, financial constraints, and the influence of fast-paced consumer culture. While students often desire …

Bioseq: A Molecular Intelligence Platform Based On Organism-On-Chip Technology For Bridging Data Gaps Between C. Elegans And Humans, Hunter Edwards, Adnan Qureshi, Mizanur Rahman, Tyler Chiriboga, Amar Chittiboyina, Ikhlas Khan, Siva Vanapalli

Oxford ICSB

The FDA Modernization Act 2.0, emphasizes the urgent need for New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to replace conventional animal testing in safety and efficacy assessments. NemaLife’s organism-on-chip platform, utilizing C. elegans, microfluidics and visual AI, provides a high throughput platform for in vivo screening. To enhance human relevance and reduce the inter-species gap between C. elegans and human, we developed BioSeq, a novel discovery workflow, based on high-throughput transcriptomics. Leveraging the 60-80% homology between C. elegans and human genomes, BioSeq translates worm gene expression data to human orthologs. This enables: (i) identification of differentially expressed human-relevant genes triggered by bioactive ingredients …

Current Regulatory And Enforcement Landscape Under Mocra, Diane Mcenroe

Oxford ICSB

The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) became effective December 29th, 2023 and is the most significant expansion of FDA’s authority to regulate cosmetics since the FD&C Act was enacted in 1938. MoCRA expands the FDA's authority over cosmetics and creates new compliance obligations for manufacturers. Diane McEnroe, an FDA regulatory lawyer at Sidley Austin, LLP, will provide an overview of the law and its implication for cosmetic manufacturers and marketers. The presentation will also provide an update on the current regulatory and enforcement landscape to date, including considerations about follow on litigation when there has been publicity …

Cosmetic Adverse Events And The Product Safety Landscape, Rick Kingston

Oxford ICSB

The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) became effective December 29th, 2023 and is the most significant expansion of FDA’s authority to regulate cosmetics since the FD&C Act was enacted in 1938. MoCRA expands the FDA's rulemaking and enforcement authority over cosmetics and creates new compliance obligations for manufacturers. There are six key areas of the legislation including Facility Registration, Product & Ingredient Listing, Safety Substantiation, Cosmetics Labeling, and Adverse Event Reporting and Record Keeping. Each of these areas has significant implications for manufacturers and cosmetic ingredients. Given the ubiquitous presence of botanical and other naturally occurring substances …

Advancing Botanical Safety Through Collaborative Innovation: Updates From The Botanical Safety Consortium, Amy Roe

Oxford ICSB

The Botanical Safety Consortium (BSC) is a public-private partnership established in 2019 by the FDA, NIEHS, and HESI to address the unique challenges of botanical safety assessment. Botanicals, derived from plants, algae, and fungi, present inherent complexities due to their variable chemical compositions and the presence of hundreds of constituents. Traditional toxicity tests, designed for single chemical entities, fail to adequately assess these complex mixtures, necessitating the development of novel strategies. The BSC has made significant strides in advancing safety evaluations by employing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to address critical endpoints, including hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, dermal toxicity, and developmental …

Herbal Medicine For The Management Of Asthma In Taiwan: Insights From Big Data, Laboratory Studies, And Clinical Research, Hung-Rong Yen, Chuan-Teng Liu, Ying-Chyi Song

Oxford ICSB

Introduction: Asthma affects individuals across all age groups and poses a significant public health challenge in Taiwan, with high morbidity rates and substantial healthcare burdens. Traditional medicine theory emphasizes restoring the yin-yang balance, achieved through methods such as herbal medicine. Real-world data from Taiwan highlight the growing reliance on complementary therapies due to recurrent exacerbations and the potential side effects of conventional asthma medications. Materials and Methods: First, we analyzed the National Health Insurance Research Database, encompassing a population of 23 million in Taiwan, to identify the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal medicines. Subsequently, we conducted in vitro experiments and …

Intoxicating Cannabinoids And Impurities In Hemp-Derived Products In Us Markets, Mahmoud Elsohly

Oxford ICSB

This talk will examine the nature and source of a number of intoxicating cannabinoids and impurities, widely available in the US and marketed as “hemp-derived” and thus promoted as legal and safe products. The presentation will elaborate on the 2018 Farm Bill, the definition of Hemp and the consequences of the interpretation of the definition on the composition of products on the market. Of particular emphasis will be the prevalence of Delta-8 THC in these products and the incorporation of their intoxicating cannabinoids.

Innovation Meets Rigor: A Case Study Of Decentralized Clinical Trials In Consumer Health Research, Belinda Tan

Oxford ICSB

Direct-to-consumer decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) conducted with mobile digital technologies and at-home or local clinical testing are accelerating rigorous clinical studies by virtualizing study activities and collecting data from mobile devices and web-based systems. Through technology automations, decentralized study designs allow for high quality and compliance with objective and subjective data collection. The result is increased study efficiency, high rigor, and more diverse participation, while generating high quality data to meet regulatory standards. Using a proprietary clinical trial software application Chloe, we conducted a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with optional open label extension investigating the impact of 2 doses of …

Cannabidiol And Other Minor Cannabinoids: Pharmacological Targets And Interactions With Thc., Larry Walker

Oxford ICSB

This talk will examine the pharmacology of minor phytocannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and its interactions with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Of particular interest is the impact – if any – of varying ratios of THC and CBD on THC responses, and potential mechanisms for the interplay. We will also consider the pharmacology and potential therapeutic impacts of other minor cannabinoids, including cannabigerol, tetrahydrocannabivarin, and cannabichromene.

Effects Of Caffeinated Green Tea Extract And Exercise In Obese Nzo/Hlltj Mice, Igor Koturbash

Oxford ICSB

Green tea extracts (GTEs) are common ingredients among dietary supplements marketed for weight loss and weight management. However, GTEs and their various catechin polyphenols have also been linked to a number of hepatotoxicity cases. The purpose of this study was to investigate, using the NZO/HlLtJ obese mouse model, the hepato- and cardiotoxic potential of a well-characterized GTE in combination with caffeine (CAF) moderate exercise (EX, 1 hour daily for the duration of 8 weeks) as well as its ability to promote weight loss. No evidence of hepato- or cardiotoxicity was noted when GTE was administered either alone or in combination …