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This work was presented as a master's thesis and defended by author ABO under the supervision of author SAB at Al-Quds University in collaboration with author MA who provided several bacterial strains and helped in their morphological and cultural identification. Author IW suggested several ideas on media formulation. Author IS performed the real time PCR using his resources. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

A partnership between Marquette University High School students participating in the MSOE SMART Team (Students Modeling A Research Topic) program and a researcher enabled the team to explore structure and function, and to build a physical model using 3D printing technology, of OmpR. OmpR is a transcription factor necessary for the nutrition gathering strategy of the bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila. Bacteria absorb food through membrane pores, which change in size to optimize food intake and to protect themselves from toxins.X. nematophila has sensor proteins in the outer membrane. When food touches an outer membrane receptor (EnvZ), the receptor transfers phosphate to OmpR forming OmpR‐P, which can bind to DNA. When nutrients are abundant, OmpR‐P binds to OmpC, a gene promoting formation of a small pore, allowing food yet limiting influx of toxins. When food is scarce, OmpR‐P binds OmpF, a gene promoting formation of a large pore, allowing more food intake and growth of a flagellum enabling movement to a nutrient rich location.The OmpR gene is also responsible for production of antibiotic compounds that combat a broad range of microorganisms. X. nematophila often forms a mutualistic relationship with nematodes. The bacterium‐nematode pair seek to inhabit and eventually kill certain insects, benefiting from the nutrients provided by the insect's corpse.Supported by a grant from NIH‐NCRR‐SEPA

Metastasis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma to the colon is a very rare condition that might be underdiagnosed and underreported in the literature. We report a very rare case of incidental findings of sigmoid metastasis secondary to pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a 60-year-old Saudi male, who is a non-smoker with a normal medical and surgical history. The patient presented to a primary care clinic with abdominal bloating and vague on/off abdominal pain for almost 1 year as well as unintentional weight loss without lower gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. After the case was discussed in the multidisciplinary tumor board, the patient was started on systematic palliative chemotherapy. However, after receiving the first cycle, he started to deteriorate rapidly and succumbed to secondary cardiopulmonary arrest. Cases of synchronous metastasis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma to the colon might not be well known or common. However, a high index of suspicion and individualizing the workup tools may need to be used.