Venom peptides are known to have strong antimicrobial activity and anticancer properties. King cobra cathelicidin or OH-CATH (KF-34), banded krait cathelicidin (BF-30), wolf spider lycotoxin I (IL-25), and wolf spider lycotoxin II (KE-27) venom peptides were found to strongly inhibit E. coli membrane bound F1Fo ATP synthase. The potent inhibition of wild-type E. coli in comparison to the partial inhibition of null E. coli by KF-34, BF-30, Il-25, or KE-27 clearly links the bactericidal properties of these venom peptides to the binding and inhibition of ATP synthase along with the possibility of other inhibitory targets. The four venom peptides KF-34, BF-30, IL-25, and KE-27, caused ≥85% inhibition of wild-type membrane bound E.coli ATP synthase. Venom peptide induced inhibition of ATP synthase and the strong abrogation of wild-type E. coli cell growth in the presence of venom peptides demonstrates that ATP synthase is a potent membrane bound molecular target for venom peptides. Furthermore, the process of inhibition was found to be fully reversible.

Metal–organic framework (MOF)-based membranes have been widely used in gas and liquid separation due to their porous structures and tunable compositions. Depending on the guest components, heterostructured MOFs can exhibit multiple functions. In the present work, we report a facile and rapid preparation of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and silver nanoparticle incorporated ZIF-8 (Ag/ZIF-8)-based membranes on stainless-steel mesh (SSM) through a “green” electrodeposition method. The SSM was first coated with a Zn-plated layer which contains mainly zinc hydroxide nitrate (Zn5(OH)8(NO3)2·2H2O) with a “leaf-like” morphology, providing anchoring points for the deposition of ZIF-8 and Ag/ZIF-8. It takes only 10 min to prepare a uniform coating of Zn5(OH)8(NO3)2·2H2O in aqueous conditions without the use of a strong base; this is by far the most efficient way of making zinc hydroxide nitrate nanocrystals. Following a similar electrodeposition approach, ZIF-8 and Ag/ZIF-8-coated SSM can be prepared within 20 min by applying a small current. The encapsulation of Ag does not alter the chemical composition nor the crystal structure of ZIF-8. The resulting ZIF-8 and Ag/ZIF-8-coated SSM have been tested for their effectiveness for rhodamine B dye removal in a fast vacuum filtration setting. Additionally, growth of E. coli was significantly inhibited after overnight incubation with Ag/ZIF-8-coated SSM. Overall, we demonstrate a fast synthesis procedure to make ZIF-8 and Ag/ZIF-8-coated SSM membranes for organic dye removal with excellent antimicrobial activity.

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the United States, and prognosis is greatly influenced by stage at diagnosis. Early colorectal cancer can be subtle on CT scans showing only mild wall thickening, small polyps, or subtle lymph nodes in atypical draining location. Identifying these lesions on CT scan performed for nonspecific symptoms can help identify interval CRC and improve patient outcome. The purpose of the present study is to classify the undetected CRC on abdominal CT scan by their imaging features and whether early identification can downstage CRC patients. Materials and methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients (pts) diagnosed with CRC and receiving treatment or sought second opinion at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. Data collection included age, gender, ECOG, KRAS mutation status, and overall survival (OS). CT imaging was obtained from the time of diagnosis, as well as any prior abdominal imaging available. Images were reviewed for multiple CT features including appearance of mass, mesenteric infiltration, abnormal draining lymph nodes, contrast enhancement relative to adjacent mucosa, and intralesional calcifications. Staging was evaluated using available clinical note and CT scan, based on the TNM staging system for CRC. Results:The 41 pts with 51 prediagnostic CTs from 1/1/2012 -12/31/2015 had mean age of 68 years (range:44-90) Mean ECOG status for the population was 1.46. 41% of the prediagnostic CTs had undetected findings. 52 and 43 % of the undetected findings were in the rectosigmoid and ascending colon respectively. Of the 15 undetected masses, 9 appeared as asymmetric wall thickening, 3 as concentric wall thickening, and 3 as polyps. Of the 14 undetected lymph node groups, 2 were excluded due to stability or nonrelated condition. The remaining lymph nodes were found in the associated draining station and averaged 3±1.2 mm in size. On average, the stage at prediagnostic CT was 3A and the diagnostic CT was 3C (p=0.0015). Average time lapse between prediagnostic and diagnostic CT was 21 months (3-64 months). ConclusionOur study demonstrated that high percentage of early-stage CRC findings are undetected on abdominal CT due to their subtle feature, with most undetected location in the rectosigmoid and ascending colon. In general, these subtle features predate the actual diagnosis by up to two years. Early detection of CRC can improve survival by lowering the stage from 3C to 3A, thus providing 36% improvement in 5-year survival. A dedicated search can be performed on the abdominal CT to improve detection by specifically looking for polyps, wall thickening, and small lymph nodes in the draining station.

593 Background: Prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is greatly influenced by stage at diagnosis. Early colorectal cancer can be subtle on CT scans showing only mild wall thickening, small polyps, or subtle lymph nodes. Identifying these lesions on CT performed for nonspecific symptoms can help identify interval CRC and improve patient outcome. The purpose of the present study is to classify missed CRC on abdominal CT by their imaging features and whether early identification can downstage CRC patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients (pts) diagnosed with CRC. Data collection included age, gender, ECOG, KRAS mutation status, overall survival (OS). CT obtained prior to and at diagnosis were evaluated. Images were reviewed for multiple CT features including appearance of mass, mesenteric infiltration, abnormal draining lymph nodes, contrast enhancement relative to adjacent mucosa, and intralesional calcifications. Staging was evaluated using available CT scan and based on the TNM staging system for CRC. Results: The 41 pts with 51 prediagnostic CTs from 1/1/2012 - 12/31/2015 had mean age of 68 years (range:44-90 ) Mean ECOG status for the population was 1.46. 41% of the prediagnostic CTs had missed findings. 52 and 43 % of the missed findings were in the rectosigmoid and ascending colon respectively. Of the 15 missed masses, 9 appeared as asymmetric wall thickening, 3 as concentric wall thickening, and 3 as polyps. Of the 14 missed lymph node groups, 2 were excluded due to stability or nonrelated condition. The remaining lymph nodes were found in the associated draining station and averaged 3±1.2 mm in size. On average, the stage at prediagnostic CT was 3A and the diagnostic CT was 3C (p = 0.0015). Average time lapse between prediagnostic and diagnostic CT was 21 months (3-64 months). Conclusions: High percentage of CRC findings are missed on abdominal CT due to their subtle feature, with most misses in the rectosigmoid and ascending colon. A dedicated search can improve detection by specifically looking for polyps, wall thickening, and small lymph nodes in the draining station. Early detection of CRC can improve survival by lowering the stage from 3C to 3A, thus providing 36% improvement in 5-year survival.

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