Abstract: A composition of matter, denominated herein as 12a-r, having the structural formula set forth below: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of: a) R=NHPh; b) R=NHCH2Ph; c) R=NH(CH2)2Ph; d) R=NH(CH2)2‘-4-F-Ph; e) R=NH(CH2)2-4-Cl-Ph; f) R=NH(CH2)2-3-Cl-Ph; g) R=NH(CH2)2-2-Cl-Ph; h) R=NH(CH2)2-4-Br-Ph; i) R=NH(CH2)2-4-NO2-Ph; j) R=NH(CH2)2-3,4-(CH3O)2Ph; k) R=NH(CH2)2-2-pyridine; l) R=NH(CH2)3Ph; m) R=L-Phe-OCH3; n) R=L-Met-OCH3; o) R=L-Pro-OCH3; p) R=NH-2-thiazolyl; q) R=NH-2-benzothiazolyl; r) R=NH-3-quinolyl; and methods of making these compounds 12a-r.

Abstract: Antifungals based on dolasatin 10 and four structural modifications thereof (herein “peptides”) and methods of treating a host afflicted with a fungi-induced infection are herein described. In broth macrodilution assays, these peptides were fungicidal for ATCC stains and clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans. Specificity for C. neoformans was also demonstrated in the solid-phase disk diffusion assay, and fungicidal activity confirmed in killing kinetics experiments. Broth macrodilution minimum inhibitory and minimum fungicidal concentrations for the most potent modification ranged from 0.0975-1.56 &mgr;g/ml and 0.0975-6.24 &mgr;g/ml respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were nearly identical in the presence of human serum, but increased with lowered pH. Suitable dosage forms for use of the novel antifungals are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an earth anchor to secure a cover over a trench or hole in the ground. The device has a retaining cap which is attached to a rod. Extendible arms are connected to the rod below the cap. The end of the rod opposite the cap is inserted into the hole or trench until the cap rests at ground level, either on separate cover plates or on the ground itself. For large holes, the cap retains separate cover plates over the hole; for small holes, the cap acts as a cover itself. The arms are extended by a jack screw, rack and pinion, or other means until they contact the substrate or underside of the cover plates and clamp the same between the cap and the arms. The cover can be removed by reversing the motion of the jack screw or rack and pinion, and retracting the arms, thereby freeing the device to be removed from the whole.