Adsorbate enrichment on a zeolite surface and assembly of a SERS sensor: a case study with silver nanoparticles and the flavonoid catechin.

We have studied the adsorption of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and catechin on readily available commercial zeolite beads. Both adsorbates became available on the zeolite and were several fold more concentrated after a simple adsorption process, contributing to a 10-times overall increase in the collision probability between the two adsorbates. We were further able to detect AgNP-induced Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) of catechin on the zeolite after sequential depositions of AgNPs and catechin on the zeolite using this process.

Plasma levels of transforming growth factor-beta 1 before and after removal of low- and high-grade astrocytomas.

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) has been reported to be a possible marker for a number of tumors, including brain tumors. The aim of this study was to measure the plasma levels of TGF-β1 in patients with low- and high-grade astrocytomas before and after surgery. This prospective study included 14 patients with low-grade astrocytomas and 25 with high-grade astrocytomas who underwent tumor removal and 13 controls (patients who underwent cranioplasty for skull bone defects).

The alteration of plasma TGF-β1 levels in patients with brain tumors after tumor removal.

Transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 may be a candidate for a serologic tumor marker. In this study, the plasma levels of TGF-β1 in patients with brain tumors were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and after tumor removal. Patients were divided into four groups, the control group and the benign, malignant, and metastatic brain tumor groups.

Effect of aspirin and indomethacin on prostaglandin E2 synthesis in C6 glioma cells.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays an important role in immunosuppression and tumor growth. PGE2 inhibitors such as aspirin and indomethacin suppress experimental tumor growth. Little is known of the relationship between PGE2 synthesis in brain tumors and the dose of aspirin or indomethacin.

Serum concentration of soluble decoy receptor 3 in glioma patients before and after surgery.

The suppression of immune responses in malignant gliomas is thought to be involved in glioma pathogenesis. The newly identified tumor-secreted soluble decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) can bind to the ligands CD95L and LIGHT, thereby neutralizing their pro-apoptotic actions. Little is known of the production of DcR3 by glioma cells.

High cervical midline punctate myelotomy in the management of visceral pain in the mouse.

Increasing evidence implies the existence of a visceral pain pathway in the dorsal column of the spinal cord. Limited midline myelotomy has been used to treat intractable pelvic cancer pain. However, no obvious evidence has been provided that high cervical punctate midline myelotomy (CPMM) relieves visceral pain originating from the abdomen.