Human embryonic stem (hES) cells represent a potential source for cell replacement therapy of many degenerative diseases. Most frequently, hES cell lines are derived from surplus embryos from assisted reproduction cycles, independent of their quality or morphology. Here, we show that hES cell lines can be obtained from poor-quality blastocysts with the same efficiency as that obtained from good...

We report the molecular characterization of two novel rat helix-loop-helix (HLH) proteins, designated HES-1 and HES-3, that show structural homology to the Drosophila hairy and Enhancer of split [E(spl)] proteins, both of which are required for normal neurogenesis. HES-1 mRNA, expressed in various tissues of both embryos and adults, is present at a high level in the epithelial cells, including ...

BACKGROUND Hard exudates (HEs) are the classical sign of diabetic retinopathy (DR) which is one of the leading causes of blindness, especially in developing countries. Accordingly, disease screening involves examining HEs qualitatively using fundus camera. However, for monitoring the treatment response, quantification of HEs becomes crucial and hence clinicians now seek to measure the area of H...

Human embryonic stem (hES) cells are renewable cell sources that have potential applications in regenerative medicine. The development of technologies to produce permanent and site-specific genome modifications is in demand to achieve future medical implementation of hES cells. We report herein that a baculoviral vector (BV) system carrying zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) can successfully modify t...

We developed and tested a compound called AGEM400(HES) that consists of a novel erythropoietin mimetic peptide (EMP) which is produced as a continuous Nto C-linked dimer and is conjugated to biodegradable hydroxyethyl starch (HES). In various in vitro assays, AGEM400(HES) demonstrated excellent efficacy, better than the peptide alone, and comparable to the efficacy of erythropoietin (EPO) and A...

We compared the effects of hypertonic saline 7.2%/6% hydroxyethyl starch (HSS-HES) and isotonic saline 0.9%/6% hydroxyethyl starch (ISS-HES) on ileal microcirculatory blood flow (MBF) at the initial phase of septic shock. Pigs were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. Catheters were inserted into right atrium, pulmonary artery, carotid artery, and portal vein for hemodynamic measurements a...

Background Identification of patients with lymphocytic variant hypereosinophilic syndrome (L-HES) is challenging, and has important prognostic therapeutic implications. Objective This study was undertaken to assess diagnostic tools for L-HES develop evidence-based recommendations. Methods Biomarkers T-cell–driven disease were compared between versus idiopathic HES (I-...

BACKGROUND Conflicting data exist on the renal effects of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) preparations. The current study evaluates the effects of saline-based 6% HES 130/0.4, 10% HES 200/0.5, and a balanced isotonic crystalloid on renal function and microscopic changes in ovine endotoxemic shock. METHODS Thirty sheep were subjected to endotoxin infusion (Salmonella typhosa) at incremental doses un...

BACKGROUND Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions are used for volume expansion during surgery. We aimed to investigate how 6%HES 130/0.4 affects hemostasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Blood samples were collected from 12 healthy adult volunteers, diluting with 6%HES 130/0.4 (HES group) or Ringer lactate solution (RL control group). The hemodilution ratio (HR) of citrated blood volume to plasma substitu...