Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are undifferentiated pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of blastocyst stage embryos. These unique cell lines have the potential to form virtually any cell type in the body and can be propagated in vitro indefinitely in an undifferentiated state. These cells are capable of forming embryoid bodies (EB) that contain cells from all three embryonic lin...

CLINICALCHEMISTRY, Vol. 34, No. 11, 1988 2375 trile, and applied the extract to a SepPak C18 cartridge (Waters Associates, Milford, MA) that had been washed sequentially with acetomtrile and water. To remove 24,25dihydroxy vitamin D, we washed the cartridge with water, then with methanol:water (7:3 by vol). 250HD was eluted with acetonitrile; the eluate was evaporated under nitrogen and the dri...

Gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare tumor which has a poor prognosis. Herein, we present a 55-year-old woman who presented with complaints of recurrent vomiting, hematemesis and weight loss. Endoscopic examination showed a large ulcerated mass in the antrum. Microscopic evaluation of the specimen taken through biopsy was compatible with a small round cell tumor. However, definitive histo...

Peripheral neuroepitbelioma (PN) is a rare highly malignant tumor, classified in the group of small round cell tumors. We report eight cases of PN, based on histologic appearance and immunohistochemical staining for neuron-specific enolase (NSE). Electron microscopy was also performed in three cases. The tumors exhibited rapid local growth, leading to limb amputation in five cases. Histolo...

OBJECTIVE Studies have shown signs of brain damage caused by different mechanisms in cocaine users. The serum neuron specific enolase and S100B protein are considered specific biochemical markers of neuronal and glial cell injury. This study aimed at comparing blood levels of S100B and NSE in chronic cocaine users and in volunteers who did not use cocaine or other illicit drugs. METHOD Twenty...

In the bone marrow, there are certain populations of stem cell sources with the capacity to differentiate into several different types of cells. Ideally, cell transplants would be readily obtainable, easy to expand and bank, and capable of surviving for sufficient periods of time. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) possess all of these characteristics. One of the most important benefi...

OBJECTIVE To determine the value of measuring serum levels of neuron-specific enolase in predicting extent of disease and short- and long-term functional outcome after acute cerebral infarction. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Neurology departments at two university teaching hospitals, Shanghai. PATIENTS Thirty-eight patients who presented for acute cerebral infarction between October 1...