Genome sequences of chikungunya virus isolates circulating in midwestern Brazil.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a reemerging arbovirus of the family Togaviridae that causes CHIKV fever, a disease that can extend from weeks to years depending on whether clinical signs of arthralgia persist. CHIKV is mainly transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and possibly reached the Americas in 2013, causing an outbreak in Brazil in 2015. So far, two evolutionary lineages of CHIKV have been reported in Brazil: the Asian and the East-Central-South African (ECSA) lineages. In this study, six CHIKV isolates circulating in midwestern Brazil (Mato Grosso state) were isolated from patient sera, and their complete genomes were sequenced using a high-throughput sequencing platform. All of these isolates shared high nucleotide sequence similarity with CHIKV isolates from northeastern Brazil and were found to belong to the ECSA lineage. These CHIKV isolates did not contain the A226V or L210Q mutations that are associated with increased transmissibility by A. albopictus, suggesting that the CHIKV isolates circulating in midwestern Brazil are predominantly transmitted by A. aegypti.

Phylogeny and micro-habitats utilized by lizards determine the composition of their endoparasites in the semiarid Caatinga of Northeast Brazil.

Trophic networks can have architectonic configurations influenced by historical and ecological factors. The objective of this study was to analyze the architecture of networks between lizards, their endoparasites, diet, and micro-habitat, aiming to understand which factors exert an influence on the composition of the species of parasites. All networks showed a compartmentalized pattern. There was a positive relation between diet and the diversity of endoparasites. Our analyses also demonstrated that phylogeny and the use of micro-habitat influenced the composition of species of endoparasites and diet pattern of lizards. The principal factor that explained the modularity of the network was the foraging strategy, with segregation between the "active foragers" and "sit-and-wait" lizards. Our analyses also demonstrated that historical (phylogeny) and ecological factors (use of micro-habitat by the lizards) influenced the composition of parasite communities. These results corroborate other studies with ectoparasites, which indicate phylogeny and micro-habitat as determinants in the composition of parasitic fauna. The influence of phylogeny can be the result of coevolution between parasites and lizards in the Caatinga, and the influence of micro-habitat should be a result of adaptations of species of parasites to occupy the same categories of micro-habitats as hosts, thus favoring contagion.

Impact of Cut-out-rescan and Data Exchange by Over-scanning Techniques on Marginal Fit of CAD/CAM Lithium Disilicate Crowns.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the impact of adjustment procedures - cut-out-rescan (COR) and data exchange by over-scanning (DEOS) techniques - through CAD/CAM software on the marginal fit outcome of ceramic crowns. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-eight de-identified teeth were adapted in a mandibular typodont set. Tooth #19 was prepared for a lithium disilicate crown and seven groups, G0 to G6 (n=10), were created based on the rescanned areas (mesial and/or buccal) on the typodont using an intraoral scanner through COR or DEOS techniques. A digital workflow was used to design and mill 70 crowns according to the groups. Each crown was temporarily cemented on tooth #19 and scanned with micro-computed tomography to measure the marginal fit. The data were analyzed statistically by the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney test to compare the groups pairwise as a post-hoc (α=0.05). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found for vertical misfit (µm) between the groups for Marginal Gap Buccal (MGB) and Marginal Gap Mesial (MGM) (p=0.003 and p=0.029, respectively). No significant difference was found for Finish Line Buccal (FLB) and Finish Line Mesial (FLM) (p=0.062 and p=0.092, respectively). G3 (COR buccal and mesial) had the highest MGB (57.75 µm), statistically different from all other groups. G4 (DEOS buccal) (41.60 µm) was different from G6 (DEOS buccal and mesial) (44.21 µm) (p=0.023). For MGM, G0 (control) (53.96 µm) was different from G5 (DEOS mesial) (45.76 µm) and G6 (DEOS buccal and mesial) (48.56 vm) (p=0.013 and p=0.041, respectively) and G2 (COR mesial) (58.43 µm) was different from G5 (DEOS mesial) (45.76 µm) (p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a statistically significant difference in certain groups for both techniques, COR and DEOS techniques are viable options for image editing during acquisition. Lithium disilicate crowns can be produced with satisfactory marginal gap values utilizing a chairside CAD/CAM system.

Vitality of mycobionts and photobionts after passing through the digestive tract of Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Isoptera) workers.

Termites are among the insects that consume lichens and may be potential dispersers of these symbionts. This study evaluated the vitality of photobionts and mycobionts after passing through the digestive tract of Constrictotermes cyphergaster. The percentage of live and dead algae was verified throughout the alimentary canal of 450 workers, originating from five sampled colonies in the Caatinga Dry Forest, NE, Brazil. A progressive growth in algae mortality was observed in the crop, paunch and rectum, however more than 40% of the algae found in faeces presented signs of vitality. Photobiont morphology was different between cells extracted from thallus in natura and algae present in termite faeces. The photobiont cells presented more shrunken cytoplasms after passing through the alimentary canal of C. cyphergaster. There was also an increase between the cell wall space and the cytoplasm membrane of algae found in the termite faecal pellets. Only four broken spores were found in the intestine, which made the vitality analysis unfeasible for these cells. The record of photobiont vitality in termite faecal pellets is indicative of endozoochoric dispersal, suggesting that this relationship between insects and lichens extends beyond a trophic interaction.

Effects of different pretreatments on the bond strength of a dual-cure resin core material to various fiber-reinforced composite posts.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different pretreatments on the bond strength of a dual-cure resin core to 3 types of fiber posts. Bond strength was measured using a push-out design. One-sided t-Test of Hypothesis with unknown variance was performed (p-values < 5%). Sandblasting abrasion with 50 micro alumina particles at a specific distance, pressure and time was the only surface treatment in DT Light Post and Transluma Post that increased the bond strength to dual cure resin composite cores. FRC Postec Plus post did not shown an increase in bond strength in any group.

The relationship between fibre post geometry and flexural properties: an assessment through a modified three-point bending test.

The aim of this study was to investigate the flexural properties of five types of fiber-reinforced dowels using a modified three-point bending test. Fiber-reinforced resin dowels were tested by a modified three-point bending test associated with models for cylindrical and conical simple-supported beams. The fracture load ranged from 86 to 246 N and the flexural strength from 423 to 1192 MPa. FRC Postec had significantly higher flexural strength and fracture loads values. Thus, the present study demonstrated higher flexural strength values for the FRC Postec fibre posts, suggesting that this system would present a better response to the forces of mastication.

Spatial-temporal variation in litterfall in seasonally dry tropical forests in Northeastern Brazil.

The production of litterfall is essential for nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. From November 2009 to October 2011, analyzed the monthly litterfall production in two areas of Caatinga, a type of Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest located in the Cariri Paraibano, in the semiarid region of the Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. One of the areas, Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN) Fazenda Almas, is legally protected, and the other, Fazenda Moreiras, does not. The aims were to evaluate the effects of precipitation, evapotranspiration and vegetation structure on the temporal and spatial dynamics of litterfall production. Eight sampling points were randomly chosen at each site, and two 1 m2 collectors were installed 50 m apart from each other. The collected material was sorted, dried and weighed. Additionally, the characteristics (density, species richness, height and mean basal area) of the tree-shrub stratum in plots with a 10 m radius surrounding each collector. Total litterfall production was 4,500 kg ha-1 yr-1 for Fazenda Almas and 3,300 kg ha-1 yr-1 for Fazenda Moreiras; these values were within the expected range for Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests. The inter- and intra-annual variation in litterfall production was positively correlated with precipitation and evapotranspiration rates, and four months after the highest precipitation rates, there was a marked decrease in litterfall occurred during the dry season. Furthermore, the contributions of the material fractions were distinct with the leaf fraction representing for more than 60% of the litterfall, and the vegetation structure explained 75% of the variation in litterfall production. Therefore, climatic factors and vegetation structure affect the temporal and spatial dynamics of litterfall production and consequently influence nutrient dynamics in the semiarid region of Brazil.

Pentastomid infection in Philodryas nattereri Steindachner, 1870 and Oxybelis aeneus (Wagler, 1824) (Squamata: Colubridae) in a caatinga of northeastern Brazil.

The relationship between pentastomids and two Colubridae species, Phillodryas nattereri Steindachner, 1870 and Oxybelis aeneus (Wagler, 1824), were investigated in the federal government's reserve Estação Ecológica do Seridó (ESEC, Seridó) situated at lat 6 degrees 35'-40' S and long 37 degrees 15'-20 W in the municipality of Serra Negra do Norte, state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil and run by IBAMA (the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Natural Resources). Throughout 2005, 26 specimens of snakes, 13 of P. nattereri and 13 of O. aeneus were collected. After anatomical dissection and laboratorial examination of the snakes respiratory tracts, P. nattereri was found to be parasitized by two species of pentastomids: Cephalobaena tetrapoda Heymons, 1922 with a prevalence of 30.8% and a mean intensity of infection of 51.5 +/- 32.7 (range 3-147), and Raillietiella furcocerca (Diesing, 1863) which had a prevalence of 7.7% and a mean intensity of infection of 1.0. Only one female of O. aeneus was found to be infected by C. tetrapoda, with a prevalence of 7.7% and mean intensity of infection of 2.0. There was no significant relationship between size of snout-vent length (SVL) and intensity of infection in the specimens investigated here. The two individuals of P. nattereri infected by more than 40 specimens of pentastomids had their lungs completely infected including the pulmonary peritoneum and trachea. It is noteworthy that the hosts had their lung tissues partially destroyed with apparent haemorrhage, and the trabecular structure of their lungs was also destroyed. The contrasting rates of infection estimated here may be related to differences in foraging strategies, in diet, and habitat selection carried out by individuals of P. nattereri and O. aeneus.

Pentastomid, Raillietiella mottae Almeida, Freire and Lopes, 2008, infecting lizards in an area of caatinga, northeast, Brazil.

Pentastomids can infect the respiratory tract of lizards, causing their death and as a result influencing the population size of hosts. Despite this, studies on rates of pulmonary infection of Brazilian lizards, including those living in Caatinga ecosystems of northeastern Brazil are scarce. Active collections of lizards were performed from October to December 2004 in an area of Caatinga of the Estação Experimental de São João do Cariri -- EESJC (07 masculine 25' S and 36 masculine 30' W), located in the state of Paraíba, Northeast of Brazil. Forty-five lizards inhabiting granite outcrops in an area of Caatinga were captured, belonging to the following species: Tropidurus hispidus (Spix, 1825) (18 individuals), T. semitaeniatus (Spix, 1825) (15 individuals), Phyllopezus periosus Rodrigues, 1986 (6 individuals), and P. pollicaris (Spix, 1825) (6 individuals). Laboratory examination revealed that all species had some degree of pulmonary infection caused by Raillietiella mottae. The highest rates of prevalence (66.7%) and mean intensity of infection (5.25 +/- 2.01, range of 2-11) were observed in P. periosus. The results obtained in this study show that lizards of the Brazilian semi-arid region are infected by a generalist species of pentastomid. The most likely cause for such pattern is the similarity in lizards' diets (ants and termites). It is particularly noteworthy that T. semitaeniatus, P. periosus, and P. pollicaris represent new host records for R. mottae.

Formulating the alginate-polyornithine biocapsule for prolonged stability: evaluation of composition and manufacturing technique.

Alginate encapsulation is one of the most widely used techniques for introducing cell-based therapeutics into the body. Numerous encapsulation methodologies exist, utilizing a variety of alginates, purification technologies, and unique polycationic membrane components. The stability of a conventional alginate formulation encapsulated using a commercially available technique and apparatus has been characterized extensively. The current study employs an encapsulation protocol and ultra-pure alginate pioneered at the University of Perugia. The enhanced microcapsules were produced, characterized, and implanted into the brain, peritoneal cavity, and subcutaneous space of Long-Evans rats. After 14, 28, 60, 90, 120, and 180 or 215 days, capsules were explanted and the surface was analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Image analysis was carried out to measure changes in diameter and wall thickness. FTIR peak analysis and surface morphology from SEM indicated that the enhanced encapsulation technique and formulation produced a stable biocapsule capable of survival in all sites, including the harsh peritoneal environment, for at least 215 days. Preimplant analysis showed a marked increase in the structural integrity of the enhanced formulation with improved elasticity and burst strength compared with the baseline formulation, which remained stable for less than 60 days. The enhanced microcapsule composition showed advantages in physical strength and longevity, indicating that small changes in encapsulation methodologies and materials selection can dramatically impact the stability and longevity of alginate microcapsules and their contents.

Prevalence and intensity of pentastomid infection in two species of snakes from northeastern Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the infection rates of snakes by pentastomids in the semi-arid region of Brazil. Fifteen snakes (four Micrurus ibiboboca (Merrem, 1820) and eleven Philodryas nattereri Steindachner, 1870) were collected between January and April of 2005, in the municipality of Crato (07 degrees 14' S and 39 degrees 24' W), State of Ceará, Brazil. Laboratorial analysis of the respiratory tracts of the sampled snakes indicated differences in host infection rates: four individuals of P. nattereri (36.4%) were infected by Cephalobaena tetrapoda Heymons, 1922 (mean infection intensity 1.5 +/- 0.28, 1-2) and three specimens (27.3%) by Raillietiella furcocerca (Diesing, 1863) (2.3 +/- 1.32, 1-5). Only one individual of M. ibiboboca (25%) was infected by a non-identified species of Raillietiella sp. These are the first data on pentastomid infection in snakes in Northeastern Brazil and both snake species comprise new host records for the pentastomids. The results also indicate that the generalist parasites C. tetrapoda and R. furcocerca share their definitive hosts.

Esthetic Challenges in Rehabilitating the Anterior Maxilla: A Case Report.

The rehabilitation of an unesthetic smile in the anterior maxilla is always a clinical challenge, especially when an improper shape and size, old restorations, and unesthetic shading are present. In addition, an irregular gingival zenith contour in the anterior maxilla can affect the smile's harmony. Thus, detailed treatment planning is needed to define a functional and esthetic prosthetic rehabilitation. This study describes a clinical case in which a 55-year-old woman was rehabilitated using Digital Smile Design planning and full ceramic crowns (metal free) in the anterior zone of the maxilla and mandible. To normalize the gingival zenith, a dynamic compression technique was performed using provisional restorations to condition the gingival tissues and harmonize the proportional length of the anterior upper teeth.

First forensic records of termite activity on non-fossilized human bones in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to describe the first records of termite activity on non-fossilized human bones in Brazil. The cases reported in this study resulted from forensic analysis of six human skeletons found in northeastern Brazil between 2012 and 2014. Traces of tunnels and nests commonly produced by termites were found on several human bone surfaces as well as the specimens and characteristic signs of osteophagic activity. In four cases, the species were identified: Amitermes amifer Silvestri, 1901, Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky, 1855) (on two skeletons), and Microcerotermes indistinctus Mathews, 1977. In two other cases, the activity of termites on bone surfaces was evidenced by remains of nests and tunnels produced by these insects. At least in the samples of human remains available for this report, the number of termites collected was greater on bones found during autumn, the rainy season in the Northeast of Brazil. The human bones examined showed termites like insects with lots of strength at bone degradation, capable of continuing the process of decomposition of human remains even in completely skeletonized bodies.

Transplantation of micro- and macroencapsulated piglet islets into mice and monkeys.

Neonatal porcine islets within alginate microcapsules transplanted intraperitoneally (IP) or within semi-permeable macrocapsules (TheraCyte) and transplanted subcutaneously (SC) survive and reverse diabetes for up to 16 weeks in diabetic autoimmune nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. The islets in microcapsules transplanted IP into nondiabetic cynomolgus monkeys survived for 8 weeks. Similar results were shown with islets transplanted in TheraCytes. Neither species showed adverse effects or evidence of infection with porcine endogenous retroviruses or other endemic pig viruses. Proof of principle is illustrated for successful xenotransplantation in humans.

Intraperitoneal alginate-encapsulated neonatal porcine islets in a placebo-controlled study with 16 diabetic cynomolgus primates.

BACKGROUND: A nonhuman primate model of diabetes is valuable for assessing porcine pancreatic islet transplants that might have clinical benefits in humans. METHODS: Neonatal porcine islets, microencapsulated in alginate-polyornithine-alginate, were injected intraperitoneally (10,000 IEQs/kg islets) into eight adult male cynomolgus monkeys rendered diabetic with streptozotocin. Eight diabetic controls were given an equivalent dose of empty placebo capsules. All subjects received a repeat transplant 3 months after the first. RESULTS: The transplant was well tolerated and no adverse or hypoglycemic events occurred. There were two deaths from nontransplant treatment or diabetic complications unrelated to the transplants. After transplantation, the average insulin dose was reduced in the islet-treated group and increased in the control group. At 12 weeks after the first transplant there was a mean 36% (95% CI: 6% to 65%, P = .02) drop in daily insulin dose compared with the control group. After 24 weeks the difference increased to a mean of 43% (95% CI: 12% to 75%, P = .01) without significant differences in blood glucose values between the two groups. Individual responses after islet transplant varied and one monkey was weaned off insulin by 36 weeks. At terminal autopsy, organs appeared normal and there was no visible peritoneal reaction. No animal had polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified signals of porcine endogenous retrovirus or exogenous virus infections in blood or tissues. CONCLUSION: Repeated intraperitoneal transplantation of microencapsulated neonatal porcine islets is a safe procedure in diabetic primates. It was shown to result in a significant reduction in insulin dose requirement in the majority of animals studied, whereas insulin requirement increased in controls.

Xenotransplantation of neonatal porcine liver cells.

Xenotransplantation of porcine liver cell types may provide a means of overcoming the shortage of suitable donor tissues to treat hepatic diseases characterized by inherited inborn errors of metabolism or protein production. Here we report the successful isolation, culture, and xenotransplantation of liver cells harvested from 7- to 10-day-old piglets. Liver cells were isolated and cultured immediately after harvesting. Cell viability was excellent (>90%) over the duration of the in vitro studies (3 weeks) and the cultured cells continued to significantly proliferate. These cells also retained their normal secretory and metabolic capabilities as determined by continued release of albumin, factor 8, and indocyanin green (ICG) uptake. After 3 weeks in culture, porcine liver cells were loaded into immunoisolatory macro devices (Theracyte devices) and placed into the intraperitoneal cavity of immunocompetant CD1 mice. Eight weeks later, the devices were retrieved and the cells analyzed for posttransplant determinations of survival and function. Post mortem analysis confirmed that the cell-loaded devices were biocompatible, and were well-tolerated without inducing any notable inflammatory reaction in the tissues immediately surrounding the encapsulated cells. Finally, the encapsulated liver cells remained viable and functional as determined by histologic analyses and ICG uptake/release. The successful harvesting, culturing, and xenotransplantation of functional neonatal pig liver cells support the continued development of this approach for treating a range of currently undertreated or intractable hepatic diseases.

The effects of rainfall and vegetation on litterfall production in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil.

Litterfall has a strong influence on biodiversity and on the chemical and physical characteristics of the soil. Its production can be quite variable over time and space, and can be influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. We evaluated litterfall production and its relationship with rainfall, species richness, and the densities of the arboreal vegetation. Thirty litter traps were constructed with 1.0 m2 nylon mesh (1.0 mm) and randomly installed within a 2000 m × 500 m area of arboreal/shrub Caatinga (dryland) vegetation. Litter samples were collected monthly from November/2010 to June/2012, and the collected material was classified, dried, and weighted. Species richness and tree densities were determined by conducting phytosociological surveys in 20 m × 20 m plots surrounding each of the litter traps. The litterfall accumulation rate was 3.673 Mgha-1yr-1, similar to values from other seasonally dry tropical forests. Litterfall production was continuous, and principally accompanied the rainfall rate, but with a time interval of 2 to 3 months, with the greatest accumulation at the beginning of the dry season and the least during the rainy season. The different fractions of materials demonstrated distinct accumulation rates, with leaves being the principal category. Litterfall production was found to be related to tree density, but no link was found to species richness. The observed temporal heterogeneity of litterfall production demonstrated a strong link between rainfall and the dynamics of nutrient cycling in the semiarid region of Brazil.

Spatial-temporal variation in litterfall in seasonally dry tropical forests in Northeastern Brazil / Variação espaço-temporal da serapilheira em uma floresta tropical sazonalmente seca no Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract The production of litterfall is essential for nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. From November 2009 to October 2011, analyzed the monthly litterfall production in two areas of Caatinga, a type of Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest located in the Cariri Paraibano, in the semiarid region of the Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. One of the areas, Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN) Fazenda Almas, is legally protected, and the other, Fazenda Moreiras, does not. The aims were to evaluate the effects of precipitation, evapotranspiration and vegetation structure on the temporal and spatial dynamics of litterfall production. Eight sampling points were randomly chosen at each site, and two 1 m2 collectors were installed 50 m apart from each other. The collected material was sorted, dried and weighed. Additionally, the characteristics (density, species richness, height and mean basal area) of the tree-shrub stratum in plots with a 10 m radius surrounding each collector. Total litterfall production was 4,500 kg ha-1 yr-1 for Fazenda Almas and 3,300 kg ha-1 yr-1 for Fazenda Moreiras; these values were within the expected range for Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests. The inter- and intra-annual variation in litterfall production was positively correlated with precipitation and evapotranspiration rates, and four months after the highest precipitation rates, there was a marked decrease in litterfall occurred during the dry season. Furthermore, the contributions of the material fractions were distinct with the leaf fraction representing for more than 60% of the litterfall, and the vegetation structure explained 75% of the variation in litterfall production. Therefore, climatic factors and vegetation structure affect the temporal and spatial dynamics of litterfall production and consequently influence nutrient dynamics in the semiarid region of Brazil.

Resumo A produção de serapilheira é essencial para a ciclagem de nutrientes em ecossistemas terrestres. De Novembro de 2009 a Outubro de 2011, foi analisada a produção de serapilheira em duas áreas de Caatinga, um tipo de Floresta Tropical sazonalmente Seca localizada no Cariri Paraibano, na região do semiárido da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Uma das áreas, Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural - RPPN - Fazenda Almas, é legalmente protegida, ao contrário da outra, Fazenda Moreiras. Os objetivos foram avaliar o efeito da precipitação, evapotranspiração e estrutura da vegetação sobre a dinâmica temporal e espacial da produção de serapilheira. Oito pontos de amostragem foram escolhidos aleatoriamente em cada localidade, e dois coletores de 1 m2 foram instalados a 50 m um do outro. O material coletado foi triado, secado e pesado. Adicionalmente, foram registradas as características (densidade, riqueza de espécies, altura e área basal média) das espécies arbóreo-arbustivas na parcela com um raio (r) de 10 m ao redor de cada coletor. A produção total de serapilheira foi 4,500 Kg ha-1 yr-1 para a Fazenda Almas e 3,300 kg ha-1 yr-1 para a Fazenda Moreiras; estes valores estão dentro da faixa esperada para as Florestas Tropicais sazonalmente secas. A variação inter e intranual na produção de serapilheira foi positivamente correlacionada com as taxas de precipitação e evapotranspiração, e quatro meses depois das maiores taxas de precipitação, houve uma diminuição acentuada na serapilheira coletada durante a estação seca. Além disso, as contribuições das frações de material foram distintas com a fração de folha representando mais que 60% da serapilheira, e a estrutura da vegetação explicou 75% da variação na produção de serapilheira. Portanto, os fatores climáticos e a estrutura da vegetação afetam a dinâmica temporal e espacial da produção de serapilheira e, consequentemente, influenciam a dinâmica de nutrientes na região semiárida do Brasil.

CNS grafts of rat choroid plexus protect against cerebral ischemia in adult rats.

The present study examined the neuroprotective effects of choroid plexus isolated from adult rats and encapsulated within alginate microcapsules. In vitro, conditioned media from cultured choroid plexus produced a marked, dose-dependent protection of embryonic cortical neurons against serum deprivation-induced cell death. In vivo studies demonstrated that a one-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion in adult Wistar rats produced profound motor and neurological impairments 1-3 days after stroke. In contrast, stroke animals transplanted with encapsulated choroid plexus cells displayed a significant reduction in both motor and neurological abnormalities. Histological analysis 3 days post-transplantation revealed that choroid plexus transplants significantly decreased the volume of striatal infarction. This is the first report demonstrating the therapeutic potential of transplanted choroid plexus for stroke.