Presence of Porphyromonas and Prevotella species in the oral microflora of cattle with periodontitis

Abstratc: Bovine periodontitis is a progressive purulent infectious process associated with the presence of strictly and facultative anaerobic subgingival biofilm and epidemiologically related to soil management in large geographic areas of Brazil. This study aimed to detect species of the genera Porphyromonas and Prevotella, which occurr in periodontal pockets of cattle with lesions deeper than 5mm (n=26) and in gingival sulcus of animals considered periodontally healthy (n=25). Presence of the microorganisms was evaluated by independent-culture medium diagnostic method, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers of Porphyromonas asaccharolytica, P. endodontalis, P. gingivalis, P. gulae, Prevotella buccae, P. intermedia, P. loescheii, P. melaninogenica, P. nigrescens, P. oralis and P. tannerae. The species P. endodontalis (80.7%), P. melaninogenica (73.1%) and P. intermedia (61.5%) were the most predominant in samples of cattle with periodontitis. Regarding non-injured gingival sulcus of cattle, P. endodontalis (40%) and P. loeschei (40%) prevailed. Porphyromonas gingivalis, P. gulae and Prevotella tannerae were not detected in the 51 samples studied. Data evaluation by T test, enabled to verify that ocorrence of Porphyromonas asaccharolytica (p=0.000003), P. endodontalis (p=0.0023), Prevotella buccae (p=0.0017), P. intermedia (p=0.0020), P. melaninogenica (p=0.00006) and P. oralis (p=0.0028) is correlated with bovine periodontitis.

Porin seudun liikenneturvallisuussuunnitelma

Porin seudulle laadittiin liikenneturvallisuussuunnitelma Harjavallan, Huittisen, Kokemäen, Luvian, Merikarvian, Nakkilan, Pomarkun, Porin ja Ulvilan kuntien alueelle. Suunnitelmat laadittiin kuntien ja Varsinais-Suomen ELY-keskuksen yhteistyönä. Suunnitelma sisältää turvallisuuden parantamisen lisäksi kestävien liikkumismuotojen edistämistä. Seudun liikenneturvallisuuden ja liikkumisen ongelmia kartoitettiin kaikille kuntalaisille suunnatuilla kyselyillä, onnettomuusanalyysillä sekä maastokäynneillä. Onnettomuusanalyysin perusteella seudun liikenneturvallisuuden tila Porin seudulla on koko maan keskiarvoa heikompi. Vuosittain kuolee noin 10 henkilöä ja loukkaantuu noin 220 henkilöä. Seudulla tapahtuneista onnettomuuksista aiheutuu kustannuksia vuosittain keskimäärin noin 90 miljoonaa euroa, josta kuntien osuus on vuosittain noin 16 miljoonaa euroa. Kyselyn vastauksista ilmeni, että vastaajia huolestutti muun muassa jalankulku- ja pyöräväylien kunto ja esteettömyys sekä talvikunnossapidon taso. Autoilun olosuhteissa tyytymättömyyttä aiheutti teiden kunto ja kunnossapidon taso sekä kouluympäristöjen liikennejärjestelyt. Kyselyyn vastanneista 64 %:lla työ- tai koulumatkan pituus on korkeintaan 5 kilometriä, joten kävelyn ja pyöräilyn edistämisellä seudulla on hyvät edellytykset. Ongelma-analyysin sekä valtakunnallisten tavoitteiden pohjalta seudulle määritettiin liikenneturvallisuustavoitteet. Pitkän aikavälin liikenneturvallisuusvisioksi seudulle asetettiin, että kenenkään ei tarvitse kuolla tai loukkaantua vakavasti liikenteessä ja liikkuminen on vastuullista ja se koetaan turvalliseksi. Määrällisenä tavoitteena on, että nykyisestä 10 keskimäärin vuodessa kuolleesta seudulla kuolisi liikenteessä enintään 6 henkilöä (40 henkilöä / miljoona asukasta) vuonna 2014 ja enintään 3 henkilöä (24 henkilöä / miljoona asukasta) vuonna 2020. Loukkaantuneiden määrän tavoitteena on, että nykyisestä 218 henkilöstä vähennystä olisi 25 % (korkeintaan 163 henkilöä) vuoteen 2020 mennessä. Nuorten onnettomuusriskiä halutaan pienentää 25 % vuoteen 2020 mennessä siten, että heidän riskinsä lähenee muun väestön onnettomuusriskin tasoa. Liikenneympäristön parantamisehdotukset tehtiin noin 300 kohteeseen seudulla. Toimenpiteiden toteuttaminen vaiheistettiin kolmeen ohjeelliseen kiireellisyysluokkaan. Suunnitelmatyön aikana kuntien liikenneturvallisuustyötä aktivoitiin ja perustettiin uudet ryhmät niihin kuntiin, joista ryhmät puuttuivat. Hallintokuntatilaisuuksissa ideoitiin ja käsiteltiin eri liikkujaryhmille sopivia toimintamuotoja liikenneturvallisuuden ja kestävän liikkumisen edistämiseksi. Lisäksi muodostettiin seudullinen liikenneturvallisuusryhmä, joka seuraa ja koordinoi liikenneturvallisuustyötä tulevaisuudessa.

Juvenile dynamics of the endemic and rare Enterolobium glaziovii Benth. (Mimosaceae) around reproductive trees in the Atlantic forest, Brazil

Studies on the regeneration and seedling mortality of rare tree species are important, but scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the annual variation in recruitment, growth and mortality of juveniles of Enterolobium glaziovii Benth., a rare tree species from the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest. All seedlings and juveniles around four reproductive trees were labeled and their fate was followed from 1996 to 1999. There were no annual differences in juveniles' recruitment below and beyond the parental crown, but juveniles' survival and growth were lower below than beyond of the parental tree crowns. Small individuals (< 15 cm tall) showed the greatest mortality and the lowest growth, followed by medium (from 15 to 50 cm tall) and large ones (> 50 cm tall). Large juveniles were more widely dispersed from the conspecific parental tree than were medium and small ones. This suggests that distance dependent mortality of juveniles mediated by the parental tree is an important cause of spacing shifts associated with the growth of small individuals of E. glaziovii into large ones. Widely dispersed juveniles may escape the high mortality associated with pathogens, herbivores or seed predators concentrated around adult conspecifics. The negative influence of the parental tree on its juveniles may explain the sparse distribution of its adults in the forest.

Pankin notariaattipalvelut – asiantuntijan vastuu sivullista kohtaan

Pro gradu -tutkimuksen keskeisin tavoite on selvittää perusteita pankin notariaattipalveluiden tarjoajan vastuun laajenemiselle yli välittömän toimeksiantosopimussuhteen. Tutkimus on rajattu vain Suomen oikeuteen ja tutkimusasetelmasta seuraa, että vastuun henkilöllisen ulottuvuuden laajentumisen tilanteista tutkimuksessa perehdytään nimenomaisesti sivullisintressitilanteisiin. Tutkimus on toteutettu lainopillisesti. Suomen laissa ei säädetä suoraan välittömän sopimussuhteen ylittävästä vastuusta, joten lainsäädännön jäädessä vähemmälle korostuvat tutkimuksessa sopimusoikeuden yleiset periaatteet sekä korkeimman oikeuden tulkintakäytäntö ja oikeustieteellinen tutkimus. Tämä johtaa etsimään ja jäsentämään tutkimusongelman kannalta merkityksellisiä oikeusperiaatteita ja reaalisia argumentteja tarkkojen tulkintasuositusten tarjoamisen sijaan. Tutkimus osoittaa, että välittömän sopimussuhteen ylittävää vastuuta tulee arvioida sopimusvastuun normien mukaisesti deliktivastuun sijaan, ja sitä voidaan pitää eräänä sopimusvastuun erityistapauksena. Tutkimuksen pohjalta voidaan todeta, että pankin notariaattipalveluiden tarjoajan vastuu voi ulottua yli toimeksiantosopimussuhteen, jos vastuun syntymistä voidaan puoltaa riittävillä reaalisilla argumenteilla. Tällaisia perusteita ovat muun muassa pankin notariaattipalvelun tarjoajan ja sivullisen välinen erityissuhde ja pankin notariaattipalvelun tarjoajan mahdollisuus ennakoida vahinkoriski. Lisäksi kaksiasianosaissuhteen rajoituksesta poikkeamista voidaan perustella vaihdannan reaalisen rakenteen huomioonottamisella sekä sivulliselle syntyneellä perustellun luottamuksen suojaamisella.

Postangioplasty restenosis: a practical model in the porcine carotid artery

Transluminal coronary angioplasty is a routine therapeutic intervention in coronary heart disease. Despite the high rate of primary success, restenosis continues to be its major limitation. Porcine models have been considered to be the most adequate experimental models for studying restenosis. One limitation of porcine models is the need for radiological guidance and the expenses involved. The objective of the present study was to adapt an experimental model of angioplasty in the porcine carotid artery that does not require radiological equipment. Eight animals were used to develop the technique of balloon injury to the common carotid artery by dissection without radiological guidance. This technique was then employed in six other animals. Under anesthesia, the left common carotid artery was dissected and incised at the carotid sinus for insertion of an over-the-wire angioplasty balloon towards the aorta. Overstretch injury of the carotid artery was performed under direct visualization. After 30 days, the arteries were excised and pressure-fixated. Uninjured carotid arteries from 3 additional animals were used as controls. A decreased luminal area associated with intimal hyperplasia and medial reaction was observed in all injured arteries. Immunohistochemistry identified the intimal hyperplastic cells as smooth muscle cells. Computerized morphometry of the ballooned segments revealed the following mean areas: lumen 2.12 mm2 (± 1.09), intima 0.22 mm2 (± 0.08), media 3.47 mm2 (± 0.67), and adventitia 1.11 mm2 (± 0.34). Our experimental model of porcine carotid angioplasty without radiological guidance induced a vascular wall reaction and permitted the quantification of this response. This porcine model may facilitate the study of vascular injury and its response to pharmacological interventions

Analysis of trophic responses in lesioned brain: focus on basic fibroblast growth factor mechanisms

The actions of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), particularly the basic form (bFGF), have been described in a large number of cells and include mitogenicity, angiogenicity and wound repair. The present review discusses the presence of the bFGF protein and messenger RNA as well as the presence of the FGF receptor messenger RNA in the rodent brain by means of semiquantitative radioactive in situ hybridization in combination with immunohistochemistry. Chemical and mechanical injuries to the brain trigger a reduction in neurotransmitter synthesis and neuronal death which are accompanied by astroglial reaction. The altered synthesis of bFGF following brain lesions or stimulation was analyzed. Lesions of the central nervous system trigger bFGF gene expression by neurons and/or activated astrocytes, depending on the type of lesion and time post-manipulation. The changes in bFGF messenger RNA are frequently accompanied by a subsequent increase of bFGF immunoreactivity in astrocytes in the lesioned pathway. The reactive astrocytes and injured neurons synthesize increased amount of bFGF, which may act as a paracrine/autocrine factor, protecting neurons from death and also stimulating neuronal plasticity and tissue repair

Catecholamine response to exercise in individuals with different levels of paraplegia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the level of injury on the serum level of norepinephrine (Nor) and epinephrine (Epi) at rest and after maximal exercise in individuals with paraplegia. Twenty-six male spinal cord-injured subjects with complete paraplegia for at least 9 months were divided into two groups of 13 subjects each according to the level of injury, i.e., T1-T6 and T7-T12. Serum Nor and Epi concentrations were measured by HPLC-ECD, at rest (PRE) and immediately after a maximal ergospirometric test (POST). Statistical analysis was performed using parametric and non-parametric tests. Maximal heart rate, peak oxygen uptake, and PRE and POST Nor were lower in the T1-T6 than in the T7-T12 group (166 ± 28 vs 188 ± 10 bpm; 18.0 ± 6.0 vs 25.8 ± 4.1 ml kg-1 min-1; 0.54 ± 0.26 vs 0.99 ± 0.47 nM; 1.48 ± 1.65 vs 3.07 ± 1.44 nM). Both groups presented a significant increase in Nor level after exercise, while only the T7-T12 group showed a significant increase in Epi after exercise (T1-T6: 0.98 ± 0.72 vs 1.11 ± 1.19 nM; T7-T12: 1.24 ± 1.02 vs 1.89 ± 1.57 nM). These data show that individuals with paraplegia above T6 have an attentuated catecholamine release at rest and response to exercise as compared to subjects with injuries below T6, which might prevent a better exercise performance in the former group.

Regenerated rat skeletal muscle after periodic contusions

In the present study we evaluated the morphological aspect and changes in the area and incidence of muscle fiber types of long-term regenerated rat tibialis anterior (TA) muscle previously submitted to periodic contusions. Animals received eight consecutive traumas: one trauma per week, for eight weeks, and were evaluated one (N = 8) and four (N = 9) months after the last contusion. Serial cross-sections were evaluated by toluidine blue staining, acid phosphatase and myosin ATPase reactions. The weight of injured muscles was decreased compared to the contralateral intact one (one month: 0.77 ± 0.15 vs 0.91 ± 0.09 g, P = 0.03; four months: 0.79 ± 0.14 vs 1.02 ± 0.07 g, P = 0.0007, respectively) and showed abundant presence of split fibers and fibers with centralized nuclei, mainly in the deep portion. Damaged muscles presented a higher incidence of undifferentiated fibers when compared to the intact one (one month: 3.4 ± 2.1 vs 0.5 ± 0.3%, P = 0.006; four months: 2.3 ± 1.6 vs 0.3 ± 0.3%, P = 0.007, respectively). Injured TA evaluated one month later showed a decreased area of muscle fibers when compared to the intact one (P = 0.003). Thus, we conclude that: a) muscle fibers were damaged mainly in the deep portion, probably because they were compressed against the tibia; b) periodic contusions in the TA muscle did not change the percentage of type I and II muscle fibers; c) periodically injured TA muscles took four months to reach a muscle fiber area similar to that of the intact muscle.

Dermal dendritic cell number correlates with serum autoantibody titers in Brazilian pemphigus foliaceus patients

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an autoimmune bullous disease endemic in Brazil. Since serum IL-12 is increased in patients with PF and Langerhans cells (LC) produce IL-12, we titrated serum autoantibodies by indirect immunofluorescence, and quantified epidermal dendritic cells, known as LC, and dermal dendritic cells (DC). Biopsies of blistering lesions were obtained from 22 patients, 13 of whom were submitted to biopsy of both injured and of apparently healthy skin. The control groups consisted of skin from 8 cadavers and from 12 women submitted to breast plastic surgery. LC and DC were identified with anti-CD1a antibody and quantified by morphometric analysis. LC number in the lesion and in apparently healthy skin from PF patients was similar to that of both control groups. DC number in the injured skin (median = 0.94 DC/mm basement membrane) was higher than that of the cadaver group (median = 0.13 DC/mm basement membrane). In the 13 patients with biopsies of both injured and apparently healthy skin, LC and DC were present in larger numbers in the lesion. There was a direct correlation between DC number in the lesion of the PF group and serum autoantibody titers. This correlation was not observed for LC number. The increased number of DC in the lesion, as well as its direct correlation with serum autoantibody titers suggest the participation of DC in the pathogenesis of PF. The relationship between increased DC number and IL-12 in PF needs to be clarified.

Schwann cells for spinal cord repair

The complex nature of spinal cord injury appears to demand a multifactorial repair strategy. One of the components that will likely be included is an implant that will fill the area of lost nervous tissue and provide a growth substrate for injured axons. Here we will discuss the role of Schwann cells (SCs) in cell-based, surgical repair strategies of the injured adult spinal cord. We will review key studies that showed that intraspinal SC grafts limit injury-induced tissue loss and promote axonal regeneration and myelination, and that this response can be improved by adding neurotrophic factors or anti-inflammatory agents. These results will be compared with several other approaches to the repair of the spinal cord. A general concern with repair strategies is the limited functional recovery, which is in large part due to the failure of axons to grow across the scar tissue at the distal graft-spinal cord interface. Consequently, new synaptic connections with spinal neurons involved in motor function are not formed. We will highlight repair approaches that did result in growth across the scar and discuss the necessity for more studies involving larger, clinically relevant types of injuries, addressing this specific issue. Finally, this review will reflect on the prospect of SCs for repair strategies in the clinic.

Intracranial Nimodipine Implant: Feasibility and Implications for the Treatment of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage – A Pre-Clinical Study

Intracranial aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate neurocritical care. A ruptured aneurysm must be isolated from arterial circulation to prevent rebleeding. Open surgical clipping of the neck of the aneurysm or intra-arterial filling of the aneurysm sack with platinum coils are major treatment strategies in an acute phase. About 40% of the patients suffering from aSAH die within a year of the bleeding despite the intensive treatment. After aSAH, the patient may develop a serious complication called vasospasm. Major risk for the vasospasm takes place at days 5–14 after the primary bleeding. In vasospasm, cerebral arteries contract uncontrollably causing brain ischemia that may lead to death. Nimodipine (NDP) is used to treat of vasospasm and it is administrated intravenously or orally every four hours for 21 days. NDP treatment has been scientifically proven to improve patients’ clinical outcome. The therapeutic effect of L-type calcium channel blocker NDP is due to the ability to dilate cerebral arteries. In addition to vasodilatation, recent research has shown the pleiotropic effect of NDP such as inhibition of neuronal apoptosis and inhibition of microthrombi formation. Indeed, NDP inhibits cortical spreading ischemia. Knowledge of the pathophysiology of the vasospasm has evolved in recent years to a complex entity of early brain injury, secondary injuries and cortical spreading ischemia, instead of being pure intracranial vessel spasm. High NDP levels are beneficial since they protect neurons and inhibit the cortical spreading ischemia. One of the drawbacks of the intravenous or oral administration of NPD is systemic hypotension, which is harmful particularly when the brain is injured. Maximizing the beneficial effects and avoiding systemic hypotension of NDP, we developed a sustained release biodegradable NDP implant that was surgically positioned in the basal cistern of animal models (dog and pig). Higher concentrations were achieved locally and lower concentrations systemically. Using this treatment approach in humans, it may be possible to reduce incidence of harmful hypotension and potentiate beneficial effects of NDP on neurons. Intracellular calcium regulation has a pivotal role in brain plasticity. NDP blocks L-type calcium channels in neurons, substantially decreasing intracellular calcium levels. Thus, we were interested in how NDP affects brain plasticity and tested the hypothesis in a mouse model. We found that NDP activates Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor TrkB and its downstream signaling in a reminiscent of antidepressant drugs. In contrast to antidepressant drugs, NDP activates Akt, a major survival-promoting factor. Our group’s previous findings demonstrate that long-term antidepressant treatment reactivates developmental-type of plasticity mechanisms in the adult brain, which allows the remodeling of neuronal networks if combined with appropriate rehabilitation. It seems that NDP has antidepressant-like properties and it is able to induce neuronal plasticity. In general, drug induced neuronal plasticity has a huge potential in neurorehabilitation and more studies are warranted.

Dose-dependent in vitro inhibition of rabbit corneal matrix metalloproteinases by an extract of Pothomorphe umbellata after alkali injury

The in vitro ability of Pothomorphe umbellata ethanolic crude extract to inhibit matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in normal cornea and in cornea after alkali injury was demonstrated. Corneas of albino rabbits were injured with 1 N NaOH for 20 s. After 48 h the corneas were excised, homogenized and analyzed for MMP-9 (92 kDa), pro-MMP-2 (72 kDa) and MMP-2 (67 kDa) activity by gelatin zymography. The activity was also measured in untreated corneas. After electrophoresis of 20 µg protein, gels were incubated with 50, 100, or 250 µg/mL lyophilized hydroethanolic (1:1) root crude extract of P. umbellata standardized for 4-nerolidylcatechol (7.09%). The activity of the enzymes was compared with that of untreated gel. At 48 h after injury, the activity of all MMPs was increased compared with untreated eyes. When the gels were incubated with P. umbellata extract the activity of MMP-2, pro-MMP-2 and MMP-9 decreased in a dose-dependent manner. MMP-9 activity decreased by approximately 50% after incubation with 50 µg/mL and was completely abolished at 100 and 250 µg/mL of the extract. After incubation with 50 µg/mL the activity of pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 also decreased by 50%. The activity of pro-MMP-2 was almost completely abolished after incubation with 250 µg/mL of the extract. For MMP-2 the incubation with 100 or 250 µg/mL of the extract of P. umbellata promoted a 10-fold decrease in activity. In conclusion, P. umbellata root crude extract can be useful as an alternative therapy to control MMP activity after corneal injury.

Toluene permeabilization differentially affects F- and P-type ATPase activities present in the plasma membrane of Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans membrane-bound P- and F-type ATPases are responsible for H+ extrusion from the cytoplasm thus keeping intracellular pH appropriate for cell metabolism. Toluene-permeabilized bacterial cells have long been used to study total membrane-bound ATPase activity, and to compare the properties of ATPase in situ with those in membrane-rich fractions. The aim of the present research was to determine if toluene permeabilization can significantly modify the activity of membrane-bound ATPase of both F-type and P-type. ATPase activity was assayed discontinuously by measuring phosphate release from ATP as substrate. Treatment of S. mutans membrane fractions with toluene reduced total ATPase activity by approximately 80% and did not allow differentiation between F- and P-type ATPase activities by use of the standard inhibitors vanadate (3 µM) and oligomycin (4 µg/mL). Transmission electron microscopy shows that, after S. mutans cells permeabilization with toluene, bacterial cell wall and plasma membrane are severely injured, causing cytoplasmic leakage. As a consequence, loss of cell viability and disruption of H+ extrusion were observed. These data suggest that treatment of S. mutans with toluene is an efficient method for cell disruption, but care should be taken in the interpretation of ATPase activity when toluene-permeabilized cells are used, because results may not reflect the real P- and F-type ATPase activities present in intact cell membranes. The mild conditions used for the preparation of membrane fractions may be more suitable to study specific ATPase activity in the presence of biological agents, since this method preserves ATPase selectivity for standard inhibitors.

Induction of a gloverin-like antimicrobial polypeptide in the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis challenged by septic injury

Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is an important pest for Brazilian sugarcane. In the present study, we detected two distinct spots in hemolymph from septic injured larvae (HDs1 and HDs2), which are separated by 2DE gel electrophoresis. Both spots were subjected to in-gel tryptic digestion and MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis, which revealed the sequence VFGTLGSDDSGLFGK present in both HDs1 and HDs2. This sequence had homology and 80% identity with specific Lepidoptera antimicrobial peptides called gloverins. Analyses using the ImageMaster 2D software showed pI 8.94 of the HDs1 spot, which is similar to that described to Hyalophora gloveri gloverin (pI 8.5). Moreover, the 14-kDa molecular mass of the spot HDs1 is compatible to that of gloverins isolated from the hemolymph of Trichoplusia ni, Helicoverpa armigera and H. gloveri. Antimicrobial assays with partially purified fractions containing the HDs1 and HDs2 polypeptides demonstrated activity against Escherichia coli. This is the first report of antimicrobial polypeptides in D. saccharalis, and the identification of these peptides may help in the generation of new strategies to control this pest.

Transplantation of mononuclear cells from human umbilical cord blood promotes functional recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury in Wistar rats

Cell transplantation is a promising experimental treatment for spinal cord injury. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of mononuclear cells from human umbilical cord blood in promoting functional recovery when transplanted after a contusion spinal cord injury. Female Wistar rats (12 weeks old) were submitted to spinal injury with a MASCIS impactor and divided into 4 groups: control, surgical control, spinal cord injury, and one cell-treated lesion group. Mononuclear cells from umbilical cord blood of human male neonates were transplanted in two experiments: a) 1 h after surgery, into the injury site at a concentration of 5 x 10(6) cells diluted in 10 µL 0.9% NaCl (N = 8-10 per group); b) into the cisterna magna, 9 days after lesion at a concentration of 5 x 10(6) cells diluted in 150 µL 0.9% NaCl (N = 12-14 per group). The transplanted animals were immunosuppressed with cyclosporin-A (10 mg/kg per day). The BBB scale was used to evaluate motor behavior and the injury site was analyzed with immunofluorescent markers to label human transplanted cells, oligodendrocytes, neurons, and astrocytes. Spinal cord injury rats had 25% loss of cord tissue and cell treatment did not affect lesion extension. Transplanted cells survived in the injured area for 6 weeks after the procedure and both transplanted groups showed better motor recovery than the untreated ones (P < 0.05). The transplantation of mononuclear cells from human umbilical cord blood promoted functional recovery with no evidence of cell differentiation.