Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

About: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais is a education organization based out in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 41631 authors who have published 75688 publications receiving 1249905 citations.

Complexity-entropy causality plane: A useful approach to quantify the stock market inefficiency

Abstract: The complexity-entropy causality plane has been recently introduced as a powerful tool for discriminating Gaussian from non-Gaussian process and different degrees of correlations [O.A. Rosso, H.A. Larrondo, M.T. Martin, A. Plastino, M.A. Fuentes, Distinguishing noise from chaos, Phys. Rev. Lett. 99 (2007) 154102]. We propose to use this representation space to distinguish the stage of stock market development. Our empirical results demonstrate that this statistical physics approach is useful, allowing a more refined classification of stock market dynamics.

Electric distribution network multiobjective design using a problem-specific genetic algorithm

Abstract: This paper presents a multiobjective approach for the design of electrical distribution networks. The objectives are defined as a monetary cost index (including installation cost and energy losses cost) and a system failure index. The true Pareto-optimal solutions are found with a multiobjective genetic algorithm that employs an efficient variable encoding scheme and some problem-specific mutation and crossover operators. Results based on 21- and 100-bus systems are presented. The information gained from the Pareto-optimal solution set is shown to be useful for the decision-making stage of distribution network evolution planning.

Increased mortality and inflammation in tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-14 transgenic mice after ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Abstract: TSG-14/PTX3 is a gene inducible by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-1β, and lipopolysaccharide in fibroblasts, macrophages, and endothelial cells. It encodes a 42-kd secreted glycoprotein that belongs to the pentraxin family of acute-phase proteins. Recently, we demonstrated that TSG-14 transgenic mice (TSG-14tg) overexpressing the murine TSG-14 gene under control of its own promoter are more resistant to lipopolysaccharide-induced shock and to polymicrobial sepsis caused by cecal ligation and puncture. Here we show that after ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury, TSG-14tg mice have an impaired survival rate, which appeared secondary to a markedly increased inflammatory response, as assessed by the local (duodenum and ileum) and remote (lung) enhancement in vascular permeability, hemorrhage, and neutrophil accumulation. Moreover, tissue concentrations of TNF-α, interleukin-1β, KC, and MCP-1 were higher in TSG-14tg as compared to wild-type mice after I/R injury. Of note, elevated TNF-α concentrations in serum were only observed in TSG-14tg mice and blockage of TNF-α action prevented lethality of TSG-14tg mice. These results demonstrate that transgenic expression of TSG-14 induces an enhanced local and systemic injury and TNF-α-dependent lethality after I/R. Taken together, our data point to a critical role of TSG-14 in controlling acute inflammatory response in part via the modulation of TNF-α expression.

Oral administration of bovine milk derived extracellular vesicles attenuates arthritis in two mouse models

Abstract: SCOPE: This study shows the effect of bovine milk derived extracellular vesicles (BMEVs) on spontaneous polyarthritis in IL-1Ra-deficient mice and collagen-induced arthritis. METHODS AND RESULTS: BMEVs were isolated from semi-skimmed milk by ultracentrifugation and the particle size was around 100 nm by dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy. BMEVs expressed exosome marker CD63, immunoregulatory microRNA's (miR-30a, -223, -92a), and milk-specific beta-casein and beta-lactoglobulin mRNA. In vitro, PKH-67-labeled BMEVs were taken up by RAW264.7, splenocytes, and intestinal cells as determined by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. IL-1Ra(-/-) mice received BMEVs by daily oral gavage starting at wk 5 till 15 after birth and collagen-induced arthritis mice via their drinking water starting 1 wk before immunization till day 40. Macroscopically, BMEV treatment delayed the onset of arthritis and histology showed diminished cartilage pathology and bone marrow inflammation in both models. BMEV treatment also reduced the serum levels of MCP-1 and IL-6 and their production by splenic cells. BMEV treatment diminished the anticollagen IgG2a levels, which was accompanied by reduced splenic Th1 (Tbet) and Th17 (RORgammaT) mRNA. CONCLUSION: This is the first report that oral delivery of BMEVs ameliorates experimental arthritis and this warrants further research to determine whether this beneficial effect can be seen in rheumatoid arthritis patients.