Redefining Age-Friendly Neighbourhoods:Translating the Promises of Blue Zones for Contemporary Urban Environments

The longevity and healthy ageing observed in Blue Zones offer valuable insights for contemporary urban neighbourhood planning and design. This paper reviews the age-friendly features of the built environment in Blue Zones, aiming to translate these insights into actionable strategies for urban neighbourhood development. Employing a systematic literature review and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) analysis of Google Street View imagery, this study assesses the built environments in Blue Zones, including housing, public spaces, and transportation systems. Key findings highlight the presence of adaptable housing, building designs that foster a connection with nature, and semi-public spaces that encourage social interaction and physical activity. A notable emphasis on walkability and limited public transport access was observed. The CNN analysis corroborated these findings, providing a quantitative view of age-friendly features. This research contributes to the academic discourse in urban planning and design by providing practical insights for developing age-friendly neighbourhoods, inspired by Blue Zones. It concludes by offering policy advice and future research directions for creating sustainable and inclusive urban environments conducive to ageing populations

Why adiabatic quantum annealing is unlikely to yield speed-up

We study quantum annealing for combinatorial optimization with Hamiltonian $H = z H_f + H_0$ where $H_f$ is diagonal, $H_0=-|\phi \rangle \langle \phi|$ is the equal superposition state projector and $z$ the annealing parameter. We analytically compute the minimal spectral gap as $\mathcal{O}(1/\sqrt{N})$ with $N$ the total number of states and its location $z_*$. We show that quantum speed-up requires an annealing schedule which demands a precise knowledge of $z_*$, which can be computed only if the density of states of the optimization problem is known. However, in general the density of states is intractable to compute, making quadratic speed-up unfeasible for any practical combinatoric optimization problems. We conjecture that it is likely that this negative result also applies for any other instance independent transverse Hamiltonians such as $H_0 = -\sum_{i=1}^n \sigma_i^x$.Comment: 23 pages, 6 figure

Training Quantum Boltzmann Machines with the β\beta-Variational Quantum Eigensolver

The quantum Boltzmann machine (QBM) is a generative machine learning model for both classical data and quantum states. The training of the QBM consists of minimizing the relative entropy from the model to the target state. This requires QBM expectation values which are computationally intractable for large models in general. It is therefore important to develop heuristic training methods that work well in practice. In this work, we study a heuristic method characterized by a nested loop: the inner loop trains the $\beta$-variational quantum eigensolver ($\beta$-VQE) by Liu et al. (2021) to approximate the QBM expectation values; the outer loop trains the QBM to minimize the relative entropy to the target. We show that low-rank representations obtained by $\beta$-VQE provide an efficient way to learn low-rank target states, such as classical data and low-temperature quantum tomography. We test the method on both classical and quantum target data with numerical simulations of up to 10 qubits. For the cases considered here, the obtained QBMs can model the target to high fidelity. The approach offers a valuable route towards variationally training QBMs on near-term quantum devices.Comment: 9 pages, 11 figure

Evaluating the protective effect of resveratrol, Q10, and alpha-lipoic acid on radiation-induced mice spermatogenesis injury: A histopathological study

Background: Testis is one of the most sensitive organs against the toxic effect of ionizing radiation. Exposure to even a low dose of radiation during radiotherapy, diagnostic radiology, or a radiological event could pose a threat to spermatogenesis. This may lead to temporary or permanent infertility or even transfer of genomic instability to the next generations. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of treatment with three natural antioxidants; resveratrol, alpha lipoic acid, and coenzyme Q10 on radiation-induced spermatogenesis injury. Materials and Methods: 30 NMRI mice (6-8 wk, 30 ± 5 gr) were randomly divided into six groups (n=5/each) as 1) control; 2) radiation; 3) radiation + resveratrol; 4) radiation + alpha lipoic acid; 5) radiation + resveratrol + alpha lipoic acid; and 6) radiation+ Q10. Mice were treated with 100 mg/kg resveratrol or 200 mg/kg alpha lipoic acid or a combination of these drugs. Also, Q10 was administered at 200 mg/kg. All treatments were performed daily from two days before to 30 min before irradiation. Afterward, mice were exposed to 2 Gy 60Co gamma rays; 37 days after irradiation, the testicular samples were collected and evaluated for histopathological parameters. Results: Results showed that these agents are able to alleviate some toxicological parameters such as basal lamina and epididymis decreased sperm density. Also, all agents were able to increase Johnsen score. However, they could not protect against radiation-induced edema, atrophy of seminiferous tubules, and hyperplasia in Leydig cells. Conclusion: This study indicates that resveratrol, alpha-lipoic acid, and Q10 have the potential to reduce some of the side effects of radiation on mice spermatogenesis. However, they cannot protect Leydig cells as a source of testosterone and seminiferous tubules as the location of sperm maturation. Key words: Radiation, Spermatogenesis, Resveratrol, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q10

Sulfonated Magnetic Nanocomposite Based on Reactive PGMA-MAn Copolymer@Fe 3

Chelating magnetic nanocomposites have been considered as suitable materials for removal of heavy metal ions for water treatment. In this work poly(glycidyl methacrylate-maleic anhydride) copolymer (PGMA-MAn) is modified with 4-aminobenzenesulfonic acid (ABSAc) and subsequently the product reacted with modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles and 1,2-ethanedithiol (EDT) in the presence of ultrasonic irradiation for preparation of tridimensional chelating magnetic nanocomposite. Synthesized magnetic nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), elemental mapping analysis (EMA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The adsorption behavior of Cu(II) ions was investigated by synthesized nanocomposite in various parameters such as pH, contact time, metal ion concentration, and adsorbent dosage. The equilibrium distribution coefficient (kd) was determined and the findings prove that the kd value is approximately high in the case of all selected metal ions. The synthesized nanocomposite exhibited good tendency for removing Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions even at an acidic pH

Evaluating the Protective Effect of a Combination of Curcumin and Selenium-L-Methionine on Radiation Induced Dual Oxidase Upregulation

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown an increased incidence of heart diseases among survivors of Chernobyl disaster as well as Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb explosion. Similar results were observed for lung and left breast cancer patients. Experimental studies have proposed the chronic upregulation of some pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines. Recent studies have shown that upregulation of pro-oxidant enzymes play a key role in the development of late effects of ionizing radiation such as fibrosis. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-13 (IL-13) are two important cytokines that have shown ability to induce production of free radicals through dual oxidases (Duox) i.e. Duox1 and Duox2. In this study, we aimed to detect the expression of IL-4 receptor-a1 (IL-4Ra1), IL-13 receptor-a2 (IL-13Ra2), Duox1 and Duox2 genes following irradiation of rat’s heart. In addition, we evaluated the possible role of the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine on the regulation of these genes. Methods: Twenty rats were divided into 4 groups as follows; G1: control; G2: treatment with the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine; G3: radiation; G4: radiation plus treatment with the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine. Rats were sacrificed 10 weeks after irradiation for detecting the expression of IL-4Ra1, IL-13Ra2, Duox1 and Duox2. Results: Results showed that exposure to ionizing radiation caused upregulation of IL-4Ra1 by more than 4-fold as well as Duox1 and Duox2 by more than 5-fold. However, results showed no detectable expression for IL-13Ra2. Treatment with the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine could attenuate the upregulation of all genes. Conclusion: This study has shown that exposing rat’s heart tissues to radiation leads to chronic upregulation of IL-4Ra1, Duox1 and Duox2 as well as pro-oxidant enzymes. Treatment with the combination of curcumin and selenium-L-methionine showed ability to attenuate the upregulation of these genes

Metformin Protects against Radiation-Induced Pneumonitis and Fibrosis and Attenuates Upregulation of Dual Oxidase Genes Expression

Purpose: Lung tissue is one of the most sensitive organs to ionizing radiation (IR). Early and late side effects of exposure to IR can limit the radiation doses delivered to tumors that are within or adjacent to this organ. Pneumonitis and fibrosis are the main side effects of radiotherapy for this organ. IL-4 and IL-13 have a key role in the development of pneumonitis and fibrosis. Metformin is a potent anti-fibrosis and redox modulatory agent that has shown radioprotective effects. In this study, we aimed to evaluate possible upregulation of these cytokines and subsequent cascades such as IL4-R1, IL-13R1, Dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1) and DUOX2. In addition, we examined the potential protective effect of metformin in these cytokines and genes, as well as histopathological changes in rat’s lung tissues. Methods: 20 rats were divided into 4 groups: control; metformin treated; radiation + metformin; and radiation. Irradiation was performed with a 60Co source delivering 15 Gray (Gy) to the chest area. After 10 weeks, rats were sacrificed and their lung tissues were removed for histopathological, real-time PCR and ELISA assays. Results: Irradiation of lung was associated with an increase in IL-4 cytokine level, as well as the expression of IL-4 receptor-a1 (IL4ra1) and DUOX2 genes. However, there was no change in the level of IL-13 and its downstream gene including IL-13 receptor-a2 (IL13ra2). Moreover, histopathological evaluations showed significant infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages, fibrosis, as well as vascular and alveolar damages. Treatment with metformin caused suppression of upregulated genes and IL-4 cytokine level, associated with amelioration of pathological changes. Conclusion: Results of this study showed remarkable pathological damages, an increase in the levels of IL-4, IL4Ra1 and Duox2, while that of IL-13 decreased. Treatment with metformin showed ability to attenuate upregulation of IL-4–DUOX2 pathway and other pathological damages to the lung after exposure to a high dose of IR

Central mechanisms of chronic pruritus : functional and structural brain imaging

Malgré les progrès récents enregistrés dans le domaine de la démangeaison, les mécanismes centraux sous-jacents et toutes les possibles perturbations causées par certaines pathologies sont relativement peu connues. Il est possible d’induire une démangeaison par simple visionnage d’une tierce personne en train de se gratter. On appelle cela le prurit contagieux dont le mode d’activation est connu pour mettre en jeu un réseau neuronal similaire à celui observé dans le prurit pathologique ou chimiquement induit. Nous avons recruté 15 volontaires sains, 14 patients psoriasiques et 2 urticaire auxquels nous avons diffusé ces vidéos tout en enregistrant leurs activités cérébrales par IRMf. Nous avons également mesuré la connectivité structurale par tenseur de diffusion pour les deux groupes. Nos résultats démontrent que le réseau cérébral qui prend en charge l’information de démangeaison dans notre cerveau est plus connecté chez les patients psoriasiques que chez les volontaires sains pour des niveaux de démangeaison induits équivalents. Par ailleurs, l’augmentation de la connectivité structurale reflète que les aspects perceptivo-moteur du grattage et de son contrôle induisent des changements à long terme sur la connectivité cérébrale des patients.Despite recent advances in studying itch, central mechanisms underlying its perception and any possible disruption to them caused by pathologies are relatively unknown. Herein we have studied central mechanism of itch perception in two pathologies Psoriasis and Urticaria (to a smaller degree), while comparing them to a healthy control group. For this goal 14 psoriasis patients, 15 healthy control and 2 Urticaria subjects were recruited. Itch was mentally induced in subjects during their MRI session by videos showing others scratching themselves; a phenomenon known as contagious itch. fMRI, DTI and anatomical images were acquired during this study. Our results show that parts of the brain network that is tasked with itch perception is more interconnected in psoriatic patients compared to healthy volunteers for equivalent levels of induced itch. In addition, the increase in structural connectivity reflects that the perceptual-motor aspects of scratching and its hyperactivity can induce long-term changes in patients' brain’s white matter microstructure

Mécanismes centraux du prurit chronique : imagerie cérébrale fonctionnelle et structurelle

Despite recent advances in studying itch, central mechanisms underlying its perception and any possible disruption to them caused by pathologies are relatively unknown. Herein we have studied central mechanism of itch perception in two pathologies Psoriasis and Urticaria (to a smaller degree), while comparing them to a healthy control group. For this goal 14 psoriasis patients, 15 healthy control and 2 Urticaria subjects were recruited. Itch was mentally induced in subjects during their MRI session by videos showing others scratching themselves; a phenomenon known as contagious itch. fMRI, DTI and anatomical images were acquired during this study. Our results show that parts of the brain network that is tasked with itch perception is more interconnected in psoriatic patients compared to healthy volunteers for equivalent levels of induced itch. In addition, the increase in structural connectivity reflects that the perceptual-motor aspects of scratching and its hyperactivity can induce long-term changes in patients' brain’s white matter microstructure.Malgré les progrès récents enregistrés dans le domaine de la démangeaison, les mécanismes centraux sous-jacents et toutes les possibles perturbations causées par certaines pathologies sont relativement peu connues. Il est possible d’induire une démangeaison par simple visionnage d’une tierce personne en train de se gratter. On appelle cela le prurit contagieux dont le mode d’activation est connu pour mettre en jeu un réseau neuronal similaire à celui observé dans le prurit pathologique ou chimiquement induit. Nous avons recruté 15 volontaires sains, 14 patients psoriasiques et 2 urticaire auxquels nous avons diffusé ces vidéos tout en enregistrant leurs activités cérébrales par IRMf. Nous avons également mesuré la connectivité structurale par tenseur de diffusion pour les deux groupes. Nos résultats démontrent que le réseau cérébral qui prend en charge l’information de démangeaison dans notre cerveau est plus connecté chez les patients psoriasiques que chez les volontaires sains pour des niveaux de démangeaison induits équivalents. Par ailleurs, l’augmentation de la connectivité structurale reflète que les aspects perceptivo-moteur du grattage et de son contrôle induisent des changements à long terme sur la connectivité cérébrale des patients