Entropically secure encryption with faster key expansion

An encryption scheme is called perfect if the cipher reveals no information whatsoever about the message that was encrypted. The quantum Vernam cipher, also known as Quantum One-Time Pad (QOTP) or private quantum channel, is a perfect quantum encryption scheme. In order to perfectly encrypt any $n$-qubit state, the necessary and sufficient key length is $2n$ bits. For someone who does not know this key, the state after encryption equals the fully mixed state regardless of the original state. It has been shown that entropic security setting allows us to have information-theoretically secure QOTP with much shorter keys than $2n$, if the adversary has high uncertainty about the message states. Adversary's uncertainty is quantified using conditional quantum min-entropy. Informally, an encryption scheme is entropically-secure if having the ciphertext does not provide a non-negligible advantage to an attacker in learning any information about the message given that he has high uncertainty about the message. Desrosiers and Dupuis constructed an entropically secure quantum encryption scheme with a key length of n-t+2\log\fr1\qe where $n$ is the number of the message states, $t$ is the conditional quantum min entropy of the message state \sH_{\infty}(X|E) and \qe is the leakage of the cipher. They expand the short key to $2n$ using a public string with a length of $2n$ then apply QOTP. Their key expansion method utilizes universal XOR hash function which consists of Galois Field multiplication in GF$(2^{2n})$.We have also introduced an entropically secure quantum scheme with a new key expansion method and proved the same shortest key length n-t+2\log\fr1\qe. Our key expansion method is faster than the previous ones. This speedup depends on the entropy of the message and can be multi folds in case of high min-entropy of the message. We encrypt a bipartite state \qf^{AE}\in\cD(\cH_A\otimes\cH_E) using a key k\in\bits^\ell where \ell > n, and $\ell$ is an even integer. In short, we expand a key $k$ using two random public strings u\in\bits^\ell, v\in\bits^{2n-\ell} by applying GF operations, and then appending the outcome to the key itself: $k \| (uk+v)_{\rm lsb}$. GF operations are in GF($2^\ell$) and lsb means taking the last $2n-\ell$ bits. Then the expanded key is used in QOTP encryption. The cipherstate consists of $n$ qubits and $2n$ classical bits

Phytochemical profile and some biological activities of three Centaurea species from Turkey

Purpose: To characterise the phytochemical profile of whole plants of Centaurea balsamita, C. depressa and C. lycopifolia with LC-ESI-MS/MS, and as well as their antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antimicrobial activities.Methods: Organic and aqueous extracts of the three Centaurea species were evaluated for DPPH free radical, ABTS cation radical scavenging and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC). Acetyland butyryl-cholinesterase enzyme inhibition abilities of the extracts using petroleum ether, acetone, methanol and water were studied to determine anticholinesterase activity, while antimicrobial activity was determined by disc diffusion method using appropriate antimicrobial standards and organisms. The phytochemical components of the methanol extracts were assessed by LC-MS/MS.Results: The methanol extract of C. balsamita exhibited much higher DPPH free and ABTS cation radicals scavenging activities (with IC50 of 62.65 ± 0.97 and 24.21 ± 0.70 mg/ml, respectively) than the other extracts. The petroleum ether extracts of the plant species exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against butyrylcholinesterase enzymes while the acetone extract of C. balsamita showed good antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Quinic acid (17513 ± 813 μg/g, 63874 ± 3066 μg/g and 108234 ± 5195 μg/g) was the major compound found in the methanol extracts of C. balsamita, C. depressa and C. Lycopifolia, respectively.Conclusion: These results indicate quinic acid is the major compound in the three plant species and that Centaurea balsamita has significant antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antimicrobial properties. Further studies to identify the compounds in the extracts responsible for the activities are required.Keywords: Centaurea, LC-ESI-MS/MS, Anticholinesterase, Antioxidant, Antimicrobia

Real-world efficacy and safety of Ledipasvir plus Sofosbuvir and Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir +/- Dasabuvir combination therapies for chronic hepatitis C: A Turkish experience

Background/Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the real-life efficacy and tolerability of direct-acting antiviral treatments for patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with/without cirrhosis in the Turkish population.Material and Methods: A total of 4,352 patients with CHC from 36 different institutions in Turkey were enrolled. They received ledipasvir (LDV) and sofosbuvir (SOF)+/- ribavirin (RBV) ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir +/- dasabuvir (PrOD)+/- RBV for 12 or 24 weeks. Sustained virologic response (SVR) rates, factors affecting SVR, safety profile, and hepatocellular cancer (HCC) occurrence were analyzed.Results: SVR12 was achieved in 92.8% of the patients (4,040/4,352) according to intention-to-treat and in 98.3% of the patients (4,040/4,108) according to per-protocol analysis. The SVR12 rates were similar between the treatment regimens (97.2%-100%) and genotypes (95.6%-100%). Patients achieving SVR showed a significant decrease in the mean serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels (50.90 +/- 54.60 U/L to 17.00 +/- 14.50 U/L) and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores (7.51 +/- 4.54 to 7.32 +/- 3.40) (p<0.05). Of the patients, 2 were diagnosed with HCC during the treatment and 14 were diagnosed with HCC 37.0 +/- 16.0 weeks post-treatment. Higher initial MELD score (odds ratio [OR]: 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-2.38; p=0.023]), higher hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.31-2.28; p=0.038), and higher serum ALT levels (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.21-1.83; p=0.042) were associated with poor SVR12. The most common adverse events were fatigue (12.6%), pruritis (7.3%), increased serum ALT (4.7%) and bilirubin (3.8%) levels, and anemia (3.1%).Conclusion: LDV/SOF or PrOD +/- RBV were effective and tolerable treatments for patients with CHC and with or without advanced liver disease before and after liver transplantation. Although HCV eradication improves the liver function, there is a risk of developing HCC.Turkish Association for the Study of The Liver (TASL

Synthesis, spectroscopic and electrochemical studies of novel transition metal complexes with N,N'-bis(2-hydroxynaphthalin- 1-carbaldehydene)-1,3-bis- (o-aminophenoxy) propane

1109-1112A novel Schiff base obtained by the reaction of 1,3-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)propane and 2-hydroxynaphthalin-1-carbaldehyde, forms complexes with Co(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II). The Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, microanalytical data, magnetic measurements, UV-visible, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and IR-spectra as well as conductance measurements. Electrochemical data show that NiL and CuL complexes undergo metal based quasi-reversible one-electron redox processes. However, metal complexes also exhibit ligand based irreversible redox waves. The electrochemical results also indicate that the electron transfer rate is higher for NiL complex than the CuL complex. Voltammetric data reveal easier electron donor properties for the NiL complex

Biotidinase deficiency accompanied by diffuse demyelination and cerebral atrophy

Biotinidase deficiency is an inherited disorder which has autosomal recessive pattern; it occurs in approximately 1 in 60,000 live births. Usually it manifests seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia, ataxia, convulsions, hypotonia, developmental delay, hearing loss, chronic lactic acidosis and immune deficiency. Its diagnosis is made by the measurement of serum biotinidase enzyme activity and determination of the enzyme. Herein presented that a two and half-month-old boy with biotinidase enzyme deficiency which had cerebral atrophy without any skin signs. In the patients presented with refractory convulsions with unexplainable etiology without any skin lesions, as in our patient, biotinidase enzyme deficiency should be considered and the treatment should be established in early period to prevent many complications that may develop

Yaygın demiyelizasyon ve serebral atrofi ile seyreden biotinidaz eksikliği

Biotinidaz eksikliği yaklaşık olarak 60.000 canlı doğumda bir görülen otozomal resesif geçişli herediter bir hastalıktır. Bu hastalıkta genellikle seboreik dermatit, alopesi, ataksi, konvülsiyon, hipotoni, gelişme geriliği, işitme kaybı, kronik laktik asidoz ve immün yetmezlik görülür. Serumda enzim düzeyi ve aktivitesi ölçülerek tanı konulur. Burada herhangi bir cilt bulgusu olmaksızın serebral atrofi ile başvuran 2,5 aylık erkek biotinidaz olgusu sunulmuştur. Hastamızda olduğu gibi etiyolojisi belli olmayan dirençli kon- vülsiyonlar ile başvuran ve herhangi bir cilt bulgusu olmayan hastalarda biotinidaz eksikliği göz önünde bulundurulmalıdır. Ayrıca gelişebilecek komplikasyonların önlenmesi için erken dönemde tedavi uygulanmalıdır.Biotinidase deficiency is an inherited disorder which has autosomal recessive pattern; it occurs in approximately 1 in 60,000 live births. Usually it manifests seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia, ataxia, convulsions, hypotonia, developmental delay, hearing loss, chronic lactic acidosis and immune deficiency. Its diagnosis is made by the measurement of serum biotinidase enzyme activity and determination of the enzyme. Herein presented that a two and half-month-old boy with biotinidase enzyme deficiency which had cerebral atrophy without any skin signs. In the patients presented with refractory convulsions with unexplainable etiology without any skin lesions, as in our patient, biotinidase enzyme deficiency should be considered and the treatment should be established in early period to prevent many complications that may develop

Rickets In Healthy Adolescents In Van, The Eastern Of Turkey

Aim: To investigate the ratio of rickets and vitamin D deficiency in healthy adolescents at Van region. Method : Totally 126 cases were included in this study. All cases were evaluated for the presence of rickets symptoms, daily sun exposure,and vitamin usage, covering and eating habit. Diagnosis of rickets was made based on biochemical findings. The children whose vitamin D levels were lower than 10 ng/dl were accepted as vitamin 25(OH)D3 deficiency, but whose levels between 10-20 ng/dl were accepted as vitamin D insufficiency. Result: Sixty girls (47.6%) and 66 boys (52.4%) were included in this study. They were between 9 and 17 years old (11.94 ± 1.9 years). Vitamin D levels in 60 (47.6%) cases were normal, but 48 (38.1%) cases had rickets, 13 (10.3%) cases had vitamin D insufficiency and 5 (4.0%) cases had vitamin D deficiency. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of rickets between the cases with or without covered-dress. However, there was a significant difference in the incidence of vitamin D insufficiency (p< 0.05). All of the cases had less daily calcium, phosphorus, protein and vitamin D intake than recommended daily amount. In the rickets group, alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly higher comparing with the others (p< 0.05), but there was no difference in plasma intact parathyroid hormone levels. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that most adolescents who appeared to be healthy (52.4%) could have vitamin D insufficiency. Therefore, we believe that dietary education and/or vitamin D prophylaxis might be given to all adolescents. However, more extensive researches should be done to elucidate of our suggestion′s correctio

Routinely evaluated clinical assays and laboratory tests [real test] and fibrosis stages of chronic hepatitis B and C

Background/Aims: To provide a new mathematical formula to predict liver fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Materials and Methods: Patients with chronic hepatitis B and C who underwent liver biopsy at different centers were included in this study. Chronic hepatitis B was defined as immunopositivity for the hepatitis B surface antigen for at least 6 months, and chronic hepatitis C was defined as positivity for HCV RNA for at least 3 months. The histological features were evaluated by the histological activity index and fibrosis. Results: In total, 1299 patients were included in the study. The distribution and the mean of the parameters of the patients were as follows: 1009 patients with chronic hepatitis B with a mean age of 45±13/years [emale/male (F/M)47.5/52.5%] and 290 patients with hepatitis C with a mean age of 52±cut-off value of the REAL TEST formula&quot;[(age x pT x AST)/(PLT/1000)]/100&quot; in patients with hepatitis B was determined to be <1.37, it was found that it could predict fibrosis with 79% specificity, 78% sensitivity, 85% negative predictive value (NPV), and 70% positive predictive value (PPV) (area under the curve (AUC)0.852, 95% CI:0.820.87). When the cut-off value of the REAL TEST formula in patients with hepatitis C was determined to be <1.99, it was found that it could predict significant fibrosis with 87% specificity, 90% sensitivity, 94.4% NPV, and 79.4% PPV (AUC:0.95, 95% CI:0.93-0.98)Conclusion: The REAL TEST formula results correlated with the pathological findings and may be a useful method for the evaluation of patients with chronic hepatitis B and C