Public key exponent attacks on multi-prime power modulus using continued fraction expansion method

This paper proposes three public key exponent attacks of breaking the security of the prime power modulus =22 where and are distinct prime numbers of the same bit size. The first approach shows that the RSA prime power modulus =22 for q<<2q using key equation −()=1 where ()= 22(−1)(−1) can be broken by recovering the secret keys  / from the convergents of the continued fraction expansion of e/−23/4 +1/2 . The paper also reports the second and third approaches of factoring multi-prime power moduli =2 2 simultaneously through exploiting generalized system of equations −()=1 and −()=1 respectively. This can be achieved in polynomial time through utilizing Lenstra Lenstra Lovasz (LLL) algorithm and simultaneous Diophantine approximations method for =1,2,…,

Effect of hormonal and copper IUDs on genital microbial colonisation and clinical outcomes in North-Western Nigeria

Background: Intrauterine devices are one of the popular long term reversible contraceptive methods. Earlier forms were associated with genital infections, however more recent types such copper IUDs and hormonal types have been shown to have better safety profile. However, there is no conclusive evidence to demonstrate that hormonal IUD is less associated with genital infection when compared with copper IUDs. The objectives include determination of prevalence of genital tract infections among IUD users, to determine the type of IUD that is less associated with genital infection, and also determine clinical features seen among IUD users.Methods: We conducted a descriptive, cross sectional study of clients who were at 6 months following IUD insertion. Endocervical and high vaginal samples were taken to isolate microbes.Results: The prevalence of genital tract infection was 20% in Copper IUD users and 8.6% among LNG-IUS users. Genital infection was significantly higher among copper IUD users compared to hormonal IUD users (p=0.038, OR= 2.88). Abnormal vaginal discharge was the commonest symptoms among IUD users and formal education was associated with less risk of genital infections (p=0.048).Conclusions: Hormonal IUDs are less associated with genital tract infection compared to copper IUDs and women with formal education are less likely to have genital infection among IUD users

Oxidative stress and outcome of antioxidant supplementation in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Background: PCOS is a condition with significant decrease in antioxidant with an increased risk of oxidative stress. Antioxidant supplementation has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in PCOS and may improve outcome of management of PCOS. Objectives of this study were to determine the oxidative stress level of PCOS patients, to assess the effect of antioxidant supplementation on the outcome of management of PCOS and to compare with a control group.Methods: The study was a single blind randomised control trial involving 200 patients with PCOS. The study was conducted at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto. They were randomly divided into intervention and control groups and base line serum levels of oxidative stress marker, antioxidant enzymes, vitamins and minerals were determined. Antioxidant supplementation and placebo were given to the intervention and control groups respectively. All the patients had ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate and were followed up for 6 months. Outcome measures were clinical pregnancy or menstrual regularisation. Level of significance was <0.05.Results: There was statistical significance in the serum levels of oxidative stress marker, antioxidant enzymes, vitamins and minerals between the two groups (post intervention). Glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.001), superoxide dismutase (p = 0.0001), catalase (p= 0.0369), melondialdehyde (p= 0.007), Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (p = 0.0001), zinc and copper (p = 0.0001). The clinical pregnancy outcomes were 22 (22%) versus 2 (2%); live births 18 (18%) versus 2 (2%) and menstrual regularisation 48 (48%) versus 46 (46%) in the intervention and control groups respectively.Conclusions: Antioxidant supplementation in this study significantly affected pregnancy rate in patients with PCOS. Larger studies are suggested to revisit the conclusion of the Cochrane review that antioxidants supplementation had no significant role in female infertility

Investigation of livestock for presence of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

The study investigated the presence of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in livestock to ascertain their reservoir role and also screened for other pathogenic trypanosomes of animals in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger state, Nigeria. A total of 460 livestock comprising (cattle, sheep, goats, and dogs) selected at random were bled, examined using the buffy coat and Giemsa stained thin film and packed cell volume estimated. Questionnaire was filled for each animal on demography, awareness and management practices. An overall prevalence of 2.17% with Trypanosoma brucei, T. congolense, T. vivax and a mixed infection of T. brucei and T. congolense observed microscopically awaiting characterization. Interviews revealed high awareness (82.8%) of tsetse and trypanosomiasis described as bush disease and abortion in four cows. The PCV values were within the normal range, however, a significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) was observed in sheep aged 7months to 4years in two communities. Therefore, the study indicated the presence of T. brucei and other trypanosomes suggesting that animal trypanosomiasis is still a problem to animal health and wellbeing in the study area. The study recommends effective integrated chemotherapy and vector control including livestock rearing under intensive management system to boost livestock production and productivity