This paper analyzes the security of an image encryption algorithm based on a two-dimensional hyperchaotic map. This encryption algorithm generated chaotic sequences through a combination of two ...one-dimensional chaotic maps and used them as the permutation and diffusion key. Then, the image was encrypted by using the structure of row-column permutation, forward-diffusion, and backward-diffusion. The proposer claimed that the above algorithm was secure. However, it was found through cryptanalysis that the algorithm cannot withstand the chosen plaintext attack. Although the forward-diffusion and backward-diffusion of the original algorithm use two different diffusion keys and there is a ciphertext feedback mechanism, the analysis of the diffusion by iterative optimization showed that it can be equivalent to global diffusion. In addition, the generation of chaotic sequences in the encryption process is independent of the plaintext image, so the equivalent diffusion and permutation key stream can be obtained by adjusting the individual pixel values of the chosen plaintexts. Aiming at the security loopholes in the encryption algorithm, the theoretical and experimental results are presented to support the efficiency of the proposed attack and suggestions for improvement are given. Finally, compared with the performance analysis of the existing cracking algorithm, our cryptanalysis greatly improved the cracking efficiency without increasing the complexity of the data.
Abstract Background Since May 2022, mpox outbreaks have been occurring in non-mpox endemic areas, with the main population affected being men who have sex with men (MSM). Outbreak prevention and ...control depend not only on the effectiveness of vaccines but also on people’s willingness to receive these vaccines. Currently, there is lack of synthesis on the overall rates and influence factors of MSMs’ willingness to vaccinate against mpox. Therefore, we systematically reviewed studies that assessed the willingness of MSM to receive mpox vaccine. Methods Studies reporting mpox vaccination intentions among MSM were included by searching five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, and SCOPUS) from inception to May 12, 2024. The quality of the included literature was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal tool. The data analysis software is Stata17. The systematic review has been registered with Prospero (registration ID: CRD42023452357). Results Twenty cross-sectional studies were included in the review. Meta-analysis results showed that the pooled willingness rate of vaccinate against mpox was 77.0% (95% CI: 73-81%, I 2 = 99.4%). According to subgroup analysis, study countries ( P = 0.002), research sample size ( P = 0.001), and whether participants were infected with HIV ( P = 0.002) may be sources of heterogeneity. The results of the meta-analysis of influencing factors showed that more number of sexual partners (OR: 2.24, 95%CI: 1.86–2.69), pre-exposure prophylaxis use (OR: 6.04, 95%CI: 4.80–7.61), history of sexually transmitted infections (OR: 2.96, 95%CI: 2.33–3.76), confidence in the vaccine’s effectiveness (OR: 2.79, 95%CI: 2.04–3.80) and safety (OR: 10.89, 95%CI: 5.22–22.72), fear of mpox infection (OR: 2.47, 95%CI: 2.11–2.89) and epidemics (OR: 2.87, 95%CI: 2.22–3.70), high mpox knowledge (OR: 2.35, 95%CI: 1.51–3.66), and the belief that people at high risk should be prioritized for vaccination (OR: 3.09, 95%CI: 1.40–6.84) were the facilitators of vaccine willingness. In addition, as a secondary outcome, meta-analysis results showed a pooled unwillingness rate of 16% (95% CI: 13-20%, I 2 = 98.1%, 9 studies). Conclusion Willingness to vaccinate mpox was high among MSM, but some participants still had negative attitudes towards vaccination. Therefore, the Ministry of Public Health should develop targeted and effective strategies against those influencing factors to prevent and manage mpox outbreaks.
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•With rising temperature, the toxicity of beta-cyfluthrin decreased.•With rising temperature, the toxicity of chlorpyrifos increased.•Sub-lethal doses of insecticides induced adaptive ...thermoregulatory behavior.•Six different metabolites contributed to changes in thermotaxis.•Risk managements of insecticides must consider these effects in ectotherms.
In this study, the temperature-dependent chemical toxicity of three insecticides and the resulting thermoregulatory (TR) behavior of the lizard Eremias argus have been consolidated into the current risk assessment framework. According to acute dermal toxicity assays, an increase of ambient temperature from 15 °C to 35 °C decreased the acute dermal toxicity of beta-cyfluthrin (BC) but increased the toxicity of chlorpyrifos (CPF). The toxicity of avermectin (AVM) did not show significant temperature-dependent responses. Based on thermal preference trials, lizards changed their body temperature via TR behavior to adaptively reduce toxicity under sub-lethal doses, which can be understood as a “self-rescue” behavior attenuating lethal effects. However, the risk quotient indicated that the effectiveness of this “self-rescue” behavior is limited. Metabolomics analysis showed that six different metabolites (i.e., creatine, glutamate, succinate, N-acetylaspartate, acetylcholine, and lactate) contributed to TR behavior changes. Biochemical assays and insecticide residue results demonstrated that the temperature-dependent toxicity of BC, CPF, and AVM affected lizards in the three aspects of biotransformation, oxidative stress, and neurometabolic interference. This work clarifies the ecotoxicological impacts of representative insecticides on reptiles from toxicological understanding to risk relevance. This knowledge may improve ecological predictions of agrochemical applications in the context of global climate change.
Agricultural source pollution has been hypothesized as one of the main reasons for reptile declines over recent decades. In addition to their direct toxicity to reptiles, agrochemicals can also enter ...complex interactions with environmental factors, which alter the interspecific relationships within communities. The potentially resulting cascading effects affect our understanding of the links between contaminants and the extent of declines of reptile species. In the present study, plant-arthropod-lizard tritrophic microcosms were assessed to identify the ecological effect of the widely used herbicide simazine in simulated steppe ecosystems. Three dosages of simazine (0, 0.060, and 0.006 g a.i./m2) were applied to microcosms, and the responses of organisms at three trophic levels were examined after 30-day exposure. The results showed that simazine could inhibit the growth and ecological functions of primary producers, and caused a reduction in the content of primary and secondary metabolites. The number of arthropod populations decreased in the lower simazine application but increased in the higher simazine application, compared with the control. Simazine led to slow growth and poor physical conditions in lizards. The impact of simazine on the community could be attributed to the following three aspects: (1) a direct effect of simazine, (2) the driving force of food resources, and (3) behavioral dynamics. The physical conditions of lizards and of the arthropod population in the microcosms showed different responses to standard toxicological tests, and the forces of cascading causalities were identified as the main factors beyond the direct simazine toxicity. Therefore, the propagation and cascade across multitrophic levels should be considered in future assessments to avoid distorting conclusions.
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•Simazine has low toxicity for arthropods and lizards, but is harmful to plants.•Simazine disturbs the plant-arthropod-lizard tritrophic food web in microcosms.•The damage to plants by simazine may affect species at higher trophic levels.•The indirect effects of simazine are driven by resources and behavioral dynamics.•The cascade of agrochemicals across multitrophic levels should be taken seriously.
Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and laser balloon ablation (LBA) are two innovative ways for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cryoballoon ...ablation and laser balloon ablation in patients with AF.
We searched Pubmed, Embase, Ovid, Web of Science and other databases for comparative trials comparing CB and LB ablation in the treatment of AF, from establishment of database to August, 2023.
A total of 13 studies and 3,582 patients were included (CBA,
= 2,308; LBA,
= 1,274). There was no difference between CBA and LBA in acute PVI rate per vein, 12-months recurrence rate of AF, 12-months recurrence rate of atrial arrhythmia, occurrence rate of pericardial tamponade, occurrence rate of inguinal complications. LBA presented a lower acute PVI rate per patients (CBA 97.0% vs. LBA 93.4%, RR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01-1.07). Transient nerve palsy was more likely to occur after CBA (CBA 2.7% vs. LBA 0.7%, RR = 4.25, 95%CI: 2.06-8.76). However, the occurrence of persistent nerve palsy between CBA and LBA groups were similar (CB 1.4% vs. LB 1.0%, RR = 1.09, 95%CI: 0.55-2.14). In terms of procedural duration, the procedural time of CBA was shorter than that of LBA (WMD = -26.58, 95%CI: -36.71-16.46).
Compared with LBA, CBA had a shorter procedural duration. There was a higher incidence of transient but not persistent phrenic nerve palsy after CBA.
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=272607 Identifier (CRD42021272607).
Aging is the primary risk factor for cognitive decline. Serum klotho, as an anti-aging protein, may be involved in cognitive decline. Thus, we aim to explorer the correlation between serum klotho and ...cognitive performance among an older adult population in the United States.
We performed a cross-sectional study using data from NHANES 2011-2014. Serum klotho was analyzed by ELISA. Cognitive function was measured by Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) test, Animal Fluency test and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) score. The relationship between serum klotho and cognition was analyzed by a multivariable regression model.
A total of 2,171 participants aged 60-79 years were included. Median serum klotho concentration was 851.52 pg./ml (SD = 294.07). We also categorized serum klotho concentrates into quartiles. After fully adjusting pertinent variables, compared to those with lowest klotho levels (206.3-658.4 pg./ml), individuals with highest klotho concentrates (983.3-3,456 pg./ml) had a higher CERAD score β (95%CI): 0.97 (0.25, 1.69)
= 0.008 and DSST score β (95%CI): 1.86 (0.25, 3.47),
= 0.024.
Our findings indicated that, among the general population of American older adults, serum klotho concentrates may serve as a marker of cognitive health. The benefits of klotho on aging process and neurodegenerative disorders should be paid more attention.
In this paper, the security analysis of a color image encryption algorithm based on Hopfield chaotic neural network is given. The original chaotic image encryption algorithm includes permutation ...encryption and diffusion encryption. The result of cryptanalysis shows that the chaotic sequences generated by this algorithm are independent of plaintext image, and there exist equivalent permutation key and equivalent diffusion key. Therefore, according to chosen-plaintext attack, the equivalent diffusion key and the equivalent permutation key can be obtained by choosing two special plaintext images and the corresponding ciphertext images, respectively, and the plaintext image is further recovered from the ciphertext image. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation experiment results verify the effectiveness of the analytical method. Finally, some improved suggestions for the original encryption algorithm are proposed to promote the security.
Background To date, multiple cases of adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines have been reported worldwide. Alopecia areata (AA) is an uncommon type of adverse reaction reported in some articles and ...has a significant social and psychological impact on patients. Our study aimed to review the AA and COVID-19 vaccine literature. Methods This systematic review was conducted by searching for articles on AA following COVID-19 vaccines in international databases such as Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Ovid from December 2019 to December 30, 2023. We included studies that provided data for AA patients following COVID-19 vaccination with at least one dose. Data on sex, age, country/region of origin, vaccine type, days between vaccination and symptom presentation, manifestations of AA, trichoscopy and histopathological findings, treatment, and outcomes were included. Results In total, 579 explored studies were identified and assessed, and 25 articles with a total of 51 patients were included in the review. Twenty-seven (52.9%) patients developed new-onset AA following receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and AA recurrence or exacerbation occurred after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in 24 (47.1%) patients with preexisting disease. Five vaccines were reported to cause AA in all cases. The Pfizer vaccine (45.1%) was the most frequently reported, followed by the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (27.5%), Moderna mRNA-1273 (19.6%), Sinopharm (3.9%) and SinoVac (3.9%). AA occurred most frequently within one month after the 1st dose, and then, the incidence decreased gradually with time. Topical or systemic corticosteroids were used in 38 patients. Eleven patients were treated with a Janus Kinase inhibitor (jakinib) inhibitor, eight with tofacitinib, and three with an unspecified jakinib. However, 3 of the 11 patients experienced exacerbations after treatment. Conclusion AA after COVID-19 vaccination is rare, and physicians should be aware of this phenomenon to improve early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Keywords: Alopecia areata, Adverse reactions, COVID-19 vaccines, SARS-CoV-2, Immunity
Hibernation is a short-term survival strategy for ectotherms to cope with cold weather and food shortages. The energy sources stored before hibernation are used not only in the winter, but also in ...preparation for reproduction. Reproductive physiology and behavior are primarily regulated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis. In this study, we examined endocrine hormone changes in the HPG axis of female lizards (Eremias argus) after chlorantraniliprole insecticide (CAP) exposure during hibernation. The levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and progesterone were significantly decreased and the level of testosterone (T) was significantly increased after 135d experiment. This study verified the possible endocrine disrupting effects of CAP. More energy material consumption was observed in CAP treated group. Female E. argus preferred to invest energy to present survival when exposed to CAP, rather than to reserve material for following reproductive activity.
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•Chlorantraniliprole did not cause death in female lizards during hibernation.•Chlorantraniliprole interfered with the secretion of endocrine hormones on the HPG axis of lizards.•Chlorantraniliprole led to increased energy consumption in lizards.•Female lizards chose to use energy for survival not reserve for reproduction.
Over the last two decades, multiwing chaos generation has seen promising advances and becomes an active research field today. It is well known that there is a gap between theoretical design and ...engineering applications in multiwing chaos generation. That is, most theoretical designs of multiwing chaotic attractors with mathematical proofs or numerical verification have rather complex expressions; however, most engineering applications of multiwing chaotic attractors without theoretical supports have simple expressions. To bridge the gap between theoretical design and engineering applications in multiwing chaos generation, this paper introduces a novel practical approach for generating grid multiwing butterfly chaotic attractors from the multipiecewise Lü system by constructing heteroclinic loops. It should be particularly pointed out that the designed multiwing chaotic attractors exhibit typical heteroclinic chaos from the heteroclinic Shil'nikov theorem and also have clear potential engineering applications. The proposed method can be easily extended to the generalized Lorenz system family.
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