A systematic literature review

Bahaa, A., Abdelaziz, A., Sayed, A., Elfangary, L., & Fahmy, H. (2021). Monitoring real time security attacks for iot systems using devsecops: A systematic literature review. Information (Switzerland), 12(4), 1-23. [154]. https://doi.org/10.3390/info12040154In many enterprises and the private sector, the Internet of Things (IoT) has spread globally. The growing number of different devices connected to the IoT and their various protocols have contributed to the increasing number of attacks, such as denial-of-service (DoS) and remote-to-local (R2L) ones. There are several approaches and techniques that can be used to construct attack detection models, such as machine learning, data mining, and statistical analysis. Nowadays, this technique is commonly used because it can provide precise analysis and results. Therefore, we decided to study the previous literature on the detection of IoT attacks and machine learning in order to understand the process of creating detection models. We also evaluated various datasets used for the models, IoT attack types, independent variables used for the models, evaluation metrics for assessment of models, and monitoring infrastructure using DevSecOps pipelines. We found 49 primary studies, and the detection models were developed using seven different types of machine learning techniques. Most primary studies used IoT device testbed datasets, and others used public datasets such as NSL-KDD and UNSW-NB15. When it comes to measuring the efficiency of models, both numerical and graphical measures are commonly used. Most IoT attacks occur at the network layer according to the literature. If the detection models applied DevSecOps pipelines in development processes for IoT devices, they were more secure. From the results of this paper, we found that machine learning techniques can detect IoT attacks, but there are a few issues in the design of detection models. We also recommend the continued use of hybrid frameworks for the improved detection of IoT attacks, advanced monitoring infrastructure configurations using methods based on software pipelines, and the use of machine learning techniques for advanced supervision and monitoring.publishersversionpublishe

Hepatitis C Virus in Thalassemia

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is relatively low in children. However, seroprevalence rates of 10–20% have been reported among children who received repeated transfusion. The development and the severity of liver fibrosis are strongly related to the extent of the liver iron overload and to the presence of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). In CHC, liver iron overload has been suggested as a negative prognostic factor exacerbating inflammation with subsequent progression of liver fibrosis and decrease in antiviral therapy effectiveness. CHC may be suspected based on medical history or accidentally discovered abnormal liver functions. Hepatitis C is diagnosed by positive serology for viral antibodies and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect virus RNA. The treatment of HCV infection in children was difficult due to the limitations of pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin. In 2017, FDA approved the first direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for children including ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in the adult dose, 90/400 mg, to treat HCV in children and adolescents aged 12 years and older or weighing at least 35 kg. Similarly, giving half the adult fixed-dose of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, 45/200 mg, to children aged 6–11 years is still under clinical trials with promising results

Zip Property on Malcev-Neumann Series Modules

Let R be a ring, MR a right R-module, G a totally ordered group, σ a map from G into the group of automorphisms of R which assigns to each x ∈ G an automorphism σ_x ∈ Aut(R), τ a map from G × G to U(R) (the group of unit elements of R) and M((G; σ ; τ)) the Malcev-Neumann series module. Then, under some certain conditions, we show that MR is a right zip R-module if and only if M((G; σ ; τ))_{R((G;σ ;τ))} is a right zip R((G; σ ; τ))-module, where R((G; σ ; τ)) is the Malcev-Neumann series ring

Evaluation of the level of gamma radiation dose on some immune system parameters against cancer

The positive impact of exposure to low-dose gamma irradiation (LDR) on tumor regression and immune response has recently been emphasized. The present study aimed to investigate the T-helper 1 / T-helper 2 (Th1/ Th2) cytokine balance, serum protein changes in male BALB/c Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice exposed to two low doses(0.4Gy or 0.8Gy) of gamma irradiation. Seventy two male BALB/C mice were divided into six groups. Group1: normal control; Group2&3:mice were exposed to γ-irradiation at 0.4 and 0.8 Gray, respectively two times weekly for 3 weeks; Group4 (malignant control):mice were injected subcutaneously with 2×106 Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells/mouse; Group5&6: mice were injected by EAC cells and exposed to γ-irradiation at 0.4 and 0.8 Gray, respectively two times weekly for 3 weeks, eight days after tumor transplantation. Data from the present study reported that two low-doses of γ- irradiation significantly increase the levels of serum IL2, IL6 and TNFα and a decrease the serum IL10 level in comparison to malignant control mice. The IL2 /IL-10,IL-6/IL-10 and TNFα/IL-10 (Th1/Th2 balance), were significantly increased in all tested groups when compared with control (P<0.05). Exposure to 0.8 Gy dose, however, induced significant elevation in all ratios in comparison to exposure to 0.4 Gy dose. This was associated with significant reduced tumor growth in mice implanted with Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma, which was more pronounced in mice exposed to 0.8 Gy than mice exposed to 0.4 Gy dose. In conclusion, the present study suggests a possible immunomodulatory role of LDR as it was associated with Th1 cytokine polarization response, and 0.8 Gy have more positive effect than 0.4 Gy. It also reinforces the beneficial effect of accumulated dose of total body irradiation (0.4Gy or 0.8Gy) in the regression of implanted Ehrlich Ascites Carcinomain BALB/c mice

Ectopic molar pregnancy: a case report

The incidence of hydatidiform moles is 1 per 1,000 pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancy occurs in 20 per 1,000 pregnancies. Thus, the incidence of the ectopic molar gestation is very rare. We report a case of tubal molar pregnancy diagnosed at the systematic histology exam of an ectopic pregnancy. We report the case of 32 years old nulliparus women who presented a vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain and 6 weeks amenorrhea corresponding to the last menstrual period. At the clinical examination, the arterial pressure was 100/60 mmHG. The gynecological examination was difficult because of lower abdominal pain. Serum gonadotropin activity was 3454 ui/l. Pelvic ultrasound revealed an irregular echogenic mass in the left adnexa. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a left-sided unruptured ampullary ectopic pregnancy. A left laparoscopic salpingectomy was performed. The systematic histologic test identified an ectopic partial molar pregnancy, which was confirmed by DNA ploidy image analysis. The patient was followed with weekly quantitative B-hCG titers until three successive B-hCG levels were negative. It is pertinent that clinicians take routine histological examination of tubal specimens in ectopic pregnancy very seriously in order to diagnose cases of ectopic molar gestations early and mount appropriate post treatment surveillance

Hepcidin and its Related Hematological Biomarkers of Anemia in Children on Hemodialysis: Role of Carnitine Deficiency

BACKGROUND: Anemia is one of the most common complications in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Hepcidin is a hormone that regulates iron homeostasis in patients with ESRD. Carnitine deficiency is commonly seen in hemodialysis (HD) patients. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hepcidin and inflammatory and other anemia markers in children with ESRD and to evaluate the association of carnitine deficiency with anemia in these patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty pediatric patients with ESRD undergoing HD, and thirty healthy, age- and sex-matched children served as controls were included in the study. Serum levels hepcidin, iron status, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and total carnitine were measured. RESULTS: Statistically significant increases in serum levels of hepcidin (100.7 ± 0.99 ng\ml vs. 77.43 ± 0.8 ng\ml, p = 0.000), was found in HD children as compared to healthy controls. Statistically significant increase in serum levels of hs-CRP (3.94 ± 0.19 mg/l vs. 1.36 ± 0.07 mg/l, p = 0.04) was found in HD children as compared to healthy controls. However, serum levels of carnitine (29.59 ± 2.46 μmol/L vs. 36 ± 2.39 μmol/L, p = 0.000) showed statistically significant decreases in HD children as compared to healthy controls positive correlation was found between hepcidin and hs-CRP (r = 0.059, p = 0.042). Furthermore, a positive correlation was present between serum carnitine levels and serum iron levels (r = 0.651, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Serum hepcidin may be a more useful biomarker of functional iron deficiency in children on HD. The efficacy of carnitine treatment for children on HD with carnitine deficiency and its effect on anemia needs to be studied

Effect of nanoparticles on biological contamination of in vitro cultures and organogenic regeneration of banana

Abstract This study aimed to identify biological contaminants of banana in vitro cultures. We also tested the effect of Zn or ZnO nanoparticles on elimination of some bacterial and fungal contaminants and their influence regeneration. Nine strains of bacterial contaminants (Cellulomonas uda, Cellulomonas flarigena, Corynebacterium panrometabolum, Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., Erwinia cypripedii, Pseudomonas spp. and Proteus spp.) and four fungal (Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Candida spp.) contaminants were identified in nanoparticles-free media of banana in vitro cultures. They eventually led the explants death. The contamination-free cultures of banana in vitro cultures were obtained as a result of application of nano Zn and ZnO particles to the culture MS media, with no negative effect on regeneration. The callus growth decreased while total proline as well as SOD, CAT and POX activities were increased significantly, when the nanoparticles doses increased. The highest percent of somatic embryogenesis was observed in MS media supplemented with 100 mg/L nano Zn followed by nano ZnO. Excellent shooting, rooting and regenerated plantlets were observed also in MS+100 mg/L nano Zn and ZnO. Regenerated plantlets were successfully acclimatized with about 98% efficiency for the experimental period (one month). Nanoparticles treated somaclones accumulated more proline, chlorophyll, antioxidant enzymes activity and developed more dry weight accumulation than the control. In conclusion, the microbial contaminants in banana in vitro culture can effectively be eliminated by incorporation of nano Zn and nano ZnO particles on growth media at different concentrations. However, 100 mg/L dose was preferable because it showed the best effects on increasing the regeneration of plantlets with well-formed root systems. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms and the side effects of nanoparticles on genetic stability of banana in vitro cultures

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication