Situational Awareness: Detecting Critical Dependencies and Devices in a Network

Large-scale networks consisting of thousands of connected devices are like a living organism, constantly changing and evolving. It is very difficult for a human administrator to orient in such environment and to react to emerging security threats. With such motivation, this PhD proposal aims to find new methods for automatic identification of devices, the services they provide, their dependencies and importance. The main focus of the proposal is to find novel approaches to building cyber situational awareness in an unknown network for the purpose of computer security incident response. Our research is at the initial phase and will contribute to a PhD thesis in four years

Role of IFNγ in pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection

To date, there is no consensus explaining the relationship between varying concentrations of IFNγ and the severity of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this article was to analyze and formulate conclusions from the selected studies and publications, which, in sum, provide a potentially reasonable view on the role of IFNγ in COVID-19 pathogenesis. This article highlights current data on the immunological role of IFNγ which affects differentiation of naive T helper cells, acting as a polarizing factor. It activates the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II, by increasing the expression of MHC I/II subunits, inhibiting replication of the viral particles by initiating activation of interferon-stimulated genes followed by subsequent synthesis of antiviral proteins. Moreover, IFNγ activates the production of cytokines by T cells, enhancing cytotoxic activity of the T killers. IFNγ exerts immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory effects via STAT1, SOCS1 and PIAS genes, thus regulating activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. A number of studies were considered where the patterns of changes in serum IFNγ concentration were examined in viral infections and SARS-CoV-2. We performed a systemic analysis of the results of studies that showed a relationship between high concentrations of IFNγ and COVID-19 severity. In a number of studies, the significantly high levels of IFNγ in COVID-19 patients were often associated with a poor outcome of the disease. The median values of the IFNγ concentration in severe COVID-19 were found to be significantly higher compared to the results obtained in the cases of moderate severity. It shows an increase, in parallel with viral load in the nasopharyngeal samples upon worsening of the clinical condition. Based on the data on the decreased IFNγ concentrations in convalescent patients, the mechanism of antagonism between IFNγ and IL-4 is considered, where the decreases serum concentrations of IFNγ along with increasing level of IL-4 may be an indirect proof of normal adaptive immune response with subsequent development of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and gradual elimination of the virus from the body. Moreover, the evidence is discussed that the patients harboring some parasitic infections (Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, Blastocystis hominis, Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica) with persistently elevated level of IFNγ are at reduced risk for severe course of COVID-19

Optimization in a Self-Stabilizing Service Discovery Framework for Large Scale Systems

Ability to find and get services is a key requirement in the development of large-scale distributed sys- tems. We consider dynamic and unstable environments, namely Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems. In previous work, we designed a service discovery solution called Distributed Lexicographic Placement Table (DLPT), based on a hierar- chical overlay structure. A self-stabilizing version was given using the Propagation of Information with Feedback (PIF) paradigm. In this paper, we introduce the self-stabilizing COPIF (for Collaborative PIF) scheme. An algo- rithm is provided with its correctness proof. We use this approach to improve a distributed P2P framework designed for the services discovery. Significantly efficient experimental results are presented

Reduction of hepatotoxicity of nimesulide in mechanochemically obtained composition with disodium salt of glycyrrhizic acid

Nimesulide (NIM) is a nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug which acts as a selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor and is widely used for acute pain treatment. In medical practice, a large amount of data has been collected describing the effect of NIM on the body, while a hepatotoxic side effect of the drug has been found. The exact mechanisms of such NIM-induced hepatotoxicity largely remain unknown but likely involve the intermediate reaction of its metabolism. Reduction of the hepatotoxic side effect of NIM is an actual problem for pharmacology. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the hepatotoxicity of the mechanochemically obtained composition of NIM with glycyrrhizic acid disodium salt (Na2GA) compared to pure NIM and a physical mixture of NIM with Na2GA. Material and methods. CD-1 mice were orally administered for 14 days: 1 group – mechanochemical composition NIM/Na2GA (1:10, m/m) at a dose of 1650 mg/kg; 2 group – physical mixture of NIM with Na2GA (1:10, m/m) at a dose of 1650 mg/kg; 3 group – pure NIM at a dose of 600 mg/kg (which pharmacokinetically corresponds to 1650 mg/kg of NIM/Na2GA); 4 group – vehicle (distilled water). The liver damage was assessed using histological studies and enzymatic activity of the alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in blood serum. Results. Histological analysis did not detect any changes in the liver of NIM/Na2GA-treated animals in comparison with a water-treated group. On the opposite, NIM given alone or as a physical mixture with Na2GA induced severe hepatotoxicity in experimental mice. Biochemical analysis of the blood serum revealed that mechanochemical NIM/Na2GA composition significantly reduced activity of the alanine aminotransferase (about 1.5 times) and aspartate aminotransferase (1.3 times) as compared with the pure NIM. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate a high potential for the practical application of the NIM/Na2GA mechanochemical composition

Assessment of morphological and anatomical features of SILYBUM MARIANUM (L.) GAERTN LEAF

The article presents the results of macroscopic and microscopic analyses of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. leaves introduced Botanical garden of the Ural branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. As a result of the study, the main morphological and anatomical and biological diagnostic features of a new medicinal plant raw material for the Pharmacopoeia –Silybum mariaum (L.) Gaertn.В статье представлены результаты макроскопического и микроскопического анализов листьев Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Полученных от растений находящегося во Ботанического сада УрО РАН. В результате исследования выделены основные морфологические и анатомо-биологические диагностические признаки нового для Фармакопеи лекарственного растительного сырья – листья расторопши пятнистой

Interrelations between viral load and cellular immunity in patients with COVID-19 of varying severity

Assessment of viral load levels in various biological samples taken from the respiratory tract can be an indicator of an ongoing process of active viral replication and may be used to monitor severe respiratory viral infections. The study of the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 viral load and immunological laboratory parameters is an important step in the search for clinical markers of COVID-19.The aim of this research was to quantify viral load in patients with COVID-19 and to identify the relation-ship between viral load and changes in the parameters of the cellular component of the immune system.A laboratory examination was carried out on 74 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, they were divided into 3 groups based on the severity of the disease: mild, moderate, severe. Total viral load in clinical samples was determined by the number of SARS-CoV-2 RNA copies per 100 copies of the reference RNaseP gene.     A comprehensive assessment of the cellular component of the immune system was performed using flow cytometry and direct monoclonal antibodies, and the IL-6, and C-reactive protein concentrations were determined.We revealed a relationship between the development of serious clinical conditions in the patients with COVID-19, and the levels of viral load. High levels of viral RNA in biological samples correlate with main indicators of the T cell component of the immune system associated with disease severity. In a subgroup of patients with an extremely high viral load, strong positive correlations were found between the relative numbers of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD3+CD8+), activated T lymphocytes (CD3+HLA-DR+), as well as absolute and relative numbers of activated B lymphocytes and NK cells (CD3-CD25+).Laboratory monitoring of the cellular component of the immune system, along with the assessment of viral loads, should improve  early assessment of clinical condition in the patients with COVID-19. Changes   in expression levels of activation markers on immune cells can be potentially viewed as indicators of recovery during COVID-19

Taming the terminological tempest in invasion science

\ua9 2024 The Authors. Biological Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Cambridge Philosophical Society. Standardised terminology in science is important for clarity of interpretation and communication. In invasion science – a dynamic and rapidly evolving discipline – the proliferation of technical terminology has lacked a standardised framework for its development. The result is a convoluted and inconsistent usage of terminology, with various discrepancies in descriptions of damage and interventions. A standardised framework is therefore needed for a clear, universally applicable, and consistent terminology to promote more effective communication across researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers. Inconsistencies in terminology stem from the exponential increase in scientific publications on the patterns and processes of biological invasions authored by experts from various disciplines and countries since the 1990s, as well as publications by legislators and policymakers focusing on practical applications, regulations, and management of resources. Aligning and standardising terminology across stakeholders remains a challenge in invasion science. Here, we review and evaluate the multiple terms used in invasion science (e.g. ‘non-native’, ‘alien’, ‘invasive’ or ‘invader’, ‘exotic’, ‘non-indigenous’, ‘naturalised’, ‘pest’) to propose a more simplified and standardised terminology. The streamlined framework we propose and translate into 28 other languages is based on the terms (i) ‘non-native’, denoting species transported beyond their natural biogeographic range, (ii) ‘established non-native’, i.e. those non-native species that have established self-sustaining populations in their new location(s) in the wild, and (iii) ‘invasive non-native’ – populations of established non-native species that have recently spread or are spreading rapidly in their invaded range actively or passively with or without human mediation. We also highlight the importance of conceptualising ‘spread’ for classifying invasiveness and ‘impact’ for management. Finally, we propose a protocol for classifying populations based on (i) dispersal mechanism, (ii) species origin, (iii) population status, and (iv) impact. Collectively and without introducing new terminology, the framework that we present aims to facilitate effective communication and collaboration in invasion science and management of non-native species

Клиническая эффективность и безопасность применения иммунной плазмы реконвалесцентов для лечения COVID-19

Aim: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma therapy for patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.Materials and methods: the study included 64 patients with laboratory-confirmed severe new coronavirus infection. The control group consisted of 58 patients who, in addition to standard therapy, received a transfusion of plasma from donors who had recovered from COVID-19. The effectiveness of immune plasma was assessed by the duration of fever, the level of oxygen (SpO2 %) in dynamics, the detection of SARSCoV-2 RNA in nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs using PCR method in dynamics, as well as by the dynamics of blood tests results. Adverse events (any medically adverse events that occurred after immune plasma transfusion) were recorded as safety criteria.Results: patients who received convalescent plasma, showed a significantly shorter period of SARS-CoV-2 replication compared with the control group. The use of immune plasma did not have a statistically significant effect on the duration of the fever, as well as the dynamics of blood oxygenation. Also, there were no significant differences compared with the control group when assessing blood tests parameters.Conclusion: The use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma to treat severe COVID-19 did not show significant clinical effect but reduced the period of viral replication. It also showed no unexpected or serious adverse events. Цель. Оценка эффективности и безопасности применения иммунной плазмы реконвалесцентов для лечения COVID-19 у пациентов с тяжелой степенью тяжести.Материалы и методы. В исследование были включены 64 пациента с подтвержденной новой коронавирусной инфекцией тяжёлой степени тяжести, которым, помимо стандартной терапии, проводили трансфузию иммунной плазмы реконвалесцентов новой коронавирусной инфекции. Контрольную группу составили 58 пациентов, получавших базисную терапию. Эффективность терапии иммунной плазмы оценивалась по длительности лихорадки, уровню сатурации (SpO2 %), выявлению РНК SARS-CoV-2 методом ПЦР в отделяемом со слизистой рото-/носоглотки в динамике, а также по изменениям общеклинических и биохимических показателей крови. В качестве критериев безопасности регистрировались нежелательные явления (любые неблагоприятные с медицинской точки зрения события, возникшие после трансфузии иммунной плазмы).Результаты. У пациентов, получавших иммунную плазму реконвалесцентов, отмечался достоверно более короткий период вирусной репликации SARS-CoV-2 по сравнению с контрольной группой. На продолжительность лихорадки, а также динамику насыщения кислородом крови применение иммунной плазмы статистически значимого влияния не оказывало. Также не отмечалось достоверных различий по сравнению с контрольной группой при оценке общеклинических, биохимических показателей крови.Заключение. Терапия пациентов с тяжёлым течением COVID-19 иммунной плазмой реконвалесцентов, перенёсших инфекцию, вызванную SARS-CoV-2, достоверно не оказывала значимого клинического эффекта, однако сокращала период репликации вируса. Трансфузия иммунной плазмы также не вызывала серьёзных нежелательных явлений

Taming the terminological tempest in invasion science

Standardized terminology in science is important for clarity of interpretation and communication. In invasion science — a dynamic and quickly evolving discipline — the rapid proliferation of technical terminology has lacked a standardized framework for its language development. The result is a convoluted and inconsistent usage of terminology, with various discrepancies in descriptions of damages and interventions. A standardized framework is therefore needed for a clear, universally applicable, and consistent terminology to promote more effective communication across researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers. Inconsistencies in terminology stem from the exponential increase in scientific publications on the patterns and processes of biological invasions authored by experts from various disciplines and countries since the 1990s, as well as publications by legislators and policymakers focusing on practical applications, regulations, and management of resources. Aligning and standardizing terminology across stakeholders remains a prevailing challenge in invasion science. Here, we review and evaluate the multiple terms used in invasion science (e.g. 'non-native', 'alien', 'invasive' or 'invader', 'exotic', 'non-indigenous', 'naturalized, 'pest') to propose a more simplified and standardized terminology. The streamlined framework we propose and translate into 28 other languages is based on the terms (i) 'non-native', denoting species transported beyond their natural biogeographic range, (ii) 'established non-native', i.e. those non-native species that have established self-sustaining populations in their new location(s) in the wild, and (iii) 'invasive non-native' — populations of established non-native species that have recently spread or are spreading rapidly in their invaded range actively or passively with or without human mediation. We also highlight the importance of conceptualizing 'spread' for classifying invasiveness and 'impact' for management. Finally, we propose a protocol for classifying populations based on (1) dispersal mechanism, (2) species origin, (3) population status, and (4) impact. Collectively and without introducing new terminology, the framework that we present aims to facilitate effective communication and collaboration in invasion science and management of non-native species