Bypassing Multiple Security Layers Using Malicious USB Human Interface Device

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) enabled devices acts as a trusted tool for data interchange, interface, and storage for the computer systems through Human Interface Devices (HID) namely the keyboard, mouse, headphone, storage media and peripherals that use the USB port. However, with billions of USB enabled devices currently in use today, the attacker’s potential to seamlessly leverage this device to perform malicious activities by bypassing security layers presents serious risk to systems administrators. The paper thus presents a comprehensive review of the multiple attacks that can be leveraged using USB devices and the corresponding vulnerabilities including countermeasures. This is followed by the demonstration of five attacks to validate the threat and the associated vulnerabilities by bypassing four security layers namely (1) two server operating system (OS) controls, (2) one group policy control, and (3) antivirus. The attack was performed by plugging in a USB that is connected with the Arduino Micro board to install three differently crafted malwares into the victim machine (Windows Server 2012). As a result, the Arduino device that has been programmed to act like a Human Interaction Device (HID) was able to bypass all the four layers successfully, with execution on the first three layers. The attack-vulnerability theoretical model, the demonstration of the five attacks, and the subsequent analysis of the attacks provide academics with multiple domains (countermeasures) for further research, as well as practitioners to focus on critical IT controls

The Balanced Two-String Technique for Sulcus Intraocular Lens Implantation in the Absence of Capsular Support

Purpose. To describe and explore an alternative approach for sulcus intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the absence of capsular support. Methods. The commonly available one-piece poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) lens is stabilized in the sulcus by two intraocular horizontal strings of 10/0 polypropylene suture passed through the lens dialing holes in opposite directions to achieve a mechanical balance. The horizontal strings of 10/0 polypropylene work as a rail track for the IOL optics, allowing some side to side lens adjustment even following wound closure. The stability of the IOL was tested in vitro. Six aphakic patients underwent in-sulcus IOL secondary implantation using the balanced two-string technique. Patients were followed up for a minimum of six months. Best spectacle corrected vision was assessed. Lens centration and lens tilt were measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Results. All patients had successful lens insertion. Best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) improved in all patients. Lens decentration ranged between 0.21 mm and 0.9 mm (average 0.53 mm). Lens tilt ranged between 1.2° and 2.8° (average 2.17°). Conclusion. The mechanically balanced two-string technique is an alternative option for sulcus IOL implantation in absence of capsular support, allowing lens centration adjustment with no additional risks

IVIG (Immunoglobulin) as an Adjuvant Therapy in COVID-19

COVID-19 viral disease appeared in China in December 2019 and then spread around the world, affecting millions and causing the death of thousands of people. Its danger in simple and easy infection transmission methods. Some believe that it has moved from the bat to the human and its symptoms are high temperature, dry cough and difficulty breathing, and symptoms vary from person to person, as they may not appear on some and be severe in others.  Laboratory, in COVID-19 the rate of D-dimer increase so we recommended using of Enoxaparin sodium to raise the level of liquidity in the blood, thereby reducing the chance of thrombosis and reducing the value of D-dimer. In COVID-19 also we find the PO2 decrease in arterial blood gas analysis, increase liver enzyme levels, increase ferritin value and decrease the No of lymphocyte. Low percentage of lymphocytes is one of the predictions for infection with COVID-19 virus. Lymphocytes originate from the bone marrow and include B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. COVID-19 binds to lymphocyte receptors and destroys them. In this case, we recommend using immunoglobulin to maintain these cells as an adjuvant therapy in COVID-19

The impact of alternative window glazing types and a shading system on the daylighting of hospital patient rooms: simulation analysis under a desert clear sky

This paper aimed at identifying the most effective glazing type that suits different patient room layouts under desert clear skies. Year-round daylighting performance of three glazing types was compared with that of a 45 degree sun breaker for three different patient room layouts. Simulations were conducted for rooms facing south in Cairo, Egypt. The daylighting performance of the tested glazing types was less than that of a sun breaker. Electrochromic-60 and lowE glazing were successful in the outboard bathroom design only, for large window sizes. The electrochromic-30 glass did not produce acceptable results in any of the tested cases

Debilitating floods in the Sahel are becoming frequent

Despite the long-lasting and widespread drought in the Sahel, flood events did punctuate in the past. The concern about floods remains dwarf on the international research and policy agenda compared to droughts. In this paper, we elucidate that floods in the Sahel are now becoming more frequent, widespread, and more devastating. We analyzed gridded daily rainfall data over the period 1981–2020, used photographs and satellite images to depict flood areas and threats, compiled and studied flood-related statistics over the past two decades, and supported the results with peer-reviewed literature. Our analysis revealed that the timing of the maximum daily rainfall occurs from the last week of July to mid-August in the Eastern Sahel, but from the last week of July to the end of August in the Western Sahel. In 2019 and 2020, flash and riverine floods took their toll in Sudan and elsewhere in the region in terms of the number of affected people, direct deaths, destroyed and damaged houses and croplands, contaminated water resources, and disease outbreaks and deaths. Changes in rainfall intensity, human interventions in the physical environment, and poor urban planning play a major role in driving catastrophic floods. Emphasis should be put on understanding flood causes and impacts on vulnerable societies, controlling water-borne diseases, and recognizing the importance of compiling relevant and reliable flood information. Extreme rainfall in this dry region could be an asset for attenuating the regional water scarcity status if well harvested and managed. We hope this paper will induce the hydroclimate scholars to carry out more flood studies for the Sahel. It is only then encumbered meaningful opportunities for flood risk management can start to unveil

α-Globin Messenger Ribonucleic Acid as a Molecular Marker for Determining the Age of Human Blood Spots in Different Temperatures

Background: Analyzing recovered evidence, such as blood which is one of the most encountered types of biological evidence, can provide information to establish the definite time when a crime was committed. This study aims to investigate the time- and temperature-related effects on human bloodstain’s α-globin messenger RNA expression and to estimate the bloodstain’s age using α-globin mRNA. Methods: A total of 22 blood samples were collected from healthy middle-aged volunteers (12 women and 10 men). After preparation, the samples were exposed to temperatures of 4°C, 24°C, and 40°C. Next, the mRNA expression of the α-globin gene was quantified by real-time RT-PCR at different time intervals of 0, 30, 90, and 150 days.Results: The α-globin gene expression showed the highest mean values by 0 day and at 4°C and the lowest mean values by 150 days and at 40°C. Samples from male participants showed higher mean values of α-globin gene expression compared to their female counterparts. A significant negative correlation was detected between α-globin gene expression and time interval. Meanwhile, a regression equation was formulated to estimate the time interval using the α-globin gene concentration.Conclusion: α-Globin mRNA could be a useful marker to estimate the age of human blood spots

Impact of Genetic Polymorphism of Myeloid Differentiation Primary Response Gene 88, Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2, and B-cell Lymphoma 2 like 11 in Patients with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Treated with Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristin

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing landscape of genetic drivers in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma, yet their clinical implication is still unclear and R-CHOP regimen remains a “one size fits all” therapy. We aimed in this study to examine the prevalence of EZH2, BCL211 and MYD 88 genetic polymorphisms in DLBCL patients and correlate the results with various clinical and survival outcomes. METHODS: Genotyping of MYD88 (rs387907272 T/C), EZH2 (rs3757441 C/T), and BCL2L11 (rs3789068 A/G) polymorphisms were conducted using real time polymerase chain reaction analysis in a total of 75 DLBCL patients. RESULTS: Most of our cases carried the wild TT genotype of MYD88 gene (64%), the mutant TT genotype of EZH2 gene (52%) and the wild AA genotype of BCL2L11 gene (48%). Regarding cell of origin, Germinal Centre (GC) phenotype was present in 56% of cases while 44% expressed the Post-GC (PGC) phenotype. Poor response outcome to first line R-CHOP was significantly correlated with the mutated CC genotype of MYD 88 (p=0.02), while better response to R-CHOP was significantly associated with younger age <50 years (p <0.0001), good PS (p=0.046), normal LDH level (p=0.003), earlier stage (p <0.0001), good IPI score (p=0.009), absence of extranodal disease (p <0.0001) and absence of bulky disease (p=0.004). The median PFS and the 2 year OS were significantly higher in younger age, earlier stage, good IPI score, absence of extranodal disease, absence of bulky disease and in GC phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Our results emphasized that the mutated genotype of MYD 88 gene polymorphism is significantly associated with poor response to R-CHOP therapy

Signaling mechanisms of a water soluble curcumin derivative in experimental type 1 diabetes with cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND: Curcumin exhibits anti-diabetic activities, induces heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and is an inhibitor of transcriptional co-activator p300. A novel water soluble curcumin derivative (NCD) has been developed to overcome low invivo bioavailability of curcumin. We evaluated the effect of the NCD on signaling mechanisms involved in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and studied whether its action is mediated via inducible HO-1. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into controls, controls receiving NCD, diabetic, diabetic receiving NCD, diabetic receiving pure curcumin, diabetic receiving HO inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX) and diabetic receiving NCD and ZnPP IX. NCD and curcumin were given orally. After 45 days, cardiac physiologic parameters, plasma glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin (GHb), HO-1 gene expression and HO activity in pancreas and cardiac tissues were assessed. Gene expression of p300, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2A and MEF2C) were studied. RESULTS: NCD and curcumin decreased plasma glucose, GHb and increased insulin levels significantly in diabetic rats. This action may be partially mediated by induction of HO-1 gene. HO-1 gene expression and HO activity were significantly increased in diabetic heart and pancreas. Diabetes upregulated the expression of ANP, MEF2A, MEF2C and p300. NCD and curcumin prevented diabetes-induced upregulation of these parameters and improved left ventricular function. The effect of the NCD was better than the same dose of curcumin

Influence of Interleukin-6 (174G/C) Gene Polymorphism on Obesity in Egyptian Children

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a multi-factorial chronic disorder. A considerable number of studies have been performed to figure out whether there is an association between obesity and polymorphisms of gene IL-6 (174G/C), but the results are equivocal.AIM: This study aimed to find out whether the IL-6 (174G/C) gene was associated with the risk of developing obesity in Egyptian children.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 149 children and adolescents with age ranged between 9.5 – 18 years. Eighty-five of them were obese which BMIZ-score is > 2, and sixty-four children with BMIZ-score ≤ 2 served as control group. Serum level of IL-6 and genetic analysis for IL-6 (174G/C) gene polymorphism were done.RESULTS: Obese children had significantly higher serum levels of IL-6 as compared to those of control children (P = 0.003). A high percentage of IL-6 polymorphism GC was found in obese subjects (93.7%), while the control group had a higher percentage of IL-6 polymorphism GG (70.6 %).CONCLUSION: Our study showed that carriers of the C allele for the IL-6 (174G/C) polymorphism have higher BMI. As the G174C polymorphism is likely to affect IL-6 expression and its physiological regulation; consequently this polymorphism may affect adiposity

Unveiling the interplay between NSAID-induced dysbiosis and autoimmune liver disease in children: insights into the hidden gateway to autism spectrum disorders. Evidence from ex vivo, in vivo, and clinical studies

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a diverse group of neuropsychiatric conditions, and recent evidence has suggested a connection between ASD and microbial dysbiosis. Immune and gastrointestinal dysfunction are associated with dysbiosis, and there are indications that modulating the microbiota could improve ASD-related behaviors. Additionally, recent findings highlighted the significant impact of microbiota on the development of autoimmune liver diseases, and the occurrence of autoimmune liver disease in children with ASD is noteworthy. In the present study, we conducted both an in vivo study and a clinical study to explore the relationship between indomethacin-induced dysbiosis, autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and the development of ASD. Our results revealed that indomethacin administration induced intestinal dysbiosis and bacterial translocation, confirmed by microbiological analysis showing positive bacterial translocation in blood cultures. Furthermore, indomethacin administration led to disturbed intestinal permeability, evidenced by the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasomes pathway and elevation of downstream biomarkers (TLR4, IL18, caspase 1). The histological analysis supported these findings, showing widened intestinal tight junctions, decreased mucosal thickness, inflammatory cell infiltrates, and collagen deposition. Additionally, the disturbance of intestinal permeability was associated with immune activation in liver tissue and the development of AIH, as indicated by altered liver function, elevated ASMA and ANA in serum, and histological markers of autoimmune hepatitis. These results indicate that NSAID-induced intestinal dysbiosis and AIH are robust triggers for ASD existence. These findings were further confirmed by conducting a clinical study that involved children with ASD, autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and a history of NSAID intake. Children exposed to NSAIDs in early life and complicated by dysbiosis and AIH exhibited elevated serum levels of NLRP3, IL18, liver enzymes, ASMA, ANA, JAK1, and IL6. Further, the correlation analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between the measured parameters and the severity of ASD. Our findings suggest a potential link between NSAIDs, dysbiosis-induced AIH, and the development of ASD. The identified markers hold promise as indicators for early diagnosis and prognosis of ASD. This research highlights the importance of maintaining healthy gut microbiota and supports the necessity for further investigation into the role of dysbiosis and AIH in the etiology of ASD