CONFLLVM: A Compiler for Enforcing Data Confidentiality in Low-Level Code

We present an instrumenting compiler for enforcing data confidentiality in low-level applications (e.g. those written in C) in the presence of an active adversary. In our approach, the programmer marks secret data by writing lightweight annotations on top-level definitions in the source code. The compiler then uses a static flow analysis coupled with efficient runtime instrumentation, a custom memory layout, and custom control-flow integrity checks to prevent data leaks even in the presence of low-level attacks. We have implemented our scheme as part of the LLVM compiler. We evaluate it on the SPEC micro-benchmarks for performance, and on larger, real-world applications (including OpenLDAP, which is around 300KLoC) for programmer overhead required to restructure the application when protecting the sensitive data such as passwords. We find that performance overheads introduced by our instrumentation are moderate (average 12% on SPEC), and the programmer effort to port OpenLDAP is only about 160 LoC.Comment: Technical report for CONFLLVM: A Compiler for Enforcing Data Confidentiality in Low-Level Code, appearing at EuroSys 201

Adverse drug reaction due to combination of gabapentin and nortriptyline along with its causality assessment

The combination of gabapentin and nortriptyline is used as the first line drug treatment for management of neuropathic pain; however adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are one of the main causes for discontinuation of the therapy. This is a case study of erythematous maculopapular rash induced by combination of gabapentin and nortriptyline along with its causality assessment. A 55-year-old female came with complaint of back pain for 1 month. She was diagnosed as a case of L1 acute osteoporotic disc compression fracture. The patient was then administered combination tablet of gabapentin and nortriptyline (100 mg/10 mg) orally for the neuropathic pain. After 3 days she developed erythematous maculopapular rash on face, upper limbs and back. Following this the drug was then discontinued and pheniramine, hydrocortisone and combination tablet of levocetirizine and montelukast was administered to treat the rashes. Causality assessment was done using the Naranjo scale and WHO UMC assessment scale.  The ADRs was reported by VigiFlow in the pharmacovigilance centre. Causality assessment using Naranjo scale (Score 6) and WHO UMC scale indicates probable relationship. Hence, monitoring is essential for any ADRs while using combination of gabapentin and nortriptyline therapy. In case of ADRs, discontinue the therapy and report the adverse drug reactions to pharmacovigilance centre

Role of hysterolaparoscopy in the diagnosis and management of infertility

Background: Infertility is defined by WHO and ICMART as a disease of the reproductive system by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Objective of this study were to assess the role of hysteroscopy and laparoscopy in the evaluation of female infertility. To assess the therapeutic role of these endoscopic modalities in cases of infertility.Methods: A prospective study of 112 women coming with the complain of infertility to a tertiary care centre hospital in Ahmedabad over a period of 30 months from January 2017 to June 2019.Results: Of the 112 cases, 69.7% had primary infertility and 30.3% had secondary infertility. Septum was the most common hysteroscopic finding (7.1%) followed by polyps (5.4%) and synechiae (3.6%). Adhesions was the most common laparoscopic finding (23.2%) followed by tubal blocks (19.7%) and fibroid (17.9%). Polycystic ovaries were seen in 12.5% patients followed by endometriosis in 10.7% women. Myomectomy was most common therapeutic procedure (17.9%) followed by adhesiolysis in 14.3% women and PCO drilling in 8.9% women.Conclusions: Hysterolaparoscopy is useful as a diagnostic and therapeutic measure for women having infertility

An Instrumenting Compiler for Enforcing Confidentiality in Low-Level Code

We present an instrumenting compiler for enforcing data confidentiality in low-level applications (e.g. those written in C) in the presence of an active adversary. In our approach, the programmer marks secret data by writing lightweight annotations on top-level definitions in the source code. The compiler then uses a static flow analysis coupled with efficient runtime instrumentation, a custom memory layout, and custom control-flow integrity checks to prevent data leaks even in the presence of low-level attacks. We have implemented our scheme as part of the LLVM compiler. We evaluate it on the SPEC micro-benchmarks for performance, and on larger, real-world applications (including OpenLDAP, which is around 300KLoC) for programmer overhead required to restructure the application when protecting the sensitive data such as passwords. We find that performance overheads introduced by our instrumentation are moderate (average 12% on SPEC), and the programmer effort to port OpenLDAP is only about 160 LoC

Changing trends in cesarean section: from 1950 to 2020

Caesarean section (C.S) is a part of the standard care in modern obstetrics. The indications for a caesarean section as an alternative to vaginal delivery have evolved over the centuries. Its practicality, disponibility, and apparent safety have placed caesarean section, a first-line procedure in many clinical scenarios. The awareness of perinatal mortality and morbidity associated with safety of caesarean, expert anaesthesia, potent antibiotics, blood transfusion facilities and better neonatal care have increased incidence of caesarean section very fast. Thus, there is fast, steady and definite rise in incidence of caesarean section everywhere. But the question is ‘Is a rising caesarean section rate is inevitable?’. Studies carried out to understand CS deliveries has adopted different framework. The issue treats elements of ethics in the medical profession, gender issues, choices of women, the quality of institutional services, etc. The findings of retrospective studies have suggested that the caesarean section rate could be reduced in certain categories. In this study, we discuss the various ways in which it can be achieved

Proposing new variables for the identification of strategic groups in franchising

The identification of strategic groups in the Spanish franchising area is the main aim of this study. The authors have added some new strategic variables (not used before) to the study and have classified franchisors between sectors and distribution strategy. The results reveal the existence of four perfectly differentiated strategic groups (types of franchisors). One of the major implications of this study is that the variables that build a strategic group vary depending on the respective sector the network operates in and its distribution strategy. This fact indicates that including sector and distribution strategy is absolutely necessary to achieve good classifications of franchisor type

Volumetric laser endomicroscopy and its application to Barrett's esophagus: results from a 1,000 patient registry.

Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) for real-time, microscopic cross-sectional imaging. A US-based multi-center registry was constructed to prospectively collect data on patients undergoing upper endoscopy during which a VLE scan was performed. The objective of this registry was to determine usage patterns of VLE in clinical practice and to estimate quantitative and qualitative performance metrics as they are applied to Barrett's esophagus (BE) management. All procedures utilized the NvisionVLE Imaging System (NinePoint Medical, Bedford, MA) which was used by investigators to identify the tissue types present, along with focal areas of concern. Following the VLE procedure, investigators were asked to answer six key questions regarding how VLE impacted each case. Statistical analyses including neoplasia diagnostic yield improvement using VLE was performed. One thousand patients were enrolled across 18 US trial sites from August 2014 through April 2016. In patients with previously diagnosed or suspected BE (894/1000), investigators used VLE and identified areas of concern not seen on white light endoscopy (WLE) in 59% of the procedures. VLE imaging also guided tissue acquisition and treatment in 71% and 54% of procedures, respectively. VLE as an adjunct modality improved the neoplasia diagnostic yield by 55% beyond the standard of care practice. In patients with no prior history of therapy, and without visual findings from other technologies, VLE-guided tissue acquisition increased neoplasia detection over random biopsies by 700%. Registry investigators reported that VLE improved the BE management process when used as an adjunct tissue acquisition and treatment guidance tool. The ability of VLE to image large segments of the esophagus with microscopic cross-sectional detail may provide additional benefits including higher yield biopsies and more efficient tissue acquisition. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02215291