Abstract: Backup data is leveraged to determine whether primary data has been encrypted by malware. The disclosed approach does not rely on recognizing particular malware instances or malware provenance, and thus can be applied to any body of data. Even a novel and previously unknown malware attack can be detected in this way. An illustrative data storage management system analyzes secondary copies it created over time, applies a multi-factor analysis to data recovered from the secondary copies and, based on the analysis, infers whether the primary data from which the secondary copies were created may be encrypted. The present approach uses successive versions of backup copies to find indicia of malware encryption, rather than trying to trace or identify the malware itself. Indicia of entropy correlate highly with encryption, such as encryption performed by malware attacks. Conversely, indicia of similarity correlate highly with lack of encryption of successive versions of documents.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention comprises the use of plant-derived substances to reduce body fat and/or to increase insulin sensitivity in mammals. In certain embodiments, the invention comprises a composition for reducing the amount of fat in the body of a mammal, the composition comprising at least one plant-derived substance which inhibits adipogenesis in the body of the mammal and at least one plant-derived substance which promotes lipolysis in the body of the mammal. In certain embodiments, the invention comprises a composition for reducing the amount of fat in the body of a mammal, the composition comprising at least one plant-derived substance which inhibits adipogenesis in the body of the mammal, at least one plant-derived substance which promotes lipolysis in the body of the mammal, and at least one plant-derived substance which inhibits lipogenesis in the body of the mammal.

Abstract: Adipomodulin (a light chain molecule) and related molecules and methods useful in the treatment of obesity and obesity-related disorders.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention comprises the use of plant-derived substances to reduce body fat and/or to increase insulin sensitivity in mammals. In certain embodiments, the invention comprises a composition for reducing the amount of fat in the body of a mammal, the composition comprising at least one plant-derived substance which inhibits adipogenesis in the body of the mammal and at least one plant-derived substance which promotes lipolysis in the body of the mammal. In certain embodiments, the invention comprises a composition for reducing the amount of fat in the body of a mammal, the composition comprising at least one plant-derived substance which inhibits adipogenesis in the body of the mammal, at least one plant-derived substance which promotes lipolysis in the body of the mammal, and at least one plant-derived substance which inhibits lipogenesis in the body of the mammal.

Abstract: A proteoglycan (“azaftig”) with a molecular weight of approximately 24,000 Dalton has been isolated and partially characterized from the urine of cachectic cancer and non-cancer patients. Azaftig has been shown to bind to receptors on fat cell membranes, and to cause lipolysis. Azaftig does not bind to muscle cell membranes, or cause proteolysis in muscle tissue. Azaftig detection in urine or other body fluids will allow early identification of patients in which weight loss may become a problem. Azaftig may also aid fat loss in humans in which obesity is a threat to health.

Abstract: A composition and method for attenuating the desire for alcohol in a mammal comprising administering to such mammal in need thereof, an amount effective to attenuate the desire for alcohol of a material comprising histidyl-proline diketopiperazine and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier thereof.