Dengue Fever:

Dengue fever is a lethal viral infection transmitted through biting of a particular type of mosquito known as “Aedes Aegypti”. The virus attacks blood cell, spleen, liver and results in a low white blood cell count and reduces the number of platelets (blood clotting components) in the body. Severe headache, high fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, body ache, loss of appetite, cough, sore throat are some of the symptoms of dengue fever. This fever usually lasts for 2 weeks.

Once diagnosed with this fever, careful steps should be taken as this fever can also result in death of the patient. High fever should be controlled by consuming paracetamol, avoiding the use of antibiotics as they would result in further decreasing the number of white blood cells and platelets in the patient’s body.

Precaution is better than cure, should be our motto for a healthier environment. Dengue is a fever that kills. It is transferred through stagnant water as well, so precautionary measures should be taken regarding this. Regular blood tests should be done in order to monitor the count of platelets and blood cells. Mosquito sprays should be done in dengue affected areas.

Bentham Science Publishers’ journal “Anti-Infective Agents” publishes original research, expert reviews, drug clinical trial studies and guest edited issues on all the latest and outstanding developments on the medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology and use of anti-infective and anti-parasitic agents. This Bentham Journal is a useful guide for all infectious disease researchers in industry, academia and the health services. For more information, you can check http://www.benthamscience.com/rptelc/index.htm

Oxygen Treatment Is Helpful In Treating Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of the back.  It sends signal back and forth to your body and brain. When the spinal cord is damaged, these signals get disrupted, failing to reach the brain. This causes back pain, difficulty in walking or paralysis in severe cases. Spinal cord injuries are usually started with a fracture or dislocation of vertebrae, the bone disks which make the spinal cord.  A spinal cord gets injured when pieces of vertebrae, tear into the cord tissue or presses on nerves which carry signals to the brain.

A spinal cord injury should be dealt with immediately, only then it can reduce the long-term effects. Medicines, braces or traction to stabilize the spine and surgery are a few of the treatments used for spinal injuries. Rehabilitation therapy for spinal cord injuries is an essential element in the treatment.

All the spinal cord injuries are incomplete, meaning that some of the nerve connections remain unharmed so they function partially. Patients suffering from such injuries rely on wheelchairs, canes and braces to move around.

Recently, a study indicated that breathing treatments provide a low level of oxygen which may be able to cure certain types of spinal cord injuries. As rehabilitation process is frustrating; a low-oxygen treatment can help patients with spinal cord injuries to some extent.

The oxygen treatment releases a brain chemical named serotonin, which transmits messages from one nerve cell to another. Low oxygen levels release growth factors which repair the nerves and improve their plasticity. The study showed positive responses as they were in a position to walk 33 feet before the oxygen treatment and afterwards an increase in the distance in six minutes by 328 feet was observed.

Bentham Science Publishers is a well-known name in the publishing industry. One of its eBook is “Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research – Central Nervous System Volume 1” that presents the latest research and clinical studies on the central nervous system (CNS). It covers a range of topics such as the development and pathophysiology of the brain and spinal cord, physiological sites of drug action in the CNS and clinical findings on drugs used to treat CNS defects due to injury or impaired development. 

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is the term given to a sleep disorder in which the brain is unable to regulate the sleep cycle properly. The patient will suffer from excessive daytime sleep or even sudden bouts of nap.

Narcolepsy is believed to have strong connections with misguided immune attacks, and is therefore suspected of being an autoimmune disease. Patients suffering from Narcolepsy are also at the risk of sleep-paralysis, insomnia, hallucinations or even cataplexy.

Cataplexy is a condition in which the person suffers from sudden spells of muscle weakness. It is the most common symptom of narcolepsy according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and afflicts more than 3,000 people in the United States alone.

Fortunately, research has laid out the possibility of a treatment focusing on the immune system that could be used against the disease. One of the possible causes of the disorder is decreased levels of hypocretin or orexin in the brain. The deficiency might result from an abnormal immune system that attacks on the brain cells that produce hypocretin.

One of the feasible cures for Narcolepsy is the use of T-cells to treat the sleep disorder with an immune-suppressing therapy. T cells are a key part of immune system defenses against infection, and researchers believe that narcolepsy patients have blood T cells that react to a particular hyprocretin protein.

Bentham Science Publishers’ subscription based journal, “CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets” publishes research articles and reviews on the medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, genomics and biochemistry of contemporary molecular targets involved in neurological and central nervous system (CNS) disorders e.g. disease specific proteins, receptors, enzymes, genes. For more information on Narcolepsy, you can refer to one of the articles in this journal: “The Hypocretins and their Role in Narcolepsy” (http://www.benthamscience.com/cdtcnsnd/contabs/cdtcnsnd8-4.htm#5). 

VISUALIZING THE GENDER GAP - COMPUTER SCIENCE FIELD:

The jobs in computing field have been a ray of light in a gloomy economy. Through statistical analysis, women earned only 18% of computer science degrees in 2012 cutting down from 27% in 2001. Unemployment in this field stands at only 3.5% and the number of computing jobs is expected to grow more than 20% by 2020.

The field of computer science and information technology are among the nation`s rapidly enhancing occupations and the employees are facing a tough time to fill open jobs. It is an uphill task for the men to fulfill the demand on their own. The research studies have shown that the declination of the women in computing field is associated with the social influences.

A report published last week to coincide with Computer Science Education Week, exposes the way in which the gender divide in computer science is becoming more extreme. With the title Half Empty the report points out:

“Men have surged back into computing in the past five years, but women have not recovered from last decade’s slump.”  (http://changetheequation.org/half-empty)

The most common perception of computer science as a solitary profession can isolate girls as well as women. This insight is nurtured by popular society which portrays women in computing as eccentric and odd figures.

Bentham Science Journal “Recent Patents on Computer Science” publishes review and research articles, and guest edited thematic issues on recent patents in all areas of computer science. The journal is essential reading for all researchers involved in computer science. This journal is indexed in Compendex, Scopus and Pubs Hub. For further details about this Bentham Journal, please visit:

http://benthamscience.com/cseng/index.htm

Menopause: A Natural Phenomenon:

Menopause is the last menstrual period to be exact. Women in general think that menopause think of it as a time span that leads up to it and after their last period. In actuality, periods don’t tend to just stop, they become less, and gradually after several years menopause finally happens.

Women are said to have gone through menopause when they have not have had a period at all for one year. A natural menopause occurs when women get older and ovaries stop producing eggs and make less oestrogen (the main female hormone). The average age for menopause is 51, and it’s premature if it occurs before the age of 40. Radiotherapy, ovaries removal by surgery, chemotherapy drugs, hysterectomy and inheritance are some of the causes for early menopause.

Menopause is a natural process, and not an illness. However, this does have side effects that tend to appear after menopause. Temporarily, women after menopause experience night sweats, hot flashes, disturbed sleep patterns, hair loss, mood swings. On the other hand, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, obesity, depression, urinary incontinence are some of the chronic complications.

Plenty of exercises, cutting off spicy food, quitting smoking, sleeping properly, avoiding stressful situations and staying calm can help in fighting these side effects.

To read further regarding women related issues, you can get access to different journals of Bentham science Publishers in all fields of science, biotechnology, drugs, therapy and many others. 

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOs):

There are numerous diseases that are common among women. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOs) or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a prevalent hormonal disease in women. The name of this syndrome came from the condition that appears when a woman is suffering from PCOs- in this condition, the outer edge of the ovary gets thick and numerous cysts appear outside each ovary.

There are several signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome that includes; excessive hair growth all over the body, high blood pressure, excessive uterine bleeding, excess insulin, obesity, elevated intensity of male hormones that are androgens and others, acne, difficulty in getting pregnant and absent or irregular menstruation cycle. In older women, difficulty of conceiving or unnecessary weight gain possibly will be the first sign of getting affected with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

The precise source of PCOs is still unknown. The complications can be worst if it is not early diagnosed. The severe condition may lead the patient suffer from acute diabetes and heart diseases. Moreover, this disease transfers from generation to generation which means it comes from family also.

This condition can be treated through medicines in the early stages but if it is not early diagnosed, it can be treated through surgeries and alternative treatments.

Skin Grafting

Merriam-Webster has defined ‘skin grafting’ is defined as “A piece of skin that is surgically removed from a donor area to replace skin in a defective or denuded area (as one that has been burned).”

In simpler words, skin grafting is the removal of transplantation of healthy skin from one area to another. The skin which is taken off and transplanted is called a ‘skin graft’. There are two major types of skin grafting. One of them is thin layer skin graft. In this type, a thin layer of skin is taken away from the healthiest part of the human body. The other one is the full thickness skin graft which is more risky as it totally depends upon the condition whether the skin is suitable for the body or not. There are various risk factors involved in skin grafting surgery. Some of them include nerve damage, bleeding, infection, loss of grafted skin etc.

Most of these surgeries are successful but it is not guaranteed that the patients who have gone through this surgery are completely recovered and they will not face any problems after the surgery. Sometimes they require the re-grafting of the skin. The grafting should be regularly monitored for good circulation.

Bentham Science Journal “Recent Patents on Biotechnology” publishes review and research articles, and guest edited thematic issues on recent patents in the field of biotechnology. The journal is essential reading for all researchers involved in all fields of biotechnology. The journal is indexed in Scopus, EMBASE, Medline / Pub Med.

THE ROLE OF VITAMINS IN OUR DAILY LIFE:

Vitamins play a vital role in our daily life. They are essential for the proper functioning of the human body. They help in blood formation, growth of hairs, nails, skin and prevention of different diseases.

Vitamin A is used for the development of bones, proper functioning of all tissues, improvement of vision and prevention of various respiratory diseases. The deficiency of Vitamin A causes decreased vision, pain in joints, dry eyes. Vegetables, fruits, butter cheese, fish, liver are the diet highly rich in Vitamin A.

Vitamin B1 or Thiamine is used to control human nervous system. It is also useful for the digestion of fats and sugars. Its deficiency can lead to memory loss, depression, concentration and a disease known as Beri-Beri. Rice, olives, almonds, bread and milk are the diet rich in Vitamin B1.

Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin is very helpful for proper growth. It also maintains nails, healthy skin, and hair. Its deficiency can result into sore throat, anemia and skin problems. Green vegetables, milk, cheese, fish are great source of this vitamin.

Vitamin B3 or Niacin helps in preservation of the cells, digestion and maintenance of healthy skin. Its deficiency causes diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite. Meat, fish, peanuts, eggs are rich in this vitamin.

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid helps in growth, repair of blood vessels and tissue cells. It also helps in wound healing and various infectious diseases. Strawberry, Kiwi, Lemon are highly rich in Vitamin C.

Vitamin D helps in maintenance of bones, teeth, joints and protection of nervous system. Its deficiency can lead to the destruction of cells, muscle problems and anemia. Fish Liver Oil, Salmon, Tuna, Egg Yolk are good source of Vitamin D.

Vitamin E aids in healing burn wounds, blood clots.  Its deficiency can result into Anemia.  Corn Oil, broccoli, carrot are highly rich in Vitamin E.

Vitamin K is used for protein formation and prevents clotting of blood. Its lack can cause bleeding and blood clotting issues. Green vegetables, seeds and fruits are a good source of this vitamin.

Depressed? DO NOT Eat Chocolates!!

People are more prone to eat chocolates and indulge in sugary items when they are depressed. Have you ever wondered that these chocolates and fast food items may be adding to your depression?

According to research, depression and diet may be related, as a bad diet can actually make you depressed. Researchers looked at the relationship between depression and food, by observing the eating habits of more than 40,000 middle-aged working men and women, during the last five years.

People who were not suffering from depression at the beginning of the study showed a change in the eating habits. It was observed that as soon as they started consuming more high processed meat, desserts, chocolates, fried food and high-fat dairy products, they became more vulnerable to depression by the end of the study. Hence, regular intake of junk food caused depression in majority of the participants.

Research indicates that 51 % of the people, vulnerable to depression eat junk food like pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs etc. Fizzy drinks, white rice, pasta and bagels are some of the other foods are considered to show symptoms of depression in men and women.

On the other hand, people who ate fruits, green vegetables and fish were reported less likely to be depressed. Researchers believe that people following a particular diet can help protect them from various diseases. For instance, Mediterranean diet includes fruits, fish and vegetables limiting meat and dairy products, have decreased the chances of suffering from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

A Potential Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease

A hereditary blood disorder, known as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) or Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) transforms blood cells into a ‘sickle’ shape, which is a cause of disruptions in the natural circulation of blood. This mutation of the red blood cells is highly dangerous for the patients suffering from SCD; it not only makes the patient anemic, but also reduces the lifespan.

SCD changes the shape of the cells from ‘disc-like’ to ‘sickle’, when the DNA of an infant sends a signal to transform the hemoglobin from ‘fetal’ to ‘adult’.  Therefore, Sickle Cell disorder is genetic.

Research in the Hematology (the study of blood) has revealed that the chances of an individual being affected by SCD can be minimized. An experiment was done on adult mice with the help of a specialized tool showed some positive results. The specialized tool used in this research genetically engineered zinc finger (ZF) protein, which they custom-designed to latch onto a specific DNA site carrying the code for fetal hemoglobin. They attached the ZF to another protein that forced a chromatin loop to form. The loop then activated gene expression that produced embryonic hemoglobin in blood-forming cells from adult mice. 

This research had the same results when done on human blood.  Researchers will continue with the investigation aimed at reaching toward clinical application.

Bentham Science Publishers is one of the leading STM publishers in the industry. It has more than 116 online and print journals, 150 plus Open Access journals, and related print/online book series. One of the numerous eBooks is, Immunology of Pregnancy 2013, which is a complete compendium of gynecological immunology, spanning from fecundation to delivery.

Brain Cells Contract While You Sleep, And It’s Not Even A Bad Thing

Brain gets on the cleaning shoes while we sleep. A new study indicates that while you sleep, brain cells shrink up to 60% and cleans cellular garbage more efficiently. Researchers believe that due to the cleaning process of the brain, more energy is consumed by the brain while we sleep than we are awake. Sleeping is an act known to perform many critical functions like fusion of memories and recharging cells, but it has been associated with cerebral rubbish removal for the first time.

The new research on this subject suggests that while the body’s power down, the glymphatic system rises up to 10 times more active than when brain is awake. It becomes easier for the fluid to clean the brain passages. When we are sleeping, proteins that are responsible for diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders are also flushed out of the system more effectively than we are awake.

The Lymphatic system is responsible for sanitizing our bodies, which is not sufficient to clean our brains due to brain’s blood barrier. Blood in the brain prevents certain cleaning agents to get to the brain. On the other hand, glymphatic system is composed of cerebrospinal fluid that makes it easier to reach the brain, and extract the waste products and other toxins during our sleep.

Bentham Science Publishers is one of the leading STM publishers in the world. It has a wealth of online journals and eBooks in the fields of pharmaceutical, biomedical, medical, and engineering, technology, computer and social sciences. “The Open Sleep Journal” is one of the open access journals available. To read more articles on sleep related inquiries, please click on the link: http://www.benthamscience.com/open/toslpj/openaccess2.htm

Energy Drinks Are Not So Healthy For The Heart

Cardiac radiologists have concluded that energy drinks are a major cause of heart strain. When an energy drink is consumed, the contraction rate of the heart increases significantly which strains the heart’s left ventricle. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2013 report, almost 21,000 people in the U.S alone are being sent to emergency rooms every year because of this.

Consuming highly caffeinated drinks causes racy heart rate, tremors, seizures, high blood pressure, or even death. Energy drinks are fully loaded with caffeine, which is why they are dangerous for health. A new study shows that a can of energy drink, which contains 400mg/100 ml Taurine and 32 mg/100 ml caffeine, affects the body after an hour, resulting in an increased stress on the heart.

Embracing a healthy lifestyle helps the heart; foods with full of fiber and protein should be consumed instead of sugar and caffeine, after all this is the heart we are talking about. Low-fat yogurt, dark chocolate, roasted almonds, frozen berries or an apple are better options than eating fatty or sugary products.

Bentham Science Publishers is one of the leading STM publishing companies. It publishes 116 online and print journals, 150 plus open access journals, and related print/online book series. For recent cardiovascular discoveries please visit http://benthamscience.com/prc/index.htm

Dengue Fever: The Silent Killer:

Dengue Fever is a viral infectious disease which is transmitted by a special type of mosquito known as “Aedes Aegypti.” This type of virus attacks blood cell, spleen, liver and results into low white blood cell count and reduces blood clotting components known as Platelets.

The most common symptoms of dengue fever include loss of appetite, body ache, fatigue, high fever with headache, abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting, dry cough and slightly sore throat.

The worst case of Dengue was observed in October, 2013 in India, where 433 cases of Dengue were confirmed in the first three days of October. K.K Agarwal, a senior physician at Moolchand Hospital expressed his view on this calamatic situation in the following words: “With a wet October predicted, the capital is facing its worst dengue outbreak in over a decade.”

The dengue fever lasts for around 10-15 days. Several safety measures should be taken in this case. Paracetamol should be given to the dengue affected patients in order to control high fever. The use of antibiotic should be avoided because it further decreases the platelets and blood cell count. To prevent mosquito bites, wear long pants and long sleeves. Mosquito Repellant Sprays should be used in areas where dengue is endemic. Regular blood tests should be conducted to monitor the platelet and blood cell count. If the high fever lasts for long without any specific source of infection, the patient should be immediately taken to the hospital.

Bentham Science Publishers’ journal “Anti-Infective Agents” publishes original research, expert reviews, drug clinical trial studies and guest edited issues on all the latest and outstanding developments on the medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology and use of anti-infective and anti-parasitic agents. This Bentham Journal is a useful guide for all infectious disease researchers in industry, academia and the health services. For more information, you can check http://www.benthamscience.com/rptelc/index.htm

Inflammation: An Inborn immunity

One of the eBooks of Bentham Science Publisher, that is; “Surgical Inflammation” will provide the readers, a chance of gaining exclusive viewpoint about the patho-physiological mechanisms that are involved in numerous inflammatory conditions.  Bentham Science a; leading STM publishing company that publishes 116 online and print journals, 150 plus open access journals, and related print/online book series .

Inflammation is a body’s effort to avert the reaction of internal and external bacteria that affects the human body. Whenever a body has an external pressure, it reacts by inflating that specific body part and begins the curative process. The word, ‘inflation’ is taken from “inflammo’ which is a Latin word that means, ‘set on fire or ignite’.

Inflammation is the part of body’s inborn immune system. For instance, if your ankle gets damaged, the body will react to it by inflating that part so that the healing process starts. Inflammation is of two types, chronic and acute. Chronic inflammation takes time for healing, sometimes months and years. The Chronic inflammation stays on the host tissues for a longer time period. Whereas, acute inflammation can be distinguished by redness, heat swelling and pain on the wound.  This rapid inflammatory reaction occurs as soon as someone is hurt or injured. When acute inflammation gets protracted, it turns out into chronic inflammation. 

“CHOLESTROL-AN IMPORTANT HEALTH CONCERN IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE”:

The researchers in India have developed an innovative method for checking cholesterol levels in patients at increased risk of heart disease.

They are using a digital camera to perform the total cholesterol test. The snap shots of the back of the patient`s hands are taken with the help of this digital camera. In this case, the sample of blood is not used. The images of the new patients that are processed through this camera are then cropped and compared with the already existing images within the database of known cholesterol levels.

The measurement of the type and amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood is an important health concern in cardiovascular disease. Total cholesterol test is a very helpful early indicator, although further detailed analysis has been required in order to differentiate between the types of cholesterol: HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein). In this situation, triglycerides have been used for a better and more accurate health assessment of the patients having high total cholesterol levels. The existence of numerous total levels of cholesterol can be revealed with the help of skin image analysis.

Bentham Science Publishers’ journal “Recent Patents on Cardiovascular Drug Discovery” publishes different articles on clinical drug trial studies and guest edited thematic issues on recent patents in the field of cardiovascular drug discovery. This Bentham Journal is a useful guide for all researchers involved in the cardiovascular drug design and discovery. For more information, you can check http://www.benthamscience.com/prc/index.htm