About Bentham eBooks

Researchers of scholarly work can reach millions of people by making their work available online in digital formats. Electronic publishing has emerged as a profitable and popular alternative to costly traditional publishing. An eBook is an electronic book which is readily available online on your computers.

Bentham has an extensive library of eBooks in the areas of science, technology, medicine, social sciences and humanities. Electronic publishing has made reading more convenient and enjoyable for readers, who now have a much wider choice of selections and the comfort of sitting at home and downloading eBooks. A variety of eBooks is available on Bentham’s website that covers all major disciplines of natural, social sciences and information technology. For more information, you can visit the website:

http://benthamscience.com/ebooks/

Bentham Science follows rigorous editorial policies in publishing its eBooks such as copyright, ethical approval, plagiarism avoidance and crystal clear author guidelines. Manuscripts are subjected to extensive peer review by the Editorial Board members and external referees.

The readers can enjoy reading Bentham Science eBooks in both printed and online versions. 

INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE (IOP) & GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is a complex eye disease in which gradual damage to optic nerve can lead to complete vision loss. In some cases, it happens as a result of increase in Intraocular Pressure (IOP) inside the eyes.

The normal eye pressure ranges from 12 to 22 mm Hg. If the pressure is higher than 22, it is considered to be an increased eye pressure. If the IOP is higher than the normal and the person does not show signs of glaucoma, this medical condition is known as ocular hypertension. However, high eye pressure alone does not cause Glaucoma, but, it is a significant risk factor.

There are two different types of glaucoma:

Ø  Angle Closure

Ø  Open Angle

Angle Closure is less common as compared to Open Angle Glaucoma, but it causes more vision loss if not treated properly on time. It occurs when iris blocks water movement out of the eye, enhancing the eye pressure (IOP). The ultimate treatment for this disease is “Iridotomy” in which a hole is made within the iris with the help of laser surgery in order to avoid blocking of water movement.

The older persons ranging above 60 are at an acute risk of developing angle closure glaucoma. It affects women 50% more often than men possibly because of smaller eyes.

Early detection through regular eye exams play a vital role in protecting one`s vision from damage caused by glaucoma. These tests include Tonometry, Gonioscopy, Perimetry, Opthalmoscopy and Pachymetry.

“The Open Ophthalmology Journal” is one of Bentham Science Publishers Open Access online journal, which publishes research articles, reviews, letters and guest edited single topic issues in all areas of experimental and clinical research in ophthalmology and vision science.

Green Tea and Berries- Natural Sources for Enhancing Brain Vitality

There are various benefits of using natural products on human health. Some of these products are rich in anti-oxidants which play a vital role in lowering cholesterol as well as cleaning the body from toxic materials.

Berries and green tea are prime examples of these products. Through recent research studies, it is evident that green tea and berries are highly rich in anti-oxidants which help the brain to boost up its performance and enhance the speed of processing information.

"There is overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrating that those of us who eat a diet rich in antioxidants and take antioxidant supplements will live longer, healthier lives." (Dr. Lester Pecker-Antioxidant Research Scientist)

Antioxidant levels diminish with age, therefore the aging brain appears to be an easy target for oxidative damage. This underscores the significance of getting enough antioxidants through diet and supplements.

Bentham Science Publishers is one of the remarkable names in the STM Publishing industry. One of its journals is “Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition and Agriculture.” This journal publishes review and research articles, and guest edited thematic issues on recent patents in all fields of food science and technology, nutrition and agricultural science and technology. For further details, visit:

http://benthamscience.com/journal/index.php?journalID=rpfna

Cat Bites: Look Benign; Act Deadly

It might come as surprising to most, but cat bites are more serious and hazardous than, for example dog bites.

Recent studies reveal that 1 out of 3 patients receiving wounds from cat bites ended up in hospital, and two-thirds of those hospitalized had to go through surgical treatment.

Cats normally carry a lot of bacteria in their mouths which then infests a wound resulting from a cat bite. These wound fissures are ideal breeding grounds for spreading the infection in tissues, causing blood poisoning which is more formally known as the septicemia. The infection might lead to fever and flu, and sometimes even death if proper medical attention is not received in time. People most at risk from cat bites include small children, the elderly, the sick and also immunosuppressed persons.

In a study by Brian Carlsen, an orthopedic hand surgeon and plastic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, researchers observed 193 cases of cat bites from 2009-2011. 57 patients out of these were hospitalized for 3 days on average; 38 had to have their infected tissues removed out in a surgical procedure known as debridement, while 8 patients needed multiple surgeries, and some even had to go for reconstructive surgeries.

Since this much is clear that cat bites are as harmful as dog bites, if not more, a person must take a number of steps to prevent the infection from spreading to surrounding tissues and joints. Washing the wound is the first and foremost thing, but avoid scrubbing it hard or using disinfectants and other chemicals. It is also important to control and stop bleeding while seeking and waiting for professional medical help.

Bentham Science Publishers is a renowned name in the STM publishing industry. There are a number of Bentham publications on infection and infectious diseases, such as Anti-Infective Agents, Infectious Disorders-Drug Targets and Recent Patents on Anti-Infective Drug Discovery.

Diabetes Type 2 Drugs May Lead to Cancer

Diabetes is one of the most life-threatening diseases in the whole world. According to WHO, 347 million people, worldwide, have diabetes. The leading organization also predicts that by 2030, diabetes will be the 7^th leading cause of deaths. The two types of diabetes vary in some characteristics but the damage to the body is similar. The term “diabetes mellitus” describes a metabolic disorder of multiple aetiology characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both”.

A new research has proven that a drug used to treat the patients of the Type 2 diabetes, may lead to increased risk of bladder cancer. Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset) results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin. Type 2 diabetes comprises 90% of people with diabetes around the world, and is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity. This recent research may increase the rate of death among diabetic patients due to drug induced bladder cancer. The researchers have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the chances of bladder cancer in adults suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus using thiazolidinediones. They suggested that type 2 diabetic patients have 40% more chances of development of cancer.

This study is very helpful for physicians who are specialist in diabetes management and treatment. It would be very healthy for patients if they are not prescribed pioglitazone rather there are various other Antidiabetic drugs that could be prescribed and they do not have any carcinogenic effect.

Bentham Science Publishers is one of the leading journals in the STM industry. It has journals and eBooks pertaining to topics from science, medicine, technology and the like. One of the journals is Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets. This journal is devoted to timely reviews of experimental and clinical studies in the field of endocrine, metabolic, and immune disorders. Specific emphasis is placed on humoral and cellular targets for natural, synthetic, and genetically engineered drugs that enhance or impair endocrine, metabolic, and immune parameters and functions. Topics related to the neuroendocrine-immune axis are given special emphasis in view of the growing interest in stress-related, inflammatory, autoimmune, and degenerative disorders. Original articles related to Immune Disorders and Drug Targeting are also considered for publication.

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.