GLOBAL WARMING ISSUE

Though the issue of global warming is nothing new to us, we are still not able to curtail it or its harmful effects.

Global warming is negatively affecting life on earth, and things will continue to get worse if we do not control the factors resulting in global warming.

Since the 1950s, the climb in average temperature of the earth’s environment is affecting the natural balance. Global warming is harmfully affecting life on earth, and things will continue to worsen if we do not control the factors leading to global warming.

The extensive burning of fossil fuel began with the industrial revolution, which is in fact is a major source of greenhouse gas releases, especially carbon dioxide. Industrial development, coal mining, gas field leakages and car emissions all contribute to the occurrence of global warming. 

 Agriculture is another major cause of global warming. About 14% of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are released by agriculture and farming. Livestock farming, on the other hand, emits huge amounts of methane, a major contributor to world’s greenhouse gases. Conditions are made worse by deforestation and using the cleared land for farming, thus contributing to a vicious cycle.

Global warming is a serious issue which needs immediate attention of the scientific community, governments, corporate sector and consumers of industrial and agricultural products. We need to learn to curtail our consumption rates and ensure the preservation of the earth’s resources. Above all, we need to respect our planet and the life on it, its natural reserves and its conservation. 

Gene Therapy: The Curative Treatment:

Bentham Science Publishers, a renowned publisher that publishes 116 print and online journals, associated print/online book series and 150 plus open access journals. Bentham Science Publishers serves the needs of scientists, doctors, scholars and researchers in the fields of engineering, pharmaceutical, medical, biomedical, medical, technology, social sciences and computers. One of its leading journals include Current Gene Therapy (Impact Factor 5.318), which is indexed in Biotechnology Citation Index^®, Science Citation Index Expanded™, and Index to Scientific Reviews®, Current Contents® /Life Sciences, Journal Citation Reports/Science Edition and many more. In this Journal, the recent gene therapy trends are discussed.

The drug developers and researchers are working hard to find out new ways of eliminating infection and illnesses. The most recent discovery for the treatment of various conditions is gene therapy. This is a sort of treatment in which a healthy gene is introduced into the patient’s tissues and cell, and replaces it with the lethal mutant allele. The outcome of this therapy is promising; however there is always a room for expansion and improvement.

A recent study of the researcher in Italy suggests that if a mutated gene is transmitted into a children body, who is suffering from Wiskott - Aldrich syndrome, Metachromatic Leukodystrophy can be cured effectively by replacing the effected gene from healthy gene. The development of a child is affected if he is suffering from Metachromatic Leukodystrophy. However, Wiskott - Aldrich syndrome leads to a weaker immune system in kids.

The success of the gene therapy, assures that the other diseases can be treated in the same manner to achieve better results.

The New Age of Drug Designing

Drug design is the term which refers to the ingenious process of finding new drug to help the field of medicine. This drug is usually an organic molecule, which attaches itself to a biomolecule. It can either obstruct or initiate the biomolecule, resulting in therapeutic benefit to the patient.

The drug design of the 21^st century is using the computer as helping in making the drug. The essential goal of Computer Aided Drug Design is to predict whether a particular molecule will bind itself to the host (and start the process) and if yes, then how strong will be the bond.

In the field of drug design, molecular dynamics (MD) is used to study various macromolecules as well as macro-molecule small molecule interactions. This technique provides dynamic information of macromolecular processes. Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships (QSAR) establishes a mathematical correlation between the chemical structures of a set of compounds as well as biological activities.

Bentham Science Journal “Current Computer-Aided Drug Design” aims to publish all the latest developments in drug design based on computational techniques. The field of computer-aided drug design has had extensive impact in the area of drug design. Current Computer-Aided Drug Design is an essential journal for all medicinal chemists who wish to be kept informed and up-to-date with all the latest and important developments in computer-aided methodologies and their applications in drug discovery. This journal has an impact factor of 1.54 and is indexed in agencies like MEDLINE, Pub Med, EMBASE and SCOPUS.

10) A Possible Cure for Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) or Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is a hereditary blood disorder, in which the red blood cells transform into a ‘sickle’ shape. It disrupts the natural circulation of blood. This mutation of the red blood cells can be extremely dangerous for the patients. Not only it can make the patient anemic, it can also reduce the life expectancy. SCD is hereditary. In simpler words, the cell change their shape from ‘disc like’ to ‘sickle’ shape when the DNA of a new born baby send signal to transform the hemoglobin (the Oxygen carrying component of the red blood cells) from ‘fetal’ to ‘adult’.

Recent studies in the discipline of Hematology (the study of blood), have proved that the chances of an individual getting SCD can be reduced. According to the research, the researchers used a specialized tool, a 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.

The researchers had the same result when they experimented on human blood. Now the team of researchers will continue investigations aimed at moving their research 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.

[This article is based on the news: ‘Flipping a Gene Switch Reactivates Fetal Hemoglobin, May Reverse Sickle Cell Disease’ by ScienceDaily.com] 

Sleep is a Blessing in More Than One Ways!

Sleeping is known to perform many significant functions like fusion of memories and recharging cells, but it has been associated with cerebral rubbish removal for the first time.

A new research study advocates that sleep is crucial to relax your brain cells, which shrinks approximately 60% and clean cellular garbage more efficiently. Researchers believe that sleep actually consumes more energy than that utilized by us when we are awake. This is proof of the fact that brain is not idle during the sleep, but is rather involved in performing critical brain functions. While the body is powered down, the glymphatic system activates up to 10 times more than when the 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.

There are two crucial systems, which are needed to be mentioned here; the lymphatic system and the glymphatic system. The Lymphatic system is responsible for sanitizing our bodies, which is not sufficient to clean our brains due to brain’s blood barrier. In contrast, glymphatic system comprises of a cerebrospinal fluid that makes it easier to reach the brain, and extract the waste products and other toxins during our sleep.

I would highly recommend “The Open Sleep Journal” from Bentham Science Publishers. Bentham Science is a major STM publisher with more than 200 extensively peer-reviewed Open Access Journals. For a full list of Bentham Open, you can log on to http://benthamscience.com/open/a-z.htm. 

Dangers of Dengue Fever:

Dengue Fever afflicts thousands of people and is a leading cause of disease and death worldwide. Dengue fever, also known as breakbone fever, is a viral infectious disease which is transmitted by a special type of mosquito known as “Aedes Aegypti”. It attacks the blood cells, spleen and liver and causes the white blood cells to reduce and disturbs the blood clotting components known as Platelets.

The most common symptoms of dengue fever include body ache, fatigue, high fever with headache, abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting and dry cough. The fever usually persists for about two weeks and leaves the patient in a fragile state of health.

The most important thing in dengue is to control the high fever. Paracetamol is usually administered in this case, while the use of antibiotic should be avoided because it further decreases the platelets and blood cell count.

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, we must take certain safety measures in order to avoid catching dengue or to prevent it from spreading. To prevent mosquito bites, wear long pants and long sleeves. Mosquito Repellant Sprays should be used in areas where dengue is prevalent. Regular blood tests should be conducted to monitor the platelet and blood cell count.

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. You can log on to http://www.benthamscience.com/rptelc/index.htm for further details.  

Inflammation; A Warning sign for The Immune System:

Inflammation is a process which involves body’s way of fighting against external and internal pathogen. When the body is under a threat, it reacts by inflating a particular body part. Inflating serves as a red alert and healing process starts.

This healing process is body’s inborn way to protect our immune system. For instance, if your ankle gets strained, the body’s response would be to inflate that particular area, so that healing could start. It not only heals wounds speedily, but effectively. When an inflammation is felt in the body, our instance, response is to soothe it by resting.  The basic reason aim of inflammation is to heal anything which is harming our bodies.

Inflammation is of two kinds; acute and chronic. In acute inflammation, the body reacts once it gets septic with infections. It shows symptoms of redness, pain and heat swelling on the injury. At this point, the acute inflammation treats the injured tissues and reverts back, but if acute inflammation gets prolonged it becomes chronic. Chronic inflammation stays on the infected tissue for many years. 

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. One of the eBooks is “Surgical Inflammation”. Readers of this book will have the chance of gaining a unique perspective about of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the multiple inflammatory conditions.

AN IMPORTANT HEALTH ISSUE: CHOLESTROL

Cholesterol is an important health concern and proper safety measures should be taken in order to keep the cholesterol level under control. Those patients with fluctuating cholesterol level are at an acute risk of developing a heart disease.

The research analysis has shown that the researchers in India have developed a non-invasive way for the testing of cholesterol. A digital camera is used by them to execute the total cholesterol test. The pictures of the back of the patient`s hand are taken by using this camera.

The captured images of the new patients are then cropped and compared with the already existing captured photos within the database of known cholesterol levels.

However, the total cholesterol test is a very useful indicator but further detailed analysis has been required in order to distinguish between the two types of cholesterol, classified as HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein).

Bentham Science Publishers’ Journal “Recent Patents on Cardiovascular Drug Discovery” publishes various 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 helpful 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

Jack the Ripper’s Murder Mystery

Murder mystery of Jack the Ripper has revolved around the past 125 years on the streets of East London. This crime mystery has been exposed by a former murder squad detective.

Seemingly, a bad news for millions of amateur investigators; who have spent more than a century investigating for the identity of this pseudo serial killer.

Facts have revealed that it was merely a cheap journalism stunt carried out by a drunken journalist, named Thomas Bulling. In 1888, he forged these letters to Scotland Yard, portraying to be “Jack” in a desperate attempt to report a story. He was paid to provide stories for a newspaper.

Since then, hundreds of books and movies along with TV programs have depicted this story of a serial killer, a Ripper who killed 5 women by slashing their throats, and terrorizing the streets of White chapel.

All the facts of this particular case have been distorted over the years, misleading the public in America and Germany. During 1863 and 1894, a dozen of unsolved murders were committed in a ripper-style, but by a German merchant known as Carl Feigenbaum. He was believed to be responsible for some, but not all of those killings.

This is a classic case of authentication of evidences, and a good study for young detectives and forensics personnel.

Bentham Science Publishers is one of the remarkable STM Journal Publishers. They have a variety of journals and eBooks available. One of their e-books is “Jack the Writer: A Verbal & Visual Analysis of the Ripper Correspondence. For further details about Bentham e-books visit:

http://www.benthamscience.com/ebooks/index.htm

The Risks of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning refers to food-borne illness which is caused by contaminated food intake infected with viruses, bacteria and other toxins. There are a number of sources for these contaminants to enter your body and blood stream, from where they cause numerous stomach diseases.

One of the most common sources of contamination is the infected food handler. These handlers neither wash their hands properly nor wear gloves, which is a big health concern. Dirty kitchenware and service utensils are another source of infectivity.

One way to avoid food-borne illness is to prepare food at high temperatures to kill the contaminants. Food must also be stored in refrigerator to keep it from going bad.

The symptoms of food poisoning start to develop within 2 to 6 hours after eating the contaminated food. The most common symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, nausea, headaches and abdominal cramps.

Bentham Science Publishers’ journal ‘Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture’ publishes research related to food science and nutrition. The journal is a useful guide for all researchers involved in the study of food, nutrition and agricultural sciences. It publishes important patents on food safety issues and healthy diet. For more information, you can check http://benthamscience.com/pfna/index.htm .

Nervous System and Their Disorders

The nervous system is called the backbone of the human body. It consists of the brain, nerves and spinal cord. The nerves are spread all over our body and all the nerves connect and report back to the brain. The brain sends signals to the nerves, regarding a body function, and the nerves report back to the brain. A neurological disorder is happened when the nervous system stops responding to the commands by the brain. There are more than 600 neurological disorders. Most of them can be cured if they are diagnosed at an early stage.

Disorders like ‘Autism’ and “Bipolar Disorder’ transpire due to a fault in genes. Diseases may also occur due to damaged nerve cells. These diseases include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Epilepsy is one nervous system disorder which is eminent among other nervous disorders. Cancer and brain tumors can also happen because of flaw in the nerves.

Neuro-infections and neurological disorders are the sixth cause of neurological consultation in primary care services throughout the globe, but, still with the initiation of effective vaccines and anti-biotic, this issue will remain an uphill task in many regions of the world.

There are various STM Publishers. The name of Bentham Science Publishers is highly established within the publication industry. They have a lot of journals based on neuroscience. To view these journals, visit:

http://www.benthamscience.com/Titlesbydiscipline.htm

Bentham Science Journal-Current Organic Chemistry:

Organic Chemistry is the science of synthesizing, characterizing, designing and developing different applications for molecules which contain carbon as an essential element.

Organic chemists play a vital role within the field of Current Organic Chemistry. They create and study organic compounds and explore innovative applications for the organic materials. All the synthetic reactions and isolations have been performed in a laboratory atmosphere through refined equipments like nuclear magnetic resonance, visible, infrared, and ultraviolet spectroscopy.

Current Organic Chemistry provides detailed review on the recent development within the fields of organo-metallic chemistry, asymmetric synthesis, heterocyclic chemistry, bioorganic chemistry and analytical procedures in organic chemistry.

Current Organic Chemistry –an outstanding journal from the shelves of Bentham Science Publishers has an impact factor of 3.039. The Current Organic Chemistry journal includes high quality research papers, letters and highlights besides thematic issues within these fields.

 One of the Nobel Laureate, Dr. H.C. Brown, discussed his opinion about this journal as: "Current Organic Chemistry is an important chemistry review journal which will present frontier reviews in organic chemistry. The journal will prove to be a very useful source of up-to-date information. The eminent international stature of the Guest Editors will guarantee the high standards expected of an international journal."

For further details and updates regarding this journal visit Bentham Science website at:

http://benthamscience.com/coc/Quotes.htm

All the information about the latest and upcoming journals of Bentham Science Publishers can be viewed online at:

http://www.benthamscience.com/

Bentham Science Journal- Current Alzheimer Research

Alzheimer is a disease which is an intense brain disorder that harms the brain cells and eventually destroys it. This damaging further leads to memory loss and brings about many changes in the functionality of the brain and cognition.

This disease develops gradually and it gets worse as more brain cells die or wither. Unfortunately, Alzheimer is a fatal disease and currently has no successful cure. Researches have been conducted globally to find the cure of this fatal syndrome.

Current Alzheimer Research – an excellent journal from the shelves of Bentham Science Publishers that features peer-reviewed letter articles, frontier review, and research covering all major areas of Alzheimer disease. This journal has an impact factor 3.676. This multidisciplinary journal will help in understanding the neurobiology, genetics, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies of Alzheimer’s disease.  Stay up to date on the latest advances in the cure, treatment, research and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease by visiting: http://www.benthamscience.com/car/

Rudolph E. Tanzi from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, USA has shared his views about this Journal: "Current Alzheimer Research is a great source of the most relevant and timely research in the field of AD research." For more information you can visit the Bentham Science Publisher's website: http://www.benthamscience.com/

Bentham Science Open Access Policies:

Bentham Open has more than 230 peer-reviewed open access journals. These journals are free to access and cover all the major disciplines related to STM (Scientific, technical, medical) and social sciences. They have various policies. Some of them are discussed below:

All the articles are available free of cost and can be accessed online immediately after publication. The readers can download, study and print various open access articles at no cost. All the published articles are licensed and permit non-commercial usage, distribution and reproduction in any department making sure that all the work is cited appropriately. The submitted articles have been passed through strict peer reviewing procedure by the editorial board members. The authors who have participated within their publication process are highly satisfied with their peer review technique. All the authors should maintain the copyrights of their contributed work.

Other policies are related to ethical approval of studies, standard protocols on approvals, registrations, appeals and complaints, plagiarism prevention, copyrights and disclaimer.

For further details about the Bentham Open policies please visit at:

http://www.benthamscience.com/open/index.htm