Blackwell Publishing

Senescence processes in plants.

Plants have a plan for getting old, which involves a massive operation of programmed cell death and nutrient recycling. This requires a whole new set of gene expression, which cells must maintain enough machinery to carry out at the same time they are shutting down the power and taking out the recycling. The whole process is a bother in agriculture, because aging plants — especially leaves — are not as productive as young ones. Here biologists from North America and Europe look at the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the phenomenon to help other scientists seek a way to stop it. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Signal transduction pathways; part D: Inflammatory signaling pathways and neuropathology.

This volume of the proceedings of the Academy's meeting "Cell Signaling World: Signal Transduction Pathways as Therapeutic Targets" held January 2006 in Luxembourg addresses current research on signal transduction in such topics as bacterial endotoxin, expression and suppression of cytokine signaling-3, control of human herpes virus Type 8, regulation of apolipoprotein B secretions but not lipids by tumor necrosis factors, signaling pathways used by HSV-1 and by proteinase activated receptors and melphalan's role in the reduction of the severity of experimental colitis. Neuropathology topics include cellular prion protein signaling, triggers of senile plaque, preservation of mitochondria volume in age, the role of selenite on microglial migration, intensive remodeling of Parkinje cell spines, and activation and endocytic internalization of melanocortin 3 receptors in neuronal cells. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Signal transduction pathways; part C: Cell signaling in health and disease.

This volume of the proceedings of the academy's meeting "Cell Signaling World: Signal Transduction Pathways as Therapeutic Targets" held January 2006 in Luxembourg addresses current research on the role of cell signalling in cancer, a range of other diseases and prevention. Topics include the apoptotic effect of celecoxib dependence upon U53 status in human ovarian cancer cells, breast cancer cells' response to antineoplastic agents, the role of a vascular endothelial growth factor in suppression of certain cancers, response of a humanmelanoma cell to low and high-ionizing radiation, and a study of erufosine. Other topics include the distribution of selenium and zinc, monocyte survival through defines intracellular pathways, insulin expression in rat testes and a new transcript splice variant of the human glacocorticoid receptor, while chemoprevention topics include the effects of wagonin, ginkgolide B, and phenolic phytochemicals. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Sociology of health and health care, 4th ed.

In this successor to the 2003 text, Taylor (London School of Economics) and Field (health sciences, U. of Leicester) provide an updated introduction to the sociology of health, illness, and health care. Initial chapters overview research design and methods, and sociological approaches to such topics as the sick role. In a UK context, subsequent sections examine associations between socio- economic status and inequities in health, health care policies, changing roles, and ethical issues. The section on chronic illness and disability newly treats eating disorders. Chapters include further reading. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Sodium-calcium exchange and the plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase in cell function; proceedings.

Sixty-three papers from the August 2006 conference explore the NCX and PMCA mechanisms responsible for Ca²⁺ extrusion from cells. The researchers investigate genetics and molecular processes, the detailed structure-function relationship, the fine regulatory mechanisms, the physiological roles for the different NCX and PMCA gene products, NCX knockout mice, and cardiac function. Topics include a kinetic model of ionic and metabolic interactions, the effect of ionized calcium on protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation, Na/Ca exchange and cardiac ventricular arrhythmias, modulation pathways of NCX mRNA stability, and the analysis of calcium changes in endoplasmic reticulum during apoptosis. No subject index is provided. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Structure of dairy products.

Food scientists describe the microstructure of various dairy products, and explain the microscopic techniques used to examine such structure. Their topics include instrumental techniques for sample preparation, the microstructure of milk components, concentrated and dried milk products, fermented milks, natural cheeses and cheese analogues, frozen and dairy-based confectionery products, and the microscope in troubleshooting. The Society of Dairy Technology in Britain produces the series. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Surgical management of spinal cord injury; controversies and consensus.

North American neurosurgeons and other medical specialists review the controversies pertaining to the emergency, diagnostic, medical, and surgical management of spinal cord injury, and summarize the foundations of rational treatment paradigms. A major goal of the anthology is to convince surgeons that treatment is possible, an opinion still not widely accepted. Among the topics are pharmacotherapy, the timing of decompressive surgery, principles of spine stabilization, pediatric patients, and traumatic vascular injury to the cervical spine. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Textbook and color atlas of traumatic injuries to the teeth, 4th ed.

The first edition of this comprehensive reference was published in 1981, and the third, more than a decade ago; incorporating advances made since then, the fourth will be welcomed by oral surgeons, pediatric dentists, endodontists, and related specialists. Thirty-five contributed chapters focus on various kinds of trauma and optimization of healing, including inter-disciplinary treatment. In addition, clinical treatment is put in context with discussion of prevention, prognosis, economic aspects, and public awareness recommendations. Approximately 1300 figures, 800 in color, support the text. Of the three editors, two are based in Denmark, the third in Kuwait. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Textbook of hepatology; from basic science to clinical practice, 3d ed.; 2v. (CD-ROM included)

The first edition of this reference for clinicians was published in 1992 as Oxford Textbook of Clinical Hepatology, and it appeared in English, French, and Spanish; the second edition was published in 1999. For this third edition, the title has been changed, and Blackwell is the publisher. Over 200 chapters from authors on five continents build on the original work, incorporating new concepts in the realms of genomics, proteomics, gene arrays, metabolomics, bioinformatics, stem cells, molecular and cell biology, and genetics. The new edition includes significant changes in the sections on functions of the liver, basic concepts of pathobiology, assessment, portal hypertension, congenital hepatic fibrosis and non-parasitic diseases of the liver, hepatic non-alcoholic steatosis, tumors, transplantation, and mathematics in hepatology. All but two of the five original editors have continued their work, so the crew consists of Juan Rodés, Jean-Pierre Benhamou, Andres T. Blei, Jürg Reichen, and Mario Rizzetto; they are based, respectively, in Spain, France, USA (Chicago), Switzerland, and Italy. The material is contained in two hefty volumes, but for those who prefer to read a screen, the included CD-ROM contains all chapters as PDFs and is fully searchable. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Timber designers' manual, 3d ed. (reprint, 2002)

This reference manual, a paperback reissue reprinted from the third edition published in 2002, covers the general and detailed design of structural timber, including shear deflection, creep, and dynamic and lateral stability considerations for flexural members. This edition is based on and updated to reflect the changes in British Standard BS 5268-2: 2002, "Code of Practice for permissible stress design, materials and workmanship," which brought design concepts closer to European practice and Eurocode 5, "Design of Timber Structures." The recent introduction of a range of composite solid timber sections and I-Beams from the US and Europe is reflected in chapters on thin web beams and structural composite lumber. Tables and coefficients are provided. The manual is meant for practicing engineers, civil engineering undergraduates, and timber manufacturers. Ozelton is a consulting engineer specializing in the design and detailing of all forms of timber engineering and timber frame construction in the UK. Baird is a Chartered Structural Engineer who has worked on BSI documents such as design code BS 5628. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Trauma rules 2; incorporating military trauma rules.

Using a systematic approach to managing major trauma, Hodgetts (emergency medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, UK) and Turner (Officer Commanding 2nd Health Support, Linton Military Camp, New Zealand) present 70 rules for trauma care for those dealing with the immediate and early management of severely injured patients. Primary directives, preparation, patient approach, assessment and resuscitation, and investigation and definitive care are covered. Each rule is accompanied by its reason, exceptions, and sometimes illustrations. This edition has been expanded and updated, with 14 new rules and military trauma rules. Distributed in the US by Blackwell Publishers. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

UCL Hospitals injectable drug administration guide, 2d ed.

Drawing on the experience of specialist pharmacists at University College London Hospitals, this guide to administering medicines by injection is meant for nurses and other health care professionals. It includes intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous methods. This edition has been revised and updated, including 20 new monographs, new local practice recommendations, and new information on drug-drug compatibility and more on the use of the non-touch technique method of preparation and infusion devices. The first section covers general information such as preparation on wards, infusion pumps, and syringe pump compatibility. The second section, which takes up about two- thirds of the book, is a table that contains medicine monographs in alphabetical order. Information covers formulation, injectable method, preparation, stability, compatibility, pH, suitable solutions for flushing, sodium content, displacement value, acute bedside monitoring guidance, and infusion device recommendations. Most of the information is related to adult patients, but certain medicines include information on administration to children. The guide does not address cytotoxic medicines or those solely administered by the intramuscular or subcutaneous route. There is no index. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Vascular medicine and endovascular interventions.

Designed for those studying for the Vascular Medicine Board Examinations but also very useful as a refresher or for self-study in other specialties, this guide features questions and answers for each chapter and perspectives from a range of experts for each topic. It covers material most likely to be in the exam, including vascular biology, vasculitis and connective tissue disease, upper extremity arterial disease (including Raynaud Syndrome), chronic venous and lymphatic disease, thrombophilia, venous thromboembolism, arterial and venous testing in the laboratory, perioperative management, leg ulcerations and clinical evaluation of lower extremities, treatment of peripheral arterial disease, acute arterial disorders, aortic dissection, renal and mesenteric artery disease, carotid artery disease and stroke, endovascular techniques, diseases of the aorta, angioplasty and stenting, therapy for brachiocephalic vessels, possible complications and strange or unusual diseases. The illustrations are very well-prepared. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

The view from here; bioethics and the social sciences.

European and North American social scientists delve into the sometimes troublesome relationship between their various disciplines and bioethics. Their topics include the many meanings of care in clinical research, a Swedish case study on the social life of moral concerns in policy processes, and an new approach to the bioethical problems of infectious disease. First published as Sociology of Health and Illness, v.28, no.6. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Withholding and withdrawing life-prolonging medical treatment; guidance for decision making, 3d ed.

Presented by the British Medical Association, this volume details their ethical guidelines on withholding and withdrawing life- prolonging medical treatment for both adults and children. Both medical ethics professionals and medical and legal experts give general advice in accordance with the General Medical Council's guidelines. The volume identifies types of cases where decisions may be made; it is not meant to give definitive legal advice, but rather to explain the legal and ethical principles underlying decision making. The new edition incorporates the provisions of the Mental Capacity Act of 2005, guidance on the role of welfare attorneys, the latest policy on advance decisions about medical treatment, and an update on the impact of the Human Rights Act. It is of interest to health care professionals and lawyers. Distributed in the US by Blackwell Publishers. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)