471

Introduction to Molecular Medicine. DW Ross, Springer Verlag, Berlin/Heidelberg/New York/London/Paris/To- kyo/Hong Kong/Barcelona/Budapest. 1992.

How will increased understanding of the human genome affect our ability to diagnose and treat disease? The sub- ject of recombinant DNA technology is no longer limited to the research laboratory; it is being discussed in ever-widening medical circles. fnrroduction to Molecltlar Medicine is especially written for the physi- cian who is not a genetics expert but wishes to under- stand this new science and gain access to more specialized publications.

The first chapters present the basic concepts of the human genome and gene regulation. Subsequent chap- ters consider how today’s new approach can be applied in areas such as forensic medicine, transplantation medi- cine, drug manufacture and genetic engineering. For ex- ample, a major section on cancer explores the diagnosis of leukemia and lymphoma through the detection of gene rearrangement and ontogeny mutation.

One feature that will especially interest pathologists, pediatricians and residents is the discussion of diagnos- tic tests that are used in current practice.

Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery I. (Acta Neurochirurgi- ca/Supplementum 54) BL Bauer, D Hellwig. Springer-Ver- lag. Berlin/Heidelberg/New York/London/Paris/Tokyo /Hong-Kong/Barcelona/Budapest, 1992

Minimally invasive surgical interventions by means of endoscopes have gained importance and have recently been introduced in neurosurgery. This book gives an ex- tensive overview of the applications of endoscopy in modern neurosurgical practice.

The anatomy and topographical relationships of the intracranial cavities and the pathological changes in these areas. especially the ventricular system, are de- scribed.

Different types of flexible and rigid endoscopes and the instrumentation to handle these tools for neurosur- gical purposes are introduced. The indications for endo- scopic neurosurgical operative procedures include endoscopic stereotactic interventions, evaluation of intracerebral hematomas, cysts, and brain abscesses as well as endoscopic brain tumor surgery.

This book gives the first comprehensive synopsis of this new and exciting field.

Biochemistry of Inflammation. Immunology Medicine. Vol 18. JT Whither, SW Evans. Khrwer Academic Publis- hers. Dordrecht/Boston/London, 1993.

Despite considerable scientific endeavour, inflammation remains a major problem in modern medicine. That in- flammation is an important, indeed vital response to many forms of insult to an organism is no longer ques- tioned. This response is recognized in relatively primi- tive animals and is highly conserved in the animal kingdom. It is however also very obvious that inflam- mation can be detrimental to an organism. Many of the chronic diseases afflicting animals and many complica- tions associated with acute trauma are attributed to in- appropriate or excessive inflammation.

In this book, a number of authors have been invited to contribute their own view of different aspects of in- flammation. The various chapters cover three concepts: mediators or affector molecules (complement, kinins, proteinases, eicosanoids, reactive oxygen species and glucocorticoids), regulatory molecules (platelet activat- ing factor, interleukin I, tumour necrosis factor and in- terleukin 6) and the process of inflammation (acute phase response and leukocyte chemotaxis).

The text provides a thoughtful account of the mecha- nisms and processes of inflammation which will be of interest to those new to this subject or those wishing to keep abreast of recent developments in this rapidly changing field.

Books received

Le m&lecin, le patient et sa douleur. P Queneau, G Oster- mann. Masson Cditeur, Paris, 1993

Actualitb en physiopathologie et pharmacologic articu- laires. S&e 3 - Pharmacologic clinique, inflammation, ima- gerie osteo-articulaire, rhumatismes et infections, indices de qualite de vie, cartilage, biomatbriaux. A Gaucher, P Netter, Masson Cditeur, Paris, 1993

Peptide and protein Hormones. Structure, Regulation, Activity. A Reference Manual. W K&rig. VCH, Wein- heimMew York, 1993.