- Email: [email protected]
Laboratory Skills for Science and Medicine: An Introduction
British Journal of Anaesthesia 99 (3): 450–1 (2007)
Book Reviews Pain in Neonates and Infants, 3rd Edn. K. J. S. Anand, B. J. Stevens and P. J. McGrath (editors). Published by Elsevier, New York. Pp. 329; indexed; illustrated. Price £49.99. ISBN 0-444-52061-9.
P.-A. Lo¨nnqvist Stockholm, Sweden E-mail: [email protected] doi:10.1093/bja/aem215
Laboratory Skills for Science and Medicine: An Introduction. M. Lintern (editor). Published by Radcliffe Publications Ltd, Oxon. Pp. 117; indexed; illustrated. Price £19.95. ISBN 1-84619-016-9.
The stated aim of this book is to be for ‘anyone who is about to embark, or has recently embarked on a research project within a working laboratory at undergraduate, postgraduate, or early post-doctoral level’. This concise book contains essential illustrations plus contents, abbreviations, and index sections all packaged in a conveniently sized soft back edition. Laboratory skills for science and medicine are divided into two main sections. First, the basic requirements and concepts underlying scientific research, for example, health and safety, molar calculations, data handling, planning and designing experiments, and scientific writing. Secondly, the basic background and theory to the most commonly used techniques for current biomedical research, including, immunohistochemistry, western, Southern, and northern blotting, PCR, ELISA, and animal experimentation. The book provides an excellent and simple overview of a vast subject area and, therefore, is a useful tool for undergraduate students in biomedical subjects moving on to postgraduate research, or clinicians working in the laboratory for the first time. A detailed breakdown of how to perform specific experimental techniques is not included, and the authors state that this was not the purpose of the book. It would, therefore, be of most benefit during transitional periods, when new scientific terms and the organizational structure of the research laboratory can seem a little overwhelming. As supervisors, we may presume that a lot of research is common sense and can find obvious principles difficult to explain. Students working in the laboratory for the first time have often received very structured undergraduate teaching up to this point. It is, therefore, helpful to see some clear documentation of common sense principles. For example, how to plan experiments and structure
# The Board of Management and Trustees of the British Journal of Anaesthesia 2007. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]
Downloaded from http://bja.oxfordjournals.org/ at Simon Fraser University on June 1, 2015
This is the third edition of this seminal textbook on pain in our youngest patients. The previous editions have been of very high quality and have served as reference texts for most researchers and practitioners within this specific area of medicine. As with the previous editions, it has been edited by three world authorities of the field: Anand, Stevens, and McGrath. A change from the previous edition is an increase in the number of chapters from 15 to 23, to provide even better cover of the entire field of pain in neonates and infants. A goal that, without a doubt, has been achieved. Although the authors’ list is dominated by North American writers, respected experts representing almost all continents are included among the 52 individuals who have contributed to the book. Special credit should be given to the aim of this new edition to not only provide an evidence-based approach to clinical issues, but also to provide a research foundation on which to base further scientific efforts. The text is richly referenced and the illustrations, often given as overview tables of the literature, are very useful. Some of the new chapters that have been added, admittedly, are not as evidence-based as the bulk of the text, deal with important issues such as infant colic, health politics and economics, and parenting and pain during infancy. These make the book more complete, in comparison with previous editions. Of specific value among these chapters is the highly relevant contribution dealing with the serious problem of infant pain in developing countries. The parts of the book of most interest and importance will depend on the reader. I found special pleasure in reading the excellent section on the developmental aspects of the nociceptive system and the long-term consequences associated with the lack of adequate pain relief or anaesthesia in early life. Further contributions that caught the attention of the reviewer are the parts relating to the still unresolved issue concerning the use of continuous opioid infusions in the NICU and the chapter on pain and the fetus. The two chapters on pharmacology, including both pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics, provide interesting and thought-provoking information. In conclusion, this book is not only a must in the library of every department involved with care of neonates and infants, but does also represent essential reading for all clinicians and researchers involved with these specific issues. Unlike most textbooks, this is not only a reference
text to consult on special occasions but can and should be read from start to finish. Thus, buy it and read it!
Book Reviews
Z.L.S. Brookes Sheffield, UK E-mail: [email protected] doi:10.1093/bja/aem216
Pain Best Practice and Research Compendium. H. Breivik and M. Shipley (editors). Published by Elsevier, Edinburgh. Pp. 340; indexed; illustrated. Price £39.99. ISBN 978-0-08-044684-4.
have commissioned chapters from world experts in both fields to appeal to the interests of anaesthetists and rheumatologists. Their aim for this book is to bridge a gap between the two groups; it is successful in many ways. The text covers a wide range of topics in acute and chronic pain and includes some basic science, diagnosis, and specific therapies. The areas covered are of interest to both specialities, where it can be seen there is much overlap in the types of problems encountered. It should not be seen as a didactic textbook, but rather as a collection of interesting essays by experts that one can dip into in no particular order. The editors have asked for evidence-based contributions where possible, but have also allowed expert opinion which is refreshing. The editors admit that they do not agree with everything written—but then this gives the reader the opportunity to think and form an opinion while reading! Each chapter has ‘Practice points’, ‘Research agenda’, and ‘Summary’ at the end and there are ample key references. The book has 8 sections: science and psychology, assessment, spinal pain, regional pain, chronic widespread pain, acute and post-operative pain, and management strategies. The chapter by Vlaeyen is very well written and clear and provides a good basis for understanding the different psychological models. The chapter on neuropathic pain is good, but could have been more detailed. Bogduk gives clear expositions on diagnostic blocks and radiofrequency procedures, which are easy to read. The neck pain and back pain chapters are kept at a fairly simple level, but are well written and clear. Williams’ chapter on psychosocial factors and long-term disability/work loss is superb. The chapters on fibromyalgia are well thought out and referenced. Stubhaug and Breivik contribute an excellent piece on post-operative neuropathic pain. The multi-author chapter headed by Kelso on opioids and pain is clear and well presented. The book is easy to read and I found the contents interesting. It is an excellent resource for medical students, trainees, and consultants, as well as a variety of other health-care professionals.
This textbook is edited by two key opinion leaders Harald Breivik (Anaesthetist and Pain Management Specialist) and Michael Shipley (Rheumatologist). They
451
K.H. Simpson Leeds, UK E-mail: [email protected] doi:10.1093/bja/aem217
Downloaded from http://bja.oxfordjournals.org/ at Simon Fraser University on June 1, 2015
one’s time. Also included are suggestions such as, performing additional tasks between slow experiments, spotting by eye when a volume looks incorrect, and showing consideration towards others in the laboratory by re-ordering consumables when stocks are low. There is also a useful section with a simple explanation of how to perform basic everyday molar calculations, an area many postgraduate biomedical/medical students seem to struggle with. Possibly, the only criticism of this book is that by providing an overview of such a huge subject, some of the important details may have been forgotten. For example, in the scientific writing section, there is no explanation of hypothesis-driven research or the meaning and importance of aims and objectives. It would have also been useful to suggest more clearly how a discussion should be written: the inclusion of a summary, avoiding repetition of the introduction, referral to the original hypothesis, and aims of the study, etc. The animal section is also a little brief, as, despite an excellent overview of reduction, refinement, and replacement, there was no mention of Schedule 1 or the use of transgenic animals. However, the basic overview of the molecular techniques is excellent as it provided an easily understandable introduction and explanation for the inexperienced scientist. If this book was more detailed, it could provide an invaluable aid for researchers at all levels, which would be used time and time again to guide them through laboratory-based research. As it stands, it is an excellent introductory tool for understanding new concepts and something I will recommend to my new postgraduate students.
Book Reviews Pain in Neonates and Infants, 3rd Edn. K. J. S. Anand, B. J. Stevens and P. J. McGrath (editors). Published by Elsevier, New York. Pp. 329; indexed; illustrated. Price £49.99. ISBN 0-444-52061-9.
P.-A. Lo¨nnqvist Stockholm, Sweden E-mail: [email protected] doi:10.1093/bja/aem215
Laboratory Skills for Science and Medicine: An Introduction. M. Lintern (editor). Published by Radcliffe Publications Ltd, Oxon. Pp. 117; indexed; illustrated. Price £19.95. ISBN 1-84619-016-9.
The stated aim of this book is to be for ‘anyone who is about to embark, or has recently embarked on a research project within a working laboratory at undergraduate, postgraduate, or early post-doctoral level’. This concise book contains essential illustrations plus contents, abbreviations, and index sections all packaged in a conveniently sized soft back edition. Laboratory skills for science and medicine are divided into two main sections. First, the basic requirements and concepts underlying scientific research, for example, health and safety, molar calculations, data handling, planning and designing experiments, and scientific writing. Secondly, the basic background and theory to the most commonly used techniques for current biomedical research, including, immunohistochemistry, western, Southern, and northern blotting, PCR, ELISA, and animal experimentation. The book provides an excellent and simple overview of a vast subject area and, therefore, is a useful tool for undergraduate students in biomedical subjects moving on to postgraduate research, or clinicians working in the laboratory for the first time. A detailed breakdown of how to perform specific experimental techniques is not included, and the authors state that this was not the purpose of the book. It would, therefore, be of most benefit during transitional periods, when new scientific terms and the organizational structure of the research laboratory can seem a little overwhelming. As supervisors, we may presume that a lot of research is common sense and can find obvious principles difficult to explain. Students working in the laboratory for the first time have often received very structured undergraduate teaching up to this point. It is, therefore, helpful to see some clear documentation of common sense principles. For example, how to plan experiments and structure
# The Board of Management and Trustees of the British Journal of Anaesthesia 2007. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]
Downloaded from http://bja.oxfordjournals.org/ at Simon Fraser University on June 1, 2015
This is the third edition of this seminal textbook on pain in our youngest patients. The previous editions have been of very high quality and have served as reference texts for most researchers and practitioners within this specific area of medicine. As with the previous editions, it has been edited by three world authorities of the field: Anand, Stevens, and McGrath. A change from the previous edition is an increase in the number of chapters from 15 to 23, to provide even better cover of the entire field of pain in neonates and infants. A goal that, without a doubt, has been achieved. Although the authors’ list is dominated by North American writers, respected experts representing almost all continents are included among the 52 individuals who have contributed to the book. Special credit should be given to the aim of this new edition to not only provide an evidence-based approach to clinical issues, but also to provide a research foundation on which to base further scientific efforts. The text is richly referenced and the illustrations, often given as overview tables of the literature, are very useful. Some of the new chapters that have been added, admittedly, are not as evidence-based as the bulk of the text, deal with important issues such as infant colic, health politics and economics, and parenting and pain during infancy. These make the book more complete, in comparison with previous editions. Of specific value among these chapters is the highly relevant contribution dealing with the serious problem of infant pain in developing countries. The parts of the book of most interest and importance will depend on the reader. I found special pleasure in reading the excellent section on the developmental aspects of the nociceptive system and the long-term consequences associated with the lack of adequate pain relief or anaesthesia in early life. Further contributions that caught the attention of the reviewer are the parts relating to the still unresolved issue concerning the use of continuous opioid infusions in the NICU and the chapter on pain and the fetus. The two chapters on pharmacology, including both pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics, provide interesting and thought-provoking information. In conclusion, this book is not only a must in the library of every department involved with care of neonates and infants, but does also represent essential reading for all clinicians and researchers involved with these specific issues. Unlike most textbooks, this is not only a reference
text to consult on special occasions but can and should be read from start to finish. Thus, buy it and read it!
Book Reviews
Z.L.S. Brookes Sheffield, UK E-mail: [email protected] doi:10.1093/bja/aem216
Pain Best Practice and Research Compendium. H. Breivik and M. Shipley (editors). Published by Elsevier, Edinburgh. Pp. 340; indexed; illustrated. Price £39.99. ISBN 978-0-08-044684-4.
have commissioned chapters from world experts in both fields to appeal to the interests of anaesthetists and rheumatologists. Their aim for this book is to bridge a gap between the two groups; it is successful in many ways. The text covers a wide range of topics in acute and chronic pain and includes some basic science, diagnosis, and specific therapies. The areas covered are of interest to both specialities, where it can be seen there is much overlap in the types of problems encountered. It should not be seen as a didactic textbook, but rather as a collection of interesting essays by experts that one can dip into in no particular order. The editors have asked for evidence-based contributions where possible, but have also allowed expert opinion which is refreshing. The editors admit that they do not agree with everything written—but then this gives the reader the opportunity to think and form an opinion while reading! Each chapter has ‘Practice points’, ‘Research agenda’, and ‘Summary’ at the end and there are ample key references. The book has 8 sections: science and psychology, assessment, spinal pain, regional pain, chronic widespread pain, acute and post-operative pain, and management strategies. The chapter by Vlaeyen is very well written and clear and provides a good basis for understanding the different psychological models. The chapter on neuropathic pain is good, but could have been more detailed. Bogduk gives clear expositions on diagnostic blocks and radiofrequency procedures, which are easy to read. The neck pain and back pain chapters are kept at a fairly simple level, but are well written and clear. Williams’ chapter on psychosocial factors and long-term disability/work loss is superb. The chapters on fibromyalgia are well thought out and referenced. Stubhaug and Breivik contribute an excellent piece on post-operative neuropathic pain. The multi-author chapter headed by Kelso on opioids and pain is clear and well presented. The book is easy to read and I found the contents interesting. It is an excellent resource for medical students, trainees, and consultants, as well as a variety of other health-care professionals.
This textbook is edited by two key opinion leaders Harald Breivik (Anaesthetist and Pain Management Specialist) and Michael Shipley (Rheumatologist). They
451
K.H. Simpson Leeds, UK E-mail: [email protected] doi:10.1093/bja/aem217
Downloaded from http://bja.oxfordjournals.org/ at Simon Fraser University on June 1, 2015
one’s time. Also included are suggestions such as, performing additional tasks between slow experiments, spotting by eye when a volume looks incorrect, and showing consideration towards others in the laboratory by re-ordering consumables when stocks are low. There is also a useful section with a simple explanation of how to perform basic everyday molar calculations, an area many postgraduate biomedical/medical students seem to struggle with. Possibly, the only criticism of this book is that by providing an overview of such a huge subject, some of the important details may have been forgotten. For example, in the scientific writing section, there is no explanation of hypothesis-driven research or the meaning and importance of aims and objectives. It would have also been useful to suggest more clearly how a discussion should be written: the inclusion of a summary, avoiding repetition of the introduction, referral to the original hypothesis, and aims of the study, etc. The animal section is also a little brief, as, despite an excellent overview of reduction, refinement, and replacement, there was no mention of Schedule 1 or the use of transgenic animals. However, the basic overview of the molecular techniques is excellent as it provided an easily understandable introduction and explanation for the inexperienced scientist. If this book was more detailed, it could provide an invaluable aid for researchers at all levels, which would be used time and time again to guide them through laboratory-based research. As it stands, it is an excellent introductory tool for understanding new concepts and something I will recommend to my new postgraduate students.