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Pediatric Imaging Essentials: Radiography, Ultrasound, CT and MRI in Neonates

and Children

Article in The Yale journal of biology and medicine · March 2015

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102 Book reviews
concepts from the book and premade flashcards that allow
students review key terms from the text. In addition, stu-
dents have the option to use the online site to mark or take
notes in their books.
For instructors and professors looking to prepare their
students to ask important questions in the quantitative
world that awaits the future of biomedical research, The
Molecules of Life: Physical and Chemical Properties is
an excellent selection.
Adele Ricciardi
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Yale School of Medicine
Principles of Cognitive Neuroscience. 2nd edition.
By Dale Purves, Roberto Cabeza, Scott A. Huettel,
Kevin S. LaBar, Michael L. Platt, and Marty G.
Woldorff. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates, Inc.
Publishers; 2012. US $124.95 (Hardcover). 601 p.
ISBN: 978-0878935734.
When in a bustling, raucous environment filled with
noise, how can we still hear our name being called from
across the room? How do you know when looking at a
woman standing in front of you that she is your mother?
Why is the written word so perplexing for some individ-
uals to grasp? And what are the theoretical models, neural
mechanisms, and anatomical substrates underlying such
capabilities? These questions and others are cleverly and
clearly answered by the authors of Principles of Cogni-
tive Neuroscience. The textbook aims to introduce the
reader to the field of cognitive neuroscience, a field that,
according to the authors, “combines all the difficulties of
measuring brain function with all the problems of trying to
accurately assess cognition and behavior, as well as the
complexities of trying to link them together” (pg. 9). The
authors succeed in presenting a simplified, introductory
view of cognitive neuroscience while still making it clear
to the reader that much in the field remains unknown and
in need of further experimentation and evaluation.
This textbook is an ideal introductory text for ad-
vanced undergraduates or graduate students studying cog-
nitive neuroscience. The text assumes prior knowledge of
neuroscience, although there is an excellent appendix that
reviews the basics of the human nervous system as a brief
refresher. The book begins with a brief introduction to the
field, explicitly and excellently distinguishing cognitive
neuroscience from related fields such as cognitive psy-
chology and clinical neuroscience. The authors then pro-
vide a thorough review of methods used in the field. This
methods chapter is a strength of the book, as it clearly de-
lineates the pros and cons of each method, discusses meth-
ods used in both animal and human research, and includes
state-of-the-art techniques such as optogenetics. The re-
mainder of the book delves into specific topics in cogni-
tive neuroscience, including sensorimotor systems,
attention, memory, emotion, and decision making. The au-
thors elegantly tie in many of the classical experiments
from cognitive psychology with more current research
conducted using advanced neuroscience techniques. The
text focuses on normal cognition but discusses patho-
physiological cognition when interesting and appropriate.
In sum, this text provides a clear, concise, and well-
rounded perspective on the rising field of cognitive neu-
roscience. I applaud the authors for creating a book that
is not only educational but also enjoyable to read —
something that cannot be said about most textbooks. Any
instructor of an introductory cognitive neuroscience
course, advanced and inquisitive undergraduate, or be-
ginning researcher will likely find this text to be a valu-
able resource.
Amber Baysinger
Department of Psychology
Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Pediatric Imaging Essentials: Radiography, Ul-
trasound, CT and MRI in Neonates and Children.
By Michael Riccabona. Stuttgart, NY: Thieme; 2013.
US $119.99 (Paperback). 364 p. ISBN: 978-
3131661913.
Pediatric Imaging Essentials is a must read for cur-
rent radiologists and physicians who work with pediatric
patients. This book focuses on the key differences between
using imaging technologies on pediatric patients versus
adults, emphasizing the importance of safety and adher-
ence to current guidelines. The reader is often reminded of
the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) princi-
ple to ensure that patients are not overexposed to harmful
radiation. The book opens with special considerations to
keep in mind while using ultrasound, CT, and MRI tech-
nology on this group of young patients, including key def-
initions, basic rules for each technique along with the risks
that the imaging method carries, and tips on how to effec-
tively instruct pediatric patients using language that they
understand. From there, the author systematically explores
common ailments that affect neonates and children in key
anatomical regions of the human body: the chest, gas-
trointestinal tract, central nervous system and spine, uri-
nary tract and reproductive organs, and the musculoskeletal
system. Other chapters focus on obtaining a proper diag-
nosis in cases of trauma and child abuse, oncology, com-
mon syndromes, and metabolic diseases. At the end of each
chapter, the author provides a bibliography that is useful if
the reader chooses to pursue additional information. While
slightly text heavy, this book includes 633 illustrations and
patient images to guide the reader in distinguishing be-
tween normal and abnormal findings. The author utilizes
tables throughout the book to summarize important infor-
mation. Additionally, case studies and quizzes throughout
the text help ensure that the reader understands key points
and is able to apply his or her knowledge to appropriately
diagnose pediatric patients. This book is an ideal resource
not only for residents and fellows looking for a practice-
oriented text, but for seasoned veterans across a variety of
 Book reviews
subspecialties who want to expand their knowledge of pe-
diatric imaging.
Audrey Turchick
Department of Genetics
Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
The Circuitry of the Human Spinal Cord: Spinal
and Corticospinal Mechanisms of Movement. By
Emmanuel Pierrot-Deseilligny and David Burke. New
York: Cambridge University Press; 2012. US $224.99
(Hardcover). 630 p. ISBN: 978-0521192583.
The Circuitry of the Human Spinal Cord serves as an
in-depth analysis of the neurophysiology behind various
movements. This textbook begins with general methodol-
ogy, which lays the groundwork for future chapters. From
there, the authors quickly delve into the synaptic responses
and muscle fiber movements for a wide range of activi-
ties and elaborate on how this is relevant for motor disor-
ders such as Parkinson’s disease. Throughout the book,
each chapter highlights key findings from relevant animal
experiments in the field to provide adequate background
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103
before moving on to thoroughly explore several different
motor pathways. Each section ends by comparing the cir-
cuitry in normal movement with that of humans afflicted
by various diseases, followed by an extensive summary
and list of references to wrap up each chapter.
Overall, this book is text heavy, and the 127 figures
provided throughout the text solely analyze physical cir-
cuitry of reflexes and the motor movements described. Al-
though this is a necessary complement to the text, the
reader is likely to find the material dense. Additional il-
lustrations to incorporate the overarching themes and en-
sure that the reader keeps the big picture in mind would be
beneficial for future editions. Ideal for those highly spe-
cialized in neurophysiology, this textbook is not intended
for novice readers but is likely beneficial for researchers
and clinicians involved in the study and treatment of
movement disorders.
Audrey Turchick
Department of Genetics
Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences