- Email: [email protected]
Annuul Review of Microbiology
BOOK REVIEWS
These are, however, relatively minor criticisms which apply mainly to the clinician looking to bridge the gap between radiation biology and clinical practice. They do not significantly detract from what is a major review of the changes in cell kinetics which underlie tissue and organ damage. These, in the field of radiation therapy, still determine to a large extent the dose of radiation given to tumours and thus indirectly affect tumour control probabilities. This is a valuable reference book and mainly for the cell biologist and the radiation therapist, but toxicologists and those interested in the effects of ‘cytotoxic’ drugs will also find it useful. A . 0 . LanR1and.Y
Minimal lnvasrve Cancer iMicrocarcinomaJ. Clinics in Oncology, Volume I , No. 2, Eds E. BURCHARDT & E. HOLZER. 1982. W. B. Saunders, London, Philadelphia, Toronto. 332 pp., colour illustrations. ISSN 0261 9873. E l 1.75. Sixty-three clinicians, pathologists and statisticians have contributed to this small book which addresses the subject of invasivc carcinoma in its earliest detectable, and hopefully most easily treatable form. Microinvasive carcinoma has become the next frontier for conservative but curative treatment of cancer. The most accessible organs are the most studied and there is reasonable agreement on the diagnosis and treatment of microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix and thin melanoma. However, technological changes, particularly the development of fibreoptics, have made feasible the detection of such lesions in many previously poorly accessible areas; so chapters on cervix, vulva, melanoma, mouth are accompanied by ones on breast, endometrium, larynx, bronchus, esophagus, stomach, colon, bladder, prostate and thyroid. Even the ovary gets a guernsey, though it is sent off at halftime to learn the rules. The various authors have a varied approach. many presenting and discussing their own material, others reviewing the topic at large. The tone varies from authoritative to speculative but all at least point to the problems; and they, of course are substantial. The most immediate difficulty is the lack of agreement as to what constitutes microinvasion; while most agree that measurement of bulk is required, the mode of measurement and the definition of limits are in question. Agreement is possible, as is evident from the number of multiauthored chapters in this book. Some of the pathological investigations described are clearly research methods, and translation of these into practical procedures is required. Not least in the list of problems is the multifocal nature of many developing cancers so that new primary tumours develop after cure of the minimal cancer. As a review of these problems as they beset investigators of most organ systems, this book is well worth its modest price. Any general histopathologist whose biopsies are endoscopically derived from more than one orifice would find it valuable.
D. H . Moir
Mi.thods in Hematology: The Thalussuemias. Ed. D. J . WEATHERALL. 1983. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, London, Melbourne and New York. 166 pp. ISBN 0 443 02565 7. $36.40. It is a real pleasure to find a book so concise and informative. which is devoted to such a relatively small area of hematology. All relevant methodology, from basic to highly sophisticated, is presented clearly with sufficient detail and references. Extra features include good theoretical background, evaluation of techniques with common sources of technical and interpretative error outlined. The contributors are all experts in their own fields and the individual chapters complement each other well. The subject is extensively covered including chapters on transfusion therapy, antenatal diagnosis and iron chelation as well as every facet of laboratory investigation. The chapter
513
on population screening detracts from the high standard as it does not provide sufficient explanatory notes for some of the terms used and backs the clarity and conciseness so apparent throughout the remainder of the book. In view of its limited scope, the chapter ‘Hematologic Methods’ would have been better combined with the following chapter on ‘Hemoglobin Analysis’. It would have been useful to extend the subject matter to include a section concerning the less technical aspects of thalassemia, e.g. social problems and genetic counselling. Although these are not strictly methodology neither is transfusion management, and hematological professionals are often involved in these areas There are several small inconsistencies between contributors, for example the level of MCV which necessitates testing and the value of various discrimination function analyses for distinguishing iron deficiency from thalassemia. The figures in Table 9.2 (p. 154) relating to PMN’s and platelets in stored blood are inaccurate-this may be a typographical error. There were other typographical errors and the omission of a bracket in one equation which indicate inadequate proof reading and detract slightly from the overall excellence. Although the Editor has suggested that the writing of a book ‘devoted entirely to laboratory methods has about the same intellectual and emotional appeal as copying out a telephone directory’, the reviewers certainly found the text infinitely superior to anything produced by Telecom. We have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone involved in the study of thalassemia. Era Raik and Eliznhi~thG. Porcdl Annuul Review of Microhiolugy, Vol. 36. Eds M. P. STARR, A. BALOWS & J. M. SCHMIDT. 1982. Annual Reviews Inc., Palo Alto. California. 563 pp.. tables. ISBN08243 1136 1. US$25.00.
At first glance the 1982 edition of the Rci’irw seems to contain relatively few subjects of interest to medical microbiologists. In fact, six chapters deal with clinical matters and another seven of the 21 chapters are medically relevant. Dr Tilton’s review of methods to detect bacteremia is timely for those of us working in hospital laboratories where decisions about the introduction of new techniques will soon have to be made. Unfortunately, I find it difficult to escape his conclusion that ‘relatively few, if any, methods will detect the presence of bacteria in blood with acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity at reasonable cost within a few hours’. A chapter dealing with Huc~mophilusspecies other than H . infiuen:ae reviews the range of infections attributed to ten currently recognized species ofthe genus. The author has some interesting comments to make about the clinical relevance of these species as well as the somewhat dubious taxonomic status of some of them, based as it is on a rather limited number of distinguishing characteristics. Furthermore, he notes that reports of infections due to such species as H. parainfiuenzae, H . haemolj.ticus and H . parahaemolj.ticus frequently have not described the data used to define the isolates or have used methods for defining nutritional requirements, such as Staphylococcus aurrus streaks on nutrient agar which are not currently acceptable. Certainly the hemolytic species are rarely pathogenic while the position of such species as H . ducrcy? and H . aegyplius is both clinically and taxonomically more clear. The chapter by Weiss on rickettsiae will give readers an opportunity to note recent important discoveries such as the developmental cycle of C‘auirliu hameti;. the changing ecology of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and the presence of R. pronazekrr in the flying squirrels of the eastern U.S.A. Primary amebic meningitis, a disease first described in Australia in 1965 is the subject of a review dealing briefly with all aspects of Naegleriafow/eri and the disease it produces, while in his review of the mediators of anaphylaxis and inflammation, Bach summarizes the properties of 33 compounds, including the numerous products of the arachidonic acid ‘cascade’.
514
Pathology (1983), 15, October
BOOK REVIEWS
For medical academics there are chapters on the evolution of RNA viruses, low molecular weight enzyme inhibitors, the mode of action of colicins, iron binding by envelope proteins, microbiological screens for anticancer agents, and cell envelope proteins. Only the most inquisitive would venture into chapters dealing with such subjects as viroids, magnetotactic bacteria, phycobilisomes and plant corynebacteria. One chapter relevant to us all tells how to deal with computers and ‘computer evangelists’. The author who tells us he makes a living out of microbiology and computer technology is clearly a convert but he sounds some warnings for those who are about to take the faith. Computers, it seems, can make slaves of us after their purchase has decimated departmental funds.
subject and rightly emphasizes our present lack of knowledge concerning underlying morphology in many instances of drug-induced disease. It will serve to focus the anatomical pathologist’s attention on the increasingly large problem of drug-induced and toxic diseases, and should be available as a reference work in Pathology departments.
Richard Benn
During the past twenty-five years leukemia has continued to provide both basic and clinical researchers with a wealth of information from which slowly but surely has emerged some understanding of the causes and methods of managing malignant disease. The literature that has resulted from the generation of such data has been both very extensive and at times difficult for the clinician to follow. The fourth edition of the book ‘Leukemia’ appearing some 25 years after the first, brings together in a single volume the most comprehensive and up to date discussion of all aspects of both acute and chronic leukemia. The first 400 pages address the pathophysiology, kinetics, cytogenetics and etiology of leukemia, providing the reader with an excellent and absorbing review of the basic research and clinical significance of the information that has been accumulated. The remaining 600 pages are directed to succinct and extremely well-referenced discussions of all types of leukemia, each being treated separately. The inclusion of a significant number of graphs, diagrams, and figures greatly assist the reader in the identification of the most important data and appropriate references related to treatment, drug pharmacology and the problems related to treatment. A final chapter provided by the editors presents the highlights of the most recent advances which have evolved just prior to this volume going to press. This is an excellent text and review on the subject of leukemia and is highly recommended reading for all those interested in the basic research and clinical management of this group of diseases.
Immunological Investigation oj Human Virus Disi~ases.No. 5. Practical Methods in Clinical Immunologj,, DONALDM. MCLEAN. 1982. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh. 99 pp. ISBN 0 443 02536 3 . $30.80. This little volume deserves a long career as a ‘front line’ handbook on the bench of all kinds of virus laboratories. It is hard to imagine a better exposition of virus antibody tests for the uninitiated. The clarity of thought and expression is admirable. Just enough detail about each method is included to allow it to be performed properly and the reader is not confused by discussions of alternatives. The diagrammatic illustrations are well drawn and unambiguous. Several of the new generation of virus serological tests such as radioimmunoassay, Eliza and radial hemolysis have now established themselves in routine laboratories and they are well described in the book. The allotment of only 3 of the 99 pages to complement fixation tests is a telling sign of the times. While it is to be expected that laboratory trainees will be the most appreciative readers of this book it ready reference to check specific technical should also prove useful points or to offer visitors observing laboratory methodology. The clinical section of the work occupies almost half the space and goes far beyond the scope suggested by the title. Professor McLean writes with the authority of many years of experience in bridging the gap between the practitioner and the laboratory. Again the style is deceptively simple and brief. For each important virus the relative value of virus culture and serological diagnosis is stated and the mode of coliection of appropriate specimens tabulated. Very little space is devoted to tests of cell mediated immunity to specific viruses as might be expected when their value has still to be assessed in diagnosis. Altogether this is an attractive little book which should serve to dispel the aura of mystique which all too often impedes rational use ofthe virus diagnostic laboratory Yvonne Cossart Pathology of Drug-Induced and Tovic Diseases, ROBERTH. RIDDELL with 28 contributors. 1982. Churchill Livingstone, New York, Edinburgh, London and Melbourne. 696 pp., 361 half-tone and 15 line illustrations, 46 tables. ISBN 0 443 080836. A$I 16.60. This book sets out to provide the pathologist with acomprehensive wellreferenced (3956 references) work concerning morphological reactions to a vast range of drugs and other toxins. There are twenty chapters, the first of which gives background information about adverse drug reactions, with the second chapter dealing with fetal and pediatric drug induced and toxic diseases. The remaining chapters deal with drug induced and toxic morphological changes affecting particular organs or systems of the body. With 28 authors, including pathologists and clinicians, there is a notable variability in style of different chapters, but all are well illustrated and informative. This book brings together a great deal of information about the
P. B. Herdson
Leukemia, 4th ed., Eds F. W. GUNZ& E. S. HENDERSON.1982. Grune and Stratton, Inc., New York. 986 pp.. illustrated. ISBN 0 8089 1513 4. US$95.00.
Ian Cooper Stem Cells. Their identij?cation and characteri:ation, Ed. C. S. POTTEN. 1983. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, London, Melbourne and New York. 304 pp., illustrated. ISBN 0 443 024510. $67.00. The topic covered by this book is of increasing relevance to all who attempt to understand the cell biology of tumours and the normal proliferation of tissues. This book is a collection of invited reviews in honour of Professor L. Lajtha who has been active in the field for many years. He has contributed the first chapter dealing with the concept of stem cell and the implications of stem cell behaviour, a topic which he covers concisely and thoughtfully. Because of the nature of the book there is a degree of repetition with a number of authors defining stem cells and discussing the implications of Cairn’s theory of the conservation of the parental genome in the stem cell. Most articles are written for those who have some previous knowledge of the field and it will require application by those who have not previously considered stem cells to be important. Application will be rewarded, however, as the chapters cover a wide range of systems with the ones especially relevant to man, those on spermatogonia, hemopoietic tissue, intestine, skin and oral mucosa being well illustrated and documented. The initial chapters on stem cells in more primitive systems, while not as apparently relevant to most of the readers of this Journal, are worth reading for the insight they give into stem cell systems. The final chapter on Stem Cells in Tumours provides a timely perspective for the many articles which have recently appeared dealing
These are, however, relatively minor criticisms which apply mainly to the clinician looking to bridge the gap between radiation biology and clinical practice. They do not significantly detract from what is a major review of the changes in cell kinetics which underlie tissue and organ damage. These, in the field of radiation therapy, still determine to a large extent the dose of radiation given to tumours and thus indirectly affect tumour control probabilities. This is a valuable reference book and mainly for the cell biologist and the radiation therapist, but toxicologists and those interested in the effects of ‘cytotoxic’ drugs will also find it useful. A . 0 . LanR1and.Y
Minimal lnvasrve Cancer iMicrocarcinomaJ. Clinics in Oncology, Volume I , No. 2, Eds E. BURCHARDT & E. HOLZER. 1982. W. B. Saunders, London, Philadelphia, Toronto. 332 pp., colour illustrations. ISSN 0261 9873. E l 1.75. Sixty-three clinicians, pathologists and statisticians have contributed to this small book which addresses the subject of invasivc carcinoma in its earliest detectable, and hopefully most easily treatable form. Microinvasive carcinoma has become the next frontier for conservative but curative treatment of cancer. The most accessible organs are the most studied and there is reasonable agreement on the diagnosis and treatment of microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix and thin melanoma. However, technological changes, particularly the development of fibreoptics, have made feasible the detection of such lesions in many previously poorly accessible areas; so chapters on cervix, vulva, melanoma, mouth are accompanied by ones on breast, endometrium, larynx, bronchus, esophagus, stomach, colon, bladder, prostate and thyroid. Even the ovary gets a guernsey, though it is sent off at halftime to learn the rules. The various authors have a varied approach. many presenting and discussing their own material, others reviewing the topic at large. The tone varies from authoritative to speculative but all at least point to the problems; and they, of course are substantial. The most immediate difficulty is the lack of agreement as to what constitutes microinvasion; while most agree that measurement of bulk is required, the mode of measurement and the definition of limits are in question. Agreement is possible, as is evident from the number of multiauthored chapters in this book. Some of the pathological investigations described are clearly research methods, and translation of these into practical procedures is required. Not least in the list of problems is the multifocal nature of many developing cancers so that new primary tumours develop after cure of the minimal cancer. As a review of these problems as they beset investigators of most organ systems, this book is well worth its modest price. Any general histopathologist whose biopsies are endoscopically derived from more than one orifice would find it valuable.
D. H . Moir
Mi.thods in Hematology: The Thalussuemias. Ed. D. J . WEATHERALL. 1983. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, London, Melbourne and New York. 166 pp. ISBN 0 443 02565 7. $36.40. It is a real pleasure to find a book so concise and informative. which is devoted to such a relatively small area of hematology. All relevant methodology, from basic to highly sophisticated, is presented clearly with sufficient detail and references. Extra features include good theoretical background, evaluation of techniques with common sources of technical and interpretative error outlined. The contributors are all experts in their own fields and the individual chapters complement each other well. The subject is extensively covered including chapters on transfusion therapy, antenatal diagnosis and iron chelation as well as every facet of laboratory investigation. The chapter
513
on population screening detracts from the high standard as it does not provide sufficient explanatory notes for some of the terms used and backs the clarity and conciseness so apparent throughout the remainder of the book. In view of its limited scope, the chapter ‘Hematologic Methods’ would have been better combined with the following chapter on ‘Hemoglobin Analysis’. It would have been useful to extend the subject matter to include a section concerning the less technical aspects of thalassemia, e.g. social problems and genetic counselling. Although these are not strictly methodology neither is transfusion management, and hematological professionals are often involved in these areas There are several small inconsistencies between contributors, for example the level of MCV which necessitates testing and the value of various discrimination function analyses for distinguishing iron deficiency from thalassemia. The figures in Table 9.2 (p. 154) relating to PMN’s and platelets in stored blood are inaccurate-this may be a typographical error. There were other typographical errors and the omission of a bracket in one equation which indicate inadequate proof reading and detract slightly from the overall excellence. Although the Editor has suggested that the writing of a book ‘devoted entirely to laboratory methods has about the same intellectual and emotional appeal as copying out a telephone directory’, the reviewers certainly found the text infinitely superior to anything produced by Telecom. We have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone involved in the study of thalassemia. Era Raik and Eliznhi~thG. Porcdl Annuul Review of Microhiolugy, Vol. 36. Eds M. P. STARR, A. BALOWS & J. M. SCHMIDT. 1982. Annual Reviews Inc., Palo Alto. California. 563 pp.. tables. ISBN08243 1136 1. US$25.00.
At first glance the 1982 edition of the Rci’irw seems to contain relatively few subjects of interest to medical microbiologists. In fact, six chapters deal with clinical matters and another seven of the 21 chapters are medically relevant. Dr Tilton’s review of methods to detect bacteremia is timely for those of us working in hospital laboratories where decisions about the introduction of new techniques will soon have to be made. Unfortunately, I find it difficult to escape his conclusion that ‘relatively few, if any, methods will detect the presence of bacteria in blood with acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity at reasonable cost within a few hours’. A chapter dealing with Huc~mophilusspecies other than H . infiuen:ae reviews the range of infections attributed to ten currently recognized species ofthe genus. The author has some interesting comments to make about the clinical relevance of these species as well as the somewhat dubious taxonomic status of some of them, based as it is on a rather limited number of distinguishing characteristics. Furthermore, he notes that reports of infections due to such species as H. parainfiuenzae, H . haemolj.ticus and H . parahaemolj.ticus frequently have not described the data used to define the isolates or have used methods for defining nutritional requirements, such as Staphylococcus aurrus streaks on nutrient agar which are not currently acceptable. Certainly the hemolytic species are rarely pathogenic while the position of such species as H . ducrcy? and H . aegyplius is both clinically and taxonomically more clear. The chapter by Weiss on rickettsiae will give readers an opportunity to note recent important discoveries such as the developmental cycle of C‘auirliu hameti;. the changing ecology of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and the presence of R. pronazekrr in the flying squirrels of the eastern U.S.A. Primary amebic meningitis, a disease first described in Australia in 1965 is the subject of a review dealing briefly with all aspects of Naegleriafow/eri and the disease it produces, while in his review of the mediators of anaphylaxis and inflammation, Bach summarizes the properties of 33 compounds, including the numerous products of the arachidonic acid ‘cascade’.
514
Pathology (1983), 15, October
BOOK REVIEWS
For medical academics there are chapters on the evolution of RNA viruses, low molecular weight enzyme inhibitors, the mode of action of colicins, iron binding by envelope proteins, microbiological screens for anticancer agents, and cell envelope proteins. Only the most inquisitive would venture into chapters dealing with such subjects as viroids, magnetotactic bacteria, phycobilisomes and plant corynebacteria. One chapter relevant to us all tells how to deal with computers and ‘computer evangelists’. The author who tells us he makes a living out of microbiology and computer technology is clearly a convert but he sounds some warnings for those who are about to take the faith. Computers, it seems, can make slaves of us after their purchase has decimated departmental funds.
subject and rightly emphasizes our present lack of knowledge concerning underlying morphology in many instances of drug-induced disease. It will serve to focus the anatomical pathologist’s attention on the increasingly large problem of drug-induced and toxic diseases, and should be available as a reference work in Pathology departments.
Richard Benn
During the past twenty-five years leukemia has continued to provide both basic and clinical researchers with a wealth of information from which slowly but surely has emerged some understanding of the causes and methods of managing malignant disease. The literature that has resulted from the generation of such data has been both very extensive and at times difficult for the clinician to follow. The fourth edition of the book ‘Leukemia’ appearing some 25 years after the first, brings together in a single volume the most comprehensive and up to date discussion of all aspects of both acute and chronic leukemia. The first 400 pages address the pathophysiology, kinetics, cytogenetics and etiology of leukemia, providing the reader with an excellent and absorbing review of the basic research and clinical significance of the information that has been accumulated. The remaining 600 pages are directed to succinct and extremely well-referenced discussions of all types of leukemia, each being treated separately. The inclusion of a significant number of graphs, diagrams, and figures greatly assist the reader in the identification of the most important data and appropriate references related to treatment, drug pharmacology and the problems related to treatment. A final chapter provided by the editors presents the highlights of the most recent advances which have evolved just prior to this volume going to press. This is an excellent text and review on the subject of leukemia and is highly recommended reading for all those interested in the basic research and clinical management of this group of diseases.
Immunological Investigation oj Human Virus Disi~ases.No. 5. Practical Methods in Clinical Immunologj,, DONALDM. MCLEAN. 1982. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh. 99 pp. ISBN 0 443 02536 3 . $30.80. This little volume deserves a long career as a ‘front line’ handbook on the bench of all kinds of virus laboratories. It is hard to imagine a better exposition of virus antibody tests for the uninitiated. The clarity of thought and expression is admirable. Just enough detail about each method is included to allow it to be performed properly and the reader is not confused by discussions of alternatives. The diagrammatic illustrations are well drawn and unambiguous. Several of the new generation of virus serological tests such as radioimmunoassay, Eliza and radial hemolysis have now established themselves in routine laboratories and they are well described in the book. The allotment of only 3 of the 99 pages to complement fixation tests is a telling sign of the times. While it is to be expected that laboratory trainees will be the most appreciative readers of this book it ready reference to check specific technical should also prove useful points or to offer visitors observing laboratory methodology. The clinical section of the work occupies almost half the space and goes far beyond the scope suggested by the title. Professor McLean writes with the authority of many years of experience in bridging the gap between the practitioner and the laboratory. Again the style is deceptively simple and brief. For each important virus the relative value of virus culture and serological diagnosis is stated and the mode of coliection of appropriate specimens tabulated. Very little space is devoted to tests of cell mediated immunity to specific viruses as might be expected when their value has still to be assessed in diagnosis. Altogether this is an attractive little book which should serve to dispel the aura of mystique which all too often impedes rational use ofthe virus diagnostic laboratory Yvonne Cossart Pathology of Drug-Induced and Tovic Diseases, ROBERTH. RIDDELL with 28 contributors. 1982. Churchill Livingstone, New York, Edinburgh, London and Melbourne. 696 pp., 361 half-tone and 15 line illustrations, 46 tables. ISBN 0 443 080836. A$I 16.60. This book sets out to provide the pathologist with acomprehensive wellreferenced (3956 references) work concerning morphological reactions to a vast range of drugs and other toxins. There are twenty chapters, the first of which gives background information about adverse drug reactions, with the second chapter dealing with fetal and pediatric drug induced and toxic diseases. The remaining chapters deal with drug induced and toxic morphological changes affecting particular organs or systems of the body. With 28 authors, including pathologists and clinicians, there is a notable variability in style of different chapters, but all are well illustrated and informative. This book brings together a great deal of information about the
P. B. Herdson
Leukemia, 4th ed., Eds F. W. GUNZ& E. S. HENDERSON.1982. Grune and Stratton, Inc., New York. 986 pp.. illustrated. ISBN 0 8089 1513 4. US$95.00.
Ian Cooper Stem Cells. Their identij?cation and characteri:ation, Ed. C. S. POTTEN. 1983. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, London, Melbourne and New York. 304 pp., illustrated. ISBN 0 443 024510. $67.00. The topic covered by this book is of increasing relevance to all who attempt to understand the cell biology of tumours and the normal proliferation of tissues. This book is a collection of invited reviews in honour of Professor L. Lajtha who has been active in the field for many years. He has contributed the first chapter dealing with the concept of stem cell and the implications of stem cell behaviour, a topic which he covers concisely and thoughtfully. Because of the nature of the book there is a degree of repetition with a number of authors defining stem cells and discussing the implications of Cairn’s theory of the conservation of the parental genome in the stem cell. Most articles are written for those who have some previous knowledge of the field and it will require application by those who have not previously considered stem cells to be important. Application will be rewarded, however, as the chapters cover a wide range of systems with the ones especially relevant to man, those on spermatogonia, hemopoietic tissue, intestine, skin and oral mucosa being well illustrated and documented. The initial chapters on stem cells in more primitive systems, while not as apparently relevant to most of the readers of this Journal, are worth reading for the insight they give into stem cell systems. The final chapter on Stem Cells in Tumours provides a timely perspective for the many articles which have recently appeared dealing