- Email: [email protected]
Molecular Basis of Bacterial Pathogenesis (Volume 11: The Bacteria)
Pathology (1991), 23, pp. 366-369
BOOK REVIEWS
Morson and Dawsons Gastroiniesiinal Pathology. 3rd edition. Edited I . M. DAWSON, D. W. DAY,J . R . JASS, A. B. PRICE by B. C. MORSON, A N D G. T. WILLIAMS. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, London, Edinburgh, Boston, Melbourne, 1990. ISBN 0-632-01693-0, pp. x + 748, $304. The last edition of ‘Gastrointestinal Pathology’ was published 11 years ago. There are many significant changes in this edition and the number of authors was expanded to 6 from the original 2. All the authors are from the United Kingdom at the time the book was written and the newcomers are certainly recognized experts in the field of gastrointestinal histopathology. The inclusion of new authors has not only increased the size of the volume but has brought a restructuring of the book, to incorporate new and advancing information such as the role of campylobacter pylori in gastrointestinal pathology as well as the pathology of AIDS as it pertains to GIT pathology. In fact, almost every chapter has been looked at critically by all the authors. References are accordingly brought up to date and expanded. All this has made an already excellent book even better. The book now takes up 748 pages, is divided into 8 sections and a total of 50 chapters. The organization is conventional as in the previous edition. Section 1 deals with examination and reporting of surgical specimens. The other sections which follow deal with esophagus, stomach, small intestine, appendix, large intestine, anal region and a new section on peritoneum. The anatomy, normal histology and physiology are usually dealt with first in each section before the histopathology is discussed. The written style of the book is ‘cut and dry’, fairly characteristic of many British medical text books. This book is factual, up to date and easy to read. There are many well chosen black and white photomicrographs. Most are of acceptable print quality. This book has been a valuable text and reference book for many practising pathologists and despite a number of recently published books on gastrointestinal pathology it will remain a popular choice amongst pathologists.
L . C. J. Yong
‘4ID.S - Vaccine Research and Clinical Trials. Edited by Scon D. PUTKE)AND DANIP . BOLOGNESI. Marcel Dekker Inc. New York and Basel, 1990. ISBN 0-8247-8221-6, pp. xix+480. US$ll9.50.
‘This book stands as a statement of faith in the ultimate success of scienrific, as distinct from sociological, weapons as a defence against AIDS. ‘The contributors include many of the major American retrovirologists and the variety and sophistication of the work they report gives insight into the intensity and magnitude of both government funded and industrial research into AIDS. The numerous chapters are organized into 4 sections. The first is devoted to gudies o f the interaction between the viral envelope and the host cell and seeks to define the molecular basis as immunity to HIV - the very possibility of which remains hypothetical. The reviews
describe in great detail work that is rapidly advancing and, as such, they are stimulating and informative but destined to date rapidly. All the same they are well worth the effort from the scientific researcher not directly involved with HIV because of the gamut of theoretical concepts which are discussed. This research searchlight on the virus cell receptor concept reveals much of relevance to other virus diseases and the discussion of signals to the immune system is also illuminating. The second section devoted to cell mediated immunity and HIV also addresses the theme of the host response in the agent of the progression of HIV related disease. The rest of the book is concerned with the prospect of making experimental vaccines and testing them. The detail about the different preparations is sometimes baffling, but on the whole the authors succeed in marshalling an enormous amount of data and they use informative discussions of the underlying theory to explain their objectives and to interpret the results. The descriptions of animal systems are more straightforward and bring out the variation between lentivirus infections of different species with their application to human disease. The very last section of all on vaccine trials concerns the interface between public health epidemiology and bioethics. This is a timely review of the difficulties yet to be faced in establishing the value of any AIDS vaccine. The section points to a need for more people to be trained in philosophy as well as biology. It is clear that the development of interinstitutional and international collaboration to develop guidelines for testing and implementing AIDS vaccination lags behind progress in the biological laboratory, and politics may prove the greatest impediment of all to success.
Yvonne Cossart
Molecular Basis of Bacterial Pathogenesis (Volume I I : The Bacteria). Edited by BARBARA H. IGLEWSKI AND VIRGINIA L. CLARK. Academic Press Inc., Harcourt Brace Janovich, Publishers, San Diego, New York, Boston, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, 1990. ISBN 0-12-307211-5, pp. xi + 473, US$85.00. The title of this book suggests that it should be of interest to pathologists. However, it is unlikely that pathologists are the targeted readers. This clinical microbiologist found much of it a struggle to read because of the jargon and technical complexity. No doubt many pathologists would welcome a review of the principal new informarion wlthout having t o take a preliminary course in molecular genetics. The book is divided into 3 main sections covering colonization, invasion (and intracellular growth) and toxins. The chapters cover a range of organisms illustrating the use of recombinant DNA techniques, gene cloning and DNA sequencing. In some chapters the authors start by explaining the objectives of present research and adequately conclude by discussing progress made and sometimes the future applications of the new knowledge. Stanley Falkow has written a good introductory chapter which sets the scene for the book, although many would disagree with his suggestion that infection is “persistence, usually by multiplication on or within another living organism”. Does this not describe colonization? The following chapter by Selander and Musser on popularion genetics of bacterial pathogenesis is clearly written and introduces a topic which may be a new and valuable concept to some pathologists
B O O K REVIEWS
An interesting reference is made in the chapter on endothelial monolayers by Treponema pallidum to a comment by Sir William Osler which is quoted as 1932. In fact, this was from a posthumous publication of addresses by this famous clinician. In summary, this book gives an insight into the explosion of research into the determination and regulation of bacterial virulence. An understanding of these properties is essential for the pathologist. Equally the microbial geneticist needs to be informed of the host response (ie, the pathologist’s territory).
G. Rich
Management of Blood Transfusion Services. Edited by S . R. HOLL-AN.
W. WAGSTAFF, J . LEIKOLA A N D F. LOTHE. World Health Organization, Geneva, 1990. ISBN 92-4-154406-6, pp. xii 229, Sw.Fr.41.
+
The idea of publishing this book arose following a postgraduate course on the management of Blood Transfusion Services held in Hungary in 1983. The course was organized by W H O an d the Government of Hungary with participation from the League of Red Cross Societies and the International Society of Blood Transfusion. The book can be considered in 4 parts, each being a contribution from 1 of the 4 editors. Th e first, by Dr Leikola, sets the basic pattern for a national blood programme as an integral part of any national health policy and promotes self sufficiency in blood and blood products as an achievable goal using voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. Estimates are given of the quantities of blood and blood products required to meet the needs of a given population. Dr Susan Hollan, the second editor, and her staff at the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Budapest have contributed most to the book and cover the following topics: donor recruitment, premises, equipment, testing, quality assurance, computerization, staff training and continuing education. An estimate of space requirements and suitable design plans are included and will serve as useful guides to any Service planning new premises. Dr W . Wagstaff has contributed chapters on personnel managcment and transport while the fourth editor, Dr F. Lothe, covers the role of International Organisations in providing guidelines for the management of Blood Transfusion Services. Dr A. Andre provides a chapter on ethical and legal responsibilities to donors and recipients, Dr C. Duncan, a chapter on financial planning and Dr Brodheim and R. Beal on inventory control, storage and disposal. This book is highly specialized and wil1 be of interest largely to senior staff of Blood Transfusion Services and persons involved in the planning or investigation of Transfusion Services. I t will be of particular interest to such persons in the developing countries. G. Archer
ND J O ~ F P H Human Prenatal Diagnosis. 2nd edition. K A R E N F I L K I NA S F. Russo. Marcel Dekker Inc., New York and Basel, 1990. ISBN
0-8247-8314-X, pp. xvii + 601, US$180.00.
This book is a multi-authored reference to prenatal diagnosis (PND). Two authors (M. Bennett and D. Wass) are from Australia. The task to provide an up-to-date text in the rapidly expanding area of PND is difficult but in general is dealt with very well. The text is easy to read and information (as far as I could ascertain) is current to the end o l 1989. References are extensive and up to date. The target audience would in the first instance be obstetricians, geneticists and health workers. The 15 chapters give a broad coverage of procedureshboratory strategies involved in PND. Formats are usually historical introductions followed by practical considerations and then extensive references to situations for which PND was indicated. The chapters on chorion villus sampling (CVS), fetal blood sampling and ultrasonography are particularly informative. One chapter describer the implications of PND in multiple pregnancies. Although an uncommon situation, the ethical and
367
legal issues associated with diagnosis and selective feticide make this an important topic. References provided in the latter chapter w,ould be very helpful. One useful chapter lists the practical aspects of ainnio~enteiis.Tlic area of fetal therapy (medical, surgical and gene manipulation) is adequately covered in 2 chapters although comments made in respect of gene therapy are fairly broad. A potentially contentious issuc, that of maternal serum u-fetoprotein screening (MSAFP), was avoidcd by providing facts on variables which affect MSAFP levels and the potential relationship of MSAFP to Down’s syndrome screening. I personally found the longest chapter (DNA testing and applied molecular genetics) to be interesting but for the general reader i t may be too long with a lot of unnecessary detail. A chapter on legal implications defines the prerequisites which are essential for the phyrician and health worker who may be involved in PND. Although quoling US-based case studies this chapter provides many robering illustrations of how PND can become a complex issue involving physician/patient/ health workerlother parties. Both the chapter on fetal therapy and the last chapter give insighcs into future directions for PN D in terms of diagnosis (preiniplantation embryo, fetal blood in maternal circulation) and therapy (particularly surgical intervention). The book could be improved with cross referencing, ie, the chapter on CVS provided very useful data as to efficacy and safety yet a number of other chapters suggested that risks for CVS remained to be defined. K . J . A . Trenl
Gastroinfeslinul Pathology. Edited by G . T . W I II I A M S Springer-
Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, I,ondon, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, 1990. ISBN 0-387-51016-8, pp. xii + 358, DM68.00.
As claimed by the editor, this volume encapsulates primarily the current information on inflammatory and neoplastic bowel disease which could otherwise only be obtained by recourse to the original literature. I t is aimed at the practising gastrointestinal pathologist. Like most other specialized fields within tissue pathology, the digestive tract has itimulated, in recent times, a formidable array of texts both narrowly and broadly based. This work must thus be measured by how much o f the information i t contains are real advances of relevance not to be found elsewhere. The novel aspect of the first chapter is an enthusiastic attempt to incoiporate into the various forms of gastritis and duodenitij, a paihogcnetic role for Campylobacter (now known as Helicobacter) pylori. This i i perhaps a little premature when the author’s own view appears to be embodied in the quotc: “if it is not true i t is a happy invention”. What is particularly noticeable with respect to this very pcrsuaiive renditiori is the virtual absence of a substantial literature which casts at leart some doubt on a t r u l y pathogenic role for this organiun. The next 4 chapters on Barrett’s esophagui, duodenal adenomas, gastric dysplasia and intraepithelial neoplasia of the anal canal are adequate. The husband and wife ream, the Drs Mathan, have v,rittcn an excellent chapter on biopsy interpretation i n [he tropics and the chapter on the gut lymphoid tissue and its tumors is particularly good. It contains an intriguing statement however, viz “dense gastric lymphoid infiltrates which fail to respond to medical treatment o r chronic gastritis”. Most readers with an intcreit in chronic gastritic would be eager to learn the nature of this therapy. Other chapters of excellent quality concern ischemic colitis arid its differential diagnoses, quantitation in diagno\tic gastrointcjtinal pathology, an update on polyposis syndromes - it wai a relief to see cap polyposis referred to - and an outline of’ a Swiss experiencc i n the diagno\is of Hirschsprung’s disease and related abnormalitie$ o f intestinal innervation. The remaining chapters on collagenous colitis, inte5tinal spirochetosis, malignant colonic polyps and prognostic factors in colorcctal cancer are clear and full accounts. They contain certain personal views
BOOK REVIEWS
Morson and Dawsons Gastroiniesiinal Pathology. 3rd edition. Edited I . M. DAWSON, D. W. DAY,J . R . JASS, A. B. PRICE by B. C. MORSON, A N D G. T. WILLIAMS. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, London, Edinburgh, Boston, Melbourne, 1990. ISBN 0-632-01693-0, pp. x + 748, $304. The last edition of ‘Gastrointestinal Pathology’ was published 11 years ago. There are many significant changes in this edition and the number of authors was expanded to 6 from the original 2. All the authors are from the United Kingdom at the time the book was written and the newcomers are certainly recognized experts in the field of gastrointestinal histopathology. The inclusion of new authors has not only increased the size of the volume but has brought a restructuring of the book, to incorporate new and advancing information such as the role of campylobacter pylori in gastrointestinal pathology as well as the pathology of AIDS as it pertains to GIT pathology. In fact, almost every chapter has been looked at critically by all the authors. References are accordingly brought up to date and expanded. All this has made an already excellent book even better. The book now takes up 748 pages, is divided into 8 sections and a total of 50 chapters. The organization is conventional as in the previous edition. Section 1 deals with examination and reporting of surgical specimens. The other sections which follow deal with esophagus, stomach, small intestine, appendix, large intestine, anal region and a new section on peritoneum. The anatomy, normal histology and physiology are usually dealt with first in each section before the histopathology is discussed. The written style of the book is ‘cut and dry’, fairly characteristic of many British medical text books. This book is factual, up to date and easy to read. There are many well chosen black and white photomicrographs. Most are of acceptable print quality. This book has been a valuable text and reference book for many practising pathologists and despite a number of recently published books on gastrointestinal pathology it will remain a popular choice amongst pathologists.
L . C. J. Yong
‘4ID.S - Vaccine Research and Clinical Trials. Edited by Scon D. PUTKE)AND DANIP . BOLOGNESI. Marcel Dekker Inc. New York and Basel, 1990. ISBN 0-8247-8221-6, pp. xix+480. US$ll9.50.
‘This book stands as a statement of faith in the ultimate success of scienrific, as distinct from sociological, weapons as a defence against AIDS. ‘The contributors include many of the major American retrovirologists and the variety and sophistication of the work they report gives insight into the intensity and magnitude of both government funded and industrial research into AIDS. The numerous chapters are organized into 4 sections. The first is devoted to gudies o f the interaction between the viral envelope and the host cell and seeks to define the molecular basis as immunity to HIV - the very possibility of which remains hypothetical. The reviews
describe in great detail work that is rapidly advancing and, as such, they are stimulating and informative but destined to date rapidly. All the same they are well worth the effort from the scientific researcher not directly involved with HIV because of the gamut of theoretical concepts which are discussed. This research searchlight on the virus cell receptor concept reveals much of relevance to other virus diseases and the discussion of signals to the immune system is also illuminating. The second section devoted to cell mediated immunity and HIV also addresses the theme of the host response in the agent of the progression of HIV related disease. The rest of the book is concerned with the prospect of making experimental vaccines and testing them. The detail about the different preparations is sometimes baffling, but on the whole the authors succeed in marshalling an enormous amount of data and they use informative discussions of the underlying theory to explain their objectives and to interpret the results. The descriptions of animal systems are more straightforward and bring out the variation between lentivirus infections of different species with their application to human disease. The very last section of all on vaccine trials concerns the interface between public health epidemiology and bioethics. This is a timely review of the difficulties yet to be faced in establishing the value of any AIDS vaccine. The section points to a need for more people to be trained in philosophy as well as biology. It is clear that the development of interinstitutional and international collaboration to develop guidelines for testing and implementing AIDS vaccination lags behind progress in the biological laboratory, and politics may prove the greatest impediment of all to success.
Yvonne Cossart
Molecular Basis of Bacterial Pathogenesis (Volume I I : The Bacteria). Edited by BARBARA H. IGLEWSKI AND VIRGINIA L. CLARK. Academic Press Inc., Harcourt Brace Janovich, Publishers, San Diego, New York, Boston, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, 1990. ISBN 0-12-307211-5, pp. xi + 473, US$85.00. The title of this book suggests that it should be of interest to pathologists. However, it is unlikely that pathologists are the targeted readers. This clinical microbiologist found much of it a struggle to read because of the jargon and technical complexity. No doubt many pathologists would welcome a review of the principal new informarion wlthout having t o take a preliminary course in molecular genetics. The book is divided into 3 main sections covering colonization, invasion (and intracellular growth) and toxins. The chapters cover a range of organisms illustrating the use of recombinant DNA techniques, gene cloning and DNA sequencing. In some chapters the authors start by explaining the objectives of present research and adequately conclude by discussing progress made and sometimes the future applications of the new knowledge. Stanley Falkow has written a good introductory chapter which sets the scene for the book, although many would disagree with his suggestion that infection is “persistence, usually by multiplication on or within another living organism”. Does this not describe colonization? The following chapter by Selander and Musser on popularion genetics of bacterial pathogenesis is clearly written and introduces a topic which may be a new and valuable concept to some pathologists
B O O K REVIEWS
An interesting reference is made in the chapter on endothelial monolayers by Treponema pallidum to a comment by Sir William Osler which is quoted as 1932. In fact, this was from a posthumous publication of addresses by this famous clinician. In summary, this book gives an insight into the explosion of research into the determination and regulation of bacterial virulence. An understanding of these properties is essential for the pathologist. Equally the microbial geneticist needs to be informed of the host response (ie, the pathologist’s territory).
G. Rich
Management of Blood Transfusion Services. Edited by S . R. HOLL-AN.
W. WAGSTAFF, J . LEIKOLA A N D F. LOTHE. World Health Organization, Geneva, 1990. ISBN 92-4-154406-6, pp. xii 229, Sw.Fr.41.
+
The idea of publishing this book arose following a postgraduate course on the management of Blood Transfusion Services held in Hungary in 1983. The course was organized by W H O an d the Government of Hungary with participation from the League of Red Cross Societies and the International Society of Blood Transfusion. The book can be considered in 4 parts, each being a contribution from 1 of the 4 editors. Th e first, by Dr Leikola, sets the basic pattern for a national blood programme as an integral part of any national health policy and promotes self sufficiency in blood and blood products as an achievable goal using voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. Estimates are given of the quantities of blood and blood products required to meet the needs of a given population. Dr Susan Hollan, the second editor, and her staff at the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Budapest have contributed most to the book and cover the following topics: donor recruitment, premises, equipment, testing, quality assurance, computerization, staff training and continuing education. An estimate of space requirements and suitable design plans are included and will serve as useful guides to any Service planning new premises. Dr W . Wagstaff has contributed chapters on personnel managcment and transport while the fourth editor, Dr F. Lothe, covers the role of International Organisations in providing guidelines for the management of Blood Transfusion Services. Dr A. Andre provides a chapter on ethical and legal responsibilities to donors and recipients, Dr C. Duncan, a chapter on financial planning and Dr Brodheim and R. Beal on inventory control, storage and disposal. This book is highly specialized and wil1 be of interest largely to senior staff of Blood Transfusion Services and persons involved in the planning or investigation of Transfusion Services. I t will be of particular interest to such persons in the developing countries. G. Archer
ND J O ~ F P H Human Prenatal Diagnosis. 2nd edition. K A R E N F I L K I NA S F. Russo. Marcel Dekker Inc., New York and Basel, 1990. ISBN
0-8247-8314-X, pp. xvii + 601, US$180.00.
This book is a multi-authored reference to prenatal diagnosis (PND). Two authors (M. Bennett and D. Wass) are from Australia. The task to provide an up-to-date text in the rapidly expanding area of PND is difficult but in general is dealt with very well. The text is easy to read and information (as far as I could ascertain) is current to the end o l 1989. References are extensive and up to date. The target audience would in the first instance be obstetricians, geneticists and health workers. The 15 chapters give a broad coverage of procedureshboratory strategies involved in PND. Formats are usually historical introductions followed by practical considerations and then extensive references to situations for which PND was indicated. The chapters on chorion villus sampling (CVS), fetal blood sampling and ultrasonography are particularly informative. One chapter describer the implications of PND in multiple pregnancies. Although an uncommon situation, the ethical and
367
legal issues associated with diagnosis and selective feticide make this an important topic. References provided in the latter chapter w,ould be very helpful. One useful chapter lists the practical aspects of ainnio~enteiis.Tlic area of fetal therapy (medical, surgical and gene manipulation) is adequately covered in 2 chapters although comments made in respect of gene therapy are fairly broad. A potentially contentious issuc, that of maternal serum u-fetoprotein screening (MSAFP), was avoidcd by providing facts on variables which affect MSAFP levels and the potential relationship of MSAFP to Down’s syndrome screening. I personally found the longest chapter (DNA testing and applied molecular genetics) to be interesting but for the general reader i t may be too long with a lot of unnecessary detail. A chapter on legal implications defines the prerequisites which are essential for the phyrician and health worker who may be involved in PND. Although quoling US-based case studies this chapter provides many robering illustrations of how PND can become a complex issue involving physician/patient/ health workerlother parties. Both the chapter on fetal therapy and the last chapter give insighcs into future directions for PN D in terms of diagnosis (preiniplantation embryo, fetal blood in maternal circulation) and therapy (particularly surgical intervention). The book could be improved with cross referencing, ie, the chapter on CVS provided very useful data as to efficacy and safety yet a number of other chapters suggested that risks for CVS remained to be defined. K . J . A . Trenl
Gastroinfeslinul Pathology. Edited by G . T . W I II I A M S Springer-
Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, I,ondon, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, 1990. ISBN 0-387-51016-8, pp. xii + 358, DM68.00.
As claimed by the editor, this volume encapsulates primarily the current information on inflammatory and neoplastic bowel disease which could otherwise only be obtained by recourse to the original literature. I t is aimed at the practising gastrointestinal pathologist. Like most other specialized fields within tissue pathology, the digestive tract has itimulated, in recent times, a formidable array of texts both narrowly and broadly based. This work must thus be measured by how much o f the information i t contains are real advances of relevance not to be found elsewhere. The novel aspect of the first chapter is an enthusiastic attempt to incoiporate into the various forms of gastritis and duodenitij, a paihogcnetic role for Campylobacter (now known as Helicobacter) pylori. This i i perhaps a little premature when the author’s own view appears to be embodied in the quotc: “if it is not true i t is a happy invention”. What is particularly noticeable with respect to this very pcrsuaiive renditiori is the virtual absence of a substantial literature which casts at leart some doubt on a t r u l y pathogenic role for this organiun. The next 4 chapters on Barrett’s esophagui, duodenal adenomas, gastric dysplasia and intraepithelial neoplasia of the anal canal are adequate. The husband and wife ream, the Drs Mathan, have v,rittcn an excellent chapter on biopsy interpretation i n [he tropics and the chapter on the gut lymphoid tissue and its tumors is particularly good. It contains an intriguing statement however, viz “dense gastric lymphoid infiltrates which fail to respond to medical treatment o r chronic gastritis”. Most readers with an intcreit in chronic gastritic would be eager to learn the nature of this therapy. Other chapters of excellent quality concern ischemic colitis arid its differential diagnoses, quantitation in diagno\tic gastrointcjtinal pathology, an update on polyposis syndromes - it wai a relief to see cap polyposis referred to - and an outline of’ a Swiss experiencc i n the diagno\is of Hirschsprung’s disease and related abnormalitie$ o f intestinal innervation. The remaining chapters on collagenous colitis, inte5tinal spirochetosis, malignant colonic polyps and prognostic factors in colorcctal cancer are clear and full accounts. They contain certain personal views