- Email: [email protected]
Septicaemia and Endocarditis: Clinical and Microbiological Aspects
BOOK REVIEWS
Years ago much was made of the association between resistance, in Staphylococcus aureus, to mercury on the one hand, and to virulence and antibiotic resistance on the other. Silver and Misra describe the plasmid-determined genetics of heavy metal resistance to a range of heavy metals. This is of importance in the treatment of burns, but the emphasis of the chapter is not on these medical aspects. All of us are now, willy-nilly, involved in the problems of environmental pollution. The article by Reineke and Knachmass explores the mechanisms by which bacteria degrade halogenated aromatic compounds and how suitable organisms may be isolated and utilized. The volume ends with an account of the contribution of virology of the Pasteur Institute by Girard. This salutary reminder of French contributions concludes with stirring optimism that a vaccine for HIV will indeed, be successfully developed. This book is for libraries rather than individuals as very few persons would have so catholic a range of interests. Nevertheless, many individuals would do well to consult it. J. R . L. Forsyth
Human GeneMapping 9.5. Edited by K.K. KIDD, H.P. KLINGER, F.H. S Karger AG, Basel. ISBN 3-8055-4938-5, pp. 258. US$48.00. RUDDLE. The Human Gene Mapping 9.5 Volume of Cytogenetics and Cell Genetics is an invaluable compendium of information on genetic pathology. It is an update of the proceedings of the 9th International Workshop on Human Gene Mapping held in New Haven in 1988. Although a 10th workshop was held in 1989, much of the information is still valid and useful for the general reader. Progress in gene mapping is so rapid that one can always say that the published data are already out of date! For example, since the publication of this volume, location of the cystic fibrosis gene has been defined. The volume contains an updated catalogue of mapping functional genes. There are reports of expert committees o n the genetic constitution of every chromosome, on cytogenetic markers like fragile sites, structural chromosomal changes in neoplasia, clinical disorders and chromosomal deletion syndromes, on comparative mapping (of man and mice as well as other mammals) and gene mapping by recombinant DNA (restriction fragment length polymorphisms with different restriction enzymes). The report for each chromosome includes an introduction indicating new gene locations as well as any updates or changes. There are recommendations on nomenclature of gene mapping, such as the use of arbitrary reference points (ARPS) to locate segments of DNA along a chromosome. Practitioners of laboratory medicine, particularly in Hematology and Anatomical Pathology, are now frequently asked about the genetics and chromosomal abnormalities, if any, of clinical disorders. Is there an oncogene on the short arm of chromosome 2? What’s the latest in the cytogenetic analysis of carcinoma of the prostrate? Is there a probe for segment “A” of the long arm of chromosome 6? I find this volume extremely useful in answering such queries from clinical colleagues. The lists of references accompanying the reports are comprehensive and are excellent guides for further reading. I therefore warmly recommend that every pathologist (or at least every pathology laboratory) should acquire a copy of Human Gene Mapping 9.5 and subsequent volumes of gene mapping workshops. P . R.L. Lam-Po- Tang
Fundamentals of Immunohematology: Theory and Technique. MARY TURGEON. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, London, 1989. ISBN LOUISE 0-8121-1217-2, pp. xi+493. $71.00. This book, written by an American educator, is aimed at “undergraduate clinical laboratory science students educators and blood bank personnel”. Its applicability to trainees and specialists in the fields of
127
hematology and blood banking may therefore be limited and must be balanced against the ultimate needs of that individual. In addition, the title of the book is somewhat misleading in that there is very little attempt to cover areas of immunohematology apart from the provision of homologous red cells for transfusion. For instance, whilst there is a whole chapter devoted to hemolytic disease of the newborn, there is very little discussion of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (idiopathic or drug-associated), and only a couple of pages are devoted to platelet transfusion practice, with no discussion of platelet antigens. These caveats aside, the book is well written and organized. It is divided into five sections: basic foundations, erythrocyte blood group systems, transfusion practices, clinical conditions associated with irnmunohematology and procedures in blood banking. As well as conventional topics there are chapters devoted to safety and quality assurance, transfusion-acquired infectious diseases and new directions in serological testing, as well as a collection of dry workshops with questions and discussions. Each chapter starts with a list of objectives preceeding the text and concludes with a chapter summary, a number of review questions and a selected bibliography. Theoretical aspects are well covered, although, as would be expected, some of more recent developments (for instance, in therapy of hemolytic disease in newborn) are not included. Technical aspects are also well presented and with minor differences would conform to the current Australasian Society of Blood Transfusion guidelines for pre-transfusion testing. Tables and diagrams are used frequently and are in general comprehensible whilst typographical errors are minimal, although a number of misprints in the answers to the review questions are identified. In conclusion, this book attempts the difficult task of bridging theory and technique of (principally) red cell transfusion practice. It would be suitable for inclusion in a blood bank library and be of value to trainees both scientific and medical. For those more heavily involved in blood banking and immunohematology, the book alone would, however, be inadequate. John Gibson
Septicaemia and Endocarditis: Clinical and Microbiological Aspects. Edited by D. C. SHANSON. Oxford University Press, Oxford, New York, Tokyo, 1989. ISBN 0-19-261507-6, pp. 177. $60.00. Dr Shanson and a small group of contributors from the U.K. and the U.S.A. have attempted to cover two related but different subjects in a relatively slim volume. Much of the volume is in fact devoted to septicemia, and only a relatively small section of the book deals with infective endocarditis. This section provides a considerable amount of information, but inevitably certain subjects are not dealt with at length or are omitted altogether. These defects are in some instances remedied by referring the reader to current reviews, but some aspects of the topic, for example the management of endocarditis due to nutritionally-variant streptococci, are omitted entirely, so one would be forced to look elsewhere for guidance on finer points. The sections on septicemia include chapters on the range of organisms encountered and the influence of patient mix on the spectrum of isolates in a particular institution; on the clinical features seen in septicemic patients; and on the management and treatment as seen by an American and a British physician. One of the more interesting sections was a review by Dr Shanson himself on blood culture techniques, an area in which he has considerable first hand experience. This continually evolving scene is concisely and comprehensively presented and the author makes a number of valid points in favour of revised conventional systems over new semiautomated systems of blood culture. He makes the point, validly, in my opinion, that conventional blood culture systems can be devised which are by no means inferior to the newer techniques in time to detection and which recover a wider range of organisms. The cost factors are debated in British terms, which are not necessarily applicable to local conditions, where it would seem that the cost of the
128
Pathology (1990), 22, April
BOOK REVIEWS
instruments can he met through savings in the salaries of technical staff. The hook contains a great deal of useful information and is reasonably priced. However, it cannot be regarded as definitive or comprehensive and there is a lack of critical detail in some sections. John Tapsall
Liye Among the Scientists: An Anthropological Study of an Australian Scientific Community. MAX CnARLEswoRTn. LKNDSAYFARRALL, TERRY STOKESAND DAVIDTURNBULL Oxford University Press, Melbourne, Oxford, Auckland, New York, 1989. ISBN 0-19-554999-6, pp. vii+ 304. A$19.95. This book gives an account of an examination of the workings of a major research institution, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, by a group of social ‘scientists’ using a self-styled anthropological approach. Although the authors acknowledge that their study is a selective and partial interpretation of what happens when someone from one subculture gains entry to and observes another, the book is not an expose of scientists and their shortcomings. Quite correctly, the question of pressures on scientists, especially in situations where continued funding is dependent to a large extent on capacity to produce, is considered. On this point of scientists’ behaviour and also in regard to moral and ethical issues in general, the authors paraphrase what has been written in the sporting pages of daily newspapers concerning the conduct of
professional cricketers. In other words, the behaviour of small groups in our society reflects the values of the society from which that group (and its observers) are drawn. Scientists, it would seem, are no worse than and perhaps a little better than others in this regard. Much of what is written here will be familiar in general, if not in precise detail, to many pathologists who have spent any time at all in large institutions, whether in a training, teaching or service capacity. The judgement on ‘worth’ of a particular scientific achievement on the basis of quality versus quantity of publications, citation indices and comparisons between different branches of science will all be recognizable. The inevitable conclusion, that while the institution itself has the capacity to survive the shortcomings of some individuals, it requires sound administration and inspiration at many levels if it is to thrive and prosper, may also be inferred. This volume is written in such a way that it will provoke thoughtful consideration of the structures and relationships within large departments. It is acknowledged by the authors that their report is compromised. Not only did they hold disparate views on fundamental issues, hut it would seem also they did not agree on the basis of their disagreements. This perhaps has meant that what has appeared tends to be more in a reporting than an interpretative style, and this, together with some passages of lengthy explanation of scientific detail, detract from the value of the discourse. Nonetheless, there is enough controversy left to stimulate the ire of pathologists and the book is worth seeking out if one wishes to entangle oneself in the continuing debate about science and its place in society. John Tapsall
Years ago much was made of the association between resistance, in Staphylococcus aureus, to mercury on the one hand, and to virulence and antibiotic resistance on the other. Silver and Misra describe the plasmid-determined genetics of heavy metal resistance to a range of heavy metals. This is of importance in the treatment of burns, but the emphasis of the chapter is not on these medical aspects. All of us are now, willy-nilly, involved in the problems of environmental pollution. The article by Reineke and Knachmass explores the mechanisms by which bacteria degrade halogenated aromatic compounds and how suitable organisms may be isolated and utilized. The volume ends with an account of the contribution of virology of the Pasteur Institute by Girard. This salutary reminder of French contributions concludes with stirring optimism that a vaccine for HIV will indeed, be successfully developed. This book is for libraries rather than individuals as very few persons would have so catholic a range of interests. Nevertheless, many individuals would do well to consult it. J. R . L. Forsyth
Human GeneMapping 9.5. Edited by K.K. KIDD, H.P. KLINGER, F.H. S Karger AG, Basel. ISBN 3-8055-4938-5, pp. 258. US$48.00. RUDDLE. The Human Gene Mapping 9.5 Volume of Cytogenetics and Cell Genetics is an invaluable compendium of information on genetic pathology. It is an update of the proceedings of the 9th International Workshop on Human Gene Mapping held in New Haven in 1988. Although a 10th workshop was held in 1989, much of the information is still valid and useful for the general reader. Progress in gene mapping is so rapid that one can always say that the published data are already out of date! For example, since the publication of this volume, location of the cystic fibrosis gene has been defined. The volume contains an updated catalogue of mapping functional genes. There are reports of expert committees o n the genetic constitution of every chromosome, on cytogenetic markers like fragile sites, structural chromosomal changes in neoplasia, clinical disorders and chromosomal deletion syndromes, on comparative mapping (of man and mice as well as other mammals) and gene mapping by recombinant DNA (restriction fragment length polymorphisms with different restriction enzymes). The report for each chromosome includes an introduction indicating new gene locations as well as any updates or changes. There are recommendations on nomenclature of gene mapping, such as the use of arbitrary reference points (ARPS) to locate segments of DNA along a chromosome. Practitioners of laboratory medicine, particularly in Hematology and Anatomical Pathology, are now frequently asked about the genetics and chromosomal abnormalities, if any, of clinical disorders. Is there an oncogene on the short arm of chromosome 2? What’s the latest in the cytogenetic analysis of carcinoma of the prostrate? Is there a probe for segment “A” of the long arm of chromosome 6? I find this volume extremely useful in answering such queries from clinical colleagues. The lists of references accompanying the reports are comprehensive and are excellent guides for further reading. I therefore warmly recommend that every pathologist (or at least every pathology laboratory) should acquire a copy of Human Gene Mapping 9.5 and subsequent volumes of gene mapping workshops. P . R.L. Lam-Po- Tang
Fundamentals of Immunohematology: Theory and Technique. MARY TURGEON. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, London, 1989. ISBN LOUISE 0-8121-1217-2, pp. xi+493. $71.00. This book, written by an American educator, is aimed at “undergraduate clinical laboratory science students educators and blood bank personnel”. Its applicability to trainees and specialists in the fields of
127
hematology and blood banking may therefore be limited and must be balanced against the ultimate needs of that individual. In addition, the title of the book is somewhat misleading in that there is very little attempt to cover areas of immunohematology apart from the provision of homologous red cells for transfusion. For instance, whilst there is a whole chapter devoted to hemolytic disease of the newborn, there is very little discussion of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (idiopathic or drug-associated), and only a couple of pages are devoted to platelet transfusion practice, with no discussion of platelet antigens. These caveats aside, the book is well written and organized. It is divided into five sections: basic foundations, erythrocyte blood group systems, transfusion practices, clinical conditions associated with irnmunohematology and procedures in blood banking. As well as conventional topics there are chapters devoted to safety and quality assurance, transfusion-acquired infectious diseases and new directions in serological testing, as well as a collection of dry workshops with questions and discussions. Each chapter starts with a list of objectives preceeding the text and concludes with a chapter summary, a number of review questions and a selected bibliography. Theoretical aspects are well covered, although, as would be expected, some of more recent developments (for instance, in therapy of hemolytic disease in newborn) are not included. Technical aspects are also well presented and with minor differences would conform to the current Australasian Society of Blood Transfusion guidelines for pre-transfusion testing. Tables and diagrams are used frequently and are in general comprehensible whilst typographical errors are minimal, although a number of misprints in the answers to the review questions are identified. In conclusion, this book attempts the difficult task of bridging theory and technique of (principally) red cell transfusion practice. It would be suitable for inclusion in a blood bank library and be of value to trainees both scientific and medical. For those more heavily involved in blood banking and immunohematology, the book alone would, however, be inadequate. John Gibson
Septicaemia and Endocarditis: Clinical and Microbiological Aspects. Edited by D. C. SHANSON. Oxford University Press, Oxford, New York, Tokyo, 1989. ISBN 0-19-261507-6, pp. 177. $60.00. Dr Shanson and a small group of contributors from the U.K. and the U.S.A. have attempted to cover two related but different subjects in a relatively slim volume. Much of the volume is in fact devoted to septicemia, and only a relatively small section of the book deals with infective endocarditis. This section provides a considerable amount of information, but inevitably certain subjects are not dealt with at length or are omitted altogether. These defects are in some instances remedied by referring the reader to current reviews, but some aspects of the topic, for example the management of endocarditis due to nutritionally-variant streptococci, are omitted entirely, so one would be forced to look elsewhere for guidance on finer points. The sections on septicemia include chapters on the range of organisms encountered and the influence of patient mix on the spectrum of isolates in a particular institution; on the clinical features seen in septicemic patients; and on the management and treatment as seen by an American and a British physician. One of the more interesting sections was a review by Dr Shanson himself on blood culture techniques, an area in which he has considerable first hand experience. This continually evolving scene is concisely and comprehensively presented and the author makes a number of valid points in favour of revised conventional systems over new semiautomated systems of blood culture. He makes the point, validly, in my opinion, that conventional blood culture systems can be devised which are by no means inferior to the newer techniques in time to detection and which recover a wider range of organisms. The cost factors are debated in British terms, which are not necessarily applicable to local conditions, where it would seem that the cost of the
128
Pathology (1990), 22, April
BOOK REVIEWS
instruments can he met through savings in the salaries of technical staff. The hook contains a great deal of useful information and is reasonably priced. However, it cannot be regarded as definitive or comprehensive and there is a lack of critical detail in some sections. John Tapsall
Liye Among the Scientists: An Anthropological Study of an Australian Scientific Community. MAX CnARLEswoRTn. LKNDSAYFARRALL, TERRY STOKESAND DAVIDTURNBULL Oxford University Press, Melbourne, Oxford, Auckland, New York, 1989. ISBN 0-19-554999-6, pp. vii+ 304. A$19.95. This book gives an account of an examination of the workings of a major research institution, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, by a group of social ‘scientists’ using a self-styled anthropological approach. Although the authors acknowledge that their study is a selective and partial interpretation of what happens when someone from one subculture gains entry to and observes another, the book is not an expose of scientists and their shortcomings. Quite correctly, the question of pressures on scientists, especially in situations where continued funding is dependent to a large extent on capacity to produce, is considered. On this point of scientists’ behaviour and also in regard to moral and ethical issues in general, the authors paraphrase what has been written in the sporting pages of daily newspapers concerning the conduct of
professional cricketers. In other words, the behaviour of small groups in our society reflects the values of the society from which that group (and its observers) are drawn. Scientists, it would seem, are no worse than and perhaps a little better than others in this regard. Much of what is written here will be familiar in general, if not in precise detail, to many pathologists who have spent any time at all in large institutions, whether in a training, teaching or service capacity. The judgement on ‘worth’ of a particular scientific achievement on the basis of quality versus quantity of publications, citation indices and comparisons between different branches of science will all be recognizable. The inevitable conclusion, that while the institution itself has the capacity to survive the shortcomings of some individuals, it requires sound administration and inspiration at many levels if it is to thrive and prosper, may also be inferred. This volume is written in such a way that it will provoke thoughtful consideration of the structures and relationships within large departments. It is acknowledged by the authors that their report is compromised. Not only did they hold disparate views on fundamental issues, hut it would seem also they did not agree on the basis of their disagreements. This perhaps has meant that what has appeared tends to be more in a reporting than an interpretative style, and this, together with some passages of lengthy explanation of scientific detail, detract from the value of the discourse. Nonetheless, there is enough controversy left to stimulate the ire of pathologists and the book is worth seeking out if one wishes to entangle oneself in the continuing debate about science and its place in society. John Tapsall