484 . Book Reviews

Eisert, W. G., Mendelson, M. L. (Eds.): Biological Dosimetry. Cytometric Approaches to Mammalian Systems, XVII, 346 papes with 147 figs. and 26 tables. Springer Verlag, Berlin - Heidelberg - New York - Tokyo, 1984. Soft cover DM 68,-, approx. US $ 24.80.

This book contains 30 presentations, held in October 1982 at the satelite meeting of the IXth International Conference on Ana­lytical Cytology, focussed on cytometric approaches to biological dosimetry - "the first meeting on this subject ever held". It con­tains five subparts, on Cytogenetic (8 papers), Reproductive (4 papers), Mutagenic (4 papers), Hematopoietic and Immunologic Effects (6 papers) and Morphologic, Kinetic, and Metabolic Effects (8 papers). In short, a real collection of a variety of papers. The quality therefore inevitably varies, but on the average the level is good. Not all the data are 100% new, but as the apparent intention was to collect papers in one volume, which otherwise are spread over the literature, this is not surprising. The clear set­up, the well-balanced number of figures and tables and the qua­lity of printing make the book attractive, especially to those inter­ested in cytometry. The price is surprisingly low, which is only an additional reason to recommend this book to anyone interested in quantitative pathology.

J. P. B. Baak, Amsterdam

Haynes, B., Eisenbarth, G. S. (Eds.): Monoclonal Antibodies. Probes for the Study of Autoimmunity and Immunodeficiency. XVII, 318 pages. Academic Press, Inc., Orlando, 1985. Hard cover $ 49,50

This book, published at the end of 1983, is divided into 14 chapters, each of these written by leading investigators in the field of monoclonal antibodies and their use in the study of auto­immunity and immunodeficiency. The chapters contain complete and comprehensive review of the use of monoclonal antibodies in the study of different types of auto-immunity (e. g. systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile diabetes, auto-immune thyroid disease, myasthenia gravis) and immunodeficiency syndromes. Some chapters focus on the study of the pathogenesis and the potential treatment of these diseases. In other chapters, the use of monoclo­nal antibodies in the identification of the different types of Band T lymphocytes, NK cells and of the human neuro-endocrine thy­mic epithelium is described.

All the chapters are well organized. The data are clearly pres­ented and well illustrated by schemes and tables. The references for each chapter are numerous and correctly cited. Most of them are recent.

This book consists of a well-balanced collection of articles, each of them presenting a good review of the respective subject (auto-immune disease, immunodeficiency). Such a book is intere­sting for pathologists, hematologists and immunologists. We can only regret the long delay between its publication (1983) and its distribution (1985).

J. DieboldlParis

Lascari, A. D.: Hematologic Manifestations of Childhood Dis­eases. VII, 461 pages, 8 figures, 74 tables. Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart - New York, 1984. Hard cover DM 168,-.

The hematologic and related features of systemic diseases in children are described in this book. Its 16 chapters provide detailed information on hematologic changes which may occur in a variety of infections; in rheumatic, cardiac, renal, gastrointesti­nal, liver, pancreatic and endocrine diseases; in neuro-musculo-

skeletal, allergic and immunological disorders; in metabolic and malignant diseases; as a result of exposure to poisons and toxins; from physical damage; and in pulmonary, dermatologic and mis­cellaneous disorders. Thus, the hematologic manifestations which may result from a wide spectrum of wholly unrelated dis­orders have been compiled into a single book. This required gathering together and critically evaluating numerous findings and a large body of data. Each chapter includes a comprehensive list of references; the book as a whole contains a total of 4293 references!

This book is not intended as a text or reference book on hematology. For the physician, however, who wishes to know what hematologic abnormalities may be manifested by a specific nonhematological disorder, this is the book to use. It brings together a wealth of information which otherwise would have to be gathered for each individual case from a variety of other books or journals. Physicians who deal directly or indirectly with dis­eases of childhood and have a further interest in hematology, will find this both a profitable and timesaving book to use.

D. Harms, Kiel

Mackie, R. M. (Ed.): Milne's Dermatopathology. Second Edi­tion. VII, 357 pages, illustrated. Edward Arnold Ltd., Maiden­head/U.K., 1984. Hard Cover £ 57,50

This book should be regarded as an elementary treatise on the vast field of dermatopathology, more useful for teaching than as a diagnostic tool. The most frequent skin disorders are conside­red, though not fully discussed. As a summarized overview of the more common skin diseases this work is well carried out. Figures are well chosen and complementary to the text. Some imperfec­tions, however, are obvious: the definition of hamartoma on page 49 is confused; colloid keratosis as a general reaction pat­tern is omitted; the diagrammatic representation of basement membrane zone ultrastructure in Fig. 3.11 does not show hemi­desmosomes and the limits of lamina lucida are not clearly represented. According to the authors, fig. 11.11 should repre­sent a "haemorrhage into one (muscle fibre": apart from the fact that this intracellular material is not clearly identifiable as ery­throcytes, it is rather astonishing and unconventional to conceive of an "intracellular haemorrhage". A major disadvantage of the book is the absence of a section on the differential diagnosis of each entity.

This book will be welcomed by the practising general patholo­gist and younger histopathologist as well as by the unexperienced dermatologist. It may be recommended as a primer for cutaneous pathology and also as a guide for students. The printing quality is high. The relatively high price of the book could restrict its diffu­sion among its potential users.

S. Gonzalez/Santiago de Chile

Wilske, J.: Der plotzliche Siiuglingstod (SIDS). Morphologische Abgrenzung, Pathomechanismus und Folgerungen fUr die Praxis. X, 267 Seiten mit 50 Abbildungen. Springer Verlag, Berlin-Hei­delberg-New York-Tokyo, 1984. Kartoniert DM 128,-, approx. US $ 50.20

This monograph contains variant aspects of SIDS: Epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology and mor­phological criteria. Furthermore, new ways of early detection and prophylaxis are mentioned.

The overall view is based on a pathophysiological interpreta­tion of morphological findings, which are evaluated by the use of a computer.

The author regards a primary Imtation of ZNS functions based on ripening stages and damages occuring during pre­gnancy, birth and postpartal development as a common basic principle in SIDS.

Corresponding pathomorphological findings in the ZNS have not yet been demonstrated. The author supposes "minimal brain damages".

Very discerningly he critizizes the use of home monitors, so often suggested nowadays. He points out other, for instance medicating possibilities.

Book Reviews . 485

The monograph conclusively reviews the state of science up to the present. Lucidly and with dialectical astuteness he also reviews his own findings. The contents is well arranged, synopti­cally presented and completed by relevant tables, figs. and an unusually extensive bibliography.

Since a conclusive English language synopsis is lacking, the dissemination in English speaking countries will be hampered, which is a pity, especially with regard to this subject.

Legal medicine specialists, pathologists and pediatricians find the chance of informing themselves on many new aspects.

Althoff/Aachen