Brucella: Molecular Microbiology and Genomics
Reviewed by Angela Arenas, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Brucella: Molecular Microbiology and Genomics is a must-have for anyone interested in Brucella spp and brucellosis. This volume is edited by 2 experts in the field. The most distinguished and internationally known scientists have contributed to the book. The text is organized into 13 chapters that provide a comprehensive and detailed review of the most recent advances regarding Brucella pathogenicity with an emphasis on genomics, virulence factors, host-agent interactions, epidemiology, diagnostics, therapeutic targets, and vaccine development. Each chapter reviews the most important advances and also refers to key aspects of the organism and the disease with minimal overlap and repetition of information among chapters. This well-referenced book will be a welcome addition to the libraries of researchers, laboratory workers, molecular biologists, microbiologists, and veterinarians who desire a comprehensive review of this organism. For those looking for a single, detailed reference on Brucella organisms, purchasing this book will be money well spent.—By Ignacio López-Goñi & David O'Callaghan. 261 pages; illustrated. Caister Academic Press, distributed by International Specialized Book Services, 920 NE 58th Ave, Ste 300, Portland, OR 97213. ISBN 978-1-904455-93-6. 2012. Price $310.00.
Comparative Anatomy of the Mouse and the Rat: A Color Atlas and Text
Reviewed by Diana G. Scorpio, DVM, MPH, DACLAM
Comparative Anatomy of the Mouse and Rat: A Color Atlas and Text is an excellent publication provided by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. The main initiative for developing the project and publishing the book is to assist scientific investigators and veterinary professionals and para-professionals in the identification of landmarks and features of various anatomic structures for use in veterinary practice and in research-related procedures, such as blood collection, injections, surgery, and necropsy. The book is rather comprehensive because it covers all organ systems in both mice and rats. Illustrations for each species are placed side by side to aid in understanding comparative rodent anatomy. The book covers males and females of both species and diverse age groups, from neonates at various days after birth to juveniles and finally to adults. Because the book is expertly illustrated, it provides exquisite detail of every organ system, proceeding from external to internal and cranial to caudal. Then, the dissection of each organ is described and the substructures are labeled. There is also a substantial amount of text that accompanies the illustrations, which provides readers with additional detail to supplement the visual aids. Because the book focuses on facilitation of biomedical research procedures, important areas such as the neck, tail, and limbs are given substantial attention, which again makes it a perfect reference for training of research staff and animal care and use staff. A few additional features that make the book a valuable resource is that it is spiral bound; thus, it lays flat for viewing on laboratory bench tops, in biosafety cabinets, and on other surfaces. It has plenty of blank space around the illustrations for additional notes and comments by readers. Finally, the book is fairly priced. In fact, for the amount of illustrative work provided by the veterinary anatomist, I strongly believe that this book is a bargain for the quality and content it provides. I reiterate that this book will have application to a wide audience who use rodents in biomedical research, although I caution neuroscientists that the section on neuroanatomy is limited and other atlases that focus solely on the rodent brain in cross section are available and are a more appropriate resource. — By Gheorghe M. Constantinescu. 261 pages; illustrated. American Association of Laboratory Animal Science, 9190 Crestwyn Hills Dr, Memphis, TN 38125. ISBN 978-0-9789207-2-2. 2011. Price $125.00.
Studies on Veterinary Medicine (Oxidative Stress in Applied Basic Research and Clinical Practice Series)
Reviewed by Thomas Krunkosky, DVM, PhD
The intent of Studies on Veterinary Medicine (Oxidative Stress in Applied Basic Research and Clinical Practice Series) is to address the growing evidence that oxidative stress plays an important role in aging and diseases of domestic animals. The first 3 chapters inform readers about the reactive free radicals that generate the oxidative stresses that occur at a cellular level. These chapters also provide a general overview of how a cell responds to these stresses and discusses advantages and disadvantages of these events within cells. The bulk of the remaining chapters elucidate how oxidative stress is involved in clinically relevant diseases in domestic species. This is beneficial to veterinarians because these chapters can be used as a reference for understanding each disease and informs readers of potential treatments. Theses chapters include the role of oxidative stress in the following categories: neuronal cell death, diabetes mellitus, spinal cord diseases, brain aging, ocular disease, heart failure, dermatitis, and diseases of birds and ruminants.
The last chapter is provided in a table format to inform readers of the common pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals involved in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. This chapter provides a quick, efficient reference for chemicals used in practice. The table is separated into sections that describe the common name of the chemical, proposed mechanism of action, proposed cellular effects, and traditional and potential uses for the chemical. It also provides readers with information about potential adverse effects and doses for each chemical. This book is an excellent resource for information on the role of oxidative stress in veterinary patients.—By Lester Mandelker & Peter Vajdovich. 260 pages; illustrated. Humana Press Inc, 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013. ISBN 978-1-61779-0706. 2011. Price $189.99.
