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An encyclopedic summary of the highlights in the field of free radicals in medicine and biology, with a detailed analysis of the extensive recent literature. The text describes results from experimental research work on dust inhalation, hypoxia, and environmental toxicology that uses morphologic methods such as electron microscopy, interference microscopy and time-lapse technqiues in tissue cultures. The volume discusses free radical reactions that are probably involved in the pathogenesis of both physical and chemical environmental hazards. It lists radical scavengers that function as useful prophylactic agents in case of unavoidable exposure. A short history of dust diseases that have challenged mankind since prehistoric times serves as an introduction to this comprehensive treatise. It is hoped that by covering this field in one monograph, the increasingly recognized and important role of both oxygen- and nitrogen-centred radicals in disease pathogenesis will become clearer. The enclosed CD includes nearly 25.000 literature citations useful as a reference source for researchers, clinicians and students.

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History and Scientific Background.- Protagonists of Industrial Medicine.- Aetiopathogenesis of Pulmonary Fibrosis and Malignancy.- Formulation of the Problems.- Material and Methods.- Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species.- Respiratory System: Orthology and Pathology.- Tracheo-bronchial Epithelium.- Pneumocytes.- Alveolar Macrophages.- Interstice.- Pulmonary Blood Vessels.- Pulmonary Lymphatic Vessels.- Pulmonary Nerves.- Radical-Mediated Pulmonary Lesions.- Extrapulmonary Targets.- Radical Damage in Nonrespiratory Organ Systems.- Ageing.- Molecular Ageing.- Ageing of Organs.- Possible Strategies to Prevent and Reverse Manifestations of Ageing.- Cancer.- Carcinogenesis.- Tumour Proliferation and Metastasis.- Antitumour Drug Therapy.

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