Biological defence effect

One of the biologically harmful effects of free radicals was discussed in Section 5.3.1.5. Here the beneficial role of free radicals and ROS as part of immune defence is considered. 

Chamberlain S, Cook JM, Spayer J et al. (1997). Physiological and psychological effects of breathing resistance on the respirator wearer. Report CBD/MC/TR97/158. Porton Down, UK Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, Chemical and Biological Defence Sector. 

Wetherell A and Gwyther R (1993). Effects of IPE on speech transmission and reception. Unpublished report. Porton Down, UK Chemical and Biological Defence Estabhshment. 

Chemical and biological defences will underpin any deterrent and complement the aims of the CWC and BTWC. The provision of proper protection and training for personnel in or near a war zone will reduce the scale of possible casualties, boost morale, and enable the forces, if necessary, to operate in contaminated conditions. The preparations for the Gulf War underscored both the importance of maintaining effective protective... 

CB defence is the adoption of measures intended to minimise the effects of CBW, to enable its victims to survive, and to allow military operations to continue, even in a contaminated environment. Chemical defence comprises four broad activities - reconnaissance, personal protection, collective protection and decontamination. Biological defence may also entail immunisation against potential BW agents. 

Before continuing, it is necessary to briefly review the chemist s job. One may naively assume that a chemist is employed to make molecules with the desired biological activity. While this feeds his or her ego, it is neither the most certain nor the most rapid route for promotion. In the 1980s, most major pharmaceutical companies evaluated the effectiveness of their chemistry departments by how many molecules they made per chemist per year. Even prior to the adoption of Combinatorial Chemistry some adjustments were made for the effort required and this approach continues to be widely used. In defence of management, it must be realised that chemists sometimes move from project to project and the time-scales for discovery are often significantly longer than those appropriate to review individual and group performance. 

Biomarkers of early biological effects and defence provide information on biological disturbance or changes that do not necessarily translate into toxic... 

Early biological effects Initial reactions towards the presence of contaminants Defence mechanisms are a special case of early biological effects. They are either adaptive or defensive reactions and do not represent actual toxic damage. Extrusion of chemicals outside cells by protein pumps Induction of metal-binding proteins or biotransformation enzymes for elimination... 

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