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The 2nd Edition provides the reader with an abbreviated version of Diagnosis of Diseases of the Chest, 3rd Edition. As in the expanded text, all chest diseases are discussed in a logical pattern from etiology and pathogenesis to prognosis, allowing for quick reference to the area of interest. Topics reviewed in the book include: morphology, physiology and roentgenologic anatomy of the normal chest; techniques of roentgenologic, pathologic, physiologic and clinical investigation of chest disease, and roentgenologic signs of chest disease. Numerous illustrations are included to emphasize key points.

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.