Colloidal models. A bit of history.

This paper offers an anthology on developments in colloid and interface science emphasizing themes that may be of direct or indirect interest to Interfaces Against Pollution. Topics include the determination of Avogadro's number, development in the insight into driving forces for double layer formation, colloid stability, thin films, and thermodynamic approaches in interfacial electrochemistry. Some personal reminiscences of key players in the field are included, partly to illustrate historical developments.

Liquid-crystal science from 1888 to 1922: building a revolution.

The saga of liquid crystals started with their discovery in 1888 by the botanist Friedrich Reinitzer, who unexpectedly observed "two melting points" for crystals extracted from the root of a carrot. At the end of the nineteenth century, most scientists did not believe in the existence of "liquid crystals" as promoted by the crystallographer Otto Lehmann. The controversies were very vivid; to the point that the recognition of mesomorphic states of matter by the scientific community required more than two decades. In the end, liquid crystals have changed our vision of matter by shattering the three-state paradigm. Since the mid-1970s, liquid crystals have revolutionized the worldwide information-display industry and now play a host of key roles in various technologies.

Mechanism of action and clinical benefits of colloidal oatmeal for dermatologic practice.

Colloidal oatmeal has a long history of beneficial use in dermatology. It is a natural product that has an excellent safety record and has demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, drug-induced rash and other conditions. In recent years, in vitro and in vivo studies have begun to elucidate the multiple mechanisms of action of naturally derived colloidal oatmeal. Evidence now describes its molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic activity. The avenanthramides, a recently described component of whole oat grain, are responsible for many of these effects. Studies have demonstrated that avenanthramides can inhibit the activity of nuclear factor kappaB and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and histamine, well known key mechanisms in the pathophysiology of inflammatory dermatoses. Topical formulations of natural colloidal oatmeal should be considered an important component of therapy for atopic dermatitis and other conditions and may allow for reduced use of corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors.

[Ophthalmia neonatorum of the newborn and its treatments in Canadian medical publications: 1872-1985]. / L'ophtalmie du nouveau-né et ses traitements á la lecture des publications médicales canadiennes: 1872-1985.

In the 19th century the occurrence of ophthalmia neonatorum had reached alarming rates in the maternity wards not only of Europe but also across Canada. The impact of this blinding ocular infection on Canadian medicine from 1872 to 1985 is examined through a review of 80 medical journals, books, and lay press articles of that period. The prophylactic and therapeutic use of 2% silver nitrate introduced by Credé in 1880 to prevent neonatal blindness is reviewed. The signs, symptoms, and corneal complications of this disease as well as the multiple ocular drugs used during this era will be presented. The judicial consequences on midwives and obstetricians will be discussed. The subsequent use of colloidal silver based agents such as collargol, protargol and argyrol followed by the introduction of sulfonamides and finally the routine use of prophylactic topical antibiotics will be reviewed.

From colloids to proteases.

The present autobiographical review describes my professional experiences as a graduate student in Vienna, Austria, the postdoctoral experiences at the University of London, University of Minnesota, and at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. This was followed by a faculty appointment at Duke University where I rose through the ranks from assistant professor to professor of physical biochemistry from 1938 to 1950. This account includes both scientific and cultural episodes and anecdotes. In 1950 I moved to Seattle to become founding chairman and professor in the Department of Biochemistry as will be described elsewhere.

Reversible agar agar hydrocolloid.

Reversible agar agar hydrocolloid remains an excellent, cost-effective impression material. A review of the history of the development of the material and a sound technique for its use are presented.

A historical review of hydrocolloids and an investigation of the dimensional accuracy of the new alginates for crown and bridge impressions when using stock trays.

Reversible hydrocolloids have been used since 1937 and irreversible hydrocolloids since 1947 for the making of impressions for fixed prostheses; the impression techniques were similar to today's. The dimensional accuracy of reproduction of the irreversible hydrocolloids has been proved since 1947. In this paper the dimensional accuracy of three new alginates, Algi -X ( Algiflex Super, Howmedica Alginate), Ardent Alginate, Ultrafine and a combination material, Colloid 80/ Algiace ( Dentloid / Algiace ) were compared to two agar hydrocolloids and an addition silicone, when different stock trays were used as in the dental clinic. In most clinical situations the new alginates used in metal stock trays are as accurate as the "old" impression materials. The combination material is less accurate when many abutment preparations are to be reproduced. Whether perforated or nonperforated metal stock trays are used with the alginates is of no consequence to the accuracy. Alginates used in disposable plastic trays may cause severe inaccuracy. In narrow spaces with severe unblocked undercuts some of the alginates may be inferior to the other impression materials in this study.