Personal Reflections on a Galvanizing Trail

Abstract

This article encompasses my perception of, and experience in, an exciting segment of the trace element era in nutrition research: the role of zinc in the nutrition of animals and humans. Zinc has been a major player on the stage of trace element research, and it has left a trail that has galvanized the attention of many researchers, including myself. It is ubiquitous in biological systems, and it plays a multitude of physiologic and biochemical functions. A brief historical overview is followed by a discussion of the contributions the work done in my laboratory has made toward understanding the physiological and biochemical functions of zinc. The effort of 40 years has led to the belief that one of zinc's major roles, and perhaps its first limiting role, is to preserve plasma-membrane function as regards ion channels and signal transduction. Although substantial knowledge has been gained relating to the importance of zinc in nutrition, much remains to be discovered. CONTENTS

Natural‐Based Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: A Review

“…Therefore, the ionic incorporation into the structure of synthetic CaPs phases, namely in β‐TCP ( Figure a) and HAp (Figure b), can affect the lattice structure, microstructure, crystallinity, and dissolution rate of CaPs . Magnesium has its own significance in the calcification process and on bone fragility, and has indirect influence on the mineral metabolism; strontium is considered as a bone‐seeking element that presents a beneficial effect on the bone growth, and has the ability to decrease bone resorption and to enhance bone formation; zinc is able to promote osteoblast cell proliferation and differentiation; potassium has a versatile nature in the regulation of biochemical process and also an important role in the apatite mineral nucleation process; sodium has a potential role in cell adhesion and in the bone metabolism and resorption processes; chlorine has the ability to develop an acidic environment on the surface of bone that activates osteoclasts in the bone resorption process . In addition, the incorporation of carbonate or fluoride into a DNA–fibronectin–apatite composite layer for tissue engineering aiming to adjust the layer solubility was developed by Yazaki and their co‐authors .…”

Boyd L O'Dell, PhD (1916–2019)

“…Boyd was born on October 14, 1916. He grew up on a farm in rural Missouri near the town of Hale or, as Boyd proudly noted, “I hail from Hale, Missouri.” As described in his autobiography, “Personal Reflections on a Galvanizing Trail” ( 1 ), Boyd witnessed and appreciated the importance of nutrition for animal growth and reproduction at an early age. He also developed a passion for learning at a time, the 1920–1930 depression years, when there were few resources.…”