Beach nourishment for coastal aquifersimpacted by climate change and population growth using machine learning approaches.

Groundwater in coastal regions is threatened by saltwater intrusion (SWI). Beach nourishment is used in this study to manage SWI in the Biscayne aquifer, Florida, USA, using a 3D SEAWAT model nourishment considering the future sea level rise and freshwater over-pumping. The present study focused on the development and comparative evaluation of seven machine learning (ML) models, i.e., additive regression (AR), support vector machine (SVM), reduced error pruning tree (REPTree), Bagging, random subspace (RSS), random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the SWI using beach nourishment. The performance of ML models was assessed using statistical indicators such as coefficient of determination (R2), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), means absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and root relative squared error (RRSE) along with the graphical inspection (i.e., Radar and Taylor diagram). The findings indicate that applying SVM, Bagging, RSS, and RF models has great potential in predicting the SWI values with limited data in the study area. The RF model emerged as the best fit and closely matched observed values; it obtained R2 (0.999), NSE (0.999), MAE (0.324), RRSE (0.209), and RMSE (0.416) during the testing process. The present study concludes that the RF model could be a valuable tool for accurate predictions of SWI and effective water management in coastal areas.

[Research progress on the application of non-nutritional effects of fat emulsion in the treatment of poisoning].

Fat emulsion is a drug commonly used clinically for parenteral nutrition support in critically ill patients.With the development of the pharmaceutical industry, fat emulsion has formed a variety of different formulations, among which different types of fat emulsion have their own metabolic and body energy supply characteristics, and the application indications are also different. In addition to providing the supply of nutrients, the role of fat emulsion in anti-toxicity, immune regulation, anti-inflammatory, anti-shock, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other aspects has gradually been discovered. This article reviews the existing evidence-based medical evidence and expounds the mechanism and therapeutic role of fat emulsion in the treatment of critically ill patients with poisoning. Its value in the treatment of critically ill patients with poisoning was discussed, and some references were provided for the application of non-nutritional functions of fat emulsion in the future.

Quality and Disposal of Dredged Sediments from Tidal Deltas in Subtropical Bays in Southern Brazil.

In order to measure the contamination of dredged and beach sediments and the applicability of sediment quality guidelines in a wet subtropical region of southern Brazil, the areas surrounding both the Paranaguá and Babitonga estuaries were studied, including their harbour zones and adjacent beaches. Investigation of the sampled sediments comprised optical and electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and physicochemical and toxicological analyses. Additionally, data provided by the harbours administrations on dredged volumes, sedimentology, and coastal dynamics were compared. It was determined that the studied sediments, especially the ones from both tidal deltas, have similar characteristics, including physical and chemical parameters. It was also confirmed that tidal deltas are depositional areas with low potential to accumulate pollutants. Therefore, the current disposal of this scarce sandy material during dredging might not be beneficial, considering the significant sand removal amount from the coastal depositional system.

Maternal malnourishment induced upregulation of fetuin-B blunts nephrogenesis in the low birth weight neonate.

Maternal undernutrition during pregnancy (MUN) often leads to low birth weight (LBW) neonates that have a reduced total nephron endowment, leaving these neonates susceptible to kidney disease throughout their lives. For reasons unknown, these LBW neonates have impaired kidney development due to a severe reduction in renal SIX2+ stem cells during nephrogenesis. Using a mouse model of MUN, we investigated SIX2+ stem cell reduction in the LBW neonate. Significant upregulation of the protein fetuin-B (measured by PCR and immunoblotting) in the MUN mother's placenta, organs and circulation yielded a 3-fold increase of this protein in the embryonic kidney. Recombinant fetuin-B, administered to healthy pregnant mothers at the concentration equivalent to that in the MUN mother, crossed the placenta and reduced both SIX2+ stem cells by 50% and nephron formation by 66% in embryonic kidneys (measured by immunofluorescence and the physical dissector/fractionator stereological method). Administration of fetuin-B to kidney explants yielded similar reductions in renal SIX2+ stem cells and nephron formation. Fetuin-B treatment of isolated embryonic renal SIX2+ stem cell primary cultures 1) increased NF-kB activity and apoptosis, 2) reduced cell proliferation due to upregulated p21 nuclear activity and subsequent cell cycle arrest, and 3) enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (measured by fluorescence microscopy). In conclusion, MUN increases fetuin-B in the developing embryonic kidney. The increase in fetuin-B blunts nephrogenesis by reducing SIX2+ stem cells by promoting their apoptosis (via NF-kB upregulation), blunting their proliferative renewal (via p21 upregulation) and enhancing oxidative stress.

Ultrastructural evidence for nutritional relationships between a marine colonial invertebrate (Bryozoa) and its bacterial symbionts.

Autozooids of the cheilostome bryozoan Aquiloniella scabra contain rod-like bacteria in the funicular bodies - the complex swellings of the funicular strands. Each funicular body contains symbionts in the central cavity surrounded by a large, synthetically active internal "sheath-cell" (bacteriocyte) and a group of the flat external cells. The tightly interdigitating lobes of these cells form a capsule well-isolated from the body cavity. Slit-like spaces between bacteria are filled with electron-dense matrix and cytoplasmic processes of various sizes and shapes (often branching) produced by the "sheath-cell". The cell ultrastructure and complex construction of the funicular bodies as well as multiplication of the bacteria in them suggest metabolic exchange between host and symbiont, involving the nourishment of bacteria. We suggest that the bacteria, in turn, influence the bryozoan mesothelial tissue to form the funicular bodies as capsules for bacterial incubation. We present ultrastructural data, discuss possible variants in the development of the funicular bodies in Bryozoa, and propose the possible role of bacteria in the life of their bryozoan host.

Dredging Intensity: A Spatio-Temporal Indicator for Managing Marine Resources.

The sustainability of offshore sand reserves and the impact of their exploitation for coastal resilience can be assessed by resource managers via GIS. The GIS model to do this requires monitoring of the dredger location (including speed and displacement, if available). The designated borrow area is divided into grid cells, in this example, 100 × 100 m. The aggregate count of positions in each cell can be displayed in a graphic image called a "heat map" (or "density map" or "timeprint") where various intensities of colors represents the number vessel locations in each designated cell over the entire time period of interest as a surrogate for dredging intensity. Because sand dredging using a trialing hopper dredge is done at slow speeds, the aggregate time that a dredger spends in each cell can be modified by dredger speed to discriminate time spent actually removing sand from time spent in transit. If vessel displacements is also monitored, increases in displacement will also identify times and locations of active extraction. In this way, areas of disturbed benthic habitat can be identified, even if changes in bathymetry are not resolved.

Dietary supplementation usage by pregnant women in Silesia - population based study.

OBJECTIVES: Despite wide access to gynecological and obstetric advice, informational campaigns, and information online and in magazines aimed at pregnant women, there is a worryingly high percentage of women who still do not use recommended dietary supplementation. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of micronutrient supplementation by pregnant women and to specify the determinants that impact decisions concerning supplementation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2016 and May 2017 among a group of pregnant women visiting gynecological and obstetric clinics in the Silesia region, who have completed an authorized questionnaire developed for the purpose of this study. The questionnaire addressed the women's dietary habits, micronutrient supplementation use, as well as their socio-economic status. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 505 pregnant women. RESULTS: Microminerals and vitamins supplementation during pregnancy was declared by 410 (81.2%) women. The most often used supplement was folic acid (62%). More than one-third of pregnant women (38.4%) declared vitamin D intake. Among the recommended supplements, the least commonly used (30.3%) were polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Factors contributing to supplementation use during pregnancy are past history of miscarriage and socioeconomic factors, such as: place of residence, financial situation and level of education. Inhabitants of larger cities, women with better self-perceived financial situations, higher education levels and those presenting past history of miscarriage took the supplements significantly more often. CONCLUSIONS: Lower levels of education, low-income financial status and living in rural localities are among the factors correlating with worse adherence to supplementation guidelines.

Preventive effects of amino-acid-rich elemental diet Elental® on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in patients with colorectal cancer: a prospective pilot study.

PURPOSE: The prospective pilot study was designed to evaluate the preventive effects of amino-acid-rich elemental diet (ED), Elental(®), on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in patients with colorectal cancer. The factors influencing its efficacy are also investigated. METHODS: A total of 22 eligible patients with colorectal cancer experiencing grade 1-3 oral mucositis during treatment with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy entered the current study. Their average age was 67 years. There were 10 male and 12 female. The PS was 0 in the majority of patients. Patients received two courses of the same chemotherapy regimen and Elental(®) concurrently after recovery to grade 0 or 1 oral mucositis. RESULTS: FOLFOX6 + bevacizumab in 8 patients, FOLFIRI + bevacizumab in 8 patients, FOLFIRI + panitumumab in 1 patient, FOLFIRI in 1 patient, XELOX + bevacizumab in 2 patients, and S-1 + cetuximab in 2 patients were used as first-line (16 cases) or as second-line (6 cases) chemotherapy. Dose reduction of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or oral fluoropyrimidine was performed in the 2 patients achieving grade 3 oral mucositis and in the 3 patients achieving grade 2 oral mucositis. The maximum grade of oral mucositis decreased in 18 of the 22 patients during the first treatment course with Elental(®) (p = 0.0002) and in 20 of the 22 patients in the second course (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analyses found that the dose reduction in 5-FU or oral fluoropyrimidine, ED intake, and the prior administration of ED were each a significant factor for the preventive efficacy on oral mucositis. CONCLUSION: The amino-acid-rich elemental diet Elental(®) may be useful as a countermeasure for 5-FU-based chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in patients with colorectal cancer.

The effectiveness of beach mega-nourishment, assessed over three management epochs.

Resilient coastal protection requires adaptive management strategies that build with nature to maintain long-term sustainability. With increasing pressures on shorelines from urbanisation, industrial growth, sea-level rise and changing storm climates soft approaches to coastal management are implemented to support natural habitats and maintain healthy coastal ecosystems. The impact of a beach mega-nourishment along a frontage of interactive natural and engineered systems that incorporate soft and hard defences is explored. A coastal evolution model is applied to simulate the impact of different hypothetical mega-nourishment interventions to assess their impacts' over 3 shoreline management planning epochs: present-day (0-20 years), medium-term (20-50 years) and long-term (50-100 years). The impacts of the smaller interventions when appropriately positioned are found to be as effective as larger schemes, thus making them more cost-effective for present-day management. Over time the benefit from larger interventions becomes more noticeable, with multi-location schemes requiring a smaller initial nourishment to achieve at least the same benefit as that of a single-location scheme. While the longer-term impact of larger schemes reduces erosion across a frontage the short-term impact down drift of the scheme can lead to an increase in erosion as the natural sediment drift becomes interrupted. This research presents a transferable modelling tool to assess the impact of nourishment schemes for a variety of sedimentary shorelines and highlights both the positive and negative impact of beach mega-nourishment.

Risk Factors for Malnutrition in Seniors Aged 75+ Living in Home Environment in Selected Regions of the Czech Republic.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Nutrition is an important social determinant of health that influences the ageing process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional condition of a group of seniors and identify the bio-psycho-social factors that increase the risk of malnutrition. METHODS: The research was conducted using a quantitative method. The standardised scales Mini Nutritional Assessment - Short Form (MNA-SF) and the Geriatric depression scale (GDS-5) were used to evaluate the nutritional condition and tendency towards depression of the tested group. This group consisted of seniors aged 75 and above living in home environment in the Ceské Budejovice region. The group was comprised of 320 seniors, 115 men (35.9%) and 205 women (64.1%), which corresponds to the composition of the population in the chosen region of the Czech Republic. Statistical data analysis was conducted using SASD 1.4.10 and SPSS 15.0 programs. Pearson's chi-squared test (Χ²) and Cramér's V were chosen for statistical testing. The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: The average BMI value of the seniors was 26.2 kg/m² (overweight). This value decreased with age. More than one third of the respondents were evaluated as being at risk of malnutrition (36.3%). Unintended weight loss was determined as the strongest risk factor of malnutrition. Seniors who had lowered their food intake stated unintended weight loss 10 times more often than respondents with no noticeable reduction in food intake. Seniors who showed signs of depression indicated weight loss three and a half times more often than respondents without depression. Meanwhile acute illness increased the risk by three times. Depression was found to be the cause and also the consequence of malnutrition. CONCLUSION: Despite the high prevalence of overweight and obesity, a large proportion of the respondents were running the risk of malnutrition. It was concluded that the strongest risk factors for malnutrition in the respondents were unintended weight loss, depression and lowered food intake. Compared to biological factors, social and economic factors were less significant in causing malnutrition in seniors.

Structural characteristics of a purified Evodiae fructus polysaccharide and its gastroprotection and relevant mechanism against alcohol-induced gastric lesions in rats.

Evodiae fructus polysaccharide (EFP) has been previously shown to protect against alcohol-induced gastric lesions. However, which and how active fractions in EFP exert gastroprotection remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize the structure of the purified fraction (EFP-2-1) of EFP, and investigate its gastroprotection and underlying mechanisms. EFP-2-1 was obtained through column chromatography, and was characterized using instrumental analytical techniques. Gastroprotective effect of EFP-2-1 was evaluated using alcohol-induced gastric lesions in rats, and its mechanism was explored through proteomics, metabolomics and diversity sequencing. Results showed that EFP-2-1 had a molecular weight of 7.3 kDa, and consisted mainly of rhamnose, galacturonic acid, galactose and arabinose. Its backbone contained HG and RG-I domains, and branched with →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, α-l-Araf-(1→ and →4)-ß-d-Galp-(1→ residues. EFP-2-1 reduced gastric lesions and the levels of MDA, TNF-α and IL-6, activated PPARγ, primarily altered protein digestion and absorption and bile secretion metabolic pathways, regulated gut microbiota like Faecalibaculum and Lachnoclostridium, and increased short-chain fatty acids production. Correlations were observed among the gut microbiota, metabolites and biochemical indexes influenced by EFP-2-1. These findings suggest that EFP-2-1 is an active fraction of EFP for protecting against alcohol-induced gastric lesions, which may be linked to PPARγ activation, gut microbiota and serum metabolism.

Recovery of the hibernating cavernosum by penile revascularization.

Objective: Chronic ischemia-related cavernous dysfunction is considered irreversible. However, in certain patients, cavernous function appears to recover with penile revascularization. In this study, we investigated a potential cavernous dysfunction reversibility from a clinical perspective. Patients and Methods: We involved 93 young patients in the study with arterial erectile dysfunction (ED) (median age: 30 years). Erectile function tests were performed according to the standard operating procedures of the International Society of Sexual Medicine. Among the participants, 63 and 30 displayed pure arteriogenic and mixed vasculogenic (due to both arterial insufficiency and cavernous dysfunction) ED, respectively. Penile revascularization was performed by anastomosing the inferior epigastric artery to the dorsal artery. The ED treatment success was considered from a score of at least 24 on the International Index of Erectile Function-6. Results: Our results proved that penile revascularization cured 92.1% and 73.8% of the patients with pure arteriogenic and mixed vasculogenic ED, respectively (Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test: no significant difference). The required time for curing 50% of the patients was 10.5 and 10.0 months for pure arteriogenic and mixed vasculogenic ED, respectively, indicating no recovery delay in patients with mixed vascular ED. Furthermore, the cavernous dysfunction degree did not influence cavernous function recovery. Conclusion: Penile revascularization cured ED in 73.8% of the patients with mixed vasculogenic ED. Cavernous dysfunction appears to be reversible in certain cases. Furthermore, we observed no delay in functional recovery compared to participants with healthy cavernous function. These two discoveries suggest that cavernous function recovery after penile revascularization is similar to the concept of hibernating myocardium in ischemic myocardium. Although cavernous dysfunction is considered irreversible, it could be reversed in multiple cases with blood flow restoration to the cavernous tissue.

Novel Arena of Nanocosmetics: Applications and their Remarkable Contribution in the Management of Dermal Disorders, Topical Delivery, Future Trends and Challenges.

Nanocosmetics have attracted a considerable audience towards natural care due to their low cost, target-specific delivery, and reduced toxicity compared to chemical-based cosmetics. Nanofomulations, including nanoemulsions, nanotubes, and polymeric carriers, have become next-generation products explored for the multifaced applications of nanotechnology in skin care. The rise in the cosmetic industry demands innovative and personalized products designed using nanocarriers for better targeting and improving patient compliance. Furthermore, nanocosmetics increase the efficiency of skin permeation active ingredient entrapment, providing better UV protection. Moreover, it offers controlled drug release, targeting active sites and enhancing physical stability. Further, overcoming the drawback of penetration problems makes them sustainable formulations for precision medicine. Skincare nourishment with nanocosmetics using Indian spices helps to maintain, beautify, and rejuvenate human skin. Nanophytopharmaceuticals extracted from plants, including alkaloids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and volatile oils, are essential phyto-products for skin care. Nano herbals and nanocosmetics are a growing market and gift of nature that nourishes and cures skin ailments like acne, pemphigus, anti-aging, albinism, psoriasis, and fungal infections. The emerging concern is highlighted in the investigation of nanoformulation toxicity and safety concerns in skin care. Further, it helps to manifest research, development, and innovation in expanding the scope of herbal industries.

Comparison of high turbidity events: Sand nourishments and storm events on sandy beaches at the Baltic Sea, Germany.

Coastal zones are permanently under stress by storms, cliff breaks, waves and currents. These events can cause the retreat of the coastline and are currently compensated by beach nourishments. The commonality of these sediment eroding and accumulating processes are turbidity plumes created in coastal waters, increasing the resuspension of particles and possibly nutrient concentrations. To compare sand nourishments and storm events, total suspended solids (TSS) and nutrient measurements were performed during winter season at the German Baltic Sea Coast. A pre-experiment showed that the TSS was homogenous through the water column. There were significant differences between both events, with sand nourishments exceeding the TSS of storms with the factor two. Due to the nourishment mechanism, the relative organic content was lower than during storm events. The nutrient uptake was unsteady. Therefore, sand nourishment can be considered to have more influence on the ecology of sand shores than storm events.

Nutraceuticals and Their Contribution to Preventing Noncommunicable Diseases.

The high rate of deaths around the world from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) (70%) is a consequence of a poor diet lacking in nutrients and is linked to lifestyle and environmental conditions that together trigger predisposing factors. NCDs have increased 9.8% of public health spending worldwide, which has been increasing since 2000. Hence, international organizations such as the WHO, the Pan American Health Organization, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations have been developing strategic plans to implement government and economic policies to strengthen programs in favor of food security and nutrition. A systematic review is presented to document an analysis of the origin and characteristics of obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancers affecting a large part of the world's population. This review proposes a scientifically based report of functional foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, and plants, and how their bioactive compounds called nutraceuticals-when consumed as part of a diet-benefit in the prevention and treatment of NCDs from an early age. Multifactorial aspects of NCDs, such as culture and eating habits, are limitations to consider from the clinical, nutritional, and biochemical points of view of everyone who suffers from them.

Potential long-term disturbance associated with beach nourishment - insights and observations from Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Outer Banks, North Carolina.

The longer-term ecosystem impacts associated with a beach nourishment project conducted in 2014 were studied on an ocean beach on the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The unique nature of the project is tied to the study's duration, which spans nine years, and the venue, a national wildlife refuge where human-sourced confounding effects are minimal. Populations for five invertebrates: Emerita talpoida (the Atlantic Mole Crab), Donax variabilis (the Coquina Clam), Scolelepis squamata, Ocypode quadrata (the Atlantic Ghost Crab), and indigenous Amphipods were monitored seasonally over nine-years that asymmetrically straddled the 2014 nourishment event. Beach sediments were also monitored in concert with the biodata. Results show that the 2014 nourishment fill sands were finer than those native to the study area beach, however, reworking quickly brought the fill sands on the nourished beach into size parity with native sediments observed on a predefined control site. Findings from this investigation fail to present evidence to suggest that any type of ephemeral species die-off occurred in association with the 2014 nourishment event. While die-offs are commonplace reported, such outcomes are not inevitable. Other investigators have documented ecosystem resilience against significant disturbances such as beach nourishment-this study appears to corroborate such findings, both at the system and species levels. Many argue that nourishment fill sand characteristics: their fit to the native sediment in terms of size and composition, and their application during construction, are the principal determinants driving the disturbance response and subsequent post-nourishment recovery. This study corroborates this fill-sand/recovery relationship but provides evidence to support a causation argument only circumstantially.

Assessing effects of diet alteration on selected parameters of chronically mentally ill residents of a 24-hour Nursing Home. Part 2. Effects of nutritional changes on anthropometric parameters and composition of the body. / Ocena wplywu zmian sposobu zywienia na wybrane parametry u osób przewlekle psychicznie chorych, przebywajacych w calodobowym DPS. Cz. 2: Wplyw zmian w sposobie zywienia na parametry antropometryczne i sklad ciala.

OBJECTIVES: The study was aimed at finding out whether, and how, changes in dietary habits would be reflected in anthropometric parameters and body composition. METHODS: Anthropometric measurements (Martin's technique) were taken on 52 chronically mentally ill patients, twice: before and a year after diet correction. The patients' body composition was examined, directly after the measurements, by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) in tetragonal arrangement, using a Bodystat ®1500MDD device. RESULTS: Changes in dietary habits were reflected in a significant reduction of body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in schizophrenic women; WHR in men with other diseases increased significantly. BMI analysis showed an increase in the percentage of normal-weight schizophrenic women and men, a decrease in the proportion of underweight women and men, and an increase in the proportion of individuals with normal weight suffering from other diseases. Both groups showed beneficial changes in body composition (increased content and percentage of fatless body weight and water, reduced content and percentage of fat tissue). These changes were statistically significant only in men suffering from other diseases and concerned the increased content of fatless body weight. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in dietary habits enhanced body weight reduction in overweight and obese individuals and resulted in desired changes in BMI, WHR, and body composition. The body fat content was distinctly reduced, with no concurrent changes in the fatless body weight and/or water content. Changes in dietary habits were beneficial for the nutritional status of undernourished patients or those with low body weight.

Mushrooms as future generation healthy foods.

The potential of edible mushrooms as an unexploited treasure trove, although rarely included in known food guidelines, is highlighted. Their role in shielding people against the side effects of an unhealthy stylish diet is reviewed. Mushrooms complement the human diet with various bioactive molecules not identified or deficient in foodstuffs of plant and animal sources, being considered a functional food for the prevention of several human diseases. Mushrooms have been widely used as medicinal products for more than 2,000 years, but globally the potential field of use of wild mushrooms has been untapped. There is a broad range of edible mushrooms which remain poorly identified or even unreported which is a valuable pool as sources of bioactive compounds for biopharma utilization and new dietary supplements. Some unique elements of mushrooms and their role in preventative healthcare are emphasized, through their positive impact on the immune system. The potential of mushrooms as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, and other health concerns is discussed. Mushrooms incorporate top sources of non-digestible oligosaccharides, and ergothioneine, which humans are unable to synthesize, the later a unique antioxidant, cytoprotective, and anti-inflammatory element, with therapeutic potential, approved by world food agencies. The prebiotic activity of mushrooms beneficially affects gut homeostasis performance and the balance of gut microbiota is enhanced. Several recent studies on neurological impact and contribution to the growth of nerve and brain cells are mentioned. Indeed, mushrooms as functional foods' nutraceuticals are presently regarded as next-generation foods, supporting health and wellness, and are promising prophylactic or therapeutic agents.

Food as Culture among African Women: Exploring Differences between North and South (Morocco-Senegal).

The goal of this exploratory study was to analyze the influence of culture on African women's diet considering their role as primary caregivers. The analysis differentiated between Moroccan and Senegalese women and identified the key elements that influence their dietary habits and their health. Using a qualitative methodology, we performed a triangulation of data based on a literature review and a panel of experts, all of which served as the basis for the interview script to conduct 14 semi-structured interviews (n = 7 Moroccan and n = 7 Senegalese). This study reflects the substantial relationship between dietary habits, cultural identity, and health that healthcare providers need to acknowledge. It is important for healthcare practitioners to be culturally competent in order to provide holistic and individualized care.

Review of extra-embryonic tissues in the closest arthropod relatives, onychophorans and tardigrades.

The so-called extra-embryonic tissues are important for embryonic development in many animals, although they are not considered to be part of the germ band or the embryo proper. They can serve a variety of functions, such as nutrient uptake and waste removal, protection of the embryo against mechanical stress, immune response and morphogenesis. In insects, a subgroup of arthropods, extra-embryonic tissues have been studied extensively and there is increasing evidence that they might contribute more to embryonic development than previously thought. In this review, we provide an assessment of the occurrence and possible functions of extra-embryonic tissues in the closest arthropod relatives, onychophorans (velvet worms) and tardigrades (water bears). While there is no evidence for their existence in tardigrades, these tissues show a remarkable diversity across the onychophoran subgroups. A comparison of extra-embryonic tissues of onychophorans to those of arthropods suggests shared functions in embryonic nutrition and morphogenesis. Apparent contribution to the final form of the embryo in onychophorans and at least some arthropods supports the hypothesis that extra-embryonic tissues are involved in organogenesis. In order to account for this role, the commonly used definition of these tissues as 'extra-embryonic' should be reconsidered. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.