Panel Of Professionals Research Articles

Self-Reported Questionnaire to Evaluate Functional Abilities in Middle Age: A Call for Delphi Expert Panel

Early detection of functional decline is important for promoting optimal aging. Self-reported questionnaires can efficiently assess functional abilities. Therefore, we aimed to highlight the lack of functional ability assessment questionnaires for the middle-aged population (MA, 45-65 years) and the need to develop such a questionnaire. An online search was performed to find questionnaires quantifying self-reported performance and functional abilities at MA. We also conducted an online survey of a group of the MA population and interviewed individuals who reported age-related functional decline. Eight potentially relevant questionnaires were found, and one hundred and twenty-three individuals responded to our survey, five of whom were interviewed. None of the questionnaires were specifically designed to assess functional capacity at MA, and most of the questionnaires are likely to have a ceiling effect in assessing the MA population. Furthermore, the questionnaires do not capture functions related to dynamic balance, flexibility, and maximum strength, which are reported as difficult by our respondents, making them less appropriate for assessing function at MA. There is a need to engage a Delphi expert panel of several relevant healthcare professionals to develop a functional capacity assessment questionnaire for MA.

Comparing participation motives of professional and non-professional respondents

In times of declining response rates and over-surveying, improving our understanding of why people participate in surveys is more important than ever. Previous research showed that online panel participants have intrinsic (e.g., topic interest, altruism) and extrinsic (e.g., incentives) participation reasons. Our study expands this research by implementing an experiment using two common forms of survey measurement: ranking and rating. The experiment was fielded in a professional respondents’ sample from a German online panel ( n = 407) and in an address-based sample (mail and online) of German non-professional respondents ( n = 1,137). Besides extrinsic and intrinsic motivations, the experiment included various study design features (i.e., mode, length, data security) and the mood during the time of contact as possible reasons for participation. The results confirm previous findings regarding the motivations of online panelists but also show important differences between professional and non-professional respondents. Specifically, the main participation reasons of professionals are topic interest (intrinsic) and incentives (extrinsic), while non-professionals are primarily motivated by intrinsic reasons (topic interest and purpose of study). This notion is also supported by the Latent Class Analyses, which showed that three of the four classes for professional respondents had a high probability of naming incentives as one of their main reasons for survey participation, whereas none of the four non-professional clusters rated incentives highly. The differences between the two samples highlight that professional panel members have different motivation structures than participants in general population surveys. This may undermine generalizability, but it also provides opportunities for targeted recruitment.

A Review of urban design projects and theories: types and criteria

This article reviews urban design projects in terms of types and criteria. It categorizes urban design projects and identifies the criteria based on which an urban project comes to fruition. Reviewing categories and successful factors for urban design projects may supports urban decision makers and activists to enhance their activities more systematically. In addition to an extensive urban design literature review, the consensus from various professional panels is generated through structured questionnaires. Some groups of urbanists including architects, urban designers, planners, sociologists, and urban managers have continuously taken part in the surveys. In the first stage, proper urban projects are suggested by various groups. After categorizing the suggested projects, next surveys have continued structurally to discover, summarize and evaluate these selections. As a result, four urban project types and three main criteria have been summarized.

Application of Three-Dimensional Digital Photogrammetry to Quantify the Surface Roughness of Milk Powder.

The surface appearance of milk powders is a crucial quality property since the roughness of the milk powder determines its functional properties, and especially the purchaser perception of the milk powder. Unfortunately, powder produced from similar spray dryers, or even the same dryer but in different seasons, produces powder with a wide variety of surface roughness. To date, professional panelists are used to quantify this subtle visual metric, which is time-consuming and subjective. Consequently, developing a fast, robust, and repeatable surface appearance classification method is essential. This study proposes a three-dimensional digital photogrammetry technique for quantifying the surface roughness of milk powders. A contour slice analysis and frequency analysis of the deviations were performed on the three-dimensional models to classify the surface roughness of milk powder samples. The result shows that the contours for smooth-surface samples are more circular than those for rough-surface samples, and the smooth-surface samples had a low standard deviation; thus, milk powder samples with the smoother surface have lower Q (the energy of the signal) values. Lastly, the performance of the nonlinear support vector machine (SVM) model demonstrated that the technique proposed in this study is a practicable alternative technique for classifying the surface roughness of milk powders.

Development of a self-management support practice framework for addressing cancer-related fatigue: a modified Delphi study

PurposeManaging cancer-related fatigue requires individuals to adopt a range of self-management behaviours. However, clinicians report the lack of clear guidance on self-management support practices hinders their provision of supportive care. To develop consensus on a framework of core practices required by health professionals to deliver effective self-management support to cancer patients and survivors experiencing cancer-related fatigue.MethodsA preliminary framework of 47 practice items (14 Key Practices, 33 Practice Components) was derived from a systematic review, and a self-management support capability outline for primary care professionals. This preliminary framework was presented for consensus rating and comment in a two-round modified Delphi study conducted with a panel of health professionals, research academics, and cancer consumers.ResultsFifty-two panel participants comprising consumers (n = 25), health professionals (n = 19), and researchers (n = 16) were included in Round 1 of the modified Delphi study. Feedback from the panel produced consensus on retaining 27 of 47 original practice items without change. Seventeen items (including 12 modified, and 5 newly created practice items) were sent to the panel for rating in Round 2. Thirty-six experts produced consensus on retaining all 17 practice items in Round 2. The final framework comprised 44 items (13 Key Practices, 31 Practice Components).ConclusionsThe practice framework offers an evidence- and consensus-based model of best practice for health professionals providing self-management support for cancer-related fatigue.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsThis framework is the first to focus on quality provision of self-management support in managing cancer-related fatigue, one of the most prevalent symptoms experienced by cancer patients and survivors.

The Influence of Vestibular Input on the Responses of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Picture Exchange Communication to Request

ABSTRACT Vestibular input (VI) activities are linked with skill learning, engagement, and communication. This study investigated the influence of VI activities on the responses of non-verbal children with autism spectrum disorders (CWASD) when prompted to request a reinforcer using picture exchange communication. A single subject alternating treatment design was implemented. Three participants were selected from a classroom supporting non-verbal CWASD. Baseline data points were collected over a 1-week period followed by treatment phase where three data points were collected over a 4-week period. Participants engaged in VI activities or a control activity prior to a picture exchange communication activity. Data were documented by a professional panel. Data analysis included visual and statistical analyses. Participants’ responses increased significantly after receiving VI. An immediate effect was identified. This finding holds value for educators and therapists aiming to increase the consistency and pace of responding and skill learning in CWASD. Participants responded differently to the two treatments. The findings hold value for therapists and educators to support responsiveness and skill learning to aid communication in CWASD. Interdisciplinary collaboration between occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists is highlighted.

The Scarless Neo-Umbilicus in DIEP-Flap Breast Reconstruction

While the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap has become the gold standard in autologous breast reconstruction due to its favourable tissue characteristics and preserved abdominal wall function, a constant attempt is done to improve the outcome of the donor site. Even if just a small detail, the umbilicus has a big impact on the overall aesthetic outcome of the donor site. As an already established technique in abdominoplasties, we introduced the neo-umbilicus as the standard procedure for DIEP donor site closure. The aim of this study was to assess the aesthetic outcome of this neo-umbilicoplasty technique in DIEP-flaps. This is a single-center cohort study. A total of 30 consecutive breast cancer patients were treated during a period of 9 months with a mastectomy and an immediate reconstruction with a DIEP-flap. In all patients, the reconstruction of the umbilicus was done by an immediate neo-umbilicoplasty technique, consisting of a cylindrical fat resection at the new loco typico and fixation of the dermis directly to the rectus fascia. All patients were photographed in a standardised setting. Subjective patient satisfaction was assessed with a survey consisting of three questions and aesthetic outcome was evaluated by an independent professional panel consisting of three plastic surgeons. The results were compared to a previous cohort of conventional umbilicoplasties in DIEP-flap patients. Twenty-six patients participated in the follow-up study. There were no wound complications associated with the neo-umbilicus. Questionnaire results demonstrated high but not statistically significant different patient satisfaction. The panel scores were statistically significant (p < 0.05) better for the neo-umbilicus reconstructions. The aesthetic outcome was rated higher in patients with a higher BMI compared to those in patients with a low BMI. The creation of a neo-umbilicus at the donor site after DIEP-flap breast reconstruction is a quick and safe technique and leads to a superior aesthetic donor site result.

Consenso de recomendaciones para la mejora de la coordinación asistencial inter e intra-centros en el abordaje de la hemofilia

ObjectiveDefine consensus recommendations to improve care coordination between Hospital Pharmacy, Haematology and Nursing, inter- and intra-center, in the care of haemophilia patients. MethodRecommendations for the improvement of care coordination in the management of haemophilia patients were identified and assessed by a multidisciplinary panel of professionals with experience in this field (Hospital Pharmacy, Haematology and Nursing) and supported by scientific evidence. The identified recommendations were assessed by Rand/UCLA consensus methodology (Delphi-adapted) based on their appropriateness and, subsequently, on their necessity. In both cases, it was used ordinal Likert scale. Data were statistically analysed through different metrics. ResultsFifty-three recommendations for the improvement of care coordination between Hospital Pharmacy, Haematology and Nursing in the management of haemophilia patients were identified, grouped into eight areas of action: i) Haemophilia units, reference centers and multidisciplinary care; ii) Role of Haematology, Hospital Pharmacy and Nursing in the patient journey of haemophilia patients; iii) Telepharmacy and telemedicine; iv) Pharmacokinetic monitoring; v) Transition to adult patient regimen; vi) Patient health education; vii) Surgery, emergency room and hospital admission; and viii) Outcome evaluation. All recommendations were assessed as appropriate and necessary by the external expert panel. ConclusionsHaemophilia patient journey is complex and depends on different variables. It also requires the involvement of different healthcare professionals who must act in a coordinated and integrated manner at all stages of the patient's life, adapted to their individual needs. On this matter, the identified and agreed recommendations may improve continuity and quality of care, as they facilitate the integration and coordination of the professionals involved in the management of this pathology, especially Hospital Pharmacy, Haematology and Nursing.

The effect of post-brew holding time and carafe type on the sensory properties of drip brew coffee.

Coffee quality is believed to degrade quickly after brewing, and retail establishments discard unsold brewed coffee after a specified holding time period, sometimes as short as 30 min. We used trained sensory panels to evaluate the flavor profiles of light, medium, and dark roast coffees held in three different carafe types (glass on hot plate, thermal jacket, and vacuum insulated) for times ranging from 15 min to 3h. Furthermore, a panel of 93 coffee-industry professionals performed a blind evaluation of fresh (30 min) versus held (180 min) coffee for overall liking and attribute level adequacy. Sourness increased over time, consistent with acidity increasing over time (i.e., higher titratable acidity, lower pH), but only for the light and medium roasts. Dark roasted coffee became significantly more acidic over 3 h post-brew but was not perceived as more sour over time by the sensory panel. Variations were observed between the thermal jacket and vacuum carafes for the light and dark roast, but few differences were observed with storage type in the medium roast. Surprisingly, the panel of coffee industry professionals showed no preference for fresh over held. More sensory attributes decreased than increased over time, suggesting that the primary concern with loss of quality during coffee holding may be the loss of volatile aroma compounds. Hedonic ratings suggest that even if the changes over time are noticeable, they may not negatively impact overall liking. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Self-management in heart failure using mHealth: A content validation

AimTo describe the development of a mobile health application –mICardiApp- designed by a multidisciplinary professional team and patients with heart failure and to evaluate its content validity. MethodsCritical reviews of the literature, semi-structured interviews with patients, and user stories guided the development of the content of the mobile application. These contents were refined and validated through a modified Delphi process. An expert panel of healthcare and social care professionals together with patients and academics evaluated the content through two content validity indicators, relevance, and adequacy, and provided narrative feedback. The content validity of the app and each screen was determined by calculating the Content Validity Index (CVI). Similarly, the Adequacy Index (AI) was analyzed. ResultsThe developed app is composed by 8 topics: (1) available resources, (2) cardiac rehabilitation, (3) control of signs and symptoms, (4) emotional support, (5) learning and having fun, (6) medication, (7) nutrition, and (8) physical activity. The results demonstrated high CVI of the screens and the full app. 57 of the 59 screens in the app reached an excellent CVI ≥ 0.70 for both relevance and adequacy, except for 2 screens. The CVI Average Method of the app was 0.851. ConclusionsmICardiApp is presented as an application to improve health literacy and self-management of patients with multimorbidity and heart failure, with proven validation.

Resilience level and its association with maladaptive coping behaviours in the COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey of the general populations

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has induced a significant global concern on mental health. However few studies have measured the ability of individuals to “withstand setbacks, adapt positively, and bounce back from adversity” on a global scale. We aimed to examine the level of resilience, its determinants, and its association with maladaptive coping behaviours during the pandemic.MethodsThe Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) conducted a global survey involving 26 countries by online, self-administered questionnaire (October 2020-December 2021). It was piloted-tested and validated by an expert panel of epidemiologists and primary care professionals. We collected data on socio-demographics, socioeconomic status, clinical information, lifestyle habits, and resilience levels measured by the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) among adults aged ≥ 18 years. We examined factors associated with low resilience level, and evaluated whether low resilience was correlated with engagement of maladaptive coping behaviours.ResultsFrom 1,762 surveys, the prevalence of low resilience level (BRS score 1.00–2.99) was 36.4% (America/Europe) and 24.1% (Asia Pacific). Young age (18–29 years; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.31–0.58 in older age groups), female gender (aOR = 1.72, 95% C.I. = 1.34–2.20), poorer financial situation in the past 6 months (aOR = 2.32, 95% C.I. = 1.62–3.34), the presence of one (aOR = 1.56, 95% C.I. = 1.19–2.04) and more than two (aOR = 2.32, 95% C.I. = 1.59–3.39) medical conditions were associated with low resilience level. Individuals with low resilience were significantly more likely to consume substantially more alcohol than usual (aOR = 3.84, 95% C.I. = 1.62–9.08), take considerably more drugs (aOR = 12.1, 95% C.I. = 2.72–54.3), buy supplements believed to be good for treating COVID-19 (aOR = 3.34, 95% C.I. = 1.56–7.16), exercise less than before the pandemic (aOR = 1.76, 95% C.I. = 1.09–2.85), consume more unhealthy food than before the pandemic (aOR = 2.84, 95% C.I. = 1.72–4.67), self-isolate to stay away from others to avoid infection (aOR = 1.83, 95% C.I. = 1.09–3.08), have an excessive urge to disinfect hands for avoidance of disease (aOR = 3.08, 95% C.I. = 1.90–4.99) and transmission (aOR = 2.54, 95% C.I. = 1.57–4.10).ConclusionsWe found an association between low resilience and maladaptive coping behaviours in the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk factors identified for low resilience in this study were also conditions known to be related to globalization-related economic and social inequalities. Our findings could inform design of population-based, resilience-enhancing intervention programmes.

Paramedic practice in low light conditions: a scoping review

Background: Paramedics undertake visually demanding tasks, which may be adversely affected by low lighting conditions. Aims: The study aimed to: identify difficulties paramedics experience carrying out tasks in low light; and establish occupational health standards and adjustments that may improve working practices. Methods: A scoping review was undertaken informed by a professional panel of paramedics recruited through social media. A meta-analysis was conducted assessing visual acuity under different light levels. Findings: Difficulty in driving and in assessing/treating patients under low light conditions were reported. Sixty relevant studies were identified for review. Visual acuity reduces with decreasing luminance, causing increasing difficulties in performing critical tasks. Conclusion: Visual function testing can assess paramedics' visual health and ability to undertake critical tasks. Adjustments may help to improve conditions. Regular occupational health assessments could identify paramedics who need support. Further research should explore levels of visual function and practical adjustments needed for safe clinical practice.

Assessing opinion on lower LDL-cholesterol lowering, and the role of newer lipid-reducing treatment options.

While statins are the gold standard for lipid-lowering therapies, newer therapies, such as PCSK9 inhibitors, have also demonstrated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction, but with a similar or better safety profile. Conflicting guidance has contributed to a low uptake. More up-to-date, evidence-led guidance supports greater use of newer therapies, particularly in combination with statins, to reduce LDL-C to levels shown to be effective in trials. The aim of this study was to determine how such guidance can be implemented more effectively in the UK. Using a modified Delphi approach, a panel of healthcare professionals with an interest in the management of dyslipidaemia developed 27 statements across four key themes. These were used to form an online survey that was distributed to healthcare professionals working in cardiovascular care across the UK. Stopping criteria included 100 responses received, a seven-month window for response (September 2021 to March 2022), and 90% of statements passing the predefined consensus threshold of 75%. A total of 109 responses were analysed with 23 statements achieving consensus (four statements <75%). Variance was observed across respondent role, and by UK region. From the high degree of consensus, seven recommendations were established as to how evidence-based guidance can be delivered, including a call for personalised therapy strategies and simplification of LDL-C goals, which should be achieved within as short a time as possible.

A multidisciplinary approach to optimising the virtual management of haemophilia: a roundtable meeting of UK experts

Abstract The necessity of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach in haemophilia care is well recognised globally, with international guidelines advocating this. Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, virtual MDT haemophilia care was gaining support worldwide. However, the pandemic necessitated the rapid implementation of innovative virtual solutions to ensure continued access to multidisciplinary care. A multidisciplinary panel of healthcare professionals who specialise in haemophilia care in the United Kingdom gathered to discuss the following: the current landscape of haemophilia MDT care and best practices, the benefits, challenges, and opportunities for virtual MDT care, managing bleeds remotely, virtual paediatric care, and the future of virtual MDT care. The consensus was that virtual MDT care is widely used, however formats vary depending on the healthcare setting, available resources, MDT preferences, and local policy. Advisors agreed that virtual MDT care has several benefits, such as improved convenience/choice for their patients and wider patient reach. However, many patient-specific and logistical challenges exist. Hybrid care models may provide an opportunity to overcome these challenges. The decision on how bleeds are managed (virtually versus face-to-face) depends on provider preference, the patient-provider relationship, and the patient’s disease severity, history, and ability to self-manage. As such, this should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Virtual tracking tools cannot be solely relied upon for MDT decisionmaking as patient accuracy cannot be ascertained. The MDT composition for paediatric care should be tailored to the patients’ and their parents’/caregivers’ needs. Lastly, hybridised care will likely be adopted for future haemophilia management and will facilitate the advancement of MDT care.

On the relationships linking intrinsic and extrinsic sense of freedom with pro-environmental attitudes. Synergic and buffering effects of the identification with all humanity.

This study aimed to examine whether the individual way of understanding freedom is related to pro-environmental attitudes. This idea has not been studied before. In the paper, the authors examined whether understanding freedom as extrinsic (absolute and unconditional) was related to a decrease in environmental concern and pro-environmental behavior, while understanding it as intrinsic (conditional, limited by the needs of other people) had the opposite effect. Another set of hypotheses concerned the moderating role of identification with all humanity (IWAH). The authors hypothesized that in people with a high level of IWAH, the positive relationship between intrinsic freedom and pro-environmental attitudes was stronger, and the negative relationship between extrinsic freedom and pro-environmental attitudes was weaker compared to people with a low level of IWAH. The study was conducted on a sample of 773 Polish young adults (18-29 years) using a professional research panel. The results provide empirical evidence that intrinsic and extrinsic way of understanding freedom is related to environmental concern and pro-environmental behavior. Moreover, the hypothesis concerning the moderating role of IWAH was confirmed. These results contribute to a better understanding of the factors that determine commitment to climate protection.

Are rules on accepting thank-you gifts from patients too harsh?

Our panel of nurses and healthcare professionals consider a topical nursing issue and share their views in a personal capacity only

Metabolomics and sensory evaluation of white asparagus ingredients in instant soups unveil important (off-)flavours

Split-stream processing of asparagus waste stream is a novel approach to produce spray-dried powder and fibre. Asparagus ingredients processed by this method and a commercial asparagus powder were compared by evaluating their flavour profile in a soup formulation. Professional sensory panel and untargeted metabolomics approaches using GC–MS and LC–MS were carried out. Unsupervised and supervised statistical analyses were performed to highlight discriminatory metabolites and correlate these to sensory attributes. The spray-dried powder scored higher on asparagus flavour compared to the commercial powder. The fibre negatively impacted the taste and mouthfeel of the soups. GC-O-MS confirmed the role of dimethyl sulphide, 2-methoxy-3-isopropyl pyrazine and 2-methoxy-3-isobutyl pyrazine in asparagus odour. Seven new volatile compounds are also proposed to contribute to asparagus flavour notes, most of which were more abundant in the spray-dried powder. This research demonstrates the feasibility of upcycling asparagus waste streams into flavour-rich ingredients with good sensorial properties.

Cultural adaptation of the guidelines for offering mental health first aid to a person after a potentially traumatic event: a delphi expert consensus study in Brazil

Background:Traumatic events increase the risk of mental disorders. In a country with relatively under-developed mental health support systems, services to assist people who have experienced potentially traumatic events may be unavailable. In such situations, people in the community become key sources of support. However, they do not always have the knowledge and skills to offer effective help. This study reports on the cultural adaptation for Brazil of the English-language mental health first aid guidelines for helping someone who has experienced a potentially traumatic event.Methods:A Delphi expert consensus study with two expert panels, one comprising health professionals with experience in the treatment of trauma (n = 33) and the other comprising people with lived experience, (n = 29) was conducted. A questionnaire containing 131 statements from the English language guidelines was translated into Brazilian Portuguese. Participants were asked to rate the importance of actions to be taken to help a person who has experienced a potentially traumatic event and to suggest new items where appropriate.Results:Data were collected over two survey rounds. A total of 149 items were included in the final guidelines (110 items from the English-language guidelines and 39 new items created from expert panel comments, in the second round). Immediate action items were endorsed by both panels, while items related to encouraging victims were rejected by the professional panel. The suggested statements mostly related to providing psychological support and attending to the person’s subjective experience rather than providing material or structural support.Conclusion:While there were many similarities with the English-language guidelines for high-income countries, the guidelines also incorporate actions of importance for Brazil, including the emphasis on the first aider’s management of the person’s subjective experiences. These guidelines may inform Mental Health First Aid training for Brazil and may also be used as standalone resources.

Surveillance of Long-Term Complications after Brain Irradiation in Adult Brain Tumor Survivors

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> As a consequence of treatment, brain tumor survivors may experience chronic symptoms, comorbidities, and psychosocial issues that impact their overall well-being, daily functioning, and quality of life. Commonly identified complications include cognitive dysfunction, vasculopathy, endocrinopathy, ophthalmic sequela, ototoxicity, physical disability, sleep disturbance, mood disorder, unemployment, financial toxicity, secondary malignancy, and care partner fatigue. While there are guidelines for childhood survivors of brain tumors, there are no standardized guidelines for screening, monitoring, and managing treatment-related complications for adult brain tumor survivors. This abstract outlines the results of our expert recommendations from a multidisciplinary panel of healthcare professionals for assessing, screening, and providing appropriate interventions during neuro-oncology survivorship to improve quality of life and health outcomes. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> We examined the Children's Oncology Group Guideline (COG) recommendations as a foundation to establish guidelines for adult brain tumor survivors. The committee focused on intracranial brain tumors. We performed a literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases. The committee structured meetings based on the COG guidelines supplemented by the literature available for adult brain tumor complications. While reviewing the literature, experts in radiation oncology, neuropsychology, endocrinology, vascular neurology, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, sleep medicine, and rehabilitation medicine were invited to discuss and provide their perspectives and recommendations on screening and management of adult brain tumor survivors. <h3>Results</h3> Prior work identified common complications among brain tumor survivors include cognitive dysfunction, vasculopathy, endocrinopathy, ophthalmic sequela, ototoxicity, physical disability, sleep disturbance, mood disorder, unemployment, financial toxicity, and secondary malignancy. The Alvord Brain Tumor Center Survivorship Committee recommends routine screening using laboratory testing, subjective assessment of symptoms, and objective evaluations for patients with malignant brain tumors during patient clinical visits to appropriately monitor the complications of brain tumor treatments. <h3>Conclusion</h3> On-going thorough symptom assessment during survivorship is required due to the variability of onset and progressive nature of the medical complications of treatment. Early detection of the described complications optimizes health promotion and maximizes the quality of life. Effective monitoring and treatment should involve collaboration with primary care providers and may require referral to other specialties and support services to provide patient-centered care during neuro-oncology survivorship.

Effect of Combined Sulfur and Nitrogen Foliar Supply on Olive Oil Volatile Compounds and Sensory Attributes

Up to date, there are no reports on the effects of combined sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) foliar application in olive orchards on volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of virgin olive oil (VOO). In this work, the effects of increasing the fertilizer S and N concentration on volatile compound composition and odor and taste attributes of monovarietal VOOs of Istarska bjelica and Leccino cultivars were investigated. The volatile compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization and mass spectrometric detection after isolation by solid-phase microextraction, while sensory attributes were assessed by a professional panel. In all the investigated VOO samples, aldehydes were the most represented group of compounds, with (E)-2-hexenal as the most abundant, followed by (Z)-3-hexenal and 1-penten-3-one. Significant differences in the volatile profiles and sensory attributes were observed between VOOs from different treatments, mainly attributable to the interactions between all the factors that were investigated: treatment, cultivar, and year. Although significant interactions were noted for sensory attributes as well, the score for overall quality was generally lower for Leccino VOOs and for VOOs from both cultivars that were obtained after the highest SN dose treatment. All the samples were graded by overall sensory scores that were higher than eight and were characterized by well-pronounced fruitiness and the absence of sensory defects. The results of this study showed that foliar application of S and N significantly affects the quality of VOO, confirming that such a practice can modulate the characteristic olive oil odor and taste attributes and thus possibly influence its acceptability and preference among consumers.