Identification of hazardous organic compounds in e-waste plastic using non-target and suspect screening approaches.

End-of-life electric and electronic devices stand as one of the fastest growing wastes in the world and, therefore, a rapidly escalating global concern. A relevant fraction of these wastes corresponds to polymeric materials containing a plethora of chemical additives. Some of those additives fall within the category of hazardous organic compounds (HOCs). Despite the significant advances in the capabilities of analytical methods, the comprehensive characterization of WEEE plastic remains as a challenge. This research strives to identify the primary additives within WEEE polymers by implementing a non-target and suspect screening approach. Gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-QTOF-MS), using electron ionization (EI), was applied for the detection and identification of more than 300 substances in this matrix. A preliminary comparison was carried out with nominal resolution EI-MS spectra contained in the NIST17 library. BPA, flame retardants, UV-filters, PAHs, and preservatives were among the compounds detected. Fifty-one out of 300 compounds were confirmed by comparison with authentic standards. The study establishes a comprehensive database containing m/z ratios and accurate mass spectra of characteristic compounds, encompassing HOCs. Semi-quantification of the predominant additives was conducted across 48 WEEE samples collected from handling and dismantling facilities in Galicia. ABS plastic demonstrated the highest median concentrations, ranging from 0.154 to 4456 µg g-1, being brominated flame retardants and UV filters, the families presenting the highest concentrations. Internet router devices revealed the highest concentrations, containing a myriad of HOCs, such as tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), tribromophenol (TBrP), triphenylphosphate (TPhP), tinuvin P and bisphenol A (BPA), most of which are restricted in Europe.

Amivantamab plus chemotherapy with and without lazertinib in EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC after disease progression on osimertinib: primary results from the phase III MARIPOSA-2 study.

BACKGROUND: Amivantamab plus carboplatin-pemetrexed (chemotherapy) with and without lazertinib demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with refractory epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in phase I studies. These combinations were evaluated in a global phase III trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 657 patients with EGFR-mutated (exon 19 deletions or L858R) locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC after disease progression on osimertinib were randomized 2 : 2 : 1 to receive amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy, chemotherapy, or amivantamab-chemotherapy. The dual primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) of amivantamab-chemotherapy and amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy versus chemotherapy. During the study, hematologic toxicities observed in the amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy arm necessitated a regimen change to start lazertinib after carboplatin completion. RESULTS: All baseline characteristics were well balanced across the three arms, including by history of brain metastases and prior brain radiation. PFS was significantly longer for amivantamab-chemotherapy and amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy versus chemotherapy [hazard ratio (HR) for disease progression or death 0.48 and 0.44, respectively; P < 0.001 for both; median of 6.3 and 8.3 versus 4.2 months, respectively]. Consistent PFS results were seen by investigator assessment (HR for disease progression or death 0.41 and 0.38 for amivantamab-chemotherapy and amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy, respectively; P < 0.001 for both; median of 8.2 and 8.3 versus 4.2 months, respectively). Objective response rate was significantly higher for amivantamab-chemotherapy and amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy versus chemotherapy (64% and 63% versus 36%, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). Median intracranial PFS was 12.5 and 12.8 versus 8.3 months for amivantamab-chemotherapy and amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy versus chemotherapy (HR for intracranial disease progression or death 0.55 and 0.58, respectively). Predominant adverse events (AEs) in the amivantamab-containing regimens were hematologic, EGFR-, and MET-related toxicities. Amivantamab-chemotherapy had lower rates of hematologic AEs than amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Amivantamab-chemotherapy and amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy improved PFS and intracranial PFS versus chemotherapy in a population with limited options after disease progression on osimertinib. Longer follow-up is needed for the modified amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy regimen.

Randomized open-label controlled study of cancer vaccine OSE2101 versus chemotherapy in HLA-A2-positive patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with resistance to immunotherapy: ATALANTE-1.

BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) ultimately progress either rapidly (primary resistance) or after durable benefit (secondary resistance). The cancer vaccine OSE2101 may invigorate antitumor-specific immune responses after ICB failure. The objective of ATALANTE-1 was to evaluate its efficacy and safety in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: ATALANTE-1 was a two-step open-label study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OSE2101 compared to standard-of-care (SoC) chemotherapy (CT). Patients with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2-positive advanced NSCLC without actionable alterations, failing sequential or concurrent CT and ICB were randomized (2 : 1) to OSE2101 or SoC (docetaxel or pemetrexed). Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Interim OS futility analysis was planned as per Fleming design. In April 2020 at the time of interim analysis, a decision was taken to prematurely stop the accrual due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Final analysis was carried out in all patients and in the subgroup of patients with ICB secondary resistance defined as failure after ICB monotherapy second line ≥12 weeks. RESULTS: Two hundred and nineteen patients were randomized (139 OSE2101, 80 SoC); 118 had secondary resistance to sequential ICB. Overall, median OS non-significantly favored OSE2101 over SoC {hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] 0.86 [0.62-1.19], P = 0.36}. In the secondary resistance subgroup, OSE2101 significantly improved median OS versus SoC [11.1 versus 7.5 months; HR (95% CI) 0.59 (0.38-0.91), P = 0.017], and significantly improved post-progression survival (HR 0.46, P = 0.004), time to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status deterioration (HR 0.43, P = 0.006) and Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) global health status compared to SoC (P = 0.045). Six-month disease control rates and progression-free survival were similar between groups. Grade ≥3 adverse effects occurred in 11.4% of patients with OSE2101 and 35.1% in SoC (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In HLA-A2-positive patients with advanced NSCLC and secondary resistance to immunotherapy, OSE2101 increased survival with better safety compared to CT. Further evaluation in this population is warranted.

Bibliometric analysis of parasite vaccine research from 1990 to 2019.

Bibliometric and bibliographic analyses are popular tools for investigating publication metrics and thematic transitions in an expanding codex of biomedical literature. Bibliometric techniques have been employed in parasitology and vaccinology, with only a few malaria-specific literature analyses being reported specifically on parasite vaccines. The pursuit of parasite prophylactics is an important, global endeavour both medically and economically. As such, a comprehensive understanding of the research topics would be a valuable tool in assessing the current status and future directions of parasite vaccine development. Consequently, this study investigated parasite vaccinology from 1990 to 2019 by analysing literature exported from the Web of Science and Dimensions databases using two, commonly used, bibliometric programs: SciMAT and VOSviewer. The results of this study show the common, emerging, and transient themes within the discipline, and where the future lies as vaccine development moves further into the age of omics and informatics.

Can cyanotoxins explain the clinical features of the thermal crisis in balneotherapy?

Microbial biofilms communities in mineral waters and hot springs have a particular composition with species belonging to different groups such as epsilonproteobacteria and gammaproteobacteria or different siderobacteria and other chymoautrophic organisms, in addition to certain bacillaryophytes, chlorophytes and especially cyanobacteria. Balneotherapy can cause adverse reactions to the usual doses of application of treatments, that consists of a non-specific clinical picture, the so-called "thermal crisis" or "balneointoxication". Despite its clinical similarity (gastric discomfort, hepatic congestive outbreaks, cutaneous reactions, etc.) with that observed in acute cyanotoxin poisonings, thermal crisis has never been associated with the abundant growth of potentially toxic cyanobacteria in the mineral water sources. The aim of this work was to verify the hypothetical involvement of cyanotoxins in this clinical picture. Samples from mostly sulphurous water sources, with thermal characteristics ranging from cold to hyperthermal waters were analysed. ELISA (both in solution and in cellular matrix samples), LC-ESI-HRMS (in cellular matrix samples), and analysis of potential toxicity by means of a standardized bioassay were carried out. The toxic effect observed in the toxicity bioassays in one third of the sources may be related to the existence of microcystins and nodularins and even with other cyanobacterial peptides detected. In addition, several responses observed in the toxicity analyses reflect a pattern, probably linked to a type of hormetic response (hormesis is an adaptive response to low levels of stress, characterized by a biphasic dose-response curve).

The EPICAL trial, a phase Ib study combining first line afatinib with anti-EGF vaccination in EGFR-mutant metastatic NSCLC.

INTRODUCTION: Combination of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies or immune checkpoint inhibitors with TKIs has shown minimal benefit in EGFR mutant (EGFR-mut) NSCLC patients. Consequently, new combination approaches are needed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The EPICAL was a single arm, phase 1b study to evaluate safety, tolerability and anti-tumor activity of first line afatinib combined with anti-EGF vaccination in advanced EGFR-mut patients. EGFR status and mutations in liquid biopsies were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction; serum biomarkers by ELISA and Western blotting analysis. RESULTS: The assay enrolled 23 patients, 21 completed the anti-EGF immunization phase. Treatment was well tolerated and no serious adverse events (SAEs) related to the anti-EGF vaccine were reported. Objective response and disease control rates were 78.3% (95%CI = 53.6-92.5) and 95.7% (95%CI = 78.1-99.9), respectively. After a median follow-up of 24.2 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 14.8 months (95% CI = 9.5-20.1) and median overall survival (OS) 26.9 months (95% CI = 23.0-30.8). Among the 21 patients completing the immunization phase, PFS was 17.5 months (95% CI = 12.0-23.0) and OS 26.9 months (95% CI = 24.6-NR). At the end of the immunization phase, all 21 patients showed high serum titers of anti-EGF antibodies, while EGF levels had decreased significantly. Finally, treatment with fully immunized patient's sera inhibited the EGFR pathway in tumor cells growing in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Combination treatment with an anti-EGF vaccine is well tolerated; induces a sustained immunogenic effect and might enhance the clinical efficacy of EGFR TKIs.

First-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab with two cycles of chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone (four cycles) in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: CheckMate 9LA 2-year update.

BACKGROUND: To further characterize survival benefit with first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab with two cycles of chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone, we report updated data from the phase III CheckMate 9LA trial with a 2-year minimum follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adult patients were treatment naïve, with stage IV/recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer, no known sensitizing EGFR/ALK alterations, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤1. Patients were randomized 1 : 1 to nivolumab 360 mg every 3 weeks plus ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks with two cycles of chemotherapy, or four cycles of chemotherapy. Updated efficacy and safety outcomes are reported, along with progression-free survival (PFS) after next line of treatment (PFS2), treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) by treatment cycle, and efficacy outcomes in patients who discontinued all treatment components in the experimental arm due to TRAEs. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 30.7 months, nivolumab plus ipilimumab with chemotherapy continued to prolong overall survival (OS) versus chemotherapy. Median OS was 15.8 versus 11.0 months [hazard ratio 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.61-0.86)]; 2-year OS rate was 38% versus 26%. Two-year PFS rate was 20% versus 8%. ORR was 38% versus 25%, respectively; 34% versus 12% of all responses were ongoing at 2 years. Median PFS2 was 13.9 versus 8.7 months. Improved efficacy outcomes in the experimental versus control arm were observed across most subgroups, including by programmed death-ligand 1 and histology. No new safety signals were observed; onset of grade 3/4 TRAEs was mostly observed during the first two treatment cycles in the experimental arm. In patients who discontinued all components of nivolumab plus ipilimumab with chemotherapy treatment due to TRAEs (n = 61) median OS was 27.5 months; 56% of responders had an ongoing response ≥1 year after discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: With a 2-year minimum follow-up, nivolumab plus ipilimumab with two cycles of chemotherapy provided durable efficacy benefits over chemotherapy with a manageable safety profile and remains an efficacious first-line treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

On the diversity of abyssal Dondersiidae (Mollusca: Aplacophora) with the description of a new genus, six new species, and a review of the family.

So far, of the 292 known species of solenogasters (Mollusca, Aplacophora), 62 belong to the clade Pholidoskepia Salvini-Plawen, 1978. Of these, only two have an abyssal distribution (3500-6000 m depth). Among Pholidoskepia, Dondersiidae Simroth, 1893 is the most diverse family. This study contributes to the knowledge of this family with the description of one new genus and six new species from the abyssal South Atlantic Ocean: Dondersia ? foraminosa sp. n., Nematomenia divae sp. n., Nematomenia brasiliensis sp. n., Nematomenia ? guineana sp. n., Helluoherpia vieiralaneroi sp. n. and Inopinatamenia (gen. n.) calamitosa sp. n. Specimens were collected during DIVA (Latitudinal Gradients of Deep-Sea BioDIVersity in the Atlantic Ocean) expeditions in the Guinea (DIVA 2 Me 63/2, 2005) and Brazil (DIVA 3 Me 79/1, 2008) Basins. Specimens were characterized based primarily on the sclerites and internal anatomy, which was studied using histology. The importance of the radula and mantle sclerites for taxonomy is emphasized. Amended diagnoses for the family and some genera within this family are provided. This contribution increases the described diversity of Dondersiidae to ten genera and 38 species and highlights the need for more study of solenogasters in the deep sea.

[Management of patients with lymphatic diseases and lipoedema during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations of the Spanish Group of Lymphology]. / La atención al paciente con patología linfática y lipedema en la pandemia COVID-19. Recomendaciones del Grupo Español de Linfología (GEL).

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a challenge to the management of non-COVID pathologies such as lymphatic diseases and lipoedema. The use of telemedicine can prevent the spread of the disease. A system is needed to help determine the clinical priority and selection of face-to-face or telemedicine options for each patient and how to carry them out during the pandemic. The Spanish Lymphology Group has drafted a consensus document with recommendations based on the literature and clinical experience, as clinical practice guidelines for the management of lymphatic abnormalities and lipoedema during the COVID-19 pandemic. These recommendations must be adapted to the characteristics of each patient, the local conditions of the centres, and the decisions of health care professionals. The document contains minimum criteria, subject to modifications according to the evolution of the pandemic, scientific knowledge and instructions from health authorities.

Expression-based, consistent biomarkers for prognosis and diagnosis in lung cancer.

OVERVIEW: Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. Its histological classification depends on early diagnosis and successful treatment. Therefore, having specific biomarkers for a quick sorting widens the successful output of lung cancer treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: High-throughput sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed of small cohorts of BioBanco samples from healthy and tumour cells from lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (lSCC). RNA-seq samples from small cell lung cancer (SCLC) were downloaded from databases. A bioinformatic workflow has been programmed for the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). RESULTS: A total of 4777 DEGs were differentially expressed in SCLC, 3676 DEGs were in lSCC, while the lowest number of DEGs, 2819, appeared in LUAD. Among them, 945 DEGs were common to the three histological types. Once validated their expression profile and their survival predictive capacity in large, public cohorts, three DEGs can be exclusively considered as diagnostic biomarkers, three as prognosis biomarkers, and other three exhibit both diagnosis and prognosis capabilities. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study presents evidences for the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of expression changes in CAPN8-2, TMC5 and MUC1 in LUAD, while they are non-significant in SCLC and lSCC. Their translation to clinical practice is proposed.

SEOM clinical guidelines for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) (2019).

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 15% of lung cancers. Only one-third of patients are diagnosed at limited stage. The median survival remains to be around 15-20 months without significative changes in the strategies of treatment for many years. In stage I and IIA, the standard treatment is the surgery followed by adjuvant therapy with platinum-etoposide. In stage IIB-IIIC, the recommended treatment is early concurrent chemotherapy with platinum-etoposide plus thoracic radiotherapy followed by prophylactic cranial irradiation in patients without progression. However, in the extensive stage, significant advances have been observed adding immunotherapy to platinum-etoposide chemotherapy to obtain a significant increase in overall survival, constituting the new recommended standard of care. In the second-line treatment, topotecan remains as the standard treatment. Reinduction with platinum-etoposide is the recommended regimen in patients with sensitive relapse (≥ 3 months) and new drugs such as lurbinectedin and immunotherapy are new treatment options. New biomarkers and new clinical trials designed according to the new classification of SCLC subtypes defined by distinct gene expression profiles are necessary.

Long-term survival in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer treated with atezolizumab versus docetaxel: Results from the randomised phase III OAK study.

BACKGROUND: Atezolizumab (anti-programmed death-ligand 1 [PD-L1]) received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency for previously treated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer based on OAK-a randomised, phase III trial that showed significantly improved survival with atezolizumab versus docetaxel regardless of PD-L1 expression. With longer follow-up, we summarised the characteristics of long-term survivors (LTSs). METHODS: In OAK (NCT02008227), patients were randomised 1:1 to receive atezolizumab or docetaxel until loss of clinical benefit or disease progression, respectively. Overall survival was evaluated after a 26-month minimum follow-up, including in patient subgroups defined by best overall response (BOR). LTSs were defined as patients who lived ≥24 months since randomisation. Non-LTSs died within 24 months, and patients censored before 24 months were excluded from the analysis. The baseline characteristics, including biomarkers, BOR, subsequent non-protocol therapy (NPT) and safety, are reported. RESULTS: Survival benefit with atezolizumab was observed across all patient subgroups defined by BOR. More atezolizumab-treated patients were LTSs versus those treated with docetaxel (28% versus 18%). Most atezolizumab responders were LTSs (77%) versus only 48% of docetaxel responders. However, 21% of atezolizumab-arm LTSs had progressive disease (PD) as BOR, and more atezolizumab-arm LTSs than non-LTSs continued treatment post-PD. Fifty-two percent of docetaxel-arm LTSs received immunotherapy as subsequent NPT. Despite extended treatment duration in atezolizumab-arm LTSs (median, 18 months), atezolizumab was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: After >2 years of follow-up, atezolizumab continued to provide durable survival benefit versus docetaxel, with tolerable safety. Atezolizumab-arm LTSs were enriched for patients with high PD-L1 expression and included PD-L1-negative patients. Long-term survival was not limited to responders.

The relationship between trait psychopathy and emotional intelligence: A meta-analytic review.

Psychopathy is a personality construct that has been related to important emotional deficits. These findings have led to a growing interest in exploring if psychopathic traits are associated with emotional intelligence (EI). However, the literature exploring this association has revealed conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to provide a reliable estimate of the relationship between psychopathy traits and EI (measured as performance-based ability) through meta-analysis. A quantitative and systematic review of the literature using Scopus, Medline, Pubmed, and PsicINFO showed a total of 13 studies meeting inclusion criteria with a combined sample of 2401 participants. The meta-analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between both constructs, showing that higher psychopathic trait scores are related to lower EI levels. We propose several future research lines to clarify possible gaps and ambiguities in the current literature and a set of interesting clinical implications for the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of psychopathic traits by including EI factors in traditional models of psychopathy.

Factores asociados al ataque cerebrovascular isquémico entre los años 2013 a 2016, un estudio de casos y controles / Factors associated with ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents between the years 2013 and 2016: A case-control study

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar los factores asociados al ataque cerebrovascular isquémico en el servicio de urgencias de la Clínica Especializada Los Andes, de la ciudad de Tunja, entre los años 2013 a 2016. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio de casos y controles; los casos correspondieron a 97 pacientes con ataque cerebrovascular isquémico (infarto cerebral isquémico y accidente isquémico transitorio) y los controles a 291 pacientes sin ataque cerebrovascular isquémico que ingresaron a urgencias entre los años 2013 a 2016. Resultados: El sexo femenino correspondió al 56,7% (55) de los casos y al 54,6% de los controles (154) (p = 0,069). La media de edad en el grupo caso fue de 73,7 años ENT#091;DE: 10,5 añosENT#093; y en los controles de 64,5 años ENT#091;DE: 11,3 añosENT#093;. Los factores asociados al ataque cerebrovascular isquémico fueron: antecedente de ataque cerebrovascular isquémico ENT#091;OR 7,7 IC 95% 3,2; 18 p= 0,000ENT#093;, tabaquismo ENT#091;OR 4,4 IC 95% 1,1; 18 p= 0,022ENT#093;, dislipidemia ENT#091;OR 3 IC 95% 1,2; 7,5 p= 0,017ENT#093;, edad igual o mayor a 70 años ENT#091;OR 2,3 IC 95% 1,3; 4,1 p= 0,002ENT#093; e hipertensión arterial ENT#091;OR 1,8 IC 95% 1,06; 3,3 p= 0,029ENT#093;. Conclusiones: Los factores asociados al ataque cerebrovascular isquémico fueron, en orden de importancia, antecedente de ataque cerebrovascular isquémico, tabaquismo, dislipidemia, edad igual o mayor a 70 años E hipertensión arterial.

Abstract Objective: To determine the factors associated with ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents (ICVA) in the Emergency Department of the Andes Specialist Clinic of the city of Tunja, between the years 2013 and 2016. Patients and methods: A case-control study was conducted in which the cases consisted of 97 patients with ICVA (ischaemic cerebral infarction and transient ischaemic accident), and the controls were 291 patients with no ICVA, who were admitted to the Emergency Department between the years 2013 and 2016. Results: There were 56.7% (55) females in the cases, and 54.6% (154) in the controls (P=.069). The mean age of the cases was 73.7 years ENT#091;SD: 10.5 yearsENT#093;, and 64.5 years ENT#091;SD: 11.3 yearsENT#093; in the controls. The factors associated with ICVA were: a history of ICVA ENT#091;OR; 7.7, 95% CI; 3.2-18, P=.000ENT#093;, smoking ENT#091;OR; 4.4, 95% CI; 1.1-18, P=.022ENT#093;, dyslipidaemia ENT#091;OR; 3, 95% CI; 1.2-7.5, P=.017ENT#093;, age equal to or greater than 70 years ENT#091;OR; 2.3, 95% CI; 1.3-4.1, P=.002ENT#093;, and arterial hypertension ENT#091;OR; 1.8, 95% CI; 1.06-3.3, P=.029ENT#093;. Conclusions: The factors associated with ischaemic cerebrovascular accident were, in order of importance, a history of ischaemic cerebrovascular accident, smoking, dyslipidaemia, age equal to or greater than 70 years, and arterial hypertension.

Performance on emotional tasks engaging cognitive control depends on emotional intelligence abilities: an ERP study.

Cognitive control is a key process in decision making and adequately adapting our behavior to the environment. Previous studies have provided evidence of a lower capacity for cognitive control in emotion-laden contexts in comparison with neutral contexts. The aim of the present research was to study changes in cognitive control performance as a function of emotional intelligence (EI) level in contexts involving emotional information. The study sample was composed of 2 groups of 22 participants each: the high and low EI group. Participants carried out an emotional go/no-go task while brain activity was recorded by EEG. N2 and P3 ERPs were used as indices of cognitive control processing. Participants with higher EI showed a larger N2, reflecting a greater capacity for cognitive control related to changes in conflict monitoring, and to a better detection and evaluation of the emotional stimuli. Moreover, in general, response inhibition accuracy was reduced when emotional information was involved in this process. Our findings reveal that neural mechanisms underlying tasks that engage cognitive control depend on emotional content and EI level. This study indicates the important role played by EI in the relationship between emotion and cognition. EI training may be a very useful tool for improving performance in emotion-laden contexts.

The use of two-dimensional NMR relaxometry in bread staling: a valuable tool?

Staling of bread was investigated in terms of physico-chemical parameters and one (1D) and two dimensional (2D) 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry. Physico-chemical properties were consistent with those generally reported for bread staling (crumb moisture loss, decrease in frozen water content, formation of amylopectin crystals, crumb hardening). One dimensional 1H NMR investigation suggested the presence of only one T1 protons population, while T2 was representative of multiple proton populations, that well related to the observed physico-chemical changes. 1H Two dimensional NMR provided an interesting insight of 1H T1 dynamics, as it allowed to discriminate the contribution of five protons pools within the 1H T1 relaxation.