Exploring Botryosphaeran, a (1 → 3)(1 → 6)-β-D-Glucan, as a Matrix for the Stabilization of Laccase from Pleurotus ostreatus Florida onto a Zinc Oxide Quantum Dots Platform for the Electrochemical Determination of 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol.

This work describes the development of a novel biosensor obtained by immobilizing laccase from Pleurotus ostreatus Florida onto a glassy carbon electrode platform modified with zinc oxide quantum dots. For enzyme immobilization, the exopolysaccharide botryosphaeran from Botryosphaeria rhodina MAMB-05 was used. Although both biomaterials are from different fungal sources, laccase immobilization was guaranteed, which was demonstrated by the excellent stability of the fabricated biosensor device for the voltammetric determination of 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (2,6-DMP).

Aversive sexual learning in the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus: Modulation of different sexual responses in males and females.

Although sexual learning can be a key process in the reproductive success of animals, research focused on the experience-dependent modulation of courtship in insects is scarce. In kissing bugs, the behavioural steps implicated in mating have been exhaustively studied, but not the involvement of learning in them. Our objective was to determine whether the sexual behaviour of Rhodnius prolixus could be modulated by experience.

Gender Differences in Pharmacokinetics: A Perspective on Contrast Agents.

Gender is an important risk factor for adverse drug reactions. Women report significantly more adverse drug reactions than men. There is a growing consensus that gender differences in drug PK is a main contributor to higher drug toxicity in women.

Early detection of ocular lesions in critically ill children: Testing an ocular assessment scale.

Background: There is scarcity of data on the incidence and factors associated with the occurrence of ocular lesions in critically ill children.

Aim: Test the applicability and utility of an ocular assessment scale and to identify risk factors of ocular lesions.

Study Design: Prospective observational study.