Publications by authors named "R C Afonso"

Trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) are bacteriostatic agents, which are co-administered to patients during infection treatment due to their synergetic effects. Once consumed, TMP and SMX end up in wastewater and are directed to municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) which fail to remove these contaminants from municipal wastewater. The discharge of WWTP effluents containing antibiotics in the environment is a major concern for public health as it contributes to the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

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Objectives: to evaluate the effectiveness of peripheral central catheterization by comparing the modified Seldinger technique and the conventional technique in critically ill newborns.

Methods: randomized unmasked clinical trial conducted in a public children's hospital. Participation of 111 newborns with randomized allocation, 56 in the control group (conventional technique) and 55 in the experimental group (modified Seldinger).

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Objective: To describe the use of negative pressure wound therapy and hydrofiber dressing with silver in a pediatric patient with a hard-to-heal surgical wound infection.

Method: This is a descriptive professional experience report on the use of conventional dressings and negative pressure wound therapy in a pediatric patient with a surgical wound infection. It was developed in 2023 at a Public Health Service that is a reference in the care of pediatric patients in the state of Paraná.

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Parrots produce stunning plumage colors through unique pigments called psittacofulvins. However, the mechanism underlying their ability to generate a spectrum of vibrant yellows, reds, and greens remains enigmatic. We uncover a unifying chemical basis for a wide range of parrot plumage colors, which result from the selective deposition of red aldehyde- and yellow carboxyl-containing psittacofulvin molecules in developing feathers.

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Objectives: Social isolation and loneliness among older adults present serious public health challenges linked to increased dementia risk. This systematic review analyzes interventions addressing social isolation and loneliness in older adults and their cognitive effects to inform future dementia prevention programs.

Method: We systematically searched databases (PUBMED, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, EBSCO, and SAGE Journals) from February to May 2023 and updated from August to November 2023 using terms like social isolation, loneliness, intervention, and cognitive outcome.

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