Selected Flavonoids to Target Melanoma: A Perspective in Nanoengineering Delivery Systems.

Melanoma is a complex type of cancer that depends on several metabolic factors, while the currently used therapies are not always effective and have unwanted side effects. In this review, the main factors involved in the etiology of cutaneous carcinoma are highlighted, together with the main genes and proteins that regulate cancer invasion and metastization. The role of five selected flavonoids, namely, apigenin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, kaempferol, naringenin, and silybin, in the modulating receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and Wnt pathways is reported with their relevance in the future design of drugs to mitigate and/or treat melanoma. However, as phenolic compounds have some difficulties in reaching the target site, the encapsulation of these compounds in nanoparticles is a promising strategy to promote improved physicochemical stabilization of the bioactives and achieve greater bioavailability. Scientific evidence is given about the beneficial effects of loading these flavonoids into selected nanoparticles for further exploitation in the treatment of melanoma.

Development of an Inkjet Setup for Printing and Monitoring Microdroplets.

Inkjet printing is a digitally controlled additive technology that allows the precise deposition of droplets. Because it is additive, it enables geometries usually unattainable by other technologies. Because it is digitally controlled, its output is easily modulated, even during operation. Combined with the development of functional materials and their micrometer precision, it can be applicable in a wide range of fields beyond the traditional graphic industry, such as medical diagnosis, electronics manufacturing, and the fabrication of microlenses. In this work, a solution based on open-source hardware and software was implemented instead of choosing a commercial alternative, making the most of inkjet flexibility in terms of inks, substrates, and actuation signal. First, a piezoelectric printhead from MicroFab, driven by an ArduinoDue, was mounted in a 3D printer adapted to ensure precise movement in three dimensions. Then, a monitoring system using a USB digital microscope and a computational algorithm was integrated. Both systems combined allow the printing and measurement of microdroplets by digital regulation of a unipolar signal. Finally, based on a theoretical model and a set of experimentally collected samples, the curve that relates the unipolar signal amplitude to the size of the microdroplets was estimated with an acceptable range of prediction uncertainty.

Microemulsions and Nanoemulsions in Skin Drug Delivery.

Microemulsions and nanoemulsions are lipid-based pharmaceutical systems with a high potential to increase the permeation of drugs through the skin. Although being isotropic dispersions of two nonmiscible liquids (oil and water), significant differences are encountered between microemulsions and nanoemulsions. Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable o/w emulsions of mean droplet size approximately 100-400 nm, whereas nanoemulsions are thermodynamically unstable o/w emulsions of mean droplet size approximately 1 to 100 nm. Their inner oil phase allows the solubilization of lipophilic drugs, achieving high encapsulation rates, which are instrumental for drug delivery. In this review, the importance of these systems, the key differences regarding their composition and production processes are discussed. While most of the micro/nanoemulsions on the market are held by the cosmetic industry to enhance the activity of drugs used in skincare products, the development of novel pharmaceutical formulations designed for the topical, dermal and transdermal administration of therapeutic drugs is being considered. The delivery of poorly water-soluble molecules through the skin has shown some advantages over the oral route, since drugs escape from first-pass metabolism; particularly for the treatment of cutaneous diseases, topical delivery should be the preferential route in order to reduce the number of drugs used and potential side-effects, while directing the drugs to the site of action. Thus, nanoemulsions and microemulsions represent versatile options for the delivery of drugs through lipophilic barriers, and many synthetic and natural compounds have been formulated using these delivery systems, aiming to improve stability, delivery and bioactivity. Detailed information is provided concerning the most relevant recent scientific publications reporting the potential of these delivery systems to increase the skin permeability of drugs with anti-inflammatory, sun-protection, anticarcinogenic and/or wound-healing activities. The main marketed skincare products using emulsion-based systems are also presented and discussed.

Neurotoxicity Assessment of Four Different Pesticides Using In Vitro Enzymatic Inhibition Assays.

Pesticides affect different organs and tissues according to their bioavailability, chemical properties and further molecular interactions. In animal models exposed to several classes of pesticides, neurotoxic effects have been described, including the reduction of acetylcholinesterase activity in tissue homogenates. However, in homogenates, the reduction in enzymatic activity may also result from lower enzymatic expression and not only from enzymatic inhibition. Thus, in this work, we aimed to investigate the neurotoxic potential of four distinct pesticides: glyphosate (herbicide), imazalil (fungicide), imidacloprid (neonicotinoid insecticide) and lambda-cyhalothrin (pyrethroid insecticide), by assessing their inhibitory effect on the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and tyrosinase, by using direct in vitro enzymatic inhibition methods. All pesticides dose-dependently inhibited AChE activity, with an inhibition of 11 ± 2% for glyphosate, 48 ± 2% for imidacloprid, 49 ± 3% for imazalil and 50 ± 3% for lambda-cyhalothrin, at 1 mM. Only imazalil inhibited BChE. Imazalil induced dose-dependent inhibition of BChE with identical pattern as that observed for AChE; however, for lower concentrations (up to 500 µM), imazalil showed higher specificity for AChE, and for higher concentrations, the same specificity was found. Imazalil, at 1 mM, inhibited the activity of BChE by 49 ± 1%. None of the pesticides, up to 1 mM, inhibited tyrosinase activity. In conclusion, the herbicide glyphosate shows specificity for AChE but low inhibitory capacity, the insecticides imidacloprid and λ-cyhalothrin present selective AChE inhibition, while the fungicide IMZ is a broad-spectrum cholinesterase inhibitor capable of inhibiting AChE and BChE in an equal manner. Among these pesticides, the insecticides and the fungicide are the ones with higher neurotoxic potential.

In Vitro Assessment of Pesticides Toxicity and Data Correlation with Pesticides Physicochemical Properties for Prediction of Toxicity in Gastrointestinal and Skin Contact Exposure.

In this work, three pesticides of different physicochemical properties, namely, glyphosate (herbicide), imidacloprid (insecticide) and imazalil (fungicide), were selected to assess their cytotoxicity against distinct cell models (Caco-2, HepG2, A431, HaCaT, SK-MEL-5 and RAW 264.7 cells) to mimic gastrointestinal and skin exposure with potential systemic effect. Cells were subjected to different concentrations of selected pesticides for 24 h or 48 h. Cell viability was assessed by Alamar Blue assay, morphological changes by bright-field microscopy and the IC50 values were calculated. Cytotoxic profiles were analysed using the physico-chemical parameters of the pesticides, namely: molecular weight, water solubility, the partition coefficient in the n-octanol/water (Log Pow) system, the topological polar surface area (TPSA), and number of hydrogen-bonds (donor/acceptor) and rotatable bonds. Results showed that glyphosate did not reduce cell viability (up to 1 mM), imidacloprid induced moderate toxicity (IC50 > 1 mM for Caco-2 cells while IC50 = 305.9 ± 22.4 µM for RAW 264.7 cells) and imazalil was highly cytotoxic (IC50 > 253.5 ± 3.37 for Caco-2 cells while IC50 = 31.3 ± 2.7 µM for RAW 264.7 cells) after 24 h exposure. Toxicity was time-dependent as IC50 values at 48 h exposure were lower, and decrease in cell viability was accompanied by changes in cell morphology. Pesticides toxicity was found to be directly proportional with their Log Pow, indicating that the affinity to a lipophilic environment such as the cell membranes governs their toxicity. Toxicity is inverse to pesticides TPSA, but lower TPSA favours membrane permeation. The lower toxicity against Caco-2 cells was attributed to the physiology and metabolism of cell barriers equipped with various ABC transporters. In conclusion, physicochemical factors such as Log Pow, TPSA and H-bond are likely to be directly correlated with pesticide-induced toxicity, thus being key factors to potentially predict the toxicity of other compounds.

Monitoring Leishmania infantum Infections in Female Lutzomyia longipalpis by Using DNA Extraction on Cation Exchange Paper and PCR Pool Testing

Visceral leishmaniasis remains a serious public health issue, and Brazil was among the seven countries with the highest prevalence of this disease worldwide. The measures to control this disease are not easily developed, and the improvement of its diagnosis, surveillance, and control is still needed. This study aimed to carry out the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnosis of Leishmania infantum in vector samples in some municipalities of the State of São Paulo, which included two municipalities with human disease transmission and two with dog transmission only. Vectors were collected in traps with luminous bait. Next, they were killed at -4 °C and kept in 70% alcohol. Groups of ten female insects (pools) were mashed on cation exchange paper (fine cellulose phosphate with 18 µEq/cm² ionic exchange capacity) for DNA extraction. The PCR was carried out to identify the natural infection of the Leishmania genus in female Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lu. Longipalpis). Out of the 3,880 Lu. longipalpis phlebotomines, 1060 were female and 2820 were male (3:1). The method used to extract the DNA in pools of ten phlebotomines and the PCR resulted in sensitivity, specificity, practicality, and faster analyses when compared to the individual analysis method. The procedure described can be used on a large scale in the leishmaniasis epidemiological surveillance, enabling a higher number of analyses and the optimization of human resources because the traditional diagnostic method is carried out via desiccation of the insect digestive system and microscopic examination, which is time-demanding and there is the need of manual skills.

Social research in digital environments in COVID-19 times: theoretical and methodological notes. / Pesquisa social em ambientes digitais em tempos de COVID-19: notas teórico-metodológicas.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the sanitary measures of social distance brought impasses to Social Research and its future. Research in digital environments was already booming, but now that face-to-face activities are temporarily suspended, it becomes an alternative to enable the continuity of studies. Understanding it better is an epistemological and methodological need for all researchers. Thus, the objective of this essay is to propose some theoretical and methodological considerations on qualitative research in the different digital environments formed by the Internet 2.0. We point out some introductory aspects and tensions considered strategic for those who are going to start their work in social networks supported by the Internet. We organized the article based on the following topics: (1) digital sociality; (2) the "digital environment" and the blurring of boundaries between real-virtual; (3) the redefinition of the meaning of "field" in the digital environment; (4) the different cultural uses of digital platforms; (5) platforms as producers of discursive genres; (6) the production and extraction of collections. The essay seeks to demonstrate that research in digital environments reveals an exponential field of possibilities, whether to explore the forms that this sociality assumes in our daily lives, or to modulate our (inter)subjectivities, as it allows the production of identity narratives and performances, associations for different purposes, among many other possibilities. However, it demands an understanding of social action based on the synergy of the socio-technical-cultural contexts that structure it.

A pandemia de COVID-19 e as medidas sanitárias de distanciamento social trouxeram impasses para a pesquisa social e o seu futuro. A pesquisa em ambientes digitais já estava em franca expansão, mas neste momento de suspensão de atividades presenciais, torna-se uma alternativa para viabilizar a continuidade dos estudos. Compreendê-la melhor se torna uma necessidade epistemológica e metodológica para todos os pesquisadores. Assim, o objetivo desse ensaio é propor algumas considerações teórico-metodológicas sobre a pesquisa qualitativa nos diferentes ambientes digitais formados pela Internet 2.0. Pontuamos alguns aspectos e tensões introdutórias que consideramos estratégicas para os que vão começar seu trabalho nas redes de sociabilidade sustentadas pela Internet. Organizamos o artigo a partir dos seguintes tópicos: (1) a sociabilidade digital; (2) o "ambiente digital" e o borramento de fronteiras entre real-virtual; (3) a redefinição do significado de "campo" na ambiência digital; (4) os diferentes usos culturais das plataformas digitais; (5) as plataformas como produtoras de gêneros discursivos; (6) a produção e extração de acervos. O ensaio procura demonstrar que a pesquisa nas ambiências digitais descortina um campo exponencial de possibilidades, seja para explorar as formas que essa socialidade assume em nossos cotidianos, para modular nossas (inter)subjetividades, como permite a produção de narrativas e performances identitárias, associações para propósitos diversos, entre tantas outras possibilidades. Todavia, demanda uma compreensão da ação social a partir da sinergia dos contextos sócio-técnico-culturais que a estruturam.

La pandemia de COVID-19 y las medidas sanitarias de distanciamiento social trajeron impases para la Investigación Social y su futuro. La investigación en ambientes digitales ya estaba en franca expansión, pero en este momento de suspensión de actividades presenciales se convierte en una alternativa para viabilizar la continuidad de los estudios. Comprenderla mejor se convierte en una necesidad epistemológica y metodológica para todos los investigadores. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo es proponer algunas consideraciones teórico-metodológicas sobre la investigación cualitativa en los diferentes ambientes digitales formados por la Internet 2.0. Puntuamos algunos aspectos y tensiones introductorias que consideramos estratégicas para los que van a comenzar su trabajo en las redes de sociabilidad sostenidas por la Internet. Organizamos el artículo a partir de los siguientes temas: 1. La sociabilidad digital; 2. El "ambiente digital" y la desaparición de fronteras entre lo real-virtual; 3. La redefinición del significado de "campo" en el entorno digital; 4. Los diferentes usos culturales de las plataformas digitales; 5. Las plataformas como productoras de géneros discursivos; 6. La producción y extracción de acervos. El trabajo busca demostrar que la investigación en los entornos digitales desvela un campo exponencial de posibilidades, sea para explorar las formas que esa sociabilidad asume en nuestros cotidianos, sea para modular nuestras (inter)subjetividades, al permitir la producción de narraciones y performances identitarias, asociaciones para propósitos diversos, entre tantas otras posibilidades. Asimismo, demanda una comprensión de la acción social a partir de la sinergia de los contextos socio-técnico-culturales que la estructuran.

The intensive use of the internet by children and adolescents in the context of COVID-19 and the risks for self-inflicted violence. / O uso intensivo da internet por crianças e adolescentes no contexto da COVID-19 e os riscos para violências autoinflingidas.

This essay aimed to discuss the implications of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic for the intensive use of the internet among children and adolescents and its possible consequences for the practice of self-inflicted violence. We briefly discussed the anxiogenic potential and the reproduction of a "global fear" that are consolidated with the massive and unmediated exposure of the content consumed, which can increase the vulnerabilities to stress and suicidal ideas. We centered our debate on "recreational" practices, called "challenges" with self-harm power, carried out by teenagers on the YouTube website. This practice has been shown to increase with the social isolation measures. Our reflection on these risks builds on the theoretical perspective of digital sociability, and its implications for the internet-mediated interactions of adolescents.

O presente ensaio busca discutir as implicações do isolamento social devido à pandemia do COVID-19 para o uso intensivo da internet entre crianças e adolescentes e suas possíveis consequências para a prática de violências autoinflingidas. Discutimos brevemente o potencial ansiogênico e a reprodução de um "medo global" que se consolidam com a exposição maciça e sem mediação dos conteúdos consumidos, que podem aumentar as vulnerabilidades para estresse e ideações suicidas. Centramos nosso debate sobre práticas "recreativas", denominadas de "desafios" com poder autolesivo, realizados por adolescentes no site Youtube. Essa prática revelou-se crescente a partir das medidas de isolamento social. Nossa reflexão sobre esses riscos é feita a partir da perspectiva teórica da sociabilidade digital, e suas implicações nas interações de adolescentes mediadas pela internet.

Online challenges among children and adolescents: Self-inflicted harm and social media strategies.

Challenges are in line with the risk-taking practices frequent in child and youth culture. However, online challenges take on new meanings when mediated by digital sociability. To analyze this phenomenon, 122 challenge videos in Portuguese that had been made by Brazilian children or adolescents were recovered from the YouTube platform, of which 35 were selected and transcribed. Twelve types of challenges were analyzed; all involved potential self-inflicted injuries to participants, with risks ranging from minor to lethal. The discourse analysis led to an interpretation based on the theory of self-image and ethos. Online challenges appear as a powerful communicative resource to reaffirm belonging, recognition, and audience adherence, and so constitute a media strategy adopted by youth in the construction of an Internet-mediated identity in which risk and violence are decisive devices in building a self-image capable of retaining an audience. The enunciator's body sacrifice assumes a bargaining role in this media adherence.

Los desafíos son parte de las prácticas de riesgo frecuentes en la cultura infantil y juvenil. Sin embargo, los desafíos en línea adquieren nuevos significados cuando están mediados por la sociabilidad digital. Para analizar este fenómeno, se recuperaron 122 videos de desafíos de la plataforma YouTube, videos en portugués realizados por niñas, niños y adolescentes brasileños de los cuales se seleccionaron y transcribieron 35 videos. Se analizaron 12 tipos de desafíos que implicaran posibles lesiones autoinfligidas por sus participantes: desde riesgos menores hasta letales. El análisis del discurso llevó a una interpretación basada en la teoría de la imagen de uno mismo y del ethos. Los desafíos en línea se presentan como un poderoso recurso comunicativo para reafirmar la pertenencia, el reconocimiento y la adhesión de las audiencias, y constituyen una estrategia mediática adoptada por los jóvenes en la construcción de una identidad mediada por Internet, en la que el riesgo y la violencia se convierten en dispositivos determinantes en la construcción de una imagen de sí mismos capaz de retener una audiencia. El sacrificio corporal del enunciador asume el papel negociador en esta adhesión mediática.

Rational use of medicines, pharmaceuticalization and uses of methylphenidate. / Uso racional de medicamentos, farmaceuticalização e usos do metilfenidato.

The rational use of medicines (URM) is considered one of the key elements recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for pharmaceutical policies. The excessive increase in the use of medicines in many countries has been identified as a major barrier to the achievement of URM and is part of a phenomenon called the 'pharmaceuticalization' of the society. This paper aims to present innitiatives to rationalize the use of methylphenidate and its limits in Brazil, considering the concept of pharmaceuticalization of the society. It is an exploratory study, based on a narrative review of the scientific literature. Controversies about the uses of methylphenidate make it a good example of this phenomenon and may help in the reflection and construction of new paths to the limits found by the concept of rational use of medicines.

Prevenção de "brincadeiras perigosas" na internet: experiência da atuação do Instituto DimiCuida em ambientes digitais / Prevention of "dangerous games" on the Internet: the experience of the DimiCuida Institute line of action in digital environments

Resumo As "brincadeiras perigosas" ("desafios online") fazem parte da cultura digital, atraindo milhares de crianças e adolescentes e causando severos danos à saúde. Este artigo buscou analisar a experiência do Instituto DimiCuida (IDC), em Fortaleza (CE), ação pioneira de prevenção de desafios online danosos à saúde, que se disseminam em diferentes ambientes da Web 2.0. O estudo teve como objetivos específicos analisar a emergência do Instituto; identificar os principais parceiros envolvidos, os ambientes digitais e analógicos onde atuam; além de entender as estratégias de prevenção desenvolvidas. Trata-se de um estudo de caso baseado em análise documental. O acervo, extraído de diversas plataformas digitais, foi processado com o Atlas Ti e submetido à análise temática. O IDC emerge da ressignificação existencial e política de uma experiência de luto e tem como característica enfatizar alternativas às atividades online, tendo como foco central a escola e seus agentes. Por se tratar de um campo em construção e sem referência precedente de atuação, a prevenção realizada nos ambientes digitais pouco explora a linguagem e recursos da internet, aposta no controle parental e pouco leva em consideração as experiências de corpo e as performances identitárias envolvidas nos desafios.

Abstract "Dangerous games" ("online challenges") are part of the digital culture, attracting thousands of children and adolescents and causing severe damage to their health. This study aimed to analyze the experience of the DimiCuida Institute (DCI) in Fortaleza, state of Ceará, Brazil, a pioneering initiative to prevent online challenges, disseminated in different Web 2.0 environments, which can harm young people's health. The specific objectives of this study sought to analyze the emergence of the Institute; identify the main partners involved in its network, assess the digital and analog environments in which they operate; and understand the prevention strategies developed. This is a case study based on document analysis. Our data, extracted from several digital platforms, was processed with Atlas Ti and subjected to thematic analysis. The DCI emerges from the existential and political resignification of a bereavement experience and is characterized by emphasizing alternatives to online activities, especially focusing on schools and their agents. Since this is still a field under construction and without previous references for lines of action, the prevention carried out in digital environments scarcely explores the language and resources of the Internet, betting on parental control and scarcely considering the experiences of the body and identity performances involved in the challenges.

Medicamento como doença e biografia sorológica em comunidades virtuais de portadores de hepatite C / Medication as disease and serological biography in virtual communities of patients with hepatitis C

Resumo A hepatite C (HC) é uma doença que se agrava insidiosamente por décadas e com altas taxas de recidiva e cronificação. Seu tratamento com coquetel viricida origina reações colaterais violentas que comprometem o bem-estar dos portadores, sobretudo por não saberem como lidar com esses efeitos. Estudamos as postagens de uma comunidade virtual (CV) por meio de técnicas de análise de conteúdo orientadas por nuvens de palavras (NP). A partir do destaque nas postagens dos termos MEDICAMENTO e TRATAMENTO apontadas pelas NP, a leitura e análise do material mostrou o TRATAMENTO como ameaça, risco e agressão a reduzir qualidade de sobrevida; o "imperativo sorológico" como determinante categórico e inexorável de decisões clínicas; angústia e resignação no decorrer do acompanhamento entre as recidivas e marcação do tempo constituindo "biografias sorológicas". Concluímos que pacientes fisicamente distantes se apropriam da Web de modo gregário em CVs deixando uma rica narrativa terapêutica cuja análise representa um relevante recurso suplementar para a identificação de demandas subestimadas pelas práticas assistenciais.

Abstract Hepatitis C (HC) is a disease that worsens insidiously for decades and with high recurrence and chronicity rates. Its treatment with viricidal cocktail causes violent side reactions that compromise the well-being of patients, mainly because they do not know how to deal with these effects. We study the posts of a virtual community (VC) using content analysis techniques guided by word clouds (WC). The terms MEDICINE and TREATMENT was pointed out by the WC and the reading and analysis of the material showed TREATMENT as a threat, risk and aggression to reduce quality of survival; the "serological imperative" as a categorical and inexorable determinant of clinical decisions; anguish and resignation during the follow-up between relapses; and time pacing constituting "serological biographies". We conclude that distant patients appropriate the Web in a gregarious way in VCs, leaving a rich therapeutic narrative whose analysis represents a relevant supplementary resource for the identification of underestimated demands for care practices.

Medicamento como doença e biografia sorológica em comunidades virtuais de portadores de hepatite C

A hepatite C (HC) é uma doença que se agrava insidiosamente por décadas e com altas taxas de recidiva e cronificação. Seu tratamento com coquetel viricida origina reações colaterais violentas que comprometem o bem-estar dos portadores, sobretudo por não saberem como lidar com esses efeitos. Estudamos as postagens de uma comunidade virtual (CV) por meio de técnicas de análise de conteúdo orientadas por nuvens de palavras (NP). A partir do destaque nas postagens dos termos MEDICAMENTO e TRATAMENTO apontadas pelas NP, a leitura e análise do material mostrou o TRATAMENTO como ameaça, risco e agressão a reduzir qualidade de sobrevida; o "imperativo sorológico" como determinante categórico e inexorável de decisões clínicas; angústia e resignação no decorrer do acompanhamento entre as recidivas e marcação do tempo constituindo "biografias sorológicas". Concluímos que pacientes fisicamente distantes se apropriam da Web de modo gregário em CVs deixando uma rica narrativa terapêutica cuja análise representa um relevante recurso suplementar para a identificação de demandas subestimadas pelas práticas assistenciais.

Pesquisa social em ambientes digitais em tempos de COVID-19: notas teórico-metodológicas / Investigación social en ambientes digitales en tiempos de la COVID-19: notas teórico-metodológicas / Social research in digital environments in COVID-19 times: theoretical and methodological notes

Resumo: A pandemia de COVID-19 e as medidas sanitárias de distanciamento social trouxeram impasses para a pesquisa social e o seu futuro. A pesquisa em ambientes digitais já estava em franca expansão, mas neste momento de suspensão de atividades presenciais, torna-se uma alternativa para viabilizar a continuidade dos estudos. Compreendê-la melhor se torna uma necessidade epistemológica e metodológica para todos os pesquisadores. Assim, o objetivo desse ensaio é propor algumas considerações teórico-metodológicas sobre a pesquisa qualitativa nos diferentes ambientes digitais formados pela Internet 2.0. Pontuamos alguns aspectos e tensões introdutórias que consideramos estratégicas para os que vão começar seu trabalho nas redes de sociabilidade sustentadas pela Internet. Organizamos o artigo a partir dos seguintes tópicos: (1) a sociabilidade digital; (2) o "ambiente digital" e o borramento de fronteiras entre real-virtual; (3) a redefinição do significado de "campo" na ambiência digital; (4) os diferentes usos culturais das plataformas digitais; (5) as plataformas como produtoras de gêneros discursivos; (6) a produção e extração de acervos. O ensaio procura demonstrar que a pesquisa nas ambiências digitais descortina um campo exponencial de possibilidades, seja para explorar as formas que essa socialidade assume em nossos cotidianos, para modular nossas (inter)subjetividades, como permite a produção de narrativas e performances identitárias, associações para propósitos diversos, entre tantas outras possibilidades. Todavia, demanda uma compreensão da ação social a partir da sinergia dos contextos sócio-técnico-culturais que a estruturam.

Resumen: La pandemia de COVID-19 y las medidas sanitarias de distanciamiento social trajeron impases para la Investigación Social y su futuro. La investigación en ambientes digitales ya estaba en franca expansión, pero en este momento de suspensión de actividades presenciales se convierte en una alternativa para viabilizar la continuidad de los estudios. Comprenderla mejor se convierte en una necesidad epistemológica y metodológica para todos los investigadores. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo es proponer algunas consideraciones teórico-metodológicas sobre la investigación cualitativa en los diferentes ambientes digitales formados por la Internet 2.0. Puntuamos algunos aspectos y tensiones introductorias que consideramos estratégicas para los que van a comenzar su trabajo en las redes de sociabilidad sostenidas por la Internet. Organizamos el artículo a partir de los siguientes temas: 1. La sociabilidad digital; 2. El "ambiente digital" y la desaparición de fronteras entre lo real-virtual; 3. La redefinición del significado de "campo" en el entorno digital; 4. Los diferentes usos culturales de las plataformas digitales; 5. Las plataformas como productoras de géneros discursivos; 6. La producción y extracción de acervos. El trabajo busca demostrar que la investigación en los entornos digitales desvela un campo exponencial de posibilidades, sea para explorar las formas que esa sociabilidad asume en nuestros cotidianos, sea para modular nuestras (inter)subjetividades, al permitir la producción de narraciones y performances identitarias, asociaciones para propósitos diversos, entre tantas otras posibilidades. Asimismo, demanda una comprensión de la acción social a partir de la sinergia de los contextos socio-técnico-culturales que la estructuran.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic and the sanitary measures of social distance brought impasses to Social Research and its future. Research in digital environments was already booming, but now that face-to-face activities are temporarily suspended, it becomes an alternative to enable the continuity of studies. Understanding it better is an epistemological and methodological need for all researchers. Thus, the objective of this essay is to propose some theoretical and methodological considerations on qualitative research in the different digital environments formed by the Internet 2.0. We point out some introductory aspects and tensions considered strategic for those who are going to start their work in social networks supported by the Internet. We organized the article based on the following topics: (1) digital sociality; (2) the "digital environment" and the blurring of boundaries between real-virtual; (3) the redefinition of the meaning of "field" in the digital environment; (4) the different cultural uses of digital platforms; (5) platforms as producers of discursive genres; (6) the production and extraction of collections. The essay seeks to demonstrate that research in digital environments reveals an exponential field of possibilities, whether to explore the forms that this sociality assumes in our daily lives, or to modulate our (inter)subjectivities, as it allows the production of identity narratives and performances, associations for different purposes, among many other possibilities. However, it demands an understanding of social action based on the synergy of the socio-technical-cultural contexts that structure it.

Pesquisa social em ambientes digitais em tempos de COVID-19: notas teórico-metodológicas / Social research in digital environments in COVID-19 times: theoretical and methodological notes

A pandemia de COVID-19 e as medidas sanitárias de distanciamento social trouxeram impasses para a pesquisa social e o seu futuro. A pesquisa em ambientes digitais já estava em franca expansão, mas neste momento de suspensão de atividades presenciais, torna-se uma alternativa para viabilizar a continuidade dos estudos. Compreendê-la melhor se torna uma necessidade epistemológica e metodológica para todos os pesquisadores. Assim, o objetivo desse ensaio é propor algumas considerações teórico-metodológicas sobre a pesquisa qualitativa nos diferentes ambientes digitais formados pela Internet 2.0. Pontuamos alguns aspectos e tensões introdutórias que consideramos estratégicas para os que vão começar seu trabalho nas redes de sociabilidade sustentadas pela Internet. Organizamos o artigo a partir dos seguintes tópicos: (1) a sociabilidade digital; (2) o "ambiente digital" e o borramento de fronteiras entre real-virtual; (3) a redefinição do significado de "campo" na ambiência digital; (4) os diferentes usos culturais das plataformas digitais; (5) as plataformas como produtoras de gêneros discursivos; (6) a produção e extração de acervos. O ensaio procura demonstrar que a pesquisa nas ambiências digitais descortina um campo exponencial de possibilidades, seja para explorar as formas que essa socialidade assume em nossos cotidianos, para modular nossas (inter)subjetividades, como permite a produção de narrativas e performances identitárias, associações para propósitos diversos, entre tantas outras possibilidades. Todavia, demanda uma compreensão da ação social a partir da sinergia dos contextos sócio-técnico-culturais que a estruturam.

O uso intensivo da internet por crianças e adolescentes no contexto da COVID-19 e os riscos para violências autoinflingidas / The intensive use of the internet by children and adolescents in the context of COVID-19 and the risks for self-inflicted violence

O presente ensaio busca discutir as implicações do isolamento social devido à pandemia do COVID-19 para o uso intensivo da internet entre crianças e adolescentes e suas possíveis consequências para a prática de violências autoinflingidas. Discutimos brevemente o potencial ansiogênico e a reprodução de um "medo global" que se consolidam com a exposição maciça e sem mediação dos conteúdos consumidos, que podem aumentar as vulnerabilidades para estresse e ideações suicidas. Centramos nosso debate sobre práticas "recreativas", denominadas de "desafios" com poder autolesivo, realizados por adolescentes no site Youtube. Essa prática revelou-se crescente a partir das medidas de isolamento social. Nossa reflexão sobre esses riscos é feita a partir da perspectiva teórica da sociabilidade digital, e suas implicações nas interações de adolescentes mediadas pela internet.

O uso intensivo da internet por crianças e adolescentes no contexto da COVID-19 e os riscos para violências autoinflingidas / The intensive use of the internet by children and adolescents in the context of COVID-19 and the risks for self-inflicted violence

Resumo O presente ensaio busca discutir as implicações do isolamento social devido à pandemia do COVID-19 para o uso intensivo da internet entre crianças e adolescentes e suas possíveis consequências para a prática de violências autoinflingidas. Discutimos brevemente o potencial ansiogênico e a reprodução de um "medo global" que se consolidam com a exposição maciça e sem mediação dos conteúdos consumidos, que podem aumentar as vulnerabilidades para estresse e ideações suicidas. Centramos nosso debate sobre práticas "recreativas", denominadas de "desafios" com poder autolesivo, realizados por adolescentes no site Youtube. Essa prática revelou-se crescente a partir das medidas de isolamento social. Nossa reflexão sobre esses riscos é feita a partir da perspectiva teórica da sociabilidade digital, e suas implicações nas interações de adolescentes mediadas pela internet.

Abstract This essay aimed to discuss the implications of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic for the intensive use of the internet among children and adolescents and its possible consequences for the practice of self-inflicted violence. We briefly discussed the anxiogenic potential and the reproduction of a "global fear" that are consolidated with the massive and unmediated exposure of the content consumed, which can increase the vulnerabilities to stress and suicidal ideas. We centered our debate on "recreational" practices, called "challenges" with self-harm power, carried out by teenagers on the YouTube website. This practice has been shown to increase with the social isolation measures. Our reflection on these risks builds on the theoretical perspective of digital sociability, and its implications for the internet-mediated interactions of adolescents.

Desafíos en línea con niñas, niños y adolescentes: violencia autoinfligida y estrategia mediática / Online challenges among children and adolescents: Self-inflicted harm and social media strategies

RESUMEN Los desafíos son parte de las prácticas de riesgo frecuentes en la cultura infantil y juvenil. Sin embargo, los desafíos en línea adquieren nuevos significados cuando están mediados por la sociabilidad digital. Para analizar este fenómeno, se recuperaron 122 videos de desafíos de la plataforma YouTube, videos en portugués realizados por niñas, niños y adolescentes brasileños de los cuales se seleccionaron y transcribieron 35 videos. Se analizaron 12 tipos de desafíos que implicaran posibles lesiones autoinfligidas por sus participantes: desde riesgos menores hasta letales. El análisis del discurso llevó a una interpretación basada en la teoría de la imagen de uno mismo y del ethos. Los desafíos en línea se presentan como un poderoso recurso comunicativo para reafirmar la pertenencia, el reconocimiento y la adhesión de las audiencias, y constituyen una estrategia mediática adoptada por los jóvenes en la construcción de una identidad mediada por Internet, en la que el riesgo y la violencia se convierten en dispositivos determinantes en la construcción de una imagen de sí mismos capaz de retener una audiencia. El sacrificio corporal del enunciador asume el papel negociador en esta adhesión mediática.

ABSTRACT Challenges are in line with the risk-taking practices frequent in child and youth culture. However, online challenges take on new meanings when mediated by digital sociability. To analyze this phenomenon, 122 challenge videos in Portuguese that had been made by Brazilian children or adolescents were recovered from the YouTube platform, of which 35 were selected and transcribed. Twelve types of challenges were analyzed; all involved potential self-inflicted injuries to participants, with risks ranging from minor to lethal. The discourse analysis led to an interpretation based on the theory of self-image and ethos. Online challenges appear as a powerful communicative resource to reaffirm belonging, recognition, and audience adherence, and so constitute a media strategy adopted by youth in the construction of an Internet-mediated identity in which risk and violence are decisive devices in building a self-image capable of retaining an audience. The enunciator's body sacrifice assumes a bargaining role in this media adherence.

Uso racional de medicamentos, farmaceuticalização e usos do metilfenidato / Rational use of medicines, pharmaceuticalization and uses of methylphenidate

Resumo O uso racional de medicamentos (URM) é considerado um dos elementos-chave recomendados pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) para as políticas de medicamentos. O crescimento excessivo no uso de medicamentos em muitos países tem sido apontado como uma importante barreira para o alcance do URM e faz parte de um fenômeno denominado ´farmaceuticalização´ da sociedade. Desta forma, o presente artigo objetiva apresentar movimentos para racionalizar o uso do metilfenidato no Brasil e discutir os limites impostos tendo como referência o conceito de farmaceuticalização da sociedade. Trata-se de estudo exploratório, realizado por meio de narrativa da literatura científica. As controvérsias acerca dos usos do metilfenidato o torna um bom exemplo deste fenômeno podendo auxiliar na reflexão e na construção de novos caminhos para os limites encontrados pelo conceito de uso racional de medicamentos.

Abstract The rational use of medicines (URM) is considered one of the key elements recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for pharmaceutical policies. The excessive increase in the use of medicines in many countries has been identified as a major barrier to the achievement of URM and is part of a phenomenon called the 'pharmaceuticalization' of the society. This paper aims to present innitiatives to rationalize the use of methylphenidate and its limits in Brazil, considering the concept of pharmaceuticalization of the society. It is an exploratory study, based on a narrative review of the scientific literature. Controversies about the uses of methylphenidate make it a good example of this phenomenon and may help in the reflection and construction of new paths to the limits found by the concept of rational use of medicines.

Mapeando espaços virtuais de informação sobre TDA/H e usos do metilfenidato / Mapping virtual spaces of information on ADHD and uses of methylphenidate

Resumo O consumo do metilfenidato vem atingindo níveis elevados no Brasil. Além do aumento significativo do diagnóstico de TDAH, transtorno cujo tratamento é realizado com metilfenidato, há indícios que este incremento se deu pela automedicação. Sabe-se que informações da internet, mais especificamente do Facebook, exercem forte influência em padrões de uso, apontando importantes desdobramentos do processo de farmaceuticalização da sociedade. Os objetivos deste artigo são introduzir a metodologia de pesquisa digital, mais especificamente, a aplicação de softwares de extração de dados de redes sociais (Facebook), e por meio dela mapear as informações sobre o uso deste medicamento nessas redes. O conteúdo, de acesso público, foi analisado e categorizado mediante ancoragem da literatura sobre o tema da farmaceuticalização. O mapeamento permitiu observar que o Facebook oferece importantes espaços virtuais para a circulação de informações, com um alcance de aproximadamente 600.000 pessoas. Os espaços representam fóruns de discussões onde as principais controvérsias sobre os usos do metilfenidato são colocadas: diagnóstico, identidade TDAH, resistência ao uso do medicamento, aquisição. Considerando os principais pontos suscitados por este mapeamento, é possível afirmar que, no caso do consumo do metilfenidato, seu uso apresenta aspectos da farmaceuticalização da vida cotidiana.

Abstract In the last five years, Brazil has presented a significant increase in ADHD diagnosis. Methylphenidate is the drug of choice for treatment and consumption has reached high levels. There is evidence that this increase is due to self-medication. It is known that information from the internet, specifically from Facebook, exerts a strong influence on use patterns, reflecting important developments in the process of pharmaceuticalization. The objectives of this article are to map information on the use of this medicine in virtual networks, by first introducing the digital research methodology, specifically the application of social networking data extraction software (Facebook). The publicly accessed content was analyzed and categorized using anchoring about pharmaceuticalization, provided by the literature. Facebook provides an important virtual environment for the circulation of information on methylphenidate consumption, with a range of about 600,000 people. The virtual discussion forums address the main controversies about methylphenidate use, which are diagnosis, ADHD identity, resistance to the use of the drug and acquisition. This form of information dissemination permits the identification and characterization of non-therapeutic uses of methylphenidate.