Uso de internet e de jogos eletrônicos entre adolescentes em situação de vulnerabilidade social / El uso de internet y electrónicos juegos por los adolescentes en alto riesgo social

O domínio de ferramentas digitais pode ser importante via de inclusão social. O presente estudo visou investigar o uso que 60 adolescentes em situação de vulnerabilidade social, participantes das atividades do Projeto Quixote, fazem da internet e de jogos eletrônicos. Procurou-se caracterizar tipo de atividade, frequência, duração, companhia, local, finalidade do uso de internet e de jogos eletrônicos, incluindo dificuldades encontradas no manejo da rede. A maioria dos adolescentes entrevistados está na escola, usa internet e jogos eletrônicos, interagindo com amigos e familiares, principalmente para comunicação e entretenimento. Os participantes relataram que aprenderam a usar sozinhos e que sabem de riscos associados a essas práticas. Entretanto, os resultados mostram que eles se expõem a condutas de risco. Diferenças de gênero foram observadas. Discute-se a necessidade de capacitar pais e educadores para estimular uso que desenvolva competências visando inclusão social assim como a importância de acompanhar o uso para prevenir prática inadequada ou excessiva.(AU)

Manejo de herramientas digitales puede ser importante medio de inclusión social. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el uso de Internet y de los juegos electrónicos por 60 adolescentes en alto riesgo social, participantes en las actividades llevadas a cabo por el Projeto Quixote. Hemos tratado de caracterizar el tipo de actividad, la frecuencia, la duración, la compañía, la ubicación y la finalidad del uso de internet y juegos electrónicos, así como las dificultades encontradas en la gestión de la web. La mayoría de los adolescentes entrevistados estaban matriculados en la escuela, utilizan internet y juegos electrónicos para interactuar con amigos y familiares, sobre todo para la comunicación y el entretenimiento. Los adolescentes informaron que aprendieron a utilizar estos dispositivos por sí mismos y que conocían los riesgos asociados con estas prácticas. Sin embargo, los resultados muestran que se habían expuesto a diversos riesgos. Diferencias de género fueran observadas. Se discute la importancia de empoderar a los padres y educadores a desarrollar habilidades orientadas a la inclusión social así como de hacer el seguimiento del uso para prevenir la práctica inadecuada o excesiva.(AU)

Uso de internet e de jogos eletrônicos entre adolescentes em situação de vulnerabilidade social / El uso de internet y electrónicos juegos por los adolescentes en alto riesgo social / Use of internet and electronic games by adolescents at high social risk

O domínio de ferramentas digitais pode ser importante via de inclusão social. O presente estudo visou investigar o uso que 60 adolescentes em situação de vulnerabilidade social, participantes das atividades do Projeto Quixote, fazem da internet e de jogos eletrônicos. Procurou-se caracterizar tipo de atividade, frequência, duração, companhia, local, finalidade do uso de internet e de jogos eletrônicos, incluindo dificuldades encontradas no manejo da rede. A maioria dos adolescentes entrevistados está na escola, usa internet e jogos eletrônicos, interagindo com amigos e familiares, principalmente para comunicação e entretenimento. Os participantes relataram que aprenderam a usar sozinhos e que sabem de riscos associados a essas práticas. Entretanto, os resultados mostram que eles se expõem a condutas de risco. Diferenças de gênero foram observadas. Discute-se a necessidade de capacitar pais e educadores para estimular uso que desenvolva competências visando inclusão social assim como a importância de acompanhar o uso para prevenir prática inadequada ou excessiva.

Manejo de herramientas digitales puede ser importante medio de inclusión social. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el uso de Internet y de los juegos electrónicos por 60 adolescentes en alto riesgo social, participantes en las actividades llevadas a cabo por el Projeto Quixote. Hemos tratado de caracterizar el tipo de actividad, la frecuencia, la duración, la compañía, la ubicación y la finalidad del uso de internet y juegos electrónicos, así como las dificultades encontradas en la gestión de la web. La mayoría de los adolescentes entrevistados estaban matriculados en la escuela, utilizan internet y juegos electrónicos para interactuar con amigos y familiares, sobre todo para la comunicación y el entretenimiento. Los adolescentes informaron que aprendieron a utilizar estos dispositivos por sí mismos y que conocían los riesgos asociados con estas prácticas. Sin embargo, los resultados muestran que se habían expuesto a diversos riesgos. Diferencias de género fueran observadas. Se discute la importancia de empoderar a los padres y educadores a desarrollar habilidades orientadas a la inclusión social así como de hacer el seguimiento del uso para prevenir la práctica inadecuada o excesiva.

Handling digital tools can be an important means of social inclusion. The aim of this study was to investigate Internet use and electronic gaming in 60 teenagers at high social risk, participants in Projeto Quixote. We sought to characterize type of activity, frequency, duration, company, location, and purpose of Internet use and electronic gaming, as well difficulties managing the web. Most of the interviewed teenagers were enrolled in school, and used Internet and electronic games to interact with friends and family, especially for communication and entertainment. The adolescents reported that they learned to use these devices by themselves and that they knew the risks associated with these practices. However, the results show that they had exposed themselves to several risks. Gender differences were observed. The urge of empowering parents and educators to develop skills to promote social inclusion is discussed, as well as the importance of monitoring use, in order to prevent inappropriate or excessive use.

Effect of dopamine and serotonin receptor antagonists on fencamfamine-induced abolition of latent inhibition.

The purpose of this investigation was to verify the role of dopamine and serotonin receptors in the effect of fencamfamine (FCF) on latent inhibition. FCF is a psychomotor stimulant with an indirect dopaminergic action. Latent inhibition is a model of attention. Latent inhibition is blocked by dopaminergic agents and facilitated by dopamine receptor agonists. FCF has been shown to abolish latent inhibition. The serotonergic system may also participate in the neurochemical mediation of latent inhibition. The selective dopamine D(1) receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (7-chloro-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-3-benzazepin-8-ol), D(2) receptor antagonists pimozide (PIM) and methoclopramide (METH), and serotonin 5-HT(2A/C) receptor antagonist ritanserin (RIT) were used in the present study. Latent inhibition was evaluated using a conditioned emotional response procedure. Male Wistar rats that were water-restricted were subjected to a three-phase procedure: preexposure to a tone, tone-shock conditioning, and a test of the effect of the tone on licking frequency. All of the drugs were administered before the preexposure and conditioning phases. The results showed that FCF abolished latent inhibition, and this effect was clearly antagonized by PIM and METH and moderately attenuated by SCH 23390. At the doses used in the present study, RIT pretreatment did not affect latent inhibition and did not eliminate the effect of FCF, suggesting that the FCF-induced abolition of latent inhibition is not mediated by serotonin 5-HT(2A/C) receptors. These results suggest that the effect of FCF on latent inhibition is predominantly related to dopamine D(2) receptors and that dopamine D(2) receptors participate in attention processes.

Learning processes and the neural analysis of conditioning

Classical and operant conditioning principles, such as the behavioral discrepancy-derived assumption that reinforcement always selects antecedent stimulus and response relations, have been studied at the neural level, mainly by observing the strengthening of neuronal responses or synaptic connections. A review of the literature on the neural basis of behavior provided extensive scientific data that indicate a synthesis between the two conditioning processes based mainly on stimulus control in learning tasks. The resulting analysis revealed the following aspects. Dopamine acts as a behavioral discrepancy signal in the midbrain pathway of positive reinforcement, leading toward the nucleus accumbens. Dopamine modulates both types of conditioning in the Aplysia mollusk and in mammals. In vivo and in vitro mollusk preparations show convergence of both types of conditioning in the same motor neuron. Frontal cortical neurons are involved in behavioral discrimination in reversal and extinction procedures, and these neurons preferentially deliver glutamate through conditioned stimulus or discriminative stimulus pathways. Discriminative neural responses can reliably precede operant movements and can also be common to stimuli that share complex symbolic relations. The present article discusses convergent and divergent points between conditioning paradigms at the neural level of analysis to advance our knowledge on reinforcement

Learning processes and the neural analysis of conditioning

Classical and operant conditioning principles, such as the behavioral discrepancy-derived assumption that reinforcement always selects antecedent stimulus and response relations, have been studied at the neural level, mainly by observing the strengthening of neuronal responses or synaptic connections. A review of the literature on the neural basis of behavior provided extensive scientific data that indicate a synthesis between the two conditioning processes based mainly on stimulus control in learning tasks. The resulting analysis revealed the following aspects. Dopamine acts as a behavioral discrepancy signal in the midbrain pathway of positive reinforcement, leading toward the nucleus accumbens. Dopamine modulates both types of conditioning in the Aplysia mollusk and in mammals. In vivo and in vitro mollusk preparations show convergence of both types of conditioning in the same motor neuron. Frontal cortical neurons are involved in behavioral discrimination in reversal and extinction procedures, and these neurons preferentially deliver glutamate through conditioned stimulus or discriminative stimulus pathways. Discriminative neural responses can reliably precede operant movements and can also be common to stimuli that share complex symbolic relations. The present article discusses convergent and divergent points between conditioning paradigms at the neural level of analysis to advance our knowledge on reinforcement.(AU)

Patterns of ecstasy use and associated harm: results of a Brazilian online survey.

The aim of this study was to gather information about ecstasy users in Brazil, particularly on issues related to risks associated to the use of the drug, so as to offer a basis to prevention projects. A total of 1,140 Brazilian ecstasy users answered an online questionnaire from August 2004 to February 2005. Participants were predominantly young single heterosexual well-educated males from upper economical classes. A categorical regression with optimal scaling (CATREG) was performed to identify the risks associated with ecstasy use. "Pills taken in life" had a significant correlation with every investigated risk, particularly ecstasy dependence, unsafe sex, and polydrug use. "Gender," "sexual orientation," and "socioeconomic class" were not predictive of risk behavior. The Internet proved to be a useful tool for data collection. Given the recent increase in ecstasy availability in Brazil, a first prevention campaign directed toward the drug is urgent. At least in a preliminary Brazilian intervention, the campaign must be conducted at night leisure places, mainly frequented by youngsters from upper socioeconomic classes. The results do not call for information material with specific targets, such as gender or sexual orientation. The study's limitations have been noted.

Reliability, validity and classification accuracy of the South Oaks Gambling Screen in a Brazilian sample.

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability, validity and classification accuracy of the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) in a sample of the Brazilian population. Participants in this study were drawn from three sources: 71 men and women from the general population interviewed at a metropolitan train station; 116 men and women encountered at a bingo venue; and 54 men and women undergoing treatment for gambling. The SOGS and a DSM-IV-based instrument were applied by trained researchers. The internal consistency of the SOGS was 0.75 according to the Cronbach's alpha model, and construct validity was good. A significant difference among groups was demonstrated by ANOVA (F2.238 = 221.3, P < 0.001). The SOGS items and DSM-IV symptoms were highly correlated (r = 0.854, P < 0.01). The SOGS also presented satisfactory psychometric properties: sensitivity (100), specificity (74.7), positive predictive rate (60.7), negative predictive rate (100) and misclassification rate (0.18). However, a cut-off score of eight improved classification accuracy and reduced the rate of false positives: sensitivity (95.4), specificity (89.8), positive predictive rate (78.5), negative predictive rate (98) and misclassification rate (0.09). Thus, the SOGS was found to be reliable and valid in the Brazilian population.

Diethylpropion produces psychostimulant and reward effects.

Diethylpropion (DEP) is a stimulant drug widely used for weight control in Brazil and other American countries. However, its effects on behavior and addiction potential are not yet well known. Data suggest that sensitization resulting from pre-exposure to psychostimulants could be a possible risk factor in subsequent drug addiction. The purpose of this investigation was to verify whether pre-exposure to DEP would sensitize rats to the motor activating effect and to the rewarding value of DEP. Two experiments were conducted. In both experiments rats were pre-exposed to DEP (20 mg/kg) or vehicle for 7 consecutive days. The acute effect of DEP (0.0, 1.0, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg) on motor activity (Experiment 1) and induction of Conditioned Place Preference-CPP (Experiment 2) were then measured. Results from Experiment 1 showed that 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg DEP increased motor activity. Sensitization of this motor effect was observed. In Experiment 2, the doses of 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg DEP induced CPP, indicating their rewarding value. However, no sensitization effect was observed. The results suggest that DEP at low doses has psychostimulant and rewarding properties. It is recommended that more effort should be dedicated to elucidating DEP abuse potential.

O uso de videogames, jogos de computador e internet por uma amostra de universitários da Universidade de São Paulo / The use of video, computer and internet games by a sample of college students from the University of São Paulo

OBJETIVO: Avaliar uso de jogos eletrônicos (videogames, jogos de computador e internet) em uma amostra de universitários. MÉTODO: Um questionário a respeito de comportamentos relacionados ao uso de jogos eletrônicos, contendo a escala Problem Videogame Playing (PVP), foi aplicado em 100 alunos da Universidade de São Paulo (USP). RESULTADOS: A maioria (83 por cento) relatou ter jogado no último ano, dentre a qual 81,9 por cento eram homens, 51,8 por cento jogavam de 1 a 2 horas por sessão; 74,4 por cento afirmaram que jogar não interfere em seus relacionamentos sociais e 60,5 por cento, que o uso de jogos violentos não influencia sua agressividade. Os estudantes dividiram-se entre jogadores ocasionais e frequentes, diferenciando-se por duração de cada sessão, jogo preferido, motivação para jogar, e influência do jogo na vida social. Cerca de 5 por cento relataram só parar de jogar quando interrompidos, normalmente jogar mais de 4 horas por sessão e se relacionar mais com amigos virtuais, sugerindo maior envolvimento com a atividade. Na escala PVP, 15,8 por cento da amostra preencheu mais da metade dos itens, indicando consequências adversas associadas ao uso dos jogos eletrônicos. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se que o uso de jogos eletrônicos é comum entre os estudantes da USP e que uma parcela apresenta problemas relacionados ao excesso de jogo.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of electronic games (video games, computer and internet games) in a sample of college students. METHOD: A questionnaire on behaviors related to the use of electronic games, including the Problem Videogame Playing (PVP) scale was filled in by 100 students from University of São Paulo (USP). RESULTS: The majority (83 percent) reported playing electronic games within the last year, among which, 81,9 percent were men, 51,8 percent played between 1 and 2 hours per session; 74,4 percent reported that the practice of electronic games does not interfere on their social relationships and 60,5 percent that the use of violent games does not have an effect over their animosity. The sample was divided into occasional players and frequent ones, differing in terms of duration of session, preferred games, motivation for playing and influence of the game in their social life. About 5 percent reported to stop playing only when interrupted, normally play more than 4 hours by section and have more virtual relationships and friends, suggesting more involvement with the activity. As to the PVP scale, 15,8 percent of the sample met 5 itens or more, indicating adverse consequences associated to the use of electronic games. CONCLUSION: It was noticed that the use of electronic games is common among USP students and a part of them present problems related to excessive gaming.

Relationship between ethanol and sucrose self-administration and schedule-induced polydipsia.

Studies have suggested a relationship between drug abuse and compulsive behaviors. The present experiments investigated the relationship between schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) and self-administration (SA) of ethanol and sucrose. SIP served as a model of compulsive behavior, and oral self-administration on a progressive-ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement assessed the reinforcing value of either a 10% ethanol solution or an isocaloric sucrose solution. Rats first were exposed to PR sessions in which break points were the dependent variable and then switched to SIP sessions, with number of licks as the dependent variable. Results showed a positive relationship between PR and SIP for sucrose but not for ethanol: higher and lower PRs for sucrose were associated with higher and lower SIP levels. The order of the sessions then was reversed, such that SIP sessions were run before PR sessions. An opposite relationship was observed in which high and low SIP animals exhibited low and high PR break points, respectively. The relationship between SIP and SA was dependent on the reinforcing value of the substance and on prior SIP exposure. These results may reflect a common dopaminergic substrate and suggest that prior experience in coping with stress may reduce vulnerability to substance abuse behavior.

Jogo patológico e suas conseqüências para a saúde pública: [revisão] / Pathological gambling and its consequences for public health: [review]

O artigo teve por objetivo caracterizar o jogo patológico, apresentando as principais conseqüências desse transtorno. Foi realizado levantamento bibliográfico sobre o tema, na literatura nacional e internacional. Foram selecionadas as publicações cujos principais achados enfatizavam prevalência, custos sociais e econômicos associados, legalização de jogos de azar e conseqüente impacto na saúde pública. Alto índice de suicídio, comorbidade com outros transtornos psiquiátricos, problemas familiares e no trabalho, e prática de atos ilícitos foram conseqüências relatadas. A prevalência desse transtorno é maior em países que legalizaram jogos de azar e no Brasil, há evidências do crescimento do número de jogadores patológicos. O desenvolvimento de pesquisas nacionais é imprescindível para a definição de políticas públicas adequadas à realidade brasileira.

[Pathological gambling and its consequences for public health]. / Jogo patológico e suas conseqüências para a saúde pública.

The article aimed to characterize pathological gambling, showing the main consequences of this disorder. Bibliographic survey on this theme was conducted, covering both national and international literature. Publications whose main findings emphasized related prevalence, social and economic costs, gambling legalization and resulting impact on public health, were selected. High suicide rate, comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders, family and work problems, and illicit behavior were consequences reported. The prevalence of this disorder is higher in countries that have legalized gambling and in Brazil there is evidence of growth in the number of pathological gamblers. The development of national research is fundamental to define public policies that are adequate for the Brazilian context.

Escala hassles & uplifts: versão em português / The hassles & uplifts scale

A escala Hassles & Uplifts avalia a intensidade da resposta a pequenos eventos cotidianos, sendo considerada um preditor de sintomas psicológicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar uma tradução da escala Hassles & Uplifts, aqui intitulada Aborrecimentos e Alegrias; para tal, realizou-se a réplica de um estudo norte-americano que mediu o desempenho, nessa escala, de indivíduos cujo padrão de comportamento fosse do tipo A ou B segundo a escala de Jenkins (Escala Aborrecimentos e Alegrias). As escalas Aborrecimentos e Alegrias e A/B foram aplicadas em 145 universitários brasileiros. Os resultados mostraram que: 1) as pontuações médias de Aborrecimentos e Alegrias foram similares às do estudo norte-americano, exceto pelos Aborrecimentos dos participantes tipo B; 2) a intensidade das Alegrias dos participantes tipo A foi significativamente superior à dos tipo B, como na literatura; 3) a intensidade de Alegrias e Aborrecimentos não diferiu entre os dois tipos, provavelmente devido à especificidade da época do teste. Concluiu-se que o padrão e a consistência dos resultados indicam que a tradução pode ser utilizada como instrumento confiável de pesquisa.

The Hassles & Uplifts Scale assesses the reaction to minor every-day events in order to detect subtle mood swings and predict psychological symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Portuguese translation of Hassles & Uplifts (Aborrecimentos e Alegrias) through the replication of a North American study which used this scale to measure the performance of individuals with type A and type B behavior patterns. The Aborrecimentos e Alegrias and Jenkins A/B scales were answered by 145 Brazilian college students. Results showed that: 1) The average Aborrecimentos e Alegrias scores were similar to the North American study, except for the type-B Hassles scores; 2) Uplifts received higher scores than Hassles from both types, substantiating literature on the subject; 3) the intensity of Hassles and Uplifts did not differ between types A and B, probably due to the timing of the testing period. It was concluded that the pattern and consistency of the results indicate that the translation can be used as a reliable research tool.

Escala hassles & uplifts: versão em português / The hassles & uplifts scale

A escala Hassles & Uplifts avalia a intensidade da resposta a pequenos eventos cotidianos, sendo considerada um preditor de sintomas psicológicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar uma tradução da escala Hassles & Uplifts, aqui intitulada Aborrecimentos e Alegrias; para tal, realizou-se a réplica de um estudo norte-americano que mediu o desempenho, nessa escala, de indivíduos cujo padrão de comportamento fosse do tipo A ou B segundo a escala de Jenkins (Escala Aborrecimentos e Alegrias). As escalas Aborrecimentos e Alegrias e A/B foram aplicadas em 145 universitários brasileiros. Os resultados mostraram que: 1) as pontuações médias de Aborrecimentos e Alegrias foram similares às do estudo norte-americano, exceto pelos Aborrecimentos dos participantes tipo B; 2) a intensidade das Alegrias dos participantes tipo A foi significativamente superior à dos tipo B, como na literatura; 3) a intensidade de Alegrias e Aborrecimentos não diferiu entre os dois tipos, provavelmente devido à especificidade da época do teste. Concluiu-se que o padrão e a consistência dos resultados indicam que a tradução pode ser utilizada como instrumento confiável de pesquisa.(AU)

The Hassles & Uplifts Scale assesses the reaction to minor every-day events in order to detect subtle mood swings and predict psychological symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Portuguese translation of Hassles & Uplifts (Aborrecimentos e Alegrias) through the replication of a North American study which used this scale to measure the performance of individuals with type A and type B behavior patterns. The Aborrecimentos e Alegrias and Jenkins A/B scales were answered by 145 Brazilian college students. Results showed that: 1) The average Aborrecimentos e Alegrias scores were similar to the North American study, except for the type-B Hassles scores; 2) Uplifts received higher scores than Hassles from both types, substantiating literature on the subject; 3) the intensity of Hassles and Uplifts did not differ between types A and B, probably due to the timing of the testing period. It was concluded that the pattern and consistency of the results indicate that the translation can be used as a reliable research tool.(AU)

Escala hassles & uplifts: versão em português / The hassles & uplifts scale

A escala Hassles & Uplifts avalia a intensidade da resposta a pequenos eventos cotidianos, sendo considerada um preditor de sintomas psicológicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar uma tradução da escala Hassles & Uplifts, aqui intitulada Aborrecimentos e Alegrias; para tal, realizou-se a réplica de um estudo norte-americano que mediu o desempenho, nessa escala, de indivíduos cujo padrão de comportamento fosse do tipo A ou B segundo a escala de Jenkins (Escala Aborrecimentos e Alegrias). As escalas Aborrecimentos e Alegrias e A/B foram aplicadas em 145 universitários brasileiros. Os resultados mostraram que: 1) as pontuações médias de Aborrecimentos e Alegrias foram similares às do estudo norte-americano, exceto pelos Aborrecimentos dos participantes tipo B; 2) a intensidade das Alegrias dos participantes tipo A foi significativamente superior à dos tipo B, como na literatura; 3) a intensidade de Alegrias e Aborrecimentos não diferiu entre os dois tipos, provavelmente devido à especificidade da época do teste. Concluiu-se que o padrão e a consistência dos resultados indicam que a tradução pode ser utilizada como instrumento confiável de pesquisa.(AU)

The Hassles & Uplifts Scale assesses the reaction to minor every-day events in order to detect subtle mood swings and predict psychological symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Portuguese translation of Hassles & Uplifts (Aborrecimentos e Alegrias) through the replication of a North American study which used this scale to measure the performance of individuals with type A and type B behavior patterns. The Aborrecimentos e Alegrias and Jenkins A/B scales were answered by 145 Brazilian college students. Results showed that: 1) The average Aborrecimentos e Alegrias scores were similar to the North American study, except for the type-B Hassles scores; 2) Uplifts received higher scores than Hassles from both types, substantiating literature on the subject; 3) the intensity of Hassles and Uplifts did not differ between types A and B, probably due to the timing of the testing period. It was concluded that the pattern and consistency of the results indicate that the translation can be used as a reliable research tool.(AU)

Análise de comentários espontâneos elaborados por usuários de ecstasy em pesquisa on-line / Analysis of spontaneous comments posted by ecstasy users participating in an online survey

OBJETIVO: Analisar o conteúdo dos comentários enviados espontaneamente por usuários de ecstasy que responderam a um questionário on-line correspondente à primeira etapa de um projeto de redução de danos (projeto Baladaboa) para usuários dessa droga. MÉTODO: Dos 1 140 indivíduos que responderam o questionário, 412 enviaram comentários. Os comentários foram segmentados em cinco categorias (irrelevante, drogas, depoimentos, questionário e projeto) e submetidos à análise de conteúdo. A categoria "irrelevante" incluiu saudações, comentários irreverentes e manifestações ideológicas. A categoria "drogas" incluiu considerações sobre as causas, os efeitos e as conseqüências do uso de ecstasy ou de outras drogas, solicitações de esclarecimentos sobre a droga ou comentários que apontavam a informação como uma questão fundamental relacionada a seu uso. A categoria "depoimentos" incluiu comentários acerca de vivências pessoais. A categoria "questionário" incluiu comentários sobre o questionário propriamente dito, a formulação das questões, o uso de certos critérios e a solicitação de acesso aos resultados da pesquisa. A categoria "projeto" incluiu comentários relativos ao projeto Baladaboa. RESULTADOS: Identificaram-se 915 segmentos nos 412 comentários. A porcentagem de segmentos classificados em cada categoria foi: irrelevante, 9,8 por cento; drogas, 16,4 por cento; depoimentos, 18,1 por cento; questionário, 25,1 por cento; e projeto, 30,6 por cento. A maior parte dos comentários foi positiva em relação ao questionário e ao projeto. CONCLUSÕES: A quantidade e o teor dos comentários espontaneamente enviados indicaram expressiva receptividade ao projeto e aprovação da estratégia de redução de danos pelo público- alvo. O envolvimento dos participantes pôde ser observado em todos os comentários, sugerindo que a continuidade do projeto é urgente e oportuna.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the contents of spontaneous comments posted by ecstasy users participating in an online survey that constitutes phase one of a harm reduction project (projeto Baladaboa) aimed at users of this drug. METHOD: Of the 1 140 individual respondents, 412 posted unprompted comments. These comments were grouped into five categories (irrelevant, drugs, testimonies, survey, and project) and submitted to content analysis. Salutations, irreverent comments, and ideological remarks were considered "Irrelevant." Comments on the causes, effects, and consequences of using ecstasy or other drugs; requests for information on the drug; or comments indicating that information is a crucial issue associated with the use of ecstasy were labeled "Drugs." Personal stories made up the group called "Testimonies." Any comments concerning the questionnaire itself, the formulation of questions, the use of certain criteria, and requests to see survey results were designated "Survey." Comments specifically about the Baladaboa project were categorized as "Project." RESULTS: Content analysis revealed 915 segments among the 412 comments. The percent distribution of segments among the groups were: irrelevant, 9.8 percent; drugs, 16.4 percent; testimonies, 18.1 percent; survey, 25.1 percent; and project, 30.6 percent. Most of the comments concerning the survey and the project were positive. CONCLUSIONS: The number and content of the spontaneous comments indicate that the project, as well as the harm reduction strategy, were being well received by the target audience. The participants expressed their engagement with the project and suggested that its continuation is both timely and urgent.

Alterações afetivas em pacientes deprimidos submetidos à estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua / Affective changes in depressed patients treated with transcranial direct current stimulation

O presente estudo avaliou o efeito da Estimulação Transcraniana por Corrente Contínua (ETCC), de córtex pré-frontal dorsolateral esquerdo, no tratamento de pacientes deprimidos, por meio de auto-relatos de afetos positivos, de afetos negativos e de satisfação com a vida. Participaram do estudo 31 pacientes com depressão maior, distribuídos em dois grupos: Grupo Ativo (n=21), submetido a dez sessões de ETCC anódica de 2mA no córtex pré-frontal, e Grupo Controle (n=10), submetido a dez sessões de ETCC placebo. Ambos os grupos responderam uma Escala Breve de Afetividade e avaliaram a satisfação com a vida em uma Escala de Faces Esquemáticas antes e após o tratamento. Pacientes do Grupo Ativo apresentaram aumento de afetos positivos, diminuição de afetos negativos e aumento na satisfação com a vida. Os resultados apontam para a presença de alterações afetivas bidimensionais na depressão e para o potencial terapêutico da ETCC no reajustamento de afetos positivos e negativos.(AU)

The present study evaluated, through self-reports of positive affects, of negative affects and of life satisfaction, the therapeutic effects of anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (TDCS) on depressed patients. Thirty one patients with major depression participated on this study. They were distributed in two groups: Active Group (n=21) treated with ten sessions of anodal 2mA TDCS applied in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the Control Group (n=10) treated with ten sessions of TDCS placebo. Both groups answered a Brief Affect Scale and evaluated their life satisfaction through a Scale of Schematic Faces before and after the treatment. Patients of the Active Group presented an increase of positive affects, a reduction of negative affects and an increase of their life satisfaction. These findings point to the presence of bidimensional affective alterations in depression and to the therapeutic potential of the TDCS in the readjustment of positive and negative affects.(AU)

[Analysis of spontaneous comments posted by ecstasy users participating in an online survey]. / Análise de comentários espontâneos elaborados por usuários de ecstasy em pesquisa on-line.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the contents of spontaneous comments posted by ecstasy users participating in an online survey that constitutes phase one of a harm reduction project (projeto Baladaboa) aimed at users of this drug. METHOD: Of the 1,140 individual respondents, 412 posted unprompted comments. These comments were grouped into five categories (irrelevant, drugs, testimonies, survey, and project) and submitted to content analysis. Salutations, irreverent comments, and ideological remarks were considered "Irrelevant." Comments on the causes, effects, and consequences of using ecstasy or other drugs; requests for information on the drug; or comments indicating that information is a crucial issue associated with the use of ecstasy were labeled "Drugs." Personal stories made up the group called "Testimonies." Any comments concerning the questionnaire itself, the formulation of questions, the use of certain criteria, and requests to see survey results were designated "Survey." Comments specifically about the Baladaboa project were categorized as "Project". RESULTS: Content analysis revealed 915 segments among the 412 comments. The percent distribution of segments among the groups were: irrelevant, 9.8%; drugs, 16.4%; testimonies, 18.1%; survey, 25.1%; and project, 30.6%. Most of the comments concerning the survey and the project were positive. CONCLUSIONS: The number and content of the spontaneous comments indicate that the project, as well as the harm reduction strategy, were being well received by the target audience. The participants expressed their engagement with the project and suggested that its continuation is both timely and urgent.

[Transcranial magnetic stimulation in neuropsychology: new horizons for brain research]. / Estimulação magnética transcraniana na neuropsicologia: novos horizontes em pesquisa sobre o cérebro.

This review addresses the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation as a research tool of neuropsychological functions. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive and painless technique to modulate brain function that can be applied to conscious human beings and is based on a variable magnetic field. Using this technique, it is possible to generate virtual transient lesions in healthy people or modulate the brain activity, increasing or decreasing the activity of the stimulated areas. In this review we discuss studies with transcranial magnetic stimulation in which broad aspects of language, memory and neuropsychological tests have been evaluated following or during the application of transcranial magnetic stimulation. We concluded that transcranial magnetic stimulation open new horizons for brain research in the neuropsychological field as transcranial magnetic stimulation allows the investigation of the relationship between focal cortical activity and behavior therefore contributing to the study of the functional brain activity.