Mindfulness Practice Reduces Hair Cortisol, Anxiety and Perceived Stress in University Workers: Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and stress are common mental health conditions reported by university workers. Practices of mindfulness represent one promising approach as an effective and feasible means to reduce stress, improve mental health and promote well-being; however, there are no clinical trials that have combined long-term stress biomarkers (hair cortisol) and psychometric assessments in a sample of university workers. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based program on long-term stress, by measuring hair cortisol concentration and perceived stress and anxiety among workers who were undergoing high levels of stress. METHOD: We conducted a randomized clinical trial at work among the employees of a public university. We compared a group that received the eight-week mindfulness intervention with the wait list group who received no intervention. RESULTS: A total of 30 participants were included in the study, with n = 15 subjects in the intervention group and n = 15 in the control group. Hair cortisol, perceived stress and anxiety significantly reduced after the intervention compared to the control group, which had no appreciable decline in the measured variables. CONCLUSION: This clinical trial showed the effectiveness of a mindfulness program on mental health psychometric measures (perceived stress and anxiety) and on a long-term stress biomarker (hair cortisol). It can be concluded that an eight-week mindfulness program could be implemented as an effective strategy to reduce stress biomarkers (hair cortisol) as well as perceived stress and anxiety, improving the mental health of university workers.

Entomological Survey and Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana Prevalence in Sand Fly Species during an Outbreak of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Quintana Roo State, Mexico.

(1) Background: Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected vector-borne disease that has become a serious public health problem in the Yucatan Peninsula. Although more than 60% of cases originate from the state of Quintana Roo, it is one of the least explored areas in terms of incriminating vectors of the Leishmania parasite. Additionally, cases of leishmaniasis have increased substantially in that region in recent years. For this reason, we explored and provided primary evidence of Leishmania DNA in sand fly species from four localities during outbreaks of leishmaniasis in Quintana Roo. We also contributed information on the regional genetic diversity of Leishmania parasites. (2) Methods: Sand flies were collected during several periods from November 2022 to April 2023 using Mosquito Light Circle and Shannon traps, as well as an active entomological search in refuges. For Leishmania detection, we amplified a fragment of 300-350 bp of the internal transcribed spacer subunit 1 (ITS-1). (3) Results: Of the 242 females collected, we detected Leishmania DNA in 25 specimens represented by Bichromomyia olmeca (1), Psathyromyia shannoni (17), Lutzomyia cruciata (4), Psathyromyia undulata (2), and Dampfomyia deleoni (1). The detection of Leishmania in these last two species represents new records for the Yucatan Peninsula and for Mexico. Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana was the only species detected in the Phlebotominae species, with prevalence values that ranked between 7.41% and 33.33% from specimens collected in the sylvatic areas of Cozumel Island and Petcacab. (4) Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of infection of Da. deleoni and Pa. undulata by L. (L.) Mexicana. In addition, the presence of three dominant haplotypes in all the evaluated localities was evidenced using the analysis of genetic diversity, and the locality of Petcacab was the one with the circulation of two new haplotypes not previously described in Mexico or neighboring countries. These results highlight the importance of intensive epidemiological surveillance due to the dynamics of transmission of Leishmania between different species.

Longitudinal study of the body mass index and biochemical nutritional parameters of patients in dialysis / Estudio longitudinal del índice de masa corporal y parámetros bioquímicos nutricionales en pacientes en diálisis

ABSTRACT Background/Aim: Chronic kidney failure is frequently related to malnutrition. This research aimed to assess the nutritional status of hemodialysis patients by assessing their biochemical and anthropometric parameters and determining whether the disorders suffered stemmed from nutritional deterioration directly related to time on dialysis. Materials and Methods: This research monitored 90 patients of both genders with chronic kidney failure who regularly received hemodialysis at the kidney unit of our Hospital in Granada (Spain) over five years. The patient's blood was tested quarterly for plasma albumin (Alb), total cholesterol (TC), and total proteins (TP) and monthly for transferrin (Tr). Anthropometric measurements were taken of the patient's weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) and, based on the patient's BMI, classified as established by the World Health Organization. Results: During the five years of our study, patients experienced a statistically significant decrease in total protein (0.941g/dl), plasma albumin (0.9382g/dl), total cholesterol (23.77mg/dl), and transferrin (78.17. g/dl) p < 0.0001. On the contrary, the mean BMI values did not show statistically relevant differences (p < 0.805). However, all patients remained in the WHO category of overweight. The body volume values did not show statistically significant differences either. Conclusions: In conclusion, the nutritional deterioration of these patients was not reflected in their BMI but mainly in their serum chemistry.

RESUMEN Antecedentes/Objetivo: La insuficiencia renal crónica está relacionada frecuentemente con la malnutrición, afectando aproximadamente a un tercio de los pacientes con enfermedad renal avanzada, lo que contribuye a su morbilidad y mortalidad. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el estado nutricional de los pacientes en hemodiálisis valorando sus parámetros bioquímicos y antropométricos y determinar si los trastornos que padecían se debían al deterioro nutricional directamente relacionado con el tiempo en diálisis. Materiales y Métodos: Es esta investigación realizó un seguimiento de 90 pacientes de ambos sexos con insuficiencia renal crónica, que recibían hemodiálisis periódicamente en la unidad renal de nuestro Hospital en Granada (España) durante un período de cinco años. La sangre de los pacientes se analizó trimestralmente para albúmina plasmática (Alb), colesterol total (TC) y proteínas totales (TP), y mensualmente para transferrina (Tr). Se tomaron medidas antropométricas de peso, talla e índice de masa corporal (IMC) de los pacientes y se les efectuaron mediciones antropométricas de peso, altura e índice de masa corporal calculado mediante la formula peso/talla², y agrupada según la clasificación de la OMS en IMC < 18.50 infrapeso, 18.50 a 24,99 normal, 25 a 29,99 sobrepeso y >30 del IMC s/OMS y se consideró para el estudio como desnutrición un en IMC < 23 kg/m2 y niveles de albumina <3,8 g/dl según el consenso del panel de expertos de la International Society for Renal Nutrition and Metabolism. Resultados: Durante los cinco años de nuestro estudio, los pacientes experimentaron una disminución estadísticamente significativa de proteínas totales (0,941 g/dl), albúmina plasmática (0,9382 g/dl), colesterol total (23,77 mg/dl) y transferrina (78,17. g /dl) p < 0,0001. Por el contrario, los valores medios del IMC no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente relevantes (p < 0,805). Sin embargo, todos los pacientes permanecieron en la categoría de sobrepeso de la OMS. Los valores de volumen corporal tampoco mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Conclusiones: La desnutrición de los pacientes en diálisis es un hecho patente, el IMC no se corresponde con los parámetros bioquímicos observados, por lo que el deterioro nutricional de estos pacientes se manifiesta principalmente mediante los parámetros bioquímicos estudiados.

Evaluation of Salicylic Acid and Methyl Jasmonate as Elicitors in Phyllanthus acuminatus Hairy Roots by Non-Targeted Analysis Using High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

Phyllanthus acuminatus has been studied for its vast medical and industrial potential. Phytochemical investigations reveal that the genus is a rich source of lignans, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, and other metabolites. However, the phytochemical profile elucidation of this species still needs further research. The use of eliciting compounds such as salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate has managed to increase the production of secondary metabolites in plant cell cultures. Hairy roots of Phyllanthus acuminatus were produced in 250 mL flasks with a 16 h light/8 h darkness photoperiod under diffused light with a culture time of four weeks. The elicitors salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate were tested in 50 µM and 200 µM concentrations. Non-targeted analysis was done for the different treatments using HR-MS. Identified metabolites were grouped in phenylpropanoids, phenols, and mucic acids, and statistical analysis of relative concentrations was achieved. A significant change in phenols' relative concentrations appeared in the elicitations with salicylic acid. Because of the elicitation treatment, specific compounds increased their concentrations, some of which have known pharmacological effects and are used in treating chronic diseases. The best elicitation treatment was salicylic acid 50 µM as it increased by more than 100% the general content of phenols and phenylpropanoid derivates and triplicates the concentration of mucic acid derivates in treated hairy root extracts. The application of non-targeted analysis showed interesting changes in phytochemical concentration due to elicitation in Phyllanthus acuminatus hairy roots.

Socioeconomic inequality in health in older adults in Brazil.

Objective: This study analyzed socioeconomic inequality in self-rated health for older adults (aged fifty or over) in Brazil. Methods: Data from the 2015-2016 Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil). Socioeconomic inequality in self-rated health was measured using the concentration index, which was decomposed to analyze the contribution of different factors. Results: This study revealed that 11.5% of the older adults interviewed reported their health as poor and very poor. For the complete sample, the estimated concentration index, -0.2434, indicated that there is a concentration of poor and very poor self-rated health among older and poorer adults. Income, education and having a private health insurance plan are the factors that contributed most to the observed inequality. Discussion: The decomposition showed that there are avoidable inequalities in relation to socioeconomic status for older adults in Brazil. These factors can guide the formulation of social and health policies aimed at reducing health inequalities.

Efecto de la práctica mental kinestésica en la fuerza y actividad mioeléctrica del bíceps braquial, luego de un periodo de inmovilización de codo en adultos-jóvenes sanos / Effects of kinesthetic mental practice in strength and myoelectric activity of the brachialis biceps due to an elbow immobilization period in healthy young adults

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la práctica mental kinestésica (PMK) en la fuerza y actividad eléctrica muscular (AEM) del bíceps braquial, luego de un periodo de inmovilización del codo en un grupo de personas adultos jóvenes sanos. Un total de 14 personas (18,64 ± 0,92 años de edad) participaron voluntariamente del estudio, a las cuales se les evaluó la fuerza muscular de prensión y la AEM del bíceps braquial utilizando un dinamómetro de mano y un equipo de electromiografía, respectivamente, antes y después de un periodo de inmovilización del brazo no dominante, y se asignaron aleatoriamente a uno de dos grupos: grupo control (GC) o experimental (GE). El GE realizó PMK: tres series de 15 repeticiones con un minuto de descanso entre series, tres veces al día durante los seis días de inmovilización, mientras que el GC no realizó PKM durante su inmovilización. Al aplicar una prueba de ANOVA de dos vías, no se encontraron diferencias significativas en la fuerza ni en la AEM. Sin embargo, la fuerza del GC disminuyó en 23,75%, mientras que la del GE aumentó en 33,19%. Los resultados sugieren que un periodo de inmovilización del codo de seis días no fue suficiente para que la fuerza ni la AEM disminuyan significativamente, lo que supone que la PMK realizada no es necesaria en periodos menores a seis días.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of kinesthetic mental practice (KMP) on the strength and muscular electrical activity (MEA) of the brachial biceps, after a period of immobilization of the elbow in a group of healthy young adults. A total of 14 volunteer participants (18.64 ± 0.92 years of age) were part in the study. The muscle strength and the AEM of the brachial biceps were assessed using a hand dynamometer and an electromyography equipment, respectively, before and after a period of immobilization of the non-dominant arm. After the pretest, they were randomly assigned to one of two groups: control group (GC) or experimental group (GE). The GE performed 3 sets of 15 repetitions with one-minute rest between sets, three times a day of PMK during the 6 days of immobilization, while the GC did not perform PKM during its immobilization. A 2-way ANOVA test (group x measurement) indicated non-significant differences in strength or AEM. However, the strength of the GC decreased by 23.75%, while increased by 33.19% in the GE. The results suggest that a period of immobilization of the elbow of 6 days was not enough for the strength or the AEM to decrease significantly, which means that the PMK is not necessary in periods of immobilization of less than 6 days.

Home birth preference, childbirth, and newborn care practices in rural Peruvian Amazon.

Home birth is very common in the Peruvian Amazon. In rural areas of the Loreto region, home to indigenous populations such as the Kukama-Kukamiria, birth takes place at home constantly. This study aims to understand the preference for home births as well as childbirth and newborn care practices among Kukama-Kukamiria women in rural Loreto. Following a case study approach, sixty semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with recent mothers who experienced childbirth within one year prior to the interview, female relatives of recent mothers who had a role in childbirth, male relatives of recent mothers, community health workers, and traditional healers. We found that for women from these communities, home birth is a courageous act and an intimate (i.e. members of the community and relatives participate in it) and inexpensive practice in comparison with institutional birth. These preferences are also linked to experiences of mistreatment at health facilities, lack of cultural adaptation of birthing services, and access barriers to them. Preparations for home births included handwashing and cleaning delivery surfaces. After birth, waiting for the godparent to arrive to cut the cord can delay drying of the newborn. Discarding of colostrum, lack of skin-to-skin contact as well as a range of responses regarding immediate breastfeeding and immediate drying of the baby were also found. These findings were used to tailor the educational content of the Mamas del Rio program, where community health workers are trained to identify pregnancy early, perform home visits to pregnant women and newborns, and promote essential newborn care practices in case institutional birth is not desired or feasible. We make recommendations to improve Peru's cultural adaptation of birthing services.

Atomoxetine produces oxidative stress and alters mitochondrial function in human neuron-like cells.

Atomoxetine (ATX) is a non-stimulant drug used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It has been shown that ATX has additional effects beyond the inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake, affecting several signal transduction pathways and alters gene expression. Here, we study alterations in oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in human differentiated SH-SY5Y cells exposed over a range of concentrations of ATX. We found that the highest concentrations of ATX in neuron-like cells, caused cell death and an increase in cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, and alterations in mitochondrial mass, membrane potential and autophagy. Interestingly, the dose of 10 µM ATX increased mitochondrial mass and decreased autophagy, despite the induction of cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Thus, ATX has a dual effect depending on the dose used, indicating that ATX produces additional active therapeutic effects on oxidative stress and on mitochondrial function beyond the inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake.

Ulcerative colitis: epidemiology, clinical features and associated factors with surgical treatment in a tertiary hospital in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: An increase incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been reported in Mexico. It is important to know the clinical features of patients with UC, their clinical course, need for surgical treatment and outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic and clinical features of patients with UC, emphasizing the factors associated with the need for surgical treatment. METHOD: A retrospective, cross-sectional, analytical study was made which included 60 patients with diagnosis of UC confirmed by histopathology. The demographic, clinical and biochemical data of each patient will be collected. The severity was measured based on the Truelove and Witts scale, endoscopic Mayo score and Riley histological index. RESULTS: Of the patients included, the proportion was equal between men and women. The mean age of presentation was 40.6 ± 13.3 years. The extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis was proctitis in the majority of patients (61.7%). Nineteen patients (31.8%) presented extraintestinal manifestations. 55% of the patients had as sole treatment 5-aminosalicylates. Fourteen patients (23.3%) required surgical treatment mainly due to lack of response to medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical features of UC are useful to identify patients who may present a torpid evolution of the disease and who may require surgical treatment.

ANTECEDENTES: Se tiene evidencia de un aumento en la incidencia de la colitis ulcerosa crónica idiopática (CUCI) en México, pero varía según el Estado e incluso entre hospitales de una misma región. Es importante conocer las características clínicas de los pacientes con CUCI, su curso clínico, necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico y desenlaces. OBJETIVO: Describir las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes con CUCI, enfatizando en los factores asociados a la necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó 60 pacientes con diagnóstico de CUCI confirmado por histopatología. Se colectaron los datos demográficos, clínicos y bioquímicos de cada paciente. La gravedad se midió con la escala de Truelove y Witts, la escala endoscópica de Mayo y el índice histológico de Riley. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 30 hombres y 30 mujeres. La media de edad fue de 40.6 ± 13.3 años. La extensión de la enfermedad fue proctitis en el 61.7%. Diecinueve pacientes (31.8%) presentaron manifestaciones extraintestinales. El 55% tenían como tratamiento único ácido 5-aminosalicílico. Catorce pacientes (23.3%) requirieron tratamiento quirúrgico, principalmente por falta de respuesta al tratamiento médico. CONCLUSIONES: Las características clínicas de la CUCI son útiles para identificar a los pacientes que pudieran presentar una evolución tórpida de la enfermedad y requerir tratamiento quirúrgico.

Neoplasias quísticas pancreáticas: enfoque diagnóstico / Diagnostic Approach to Cystic Pancreatic Neoplasms

Resumen Los quistes pancreáticos comprenden una amplia variedad de lesiones cada vez más frecuentemente diagnosticadas debido tanto al empleo creciente de técnicas de imagen como al envejecimiento de la población. Entre ellas, las neoplasias quísticas mucinosas son especialmente relevantes por su potencial de malignización. Aunque la ecografía abdominal, la tomografía axial computarizada y la resonancia magnética suelen ser las pruebas diagnósticas de imagen iniciales, muchas veces los hallazgos morfológicos no son suficientes para su diferenciación. La ecoendoscopia se ha convertido en la mejor prueba para su caracterización ya que permite realizar estudio morfológico y también del líquido obtenido mediante punción, aunque su precisión diagnóstica para la detección de quistes de estirpe mucinosa y de malignidad sigue siendo baja. La importancia de la adecuada caracterización radica tanto en la detección precoz de las lesiones preneoplásicas y malignas como en evitar cirugías innecesarias. La indicación de ecoendoscopia, de tratamiento quirúrgico y de seguimiento varía entre las distintas guías de práctica clínica estando actualmente en duda especialmente el tratamiento y seguimiento de las neoplasias quísticas mucinosas papilares intraductales de rama lateral por el menor riesgo de degeneración y su asociación con el cáncer de páncreas.

Abstract Cystic pancreatic lesions comprise a wide variety of lesions that are being increasingly diagnosed due to the more frequent use of imaging techniques and the aging of the population. Among these lesions, mucinous cystic neoplasms are especially relevant because of their malignant potential. Although abdominal ultrasound, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are usually the initial diagnostic imaging tests, morphological findings are often not enough for their differentiation. Endoscopic ultrasound has become the best test for their characterization because it allows morphological study and fluid analysis obtained by puncture of the lesion, although its diagnostic accuracy for the detection of mucinous and malignant cysts remains low. The importance of proper characterization is the early detection of preneoplastic as well as malignant lesions and to avoid unnecessary surgery. Clinical practice guidelines differ about the indications for endoscopic ultrasound, surgical treatment and follow-up of these lesions. Questions specially remains in the management of side-branch intraductal papillary neoplasm because of their lower risk of degeneration and their association with pancreatic cancer.

[Infección necrotizante de la pared abdominal: ¿qué hacer?] / Necrotizing soft tissue infection on the abdominal wall. How to proceed?

El éxito en el tratamiento de las infecciones necrotizantes de los tejidos blandos (INTB) depende de la precocidad diagnóstica y de la agresividad terapéutica, basada en el desbridamiento quirúrgico, la antibioticoterapia de amplio espectro y el soporte intensivo. Se presenta un caso de INTB secundaria a diverticulitis aguda perforada (Hinchey 4) con el fin de ilustrar las consideraciones particulares en el manejo de la INTB de localización en la pared abdominal, apoyadas en la evidencia disponible en la literatura científica. Se identifican como puntos clave la precocidad y la agresividad del desbridamiento quirúrgico, la antibioticoterapia dirigida por el cultivo y su suspensión guiada por la negativización microbiológica; y el empleo de técnicas combinadas de autoplastia y prótesis apoyadas en la terapia de presión negativa en la restauración de la pared abdominal, con lo que se ha obtenido un buen resultado.Successful treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) depends on early diagnosis and therapeutical aggressiveness, based on surgical debridement, broad spectrum antibiotics and intensive support. A case of perforated diverticulitis (Hinchey 4)-secondary-NSTI is presented in order to illustrate the particular considerations in the management of abdominal wall located NSTI, supported on the evidence available in scientific literature. Several key points are identified, such as prompt and aggressive surgical debridement; culture-guided antibiotherapy and its suspension based on microbiological negativization; and the utilization of combined techniques of autoplastic repair and replacement, also supported on negative pressure therapy in the abdominal wall restoration, which have shown a good outcome.

Microbiología. bacteriología, características y clasificación bacteriana. virología, características y técnicas bioquímicas

Obra profusamente ilustrada que por su estructura didáctica facilita notablemente el aprendizaje de esta materia. Recomendada para estudiantes de Formación Profesional y Técnicos Especialistas de Laboratorio. Incorpora ejercicios prácticos de autoevaluación para determinar el nivel de conocimientos adquiridos por el alumno.

Transcranial Doppler sonographic findings in granulomatous meningoencephalitis in small breed dogs.

Granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME) is an acute, progressive, and often fatal inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, affecting mainly small and toy dog breeds. A definitive diagnosis of GME can only be achieved through histopathologic examination of samples collected after death. This retrospective study describes transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TDS) findings in dogs with confirmed clinical histopathology of GME. Eleven dogs were selected for this study. Sonographic findings in B-mode demonstrated diffuse decreased brain parenchyma echogenicity in 9 dogs, ventriculomegaly in 8 dogs, brain atrophy in 4 dogs, and hyperechoic focal lesions in 6 dogs. Color Doppler imaging revealed more obvious vessels of the arterial circle in 10 dogs. Spectral Doppler examination was performed in 10 dogs to detect the 6 major cerebral arteries of interest. The examination showed normal and high resistive index (RI) values in the outlined arteries. The TDS findings were consistent with pathology found on postmortem examination.

RésuméConstatations échographiques Doppler transcrâniennes pour la méningoencéphalite granulomateuse chez les chiens de petite race. La méningoencéphalite granulomateuse (MEG) est une maladie inflammatoire aiguë, progressive et souvent mortelle du système nerveux central qui touche surtout les chiens de petite race. Un diagnostic définitif de MEG peut seulement être obtenu par un examen histopathologique des échantillons recueillis après la mort. Cette étude rétrospective décrit les constatations d'une échographie Doppler transcrânienne (EDT) chez les chiens avec une histopathologie clinique confirmée de MEG. Onze chiens ont été sélectionnés pour cette étude. Les constatations échographiques en mode-B ont démontré une échogénécité diffuse réduite du parenchyme du cerveau chez 9 chiens, une ventriculomégalie chez 8 chiens, une atrophie du cerveau chez 4 chiens et des lésions focales hyperéchogènes chez 6 chiens. Une imagerie Doppler en couleur a révélé des vaisseaux plus évidents du cercle artériel chez 10 chiens. L'examen spectral Doppler a été réalisé chez 10 chiens pour détecter les 6 artères cérébrales majeures d'intérêt. L'examen a montré des valeurs d'indice de résistivité (IR) normales et hautes dans les artères indiquées. Les constatations de l'EDT étaient conformes à celles de la pathologie trouvées à l'examen postmortem.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

La violencia en la televisión nacional y la percepción de los niños / Violence on National Television and the Children’s Perception

Introducción: Este trabajo examina la percepción de hechos violentos en la televisión colombiana por parte de escolares bogotanos entre siete y doce años de edad, de los estratos socioeconómicos 2, 3 y 4. Método: Los autores realizaron l90 entrevistas y dos grupos focales. Para el análisis se buscó entender los factores más relevantes que inciden en la percepción de la violencia en la televisión. Resultados: Los niños invierten en promedio cuatro horas diarias frente a la televisión, mientras que las actividades lúdicas y de diálogo con los padres son escasas; además, identifican la violencia en la televisión. El 61 % de los niños está expuesto a los contenidos de los programas emitidos por la televisión sin la guía o compañía de otra persona durante las horas diurnas posteriores a su jornada escolar. El 62 % afirma no imitar conductas o aptitudes de los personajes presentados en los programas televisivos. El 75 % de los niños reportó peleas frecuentes entre los miembros de la familia. Conclusión: Es aquí pertinente señalar para la discusión que entre los niños estudiados concurren factores de riesgo para el uso de modelos de violencia: el elevado número de horas en que ven solos la televisión y la incidencia alta de violencia en el entorno familiar. Los padres aparecen en el estudio como la mayor fuente de agresión hacia los niños, mientras que las expresiones de afecto y la actividad lúdica con ellos son escasas. Este contexto de consumo de la televisión ofrece entonces, mayores riesgos para incorporar guiones agresivos...

Introduction: This paper examines the perception of violence in Colombian television, by school between seven and twelve years of age, socioeconomic stratum two, three and four. Method: The authors made 190 interviews and two focus groups. The analysis sought to understand the most important factors affecting the perception of violence on TV. Results: Children spend an average of four hours per day watching television, while leisure activities and dialogue with parents is low, also identified in the TV violence. 61 % of children are exposed to the content of programs broadcast by television without the guidance of another person or company during the day after the school. The 62 % say don´t imitate behaviors or attitudes of the characters presented in television programs, 75 % of children reported frequent fights between family members. Conclusion: it is pertinent to note here for the discussion, among the children studied concur risk factors for the use of patterns of violence: The high number of hours that go alone to the television, along with the high incidence of violence family environment. The parents appear in the study as a major source of aggression towards children, while expression of affection and play activities with them are. This context of TV consumption offers greater risk then to incorporate aggressive scripts...