Mg. Aguilera-Eguía, Raúl

Dental caries remains a prevalent chronic disease driven by dysbiosis in the oral biofilm, with Streptococcus mutans playing a central role in its pathogenesis. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of D-tagatose on cariogenic risk by analyzing randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted targeting RCTs published up to 2024 in eight databases and two gray literature sources. The search strategy utilized Medical Subject Headings (MeSHs) and relevant keywords combined via Boolean operators using the query “Tagatose OR D-tagatose AND Dental Caries”. Eligible studies must evaluate the impact of D-tagatose on cariogenic risk, as indicated by reductions in colony-forming units (CFUs) and improvements in salivary pH levels in treatment groups. Results: From 1139 retrieved records, three studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies consistently demonstrated significant reductions in CFU counts and improvements in salivary pH levels in groups treated with D-tagatose compared to controls using other non-caloric sweeteners or placebos (p < 0.01). However, the quality of the evidence was heterogeneous, with certain methodological concerns. Conclusions: Although the findings suggest potential benefits of D-tagatose in reducing cariogenic risk, limitations such as small sample sizes and variability in study methodologies warrant caution. Further robust investigations are needed to substantiate these promising results and support the integration of D-tagatose into oral care formulations aimed at reducing cariogenic risk.

Vitamin D has been widely studied for its implications on type 2 diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underpinning vitamin D’s effects on glucose metabolism, inflammation, and adipogenesis, while assessing its potential clinical applications in type 2 diabetes. In its 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 form, vitamin D modulates various metabolic processes, affecting proinflammatory cytokines and activating the AMPK pathway, inhibiting mTOR signaling, and promoting adipocyte differentiation. These effects enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce chronic inflammation, key contributors to metabolic dysfunction. In this context, the progression of prediabetes has been linked to vitamin D, which limits pathological progression and increases the likelihood of restoring a normal metabolic state, crucial in diabetes progression. Moreover, vitamin D has been reported to reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes by 15%, particularly in doses higher than the traditional recommendations for bone health. Despite promising evidence, discrepancies in study designs, serum vitamin D measurements, and population-specific factors highlight the need for standardized methodologies and personalized approaches. In conclusion, vitamin D has complementary therapeutic potential in treating type 2 diabetes, revealing gaps in research, such as optimal dosing and long-term effects across populations. Future studies should integrate molecular insights into clinical practice to optimize vitamin D’s impact on metabolic health.

Objectives: Interval block resistance training (IBRT) and circuit resistance training (CRT) are periodization models aimed at enhancing neuromuscular and metabolic adaptations. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 12-week IBRT program compared to CRT on body composition, muscle strength, speed, functional capacity, and autonomic recovery in young Chilean adults. Methods: A randomized, parallel, double-blind study was conducted with 30 participants assigned to IBRT (n = 15) or CRT (n = 15). Assessments included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, right-hand grip strength, the running anaerobic sprint test (RAST), the 6 min walk test (6 MWT), and heart rate variability (HRV) indices: low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (LF/HF) and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD, a time-domain HRV metric reflecting parasympathetic activity). Statistical analyses included t-tests and ANCOVA. Results: Groups were similar in age (IBRT: 25.2 ± 3.19; CRT: 23.27 ± 3.69, p = 0.14) and BMI (IBRT: 21.56 ± 2.22; CRT: 22.36 ± 1.70 kg/m2, p = 0.40). Both groups improved significantly in waist circumference (IBRT: −1.85%; CRT: −2.37%), grip strength (IBRT: +5.47%; CRT: +4.02%), RAST (IBRT: −2.67%; CRT: −1.04%), 6 MWT (IBRT: +4.53%; CRT: +2.17%), LF/HF (IBRT: −11.43%; CRT: −5.11%), and RMSSD (IBRT: +5.36%; CRT: +3.81%) (all p ≤ 0.01). IBRT produced significantly greater gains in 6 MWT (B = 19.51, 95% CI: 0.79 to 38.23, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Both IBRT and CRT effectively improved body composition, muscle strength, speed, functional capacity, and autonomic recovery. However, IBRT demonstrated a superior effect on aerobic capacity.

Introduction: Bodybuildingis a sport that evaluates athletes based on their muscle mass, sym-metry, and muscle definition, unlike conventional sports that are usually based on athletic per-formance in competition. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between fat mass (FM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM)through bioimpedancewith sleep quality in Chilean natural bodybuilders on pre-competition day. Methodology: Twenty-sixnatural bodybuilders participated in the WNBF Chilean champion-ship. The objective was to evaluate body composition toobtain data regarding SMM and FM. Additionally, thePSQI was applied. Results: significant relationships were obtained with SMM andPSQI (p= 0, 02, R = -0,38, R²= 0.14) and a moderate correlation between FM and PSQI (p= 0.04, R = 0.40, R²= 0.15). Sleep efficiency showed a negative correlation (p= 0.001, R = -0.55, R²= 0.31) with FM and a positive correlation (p = 0.002, R = 0.58, R²= 0.34) with SMM. Sleep duration showed a negative corre-lation (p = 0.024, R = -0.39, R²= 0.15) with FM and a positive correlation (p = 0.021, R = 0.45, R²= 0.20) with SMM. Discussion: A lack of sufficient sleep has been linked to adverse effects on body composition, including reduced fat loss and muscle gain. Additionally, insufficient sleep has been associated with a decline in athletic performance.Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that poor sleep quality is associated with higher body fat and better sleep quality with a higher skeletal muscle mass, underscoring the signifi-cance of sleep for achieving optimal body composition and performance in natural bodybuild-ers.

Introduction: heart rate variability is a key indicator of cardiovascular health and autonomic balance, influenced by various factors such as age and stress. Objective: to relate heart rate variability to body composition, physical activity levels, sleep quality, and self-perceived stress in young Chilean adults with low cardiometabolic risk. Methodology: a cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 with the participation of 32 young adults (18 to 30 years old), selected based on inclusion criteria related to adequate physical activity levels and the absence of chronic diseases. The analysis considered variables such as body composition, sleep quality, stress levels, physical activity levels, and heart rate variability, with the latter measured over a 5-minute resting period. Results: age showed a significant negative relationship with RMSSD (β = -0.43, t = -2.48, p = .02), indicating a decrease in parasympathetic activity as age increases. Self-perceived stress, however, did not show a significant impact on RMSSD (β = .09, p = .60) or the RR/RMSSD ratio (β = -0.37, p = .04). Discussion: the findings highlight the importance of heart rate variability as an indicator of autonomic health, emphasizing how age and stress impact vagal modulation. These results reinforce the need to integrate autonomic monitoring into preventive strategies to improve cardiovascular health. Conclusion: heart rate variability is significantly related to age and self-perceived stress. These findings underline the importance of integrating autonomic monitoring into preventive health strategies.

Introducción: El entrenamiento de la fuerza muscular ofrece la oportunidad de resolver eficazmente problemas pedagógicos causados por una variedad de actividades motoras. Objetivo: Analizar los efectos de un programa de 32 semanas de fuerza muscular sobre estudiantes de entre 14 a 16 años. Métodos: Ensayo controlado, paralelo y aleatorizado con cegado simple. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 40 escolares de 14 a 16 años pertenecientes a la escuela secundaria N.º 1 (Sokolovka, Rusia). Los escolares fueron divididos en un grupo control (n = 20) y un grupo experimental (n = 20); Ambos grupos realizaron las lecciones de educación física de acuerdo con el plan de estudios escolar, sin embargo, el grupo experimental también realizó ejercicios de fuerza muscular. El nivel de fuerza se determinó con pruebas de dinamometría de mano derecha e izquierda, flexoextensiones de brazos (barra y suelo) y elevación de piernas colgantes. Resultados: El grupo experimental mejoro la dinamometría de mano derecha (21,9%; p < 0,05; d = 6,61) e izquierda (14,7%; p < 0,05; d = 4,93), elevación de piernas colgado de una barra (81,4%; p < 0,05; d = 9,09) flexo extensión de brazos en suelo (5,8%; p < 0,05; d = 5,99) y en barra (38,3%; p < 0,05), mientras que el grupo control solo mejoro significativamente la dinamometría de la mano derecha (21,3%; p < 0,05) y la elevación de piernas colgado de una barra (15,1%; p < 0,05; d = 5,76). Conclusión: Una serie de ejercicios de fuerza muscular aplicado durante 32 semanas en las lecciones de educación física escolar pueden mejorar significativamente los niveles de fuerza muscular en niños de 14 a 16 años.

Introducción. En las últimas décadas, el nivel de rendimiento del esquí en Rusia ha disminuido significativamente. Esto plantea nuevos desafíos en la preparación de los atletas para las competiciones y el proceso de entrenamiento. Objetivo. Analizar los efectos de las herramientas de entrenamiento por simulación sobre la condición física de corredores de esquí de entre 13 y 14 años. Métodos. Estudio cuasiexperimental, no aleatorizado. 40 esquiadores de fondo de entre 13 y 14 años pertenecientes a la escuela deportiva Korshik Village (Rusia) fueron asignados a un grupo control (n=20) y experimental (n=20). Las clases en el grupo de control se llevaron a cabo según el plan de entrenamiento habitual y en el grupo experimental se utilizaron ejercicios de simulación. Las pruebas de control incluyen dominadas, sentadillas, salto de longitud con dos piernas, escalada simulada de 100 metros y una prueba de carrera de 500 metros. Resultados. El grupo control no presentó mejoras significativas (p>0,05), mientras que el grupo experimental reportó mejoras significativas en dominadas (22,2%; p<0,05), sentadilla (5,9%; <0,05), salto de longitud a dos piernas (6,8%; <0,05), simulación de escalada de 100 metros (7,8%; <0,05) y carrera de 500 metros (4,2%; p<0,05). Conclusión. Si en el periodo preparatorio se incluye una serie de ejercicios de simulación en el programa de entrenamiento para esquiadores de 13-14 años, el nivel de condición física de los deportistas mejorará significativamente.