Abstract: Introduction: The educational level of the adult population is related to obesity, but there is little knowledge regar ding the relationship of parents’ educational level with the obesity and muscle strength of Chilean pre-school children. Objective: To describe the levels of adiposity and muscular strength of pre schoolers, according to the educational level and socio-demographic characteristics of their parents. Patients and Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with participation of pre-schoolers from kindergartens and their parents (n = 99). Variables studied were a) socio-demographic (survey with 4 items), b) anthropometry (weight, height, weight/height ratio, weight/height-z, and body mass index), c) body composition (fat mass in kg and %, muscle mass), and d) muscle strength (hand grip muscle strength). The association between the above factors and the educational level of the parents [mother or father] of “low” [Low-EL] or “high” educational level [High-EL] were analy sed. Results: There were significant differences between the weight/height according to the parents’ educational level (father Low-EL; 0.088 ± 0.170 vs High-EL -0.060 ± 0.163, P = 0.024), and in the percentage of fat mass (father Low-EL; 30.8 ± 0.8 vs High-EL; 28.7 ± 0.9%, P = 0.040). In the rest of the obesity markers, there were no significant differences according to the parents’ educational level nor in strength and muscle mass. Conclusions: Pre-school children of parents with low educational level show significantly higher values of weight/height and percentage of fat mass than those peers with parents with high educational level. These findings require further and more complex research to be corroborated.

Resumen: Introducción: El nivel educacional de la población adulta está relacionado a obesidad, pero existe escaso conoci miento respecto a la relación del nivel educacional de padres con la obesidad y fuerza muscular de niños pre-escolares chilenos. Objetivo: Describir los niveles de adiposidad y fuerza muscular de pre-escolares, de acuerdo al nivel educacional y características sociodemográficas de los padres. Pacientes y Método: Estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, con participación de pre-escolares de jardines infantiles y sus padres (n = 99). Se estudiaron variables a) socio-demográficas (encuesta con 4 ítems), b) antropométricas (peso, talla, razón peso/talla, peso/talla-z, e índice de masa corporal, c) compo sición corporal (masa grasa en kg y %, masa muscular), y d) fuerza muscular (fuerza prensil). Se analizó la asociación entre las variables mencionadas y el nivel educacional de los padres [madre o padre] de “bajo” [Bajo-NE] o “alto” nivel educacional [Alto-NE]”. Resultados: Existieron diferencias significativas entre el peso/talla según nivel educacional de padres (padre Bajo-NE; 0,088 ± 0,170 vs Alto-NE -0,060 ± 0,163, P = 0,024), y en el porcentaje de masa grasa (padre Bajo-NE; 30,8 ± 0,8 vs Alto-NE; 28,7 ± 0,9%, P = 0,040). En el resto de marcadores de obesidad, no existieron diferencias significativas de acuerdo al nivel educacional de los padres. No se registraron diferencias significativas en la fuerza y masa muscular. Conclusiones: Pre-escolares hijos de padres con bajo nivel educacional presentan valores significativamente más altos de peso/talla y porcentaje de masa grasa en relación a aquellos pares con padres de alto nivel educacional. Estos hallazgos requieren una mayor y más compleja investigación para corroborarse.

Resumen Introducción. En los últimos años se ha dado una mayor importancia a la medición de la fuerza máxima de agarre de mano, sin embargo para hacer esta medición se requiere un protocolo estandarizado de aplicación, incluyendo procedimientos de calentamiento. Objetivo. Comparar los efectos agudos de cuatro tipos de calentamiento en la fuerza máxima de agarre de mano de mujeres sedentarias con sobrepeso. Materiales y métodos. Estudio ciego, aleatorizado y cruzado en el que se midió la fuerza máxima de agarre de mano de 12 mujeres con sobrepeso bajo las siguientes condiciones: i) sin calentamiento (condición de control), ii) con calentamiento de estiramiento estático, iii) con calentamiento basado en la fuerza (p. ej., ejercicios con banda elástica) y iv) con calentamiento con bola terapéutica de compresión para los músculos del antebrazo. Para las mediciones se utilizó un dinamómetro Jamar y estas se realizaron en cuatro días diferentes y en intervalos de 48 horas de descanso; además, se hicieron tres intentos de medición por mano. Resultados. Los valores promedio de fuerza máxima de agarre para la mano no dominante y dominante fueron 23.8kg y 24.9kg sin calentamiento, 20.3kg y 21.4kg con estiramiento, 20.9kg y 22.9kg con banda elástica y 22.0kg y 23.0kg con bola terapéutica, respectivamente. No hubo diferencias significativas (p>0.05; ANOVA de una vía) entre los protocolos, ni diferencias en la fuerza máxima de agarre de mano en relación con estado nutricional, masa magra o masa grasa. Conclusión. No se requiere una sesión de calentamiento para medir la fuerza máxima de agarre de mano en mujeres sedentarias con sobrepeso cuando se realizan tres intentos de medición.

Abstract Introduction: In recent years, handgrip strength assessment has gained special relevance in health. However, a standardized application protocol that includes warm-up procedures is required to measure it. Objective: To compare the acute effects of four warm-up strategies on maximal handgrip strength (MHS) in sedentary overweight women. Materials and methods: Single-blind, randomized, crossover study in which MHS was measured in 12 overweight women under the following conditions: i) no warm-up (control condition), ii) static stretching warm-up, iii) strength-based warm-up (i.e., resistance band exercise), and iv) isometric squeezing-ball warm-up for the forearm muscles. A Jamar dynamometer was used for the measurements, which were taken on four different days, at 48-hour rest intervals; three measurements were made per hand. Results: MHS mean values were 23.8 and 24.9 kg without warm-up, 20.3 and 21.4 kg after stretching warm-up, 20.9 and 22.9 kg after strength-based warm-up, and 22.0 and 23.0 kg after squeezing-ball warm-up for non-dominant and dominant hand, respectively. No significant differences (p>0.05; one-way ANOVA) were observed between protocols, nor were there differences in MHS in relation to nutritional status, lean mass, or fat mass. Conclusion: Warm-up is not required to measure MHS in overweight sedentary women when three measurements are made.

The massive adoption of no tillage sowing system and the use of soybean cultivars tolerant to glyphosate caused dependence on herbicides with total weed control spectrum (e.g.: glyphosate). The increase in costs of herbicides and a greater awareness on environmental issues, lead to search for alternatives to reduce the use of weed chemical control. Cover crops (CC) constitute a practice to reduce the use of post-emergence herbicides in soybean, minimizing environmental impact. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of CC termination methods and chemical weed control programs on water dynamics, environmental impact and soybean crop yield. Three species, two different termination methods (chemical vs. mechanical) and two weed control programs were studied on a typical Argiudoll. Soil available water (AW), environmental impact quotient (EIQ) and soybean productivity were measured. At termination CC moment, AW was 35% lower in CC than in fallow, while at sowing soybean AU was 16 % upper in CC treatments. CC and roller crimper decreased EIQ values more than 70 % without affected soybean yield. CC could allow a more sustainable use of natural resources and could also be a promising option in areas with restrictions to herbicide application, such us organic agriculture and peri-urban areas.

La masiva adopción del sistema de siembra directa y la utilización de cultivares de soja tolerantes a glifosato, generó una alta dependencia de herbicidas de amplio espectro para el control de malezas. El incremento en los costos de los herbicidas y la creciente concientización sobre cuestiones ambientales, impulsa la necesidad de encontrar alternativas de manejo de malezas que reduzcan el uso del control químico. Los cultivos de cobertura (CC) constituyen una práctica con potencial para reducir el uso de herbicidas en postemergencia de soja y a su vez minimizar el impacto ambiental. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: evaluar el efecto de diferentes CC, métodos de secado y programas de control químico de malezas sobre la dinámica del agua, impacto ambiental y el rendimiento del cultivo de soja. Se estudiaron tres CC, dos métodos de secado (químico vs mecánico) y dos programas de control de malezas en un Argiudol típico. Se evaluó el agua útil (AU) del suelo, la productividad del cultivo de soja y el coeficiente de impacto ambiental (EIQ). Al momento de secado los CC tuvieron un 35% menos de AU, mientras que a la siembra de la soja el contenido de AU fue un 16% mayor respecto del barbecho sin CC. Por la inclusión de CC y el secado mediante el rolado el valor de EIQ se redujo más de un 70% respecto del barbecho sin reducir el rendimiento de soja. Este sistema permitiría un uso más sustentable de los recursos naturales y además sería una opción promisoria en áreas con restricciones en la aplicación de herbicidas (agricultura orgánica y zonas periurbanas).

Abstract Aim: To examine body composition of Chilean powerlifters according to body mass and sex. Methods: Fifty-six male and female powerlifters were recruited from one national competition. Aside from the official weight categories, males were classified as the lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight classes. Similarly, females were classified as lightweight and middle-heavyweight classes. Nineteen anthropometric measures were assessed, with lean mass as the main outcome. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare groups. Results: Male lightweight class lifted less (p<0.01) total load (417±30.9 kg) compared to heavier male classes (524±66.7 kg, middleweight; 581±131 kg, heavyweight), and female classes lifted less (p<0.01) total load (221±33.8 kg, lightweight; 254±48.3 kg, middleweight-heavyweight) compared to all male classes. Regarding lean-mass in trunk, arms and legs, total body protein, water, and mineral mass, all male groups had greater (p<0.01) values than the groups of females, while lightweight males had lower (p<0.01) values than the rest of male groups, and heavyweight males had greater (p<0.01) values than the total sample of males (except for legs lean mass, and total bone mineral content). In females, no significant differences were observed between classes, or in total load lifted or in body composition. Conclusion: Heavier male lifters had significantly greater lean mass than lighter athletes. Therefore, powerlifting performance was affected by anthropometric measures, as corroborated by 1-RM scores. However, there was a general lack of differences in body composition between female weight classes, and, as a result, a lack of differences in 1RM performance.

Background: Physical inactivity is an important cardiovascular risk factor. Aim: To investigate the association of physical inactivity with obesity, metabolic markers, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and metabolic syndrome in Chilean adults. Material and Methods: Participants from the National Health Survey 2009-10 (n = 5,157) were included in this study. Body mass index, waist circumference, metabolic markers (blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile) were the outcomes. Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome were determined using international criteria. Physical activity levels were determined using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and physical inactivity was defined as < 600 METs/minutes/week. Results: Compared to their physically active peers, inactive men and women had a higher odds ratio (OR) for obesity (OR: 1.77 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.29-2.42], p < 0.01 and 1.25 [95% CI: 102-1.54], p < 0.035, respectively), diabetes (OR: 2.47 [1.80-3.38], p < 0.01 and 1.72 [1.35-2.19], p = 0.002, respectively) and hypertension (OR: 1.66 [1.31-2.09], p < 0.01 and 1.83 [1.54-2.18] respectively. An association of physical inactivity with central obesity and metabolic syndrome was observed only in men (OR: 1.92 [1.42- 2.58], p < 0.01 and 1.74 [1.23-2.47], p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Not meeting the physical activity recommendations is associated with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome, which are important cardiovascular risk factors.

Background Physical inactivity and obesity are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Aim To investigate whether if the association between obesity and diabetes is modified by levels of physical activity in the Chilean population. Material and Methods Cross-sectional study including 4,712 participants from the 2009-2010 National Health Survey. Diabetes was determined when participants referred having the disease or had a fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl. Physical activity level was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. The association between diabetes, obesity and physical activity was determined using logistic regression analysis. Results Compare to active and normal weight subjects (reference group), the risk for T2D was higher in active individuals with overweight (Odds ratio (OR): 2.85 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.76- 4.61] p < 0.01). The risk among inactive but normal weight participants (OR: 2.12 [95% CI: 1.49- 3.01], p < 0.01) was of lower magnitude and was even higher among inactive and overweight individuals (OR: 3.22 [95% CI: 2.10 – 4.93], p < 0.01). Similar results were found for obesity and central obesity. Conclusions Individuals who are physically inactive and have a high adiposity level have an increased risk for T2D compared to active individuals with normal BMI.

Background: Sedentary behavior is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Aim: To investigate whether the associations between sedentary behavior and cardiometabolic markers differs across physical activity levels. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study of 314 participants aged 18 to 65 years. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured, and body fat was derived from the sum of four skinfolds. Physical activity was measured objectively using accelerometers (Actigraph GT1M, USA®). A fasting blood sample was obtained to measure glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profile and high sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP). Those participants with an activity level > 600 MET.min-1.week-1 were classified as physically active. Results: Thirty four percent of participants were physically inactive and spent an average of 8.7 h.day-1 in sedentary pursuits. Physically inactive individuals had poorer cardiometabolic health than their physically active counterparts. Per one hour decrease in overall sedentary behavior, there was a significant improvement in glucose (-8.46 and -4.68 mg.dl-1), insulin (-2.12 and -1.77 pmol.l-1), HOMA-IR (-0.81 and -0.56) BMI (-0.93 and -0.62 kg.m-2) and waist circumference (-2.32 and -1.65 cm) in physically active and inactive participants, respectively. Conclusions: Being physically active may modify the detrimental effects of sedentary behavior on cardiometabolic and obesity-related traits.

In this area was applied three doses of selenium and zinc (0.0; 1.0 and 1.5 cc), under a (DCA) in factorial arrangement (3 x 2) + (3 x 2) in order to analyze the effect of the level of additional mineral supplement micro (Selenium, Zinc) to the diet on the raised variables, weight and fiber diameter of alpacas. Results revealed statistical differences for treatment: selenium doses, age, Zinc doses, Zinc interaction for ages. For this, the treatment 4 (Se1E2) with 74.33 kg to 90 days to cross height (Zn1E2) with 91.33 cm average. The length fiber into treatments 3 (Se1E1) and 4 (Se1E2) with 3 cm average. For fiber diameter on treatments 1 (Se0E1) Treatment 3 (Se1E1) of group 1, treatments 8 (Zn0E2) and 9 (Zn1E1) which group 2 charged better fiber quality with 28 microns average. It was confirmed an beneficial effect on live weight and fiber quality in mature animals for mineral supply with Se and Zn con los microelements, that improved the production phenotypical characteristics like weight, but it was manifested minerals urine residuality in 3-5 years old animals.

Con el objetivo de analizar el efecto del nivel de suplemento de microminerales adicionales a la dieta sobre las variables alzada peso y diámetro de la fibra de alpacas, se evaluó la aplicación de tres dosis de selenio y zinc (0,0; 1,0 y 1,5 cc), bajo un (DCA) en arreglo factorial (3 x 2) + (3 x 2). Los resultados mostraron diferencias estadísticas para tratamientos: dosis de selenio, edades, dosis de zinc, edades y para la interacción zinc por edades (Se1E2 con 74,33 kg a los 90 días para alzada a la cruz, Zn1E2 con un promedio de 91,33 cm). La longitud de la fibra los tratamientos Se1E1 y Se1E2 con promedio de 3 cm. Para el diámetro de la fibra los tratamientos 1 (Se0E1) y tratamiento Se1E1 del grupo 1 y los tratamientos Zn0E2 y Zn1E1 del grupo 2 mostraron mejor calidad de la fibra (P < 0,05), con promedios de 28 micras. Se confirmó un efecto beneficioso en el peso vivo, calidad de la fibra en animales maduros de la suplementación con los microelementos Se y Zn, que mejoró las características fenotípicas de producción como el peso vivo, aunque manifestó residualidad en la orina de los animales de 3 a 5 años de edad.

Background: A high level of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important protector against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Aim: To explore the association of CRF with several metabolic markers and estimate the variation of these parameters by an increase of 1 MET change in CRF. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study of 447 adults (56% women) without medical history of cardiometabolic diseases. Physical activity evaluated using accelerometry, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood glucose and insulin and lipid profile were measured. HOMA-IR was calculated with fasting glucose and insulin levels. The submaximal Chester Step Test was used to measure CRF. Results: CRF was significantly associated with the level and intensity of physical activity, and all metabolic markers (p-trend < 0.05), except with diastolic blood pressure. It was estimated that 1-MET increase in CRF is associated with waist circumference (β -0.32 cm), fat mass (β -0.22%), insulin (β -0.67 pmol.l-1), HOMA-IR (β -0.17) and HDL cholesterol (β +1.46 mg.dl-1). All these associations were independent of main covariates such as age, sex, education, smoking and body mass index. Conclusions: A higher level of CRF is inversely associated with several metabolic markers that are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Hydatidosis is endemic and enzootic disease in Chile. Previous national studies of seroprevalence showed a rate of 135 x10(5), corresponding to approximately 17,000 infected persons. The prevalence of human hydatidosis shows a declining tendency in recent years except in Regions IV, VI, and IX of Chile. Region IV presents higher rates of infection in bovine, ovine, and caprine livestock. A human study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence in Region IV (Coquimbo), zone extended between 29º 02' and 32º 16' South latitude. A total of 4,632 blood samples were collected in the provinces of Elqui, Limari, and Choapa. The sample size correspond to approximately 3% of the rural population of the area in the study. Whole blood samples were collected using filter paper and blood was obtained from the tip of middle finger. ELISA IgG test was used to determine antibodies against E. granulosus. The samples were analyzed in two laboratories at the same time. The antigen was prepared from ovine hydatid cysts. The fluid was collected aseptically, centrifuged at 12,000 g in one laboratory and in the other one, fraction B (Oriol antigen) was used. A seroprevalence of 2,500 x 10(5) was determined. This rate is significantly higher than the national one 1.65 x 10(5), and the regional rate 6.73 x 10(5) notified in 2004. The rural areas surveyed in the study included mainly cattle farmers. The seroprevalence observed in Limari and Choapa provinces were higher than in Elqui province. The differences may be due to differences in the economic and laboral make-up of the provinces. Further studies are necessary to identify human patients and confirm the infection using additional immunological diagnosis (e.g Western blot) and clinical evaluation with imaging characterization of the patients

Estudio previos de seroprevalencia de hidatidosis en Chile, realizados en sectores urbanos y rurales encontraron una tasa de 135 x 10(5), con una estimación probable de 17.002 personas infectadas. En los últimos años la prevalencia humana y animal ha tendido a disminuir en todas las regiones del país, excepto en la IV, VI y IX. Entre ellas destaca la IV Región por mostrar las mayores alzas, tanto en el ganado ovino como en el caprino. Con el objeto de contribuir al conocimiento actual de la hidatidosis humana, se estudió la prevalencia serológica en comunidades rurales ganaderas de la IV Región de Coquimbo con el fin de que dichos resultados sirvan de base para la aplicación de programas de control en la zona. Se estudiaron 4.632 muestras de habitantes de las provincias de Elqui, Limarí y Choapa. La selección del grupo se efectuó por muestreo aleatorio sistemático representativo de la región, según localidades y equivalentes al 3% de la población rural total de la IV Región. Las muestras de sangre obtenidas del pulpejo del dedo medio, fueron colectadas en papel filtro, según las normas bioéticas, estando supeditado al consentimiento de las personas. A cada eluído se les efectuó ELISA IgG. En forma paralela en dos laboratorios de rutina de inmunodiagnóstico parasitológico. Como antígeno se usó líquido hidatídico hepático ovino, aislado en forma estéril, centrifugado a 12.000 g en un laboratorio y en el otro el antígeno estuvo constituido por la fracción B o antígeno de Oriol. La seroprevalencia de la hidatidosis encontrada en comunidades rurales ganaderas de la IV Región de Coquimbo, alcanzó a un 2,5%. La tasa global encontrada en la IV Región equivale a una prevalencia estimada de 2.500 x 10(5), cifra notablemente superior a la tasa de 1,65 x 10(5) a nivel nacional y de 6,73 x 10(5) para la Región de Coquimbo notificadas en el 2004. Las prevalencias encontradas para las provincias de Limarí y Choapa, fueron superiores, en forma significativa, al número de infectados encontrados para la Provincia del Elqui, diferencia que podría ser explicada debido al tipo de actividades económicas y laborales. Las altas tasas encontradas son el reflejo de lo que sucede en comunas rurales, donde la escasa educación sanitaria y el inadecuado faenamiento y conservación de las carnes, son factores de riesgo para que un importante número de perros puedan infectarse. Debido a que los resultados obtenidos, se basaron en un screening seroepidemiológico, es importante considerar el estudio de los casos positivos a nivel serológico - en suero y con técnicas confirmatorias como Western blott - junto con un estudio clínico e imagenológico