Effect of root planing on surface topography: an in-vivo randomized experimental trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The root surface topography exerts a major influence on clinical attachment and bacterial recolonization after root planing. In-vitro topographic studies have yielded variable results, and clinical studies are necessary to compare root surface topography after planing with current ultrasonic devices and with traditional manual instrumentation. The aim of this study was to compare the topography of untreated single-rooted teeth planed in vivo with a curette, a piezoelectric ultrasonic (PU) scraper or a vertically oscillating ultrasonic (VOU) scraper. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a randomized experimental trial of 19 patients, 44 single-rooted teeth were randomly assigned to one of four groups for: no treatment; manual root planing with a curette; root planing with a PU scraper; or root planing with a VOU scraper. Post-treatment, the teeth were extracted and their topography was analyzed in 124 observations with white-light confocal microscopy, measuring the roughness parameters arithmetic average height, root-mean-square roughness, maximum height of peaks, maximum depth of valleys, absolute height, skewness and kurtosis. RESULTS: The roughness values arithmetic average height and root-mean-square roughness were similar after each treatment and lower than after no treatment ( p < 0.05). Absolute height was lower in the VOU group than in the untreated ( p = 0.0026) and PU (p = 0.045) groups. Surface morphology was similar after the three treatments and was less irregular than in the untreated group. Values for the remaining roughness parameters were similar among all treatment groups ( p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both ultrasonic devices reduce the roughness, producing a similar topography to that observed after manual instrumentation with a curette, to which they appear to represent a valid alternative.

Recognizing odd smells and ejection of brood parasitic eggs. An experimental test in magpies of a novel defensive trait against brood parasitism.

One of the most important defensive host traits against brood parasitism is the detection and ejection of parasitic eggs from their nests. Here, we explore the possible role of olfaction in this defensive behaviour. We performed egg-recognition tests in magpie Pica pica nests with model eggs resembling those of parasitic great spotted cuckoos Clamator glandarius. In one of the experiment, experimental model eggs were exposed to strong or moderate smell of tobacco smoke, whereas those of a third group (control) were cleaned with disinfecting wipes and kept in boxes containing odourless cotton. Results showed that model eggs with strong tobacco scent were more frequently ejected compared with control ones. In another experiment, models were smeared with scents from cloacal wash from magpies (control), cloacal wash or uropygial secretions from cuckoos, or human scents. This experiment resulted in a statistically significant effect of treatment in unparasitized magpie nests in which control model eggs handled by humans were more often rejected. These results provide the first evidence that hosts of brood parasites use their olfactory ability to detect and eject foreign eggs from their nests. These findings may have important consequences for handling procedures of experimental eggs used in egg-recognition tests, in addition to our understanding of interactions between brood parasites and their hosts.

[New spirometric reference equations for healthy Chilean adults]. / Proposición de nuevas ecuaciones para calcular valores espirométricos de referencia en población chilena adulta: Sociedad Chilena de Enfermedades Respiratorias (SER).

BACKGROUND: To correctly interpret spirometric results, reference values should come from the same population. Current spirometric reference equations have been under scrutiny due to deficiencies to fit adequately for Chilean population, specially, for those aged over 65 years old. AIM: To develop new spirometric reference values for Chilean adults, based on national studies in which spirometries were performed in healthy non-smoker adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A standardized database of spirometric values was developed combining spirometric data collected from five population-based studies, in which healthy nonsmoker adults participated. Spirometries from 448 males aged 19 to 84 years and from 726 females aged 19 to 94 years, obtained according to guidelines from the American Thoracic and European Respiratory Societies, were analyzed. Using multiple regression models, which included height, gender, and age, the theoretical value and inferior limits of normality were calculated for 1st second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF25-75). RESULTS: Reference values and lower limits of normality (LLN) were constructed for Chilean adults of both genders. The new proposed set of equations had a better fit, when compared with the current reference values used in Chile. CONCLUSIONS: The new spirometric references values derived from this study, fit better than currently used ones. Therefore, they should be used as new references values for Chilean adults.

Demonstration of event position reconstruction based on diffusion in the NEXT-white detector.

Noble element time projection chambers are a leading technology for rare event detection in physics, such as for dark matter and neutrinoless double beta decay searches. Time projection chambers typically assign event position in the drift direction using the relative timing of prompt scintillation and delayed charge collection signals, allowing for reconstruction of an absolute position in the drift direction. In this paper, alternate methods for assigning event drift distance via quantification of electron diffusion in a pure high pressure xenon gas time projection chamber are explored. Data from the NEXT-White detector demonstrate the ability to achieve good position assignment accuracy for both high- and low-energy events. Using point-like energy deposits from 83mKr calibration electron captures (E∼45 keV), the position of origin of low-energy events is determined to 2 cm precision with bias <1mm. A convolutional neural network approach is then used to quantify diffusion for longer tracks (E≥1.5 MeV), from radiogenic electrons, yielding a precision of 3 cm on the event barycenter. The precision achieved with these methods indicates the feasibility energy calibrations of better than 1% FWHM at Qßß in pure xenon, as well as the potential for event fiducialization in large future detectors using an alternate method that does not rely on primary scintillation.

[Advance health care directives as seen by surgical patients]. / Patientenverfügung aus der Sicht des chirurgischen Patienten.

BACKGROUND: Progressive health care implies progress also in physician/patient interaction, especially with regard to moribund patients and their relatives. Advance health care directives emerged from the desire to influence medical treatment even in borderline situations. In spite of the present political and public discussions in Germany, advance directives are rarely of much importance in everyday surgical practice. By means of questionnaires, this study aimed at the frequency of advance directives among the patients of a surgical hospital and at related influencing factors. METHODS: Between August 2007 and January 2008, 450 patients at our hospital were interviewed, prior to scheduled surgery, on the topic of advance health care directives by means of anonymous questionnaires. In addition to questions about the existence of or the intention to draw up advance directives, the study focussed particularly on the relationship between patient and attending physician. Patient-specific and sociodemographic data were collected as well. RESULTS: Of the patients interviewed, 16.7% stated they had drawn up advance directives, while 21.3% did not know about the possibility of drawing up such a document. A mere 9.7% of the patients interviewed saw no need for such directives, whereas the majority (65.3%) considered it an option. Among the factors influencing the drawing up of advance directives, age and prior experience with severe disease figured significantly. Of the patients interviewed, 64.8% wished for more information on the topic of advance health care directives and health care proxies. The wish was expressed by 80.1% of patients that the attending surgeon mention the topic prior to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although the proportion of patients that draw up advance health care directives continues to be less than one fifth, surgical patients have a great need for information regarding the topic. Surgical hospital personnel should also set themselves to this task.

[Patient advanced directives from the perspective of surgery patients-new aspects and aims : Living wills of patients before planned surgery]. / Patientenverfügungen aus Sicht des chirurgischen Patienten ­ neue Aspekte und Ziele : Einstellungen und Verbreitungsgrad vorsorglicher Willensbekundungen von Patienten vor geplanten Operationen.

BACKGROUND: Patient advance directives and other forms of precautionary medical provisions have arisen from patients' determination to influence and decide about medical treatment even in extreme situations. Although this topic is very present in the media, clinical experience indicates that the majority of patients are not yet aware of this subject. This current investigation aimed to collect data about the familiarity and degree of distribution of patient medical advance directives. Furthermore, it was examined how a routine question concerning patient's provisions in a preoperative setting is perceived by the patients and from which source information about this topic should be provided. METHODS: Between April 2017 and October 2017 a total of 200 patients were randomly selected prior to planned surgery and interviewed anonymously using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the patients surveyed 78.8% stated that they knew about the possibility of patient advance directives. Of the patients interviewed 26.3% stated they had drawn up an advance directive, 20.7% had a precautionary power of attorney and 12.3% had signed a care directive. Among the influencing factors in drawing up an advance directive, age, as well as familial and disease-related causes, were identified as significant factors. The overwhelming majority of respondents (77.6%) wished to be approached on the subject of precautionary medical provisions before a planned operation. CONCLUSION: Despite an increasing proportion of patients who have drawn up an advance directive, there is still a great need for information on the subject. Doctors should address patients on the topic before planned interventions.

Growth Modeling of Aspergillus niger Strains Isolated from Citrus Fruit as a Function of Temperature on a Synthetic Medium from Lime (Citrus latifolia T.) Pericarp.

Molds are responsible for postharvest spoilage of citrus fruits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature on growth rate and the time to visible growth of Aspergillus niger strains isolated from citrus fruits. The growth of these strains was studied on agar lime medium (AL) at different temperatures, and growth rate was estimated using the Baranyi and Roberts model (Int. J. Food Microbiol. 23:277-294, 1994). The Rosso et al. cardinal model with inflexion (L. Rosso, J. R. Lobry, S. Bajard, and J. P. Flandrois, J. Theor. Biol. 162:447-463, 1993) was used as a secondary model to describe the effect of temperature on growth rate and the lag phase. We hypothesized that the same model could be used to calculate the time for the mycelium to become visible (tv) by substituting the lag phase (1/λ and 1/λopt) with the time to visible colony (1/tv-opt and 1/tv), respectively, in the Rosso et al. MODEL: High variability was observed at suboptimal conditions. Extremes of temperature of growth for A. niger seem to have a normal variability. For the growth rate and time tv, the model was satisfactorily compared with results of previous studies. An external validation was performed in lime fruits; the bias and accuracy factors were 1.3 and 1.5, respectively, for growth rate and 0.24 and 3.72, respectively, for the appearance time. The discrepancy may be due to the influence of external factors. A. niger grows significantly more slowly on lime fruit than in culture medium, probably because the nutrients are more easily available in medium than in fruits, where the peel consistency may be a physical barrier. These findings will help researchers understand the postharvest behavior of mold on lime fruits, host-pathogen interactions, and environmental conditions infecting fruit and also help them develop guidelines for future work in the field of predictive mycology to improve models for control of postharvest fungi.

Liquid preservation of canine granulocytes obtained by counterflow centrifugation-elutriation.

Granulocytes (PMN) were isolated from 120 ml of canine whole blood by a modification of the counterflow centrifugation-elutriation technique. Isolated cell suspensions of 96% granulocytes and 4% mononuclear leukocytes with a 21:1 PMN/RBC ratio were stored at 4 degrees C in 4:4:2 medium consisting of four parts HBSS minus Ca++ and Mg++, four parts MEM, twp parts autologous plasma, and 20 microgram/ml gentamicin for 15 days. Granulocytes were stored at concentrations of approximately 4 x 10(6) PMN/ml in polypropylene centrifuge tubes. The stored granulocyte suspensions were assayed in vitro 0, 1, 4, 8, and 15 days to monitor chemotaxis, bacterial growth inhibition, O2 consumption associated with phagocytosis, and enzyme activities. Cell volume analysis was used to evaluate cellular integrity of the liquid-stored granulocytes. Canine granulocytes isolated by the modified dilution technique of counterflow centrifugation-elutriation can be preserved for up to 15 days with 77 +/- 6% granulocyte survival with maintenance of morphological and organelle integrity, as well as retention of in vitro functions of recognition, migration, phagocytosis, and killing of gram-negative bacteria.

Improved technique for increased granulocyte recovery from canine whole blood samples by counterflow centrifugation-elutriation. I. In vitro analysis.

Granulocytes were isolated from 120 ml of canine whole blood by a modification in counterflow centrifugation-elutriation technique. The leukocytes were concentrated in a buffy coat fraction and diluted to a fixed RBC density prior to entry into the rotor. Overall recovery of granulocytes from canine whole blood averaged 82% with 96% purity from contaminating mononuclear leukocytes. The purified cellular fraction was assayed in vitro to monitor O2 consumption, chemotaxis, bacterial growth inhibition, and enzyme activities. Cellular integrity was monitored by scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as by cell volume analysis. The data suggest that the granulocytes isolated by counterflow centrifugation-elutriation suffered no noticeable morphological damage or loss of function in terms of recognition of a toxic agent, migration, phagocytosis, or bactericidal capacity. Granulocytes isolated by counterflow centrifugation-elutriation may be physiologically more active than cells obtained by filtration leukapheresis, continuous-flow centrifugal leukapheresis or discontinuous flow centrifugation both in vitro and in vivo.

Granulocyte isolation by counterflow centrifugation-elutriation of canine blood obtained by continuous-flow centrifugation leukapheresis.

Granulocytes have been isolated by counterflow centrifugation-elutriation (CCE) from canine leukocyte-rich blood obtained by continuous-flow centrifugation leukapheresis (CFCL). We have attempted to define both the maximal granulocyte recovery and the efficiency of granulocyte purification for the Beckman JE6 elutriation rotor when large volumes of leukocyte rich blood are utilized. The efficiency of granulocyte purification by CCE is 81% (1.31 +/- 0.1 x 10(9) PMNL) if the number of granulocytes entered into the Beckman JE-6 rotor as leukocyte rich blood is limited to 1.60 +/- 0.13 x 10(9) PMNL. Approximately 96 +/- 2% of the leukocytes in the purified fraction were of the granulocytic series with mononuclear leukocytes comprising the residual 4% of the cell population. In vitro analysis of the isolated granulocytes indicated that the cells did not lose their morphological integrity or physiological function as a result of the dual CFCL/CCE procedure relative to granulocytes isolated by CCE from freshly drawn peripheral blood.

Horse red blood cells frozen with 20% (w/v) glycerol and stored at -150 C for five years.

When equine RBC were frozen with 20% (w/v) glycerol and stored at -150 C for as long as 5 years, there were no adverse effects on freeze-thaw or freeze-thaw-wash recovery or oxygen transport function. The manner in which the glycerol was added to, and removed from, the equine RBC was shown to be an important consideration in ensuring optimal freeze-thaw-wash recovery values.

Rhesus macaque red blood cells frozen with 40% glycerol and stored at -80 C.

Red blood cells of rhesus macaques cryopreserved with 40% (w/v) glycerol and stored at -80 C had freeze-thaw-wash recovery values of 87%, 24-hour posttransfusion survival values of 85%, and life-span values of 13 days. Liquid and freezing methods of preserving RBC were studied in the macaques.

Liquid preservation of baboon red blood cells in acid-citrate-dextrose or citrate-phosphate-dextrose anticoagulant: effects of washing liquid-stored red blood cells.

Autologous baboon RBC stored at 4 C in acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD) or in citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) for 3 weeks after collection had 24-hour 51Cr posttransfusion survival values of about 77%. When 20-day-old ACD and CPD baboon RBC were washed and then stored at 4 C for 24 hours before autotransfusion, the 24-hour 51Cr posttransfusion survival values were about 81%. These values were similar to those seen in studies of human RBC preserved in an identical manner. Our results indicated that the baboon can be used to evaluate RBC preservation techniques before human volunteers are studied.

Measurement of red blood cell volume, plasma volume, and total blood volume in baboons.

Red blood cell volume was measured directly in baboons by infusion of 51Cr-labeled autologous RBC, and was indirectly estimated from the plasma volume measured with 125I-labeled albumin and the total body hematocrit. The total body hematocrit was calculated from the peripheral venous hematocrit multiplied by a correction factor; for nonanemic baboons the correction factor was 0.87, and for anemic baboons, 0.75. Within 2 weeks after the phlebotomy (150 ml of blood), the baboon's RBC volume was restored to normal. Posttransfusion survival of baboon RBC can be measured accurately in nonanemic baboons; the preserved RBC can be labeled with 51Cr and the RBC volume of the baboon can be measured indirectly from the plasma volume measured with 125I-labeled albumin and the total body hematocrit.

Freeze-preserved baboon red blood cells: effects of biochemical modification and perfusion in vitro.

Nonrejuvenated and rejuvenated baboon RBC were freeze-preserved with 40% (w/v) glycerol at -80 C. To prepare rejuvenated RBC, a 50-ml solution containing pyruvate, inosine, glucose, phosphate, and adenine was used and RBC were incubated with this solution before glycerolization and freezing. Appropriate steps were taken to minimize osmotic damage to the RBC during glycerolization and deglycerolization. Nonrejuvenated and rejuvenated cryopreserved RBC had freeze-thaw recovery values of 98%, freeze-thaw-wash recovery values of 92%, and 24-hour post-transfusion survival values of 85%. Some units of cryopreserved RBC were autotransfused after thawing, washing, and storage at 4 C for 24 hours. Other units were perfused in vitro before autotransfusion. After 24 hours of postwash storage, the RBC were concentrated by centrifugation and suspended in a plasma protein fraction and/or an electrolyte solution, and then were exposed to extracorporeal perfusion. Serious adverse effects were not observed on posttransfusion survival, function, or hemolysis in nonrejuvenated or rejuvenated baboon RBC as a result of perfusion in vitro.

¿Constituyen los cannabinoides una alternativa terapéutica para insomnio? / Do cannabinoids constitute a therapeutic alternative for insomnia?

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se ha planteado que la estimulación del sueño con cannabinoides podría constituir una alternativa terapéutica en pacientes con insomnio. MÉTODOS: Para responder esta pregunta utilizamos Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, reanalizamos los datos de los estudios primarios y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Identificamos ocho revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyen tres estudios primarios, de los cuales dos corresponden a ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que no está claro si los cannabinoides tienen un efecto en la severidad del insomnio o en la calidad del sueño; que podrían no tener efecto en la conciliación del sueño, despertar del sueño ni comportamiento durante vigilia, y probablemente se asocian a efectos adversos frecuentes.

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that cannabinoids would constitute a therapeutic alternative for patients with insomnia. METHODS: To answer this question we used Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified eight systematic reviews including three studies overall, of which two were randomized trials. We concluded it is not clear whether cannabinoids have an effect on insomnia severity or on sleep quality; that they might have no effect on sleep conciliation, sleep awakening or behavior during wakefulness, and are probably associated with frequent adverse effects.

[Validity and reliability of the personalised nursing care index in a hospital medical unit]. / Validez y fiabilidad del índice de personalización de cuidados en una unidad médica hospitalaria.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the validity and reliability of the personalised nursing care index (PNCI). METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out in the Puerta del Mar Hospital (Cádiz) of the Andalusian Health Service, which included all patients admitted to an Internal Medicine ward from May 2007 to July 2008. A descriptive analysis was performed on the population included in the study. Furthermore, reliability was analysed with the 20-Kuder-Richardson coefficient and a correlation matrix between PNCI items; and validity via a maximum likelihood factorial analysis, and a ROC curve to determine sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: A total of 219 people were included in the survey, of whom 74.4% were patients and 26.6% caregivers. The percentages of males and females were similar with a mean age of 62.5 years and 48.4% finished basic school education. The 20-Kuder-Richarson value was 0.835; and a positive correlation between items, which corresponded to 3 groups of items (factors). The maximum likelihood factorial analysis confirmed the 3 items-factor groups with a Promax rotation due to the high correlation between them. The maximum explained variance was 91.42%. The ROC curve area was 90.1% with a cut-off point of 8, for a sensitivity of 79.9% and a specificity of 90.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The PCNI is reliable, with the internal consistency coefficient value in between an optimum range. Furthermore, factors obtained from the matrix correlation inter-items were confirmed with a factorial analysis, resulting in a high explained variance. The curve ROC area is excellent compared to the gold standard, considered as the perception of confidence relationship.

Linfoma No-Hodgkin y pancreatitis aguda en gestante: reporte de caso / Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and acute pancreatitis in pregnant women: case report

ANTECEDENTES: El linfoma no Hodgkin durante el embarazo es una entidad rara, el tipo difuso de células grandes es aún menos frecuente y se caracteriza por una alta tasa de progresión tumoral con poca expresión clínica. Su diagnóstico y tratamiento representan un reto clínico debido a la baja incidencia de la enfermedad y a las posibles repercusiones fetales a causa del tratamiento. CASO CLÍNICO: Gestante secundípara de 31 años que ingresa por cuadro de dolor abdominal y cifras elevadas de lactato deshidrogenasa. Durante la gestación precisa varios ingresos por pancreatitis aguda de repetición y cuadro de colestasis intrahepática. Tras el parto evoluciona tórpidamente con aparición de edema en esclavina en cuello y miembros superiores, siendo diagnosticada de gran masa torácica cuya biopsia es informada como Linfoma No Hodgkin tipo B difuso de células grandes primario mediastinal. Se administran dos ciclos de tratamiento quimioterápico tras lo cual remite completamente la enfermedad. Se induce el parto con prostaglandinas intravaginal, con recién nacido de 3350 gramos y APGAR 8/10. Tras un año la paciente permanece en remisión completa.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a rare entity; the diffuse large cell lymphoma is still less common, and it has a high rate of tumor progression with a little clinical expression. Diagnosis and treatment is a huge challenge due to the low incidence of the condition and to the possible fetal effects because of the treatment. CLINICAL CASE: A 31-year-old woman -in her second delivery- was admitted with abdominal pain and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels. During pregnancy, she was required several admissions reporting repeated acute pancreatitis and intrahepatic cholestasis. After delivery, it evolves into facial and upper extremity oedema, diagnosed with a large chest mass, resulting in the diagnosis of primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma through the biopsy. The disease goes into remission completely after two cycles of chemotherapy treatments are given. Labor is induced with intravaginal prostaglandins, with a newborn of 3350 g and Apgar 8/10. After a year, the patient remains in complete remission.

Prácticas de liderazgo y su relación con la cultura en un grupo de países latinoamericanos / Leadership practices and its relationship with the culture in a group of latin american countries

El propósito de este estudio fue analizar, a través del MLQ 5X, los perfiles de liderazgo de 167 directivos de cuatro países latinoamericanos (Perú, Venezuela, Ecuador y Colombia), para observar si a pesar de la similitud cultural se presentan diferencias en los patrones de liderazgo. Se compararon estos perfiles con los obtenidos por otros autores en regiones culturalmente distintas, para finalmente confrontar los resultados con los de otra muestra colombiana. Se evidenciaron diferencias significativas en liderazgo, tanto entre países culturalmente distintos, como entre los mismos países latinoamericanos, a pesar de su similitud cultural. Finalmente, la muestra de directivos de este estudio difiere significativamente de la otra muestra colombiana, respecto a algunas variables del MLQ. Se discuten esos hallazgos.

The aim of this study was to analyze, by using the MLQ5X, the leadership profiles of 167 managers from four Latin American countries (Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia), to see if there are different patterns of leadership despite cultural similarities. Likewise, these profiles were compared with results obtained by other authors from different regions. Finally, these results were compared with another Colombian sample. Significant differences in leadership were found, both in culturally different countries and in Latin American countries, despite their cultural similarities. Finally, the sample of managers in this study differs significantly from the other Colombian sample, in some variables of the MLQ. These findings are discussed.

La silicosis: ¿un problema de salud pública prioritario para Chile? / Silicosis: a relevant public health issue in Chile?

Work related diseases and common diseases are covered by separated health systems in Chile. Chilean Ministry of Health focuses on common diseases, making work related diseases almost absent from public health policies. In this article current national and international information about the magnitude and impact of silicosis is reviewed. Although the quality of the national information is suboptimal, it is possible to estimate in several hundreds of thousands the number of workers exposed to silica dust, tens of thousands those under medical surveillance and thousands those currently affected by the disease. Albeit, additional efforts need to be made to estimate the burden of this disease on the Chilean population, information gathered in this article suggests that it is a relevant public health issue, deserving more importance among public policies in our country.

Las enfermedades comunes y laborales son atendidas en distintos sistemas de aseguramiento de la salud en Chile. Las políticas públicas emanadas del Ministerio de Salud se enfocan en las enfermedades comunes, relegando a un rol secundario a aquellas ocasionadas por la actividad laboral de las personas. En este artículo, los autores revisan información actualizada tanto nacional como internacional con el fin de determinar si la silicosis constituye un problema de salud relevante. Aunque la calidad de la información nacional no es óptima, su revisión permite estimar que son cientos de miles los trabajadores expuestos a sílice cristalina, que hay varias decenas de miles bajo vigilancia médica y que son más de mil los portadores de la enfermedad. Si bien es necesario hacer mayores esfuerzos para estimar la carga que esta patología representa para la sociedad chilena, la información recopilada indica que constituye un problema de salud pública relevante que debiera tener mayor protagonismo en las políticas públicas de nuestro país.