RESUMO

Quantification and evaluation of the spatiotemporal changes in soil quality is important to understand soil degradation mechanisms and restore the damaged land productivity. However, the effects of coal mining subsidence on the spatial and temporal characteristics of soil quality are not well understood. We investigated the contents of pH, organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NN), ammonia nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), total potassium (TK), cation exchange capacity (CEC), sucrase activity (SA), urease activity (UA), phosphatase activity (PA), catalase activity (CA) and dehydrogenase activity (DA) in the coal mining subsided area. The results showed that the contents of TN, NN, AN, TP, AK, TK, SA, UA, PA, CA and DA exhibited significant (P < 0.05) differences among the four seasons. Compared with the upper layer (0-20 cm), the lower layer (20-40 cm) contained higher contents of AN, NN, TN, TP and TK but lower contents of SA, UA, PA, CA and DA. The NN, AP, TP, AK and UA were identified as key indicators in the minimum dataset using principal component analysis. The seasonal changes of soil quality index (SQI) were in the following order: winter (0.707), spring (0.681), summer (0.616), and autumn (0.563). The spatial changes of SQI were highest for middle slope position 3 (0.508), followed by lower slope position 4 (0.507), top slope position 1 (0.446), upper slope position 2 (0.442), and bottom slope position 5 (0.437). Based on these spatiotemporal changes in soil quality, it was suggested that the application of multiple land use types may be a useful method for land reclamation and the interest of local farmers in the coal mining subsided area.

A quantificação e avaliação das mudanças espaço-temporais na qualidade do solo são importantes para compreender os mecanismos de degradação do solo e restaurar a produtividade da terra danificada. Contudo, os efeitos da subsidência da mineração de carvão nas características espaciais e temporais da qualidade do solo não são bem compreendidos. Foram investigados os teores de pH, matéria orgânica (MO), nitrogênio total (NT), nitrogênio nitrato (NN), nitrogênio amoniacal (AN), fósforo total (TP), fósforo disponível (FA), potássio disponível (AK), total potássio (TK), capacidade de troca catiônica (CEC), atividade de sacarase (SA), atividade de urease (UA), atividade de fosfatase (PA), atividade de catalase (CA) e atividade de desidrogenase (DA) na área subsidiada de mineração de carvão. Os resultados mostraram que os teores de TN, NN, AN, TP, AK, TK, SA, UA, PA, CA e DA apresentaram diferenças significativas (P < 0,05) entre as quatro estações. Comparada com a camada superior (0-20 cm), a camada inferior (20-40 cm) continha maiores teores de AN, NN, TN, TP e TK, mas menores teores de SA, UA, PA, CA e DA. Os NN, AP, TP, AK e UA foram identificados como indicadores-chave no conjunto mínimo de dados utilizando análise de componentes principais. As mudanças sazonais no índice de qualidade do solo (IQS) ocorreram na seguinte ordem: inverno (0,707), primavera (0,681), verão (0,616) e outono (0,563). O valor do IQF foi mais alto para a posição 3 do declive médio (0,508), seguido pela posição 4 do declive inferior (0,507), posição 1 do declive superior (0,446), posição 2 do declive superior (0,442) e posição 5 do declive inferior (0,437). Com base nestas mudanças espaço-temporais na qualidade do solo, foi sugerido que a aplicação de múltiplos tipos de uso da terra pode ser um método útil para a recuperação de terras e o interesse dos agricultores locais na área subsidiada de mineração de carvão.

RESUMO

Atherosclerosis (AS) has become the leading cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide. Our previous study had observed that Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) infection or its derived products could inhibit AS development by inducing an anti-inflammatory response. We performed a metabolic analysis to screen Nb-derived metabolites with anti-inflammation activity and evaluated the AS-prevention effect. We observed that the metabolite uridine had higher expression levels in mice infected with the Nb and ES (excretory-secretory) products and could be selected as a key metabolite. ES and uridine interventions could reduce the pro-inflammatory responses and increase the anti-inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo. The apolipoprotein E gene knockout (ApoE-/-) mice were fed with a high-fat diet for the AS modeling. Following the in vivo intervention, ES products or uridine significantly reduced serum and liver lipid levels, alleviated the formation of atherosclerosis, and reduced the pro-inflammatory responses in serum or plaques, while the anti-inflammatory responses showed opposite trends. After blocking with 5-HD (5-hydroxydecanoate sodium) in vitro, the mRNA levels of M2 markers were significantly reduced. When blocked with 5-HD in vivo, the degree of atherosclerosis was worsened, the pro-inflammatory responses were increased compared to the uridine group, while the anti-inflammatory responses decreased accordingly. Uridine, a key metabolite from Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, showed anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects in vitro and in vivo, which depend on the activation of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel.

RESUMO

Developing anticancer drugs is a complex and time-consuming process. The inability of current laboratory models to reflect important aspects of the tumor in vivo limits anticancer medication research. Zebrafish is a rapid, semi-automated in vivo screening platform that enables the use of non-invasive imaging methods to monitor morphology, survival, developmental status, response to drugs, locomotion, or other behaviors. Zebrafish models are widely used in drug discovery and development for anticancer drugs, especially in conjunction with live imaging techniques. Herein, we concentrated on the use of zebrafish live imaging in anticancer therapeutic research, including drug screening, efficacy assessment, toxicity assessment, and mechanism studies. Zebrafish live imaging techniques have been used in numerous studies, but this is the first time that these techniques have been comprehensively summarized and compared side by side. Finally, we discuss the hypothesis of Zebrafish Composite Model, which may provide future directions for zebrafish imaging in the field of cancer research.

RESUMO

PURPOSE: To establish a nomogram for predicting the overall survival (OS) in patients with gastric cancer (GC) based on inflammatory, nutritional and pathological factors. METHODS: GC patients underwent curative gastrectomy from January 2012 to June 2017 in our hospital were included, and were classified into training set and validation set with a ratio of 7:3. Then variables associated with OS were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Nomograms predicting OS were built using variables from multivariable Cox models. Finally, Kaplan-Meier curve and Log-rank test were also conducted to analyze the 1-yr, 3-yr and 5-yr OS to validate the efficiency of risk stratification of the nomogram. RESULTS: A total of 366 GC patients were included. After univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, age (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.01-2.30, P = 0.044), CA50 (HR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.12-3.21, P = 0.017), PNI (HR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.13-2.39, P = 0.009), SII (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.03-2.08, P = 0.036), T stage (HR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.01-5.05, P = 0.048; HR = 7.24, 95% CI = 3.64-14.40, P < 0.001) were independent influencing factors on the survival time of GC patients. Five factors including CEA, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), ln (tumor size), T stage, and N stage were identified and entered the nomogram, which showed good discrimination and calibration in both sets. On internal validation, 1-yr, 3-yr and 5-yr nomogram demonstrated a good discrimination with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.77, 0.84 and 0.86, respectively. The AUC for 1-yr, 3-yr and 5-yr nomogram in validation set was 0.77, 0.79 and 0.81, respectively. The OS in low risk group of training cohort and validation cohort was significantly higher than that of intermediate risk group and high risk group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We established a nomogram based on PNI, SII and pathological factors for predicting OS in GC patients. In addition, its efficiency was validated by validation set and stratified analysis.

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Introduction: The characteristics of basketball require excellent players with athletic abilities such as high explosive strength for the instantaneous jump up, flexible movements and quick changes of direction, and accurate passing and shooting. These characteristics can also be found in beach games, and it is believed that the practice of these games can benefit the practice of basketball. Objective: Explore the effect of beach training on the physical fitness of basketball players. Methods: Through a randomized controlled trial, 24 basketball players were selected to analyze the explosive power of the lower extremity in the 40m sprint race and in the vertical jump, two representative indicators of the explosive power of the lower limbs. The group teaching experiment was conducted for 17 weeks, five times a week. Results: The comparison in the statistical test of the 40m sprint, and the vertical jump before and after the experiment proves that, compared with the traditional practice of basketball, the practice of beach games has a beneficial effect on improving the explosive power of the lower limbs. Conclusion: Beach sports training has benefits for basketball practice; the characteristics on the beach basketball court and the playing characteristics of the athletes determined this. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: As características do basquetebol exigem excelentes jogadores com habilidades atléticas como alta força explosiva para o salto instantâneo para cima, movimentos flexíveis e mudanças rápidas de direção, além de passes e tiros precisos. Essas são características que também podem ser encontradas nos jogos de praia e acredita-se que a prática desses jogos possa trazer algum benefício para a prática do basquetebol. Objetivo: Explorar o efeito do treinamento na praia sobre a aptidão física dos jogadores de basquetebol. Métodos: Através de um estudo randomizado controlado, foram selecionados 24 jogadores de basquetebol para analisar o poder explosivo da extremidade inferior no sprint de corrida de 40m e no salto vertical, dois indicadores representativos do poder explosivo dos membros inferiores, foram selecionados. O experimento de ensino em grupo foi realizado durante 17 semanas, cinco vezes por semana. Resultados: A comparação no teste estatístico dos 40m de sprint e do salto vertical antes e depois do experimento prova que, comparado com a prática tradicional do basquetebol, a prática dos jogos de praia tem um efeito benéfico na melhoria da potência explosiva dos membros inferiores. Conclusão: O treinamento com esporte de praia traz benefícios para a prática do basquetebol, isto foi determinado pelas características na quadra de basquetebol de praia e pelas características de jogabilidade dos esportistas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: Las características del baloncesto exigen jugadores excelentes con habilidades atléticas como una gran fuerza explosiva para el salto instantáneo, movimientos flexibles y rápidos cambios de dirección, así como pases y tiros precisos. Son características que también se pueden encontrar en los juegos de playa y se cree que la práctica de estos juegos puede aportar algún beneficio a la práctica del baloncesto. Objetivo: Explorar el efecto del entrenamiento en la playa sobre la aptitud física de los jugadores de baloncesto. Métodos: Mediante un ensayo controlado aleatorio, se seleccionaron 24 jugadores de baloncesto para analizar la potencia explosiva de la extremidad inferior en la carrera de velocidad de 40 metros y en el salto vertical, dos indicadores representativos de la potencia explosiva de las extremidades inferiores. El experimento de enseñanza en grupo se llevó a cabo durante 17 semanas, cinco veces por semana. Resultados: La comparación en la prueba estadística del sprint de 40 metros y del salto vertical antes y después del experimento demuestra que, en comparación con la práctica tradicional del baloncesto, la práctica de los juegos de playa tiene un efecto beneficioso en la mejora de la potencia explosiva de los miembros inferiores. Conclusión: El entrenamiento deportivo en la playa aporta beneficios a la práctica del baloncesto, esto fue determinado por las características en la cancha de baloncesto en la playa y las características de jugabilidad de los atletas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a dominant and growing cause of death and disability worldwide that involves inflammation from its inception to the emergence of complications. Studies have demonstrated that intervention with helminth infections or derived products could modulate the host immune response and effectively prevent or mitigate the onset and progression of inflammation-related diseases. Therefore, to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of atherosclerosis, we intervened in ApoE-/- mice maintained on a high-fat diet with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (N. brasiliensis) infection and immunized with its derived products. We found that N. brasiliensis infection and its derived proteins had suitable protective effects both in the initial and progressive stages of atherosclerosis, effectively reducing aortic arch plaque areas and liver lipid contents and downregulating serum LDL levels, which may be associated with the significant upregulation of serum anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-4) and the down-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) in the serum. In conclusion, these data highlighted the effective regulatory role of N. brasiliensis and its derived proteins in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. This could provide a promising new avenue for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

RESUMO

Hookworm is one type of soil-transmitted helminth, which could exert an anti-inflammatory effect in human or animal host, which provides a beneficial possibility for the discovery of inflammatory-related disease interventions. The identification of hookworm-derived anti-inflammatory molecules is urgently needed for future translational research. The emergence of metabolomics has become a powerful approach to comprehensively characterize metabolic alterations in recent times. Herein, excretory and secretory products (ESPs) were collected from cultured adult worm, while small intestinal contents were obtained from Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (N. brasiliensis, Nb)-infected mice. Through ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) platform, metabolomics analysis was used to explore the identification of anti-inflammatory molecules. Out of 45 differential metabolites that were discovered from ESPs, 10 of them showed potential anti-inflammatory properties, which could be subclassed into amino acids, furanocoumarins, linear diarylheptanoids, gamma butyrolactones, and alpha-keto acids. In terms of intestinal contents that were derived from N. brasiliensis-infected mice, 14 out of 301 differential metabolites were discovered to demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects, with possible subclassification into amino acids, benzylisoquinolines, quaternary ammonium salts, pyrimidines, pregnane steroids, purines, biphenyls, and glycerophosphocholines. Furthermore, nine of the differential metabolites appeared both in ESPs and infected intestinal contents, wherein four were proven to show anti-inflammation properties, namely, L-glutamine, glutamine (Gln), pyruvate, and alanine-Gln (Ala-Gln). In summary, we have provided a method for the identification and analysis of parasite-derived molecules with potential anti-inflammatory properties in the present study. This array of anti-inflammatory metabolites could provide clues for future evaluation and translational study of these anti-inflammatory molecules.

RESUMO

PURPOSE: Shen-fu injection (SFI) was used to intervene in the resuscitation of porcine hemorrhagic shock (HS) model to study its protective effects on acute kidney injury. METHODS: After 60 min of HS, 28 animals were randomly assigned into four groups. The groups were as follows: hemorrhagic shock group (HS); HS resuscitation with shed-blood group (HSR); HS resuscitation with shed-blood and SFI (1 mL·kg-1) group (HSR-SFI); and the sham operation group (Sham). The bloods were analyzed for serum creatinine (sCr), cystatin C (CysC) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 protein expressions by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. The renal tissues were removed and pathologic changes were observed. RESULTS: Mean aortic pressure (MAP) in HSR-SFI groups were higher than that in HSR groups after shock. At the 6th hour after shock, the urine volume per hour in the HSR-SFI groups was more than that in the HSR groups. The sCr, NGAL, CysC and cytokine levels of HSR-SFI groups were lower. The Bcl-2 expression was increased in the HSR-SFI groups. The BAX and caspase-3 expressions were reduced. The histopathologic score in the HSR-SFI was lower. CONCLUSIONS: SFI may reduce the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) following hemorrhagic shock by attenuating systemic inflammatory responses, and regulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins.

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Purpose Shen-fu injection (SFI) was used to intervene in the resuscitation of porcine hemorrhagic shock (HS) model to study its protective effects on acute kidney injury. Methods After 60 min of HS, 28 animals were randomly assigned into four groups. The groups were as follows: hemorrhagic shock group (HS); HS resuscitation with shed-blood group (HSR); HS resuscitation with shed-blood and SFI (1 mL·kg-1) group (HSR-SFI); and the sham operation group (Sham). The bloods were analyzed for serum creatinine (sCr), cystatin C (CysC) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 protein expressions by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. The renal tissues were removed and pathologic changes were observed. Results Mean aortic pressure (MAP) in HSR-SFI groups were higher than that in HSR groups after shock. At the 6th hour after shock, the urine volume per hour in the HSR-SFI groups was more than that in the HSR groups. The sCr, NGAL, CysC and cytokine levels of HSR-SFI groups were lower. The Bcl-2 expression was increased in the HSR-SFI groups. The BAX and caspase-3 expressions were reduced. The histopathologic score in the HSR-SFI was lower. Conclusions SFI may reduce the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) following hemorrhagic shock by attenuating systemic inflammatory responses, and regulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins.

RESUMO

Brucellosis, a zoonosis with worldwide distribution, is a systemic infection caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Meanwhile, brucellosis often causes complications, such as osteoarticular involvement, and spondylitis is the most prevalent and important clinical form. Here, is a case of cervical brucellar spondylitis causing incomplete limb paralysis in a middle-aged male. The diagnosis was based on clinical history, and supported by Brucella serology and magnetic resonance imaging. Quadruple antibacterial treatment continued for four weeks. In this case, the epidural abscess causing spinal cord compression resolved without surgery. In addition, the patient had recovered from most of the neurologic deficits.

RESUMO

Abstract Brucellosis, a zoonosis with worldwide distribution, is a systemic infection caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Meanwhile, brucellosis often causes complications, such as osteoarticular involvement, and spondylitis is the most prevalent and important clinical form. Here, is a case of cervical brucellar spondylitis causing incomplete limb paralysis in a middle-aged male. The diagnosis was based on clinical history, and supported by Brucella serology and magnetic resonance imaging. Quadruple antibacterial treatment continued for four weeks. In this case, the epidural abscess causing spinal cord compression resolved without surgery. In addition, the patient had recovered from most of the neurologic deficits.

RESUMO

Abstract Morchella esculenta (L) Pers. is a highly valued edible and medicinal fungus that remains underutilized. For this study, the effects of glycation treatment on antioxidant activity and characteristics of the M. esculenta protein isolate (MPI) were investigated via the Maillard reaction. Conjugation between MPI and xylose was proven via UV-vis, FT-IR, intrinsic fluorescence analysis, and SDS-PAGE. Amino acid analysis revealed involvement of lysine, arginine and tyrosine in MPI, forming a covalent cross-link with xylose. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that glycated MPI (MPIG) possesses a more favorable thermal stability compared to native MPI (MPIN), heated MPI (MPIH) and an unheated mixture of MPI and xylose (MPI-XM). MPIG exhibited significantly enhanced antioxidant activity compared to MPIN, MPIH, and MPI-XM. These results indicate MPIG can serve as a promising novel source of nutraceutical and functional ingredients that exert antioxidant activity.

RESUMO

Abstract Purpose: To investigate tibial tunnel widening and knee instability after ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft or irradiated soft tissue allograft. Methods: Eight-two patients were divided into two groups: autograft group and allograft group. Radiographic and clinical evaluations were performed. Results: Seventy patients were followed up with median of 36.3 months (range 36-38 months). Tibial tunnel widening was at or greater than 30% for nine patients in the autograft group and 15 patients in the allograft group (P = 0.0417). The average percentage of tibial tunnel widening was 26.7 ± 4.0 % and 29.7 ± 5.3 % in autograft and allograft groups, respectively (P = 0.0090). Knee range of motion was not affected by the reconstruction operation or different grafts. Thigh atrophy improved significantly within 24 months after ACL reconstructions in both groups. ACL reconstruction with the allograft leaded to less knee stability than that with the autograft from one year after operation (P = 0.0023). There was no significant difference between two groups with respect to Lysholm score (P = 0.1925) and Tegner score (P =0 .0918) at the final follow-up. Conclusion: The allograft group reported significantly more tibial tunnel widening and knee instability compared with the autograft group.

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and the effect of drill guide template for pedicle screw placement in severe scoliosis. METHOD: Eight patients with rigid scoliosis were enrolled, five males and three females, ranging from nine to 23 years old. A three-dimensional CT scan of the spine was performed and saved as a DICOM file type. The multi-level template was designed by Mimics software and manufactured according to the part of the most severe deformity. The drill template was placed on the corresponding vertebral surface. Pedicle screws were carefully inserted across the trajectory of the template. Postoperatively, the positions of the pedicle screws were evaluated by CT scan and graded for validation. RESULTS: No spinal cord injury or nerve damage occurred. All patients had satisfactory outcomes. The abnormalities and the measures observed during operation were the same as those found in the preoperative period. The position of the pedicle screws was accurate, according to the postoperative X-ray and CT scan. The rate of scoliosis correction was 60%. Compared with controls, surgery time, blood loss and radiation were significantly lower. CONCLUSION: With the application of multi-level template, the placement of pedicle screws shows high accuracy in scoliosis with shorter surgical time, less blood loss and less radiation exposure. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a precisão e o efeito da matriz de guia de broca para colocação de parafuso pedicular em escoliose grave. MÉTODO: Oito pacientes com escoliose rígida foram selecionados, sendo cinco homens e três mulheres na faixa etária de nove a 23 anos. Foi realizada TC tridimensional da coluna, gravada no formato DICOM. A matriz multinível foi desenhada pelo software Mimics e fabricada de acordo com a parte da deformidade mais grave. A matriz da broca foi colocada na superfície vertebral correspondente. Os parafusos pediculares foram cuidadosamente inseridos ao longo da trajetória da matriz. No pós-operatório, as posições dos parafusos pediculares foram avaliadas por TC e classificadas para validação. RESULTADOS: Não ocorreu nenhuma lesão da medula espinhal nem lesão de nervos. Todos os pacientes tiveram desfechos satisfatórios. As anormalidades e as medidas observadas durante a operação foram as mesmas encontradas no pré-operatório. A posição dos parafusos pediculares foi precisa, de acordo com a radiografia e a TC pós-operatórias. A taxa de correção de escoliose foi de 60%. Em comparação com os controles, o tempo de cirurgia, a perda de sangue e a radiação foram significantemente menores. CONCLUSÃO: Com a aplicação da matriz multinível, a colocação dos parafusos pediculares mostra alta precisão na escoliose, com menor tempo cirúrgico, menos perda de sangue e menor exposição à radiação. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo Comparativo.

RESUMO

To increase rice yield potential, field experiments were conducted in farmers paddies in 2011 and 2012 to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen applications on the yield and panicle components of three typical indica hybrid rice varieties in Sichuan Province. The number of grains per panicle resulting from late nitrogen application (LA) was 12 % greater than that obtained from traditional nitrogen application (TA); this increase was the main source of improvements in yield. The number of surviving and differentiated spikelets (NSS and NDiS) resulting from LA was significantly higher than that measured under TA, especially for the Fyou498 cultivar, where the NSS and NDiS increased by 15 % and 14 %, respectively. Compared with TA, the number of degenerated secondary branches and the percentage of degenerated secondary branches (NDeSB and PDeSB) were significantly reduced by 9 % and 11 %, respectively, by LA. This is the first study to demonstrate that an increase in NSS and a decrease in NDeSB lead to yield-improving effects attributable to LA. The grain yields of different varieties ranged from 9225.6 to 9408.7 kg ha-1, the PDeSB was as high as 31 %, and the number of surviving secondary branches (NSSB) was significantly and positively correlated with NSS. These data indicate that the yield of indica hybrid rice has considerable potential for being improved, and increasing NSSB is key to increasing NSS and improving the grain yield. These improvements should be pursued so as to increase the yield of hybrid rice to ensure both food security and sustainable agricultural development.

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the accuracy and the effect of drill guide template for pedicle screw placement in severe scoliosis. Method: Eight patients with rigid scoliosis were enrolled, five males and three females, ranging from nine to 23 years old. A three-dimensional CT scan of the spine was performed and saved as a DICOM file type. The multi-level template was designed by Mimics software and manufactured according to the part of the most severe deformity. The drill template was placed on the corresponding vertebral surface. Pedicle screws were carefully inserted across the trajectory of the template. Postoperatively, the positions of the pedicle screws were evaluated by CT scan and graded for validation. Results: No spinal cord injury or nerve damage occurred. All patients had satisfactory outcomes. The abnormalities and the measures observed during operation were the same as those found in the preoperative period. The position of the pedicle screws was accurate, according to the postoperative X-ray and CT scan. The rate of scoliosis correction was 60%. Compared with controls, surgery time, blood loss and radiation were significantly lower. Conclusion: With the application of multi-level template, the placement of pedicle screws shows high accuracy in scoliosis with shorter surgical time, less blood loss and less radiation exposure. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a precisão e o efeito da matriz de guia de broca para colocação de parafuso pedicular em escoliose grave. Método: Oito pacientes com escoliose rígida foram selecionados, sendo cinco homens e três mulheres na faixa etária de nove a 23 anos. Foi realizada TC tridimensional da coluna, gravada no formato DICOM. A matriz multinível foi desenhada pelo software Mimics e fabricada de acordo com a parte da deformidade mais grave. A matriz da broca foi colocada na superfície vertebral correspondente. Os parafusos pediculares foram cuidadosamente inseridos ao longo da trajetória da matriz. No pós-operatório, as posições dos parafusos pediculares foram avaliadas por TC e classificadas para validação. Resultados: Não ocorreu nenhuma lesão da medula espinhal nem lesão de nervos. Todos os pacientes tiveram desfechos satisfatórios. As anormalidades e as medidas observadas durante a operação foram as mesmas encontradas no pré-operatório. A posição dos parafusos pediculares foi precisa, de acordo com a radiografia e a TC pós-operatórias. A taxa de correção de escoliose foi de 60%. Em comparação com os controles, o tempo de cirurgia, a perda de sangue e a radiação foram significantemente menores. Conclusão: Com a aplicação da matriz multinível, a colocação dos parafusos pediculares mostra alta precisão na escoliose, com menor tempo cirúrgico, menos perda de sangue e menor exposição à radiação. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo Comparativo.