Modafinil attenuates the neuroinflammatory response after experimental traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Modafinil has been proven to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects on numerous neurological disorders. However, its effects after traumatic brain injury (TBI) have not been yet explored. The aim of this study was to explore if Modafinil can attenuate the neuroinflammatory phase of TBI and clarify the possible underlying mechanisms. METHODS: A weight drop model was used to induce experimental TBI on 30 Wistar albino rats. The treatment group received Modafinil on the day of the trauma and the following 5 days. Garcia Test was used to assess for neurological status and histopathological examination along with biochemical analysis of NSE, S-100B, CASP3, and TBARS levels were performed. RESULTS: Rats treated with Modafinil after the trauma had a statistically significant higher Garcia Test Score (P<0.001) and presented with increased evidence of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect (P<0.05, P=0.005). Decreased levels of all biochemical parameters with NSE, CASP3, and TBARS having statistical significance was observed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this paper support the notion that a psychoactive drug Modafinil, traditionally used for sleep disorders and also known as a cognitive enhancer may prove beneficial in decreasing mortality and morbidity after TBI through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects.

Pullout performance comparison of pedicle screws based on cement application and design parameters.

Pedicle screws are the main fixation devices for certain surgeries. Pedicle screw loosening is a common problem especially for osteoporotic incidents. Cannulated screws with cement augmentation are widely used for that kind of cases. Dual lead dual cored pedicle screw has already given promising pullout values without augmentation. This study concentrates on the usage of dual lead dual core with cement augmentation as an alternative to cannulated and standard pedicle screws with cement augmentation. Five groups (dual lead dual core, normal pedicle screw and cannulated pedicle screw with augmentation, normal pedicle screw, dual lead dual cored pedicle screw) were designed for this study. Healthy bovine vertebrae and synthetic polyurethane foams (grade 20) were used as embedding test medium. Test samples were prepared in accordance with surgical guidelines and ASTM F543 standard testing protocols. Pullout tests were conducted with Instron 3300 testing frame. Load versus displacement values were recorded and maximum pullout loads were stated. The dual lead dual cored pedicle screw with poly-methyl methacrylate augmentation exhibited the highest pullout values, while dual lead dual cored pedicle screw demonstrated similar pullout strength as cannulated pedicle screw and normal pedicle screw with poly-methyl methacrylate augmentation. The dual lead dual cored pedicle screw with poly-methyl methacrylate augmentation can be used for osteoporotic and/or severe osteoporotic patients according to its promising results on animal cadaver and synthetic foams.