Effect of heating bovine colostrum at 60°C for 90' on colostrum quality and, the health and growth characteristics of Holstein dairy calves.

AIMS: The major objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of heat-treating colostrum on the subsequent growth characteristics (weight gain, body size, dry matter intake and feed efficiency rate) and health of Holstein calves. METHODS: A total of 1200 neonatal Holstein calves on one commercial dairy farm were enrolled. The calves were divided into heat-treated (60°C for 90 min) and unheated (raw) colostrum groups. Calf serum IgG and total protein concentrations were measured before and after colostrum consumption. Health characteristics and disease prevalence were recorded during the suckling period. RESULTS: Consumption of heat-treated colostrum led to increased serum IgG (P < 0.0001) and total protein (P < 0.0001) concentrations, increased apparent efficacy of IgG absorption (P < 0.0001) and increased general health condition, weight gain (P < 0.0001) and clinical performance. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Heat-treatment of colostrum is an effective method to improve health and increase growth characteristics (weight gain, body size, dry matter intake and feed efficiency rate) of neonatal dairy calves, most likely by decreasing microbial load and facilitating IgG absorption.

Expression of α- and ε-toxin genes in Clostridium perfringens type D vaccine strain in contact with the Caco-2 cell line.

Background: Clostridium perfringens commonly resides in the gastrointestinal tract and can survive in different environmental conditions. This pathogen produces several protein toxins including the potent ε-toxin which is classified as a category B toxin by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In several studies, the induction of C. perfringens type C or D to produce toxins much more rapidly by close contact of bacteria with Caco-2 cells has been reported. Aims: The effect of close contact of enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells with C. perfringens type D (vaccine strain) on the production time of ε- and α-toxins was studied. Methods: During C. perfringens type D contact with Caco-2 cells for 5 h, ε- and α-toxins expressions (at 0, 2, and 5 h) were evaluated by a quantitative real-time PCR assay. Non-contacted bacteria with cells were included as the negative control in this research. Results: Bacterial contact with the Caco-2 cells induces a significant effect on the mean expression of the ε-toxin gene (etx) (P<0.05). Two h after contact, the highest level of gene expression was detected in the experimental group. Bacterial harvesting time, cell treatment, and their interactions did not affect significantly the mean expression of the α-toxin gene (cpa) (P>0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, 2 h of bacterial contact with Caco-2 cells could stimulate etx gene expression in the C. perfringens type D vaccine strain.

Synthesis and Evaluation of the Immunomagnetic Beads for Separation of the Salmonella typhimurium from Milk.

Salmonella causes zoonotic diseases in humans and many animal species. The bacteria could be spread through fecal-oral transmission and consumption of raw contaminated animal products. Despite the activities which are carried out for the prevention of salmonellosis, it causes economic losses. This study aimed to prepare immunomagnetic beads to separate the Salmonella bacteria from experimentally polluted milk samples. The antibodies were purified from the rabbit's hyperimmune sera and coupled to the Fe nanoparticles using diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) as a linker. The synthesized particles were analyzed using electron microscopy. The limit of bacterial detection by using the immunomagnetic beads coupled with bacterial culture were tested in experimentally contaminated cow milk with Salmonella. The separated bacteria were identified by using bacterial culture and biochemical tests. Using immunomagnetic beads (IMB), the Salmonella bacteria were removed from milk samples, concentrated in sterilized PBS, and cultured in nutrient agar media. The conventional culture method detected the bacteria in samples polluted with at least 3×104 CFU/mL bacteria; however, isolated bacteria were separated from milk samples using IMB and defined on bacterial culture media. The 3 CFU/mL of S. Typhimuriumm were detected in experimentally polluted milk samples using the current immunomagnetic-culture method. The results suggested using the IMB-bacterial culture instead of the conventional culture method.

Anesthesia Aspects of Multivisceral Transplantation: A Case Series Study.

Background: Multi-visceral transplantation (MvTx) usually refers to the transplantation of more than three intra-abdominal organs. A successful MvTx requires strong multidisciplinary teamwork of transplant surgeons, anesthesiologists, and intensivists. Case presentation: We present five cases of MvTx with a history of short bowel syndrome admitted to the Abu-Ali Sina Hospital, Shiraz, Iran from May 2019 to January 2020 and describe anesthetic considerations in MvTx. Subjects were identified (4F/1M) with a mean age of 43 years old (range 35-51). The most frequent cause of intestinal failure was portal vein thrombosis, followed by bowel gangrene and short bowel syndrome. The mean ±SD duration of the operation was 360±60 min. The bleeding volume was approximately 2600±1474 cc, and 4±1 bags of packed red blood cells were transfused. Sepsis was the main cause of death in our series. Conclusion: Careful preoperative planning, vigilant intraoperative anesthetic management, and prevention of postoperative infection are imperative to achieve the best outcomes.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of VIIl sub-genotype of avian orthoavulavirus 1 isolated from Eurasian magpie (Pica pica).

BACKGROUND: Newcastle disease (ND) has been categorized as a highly contagious viral disease, remaining as a constant threat to both wild birds and commercial chickens. AIMS: In this study, we recovered and characterized the avian orthoavulavirus 1 (AOaV-1) strain, nominated as EM1, from the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica). METHODS: The nucleotide and amino acid sequence of the fusion protein (F protein) of EM1 were determined and its phylogenetic relationship was investigated with well-characterized AOaV-1 genotypes, which originated from wild bird species and chickens around the world. RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis and deduced amino acid sequences of the F gene revealed that EM1 virus belonged to VIIl sub-genotype viruses with the characteristic multibasic amino acid sequences associated with the velogenic motif as 112RRQKRF117 at the cleavage site of its precursor fusion protein. EM1 shared a high level of similarity to the other virus sub-genotypes in nucleotide and amino acid sequences of F protein. Furthermore, the evolutionary difference between the studied virus and viruses belonging to the VIIl sub-genotype indicated that a close relatedness and the possibility of a common origin. CONCLUSION: These results show that the virulent AOaV-1 of sub-genotype VIIl is circulating continuously in Iran, and is disseminating among wild and domestic bird species that can cause bidirectional spillover infection. Therefore, further epidemiological studies can be beneficial in the assessment of the evolution of AOaV-1 in its hosts and will help us to be well-equipped in facing the emergence of new sub-genotypes of this virus.

Ear and Face Mucormycosis; A Case Report.

Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection belonging to order of Mucorales which causes a high rate of mortality. This infection is mostly common in the immunosuppression conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chemotherapy, organ transplantation and hematologic malignancies.

Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation in Post-lingually Deaf Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Cochlear implantation has been mentioned as the most effective therapeutic intervention in deaf patients and especially those with post-lingual deafness. We aimed to assess hearing improvement of post-lingually deaf patients after cochlear implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: in this cross-sectional study all the post-lingually deaf patients who had undergone cochlear implantation (CI) surgery between December 2010 and February 2016 were assessed. Patients were recalled and after explaining the study process and signing an informed consent form, an audiometry was done by a single audiologist. In addition, demographic information, cause of hearing loss, age of onset, history of hearing aid use and surgical complications were recorded in a pre-designed checklist. RESULTS: Twenty-nine male and 21 female with a mean age of 22.52±19.45 years underwent analysis. Most of patients (80%) had progressed condition since childhood. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) was the most prevalent (10%) known etiology of deafness followed by meningitis (6%), Trauma (2%) and ototoxic drugs (2%) in the remaining 20% of the patients. Patients had the highest mean (37.1±12.61 dB) in 4000 Hz frequency and the lowest mean of hearing threshold level (32.6±8.37 dB) was for 1000 Hz frequency. Mean hearing threshold level was significantly lower in patients with lower ages of cochlear implantation (p=0.435). Patients with higher ages of deafness onset showed lower degree of hearing improvement (p=0.462). CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that cochlear implantation significantly improves hearing function of post-lingual patients and can be considered as a certain cure for these patients in Iran.

Preparation of immunomagnetic beads coupled with a rhodamine hydrazine immunosensor for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in bovine feces, milk, and colostrum.

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a method for detecting Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) bacteria in bovine fecal, milk, and colostrum samples using immunomagnetic beads (IMB) and a rhodamine hydrazone immunosensor. Immunomagnetic beads were prepared by using purified antibodies from hyperimmunized sera that were coupled to Fe nanoparticles with diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) or ethyl (dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC)-N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) as linkers. Rhodamine hydrazone particles were synthesized and coupled to IgY anti-MAP antibodies using DTPA or EDC-NHS linkers. Separation efficiency of the IMB was tested on bovine fecal, milk, and colostrum samples experimentally contaminated with MAP. The studied methods were evaluated on their ability to detect MAP and separate bacteria in complex mediums. The ELISA results indicated 95% efficacy in antibody coupling to IMB, with the DTPA-IMB method being more efficient than the EDC-NHS-IMB method. By using the DTPA-IMB method, MAP bacteria were successfully recovered from fecal, milk, and colostrum samples. The DTPA-IMB method used in combination with the rhodamine hydrazone immunosensor had a limit of detection equal to 30 and 30,000 MAP cells/mL using chromogenic and fluorescent properties, respectively. Combining the DTPA-IMB separation method with the rhodamine hydrazone immunosensor provides a fast, sensitive, and cost-beneficial method for detecting MAP in bovine feces, milk, and colostrum.

Contribution value of coagulation abnormalities in COVID-19 prognosis: a bright perspective on the laboratory pattern of patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

OBJECTIVE: From the beginning of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic in the world, much efforts have been accomplished to explain a precise clinical feature for the disease and to find the best therapeutic approach for the patients. Although coagulation abnormalities have found in novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) patients, still little is known about the association between the disease and changes in coagulation parameters. Our purpose is to evaluate the differences between the coagulation parameters between COVID-19 patients and healthy counterparts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 63 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection were admitted to the present study. We evaluated coagulation value in these patients and in 40 healthy individuals. RESULTS: We found that although there was no significant difference between PT and PTT values in patients and healthy counterparts, the fibrinogen values in patients were higher than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the values of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) and D-dimer in all COVID-19 cases were considerably higher than those in control people (p < 0.05). Of note, FDP and D-dimer in patients with regular COVID-19 infection were lower than patients with severe forms. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the conduction of routine blood coagulation test could be a beneficial supplementary approach for early diagnosis of COVID-19. In addition, our study shed more light on the therapeutic value of anti-coagulant-based treatment for COVID-19 patients, especially for those with severe type of the disease.

The Effect of Perioperative N-acetylcysteine on the Short and Long Term Outcomes in Pediatrics Undergoing Living-Donor Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury during transplantation can cause post-operative graft dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in preventing hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury and post-transplant outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective study on pediatrics undergoing living-donor (from one of their parents) liver transplantation, N-acetylcysteine was administered to one group (n=20) after induction in the donors until graft harvest, and in the recipients during implantation, which was maintained for 19 hours. The second group (n=20) did not receive NAC. Early allograft dysfunction was determined in the presence of alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase ≥2000 IU/L and bilirubin ≥10 mg/dL within the first 7 days, and an international normalized ratio ≥1.6 on day 7. Data were collected from a retrospectively maintained database. RESULTS: The incidence of post-reperfusion syndrome was lower in N-acetylcysteine group compared with the other group (5% vs. 30%, p=0.037). Serum creatinine level was significantly (p=0.04) different in the N-acetylcysteine group during the second post-operative week (0.14 vs. 0.15 mg/dL). There was no significant difference in the incidence of early allograft dysfunction (21% vs. 14%, p=0.327), and the survival rate (p=0.409). CONCLUSION: Peri-operative infusion of N-acetylcysteine in both donor and recipient would effectively prevent post-reperfusion syndrome and renal insufficiency. However, it might not affect the early allograft dysfunction, ICU stay, and mortality. NAC increases the chance of re-operation due to non-surgical bleeding in the first post-operative day.

Design Evaluation in Novel Orthoses for Patients with Medial Knee Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a debilitating condition affecting increasing numbers of individuals each year. One option for treatment is orthotic knee braces, but a little independent reviews have taken place to date on their relative outcomes for users. This study therefore evaluates the efficacy of different types of knee orthoses (braces) with regard to key aspects of use, including gait parameters, mobility and levels of comfort and compliance in subjects presenting with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The collated data is presented with relevant supporting literature and appropriate descriptions in relation to each knee orthosis type that was identified, within appropriate subsections with advantages and disadvantages appropriately allocated. An analysis of each brace as presented by the corresponding article is then described further in terms of the design and structure, user outcomes and assessment summaries. According to the study carried out in this paper, it is presented and proved that applying the use of knee braces can reduce the knee adduction moment (KAM), but the amount of reduction afforded varies between designs. All of the studies reported significant pain reduction and functional improvement with the use of a knee brace, although their effect on the knee joint range of motion vary. Knee braces long-term use depends upon high levels of comfort and patient compliance, and further studies need to be conducted on larger numbers of subjects over greater time periods to reflect the long-term outcomes accurately.

Total replacement of corn silage with sorghum silage improves milk fatty acid profile and antioxidant capacity of Holstein dairy cows.

Total mixed rations containing corn silage (CS) or forage sorghum silage (SS) were fed to mid-lactation Holstein cows to determine the effects on feed intake, lactation performance, milk composition and fatty acid profile, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, rumen microbial N synthesis, and antioxidant status. The experiment was designed as a 2-period change-over (two 28-d periods) trial with 2 diets including CS diet or SS diet and 12 cows. Total replacement of CS with SS had no significant influence on dry matter intake. Substituting CS with SS had no effect on milk production, feed efficiency, and milk concentrations of fat, protein, lactose, and solids-not-fat, whereas yields of milk fat, protein, and lactose were greater for cows fed the CS diet. Blood parameters including glucose, albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, urea N, and fatty acids were not affected by the dietary treatments. Apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were not significantly influenced by the diets. Replacing CS with SS had no effect on total saturated fatty acids and total monounsaturated fatty acids, whereas total polyunsaturated fatty acid percentage was greater with the SS diet. Proportions of C20:0, C18:3n-3, and C18:3n-6 were affected by feeding SS. Cows fed CS had a greater amount of urinary purine derivatives. Feeding SS had a positive effect on total antioxidant capacity of blood and milk. In conclusion, SS can be fed to lactating Holstein cows as a total replacement for CS without undesirable effects on animal performance, but with positive effects on antioxidant capacity and polyunsaturated fatty acids of milk. This forage can be an excellent choice for dairy farms in areas where cultivation of corn is difficult due to water shortage.

Inhalation of electronic cigarette aerosol induces reflex bronchoconstriction by activation of vagal bronchopulmonary C-fibers.

The electronic cigarette (e-cig) has been suggested as a safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes. However, the health effects of e-cigs on the airways have not been fully investigated. Nicotine, the primary chemical constituent of the e-cig aerosol, has been shown to stimulate vagal bronchopulmonary C-fiber sensory nerves, which upon activation can elicit vigorous pulmonary defense reflexes, including airway constriction. In this study, we investigated the bronchomotor response to e-cig inhalation challenge in anesthetized guinea pigs and the mechanisms involved in regulating these responses. Our results showed that delivery of a single puff of e-cig aerosol into the lung triggered immediately a transient bronchoconstriction that sustained for >2 min. The increase in airway resistance was almost completely abolished by a pretreatment with either intravenous injection of atropine or inhalation of aerosolized lidocaine, suggesting that the bronchoconstriction was elicited by cholinergic reflex mechanism and stimulation of airway sensory nerves was probably involved. Indeed, electrophysiological recording further confirmed that inhalation of e-cig aerosol exerted a pronounced stimulatory effect on vagal bronchopulmonary C-fibers. These effects on airway resistance and bronchopulmonary C-fiber activity were absent when the e-cig aerosol containing zero nicotine was inhaled, indicating a critical role of nicotine. Furthermore, a pretreatment with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists by inhalation completely prevented the airway constriction evoked by e-cig aerosol inhalation. In conclusion, inhalation of a single puff of e-cig aerosol caused a transient bronchoconstriction that was mediated through cholinergic reflex and triggered by a stimulatory effect of nicotine on vagal bronchopulmonary C-fiber afferents.

Reflex bronchoconstriction evoked by inhaled nicotine aerosol in guinea pigs: role of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

Inhaled cigarette smoke stimulated vagal bronchopulmonary C fibers via an action of nicotine on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Recent studies have reported that nicotine at high concentrations can also activate the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 receptor (TRPA1) expressed in these sensory nerves. This study was performed to characterize the airway response to inhaled nicotine aerosol and to investigate the relative roles of nAChR and TRPA1 in this response. Guinea pigs were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated; one tidal volume of nicotine aerosol (2% solution) was diluted by an equal volume of air and delivered directly into the lung via a tracheal cannula in a single breath. Our results showed the following: 1) Inhalation of nicotine aerosol triggered an immediate and pronounced bronchoconstriction; the increase in total pulmonary resistance reached a peak of 588 ± 205% (mean ± SE) in 10-40 s, which gradually returned to baseline after 1-5 min. 2) Pretreatment with either atropine (iv) or mecamylamine (aerosol) almost completely abolished the nicotine-induced bronchoconstriction; the mecamylamine pretreatment did not block the bronchoconstriction and bradycardia evoked by electrical stimulation of the distal end of one sectioned vagus nerve, indicating its minimal systemic effects. 3) Pretreatment with HC-030031, a selective TRPA1 antagonist, abolished the bronchoconstriction induced by allyl isothiocyanate, a selective TRPA1 agonist, but did not attenuate the nicotine-evoked bronchoconstriction. In conclusion, inhalation of a single breath of nicotine aerosol evoked acute bronchoconstriction mediated through the cholinergic reflex pathway. This reflex response was triggered by activation of nAChR, but not TRPA1, located in airway sensory nerves. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Recent reports revealed that nicotine at high concentration activated transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 receptor (TRPA1) expressed in vagal bronchopulmonary sensory nerves. This study showed that inhalation of a single breath of nicotine aerosol consistently evoked acute bronchoconstriction that was mediated through the cholinergic reflex pathway and triggered by activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, but not TRPA1, located in these nerves. This is new and important information considering the recent rapid and alarming rise in the prevalence of e-cigarette use for nicotine inhalation.

Association of GSTO2 (N142D) Genetic Polymorphism and Acute Rejection of Liver.

BACKGROUND: Acute rejection is the main problem in liver transplantation that occurs in the first days or months of transplantation. It includes histological and cellular rejection. Acute histological rejection is confirmed by biopsy. Glutathione S-transferase family is the most important genes in phase II detoxification working in xenobiotic and drug metabolism. GSTO2 is one of the members of this family. GSTO2 (N142D) polymorphism may influence metabolism of immunosuppressive drugs. OBJECTIVE: To determine if GSTO2 polymorphism has association with acute liver rejection. METHODS: The present study included 120 patients with histological-proven acute liver rejection and 182 patients without acute rejection. Both groups were matched for sex and age. To determine variants of GSTO2, we used polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: There was a significant association between the GSTO2 genotype and acute liver rejection (NN: OR: 3.642, 95% CI: 1.179-5.444) and (ND: OR: 2.533, 95% CI: 1.672-8.149) compared to those with DD geneotype. CONCLUSION: Recipients with either NN or ND genotype for GSTO2 are more likely to develop acute liver rejection compared to those with DD genotype.

Facial injuries in Iranian veterans during the Iraq-Iran war (1980-88): differences from recent conflicts.

Our aim was to identify the pattern and mechanism of facial injuries in Iranian veterans during the Iraq-Iran war and to assess the effectiveness of current protective equipment by retrospectively evaluating 100 Iranian veterans of that war. We randomly included veterans with injuries to various parts of the face, with or without injuries to other organs. None died. We recorded anatomical distribution, incidence, and mechanism of injury as well as injury scores using common references scales. Data are expressed as mean (SD) or number. Fragmentation injuries were the most common (n=40) followed by blast (n=37), shock wave (n=18), and gunshots (n=5). Thirty-five patients had mandibular fractures with a mean (SD) score of 3.7 (1.4). Fifteen patients had injuries to the upper face and 79 to the midface. Twenty-four patients had facial lacerations more than 10 cm long, with a mean facial injury score of 2.4 (2.0). Nineteen had ocular injuries with a mean (SD) ocular trauma score of 64.9 (12.9). Despite recent developments in protective equipment we have seen no significant reduction in the incidence of facial injuries in battle, which could indicate that we need better facial support equipment and more effective education in its use. However, using protective equipment such as goggles and a mandibular protector is highly recommended.

Restricted Crystalloid Fluid Therapy during Orthotopic Liver Transplant Surgery and its Effect on Respiratory and Renal Insufficiency in the Early Post-operative Period: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory and renal insufficiencies are common dysfunctions during post-liver transplantation period that increase post-operative mortality and morbidity rates. Intra-operative fluid therapy is an important factor associated with pulmonary and renal insufficiency. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relation between intra-operative fluid therapy and early renal and respiratory insufficiency after liver transplantation. METHODS: In this randomized clinical study, 67 adult patients with end-stage liver disease who underwent orthotopic deceased donor liver transplantation were randomly allocated into two groups. The restricted fluid group, which received a controlled fluid administration of normal saline, 5 mL/kg/hr during anesthesia, and non-restricted fluid group received a controlled infusion of normal saline 10 mL/kg/hr during anesthesia. Early post-operative respiratory and renal insufficiency in both groups were assessed. The patients were monitored during the three stages of liver transplantation for their hemodynamic indices. The trial is registered with the Iranian Randomized Clinical Trial Registry, number IRCT2013101811662N4. RESULTS: The baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in both studied groups. The prevalence of respiratory insufficiency in the non-restricted fluid group (15%) significantly (p=0.01) higher than that in the restricted fluid group (0%). The post-operative mean±SD serum creatinine was 1.0±0.1 mg/dL in the non-restricted fluid group and 1.1±0.2 in the restricted fluid group (p=0.43). No patients in the studied groups required post-operative continuous renal replacement therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Restricted crystalloid fluid administration during orthotropic liver transplantation though decreased post-operative chance of pulmonary insufficiency, did not increase renal dysfunction.

Gabapentin versus naproxen in the management of failed back surgery syndrome; a randomized controlled trial.

Gabapentin is an analogue of the gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), which regulates the conductance of calcium channels. In this study, we compared the efficacy of gabapentin the one of naproxen in the treatment of failed laminectomy syndrome. In this controlled trial, patients who had had elective lumbar discectomy or spinal fusion surgery more than one year ago, and complaining about leg and back pain in spite of different medical therapy were randomly assigned to receive naproxen (control group) or gabapentin. Gabapentin was started at a daily dose of 300 mg. This dose was increased by 300 mg at the end of each week up to a maximum dose of 1800 mg. Naproxen, which was administered at an initial daily dose of 250 mg, was increased similarly to the maximum 1500 mg. Patients were then followed up for the next 6 consecutive months. Back and leg pains were compared between the two groups at 9 consecutive time points, namely 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 32 weeks after starting the treatment. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of the back pain was significantly reduced when a 600 mg daily dose of gabapentin was reached (P < 0.001). At a dose of 1800 mg, the decrease in back pain amounted 20.5%. Naproxen-treated patients did not show significant improvement in back pain. Leg pain as similarly assessed by a VAS significantly decreased when a 1200 mg dose of gabapentin was attained (P < 0.008). At 1800 mg, the reduction in VAS was 39.2%. Naproxen-treated patients had a 7.7% pain reduction at 6th week, when using the maximum daily dose of 1500 mg (P < 0.04), but the pain increased thereafter. We conclude that Gabapentin, at a maximum daily dose of 1800 mg, is significantly more efficient than naproxen at treating persistent pain after spinal surgeries.