Clinical significance of cerebrospinal fluid nitric oxide concentrations in degenerative cervical and lumbar diseases.

In animal models of degenerative lumbar disease, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is expressed in macrophages and Schwann cells following compression of the cauda equina. We previously reported that NO metabolites (nitrite plus nitrate: [NOx]) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) correlate with postoperative pain relief in patients with degenerative lumbar disease and with neurologic recovery rate postoperatively or after conservative treatment in patients with spinal cord injury. The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between [NOx] and neurologic severity, and recovery in degenerative cervical and lumbar diseases.

Collis-Nissen procedure in patients with esophageal atresia: long-term evaluation.

A subset of patients with esophageal atresia (EA) have an associated short esophagus and require an antireflux procedure. The Collis-Nissen procedure, which consists of a combination of Collis gastroplasty and Nissen fundoplication, is considered an option in such conditions. The long-term results of EA patients undergoing this procedure have rarely been reported.