Two placebo-controlled crossover studies in healthy subjects to evaluate gastric acid neutralization by an alginate-antacid formulation (Gaviscon Double Action).

Objective: To investigate the intragastric acid neutralization activity of a combined alginate-antacid formulation.

Significance: Published studies have investigated the reflux-suppressing alginate component of Gaviscon Double Action (Gaviscon DA; RB, UK) but intragastric acid neutralization activity of the antacid component has not been evaluated in vivo.

Methods: Intragastric pH monitoring, using a custom-made 10-electrode catheter, was evaluated in a two-part exploratory study in healthy subjects; Part I (n = 6) tested suitability of the catheter using antacid tablets (Rennie; Bayer, Germany); Part II (n = 12) evaluated gastric acid neutralization activity of Gaviscon DA liquid (20 ml) versus placebo in fasted subjects using a randomized, open-label, crossover design.

Randomized Comparison of Surveillance Intervals in Familial Colorectal Cancer.

Purpose: Colonoscopic surveillance is recommended for individuals with familial colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the appropriate screening interval has not yet been determined. The aim of this randomized trial was to compare a 3-year with a 6-year screening interval.

The interplay between partners' responsiveness and patients' need for emotional expression in couples coping with cancer.

The central aim of this longitudinal observational study was to test whether patients with a high need for emotional expression are especially sensitive to their partners' responsive behavior, and therefore at risk for depressive symptoms when responsiveness is withheld. Patients with colorectal cancer and their partners (n = 58) participated in a longitudinal study (3, 5 and 9 months after the diagnosis). Additionally to self-report measurements (i.

[Endoscopists under examination].

In 2013 a nationwide screening for colorectal cancer in the Netherlands will start. As a consequence, the number of colonoscopies per year will rise and this will increase the demands for transparency concerning the individual skills of endoscopists and the endoscopy centres themselves. Quality indicators such as the percentage of colonoscopies in which the caecum was intubated, the adenoma detection rate (ADR), endoscope withdrawal time and the level of colon preparation should be monitored and controlled.

Is self-disclosure in couples coping with cancer associated with improvement in depressive symptoms?

Objective: This study examined associations between the degree of self-disclosure and changes in depressive symptoms in couples coping with colorectal cancer.

Method: Sixty-four newly diagnosed patients and their partners completed a measure of depressive symptoms (Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) 3 and 9 months postdiagnosis. Furthermore, approximately 2 months after the first assessment, they engaged in a cancer-related conversation in which the patient was asked to introduce a concern.

Spousal support and changes in distress over time in couples coping with cancer: the role of personal control.

This longitudinal study has examined the associations between perceived supportive and unsupportive spousal behavior and changes in distress in couples coping with cancer. We tested whether people relatively low in their sense of personal control were more responsive to spousal supportive and unsupportive behavior than were people relatively high in personal control. Patients with colorectal cancer and their partners (n = 70) completed questionnaires at two assessment points: 3 (at baseline) and 9 months (at follow-up) after the diagnosis.