The quality of colonic cleansing and the detection of flat lesions are significantly improved when the preparation is taken on the day of the colonoscopy.

We conclude that DSS induced colitis is markedly attenuated in animals lacking MMP-9. This suggests that intestinal injury induced by DSS is modulated by MMP-9 and that inhibition of this gelatinase may reduce inflammation.

Stimulation of sensory neurons in the rat stomach by intragastric capsaicin leads to a marked rise in gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF). The gastric mucosa, in particular submucosal blood vessels, is densely innervated by afferent neurons containing peptides, of which calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is the most potent vasodilator. Using selective ablation of either the vagal or spinal sensory innervation to the stomach by perineural application of capsaicin, and by intra-arterial infusion of the CGRP receptor antagonist hCGRP-(8-37) close to the stomach, we investigated 1) the origin (vagal or spinal) of the sensory neurons and 2) whether CGRP mediates this hyperemic response. Perivagal application of capsaicin to the rat 10-20 days before experiments had no effect on the hyperemic response to intragastric capsaicin. In contrast, periceliac application of capsaicin significantly reduced this response by 60%. Intra-arterial infusion of CGRP (20 pmol/min) close to the stomach produced a marked rise in GMBF and this was completely blocked by hCGRP-(8-37) (500 pmol/min). intra-arterial infusion of hCGRP-(8-37) or its vehicle, bovine serum albumin, had no significant effect on basal GMBF. However, the increment in GMBF in response to intragastric capsaicin was significantly attenuated by 79%. We conclude that 1) spinal sensory neurons innervating the gastric mucosa partially mediate the increase in GMBF induced by intragastric capsaicin and 2) CGRP is the major vasodilator released by these fibers.

No abstract

Colorectal cancer ranks as one of the most incidental and death malignancies worldwide. Colorectal cancer screening has proven its benefit in terms of incidence and mortality reduction in randomized controlled trials. In fact, it has been recommended by medical organizations either in average-risk or family-risk populations. Success of a screening campaign highly depends on how compliant the target population is. Several factors influence colorectal cancer screening uptake including sociodemographics, provider and healthcare system factors, and psychosocial factors. Awareness of the target population of colorectal cancer and screening is crucial in order to increase screening participation rates. Knowledge about this disease and its prevention has been used across studies as a measurement of public awareness. Some studies found a positive relationship between knowledge about colorectal cancer, risk perception, and attitudes (perceived benefits and barriers against screening) and willingness to participate in a colorectal cancer screening campaign. The mentioned factors are modifiable and therefore susceptible of intervention. In fact, interventional studies focused on average-risk population have tried to increase colorectal cancer screening uptake by improving public knowledge and modifying attitudes. In the present paper, we reviewed the factors impacting adherence to colorectal cancer screening and interventions targeting participants for increasing screening uptake.