Abstract: A method for the administration of a composition that augments the acidity of gastric fluid such that intra-gastric gelation of the polysaccharide:acid soluble multivalent cation formulation is initiated independent of endogenous acid secretion. The composition includes:(a) at least one of a polysaccharide, modified polysaccharide, or polysaccharide salt, each capable of ionotropic gelation, (b) at least one source of multivalent cations capable of solubilization at an acidic pH, and (c) at least one acid component capable of providing a controlled release of protons sufficient to solubilize the multivalent cations. The composition is capable of hydrating in aqueous media and subsequently forming a gel in a stomach when ingested, which gel resists peristaltic forces and remains in the stomach for an extended time.

Abstract: A liquid composition for adherence to a bodily surface, notably to a bodily surface, especially a mucosal surface, comprises water-swellable polymer particles suspended in a water-miscible liquid diluent, wherein the liquid diluent is substantially free of water or includes an amount of water insufficient to fully swell the polymer particles. On admixture with water the composition thickens and becomes more adherent to surfaces. Thus the composition may be easy to administer but may become thick and adherent at the treatment site.

Abstract: A composition comprises water, a first anionic polymer and a second anionic polymer. The first anionic polymer may be xanthan. The second anionic polymer may be selected from an alginate, a carboxymethylcellulose, an acrylate polymer, a carrageenan and a pectin. The composition is such that diluting it with water increases its viscosity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ingestible composition comprising a fibre or sacharide bulking agent, an ingestible silica, and at ingestible surfactant. The provision of the silica and the surfactant provides a synergistic benefit in the dispersal of the bulking agent in water thus making if easier and/or quicker to obtain an imbibable liquid. The bulking agent may be ispaghula, a natural material of benefit in promoting good bowel function.

Abstract: Diagnosing a medical condition of a patient includes receiving a plurality of pieces of information on a patient medical condition, assigning weighting factors to the pieces of information, and responsive to the assigned weighting factors, determining the patient medical condition. A system for diagnosing a patient medical condition includes an interface for receiving pieces of information on a patient medical condition, means for assigning weighting factors to the pieces of information, and means for determining the medical condition of the patient responsive to assigned weighting factors. An apparatus includes a data store for storing information relating to possible conditions, a processor that receives pieces of information relating to answers to questions posed to patients, a weighting assignor that assigns weighting factors to pieces of information, and a condition determining means that determines a patient medical condition responsive to the assigned weighting factors.

Abstract: In the formation of capsules having a polyanionic polysaccharide core and a polycationic polysaccharide membrane layer, improved binding of the polycationic polysaccharide is achieved by including polyvalent ions, especially calcium ions, at the membrane forming step.