Abstract: Formulations for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux diseases include a carrier vehicle and an active gastro-protective agent. The carrier vehicle is either capable of forming a floating barrier layer on contact with gastric acid or of forming a bioadhesive film before any contact with gastric acid, so as to protect gastric mucosa from irritation by the gastric acid. A preferred active ingredient is capsaicin. The carrier vehicle preferably contains alginate or cross-linked polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: A method of reducing the droplet sizes of a composition sprayed from an aerosol spray device comprising a compressed gas propellant, which method comprises imparting a unipolar charge to the liquid droplets by double layer charging during the spraying of the liquid droplets from the aerosol spray device, the unipolar charge being at a level such that the said droplets have a charge to mass ratio of at least +/−1×10−4 C/kg.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain and/or bloating or abdominal distension, the composition including a carrier vehicle and a vanilloid compound. The carrier vehicle enables the vanilloid compound to be released in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The vanilloid compound has the effect of desensitizing nerves in the lower gastrointestinal tract, thereby leading to symptomatic relief. Preferred vanilloid compounds are capsaicin and resiniferatoxin.

Abstract: A hard surface cleaner comprises (a) one or more alkyl or alkenol ethoxylated amides, (b) a glycol ether or a C.sub.6 -C.sub.11 alcohols, and (c) optionally, an anti-static agent.

Abstract: A process for bleaching and/or providing limescale removal at a surface, by applying to that surface an aqueous composition having a pH of 2 or less and comprises a mixture of (a) an aqueous composition comprising hydrogen peroxide or an organic peracid having a pH of greater than 2 but less than 7 and (b) an acidic composition wherein components (a) and (b) are mixed not more than two hours before being applied to the surface requiring bleaching and/or limescale removal. The organic acid of component (a) has the formula XC (O)OOH where X is hydrogen or CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n and n is 0 to 8. The acid composition (b) comprises hydrochloric, sulphamic, tartaric, phosphoric, oxalic, citric, salicylic or ascorbic acids.

Abstract: A chemical cleaning composition for silver- or copper-containing surfaces consists of a water-soluble solid or powder comprising thiourea or a derivative thereof, and is formulated in unit application form, e.g. in tablet or sachet form. A preferred composition comprises up to 60% thiourea or a derivative thereof; up to 4% surfactant; not more than 40% acidifier; less than 20% disintegrant; up to 10% binder; 0-1% lubricant; and up to 40% diluent.

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) haemagglutinin/protease protein, nucleic acids encoding therefor and antibodies specific thereto are described and, in particular, to their use in the identification of H.pylori and in the diagnosis of H.pylori infection. Also described are kits for the identification and diagnosis of H.pylori infection.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device for spraying liquids comprises a hollow capillary structure having a convoluted inner surface, one end of which contacts a reservoir of an electrostatically sprayable liquid preferably having a viscosity from 1 to 20.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2 /s and a volume resistivity from 2.5.times.10.sup.6 to 5.times.10.sup.8 ohm cm, the other end of which terminates in an atomization tip, and means for applying high voltage to the liquid in order to cause the liquid at the atomization tip to break up into a plurality of electrostatically charged droplets. Cartridges for use in the electrostatic spraying device are also described.