Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collecting a sample of exfoliated cells from a colorectal mucosal surface of a human subject which comprises a colorectal insertion member (1) having a distal, insertion end (2), a proximal end (34) and a closable interior cavity (3), a flexible membrane having an outer, cell sampling surface (5) and an inner surface, wherein said membrane is sealingly attached to the distal, insertion end of the insertion member and held within the interior cavity, such that, in use, pressurization of the interior cavity to at least a first elevated pressure causes the membrane to emit from the distal end of the insertion member to make contact with the colorectal mucosal surface and pressurization of the interior cavity to a second reduced pressure causes the membrane to invert and return to the interior cavity of the insertion member. A kit comprising the device and methods of colorectal cell sampling using the device are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collecting a sample of exfoliated cells from a colorectal mucosal surface of a human subject which comprises a colorectal insertion member (1) having a distal, insertion end (2), a proximal end (34) and a closable interior cavity (3), a flexible membrane having an outer, cell sampling surface (5) and an inner surface, wherein said membrane is sealingly attached to the distal, insertion end of said insertion member and held within the interior cavity, such that, in use, pressurization of the interior cavity to at least a first elevated pressure causes the membrane to emit from the distal end of said insertion member to make contact with the colorectal mucosal surface and pressurization of the interior cavity to a second reduced pressure causes the membrane to invert and return to the interior cavity of said insertion member. A kit comprising said device and methods of colorectal cell sampling using said device are also described.

Abstract: A device for collection of exfoliated cells from the rectal mucosa comprises a hollow, cylindrical body having an inflatable and invertible flexible membrane attached to one end thereof. Applying positive pressure to inflate the membrane after the device is inserted, preferably through a rectal access tube, into the rectum causes exfoliated cells to be collected on the surface of the membrane. Before removal of the device, negative pressure is applied and the membrane, along with the collected sample of exfoliated cells, is deflated, inverted and withdrawn into the body of the device, thereby avoiding contact of the collected sample with body surfaces or the rectal access tube as the device is removed from the rectum.

Abstract: A method for predicting the presence of colorectal cancer based on the concentration of DNA in a sample of exfoliated cells collected directly from the surface of the rectal mucosa of a subject. The method consists of quantifying the concentration of DNA in a lysate containing exfoliated cells and correlating the concentration with a range within a statistical model which indicated the likelihood of the presence of colorectal cancer as well as the likely location of the cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collecting a sample of exfoliated cells from a colorectal mucosal surface of a human subject which comprises a colorectal insertion member (1) having a distal, insertion end (2), a proximal end (34) and a closable interior cavity (3), a flexible membrane having an outer, cell sampling surface (5) and an inner surface, wherein said membrane is sealingly attached to the distal, insertion end of said insertion member and held within the interior cavity, such that, in use, pressurisation of the interior cavity to at least a first elevated pressure causes the membrane to emit from the distal end of said insertion member to make contact with the colorectal mucosal surface and pressurisation of the interior cavity to a second reduced pressure causes the membrane to invert and return to the interior cavity of said insertion member A kit comprising said device and methods of colorectal cell sampling using said device are also described.

Abstract: A single-handed opening mechanism for a container (1) holding a pourable substance comprising an elongate sealing element (2) which is moveable from a first closed position to a second open position. The elongate sealing element (2) is deformable and moves from the first closed position to the second deformed open position by the application of a squeezing force applied by the user's hand substantially along the length of the elongate sealing element (2).

Abstract: An improved tube retaining system is disclosed in which a connector member has a generally conical inner bore which receives a first tube. A generally serpentine sleeve is disposed in the conical bore and contacts both an outer periphery of the first tube and the inner periphery of the bore. The unique configuration of the sleeve ensure that the tube is both easily inserted and securely retained against removal within the connector.

Abstract: A two-way selector valve for a vehicle seat inflation device is disclosed. The selector valve includes a first input passageway connected between a source of pressurized air and a valve body chamber. The selector valve further includes second and third passageways which are connected between the valve body chamber and respective output conduits. Each of the output conduits is connected to a respective pneumatic chamber formed in the vehicle seat. A valve plate having first and second apertures formed therein is disposed within the valve body chamber. The valve plate is rotatable between first and second positions so as to selectively provide communication between the first passageway and a selected one of the second and third passageways. A relief valve is provided adjacent the valve plate for deflating the selected one of the chambers.