Objective To investigate the biological safety of commercially available natural rubber latex and synthetic polyurethane condoms.Methods Natural rubber latex condom brands of A1 and A2 and polyurethane condom brands of B1 and B2 were purchased from large chain pharmacies in Chengdu,with three packages randomly selected for each brand.The study assessed the toxic effects of condom extracts on L-929 mouse fibroblasts according to GB/T standards.Gross observation and histopathological evaluation were conducted to assess the irritation reactions of condoms on the vagina and penis of rabbits(3 rabbits were used for each brand),as well as their sensitization effects on guinea pig skin.Additionally,the impact of continuous perfusion of condom extracts of the vaginas of SD rats for 30 days on their reproductive systems was evaluated,following GB/T standards(5 rats were used for each brand).Results Extracts from natural rubber latex condom brands A1 and A2,at concentrations of 100%and 50%,exhibited significant cytotoxicity,with optical density(OD)values being significantly lower than those of the blank control group and the polyurethane condom brands B1 and B2(P＜0.01).There was no significant difference in cell morphology and OD values between the extracts of B1 and B2 and the blank control group(P＞0.05).Vaginal congestion was found in 3 rabbits from A1 group and 1 rabbit from the A2 group,while no obvious congestion was noted in rabbits from the B1 and the B2 groups.Histopathological examination showed scattered inflammatory cell infiltration in the vaginal tissue of 3 rabbits from the A1 group and 2 rabbits from the A2 group,and slight congestion in the blood vessels of the lamina propria.No obvious pathological changes were observed in the vaginal tissue of polyurethane brand rabbits.Two rabbits from the A1 group and 1 rabbit from the A2 group showed transient and mild erythema on the penis during the experiment.Histopathological examination showed that 1 rabbit from A1 group had small foci of pericapillary lymphocytes in the dermis of the penis,while no significant pathological changes were observed in the penile tissue of A2,B1,and B2 groups.After 30 days of continuous vaginal perfusion with condom extract,3 rats in A1 group and 2 rats in the A2 group had uterine congestion,with the degree of congestion being lower in the A2 group.No significant congestion or pathological changes were observed in the vaginal and penile tissues of rabbits,or in the uterine tissues of rats from the polyurethane groups.None of the 4 groups of guinea pigs showed significant skin allergic reactions to the condom extracts.Conclusion Significant differences in biosafety exist among condoms of various materials and brands.To ensure product safety,it is crucial to strengthen quality control and regulatory oversight after condoms become commercially available.

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between the methylenetetrahy drofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T missense mutation and schizophrenia by linkage disequilibrium study.

METHODSLinkage disequilibrium analys is was conducted bet ween MTHFR C677T and schizophrenia in 115 affected-sib-pair (105) and trios (10) families by XDT and MAPMAKER/SIBS soft system. The analyses were performed in different diagnostic categories and combined with the age of onset as well.

RESULTSNo positive results were found in the analysis in all the family in all the four diagnostic categories. Significant P values, which were P<0.05, P<0.01 respectively, were observed in the families with the affected individual's onset age less than 25 years in all the four diagnostic categories.

CONCLUSIONThe missense mutation of MTHFR C677T or other gene structure around this mutation may be one of the susceptibility gene of schizophrenia.

DNA ; genetics ; Family Health ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Linkage Disequilibrium ; Male ; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) ; Mutation, Missense ; Nuclear Family ; Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors ; genetics ; Schizophrenia ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between the microsatellite markers on chromosome 6 and schizophrenia by linkage disequilibrium analysis.

METHODSTwenty-eight microsatellite markers on chromosome 6 were evaluated in 115 affected-sib-pair and trios families. Linkage disequilibrium analysis was conducted according to diagnostic categories, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and other clinical data by XDT and MAPMAKER/SIBS software system.

RESULTSSignificant P value (P<0.005) was found in all the four diagnostic categories. Only the locus of D6S1960 showed positive P value (P<0.05) in all the subgroups divided by PANSS scale and the age of onset.

CONCLUSIONThe area around D6S1960 in short arm of chromosome 6 may contain susceptibility gene of schizophrenia.

Age of Onset ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6 ; Humans ; Linkage Disequilibrium ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; Schizophrenia ; genetics