Anti-Armenian Hamster IgG monoclonal antibody, clone TB140b [Biotin]

The aim of this study was to explore the epidemiology ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) in eastern China. Therefore, 287 primary CRC patients and 287 age-matched healthy control subjects were recruited to estimate the seroprevalence ofT. gondiiand identify the risk factors of infection. Enzyme-linked immunoassays were used to test for anti-T. gondiiimmunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies. Forty-six (16%) samples were positive for anti-T. gondiiIgG antibodies in patients with CRC, compared with 26 (9.1%) in the healthy controls, a significant difference (P=0.007). By contrast, eight (2.8%) patients tested positive forT. gondiiIgM antibodies, compared with three (1.1%) in the controls, a difference that was not significant (P=0.13). Multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that a rural residence (OR 2.83; 95% CI 1.15-7.01;P=0.024) and treatment with chemotherapy (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.02-4.57;P=0.045) were risk factors forT. gondiiinfection in patients with CRC. Thus,T. gondiiinfection is serious in patients with CRC, and a rural residence and treatment with chemotherapy are independent risk factors for infection by this parasite. Therefore, medical professionals should be aware of this pathogen in patients with CRC, and the causes ofT. gondiiinfection in these patients need to be explored further.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of iguratimod for the treatment of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) and explore its possible mechanism of action. Method: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 66 pSS patients. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive oral iguratimod for 24 weeks or matching placebo. The primary endpoint was the EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI). Secondary endpoints included mental discomfort visual analogue scale (VAS) score, patient global assessment (PGA), EULAR Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI), Schirmer's test values, unstimulated whole salivary flow, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The proportions of B cells in peripheral blood and levels of serum B-cell activating factor (BAFF) were measured at baseline and week 24 in the iguratimod group. All adverse events were recorded during the trial period. Results:ESSPRI improved more in the iguratimod than in the placebo group (p = 0.016). Mental discomfort VAS score, PGA, Schirmer's test, ESR, and IgG also improved more in the iguratimod than in the placebo group (all p < 0.05). Adverse events were reported 13.6% of the iguratimod group. Levels of BAFF and proportions of plasma cells in patients decreased significantly after iguratimod treatment. The proportions of peripheral plasma cells had positive correlations with both serum IgG and BAFF. Conclusion: Iguratimod improved some dryness symptoms and disease activity in pSS patients, and reduced the level of BAFF and percentage of plasma cells over 24 weeks. Iguratimod seems to be an effective and safe treatment for pSS.