Omalizumab improves sinonasal outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps regardless of allergic status.

Background: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) often have atopic comorbidities, including elevated IgE levels and comorbid asthma. Omalizumab, an IgE monoclonal antibody, is an effective treatment for CRSwNP, but the impact of allergy or asthma status on response to omalizumab in patients with CRSwNP has not been well studied.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of allergy and asthma status on omalizumab treatment in patients with CRSwNP, this posthoc exploratory analysis assessed sinonasal outcomes from subgroups of patients included in POLYP 1 and POLYP 2 and the open-label extension (OLE) trials.

Oral bemnifosbuvir (AT-527) vs placebo in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in an outpatient setting (MORNINGSKY).

This phase III study assessed the efficacy/safety/antiviral activity/pharmacokinetics of bemnifosbuvir, a novel, oral nucleotide analog to treat COVID-19. Outpatient adults/adolescents with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 were randomized 2:1 to bemnifosbuvir/placebo. Time to symptom alleviation/improvement (primary outcome), risk of hospitalization/death, viral load and safety were evaluated.

Long-term efficacy and safety of omalizumab for nasal polyposis in an open-label extension study.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) frequently remains uncontrolled despite maximal medical therapy and sinonasal surgery, presenting several unmet needs and challenges. Omalizumab previously demonstrated efficacy in CRSwNP in duplicate phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled trials (POLYP 1, POLYP 2).

Objective: This open-label extension evaluated the continued efficacy, safety, and durability of response of omalizumab in adults with CRSwNP who completed POLYP 1 or 2.

Enhanced anti-tumor immune responses and delay of tumor development in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 mice immunized with an immunostimulatory peptide in poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles.

Introduction: Cancer vaccines have the potential to induce curative anti-tumor immune responses and better adjuvants may improve vaccine efficacy. We have previously shown that Hp91, a peptide derived from the B box domain in high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1), acts as a potent immune adjuvant.

Method: In this study, Hp91 was tested as part of a therapeutic vaccine against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer.

TLR4-dependent activation of dendritic cells by an HMGB1-derived peptide adjuvant.

High mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) acts as an endogenous danger molecule that is released from necrotic cells and activated macrophages. We have previously shown that peptide Hp91, whose sequence corresponds to an area within the B-Box domain of HMGB1, activates dendritic cells (DCs) and acts as an adjuvant in vivo. Here we investigated the underlying mechanisms of Hp91-mediated DC activation.

Delivery of a peptide via poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles enhances its dendritic cell-stimulatory capacity.

Unlabelled: Nanoparticles (NPs) are attractive carriers for vaccines. We have previously shown that a short peptide (Hp91) activates dendritic cells (DCs), which are critical for initiation of immune responses. In an effort to develop Hp91 as a vaccine adjuvant with NP carriers, we evaluated its activity when encapsulated in or conjugated to the surface of poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) NPs.

The employment-related breastfeeding decisions of physician mothers.

One hundred and forty-six physician mothers responded to a survey of their personal decisions regarding employment and breastfeeding. The mean duration of breastfeeding was 18.8 weeks with a range of 1 week to 128 weeks.

Breastfeeding education, treatment, and referrals by female physicians.

The female membership of the Mississippi State Medical Association and female physician employees of the Mississippi State Department of Health were surveyed (N = 350) to examine their practice-related decisions relative to breastfeeding; 215 (61%) responded to the survey. Discussion was commonly used for educating patients, with face-to-face demonstrations used by less than half of respondents. Female physicians with breastfeeding experience were more comfortable than others in treating sore nipples, plugged ducts, infected nipples, and inadequate infant weight gain.

Personal breast-feeding behaviors of female physicians in Mississippi.

Background: In this study, we examined the personal breast-feeding behaviors of female physicians in Mississippi.

Method: Two hundred fifteen of 350 female physicians responded to a survey inquiring of their personal breast-feeding behaviors.

Results: One hundred fifty-five mothers (74%) reported having biologic children, and 146 (94.