Aptamer-conjugated gold nanoparticles enable oligonucleotide delivery into muscle stem cells to promote regeneration of dystrophic muscles.

Inefficient targeting of muscle stem cells (MuSCs), also called satellite cells, represents a major bottleneck of current therapeutic strategies for muscular dystrophies, as it precludes the possibility of promoting compensatory regeneration. Here we describe a muscle-targeting delivery platform, based on gold nanoparticles, that enables the release of therapeutic oligonucleotides into MuSCs. We demonstrate that AuNPs conjugation to an aptamer against α7/β1 integrin dimers directs either local or systemic delivery of microRNA-206 to MuSCs, thereby promoting muscle regeneration and improving muscle functionality, in a mouse model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Diagnostic stewardship and dermatology consultation in cellulitis management: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Cellulitis is a common skin infection often requiring antibiotic treatment. However, misdiagnosis and inappropriate antibiotic use contribute to antibiotic resistance and healthcare costs. We aimed to evaluate the impact of dermatology consultation on treatment modification in patients with suspected cellulitis and to determine whether dermatologists' evaluation can be used as a reference to diagnose suspected cellulitis.

Dorsal root ganglion toxicity after AAV intra-CSF delivery of a RNAi expression construct into non-human primates and mice.

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) toxicity has been consistently reported as a potential safety concern after delivery of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) containing gene-replacement vectors but has yet to be reported for RNAi-based vectors. Here, we report DRG toxicity after AAV intra-CSF delivery of an RNAi expression construct-artificial microRNA targeting superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)-in non-human primates (NHPs) and provide evidence that this can be recapitulated within mice. Histopathology evaluation showed that NHPs and mice develop DRG toxicity after AAV delivery, including DRG neuron degeneration and necrosis and nerve-fiber degeneration that were associated with increases in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNF-H).

Effectiveness of heterologous and homologous COVID-19 vaccination among immunocompromised individuals: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: We assessed the effectiveness of heterologous vaccination strategy in immunocompromised individuals regarding COVID-19 outcomes, comparing it to homologous approaches.

Design: Systematic literature review/meta-analysis.

Methods: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science from January 1, 2020 to September 29, 2023.

Context specific effects of substrate composition on the taxonomic and functional diversity of macroinvertebrate communities in temperate lowland streams.

Substrate composition has been widely recognised as a primary variable shaping lotic macroinvertebrate communities at the habitat unit level. However, fundamental understanding of how communities inhabiting mineralogical habitats (i.e.