Gene editing in small and large animals for translational medicine: a review.

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a simpler and more versatile method compared to other engineered nucleases such as Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs), and since its discovery, the efficiency of CRISPR-based genome editing has increased to the point that multiple and different types of edits can be made simultaneously. These advances in gene editing have revolutionized biotechnology by enabling precise genome editing with greater simplicity and efficacy than ever before. This tool has been successfully applied to a wide range of animal species, including cattle, pigs, dogs, and other small animals. Engineered nucleases cut the genome at specific target positions, triggering the cell's mechanisms to repair the damage and introduce a mutation to a specific genomic site. This review discusses novel genome-based CRISPR/Cas9 editing tools, methods developed to improve efficiency and specificity, the use of gene-editing on animal models and translational medicine, and the main challenges and limitations of CRISPR-based gene-editing approaches.

Delivery anatomy kits help to keep practical veterinary classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To address the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to search for assistive learning tools for the subject of Animal Anatomy II and Applied Anatomy, 123 anatomical kits were prepared at the Animal Anatomy Laboratory for students of the Veterinary Medicine course at the University of São Paulo, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA/USP) in Pirassununga city, São Paulo, Brazil. The kits contained anatomical pieces for teaching splanchnology and topographic anatomy (two different classes), and they were elaborated based on effective preservation techniques for the preparation of animal anatomical pieces. At the end of each course, we sent an online questionnaire to the students for evaluation of the methodology used. Alternative methods were used to minimize the odour and non-generation of chemical or microbiological contaminants. The acceptance of the kits was unanimous with adherence by all the students, who had the opportunity to experience the Anatomy class in its entirety, without leaving their homes.

Ozone therapy: protocol for treating canine parvovirus infection.

Canine Parvovirus infection is a disease caused by Canine Parvovirus (CPV) that results in hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and secondary infections, mainly in puppies between six weeks and six months old that are not immunized. Since there is no specific treatment for the condition, supportive therapy based on antibiotics, antiemetics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is traditionally used. Ozone therapy is an economical treatment that has bactericidal, fungicidal, and antiviral properties, besides promoting oxygenation and tissue regeneration, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and was used as a complementary therapy in this study. Therefore, four mixed-breed dogs, aged between 2 and 3 months, with no previous immunization against CPV and testing positive for the virus in a rapid test were selected. The animals were randomly distributed into two groups, being 1: the control group (n=2) that received only supportive treatment; and 2: the experimental group (n=2), that in addition to conventional therapy received intravenously 500 mL of ozonized Ringer's Lactate solution. Before treatment and after 24 and 48 hours, the following clinical signs were evaluated: episodes of emesis and diarrhea, weight, hydration, blood glucose level, abdominal pain, and blood count. One control group animal died within the first hours of hospitalization. Both animals in the experimental group presented faster resolution of diarrheal episodes and shorter hospitalization time when compared to the surviving animal that received only supportive treatment. Although further studies are needed, ozone therapy showed promising results for the treatment of canine parvovirus.

A Parvovirose canina é uma doença infecciosa causada pelo Parvovírus Canino (CPV) que resulta em gastroenterite hemorrágica e infecções secundárias, principalmente em cachorros entre seis semanas e seis meses de idade não imunizados. Como não existe tratamento específico para a doença, utiliza-se tradicionalmente terapia de suporte baseada em antibióticos, antieméticos, e anti-inflamatórios não esteroides. A Ozonioterapia é um tratamento econômico com propriedades bactericidas, fungicidas e antivirais, além de promover a oxigenação e a regeneração dos tecidos, efeitos anti-inflamatórios e analgésicos, e foi utilizada como terapia complementar neste estudo. Neste estudo, foram selecionados quatro cães sem raça definida, com idades entre 2 e 3 meses, sem imunização prévia contra CPV, que testaram positivo para o vírus em um teste rápido. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos, sendo 1: o grupo controle (n=2) que recebeu apenas tratamento de suporte; e 2: o grupo experimental (n=2), que além da terapia convencional recebeu por via intravenosa 500 mL de Lactato de Ringer ozonizado. Antes do tratamento, após 24 e 48 horas, foram avaliados os seguintes sinais clínicos: episódios de êmese e diarreia, peso, hidratação, glicemia, dores abdominais, e hemograma. Um animal do grupo controle foi a óbito nas primeiras horas de internação. Ambos os animais do grupo experimental apresentaram uma resolução mais rápida dos episódios de diarreia e um tempo de internação mais curto quando comparado com o animal sobrevivente que recebeu apenas tratamento de suporte. Embora sejam necessários mais estudos, a ozonoterapia demonstrou resultados promissores para o tratamento do parvovírus canino.