Ribozyme-activated mRNA trans-ligation enables large gene delivery to treat muscular dystrophies.

Ribozymes are small catalytic RNA sequences capable of nucleotide-specific self-cleavage found widespread in nature. Ribozyme cleavage generates distinct 2',3'-phosphate and 5'-hydroxyl termini that resemble substrates for recently characterized RNA repair pathways in cells. We report that ribozyme cleavage of two separate mRNAs activated their scarless trans-ligation and translation into full-length protein in eukaryotic cells, a process that we named StitchR (for Stitch RNA).

Prophylactic Antimicrobials for Prevention of Febrile Neutropenia in Tumour-Bearing Dogs Treated With Lomustine.

CCNU (1-[2-chloroethyl]-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosurea), lomustine, is an oral alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subgroup. The dose-limiting toxicity of CCNU is neutropenia most frequently documented 7 days after its administration. Use of prophylactic antimicrobials to prevent chemotherapy-related febrile neutropenia (FN) and its associated morbidity and mortality has been well-documented in human oncology, but this information is limited in the veterinary literature.

An evaluation of the combination effect of zoledronate and chemotherapeutic agents in canine osteosarcoma cells.

Introduction: Osteosarcoma (OSA) is an aggressive form of bone cancer in both dogs and humans. The treatment options for metastatic (stage III) OSA are currently limited and the prognosis is poor. Zoledronate, a second generation amino-bisphosphonate, is commonly used for palliation of cancer induced bone pain.

Transvalvular Pulmonary Stent Angioplasty for Management of an Intraluminal, Compressive Chemodectoma in a Dog.

• Chemodectomas are a common type of heart-base mass in dogs. • Chemodectomas may cause compression or invasion of adjacent structures. • Vascular stent placement may improve blood flow across a vascular obstruction.