A Whole-Transcriptomic Analysis of Canine Oral Melanoma: A Chance to Disclose the Radiotherapy Effect and Outcome-Associated Gene Signature.

Oral melanoma (OM) is the most common malignant oral tumour among dogs and shares similarities with human mucosal melanoma (HMM), validating the role of canine species as an immunocompetent model for cancer research. In both humans and dogs, the prognosis is poor and radiotherapy (RT) represents a cornerstone in the management of this tumour, either as an adjuvant or a palliative treatment. In this study, by means of RNA-seq, the effect of RT weekly fractionated in 9 Gray (Gy), up to a total dose of 36 Gy (4 weeks), was evaluated in eight dogs affected by OM.

Assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward human tuberculosis amongst rural communities in Chad.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by bacteria belonging to the complex. In sub-Saharan African countries such as Chad, TB is endemic and causes a high burden on humans and animals through morbidity, mortality, and reduced productivity in livestock. To effectively prevent and control the disease, strong coordination between policymakers, health and veterinary services, civil society organizations, and communities is needed.

Significance of the goby Zosterisessor ophiocephalus as a sentinel species for Venice Lagoon contamination: Combining biomarker responses and bioaccumulation.

The Venice Lagoon is an interesting example of an ecosystem suffering for a considerable anthropogenic impact, resulting in high concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in lagoon sediments and seafood. In this context, biomonitoring is a crucially important task. The present study aimed at evaluating the validity of a multiple biomarker approach in a benthic fish species.

DNA and RNA isolation from canine oncologic formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues for downstream "-omic" analyses: possible or not?

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues represent a unique source of archived biological material, but obtaining suitable DNA and RNA for retrospective "-omic" investigations is still challenging. In the current study, canine tumor FFPE blocks were used to 1) compare common commercial DNA and RNA extraction kits; 2) compare target gene expression measured in FFPE blocks and biopsies stored in a commercial storage reagent; 3) assess the impact of fixation time; and 4) perform biomolecular investigations on archival samples chosen according to formalin fixation times. Nucleic acids yield and quality were determined by spectrophotometer and capillary electrophoresis, respectively.