Breed predilections and prognosis for subungual squamous cell carcinoma in dogs.

Objective: To better document the prevalence, breed predilections, and clinical behavior of subungual squamous cell carcinomas in dogs. Procedure: Retrospective analysis of records from 278 812 canine biopsy submissions including 1518 subungual squamous cell carcinomas from dogs in Canada between the years 2003 and 2021. Results: In agreement with previous studies, giant schnauzers [odds ratio (OR): 56.7], standard schnauzers (OR: 20.3), Gordon setters (OR: 18.3), black standard poodles (OR: 11.1), Kerry blue terriers (OR: 9.4), Rottweilers (OR: 7.0), and several other breeds of large black dogs had a strong predilection for development of subungual squamous cell carcinomas. In giant schnauzers and standard poodles specifically, the risk of developing additional tumors on additional digits was 56%. There were no local postoperative recurrences, and the risk of detecting metastatic disease within 5 y after initial diagnosis was very low at 4%. Conclusion: Moderately large black, or black and tan, dogs have a marked increase in the prevalence of subungual squamous cell carcinomas. At least in giant schnauzers and black standard poodles, the risk of developing additional similar tumors on additional digits is high, but the metastatic risk is very low. Clinical relevance: Veterinarians receiving a histologic diagnosis of subungual squamous cell carcinoma in a large black (or predominantly black) dog should advise the owners of a substantial risk that the dog will develop similar tumors on other digits in 2 or 3 y following initial diagnosis, but that the risk of local recurrence or metastatic spread is extremely low.

Objectif: Mieux documenter la prévalence, les préférences de race et le comportement clinique des carcinomes épidermoïdes sous-unguéaux chez les chiens. Procédure: Analyse rétrospective des dossiers de 278 812 soumissions de biopsies canines, y compris 1518 carcinomes épidermoïdes sous-unguéaux de chiens au Canada entre 2003 et 2021. Résultats: En accord avec les études précédentes, les schnauzers géants [rapport de cotes (OR): 56,7], les schnauzers standards (OR: 20,3), les setters Gordon (OR: 18,3), les caniches standards noirs (OR: 11,1), les Kerry blue terriers (OR: 9,4), Rottweilers (OR: 7,0) et plusieurs autres races de grands chiens noirs avaient une forte prédilection pour le développement de carcinomes épidermoïdes sous-unguéaux. Chez les schnauzers géants et les caniches standards en particulier, le risque de développer des tumeurs supplémentaires sur des doigts additionnels était de 56 %. Il n'y a pas eu de récidive postopératoire locale et le risque de détecter une maladie métastatique dans les 5 ans suivant le diagnostic initial était très faible à 4 %. Conclusion: Les chiens noirs ou noirs et brun-roux de taille moyenne présentent une augmentation marquée de la prévalence des carcinomes épidermoïdes sous-unguéaux. Au moins chez les schnauzers géants et les caniches standards noirs, le risque de développer des tumeurs similaires supplémentaires sur des doigts additionnels est élevé, mais le risque métastatique est très faible. Pertinence clinique: Les vétérinaires qui reçoivent un diagnostic histologique de carcinome épidermoïde sous-unguéal chez un gros chien noir (ou à prédominance noire) doivent informer les propriétaires d'un risque substantiel que le chien développe des tumeurs similaires sur d'autres doigts dans les 2 ou 3 ans suivant le diagnostic initial, mais que le risque de récidive locale ou de propagation métastatique est extrêmement faible.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Feline postvaccinal sarcoma: 20 years later.

Comparison of the annual prevalence of feline postvaccinal sarcomas among 11 609 feline skin mass submissions from 1992 to 2010 revealed no decrease in disease prevalence or increase in the age of affected cats in response to changes in vaccine formulation or recommended changes in feline vaccination protocols.

Factors influencing workers to follow food safety management systems in meat plants in Ontario, Canada.

Small and medium sized food businesses have been slow to adopt food safety management systems (FSMSs) such as good manufacturing practices and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP). This study identifies factors influencing workers in their implementation of food safety practices in small and medium meat processing establishments in Ontario, Canada. A qualitative approach was used to explore in-plant factors that influence the implementation of FSMSs. Thirteen in-depth interviews in five meat plants and two focus group interviews were conducted. These generated 219 pages of verbatim transcripts which were analysed using NVivo 7 software. Main themes identified in the data related to production systems, organisational characteristics and employee characteristics. A socio-psychological model based on the theory of planned behaviour is proposed to describe how these themes and underlying sub-themes relate to FSMS implementation. Addressing the various factors that influence production workers is expected to enhance FSMS implementation and increase food safety.

Process analytical technology in the pharmaceutical industry: a toolkit for continuous improvement.

Process analytical technology (PAT) refers to a series of tools used to ensure that quality is built into products while at the same time improving the understanding of processes, increasing efficiency, and decreasing costs. It has not been widely adopted by the pharmaceutical industry. As the setting for this paper, the current pharmaceutical manufacturing paradigm and PAT guidance to date are discussed prior to the review of PAT principles and tools, benefits, and challenges. The PAT toolkit contains process analyzers, multivariate analysis tools, process control tools, and continuous improvement/knowledge management/information technology systems. The integration and implementation of these tools is complex, and has resulted in uncertainty with respect to both regulation and validation. The paucity of staff knowledgeable in this area may complicate adoption. Studies to quantitate the benefits resulting from the adoption of PAT within the pharmaceutical industry would be a valuable addition to the qualitative studies that are currently available.

Foodborne and waterborne pathogenic bacteria in selected Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.

The World Ranking Food Safety Performance reports by Charlebois in 2008 and 2010 importantly stimulated international discussion and encouraged efforts to establish realistic international benchmarks for food safety performance among Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. This paper presents the international incidence of 5 common foodborne pathogens and describes the challenges of comparing international data. Data were compiled from surveillance authorities in the countries, such as the Natl. Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System of Australia; the Canadian Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System; the European Food Safety Authority, EFSA; the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan; New Zealand Food Safety Authority; and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The highest average rates in cases per 100000 people over the 12-y period from 2000 to 2011 for Campylobacter spp. (237.47), Salmonella spp. (67.08), Yersinia spp. (12.09), Verotoxigenic/Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (3.38), and Listeria monocytogenes (1.06) corresponded, in order, to New Zealand, Belgium, Finland, Canada, and Denmark. Comparatively, annual average rates for these 5 pathogens showed an increase over the 12-y period in 28%, 17%, 14%, 50%, and 6% of the countries for which data were available. Salmonella spp. showed a decrease in 56% of the countries, while incidence of L. monocytogenes was constant in most countries (94%). Variable protocols for monitoring incidence of pathogens among OECD countries remain. Nevertheless, there is evidence of sufficient standardization of monitoring protocols such as the European Surveillance System, which has contributed to reduce this gap.