The value of CPSE (canine prostate specific esterase) in diagnosis of prostate enlargement in male dogs

Benign prostatahyperplasi (BPH) är den vanligaste prostatasjukdomen hos intakta hanhundar. Studier har visat att nästan 100 % av intakta hanhundar har BPH efter sex års ålder. Olika prostatarelaterade sjukdomar ger ofta liknande kliniska tecken men prognos och behandling skiljer sig åt. Det är därför viktigt att kunna ställa diagnos tidigt och påbörja rätt behandling. Oftast ställs en presumtiv diagnos av BPH eftersom en definitiv diagnos kräver vävnadsbiopsi. På humansidan är serummarkörer viktiga för diagnostiken av prostatacarcinom. Det har visats hos hund att koncentrationen av prostataproteinet CPSE (canine prostate specific esterase) är högre hos hundar med BPH än hos normala hundar. I denna studie undersöks värdet av CPSE vid diagnostik av prostataförstoring och användbarheten för att förutse prostatas tillväxthastighet. I studien har uppföljande klinisk information samlats från 77 av 79 hundar som deltog i en studie för tre år sedan, där sambandet mellan CPSE-koncentration och prostatas storlek studerades. Dessutom utfördes en uppföljande ultraljudsundersökning på 22 av hundarna där prostatastorlek uppmättes och jämfördes med de tidigare mätningarna gjorda för tre år sedan. I samband med den uppföljande undersökningen togs ett venöst blodprov för analys av CPSE-koncentrationen. Proverna analyserades med Odelis CPSE, en ELISA för bestämning av koncentrationen CPSE. Resultaten från studien visar att CPSE inte kan användas för att uppskatta prostatas tillväxthastighet. Hundar som för tre år sedan hade en CPSE-koncentration på 90 ng/ml eller högre eller en prostatavolym 2,5 gånger större än normalt eller större fick signifikant oftare än andra kliniska tecken relaterade till prostatasjukdom. CPSE verkar vara användbart för att avgöra om ytterligare diagnostik eller behandling krävs.Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostatic disease in intact male dogs. Studies have shown that almost 100% of intact males have developed BPH after six years of age. Diseases related to the prostate often cause similar clinical signs but the prognoses and treatments differ. It is therefore important with an early diagnosis to initiate proper treatment. The diagnosis of BPH is often presumptive because definitive diagnosis requires a tissue biopsy. Serum markers are important for the diagnostics of prostatic carcinoma in men. It has been shown that the concentration of the prostatic protein CPSE (canine prostate specific esterase) is higher in dogs with BPH than in normal dogs. In this study the value of CPSE in diagnosis of prostate enlargement is examined and the utility to predict the prostate growth rate is studied. In the study, follow-up clinical information was collected from 77 out of 79 dogs that participated in a study three years ago where the correlation between serum concentration of CPSE and prostatic size was evaluated. In addition, a follow-up ultrasound examination was performed on 22 of the dogs and prostatic size was measured and the results were compared with the previous measurements made three years ago. A venous blood sample was taken to analysis the CPSE concentration. The samples were analyzed with Odelis CPSE an ELISA test for determining concentrations of CPSE. The results of the study show that CPSE can not be used to estimate prostate growth rate. The dogs who had a CPSE concentration of 90 ng/ml or more or a prostate volume ≥2,5 times bigger than normal three years ago, got clinical signs of prostatic diseases significantly more often than other dogs. CPSE seems useful to determine whether further diagnostics or treatment is required

The optimal group size of lions considering hunting success and reproduction

Att leva i flock har flera fördelar, men trots detta är lejon det enda flocklevande kattdjuret. Flocken består av en grupp besläktade honor och deras ungar som domineras av en grupp hanar. Individerna är ofta utspridda i reviret i mindre grupper. I den här studien har jag undersökt om det finns någon optimal gruppstorlek och hur den i sådana fall ser ut, både ur reproduktions- och jaktsynpunkt. I litteraturen jag har läst är det flera olika faktorer som anses vara viktiga och som påverkar antalet gruppmedlemmar, vilka beskrivs och diskuteras här i arbetet. Emigrering är en viktig del för att förhindra inavel och både honor och hanar undviker parningar med nära släktingar. Till skillnad från honorna lämnar alla hanar alltid sin födelseflock då de har fler fördelar av det eftersom deras reproduktionsframgång begränsas av antalet honor de parar sig med. Eftersom de inte parar sig med nära släktingar tvingas de att emigrera vilket även är orsaken till att de flesta hanar inte tillhör någon flock utan istället förflyttar sig mycket, antingen ensamma eller i grupp. Alla större hangrupper som leder en flock med honor är närbesläktade på grund av den inkluderade fitnessen. För hanarna är gruppstorleken avgörande för att ha chans att ta över och stanna i en flock. När en hangrupp tar över en flock dödas de yngsta ungarna för att honorna ska komma i östrus fortare. För honorna är det en fördel att stanna i födelseflocken där de känner till både viloplatser och jaktmarker vilket är viktigt för att kunna ta hand om sina avkommor. I stora flockar har honorna även sina ungar i daghem för att ta hand om och beskydda ungarna gemensamt, främst mot främmande hanar. Ytterligare en anledning till att lejon lever i flock är för att jaga i grupp och kunna fälla större bytesdjur. Det är vanligtvis honorna som sköter det mesta av jakten men de kan ha olika strategier angående jakten. Hanarna jagar inte i samma utsträckning men de kan hjälpa till när honorna jagar större byten. Jaktframgången ökar med gruppstorleken men bytet måste då delas på fler individer, det optimala vore därför att jaga i par. Att lejon trots detta jagar i något större grupper kan förklaras av en större reproduktionsframgång. Det är svårt att avgöra hur den optimala gruppstorleken ser ut eftersom den påverkas av olika faktorer. Ofta lever lejonen i alltför stora grupper vilket påverkar deras födointag och reproduktionsframgång negativt. Eftersom de lever med nära släktingar kan de trots detta ändå ha fördelar av samarbetet tack vare den inkluderande fitnessen.Living in groups has many advantages but despite this, lions are the only feline that live in groups. The pride consists of related females, their offspring and a group of adult males. The pride members often form smaller groups within the pride which are outspread in the territory. In this study, I investigated whether there is an optimal group size, from both a reproductive and a hunting point of view. In the literature I have found several factors that are considered as important and effects the number of group members, which are described in this essay. Emigration is important to prevent inbreeding and both females and males avoid mating with close relatives. Unlike females, all males always leave their natal pride. They have more advantages of leaving than females because their reproductive success is limited by the number of females they can mate with. Because they do not mate with close relatives the males are forced to emigrate which is also the reason why most males do not belong to any pride but instead moves much, either alone or in groups. All larger coalitions consist of close relatives due to the inclusive fitness. For males, the group size is critical to control a pride. During male takeovers the youngest cubs are killed so the females reach oestrus faster. The females have advantages of staying in their natal pride because there they have knowledge of both resting places and hunting grounds, which is important to be able to take care of their offspring. In large prides females nurse their cubs together and protect them from foreign males. Another reason why lions live in prides is because of group hunting and be able to kill larger preys. Females do most of the hunting and they have different strategies how to hunt. Males do not hunt as much as the females do but they can help them when they are hunting bigger preys. The hunting success is greater in bigger groups but the prey must be divided between more individuals. Hence, it would be optimal to hunt in pairs. Even so lions usually hunt in somewhat larger groups which can be explained by a greater reproductive success. It is difficult to estimate the optimal group size since it is affected by various factors. Lions often live in groups that are bigger than their optimum which affects their food intake and reproductive success adversely. Since lions live with their close kin they still have benefits of cooperation through the inclusive fitness

Concentrations of canine prostate specific esterase, CPSE, at baseline are associated with the relative size of the prostate at three-year follow-up

BackgroundEnlargement of the prostate is associated with prostatic diseases in dogs, and an estimation of prostatic size is a central part in the diagnostic workup. Ultrasonography is often the method of choice, but biomarkers constitute an alternative. Canine prostate specific esterase (CPSE) shares many characteristics with human prostate specific antigen (PSA) and is related to prostate size. In men with clinical symptoms of prostatic disease, PSA concentrations are related to prostate growth. The aims of the present follow-up study were to evaluate if the concentration of CPSE is associated with future growth of the prostate, and if analysis of a panel of 16 steroids gives further information on prostatic growth. Owners of dogs included in a previous study were 3 years later contacted for a follow-up study that included an interview and a clinical examination. The prostate was examined by ultrasonography. Serum concentrations of CPSE were measured, as was a panel of steroids.ResultsOf the 79 dogs included at baseline, owners of 77 dogs (97%) were reached for an interview, and 22 were available for a follow-up examination. Six of the 79 dogs had clinical signs of prostatic disease at baseline, and eight of the remaining 73 dogs (11%) developed clinical signs between baseline and follow-up, information was lacking for two dogs. Development of clinical signs was significantly more common in dogs with a relative prostate size of >= 2.5 at baseline (n=20) than in dogs with smaller prostates (n=51). Serum concentrations of CPSE at baseline were not associated with the change in prostatic size between baseline and follow-up. Serum concentrations of CPSE at baseline and at follow-up were positively associated with the relative prostatic size (S-rel) at follow-up. Concentrations of corticosterone (P = 0.024), and the class corticosteroids (P = 0.0035) were positively associated with the difference in S-rel between baseline and follow-up.ConclusionsThe results support the use of CPSE for estimating present and future prostatic size in dogs >= 4years, and the clinical usefulness of prostatic size for predicting development of clinical signs of prostatic disease in the dog. The association between corticosteroids and prostate growth warrants further investigation

DE-PASS Best Evidence Statement (BESt): Determinants of self-report physical activity and sedentary behaviours in children in settings: A systematic review and meta-analyses.

Previous physical activity interventions for children (5-12yrs) have aimed to change determinants associated with self-report physical activity behaviour (PAB) and/or sedentary behaviour (SB), however, the associations between these determinants and PAB/SB in different settings are uncertain. The present study aimed to identify modifiable determinants targeted in previous PAB/SB interventions for children. Intervention effects on the determinants and their associations with self-report PAB/SB were assessed across settings.Search of relevant interventions from pre-defined databases was conducted up to July 2023. Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials with modifiable determinants were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were conducted by two independent researchers. Where data could be pooled, we performed Robust Bayesian meta-analyses. Heterogeneity, publication bias and certainty of evidence were assessed. Fifteen studies were deemed eligible to be included. Thirty-seven unique determinants within four settings were identified – school, family, school with family/home, and community with(out) other settings. Ninety-eight percent of determinants belonged to individual/interpersonal determinant categories. Narratively, intervention effects on student perception of teachers’ behaviour (school), self-management, perceived barriers, external motivation, exercise intention, parental modeling on SB (school with family/home) and MVPA expectations (community) were weak to strong, however, corresponding PAB/SB change was not evident. There were negligible effects for all other determinants and the corresponding PAB/SB. Meta-analyses on self-efficacy, attitude, subjective norm and parental practice and PAB/SB in two settings showed weak to strong evidence against intervention effect, while the effect on knowledge could not be determined. Similarly, publication bias and heterogeneity for most analyses could not be ascertained. We found no concrete evidence of association between the modifiable determinants and self-report PAB/SB in any settings. This is presumably due to intervention ineffectiveness. Design of future interventions should consider to follow the systems-based approach and identify determinants unique to the context of a setting, including policy and environmental determinants. <br/

Assessing the carcinogenic potential of low-dose exposures to chemical mixtures in the environment: the challenge ahead.

Lifestyle factors are responsible for a considerable portion of cancer incidence worldwide, but credible estimates from the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) suggest that the fraction of cancers attributable to toxic environmental exposures is between 7% and 19%. To explore the hypothesis that low-dose exposures to mixtures of chemicals in the environment may be combining to contribute to environmental carcinogenesis, we reviewed 11 hallmark phenotypes of cancer, multiple priority target sites for disruption in each area and prototypical chemical disruptors for all targets, this included dose-response characterizations, evidence of low-dose effects and cross-hallmark effects for all targets and chemicals. In total, 85 examples of chemicals were reviewed for actions on key pathways/mechanisms related to carcinogenesis. Only 15% (13/85) were found to have evidence of a dose-response threshold, whereas 59% (50/85) exerted low-dose effects. No dose-response information was found for the remaining 26% (22/85). Our analysis suggests that the cumulative effects of individual (non-carcinogenic) chemicals acting on different pathways, and a variety of related systems, organs, tissues and cells could plausibly conspire to produce carcinogenic synergies. Additional basic research on carcinogenesis and research focused on low-dose effects of chemical mixtures needs to be rigorously pursued before the merits of this hypothesis can be further advanced. However, the structure of the World Health Organization International Programme on Chemical Safety 'Mode of Action' framework should be revisited as it has inherent weaknesses that are not fully aligned with our current understanding of cancer biology

DE-PASS best evidence statement (BESt): determinants of adolescents’ device-based physical activity and sedentary behaviour in settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Although physical activity (PA) is associated with significant health benefits, only a small percentage of adolescents meet recommended PA levels. This systematic review with meta-analysis explored the modifiable determinants of adolescents’ device-based PA and/or sedentary behaviour (SB), evaluated in previous interventions and examined the associations between PA/SB and these determinants in settings. Methods: A search was conducted on five electronic databases, including papers published from January 2010 to July 2023. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) or Controlled Trials (CTs) measuring adolescents’ device-based PA/SB and their modifiable determinants at least at two time points: pre- and post-intervention were considered eligible. PA/SB and determinants were the main outcomes. Modifiable determinants were classified after data extraction adopting the social-ecological perspective. Robust Bayesian meta-analyses (RoBMA) were performed per each study setting. Outcomes identified in only one study were presented narratively. The risk of bias for each study and the certainty of the evidence for each meta-analysis were evaluated. The publication bias was also checked. PROSPERO ID: CRD42021282874. Results: Fourteen RCTs (eight in school, three in school and family, and one in the family setting) and one CT (in the school setting) were included. Fifty-four modifiable determinants were identified and were combined into 33 broader determinants (21 individual–psychological, four individual–behavioural, seven interpersonal, and one institutional). RoBMAs revealed none or negligible pooled intervention effects on PA/SB or determinants in all settings. The certainty of the evidence of the impact of interventions on outcomes ranged from very low to low. Narratively, intervention effects in favour of the experimental group were detected in school setting for the determinants: knowledge of the environment for practicing PA, d = 1.84, 95%CI (1.48, 2.20), behaviour change techniques, d = 0.90, 95%CI (0.09, 1.70), choice provided, d = 0.70, 95%CI (0.36, 1.03), but no corresponding effects on PA or SB were found. Conclusions: Weak to minimal evidence regarding the associations between the identified modifiable determinants and adolescents’ device-based PA/SB in settings were found, probably due to intervention ineffectiveness. Well-designed and well-implemented multicomponent interventions should further explore the variety of modifiable determinants of adolescents’ PA/SB, including policy and environmental variables

DE-PASS Best Evidence Statement (BESt):modifiable determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents aged 5–19 years–a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Physical activity among children and adolescents remains insufficient, despite the substantial efforts made by researchers and policymakers. Identifying and furthering our understanding of potential modifiable determinants of physical activity behaviour (PAB) and sedentary behaviour (SB) is crucial for the development of interventions that promote a shift from SB to PAB. The current protocol details the process through which a series of systematic literature reviews (SLRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) will be conducted to produce a best-evidence statement (BESt) and inform policy makers. The overall aim is to identify modifiable determinants that are associated with changes in PAB and SB in children and adolescents (aged 5-19 years) and to quantify their effect on, or association with, PAB/SB. Methods and analysis: A search will be performed in MEDLINE, SportDiscus, Web of Science, PsychINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled trials (CTs) that investigate the effect of interventions on PAB/SB and longitudinal studies that investigate the associations between modifiable determinants and PAB/SB at multiple time points will be sought. Risk of bias assessments will be performed using adapted versions of Cochrane’s RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools for RCTs and CTs, respectively, and an adapted version of the National Institute of Health’s tool for longitudinal studies. Data will be synthesised narratively and, where possible, MAs will be performed using frequentist and Bayesian statistics. Modifiable determinants will be discussed considering the settings in which they were investigated and the PAB/SB measurement methods used. Ethics and dissemination: No ethical approval is needed as no primary data will be collected. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and academic conferences where possible. The BESt will also be shared with policy makers within the DE-PASS consortium in the first instance. Systematic review registration: CRD4202128287

DE-PASS Best Evidence Statement (BESt): modifiable determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents aged 5–19 years–a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Physical activity among children and adolescents remains insufficient, despite the substantial efforts made by researchers and policymakers. Identifying and furthering our understanding of potential modifiable determinants of physical activity behaviour (PAB) and sedentary behaviour (SB) is crucial for the development of interventions that promote a shift from SB to PAB. The current protocol details the process through which a series of systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses (MAs) will be conducted to produce a best-evidence statement (BESt) and inform policymakers. The overall aim is to identify modifiable determinants that are associated with changes in PAB and SB in children and adolescents (aged 5–19 years) and to quantify their effect on, or association with, PAB/SB. Methods and analysis A search will be performed in MEDLINE, SportDiscus, Web of Science, PsychINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled trials (CTs) that investigate the effect of interventions on PAB/SB and longitudinal studies that investigate the associations between modifiable determinants and PAB/SB at multiple time points will be sought. Risk of bias assessments will be performed using adapted versions of Cochrane’s RoB V.2.0 and ROBINS-I tools for RCTs and CTs, respectively, and an adapted version of the National Institute of Health’s tool for longitudinal studies. Data will be synthesised narratively and, where possible, MAs will be performed using frequentist and Bayesian statistics. Modifiable determinants will be discussed considering the settings in which they were investigated and the PAB/SB measurement methods used. Ethics and dissemination No ethical approval is needed as no primary data will be collected. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and academic conferences where possible. The BESt will also be shared with policy makers within the DE-PASS consortium in the first instance