MicroRNAs as Potential Liquid Biopsy Biomarker for Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Purpose: To identify micro-RNAs (miRNAs) expression profiles in peripheral blood plasma that could play a role as potential biomarkers in patients who progressed to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Liquid biopsy analysis of miRNAs is a fast-developing field with a considerable likelihood to predict tumor progression and metastasis by targeting genes involved in oncogenesis. Patients and Methods: Differential expression analysis of miRNAs profile in CRPC patients was performed by creating small RNA libraries of circulating miRNAs using HiSeq2500 Illumina platform. A secondary analysis of aligned reads with miRNA identification and quantification was performed using miARmaSeq. Using the Bowtie algorithm, the selected variants were compared to reference nucleotide sequence GRCh38 and miRbase. Novel miRNA sequences were structurally analyzed using mirDeep2®. Results: A total of 16 patients with CRPC were included for analysis. Identified circulating miRNAs were hsa-miR-885-3p, hsa-miR-4467, hsa-miR-4686, hsa-miR-146a-3p, hsa-miR-6514-5p. Genes identified as regulated by these miRNAs were GPR56, BDNF, CTNND1, C17orf62, and DTNA. Conclusion: We explored the miRNA expression profile in patients with CRPC, identifying five miRNAs implicated in the regulation of genes involved in prostate cancer (PCa) oncogenesis and progression. We also found miRNA 855-3p in peripheral blood for the first time, which has a critical role in tumor growth mechanisms and higher expression profile than in healthy individuals.

Standardization of penile angle estimation with a semi-automated algorithm.

INTRODUCTION: Penile curvature (PC) refers to an abnormal bending of the main longitudinal axis of the penis. It is frequently associated to hypospadias. To date, accurate and objective evaluation of PC is not easily reproducible amongst surgeons and there are no stablished protocols on how to measure PC in a standard way and in real-time to guide intraoperative decision making. For this reason, we want to present the results of creating a semi-automated algorithm to establish a reproducible and objective assessment of PC and propose it as a standard protocol for clinical applicability using inanimate 3-D penile models. METHODS: This project consisted in two different phases. 1. Creation of an automated algorithm to estimate penile angle based on digital images. 2 Use of the algorithm to estimate penile angle on 3-D models and estimate interrater agreement using the algorithm. The algorithm was created to initially identify the geometrical centerline of the penile model to establish an automated output for angle estimation. 3-D printed penile models with known curvature angles ranging from 10 to 90° were used to test the algorithm (total of 9 penile models. These models were curved at one hinge as opposed to an arc type model. For each inanimate model, a set of 5 pictures were obtained from a lateral view at different camera angles (00, 150, 300, 450 and 600) at a standard distance of 75 cm. Angle estimation using our designed PC algorithm was performed by a total of 10 different evaluators. Inter-rater reliability analysis in using the semiautomated algorithm was performed using the inter-class correlation coefficient (ICC) with two-way mixed effect model. RESULTS: If the camera angle was greater than 30°, the absolute angle mean difference was greater than 10°. Camera angle with the smallest mean difference was at 00 with a mean difference of 7.83°. Agreement between raters showed greater variability towards the higher camera angles. Nonetheless, a high degree of between evaluator reliability was found between the measurements at different camera angles. Single measures ICC ranges from .873 to .946, p-values were all <.0001. CONCLUSION: Our results help standardize PC assessment using digital images and reduce subjectivity using an algorithm for PC estimation. Optimal camera position between 00 to 300 vertical from the penis gives the least variable and most accurate angle estimation. Future studies using algorithms will help define predictive PC cutoff values and evaluate postoperative outcomes.

Epidemiología del cáncer de vejiga con énfasis en Colombia - revisión de la literatura / Epidemiology of Bladder Cancer with Emphasis in Colombia - Review of the Literature

Introducción El cáncer de vejiga es el noveno cáncer más frecuente para ambos sexos con una incidencia en ascenso. Habiendo una aparente relación entre el desarrollo de los países y la epidemiología del cáncer; el objetivo de este artículo es observar la epidemiología del cáncer de vejiga en nuestro medio respecto a otros países y describir los posibles factores asociados. Métodos Se realizó una revisión de la literatura en cuatro bases de datos: Medline, Embase, Cochrane database y Lilacs. Se incluyeron estudios de incidencia, prevalencia, mortalidad, sobrevida y carga de enfermedad, publicados en los últimos 5 años. Resultados Se encontraron 7806 referencias que fueron discriminadas por título y resumen, incluyendo al final 44 referencias en texto completo. Se observaron tasas de incidencia y mortalidad diferentes, siendo las más altas las encontradas en Europa principalmente en la República Checa seguido de Norte América. En Colombia, la incidencia general es de 6,8/100.000 en hombres y 2,1/100.000 en mujeres entre 2003 y 2007, encontrando cifras bajas en departamentos como la Guajira. Conclusiones Se ha observado un ascenso en la incidencia y mortalidad del cáncer de vejiga a nivel global. Parece haber una asociación con el tabaquismo y la dieta, así como con el Índice de Desarrollo Humano. Existe una escasa información en Latino América. En Colombia, observando los datos de algunos departamentos y la distribución de especialistas por regiones, se puede suponer un sub-registro haciendo necesario mejorar los sistemas de vigilancia, así como las políticas de salud para el diagnóstico e intervención temprana del cáncer.

Introduction Bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer for both sexes with an increasing incidence. There is an apparent relationship between the development of countries and the epidemiology of cancer; the objective of this article is to observe the epidemiology of bladder cancer in our environment respect to other countries and to describe the possible associated factors. Methods A review of the literature was performed in four databases: Medline, Embase, Cochrane database and Lilacs. Studies about Incidence, prevalence, mortality, survival and burden of disease, published in the past 5 years, were included. Results 7806 references were found that were discriminated by title and abstract, 44 references in full text were included at the end. Different incidence and mortality rates were observed, the highest being found in Europe mainly in the Czech Republic followed by North America. In Colombia, the general incidence was 6.8 / 100,000 in men and 2.1 / 100,000 in women between 2003 and 2007, finding low numbers in departments such as Guajira. Conclusions There has been an increase in the incidence and mortality of bladder cancer worldwide. There seems to be an association with smoking and diet, as well as with the Human Development Index. There is little information in Latin America; in Colombia, observing the data of some departments and the distribution of specialists in the different regions a sub-register can be consider, making necessary to improve surveillance systems, as well as health policies for the diagnosis and early intervention of cancer.

Epidemiology of renal cancer in developing countries: Review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the ninth most common cancer in men, and the 14th most common cancer in women. It has been reported that the incidence of RCC is rising. These changes are more common in developed countries because of better screening programs and disease registry. The aim of this article is to review the epidemiology of RCC around the world. METHODS: A literature review of four databases was performed: PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, and Scielo. Studies of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and survival of RCC were taken from different countries. Studies included were published in the last 10 years. Two reviewers independently selected the studies. RESULTS: A total of 5275 references were reviewed by title and abstract. In the end, 42 references were selected for full-text review. The global incidence and prevalence of cancer vary. The highest incidence was described in North America and Northern Europe. In Canada, by 2007 the incidence was 17.9/100 000 and 10.3/100 000 in males and females, respectively. Developing countries like Colombia have fewer incidence rates, with less information in poor-income areas. CONCLUSIONS: We have seen a rise in the incidence and mortality of RCC globally. There is an association between RCC and smoking, obesity, hypertension, and socioeconomic status. Seeing the epidemiological data from some regions in developing countries and the lack of specialists in those places, it can be deduced there is underreporting of the disease that reveals the need to improve both surveillance and disease registration programs, especially in these countries.