BACKGROUND:The glucose-to-lymphocyte ratio (GLR) is a crucial factor in predicting the prognosis of various cancers. Nevertheless, there is a lack of extensive research on the association between GLR and mortality rates among cancer patients. METHODS:This study utilized data from 1564 cancer patients who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) between 2001 and 2018.To assess the relationship between the glucose-to-lymphocyte ratio (GLR) and mortality rates in cancer patients, we employed a range of statistical techniques, including weighted Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate-adjusted Cox regression. Furthermore, we applied restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis to explore the potential non-linear association between these variables. To validate our findings, subgroup analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness and reliability of the results. RESULTS:Over a median follow-up period of 89 months, the cohort recorded 536 deaths, including 171 due to cancer and 365 from other causes. The Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated that individuals in the higher quartiles of GLR faced significantly increased mortality risks compared to those in the lower quartiles. Weighted Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that, among cancer patients, each one-unit increase in GLR was associated with a 5 % increase in all-cause mortality risk (HR = 1.05, 95 % CI: 1.02-1.08) and a 7 % increase in cancer-specific mortality risk (HR = 1.07, 95 % CI:1.01-1.14). Additionally, restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a non-linear relationship between GLR and mortality. CONCLUSION:In cancer patients, elevated GLR levels are strongly associated with higher mortality from both all causes and cancer-specific deaths. This marker may serve as a reliable prognostic indicator in individuals with tumors.

Skin cancer, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma, ranks as the fifth most common cancer globally. It exhibits a high incidence rate, with men being more susceptible, particularly as they age, making middle-aged and older men a high-risk group. This study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018 to investigate the relationship between skin cancer and 15 urinary volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOC are a class of gases that are volatile at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, with carbon as the main structural atom. We used binary logistic regression to comprehensively assess the potential association between each urinary VOC exposure and skin cancer, while weighted quantile sum regression was employed to explore the associations of mixed co-exposures. Specific VOC, notably mercapturic acid (MA), showed significant correlations with skin cancer risk, particularly in females. Our research presents a comprehensive assessment of the link between VOC and skin cancer, aiming to provide a scientific basis for understanding the correlation between VOC and skin cancer within human populations.

Background:The HALP score, comprising hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet levels, serves as an indicator of both nutritional and inflammatory status. However, its correlation with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among cancer survivors remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between HALP scores and mortality outcomes in this population. Method:We extracted cohort data spanning ten cycles (1999-2018) from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Mortality rates, determined using the National Death Index (NDI) as of December 31, 2019, were assessed. Weighted multivariate logistic regression analyzed the association between HALP scores and cancer prevalence. Kaplan-Meier analyses and weighted multivariate-adjusted Cox analyses investigated the link between HALP scores and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in cancer survivors. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was employed to assess nonlinear relationships. Furthermore, multi-parametric subgroup analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of the results. Results:Our study included 41,231 participants, of whom 3,786 were cancer survivors (prevalence: 9.5%). Over a median follow-up of 91 months (range: 51-136), we observed 1,339 deaths, including 397 from cancer, 368 from cardio-cerebrovascular disease, and 105 from respiratory disease. Elevated HALP scores showed a consistent association with reduced cancer incidence (P for trend <0.001). In multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analyses, HALP scores were significantly inversely associated with all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, cardio-cerebrovascular disease mortality, and respiratory disease mortality in cancer survivors (P for trend < 0.05). Nonlinear relationships between HALP scores and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in cancer survivors were evident through RCS regression modeling (P for nonlinearity < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier analyses demonstrated that higher HALP scores were indicative of a poorer prognosis. Conclusion:Our findings indicate a notable inverse correlation between HALP scores and both all-cause and cause-specific mortality among cancer survivors.

Observational and cohort studies using large databases have made important contributions to gynecologic oncology. Knowledge of the advantages and potential limitations of commonly used databases benefits both readers and reviewers. In this review, researchers familiar with National Cancer Database (NCDB), Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER), SEER-Medicare, MarketScan, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), and Premier, describe each database, its included data, access, management, storage, highlights, and limitations. A better understanding of these commonly used datasets can help readers, reviewers, and researchers to more effectively interpret and apply study results, evaluate new research studies, and develop compelling and practice-changing research.

According to increasing evidence, high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) may raise prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the prostate. The link between HDL-cholesterol (C) and PSA, on the other hand, is debatable and challenging. Hence, the present study examined the relationship between HDL-C and PSA in men using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. NHANES data were extracted for five cycles from 2001 to 2010. The data used for analysis included PSA concentrations, sociodemographic and laboratory data. After the screening, 6,669 out of 52,195 participants were included in the present study. Participants were divided into four groups based on HDL-C quartiles. Categorical and continuous variables using weighted chi-square tests and linear regression models were analysed to compare differences between groups. A total of three weighted multivariate linear regression models were constructed and the association between HDL-C and PSA using a smoothed curve fit was assessed. In the present study, unadjusted and adjusted multivariate linear regression models revealed a significant positive association between PSA concentrations and serum HDL-C levels. Specifically, each unit increase in HDL-C ratio was associated with an increase in PSA concentration by 0.470 ng/ml (P<0.001) in the unadjusted model. In minimally adjusted models, accounting for socioeconomic and demographic factors, this association remained significant, with an increase of 0.408 ng/ml per unit increase in serum HDL-C (P<0.001). Furthermore, the stratified analysis revealed various impacts based on socioeconomic status and HDL-C levels, with a significant interaction between household income and HDL-C levels (P=0.037). Exclusion of subjects with low HDL-C levels strengthened the association, revealing a significant increase in PSA concentration with higher HDL-C levels (0.50 ng/ml per 1 mmol/l increase, P=0.009). The findings of the present study suggest a nuanced relationship between HDL-C levels, socioeconomic factors, and PSA concentrations, highlighting the potential importance of considering these factors in prostate cancer (Pca) screening and risk assessment. The present study found a positive association between serum HDL-C and PSA concentrations in adult men in the United States without a Pca diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION:An increasing number of studies have focused on the anti-tumor effect of metformin in recent years. However, the effect of metformin on different cancers remains controversial and lacks consensus. METHODS:A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design was used to assess causal relationships between metformin and 18 cancer types. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for reliability assessment. Multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analyses considered three relevant factors simultaneously. MR analysis based on gene proxies was conducted as well for further validation. Logistic regression models were constructed using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2013-2018) to evaluate the association between metformin and cancer. RESULTS:Two-sample MR analysis identified metformin as a protective factor for pan cancer, prostate, ovarian, breast, esophageal, colorectal, and lung cancer. However, metformin was found to be a risk factor for bladder cancer. MVMR analysis confirmed metformin's significant protective effect on prostate and ovarian cancer. Logistic models based on NHANES data demonstrated metformin's significant protective effect against cancer in diabetes patients. CONCLUSION:Our findings indicate a significant protective effect of metformin against prostate and ovarian cancer based on MR analysis. NHANES data further support a general protective effect of metformin against cancer. These findings warrant consideration of metformin in the context of cancer prevention and potential therapeutic strategies for prostate and ovarian cancer, though further research is needed to fully elucidate its mechanisms of action and establish its role in anti-cancer therapy.

The relationship between perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and the risk of breast cancer has been controversial. Here, we used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database and a meta-analysis to examine the association between PFASs and breast cancer incidence. From the NHANES database, we obtained data on PFASs and breast cancer from 2003 to 2014. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO from the establishment of the databases to August 24, 2023, for research on PFASs related to breast cancer. A meta-analysis was performed using Stata 12.0. A total of 1430 subjects aged 20 years or older were selected from the NHANES. The logistic regression results indicated that there was no correlation between breast cancer and PFASs (P > 0.05). The meta-analysis, included nine studies with a total of 2399 breast cancer patients, included in the meta-analysis, revealed no statistically significant association between PFASs and the risk of breast cancer (odds ratio = 1.04; 95 % confidence interval, 0.88-1.21; P > 0.05). The results show that PFASs are not associated with breast cancer risk.