Effect of deep testosterone reduction on the prognosis of metastatic prostate cancer with high-volume disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the correlation between serum testosterone levels after one month of treatment and prognosis in patients with high-volume disease metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) who are undergoing combined androgen blockade therapy (CAB). METHODS: The clinical data of 199 patients with high-volume disease mPCa, diagnosed through biopsy pathology and imaging, were retrospectively analyzed from January 2010 to October 2022 in the Department of Urology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. Among these patients, 111 cases had a deep reduction in serum testosterone (< 0.7 nmol/l) after one month of treatment, while 88 cases did not achieve a deep reduction (≥ 0.7 nmol/l). The study utilized the Kaplan-Meier method to plot survival curves and employed the multifactor COX regression model to analyze independent risk factors. The risk factors with a significance level of P < 0.05 in the multivariate analysis were included in the nomogram prediction model. The accuracy of the model was assessed using the ROC curve and the calibration curve, while the net benefit for patients was evaluated through the decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: The group that achieved deep testosterone reduction(DTR) had a higher proportion of PSA < 0.2 ng/ml and a greater PSA decline rate after six months of treatment (P < 0.05). The group that achieved DTR and the group that did not achieve DTR had a progression to castration resistant prostate cancer(CRPC) time of 17.93 ± 6.68 months and 13.43 ± 6.12 months, respectively (P < 0.001). The median progression-free survival time for the 2 groups were 18 months and 12 months, respectively (P < 0.001). The median overall survival times were 57 months and 32 months, respectively (P < 0.001). The median progression-free survival times were 18, 15, and 10 months for the group that achieved DTR within 1 month, the group that achieved DTR beyond 1 month but within 1 year, and the group that did not achieve DTR within 1 year, respectively (P < 0.001), and the median survival times were 57, 45, and 26 months, respectively (P < 0.001). COX multivariate analysis revealed that a testosterone level of ≥ 0.7 nmol/l at 1 month of treatment is an independent risk factor for the progression to CRPC and prognosis in patients with high-volume disease mPCa (P < 0.05). The risk of death in patients with a testosterone level of ≥ 0.7 nmol/l at 1 month of treatment was 2.087 times higher than that of patients with a level of < 0.7 nmol/l (P < 0.05). A nomogram prediction model was developed using independent risk factors, with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for progression-free survival (PFS) at 12, 15, 18, and 21 months being 0.788, 0.772, 0.760, and 0.739, respectively. For 3 and 5 years, the AUCs for overall survival (OS) were 0.691 and 0.624. The calibration curve demonstrated good consistency between the model's predicted values and the actual outcomes. CONCLUSION: Patients with high-volume disease mPCa who receive CAB treatment may experience extended progression-free survival and overall survival if their serum testosterone levels are below 0.7 nmol/l after one month of treatment. The longer it takes to achieve DTR, the worse the patient's prognosis may be. The nomogram prediction model developed in this study demonstrates good predictive ability in assessing the progression and prognosis of high-volume disease mPCa.

Effect of metabolic syndrome on testosterone levels in patients with metastatic prostate cancer: a real-world retrospective study.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been shown to have a negative impact on prostate cancer (PCa). However, there is limited research on the effects of MetS on testosterone levels in metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). Objective: This study aims to investigate the influence of MetS, its individual components, and composite metabolic score on the prognosis of mPCa patients, as well as the impact on testosterone levels. Additionally, it seeks to identify MetS-related risk factors that could impact the time of decline in testosterone levels among mPCa patients. Methods: A total of 212 patients with mPCa were included in the study. The study included 94 patients in the Non-MetS group and 118 patients in the combined MetS group. To analyze the relationship between MetS and testosterone levels in patients with mPCa. Additionally, the study aimed to identify independent risk factors that affect the time for testosterone levels decline through multifactor logistic regression analysis. Survival curves were plotted by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Compared to the Non-MetS group, the combined MetS group had a higher proportion of patients with high tumor burden, T stage ≥ 4, and Gleason score ≥ 8 points (P < 0.05). Patients in the combined MetS group also had higher lowest testosterone values and it took longer for their testosterone to reach the lowest level (P < 0.05). The median progression-free survival (PFS) time for patients in the Non-MetS group was 21 months, while for those in the combined MetS group it was 18 months (P = 0.001). Additionally, the median overall survival (OS) time for the Non-MetS group was 62 months, whereas for the combined MetS group it was 38 months (P < 0.001). The median PFS for patients with a composite metabolic score of 0-2 points was 21 months, 3 points was 18 months, and 4-5 points was 15 months (P = 0.002). The median OS was 62 months, 42 months, and 29 months respectively (P < 0.001). MetS was found to be an independent risk factor for testosterone levels falling to the lowest value for more than 6 months. The risk of testosterone levels falling to the lowest value for more than 6 months in patients with MetS was 2.157 times higher than that of patients with Non-MetS group (P = 0.031). Patients with hyperglycemia had a significantly higher lowest values of testosterone (P = 0.015). Additionally, patients with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 exhibited lower initial testosterone levels (P = 0.007). Furthermore, patients with TG ≥ 1.7 mmol/L experienced a longer time for testosterone levels to drop to the nadir (P = 0.023). The lowest value of testosterone in the group with a composite metabolic score of 3 or 4-5 was higher than that in the 0-2 group, and the time required for testosterone levels to decrease to the lowest value was also longer (P < 0.05). Conclusion: When monitoring testosterone levels in mPCa patients, it is important to consider the impact of MetS and its components, and make timely adjustments to individualized treatment strategies.

Machine learning-driven mast cell gene signatures for prognostic and therapeutic prediction in prostate cancer.

Background: The role of Mast cells has not been thoroughly explored in the context of prostate cancer's (PCA) unpredictable prognosis and mixed immunotherapy outcomes. Our research aims to employs a comprehensive computational methodology to evaluate Mast cell marker gene signatures (MCMGS) derived from a global cohort of 1091 PCA patients. This approach is designed to identify a robust biomarker to assist in prognosis and predicting responses to immunotherapy. Methods: This study initially identified mast cell-associated biomarkers from prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) patients across six international cohorts. We employed a variety of machine learning techniques, including Random Forest, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Lasso regression, and the Cox Proportional Hazards Model, to develop an effective MCMGS from candidate genes. Subsequently, an immunological assessment of MCMGS was conducted to provide new insights into the evaluation of immunotherapy responses and prognostic assessments. Additionally, we utilized Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and pathway analysis to explore the biological pathways and mechanisms associated with MCMGS. Results: MCMGS incorporated 13 marker genes and was successful in segregating patients into distinct high- and low-risk categories. Prognostic efficacy was confirmed by survival analysis incorporating MCMGS scores, alongside clinical parameters such as age, T stage, and Gleason scores. High MCMGS scores were correlated with upregulated pathways in fatty acid metabolism and ß-alanine metabolism, while low scores correlated with DNA repair mechanisms, homologous recombination, and cell cycle progression. Patients classified as low-risk displayed increased sensitivity to drugs, indicating the utility of MCMGS in forecasting responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Conclusion: The combination of MCMGS with a robust machine learning methodology demonstrates considerable promise in guiding personalized risk stratification and informing therapeutic decisions for patients with PCA.

Association between metabolic obesity phenotypes and the risk of developing prostate cancer: a propensity score matching study based on Xinjiang.

Background: Obesity-induced metabolic dysfunction increases the risk of developing tumors, however, the relationship between metabolic obesity phenotypes and prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. Methods: The term metabolic obesity phenotypes was introduced based on metabolic status and BMI categories. Participants were categorized into four groups: metabolically healthy nonobesity (MHNO), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), metabolically unhealthy nonobesity (MUNO), and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). Propensity score matching was conducted based on age, ethnicity, marriage, etc. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between metabolic obesity phenotypes, metabolic risk factors, and PCa. Sensitivity analysis was performed to verify the robustness of the results. Results: After propensity score matching among 564 PCa patients and 1418 healthy individuals, 209 were selected for each of the case and control groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the basic characteristics between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression suggested that the risk of developing PCa in both MHO and MUO individuals was higher than in MHNO individuals. Specifically, the risk of developing PCa in MHO individuals was 2.166 times higher than in MHNO individuals (OR=2.166, 95%CI: 1.133-4.139), and the risk in MUO individuals was is 2.398 times higher than in MHNO individuals(OR=2.398, 95%CI:1.271-4.523). Individuals with hyperglycemia and elevated triglycerides also had a higher risk of developing PCa (hyperglycemia:OR=1.488, 95%CI: 1.001-2.210; elevated triglycerides: OR=2.292, 95%CI: 1.419-3.702). Those with more than or equal to three metabolic risk factors had an increased risk of PCa (OR=1.990, 95%CI: 1.166-3.396). Sensitivity analysis indicated an increased risk of PCa in MUO individuals compared to MHNO individuals. Conclusion: In this retrospective study, individuals with MHO and MUO had a higher risk of developing PCa.

Association between the metabolic score for insulin resistance and prostate cancer: a cross-sectional study in Xinjiang.

Background: Insulin resistance is associated with the development and progression of various cancers. However, the epidemiological evidence for the association between insulin resistance and prostate cancer is still limited. Objectives: To investigate the associations between insulin resistance and prostate cancer prevalence. Methods: A total of 451 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with prostate cancer in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were selected as the case population; 1,863 participants who conducted physical examinations during the same period were selected as the control population. The metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) was calculated as a substitute indicator for evaluating insulin resistance. The Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were performed to compare the basic information of the case population and control population. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to define factors that may influence prostate cancer prevalence. The generalized additive model (GAM) was applied to fit the relationship between METS-IR and prostate cancer. Interaction tests based on generalized additive model (GAM) and contour plots were also carried out to analyze the interaction effect of each factor with METS-IR on prostate cancer. Results: METS-IR as both a continuous and categorical variable suggested that METS-IR was negatively associated with prostate cancer prevalence. Smoothed curves fitted by generalized additive model (GAM) displayed a nonlinear correlation between METS-IR and prostate cancer prevalence (P < 0.001), and presented that METS-IR was negatively associated with the odds ratio (OR) of prostate cancer. The interaction based on the generalized additive model (GAM) revealed that METS-IR interacted with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) to influence the prostate cancer prevalence (P = 0.004). Contour plots showed that the highest prevalence probability of prostate cancer was achieved when METS-IR was minimal and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) or total cholesterol (TC) was maximal. Conclusions: METS-IR is nonlinearly and negatively associated with the prevalence of prostate cancer. The interaction between METS-IR and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) has an impact on the prevalence of prostate cancer. The study suggests that the causal relationship between insulin resistance and prostate cancer still needs more research to confirm.

Association of triglyceride-glucose index with the risk of prostate cancer: a retrospective study.

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men, and its incidence is increasing year by year. Some studies have shown that risk factors for prostate cancer are related to insulin resistance. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a marker of insulin resistance. We investigated the validity of TyG index for predicting prostate cancer and the dose-response relationship in prostate cancer in relation to it. Objective: To investigate the risk factors of TyG index and prostate cancer prevalence. Methods: This study was screened from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University and included 767 people, including 136 prostate cancer patients in the case group and 631 healthy people in the control group. The relationship between TyG index and the risk of prostate cancer was analyzed by one-way logistic regression, adjusted for relevant factors, and multi-factor logistic regression analysis was performed to further investigate the risk factors affecting the prevalence of prostate cancer. ROC curves and Restricted Cubic Spline were established to determine the predictive value and dose-response relationship of TyG index in prostate cancer. Results: Blood potassium (OR = 0.056, 95% CI [0.021-0.148]), total cholesterol (OR = 1.07, 95% CI [0.792-1.444]) and education level (OR = 0.842, 95% CI [0.418-1.697]) were protective factors for prostate cancer, alkaline phosphatase, age, LDL, increased the risk of prostate cancer (OR = 1.016, 95% CI [1.006-1.026]) (OR = 139.253, 95% CI [18.523-1,046.893] (OR = 0.318, 95% CI [0.169-0.596]); TyG index also was a risk factor for prostate cancer, the risk increased with TyG levels,and persons in the TyGQ3 group (8.373-8.854 mg/dL) was 6.918 times (95% CI [2.275-21.043]) higher than in the Q1 group,in the TyGQ4 group (≥8.854) was 28.867 times of those in the Q1 group (95% CI [9.499-87.727]). Conclusion: TyG index may be a more accurate and efficient predictor of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer epidemiology and prognostic factors in the United States.

Objective: Using the latest cohort study of prostate cancer patients, explore the epidemiological trend and prognostic factors, and develop a new nomogram to predict the specific survival rate of prostate cancer patients. Methods: Patients with prostate cancer diagnosed from January 1, 1975 to December 31, 2019 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database were extracted by SEER stat software for epidemiological trend analysis. General clinical information and follow-up data were also collected from 105 135 patients with pathologically diagnosed prostate cancer from January 1, 2010 to December 1, 2019. The factors affecting patient-specific survival were analyzed by Cox regression, and the factors with the greatest influence on specific survival were selected by stepwise regression method, and nomogram was constructed. The model was evaluated by calibration plots, ROC curves, Decision Curve Analysis and C-index. Results: There was no significant change in the age-adjusted incidence of prostate cancer from 1975 to 2019, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 0.45 (95% CI:-0.87~1.80). Among the tumor grade, the most significant increase in the incidence of G2 prostate cancer was observed, with an AAPC of 2.99 (95% CI:1.47~4.54); the most significant decrease in the incidence of G4 prostate cancer was observed, with an AAPC of -10.39 (95% CI:-13.86~-6.77). Among the different tumor stages, the most significant reduction in the incidence of localized prostate cancer was observed with an AAPC of -1.83 (95% CI:-2.76~-0.90). Among different races, the incidence of prostate cancer was significantly reduced in American Indian or Alaska Native and Asian or Pacific Islander, with an AAPC of -3.40 (95% CI:-3.97~-2.82) and -2.74 (95% CI:-4.14~-1.32), respectively. Among the different age groups, the incidence rate was significantly increased in 15-54 and 55-64 age groups with AAPC of 4.03 (95% CI:2.73~5.34) and 2.50 (95% CI:0.96~4.05), respectively, and significantly decreased in ≥85 age group with AAPC of -2.50 (95% CI:-3.43~-1.57). In addition, age, tumor stage, race, PSA and gleason score were found to be independent risk factors affecting prostate cancer patient-specific survival. Age, tumor stage, PSA and gleason score were most strongly associated with prostate cancer patient-specific survival by stepwise regression screening, and nomogram prediction model was constructed using these factors. The Concordance indexes are 0.845 (95% CI:0.818~0.872) and 0.835 (95% CI:0.798~0.872) for the training and validation sets, respectively, and the area under the ROC curves (AUC) at 3, 6, and 9 years was 0.7 or more for both the training and validation set samples. The calibration plots indicated a good agreement between the predicted and actual values of the model. Conclusions: Although there was no significant change in the overall incidence of prostate cancer in this study, significant changes occurred in the incidence of prostate cancer with different characteristics. In addition, the nomogram prediction model of prostate cancer-specific survival rate constructed based on four factors has a high reference value, which helps physicians to correctly assess the patient-specific survival rate and provides a reference basis for patient diagnosis and prognosis evaluation.

A retrospective study: analysis of the relationship between lactate dehydrogenase and castration-resistant prostate cancer based on restricted cubic spline model.

Background: Different prostate cancer patients take different amounts of time to progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and this difference in time determines the patient's ultimate survival time. If the time to progression to CRPC can be estimated for each patient, the treatment can be better individualized. Objective: Castration-resistant prostate cancer is a challenge in attacking prostate cancer, the aim of the paper is to analyze the correlation between lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and CRPC occurrence based on the restricted cubic spline model, and to provide a theoretical basis for LDH as a prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and follow-up data of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and treated with Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in our hospital from October 2019 to August 2022. Investigate the correlation between LDH and CRPC by COX regression, restricted cubic spline model and survival analysis. Results: The initial tPSA concentration, prostate volume, LDH and alkaline phosphatase levels in patients with prostate cancer with rapid progression are higher than those in patients with prostate cancer with slow progression. Multivariate COX regression showed that initial tPSA level and LDH level are independent risk factors for prostate cancer. Restricted cubic spline model further showed that LDH level is linearly correlated with the risk of CRPC in prostate cancer patients (total P < 0.05, nonlinear P > 0.05). Conclusion: LDH was associated with the prognosis of prostate cancer and had a dose-response relationship with the risk of CRPC in prostate caner patients.

Preliminary study on miRNA in prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To screen for miRNAs differentially expressed in prostate cancer and prostate hyperplasia tissues and to validate their association with prostate cancer. METHODS: Patients diagnosed by pathology in the Department of Urology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2021 to June 2022 were selected, and their general clinical information, blood samples, and prostate tissue samples were collected. miRNA microarray technology was performed to obtain differentially expressed miRNAs in prostate cancer and hyperplasia tissues, and miRNAs to be studied were screened by microarray results and review of relevant literature. The detection of miRNA expression in the patients' blood and prostate tissue samples was measured. The miRNA-222-mimics were transfected into PC3 cells, and cell biology experiments such as CCK8, scratch, Transwell, and flow cytometry were performed to detect the effects of overexpressed miRNA-222 on the growth and proliferation, invasive ability, apoptotic ability, and metastatic ability of prostate cancer cells. RESULTS: The results of the miRNA microarray showed that there were many differentially expressed miRNAs in prostate cancer and hyperplasia tissues, and four miRNAs, miRNA-144, miRNA-222, miRNA-1248, and miRNA-3651 were finally selected as the subjects by reviewing relevant literature. The results showed that the expression of miRNA-222 in prostate cancer tissues was lower than that in prostate hyperplasia tissues (P < 0.05). The expression of miRNA-222, miRNA-1248, and miRNA-3651 in blood samples of prostate cancer patients was lower than that in prostate hyperplasia patients (P < 0.05). The analysis results indicated that the f/t ratio and the relative expression of miRNA-222 and miRNA-1248 were independent influences of prostate cancer (P < 0.05), in which overexpression of miRNA-222 decreased the proliferative, invasive, and metastatic abilities of PC3 cells and enhanced the level of apoptosis of cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was no significant change in the overall incidence of prostate cancer in this study, significant changes occurred in the incidence of prostate cancer with different characteristics. In addition, the nomogram prediction model of prostate cancer-specific survival rate constructed based on four factors has a high reference value, which helps physicians to correctly assess the patient-specific survival rate and provides a reference basis for patient diagnosis and prognosis evaluation.

Triglyceride-glucose index is a predictor of the risk of prostate cancer: a retrospective study based on a transprostatic aspiration biopsy population.

Background: Current research suggests that prostate cancer (PCa), one of the most common cancers in men, may be linked to insulin resistance (IR).Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) was made for a marker of insulin resistance. We investigated the relationship between the TyG index and the risk of PCa. Objective: To assess the correlation and dose-response relationship between TyG index and prostate cancer. Method: Retrospectively, 316 patients who required prostate biopsy puncture in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from March 2017 to July 2021 were collected, and the relationship between factors such as the TyG index and prostate cancer was analyzed by Logistic regression model combined with a restricted cubic spline. Results: (1) The differences in age, initial PSA and TyG index between the two groups were statistically significant; (2) Logistic regression results showed that the risk of prostate cancer in the highest quartile of the TyG index (Q4) was 3.387 times higher than that in the lowest quartile (Q1) (OR=3.387,95% CI [1.511,7.593], P=0.003); (3) The interaction results showed a significant interaction between the TyG index Q4 group and age with the risk of developing prostate cancer (P for interaction<0.001). (4) The results of the restricted cubic spline showed a linear dose-response relationship between the TyG index and the risk of prostate cancer; (5) The Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the TyG index combined with initial PSA and age was 0.840, with a sensitivity and specificity of 62.5% and 93.3%, respectively. Conclusion: TyG index and age are risk factors for prostate cancer, and the interaction between the TyG index and different risk factors may increase the risk of prostate cancer. TyG index has some predictive value for the risk of prostate cancer, and the risk of prostate cancer can be reduced by controlling the levels of blood lipids and blood glucose.

Metabolic syndrome and metastatic prostate cancer correlation study, a real-world study in a prostate cancer clinical research center, Xinjiang, China.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relevance of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and metabolic scores to the occurrence, progression and prognosis of metastatic prostate cancer (mPCA), assessing the definition of the variables of metabolic syndrome, and the potential mechanisms of MetS and mPCA. Methods: Data were obtained from the database of prostate cancer follow-up at the Urology Centre of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University (N=1303). After screening by inclusion and exclusion criteria, clinical data of 190 patients diagnosed with mPCA by pathology and imaging from January 2010 to August 2021 were finally included, including 111 cases in the MetS group and 79 cases in the Non-MetS group. Results: The MetS group was higher than the Non-MetS group: T stage, Gleasson score, initial PSA, tumor load, PSA after 7 months of ADT (P<0.05),with a shorter time to progression to CRPC stage(P<0.05)[where the time to progression to CRPC was relatively shorter in the high metabolic score subgroup of the MetS group than in the low subgroup (P<0.05)].Median survival time was significantly shorter in the MetS group than in the Non-MetS group (P<0.05),and there was a correlation with metabolic score, with the higher metabolic score subgroup having a lower survival time than the lower metabolic score subgroup (P<0.05). Conclusion: Those with mPCA combined with MetS had lower PSA remission rates, more aggressive tumors, shorter time to progression to CRPC and shorter median survival times than those with mPCA without MetS.Tumour progression and metabolic score showed a positive correlation, predicting that MetS may promote the progression of mPCA, suggesting that MetS may be a risk factor affecting the prognosis of mPCA.

Study on a Bayes evaluation of the working ability of petroleum workers in the Karamay region, Xinjiang, China.

Objectives: Use Bayes statistical methods to analyze the factors related to the working ability of petroleum workers in China and establish a predictive model for prediction so as to provide a reference for improving the working ability of petroleum workers. Materials and methods: The data come from the health questionnaire database of petroleum workers in the Karamay region, Xinjiang, China. The database contains the results of a health questionnaire survey conducted with 4,259 petroleum workers. We established an unsupervised Bayesian network, using Node-Force to analyze the dependencies between influencing factors, and established a supervised Bayesian network, using mutual information analysis methods (MI) to influence factors of oil workers' work ability. We used the Bayesian target interpretation tree model to observe changes in the probability distribution of work ability classification under different conditions of important influencing factors. In addition, we established the Tree Augmented Naïve Bayes (TAN) prediction model to improve work ability, make predictions, and conduct an evaluation. Results: (1) The unsupervised Bayesian network shows that there is a direct relationship between shoulder and neck musculoskeletal diseases, anxiety, working age, and work ability, (2) The supervised Bayesian network shows that anxiety, depression, shoulder and neck musculoskeletal diseases (Musculoskeletal Disorders, MSDs), low back musculoskeletal disorders (Musculoskeletal Disorders, MSDs), working years, age, occupational stress, and hypertension are relatively important factors that affect work ability. Other factors have a relative impact on work ability but are less important. Conclusion: Anxiety, depression, shoulder and neck MSDs, waist and back MSDs, and length of service are important influencing factors of work ability. The Tree Augmented Naïve Bayes prediction model has general performance in predicting workers' work ability, and the Bayesian model needs to be deepened in subsequent research and a more appropriate forecasting method should be chosen.

Effect of interaction between occupational stress and polymorphisms of MTHFR gene and SELE gene on hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Gene-environment interaction is related to the prevalence of hypertension, but the impact of genetic polymorphisms on hypertension may vary due to different geography and population. OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of the interaction among occupational stress and MTHFR gene and SELE gene polymorphism on the prevalence of hypertension in Xinjiang oil workers. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 310 oil workers. In an oilfield base in Karamay City, Xinjiang, 155 hypertensive patients aged 18~60 years old with more than one year of service were selected as the case group, and 155 oil workers without hypertension were selected as the control group according to the 1:1 matching principle (matching conditions: the gender and shift were the same. The age is around 2 years old). The Occupational Stress Scale was used to evaluate the degree of occupational stress, PCR technique was used to detect MTHFR and SELE gene polymorphism, Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the effects of gene and occupational stress on hypertension, and gene-gene and gene-environment interactions were analyzed by generalized multi-factor dimension reduction method. RESULTS: The G98T polymorphism of SELE gene (χ2 = 6.776, P = 0.034), the C677T (χ2 = 7.130, P = 0.028) and A1298C (χ2 = 12.036, P = 0.002) loci of MTHFR gene and the degree of occupational stress (χ2 = 11.921, P = 0.003) were significantly different between the case group and the control group. The genotypes GT at the G98T polymorphism of the SELE gene (OR = 2.151, 95% CI [1.227-3.375]), and the dominant model (AC/CC vs AA, OR = 1.925, 95% CI [1.613-3.816]); AC and CC at the A1298C polymorphism of the MTHFR gene (OR AC = 1.917, 95% CI [1.064-3.453]; OR CC = 2.233, 95% CI [1.082-4.609]), the additive model (CC vs AA, OR = 2.497, 95% CI [1.277-4.883]) and the dominant model (AC/CC vs AA, OR = 2.012, 95% CI [1.200-3.373]); at the C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene CT and TT (OR CT = 1.913, 95% CI [1.085-3.375]; OR TT = 3.117, 95% CI [1.430-6.795]), the additive model (CC vs AA, OR = 1.913, 95% CI [1.085-3.375]) and the dominant model (AC/CC vs AA, OR = 2.012, 95% CI [1.200-3.373]), which could increase hypertension risk (P < 0.05). The gene-gene interaction showed that there was a positive interaction between the A1298C and C677T sites of the MTHFR gene, and the gene-occupational stress interaction showed that there was a positive interaction between the A1298C and C677T sites of the MTHFR gene and the occupational stress. CONCLUSION: The interaction of gene mutation and occupational stress in Xinjiang oil workers maybe increase the risk of hypertension.

Relationship between depression, the family environment, and the coping styles of military recruits: A cross-section study.

To understand the self-rated depression scores of military recruits and to analyze the relationship between depression, the family environment, and coping styles.Multistage stratified cluster random sampling was used to study participants who, in September 2014, had enrolled as military personnel in the Xinjiang military. The participants were requested to complete the Chinese versions of the Self-rated Depression Scale (SDS), the Family Environment Scale (FES-CV), and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ). Between-groups comparisons were performed using a t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Correlations were determined utilizing Spearman rank correlation coefficient, and the influencing factors of the SDS scores were analyzed using logistic regression.The average score of the SDS among the 323 participants was 42.53 ±â€Š8.51. Specifically, the score of the "high school and below" group was higher than that of the "college and above" group [i.e., (43.98 ±â€Š8.30)] vs [(40.43.98 ±â€Š8.30) vs (37.94 ±â€Š5.50), P < .05]. The SDS score of the "nonstudent" (i.e., social status before enlistment) group was higher than that of the "student" group [(i.e., 45.00 ±â€Š7.60) vs (40.42 ±â€Š8.02), P < .05] and the SDS score of the "smoking" group was higher than that of the "nonsmoking" group [i.e., (45.33 ±â€Š7.74 vs 40.34 ±â€Š7.58, P < .05)]. In addition, the scores related to the entertainment, organization, and controllability of the SDS≥50 group were lower than those observed for the SDS < 50 group, (i.e., Ps < .05). The SDS score was positively correlated with the SCSQ (r = 0.30) negative copying style score (r = 0.30), positively correlated with the FES-CV contradiction score (r = 0.32), and negatively correlated with the FES-CV knowledge score (r = -0.43), entertainment score (r = -0.42), organization score (r = -0.37), and controllability score (r = -0.28), respectively, (Ps < .05). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that entertainment was contained in the final regression equation (P < .001) with odds radio (95% confidence interval) of 0.512 (0.319-0.824).A correlation was found between depression among military personnel and their family environment, and entertainment may be a potential protective factor against depression.

Analysis of Occupational Stress and Its Relationship with Secretory Immunoglobulin A in the Xinjiang Plateau Young Military Recruits.

BACKGROUND: With the continuous improvement of the modernization of the Chinese military and the major adjustments made by the state to the recruitment policy, the newly recruited military undergone multiple pressures such as targeted high-intensity military training and environmental changes. The mental health of military has become a crucial factor of improving the fighting capacity effectiveness of the troops. OBJECTIVES: To explore occupational stress of young recruits in the Xinjiang plateau environment during their basic military training period and analyze the relationship between occupational stress and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels. METHODS: Using multistage stratified cluster random sampling, 625 recruits stationed at Xinjiang plateau command in 2014 were enrolled as subjects. Occupational stress was assessed by the Occupational Stress Inventory Revised Edition (OSI-R). sIgA in saliva was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The resulting data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, nonparametric tests, and correlation analysis. RESULTS: Based on demographic characteristics, occupational stress was higher in the urban group than the rural group, coping ability for stress was greater in individuals who were students before joining the army than nonstudents, occupational stress was higher in smokers than nonsmokers, and coping ability for stress was higher in nonsmokers than in smokers (all P < 0.05). Being an only child, educational level and age were not significantly related to occupational stress scores (P > 0.05). Salivary sIgA level was higher in the high occupational stress group than in the low stress group (P < 0.01). Salivary sIgA was positively correlated with scores on the occupational role and personal strain questionnaires (r s = 0.229, r s = 0.268, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Demographic characteristics influenced occupational stress among young recruits in cold and high-altitude area. Further, there were some relationships between occupational stress and salivary sIgA in young military recruits.

Epigenetic silencing of miR-137 induces resistance to bicalutamide by targeting TRIM24 in prostate cancer cells.

Prostate cancer is an important hormone-dependent cancer affecting men. In the initial stages, prostate cancer is often treated using hormone therapy, including bicalutamide. Despite the initial effectiveness of this therapy, the tumor eventually acquires resistance, resulting in recurrence of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) function is one of the putative underlying mechanisms of hormone therapy resistance. Reports have shown that miRNAs act as tumor suppressors in patients with prostate cancer, but the role of these molecules in bicalutamide resistance in prostate cancer cell lines remains unclear. We performed lentiviral miRNA library screening to identify novel miRNAs that modulate the response of human prostate cancer LNCaP cells to the antiandrogen bicalutamide. We found that the tumor suppressor miRNA miR-137 silenced signaling in a spectrum of human cancers and selectively targeted tripartite motif-containing 24 (TRIM24) to suppress tumor proliferation. Silencing of TRIM24 recapitulated the effect of miR-137 on cell proliferation, whereas overexpression of TRIM24 reversed this effect. Real-time reverse transcription PCR analysis revealed a reciprocal relationship between miR-137 and TRIM24 in prostate cancer cell lines and tissues. Mechanistic studies indicated that methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) cooperate to promote methylation of the miR-137 promoter and the consequent decreased transcription, leading to enhanced TRIM24 expression and glutamine metabolism. These findings describe a novel mechanism that affects TRIM24 deregulation in human cancers and provide a molecular link between miR-137, TRIM24, and tumor proliferation in CRPC.

[Effect of occupational stress on hypertension in desert oilfield workers].

OBJECTIVE: To explore influence of occupational stress on hypertension in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region desert oilfield workers. METHODS: Cluster sampling was applied. A total of 1280 petroleum workers from 3 oil fields were used in Karamay City, Xinjiang. Occupational Stress Scale(OSI-R) was used to evaluate occupational stress and analyze the impact of occupational stress on hypertension. RESULTS: With the increase of occupational stress, the prevalence rate of hypertension is increasing(χ~2=21. 078, P<0. 001). Multivariate analysis showed that the risk of high blood pressure in the occupational task was 1. 562 times(95%CI 1. 072-2. 277)as high as that of the less occupational group, and the risk of high blood pressure in the group with strong individual tension reaction was 1. 701 times(95%CI 1. 158-2. 498)as much as that of the weak group(P<0. 05). Analysis of influencing factors of hypertension showed that the risk of high blood pressure in the shift was 1. 389 times(95%CI 1. 115-1. 730)as high as those without the shift, in the frequent drinkers was 1. 877 times(95%CI 1. 300-2. 710)that of the non drinkers, in the high salt patients was 1. 286 times(95%CI 1. 107-1. 691)that of the low salt, in the obese was 1. 564 times(95%CI 1. 249-2. 216)that of the normal people, and in the highly occupational stress was 1. 976 times(95%CI 1. 641-2. 336)as high as the low occupational stress. CONCLUSION: Heavy occupational tasks and strong individual strain can increase the risk of hypertension in desert oilfield workers. Shift, drinking history, salt consumption, BMI and occupational stress were the influencing factors of hypertension in desert oilfield workers.

Association of glucocorticoid receptor gene polymorphism and occupational stress with hypertension in desert petroleum workers in Xinjiang, China.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the occupational stress and hypertension in desert petroleum workers in Xinjiang, and to analyze the association of occupational stress and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene polymorphism with the presence of hypertension. METHODS: Using cluster sampling, 1280 desert petroleum workers of 3 petroleum fields in Xinjiang Karamay were randomly selected as the target group for this study. According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 1080 workers were included as the baseline for this study. We followed these workers for 2 years to investigate their occupational stress and hypertension. The polymorphism of GR gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. We applied appropriate statistical methods to analyze the association of occupational stress and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene polymorphism with the presence of hypertension. RESULTS: After 2 years of follow-up, there were 995 desert petroleum workers in the queue. The study showed that the incidence of hypertension in desert petroleum workers were 19.4%. Compared with the baseline data, the level of occupational stress increased, and with the increase of occupational stress, the incidence of hypertension was gradually increasing. A positive relationship was observed in the GR BCL1 gene polymorphisms and hypertension. Relative to the CC genotype, carries of the GG genotype had a significantly higher risk of hypertension (OR = 2.830). With the combination of genotype CG and GG, carries of CG and GG increased the risk of hypertension (adjusted OR = 2.238, 95%CI:1.104-4.940). There was no significant association between GR G678S gene polymorphisms and hypertension. CONCLUSION: GR gene polymorphism and occupational stress of desert petroleum workers were important risk factors for hypertension.

Gene polymorphisms in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway contribute to prostate cancer susceptibility in Chinese men.

In this hospital-based case-control study of 413 prostate cancer (PCa) cases and 807 cancer-free controls, we investigated the role of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of pivotal genes in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. We genotyped 17 SNPs in mTOR, Raptor, AKT1, AKT2, PTEN, and K-ras and found that 4 were associated with PCa susceptibility. Among the variants, the homozygote variant CC genotype of mTOR rs17036508 C>T were associated with higher PCa risk than the wild TT genotypes (adjusted OR = 3.73 (95% CI = 1.75-7.94), P = 0.001). The GT genotype of mTOR rs2295080 G>T was more protective than the TT genotypes (adjusted OR=0.54 (95% CI=0.32-0.91), P=0.020). The distributions of Raptor rs1468033 A>G genotypes differed between cases and controls, especially in subgroups defined by age, BMI, smoking status, and ethnicity. The CT/CC genotypes of AKT2 rs7250897 C>T were associated with an increased risk of PCa, particularly in subgroups of age >71 and BMI >24 kg/m2. These findings suggest that SNPs in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway may contribute to the risk of PCa in Chinese men.

Detection of Prostate Cancer Metastasis by Whole Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging Combined with Bone Scintigraphy and PSA Levels.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The combined role of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI), bone scintigraphy and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were considered in predicting metastases and prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: Totally 38 PCa patients underwent WB-MRI, bone scintigraphy and PSA detections, and 34 benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients were checked with PSA. Pearson correlations were performed to determine associations among PSA, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and Gleason scoring. Specificity and sensitivity were for comparison of diagnostic accuracies. Patients' baseline PSA, PSA nadir and time to the prostate-specific antigen nadir (TTPN) were analyzed, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were also established. RESULTS: ADC values were negatively correlated with PSA levels (rs = -0.389, P = 0.016) and Gleason scores (rs = -0.432, P = 0.006), while PSA levels were positively correlated with Gleason scoring (rs = 0.493, P = 0.002). Diagnostic efficacy of whole body-diffusion weighted imaging (WB-DWI) combined with PSA seemed the most favorable, and bone scintigraphy was advantageous in identifying bone metastasis. PSA levels (> 61.60 µg/L), Gleason scores (> 6) and ADC (< 0.81 × 10-3 mm2/s) could all predict pessimistic prognosis (HR = 7.65; HR = 6.09; HR = 7.28). Smaller PSA nadir (≤ 1.0 µg/L) and longer TTPN (> 3 months) were associated with increased 5-year survival rate (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combined efficacies of WB-MRI, bone scintigraphy and PSA levels were desired in identifying PCa lesions and prognosis.