CASC9 and hepatocellular carcinoma: As shown in the forest plot (Figure 2A), LINC02428, AC008549.1, AC115619.1, and LINC02362 were protective factors with HR < 1 in HCC patients, while AC092171.2, GIHCG, CRNDE, ST8SIA6-AS1, AL365181.3, LINC02163, LINC00665, and CASC9 were risk factors with HR > 1 (Figure 2A).