Genetic polymorphisms modify bladder cancer recurrence and survival in a USA population-based prognostic study.

Objective: To identify genetic variants that modify bladder cancer prognosis focusing on genes involved in major biological carcinogenesis processes (apoptosis, proliferation, DNA repair, hormone regulation, immune surveillance, and cellular metabolism), as nearly half of patients with bladder cancer experience recurrences reliable predictors of this recurrent phenotype are needed to guide surveillance and treatment.

Patients And Methods: We analysed variant genotypes hypothesised to modify these processes in 563 patients with urothelial-cell carcinoma enrolled in a population-based study of incident bladder cancer conducted in New Hampshire, USA. After diagnosis, patients were followed over time to ascertain recurrence and survival status, making this one of the first population-based studies with detailed prognosis data.

Electromyographic normalization procedures for determining exercise intensity of closed chain exercises for strengthening the quadriceps femoris muscles.

The purpose of this study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) amplitudes of the quadriceps femoris (QF) muscles during a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) to submaximal and maximal dynamic concentric contractions during active exercises. A secondary purpose was to provide information about the type of contraction that may be most appropriate for normalization of EMG data if one wants to determine if a lower extremity closed chain exercise is of sufficient intensity to produce a strengthening response for the QF muscles. Sixty-eight young healthy volunteers (39 female, 29 male) with no lower extremity pain or injury participated in the study.

A case-control study of polymorphisms in xenobiotic and arsenic metabolism genes and arsenic-related bladder cancer in New Hampshire.

Arsenic is associated with bladder cancer risk even at low exposure levels. Genetic variation in enzymes involved in xenobiotic and arsenic metabolism may modulate individual susceptibility to arsenic-related bladder cancer. Through a population-based case-control study in NH (832 cases and 1191 controls), we investigated gene-environment interactions between arsenic metabolic gene polymorphisms and arsenic exposure in relation to bladder cancer risk.

Surface electromyographic analysis of the low back muscles during rehabilitation exercises.

Study Design: Prospective, single-group, repeated-measures design.

Objective: To analyze the longissimus thoracis and lumbar multifidi muscle activity with surface electromyography (EMG) during exercises used in back rehabilitation programs.

Background: Physical therapists use a variety of exercises when rehabilitating patients with low back pain (LBP).

Electromyographic analysis of core trunk, hip, and thigh muscles during 9 rehabilitation exercises.

Study Design: Prospective, single-group, repeated-measures design.

Objective: To identify exercises that could be used for strength development and the exercises that would be more appropriate for endurance or stabilization training.

Background: The exercises analyzed are often used in rehabilitation programs for the spine, hip, and knee.