Anniston community health survey: Follow-up and dioxin analyses (ACHS-II)--methods.

High serum concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been reported previously among residents of Anniston, Alabama, where a PCB production facility was located in the past. As the second of two cross-sectional studies of these Anniston residents, the Anniston Community Health Survey: Follow-Up and Dioxin Analyses (ACHS-II) will yield repeated measurements to be used to evaluate changes over time in ortho-PCB concentrations and selected health indicators in study participants. Dioxins, non-ortho PCBs, other chemicals, heavy metals, and a variety of additional clinical tests not previously measured in the original ACHS cohort will be examined in ACHS-II. The follow-up study also incorporates a questionnaire with extended sections on diet and occupational history for a more comprehensive assessment of possible exposure sources. Data collection for ACHS-II from 359 eligible participants took place in 2014, 7 to 9 years after ACHS.

Pelvic floor reeducation for stress incontinence: comparing three methods.

Stress urinary incontinence is a common problem among women of all ages but may resolve with pelvic floor reeducation in many cases. Compliance to a regimen of pelvic floor muscle exercises is poor and many devices have been produced to make exercising these muscles more effective and interesting. This article describes a study in which two such devices -- vaginal cones and pressure biofeedback -- were compared with pelvic floor exercises alone. The results show that there is no statistically significant difference between the three modalities; all treatments produced significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life scores.