In this study, predictors of coronary heart disease among patients with diabetes were levels of albumin, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor; factor VIII activity; and leukocyte count.

Weight loss induced by increased daily physical activity without caloric restriction substantially reduced obesity (particularly abdominal obesity) and insulin resistance in men. Exercise without weight loss reduced abdominal fat and prevented further weight gain.

In this survey study, salaries significantly differed between male and female internists overall and in various medical practice settings.

Long-term growth hormone replacement in men reduced levels of inflammatory cardiovascular risk markers, decreased central fat, and increased lipoprotein(a) and glucose levels without affecting lipid levels.

Total body weight was found to be useful in the prediction of hip, pelvis, and rib fractures when bone mineral density had not been measured.

Among the drug therapies used for the irritable bowel syndrome, smooth-muscle relaxants are beneficial when abdominal pain is the predominant symptom. The efficacy of bulking agents has not been established. Loperamide is effective for diarrhea, and data on psychotropic agents are inconclusive. Evidence for 5-hydroxytryptamine–receptor antagonists seems favorable.

An understanding of the determinants of antibiotic consumption is critical to explain current patterns of use and to devise programs for reducing inappropriate use.

The author explores the idea that caring about health care costs can be brought to the bedside in a way that will sustain trust among patients and the public.

The study by Saito and colleagues in this issue highlights the importance of several nontraditional risk factors in the pathogenesis of increased cardiovascular disease associated with diabetes.