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The article focuses on a study that examines the effects of fluid load on characteristics of human urine related to workplace drug testing. It mentions that 24 subjects of diverse ethnic backgrounds participated in the study and urine was tested for dilution, substitution and adulteration. The results indicated that physiological responses of the donor also contribute to dilution of the urine and individuals with higher resting metabolism have a greater potential for producing dilute urine.

This article discusses the economic factor involved in the malpractice liability issue. Costs of health care have increased over the past several years. According to a national survey conducted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists revealed that these physicians raised their fees by more than 10% over the past two years to compensate for malpractice premium increases. The American Medical Association claims that the number of physicians practicing in certain high risk fields has decreased because of the costs of liability premiums.

This article focuses on the problem of malpractice of monetary awards. By 1984, the issue was not only seen as a medical concern of physicians, insurers, and hospitals but now even nurses are affected by this issue in several ways. Several trends in the United States have contributed to the current malpractice problem. Societal changes in the U.S. culture after World War II increased the public's tendency to seek compensation for real or alleged injuries through litigation. Secondly, advances in the health-care profession led U.S. citizens to sought monetary compensation through litigation.

Presents a research letter to the editor on the nutritional content of hospital diets.

This article discusses the central element of malpractice cases that are based on common law. The overwhelming majority of malpractice claims are based on the tort of negligence. Tort law is best described as a creation of the common law meant to give rise to non-contractual duties of conduct that are enforceable by law. Malpractice was not a heavily disputed issue until the mid-1970's when it exploded into a crisis due to financial losses realized from a large number of malpractice claims.

Obesity is an important health problem for the growing elderly segment of the population. Age-related changes in body composition should be taken into account when considering morbidity. Today, sarcopenic obesity, which is defined as excess fat with loss of lean body mass, is a highly prevalent problem. Obesity in the elderly is related to morbidity; e.g., sleep apnea, cancer, osteoarthritis, diabetes and hypertension. The advantages and disadvantages of using BMI, waist circumference, waist: hip ratio, and body weight to measure age-related changes in obesity are discussed. In addition, the merits of treatment options for obesity; e.g., behavioral modifications, diet, and exercise--are described. One important conclusion derived from a review of these treatments is that age itself is not a contraindication for pharmacotherapy or even surgery for morbid obesity.