INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

QUERENBURG, Germany — According to research to be published in the journal Circulation released Friday, sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, can help alleviate heart problems.

The research was conducted in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

NEW YORK — The Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the United States increased 0.5% in November to 118 (baseline based on 100 in 2004), following a 0.9% increase in October, and a 0.1% increase in September, the Conference Board announced Thursday.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — An e-commerce solution for branded manufacturers has released a new forecast on how retail shopping will be influenced by the Internet, in addition to mobile and social networking.

WASHINGTON — A report released Friday by the Commerce Department showed that U.S. consumer spending edged up 0.1% in November, less than forecast and reflecting an economy that continues to struggle.

Incomes also grew 0.1% in November, the weakest in three months, after a 0.4% rise in October. The median estimate for spending in a Bloomberg News survey of economists called for a 0.3% advance.

NEW YORK — A survey of registered dietitians released by Pollock Communications Wednesday identified a "diet trifecta" of vitamins, minerals and fibers as the No. 2 nutrition trend that will play out in 2012.

CHICAGO — A report released Wednesday by ShopperTrak found that holiday shoppers boosted sales 21.7% over the previous week and 1.3% over the same week last year.

According to ShopperTrak, sales increases during the week ended Dec. 17 made this December on pace to have higher retail sales than last year. Month-to-date figures are up 0.5% over December 2010.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Medication adherence is as high or slightly better among patients filling 90-day prescriptions at retail versus mail order, according to a new Walgreens study published in the November issue of the American Journal of Managed Care that the chain highlighted Thursday.

According to the study, adherence levels for 90-day at retail were 77%, while at mail-order adherence levels were 76%.

CHICAGO — A group of dietitians with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has conducted a review of smartphone applications for weight management, diabetes and gluten-free eating, the organization said.

The AND — formerly the American Dietetic Association — said the purpose of the review, which includes 30 of the most popular, free iPhone apps, was to help consumers sift through the numerous apps available.