This 24-week randomized, open-label, noninferiority trial compared oral mycophenolate mofetil with monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide as induction therapy for active lupus nephritis. Mycophenolate mofetil appeared more effective than intravenous cyclophosphamide in inducing remission of lupus nephritis, with a more favorable safety profile.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disorder characterized by loss of lung function; there is no effective treatment. In this multinational, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with all patients receiving azathioprine and prednisone, acetylcysteine was shown to slow the rate of deterioration of lung function. There was no effect on survival.

More than 900 samples of neuroblastoma were screened for loss of chromosomal material at two loci, 1p36 and 11q23. These abnormalities were associated with high-risk features of neuroblastoma or a poor clinical outcome.

Beta-blockers prevent variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis who already have esophageal varices. In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, timolol (a nonselective beta-blocker) did not prevent esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis who had portal hypertension.

Basal-cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor, and its incidence is increasing. This review explains the treatment options, including four surgical approaches, topical therapy, photodynamic therapy, and radiation. Recent research on the pathogenesis is also summarized.

A 62-year-old, previously healthy woman had a seizure, which was followed by persistent aphasia. Imaging studies showed bright lesions on T₂-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging, involving the cortex and the white matter, with normal perfusion. A brain biopsy showed changes consistent with ischemia. Over the course of the next year, hearing loss and slowly progressive dementia developed. A diagnostic procedure was performed.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that Congress has the authority under the commerce clause to prohibit the medicinal use of homegrown marijuana, even in states, such as California, that have passed statutes permitting such use. In this article, George Annas explains the Court's rationale for its ruling and discusses the implications of the case.

A newly discovered protein induces intestinal growth; manipulating this system could have therapeutic implications for intestinal disorders.