Long noncoding (Inc)RNAs have emerged as essential mediators of cellular biology, differentiation and malignant transformation. LncRNAs have a broad range of possible functions at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional and protein level and their aberrant expression significantly contributes to the hallmarks of cancer cell biology. In addition, their high tissue- and cell-type specificity makes lncRNAs especially interesting as biomarkers, prognostic factors or specific therapeutic targets. Here, we review current knowledge on lncRNA expression changes during normal B-cell development, indicating essential functions in the differentiation process. In addition we address lncRNA...

Purpose: Our aim was to capture the biology of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) at the time of relapse and discover novel and robust biomarkers that predict outcomes after autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). Materials and Methods: We performed digital gene expression profiling on a cohort of 245 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens from 174 patients with cHL, including 71 with biopsies taken at both primary diagnosis and relapse, to investigate temporal gene expression differences and associations with post-ASCT outcomes. Relapse biopsies from a training cohort of 65 patients were used...

Lupus nephritis, a well-known complication in systemic lupus erythematosus, is characterised by a proliferative glomerulonephritis or membranous nephropathy along with a full-house immunofluorescence pattern on renal biopsy. There are very few exceptions in which similar histopathological findings are present, but case reports show that an increasing number of HIV-positive patients (mostly black Africans, but also white patients) have HIV-immune complex disease (HIVICK), which can mimic lupus nephritis. Lupus-like HIVICK is treated differently than ‘true’ lupus nephritis, so distinction is warranted.

BACKGROUND: Transplant recipients are prone to viral infections, which could affect renal transplantation outcome. Our aim was to assess the effects of early human cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia on transplant renal function. METHODS: 264 (age 50.9±13.5; male 55%) Renal transplantation recipients undergoing preemptive anti-CMV therapy were retrospectively categorized based on early (<3 months post-Tx) CMV peak viral load (PVL); PVL≤536, PVL536-6310 or PVL>6310 International Units/ml (IU/ml). Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) was analyzed between 1 and 36 months post-transplantation with Kruskal-Wallis test, linear regression and a Linear Mixed-Effects Model....