Synthetic mimetics assigned a major role to IFNAR2 in type I interferon signaling.

Type I interferons (IFNs) are potent inhibitors of viral replication. Here, we reformatted the natural murine and human type I interferon-α/β receptors IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 into fully synthetic biological switches. The transmembrane and intracellular domains of natural IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 were conserved, whereas the extracellular domains were exchanged by nanobodies directed against the fluorescent proteins Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and mCherry.

Peri-gestational risk factors for pediatric brain tumors in Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Background: Individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) are strongly predisposed to developing pediatric brain tumors (PBTs), especially optic pathway gliomas (OPGs). Although developmental factors have been implicated in the origins of PBTs in both human and animal studies, associations between early-life factors and PBTs have not been evaluated in individuals with NF1. Our objective was to evaluate associations between peri-gestational characteristics and PBTs in this population.

Understanding Global Cancer Disparities: The Role of Social Determinants from System Dynamics Perspective.

Background: In 2012, almost 57% of all cancer cases and 65% of cancer deaths occurred in low-and middle-income countries. If the current trend continues, the burden of cancer will increase to 22 million new cases annually by 2030, with 81% of new cases and almost 88% of mortality occurring in less developed countries.

Methods: A qualitative review of the literature was conducted.

Associations between allergic conditions and pediatric brain tumors in Neurofibromatosis type 1.

Individuals with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are at increased risk for pediatric brain tumors (PBTs), especially optic gliomas; however, factors influencing their development are largely unknown. Extensive research suggests that allergic conditions protect against brain tumors, particularly gliomas in individuals without NF1. In this large cross-sectional study, we employed two different data sources to evaluate evidence for the hypothesis that allergic conditions (allergies, asthma, and eczema) may protect against PBT development in individuals with NF1.

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Pediatric Brain Tumor Diagnoses in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Objective: To evaluate evidence for differences in pediatric brain tumor diagnoses by race and ethnicity using a cross-sectional study design in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

Study Design: Subjects with NF1 were ascertained from the NF1 Patient Registry Initiative and through a clinical record database of patients at a large academic medical center. Logistic regression was employed to calculate ORs and 95% CIs to analyze differences in the odds of brain tumor diagnosis by race (White, Black, Asian, other/unknown) and ethnic (Hispanic vs non-Hispanic) groups.