SERS characterization of colorectal cancer cell surface markers upon anti-EGFR treatment.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed and the second lethal cancer worldwide. Approximately 30-50% of CRC are driven by mutations in the oncogene, which is a strong negative predictor for response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) therapy. Examining the phenotype of mutant and wild-type (WT) CRC cells in response to anti-EGFR treatment may provide significant insights into drug response and resistance.

Cost Effectiveness of Environmental Lead Risk Mitigation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Environmental remediation efforts in low- and middle-income countries have yet to be evaluated for their cost effectiveness. To address this gap we calculate a cost per Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) averted following the environmental remediation of the former lead smelter and adjoining residential areas in Paraiso de Dios, Haina, the Dominican Republic, executed from 2009 to 2010. The remediation had the effect of lowering surface soil lead concentrations to below 100 mg/kg and measured geometric mean blood lead levels (BLLs) from 20.

Addressing Pollution-Related Global Environmental Health Burdens.

New analyses are revealing the scale of pollution on global health, with a disproportionate share of the impact borne by lower-income nations, minority and marginalized individuals. Common themes emerge on the drivers of this pollution impact, including a lack of regulation and its enforcement, research and expertise development, and innovative funding mechanisms for mitigation. Creative approaches need to be developed and applied to address and overcome these obstacles.