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Associated health effects from algal toxin exposure are a growing concern for human and animal health. Algal toxin poisonings may occur from contact with or consumption of water supplies or from ingestion of contaminated animals. The U.S. Federal Government owns or holds in trust about 259 million hectares of land, in addition to the Trust species obligations. We completed the first comprehensive review of potential toxin-producing algal blooms in surface waters on Federal lands and Trust species exposed to algal toxins. Events were sorted into three tiers based on potentially toxic algae abundance or toxin concentration and related effects on animal morbidity and mortality. At least 11.1% of Federal lands are known to have been affected by algal events, but exposure is likely underreported. The occurrence of potential toxin producers and their toxins (Tier 1) have been documented 337 times, health advisory threshold exceedances (Tier 2) were reported 943 times, and 86 events involved animal sickness or death linked to cyanobacteria or marine toxins (Tier 3). Trust species exposed to cyano- or algal toxins included marine mammals, migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, and species of concern. We report numerous data gaps ranging from potential effects on human health from consuming intoxicated animals to the infrequency of measuring and reporting certain toxins. Improvements to field and laboratory methods, more consistent evaluation of toxin exposure, decreased latency on data analysis, delivery and interpretation will be necessary to improve response and management strategies for protecting human and animal health where issues persist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between the [alpha]-face of the carbohydrate and the aromatic side chain of the protein is studied in the context of a [beta]-hairpin in aqueous solution, in which the interaction is examined in the absence of other cooperative noncovalent interactions. The studies have shown the importance of carbohydrate-[pi] interactions within biological systems and also their utility as a molecular recognition element in designed systems.

Directed ortho metallation (DOM) processes are used to functionalize the cavity and rim of title cavitand. The preorganization of the host resulted in a considerable reduction in the range of products produced, thus, whereas 69 products are possible from per-functionalization, only 12 were observed when the host was treated with three different alkyllithiums.

Protein-carbohydrate interactions play an important role in many biologically important processes. The recognition is mediated by a number of noncovalent interactions, including an interaction between the α-face of the carbohydrate and the aromatic side chain of the protein. To elucidate this interaction, it has been studied in the context of a β-hairpin in aqueous solution, in which the interaction can be investigated in the absence of other cooperative noncovalent interactions. In this β-hairpin system, both the aromatic side chain and the carbohydrate were varied in an effort to gain greater insight into the driving force and magnitude of the carbohydrate-π interaction. The magnitude of the interaction was found to vary from -0.5 to -0.8 kcal/mol, depending on the nature of the aromatic ring and the carbohydrate. Replacement of the aromatic ring with an aliphatic group resulted in a decrease in interaction energy to -0.1 kcal/mol, providing evidence for the contribution of CH-π interactions to the driving force. These findings demonstrate the significance of carbohydrate-π interactions within biological systems and also their utility as a molecular recognition element in designed systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safe drinking water at the point of use (tapwater, TW) is a public-health priority. TW exposures and potential human-health concerns of 540 organics and 35 inorganics were assessed in 45 Chicago-area United States (US) homes in 2017. No US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level(s) (MCL) were exceeded in any residential or water treatment plant (WTP) pre-distribution TW sample. Ninety percent (90%) of organic analytes were not detected in treated TW, emphasizing the high quality of the Lake Michigan drinking-water source and the efficacy of the drinking-water treatment and monitoring. Sixteen (16) organics were detected in >25% of TW samples, with about 50 detected at least once. Low-level TW exposures to unregulated disinfection byproducts (DBP) of emerging concern, per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and three pesticides were ubiquitous. Common exceedances of non-enforceable EPA MCL Goal(s) (MCLG) of zero for arsenic [As], lead [Pb], uranium [U], bromodichloromethane, and tribromomethane suggest potential human-health concerns and emphasize the continuing need for improved understanding of cumulative effects of low-concentration mixtures on vulnerable sub-populations. Because DBP dominated TW organics, residential-TW concentrations are potentially predictable with expanded pre-distribution DBP monitoring. However, several TW chemicals, notably Pb and several infrequently detected organic compounds, were not readily explained by pre-distribution samples, illustrating the need for continued broad inorganic/organic TW characterization to support consumer assessment of acceptable risk and point-of-use treatment options. Unlabelled Image • Drinking-water contaminants role in human health obscured by point-of-use data gap. • 540 organics/35 inorganics assessed in home and treatment plant tapwater in Chicago. • No enforceable standards exceeded, indicating source quality and treatment efficacy. • Common exceedances of MCLG-zero guidance illustrate perceived human health hazard. • Exceedances highlight improved analytics and critical low-level effects data needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]