Isoflavone, phytosterol, tocopherol, mineral, protein, lipid, and sugar contents of soybeans were analyzed during 7-day germination with or without exposure to light. The levels of phytosterols and tocopherols increased significantly during the 3 day germination. Although malonyl glycosides were the predominant forms of isoflavones in soybean seeds, 77% of malonyl daidzin and 30% of malonyl genistin were converted to corresponding daidzin, daidzein, genistin, and genistein during the germination period. Slight decreases in malonal glycidin and malonyl glycidin concentrations were also observed while the total molar concentration of isoflavones remained constant. An increase of approximately 4% in the protein level was accompanied by a 5-6% reduction in the carbohydrate and lipid contents after the 7-day germination. Mineral (Ca, Cr, Fe, Zn Cu, K, Mg, Mn) levels did not vary much during germination, and the presence of light during germination had only a little, if any, effect on the levels of the micro- and macronutrients in soybeans.

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Native species of microalgae were isolated from natural water bodies in the Midwestern United States of America and were screened for the ultimate goal of mass cultivation in Missouri and the surrounding states, and for their potential as biomass and biodiesel sources. A number of different nutrient media recipes were utilized to isolate the maximum number of colonies from each field samples. These nutrient recipes were modified in order to optimize the isolation and growth dynamics of specific colonies. All of the isolates were categorized based on the morphological appearance of the culture and the microscopic cellular appearance of the isolated colonies. Isolates included many common green microalgae and cyanobacteria. Lipid content was determined for selected strains that demonstrated relatively quick growth. Scenedesmus sp. that demonstrated the high growth rate, resistance to invasion, and contained sufficient amounts of lipid was investigated for its potential as a sustainable biomass and biodiesel feedstocks.

Ozark (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) and eastern hellbenders (C. a. alleganiensis) from seven rivers in Missouri, USA, were collected to investigate essential information on hematology, parasites, and plasma chemistry and levels of select heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Co) in the animals' blood. The body masses of Ozark hellbenders were much smaller than those of eastern hellbenders. Blood parasites were detected in Ozark hellbenders, but not eastern hellbenders. The higher frequency in occurrence of eosinophils in Ozark hellbenders (8.8-16.8%) than in eastern hellbenders (highest at 6.6%) might result from the infection of parasites. Seven of the 18 hematology and plasma parameters (hematocrit, basophils, eosinophils, K, P, Ca, and chloride) showed significant differences between subspecies. The blood levels of heavy metals Co, Hg, and Pb differed significantly between subspecies. Ozark hellbenders had higher blood levels of Co (p<0.001), while blood levels of Hg and Pb were higher in eastern hellbenders. The levels of chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) were not different between subspecies and among rivers. The eastern hellbenders at Niangua River and the Ozark hellbenders at the North Fork of the White River had lower Hg levels compared to eastern and Ozark hellbenders at other sites. All together, our findings provide important baseline information for managing this endangered species.

Ozark Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) populations are in decrease throughout their native range with rare recruitment of young. Increased estrogenic chemical levels and alterations of physicochemical properties in their habitat may play a significant role in this phenomenon. We report here the first systematic, comprehensive study of organic chemical concentrations and physical and nutrient parameters in two rivers containing Ozark hellbender populations. Water samples were collected monthly from August 2003 to November 2004. Concentrations of 21 organic chemicals were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nine organic chemicals were detected. Benzyl butyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, bisphenol A, and beta-sitosterol were all detected >85% of the time, with median concentrations of 18 to 234 ng/L and maximum concentrations of 198 to 4141 ng/L. Individually, concentrations of nutrients and organic chemicals were much lower than those shown previously in laboratory and field experiments to have reproductive effects on amphibians. Nevertheless, hellbenders are exposed to a variety of chemicals with potential estrogenic effects. Our study establishes the basis to examine the specific effects of the detected concentrations, alone and in combination, on the Ozark hellbenders.