Preparation and properties of double- or triple- chain surfactants with two sulfonate groups derived fromN- Acyldiethanolamines

Bis(sulfonate) types of amphipathic compounds with three long- chain alkyl groups were prepared by the reaction ofN- (long- chain acyl)diethanolamine diglycidyl ethers with long- chain fatty alcohols, followed by the reaction with propanesultone. The diglycidyl ethers were easily obtained from the correspondingN- acyldiethanolamines and epichlorohydrin in the presence of a phasetransfer catalyst. The same types of compounds with two longchain alkyl groups were also prepared from Nacetyldiethanolamine according to similar procedures. All these new double- or triple- chain surfactants were soluble in water and showed much better micelle forming and ability to lower surface tension than general types of single- chain surfactants with one sulfonate group. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) and γ_CMC values of the triple- chain compounds were still much smaller than those of the corresponding double- chain compounds with two common alkyl groups. The efficiency of adsorption at the water/air interface (pC₂₀) of these surfactants was very high. Their foaming properties, wetting ability toward a felt chip, and lime- soap dispersing ability were measured. To whom correspondence should be addressed at Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-1, Suita, Osaka 565, Japan.     

Determination of vedaprofen in livestock products and seafoods by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A novel liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the trace residue determination of vedaprofen (VPF) in livestock products and seafoods. VPF was extracted from each sample with acidified acetone, and the crude extract was re-extracted with ethyl acetate and NaCl solution. Clean-up was performed using a weak anion exchange cartridge (Bond Elut DEA). The LC separation was performed on a C18 column using acetonitrile-0.0025 mol/L formic acid (3 : 2) as the mobile phase and MS was run in the negative ion electrospray ionization mode. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.001-0.1 μg/mL VPF. The mean recoveries from equine muscle, cattle muscle, cattle liver, cattle fat, salmon, eel, corbicula, milk, egg and buckwheat honey were 72-94%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 1.1-2.0%. Limits of quantitation (LOQs) ranged from 0.001 to 0.007 μg/g.     

Facile and general method for preparation of (E)-4-hydroxy-2-alkenals

A facile one-pot synthesis of (E)-4-hydroxy-2-alkenals such as (E)-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, (E)-4-hydroxy-2-heptenal, and (E)-4-hydroxy-2-hexenal was achieved from the corresponding (2E,4E)-2,4-alkadienals by reduction-oxygenation with molecular oxygen and triethylsilane in the presence of cobalt(II) porphyrin as a catalyst followed by treatment with trimethylphosphite.     

GATA-1 and erythropoietin receptor genes are highly expressed in erythroleukemia

BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) includes, among other diseases, parasitic infections such as anisakiasis, which has acquired worldwide importance. METHODS: We reviewed all patients referred to our allergy service who had been diagnosed as having primary EG to determine the possible role of Anisakis simplex in the etiopathology of the disease. All patients (n = 10) were studied and diagnosed as having primary EG between 1989 and 1996, inclusive. Two different groups of subjects were used as controls: group A (149 subjects without digestive disorder) and group B (10 subjects with digestive disorder different from EG). Cutaneous prick tests were performed with the main foods, aeroallergens, and commercial extract of A. simplex. Total and specific serum IgE was measured in all patients. Gastric or gut histologic specimens were re-examined in five cases. RESULTS: Peripheral eosinophilia was detected in 40% of the patients with EG, and sensitization to A. simplex was detected in 80% of these. In both control groups, the rate of sensitization to A. simplex was 10%. Sensitization to A. simplex in EG patients with respect to control groups A and B showed odds ratios (OR) of 36 and 40, respectively. In one case, serialization of the histologic section allowed us to observe a whole Anisakis larva. CONCLUSIONS: Immunologic methods to detect specific antibodies against Anisakis should be used routinely before diagnosing EG as primary disorder. Preventive measures are of capital importance.     

Regulation of both erythroid and megakaryocytic differentiation of a human leukemia cell line, UT-7

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potent mitogen for hepatocytes and various epithelial cells. Unexpectedly, it has been reported to inhibit the growth of hepatoma cells in vitro. To clarify this phenomenon, we examined the effects of recombinant baculovirus-expressed HGF on the growth of 6 human hepatoma cell lines. The growth of Hep3B and HepG2 cells was markedly stimulated to 1.8- and 1.7-fold, respectively, PLC/PRF/5 to 1.4-fold, and SK-Hep-1 to 1.2-fold in a dose-dependent manner under HGF concentrations below 20 ng/ml. Neither HuH-7 nor HCC36 were affected. None of these cells were inhibited. All these cells expressed c-Met, the membrane receptor for HGF, and their c-Met would be activated to be phosphorylated upon addition of HGF. They also contained the ERK2 subgroup of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). When HGF was added, their ERK2 would also be phosphorylated. The extent of ERK2 phosphorylation was partially correlated to their growth response to HGF. In conclusion, HGF could stimulate the growth of certain human hepatoma cells, probably through activation of c-Met and MAPKs.     

Preparation and properties of glycerol-based double- or triple-chain surfactants with two hydrophilic ionic groups

A novel series of glycerol-based double- or triple-chain surfactants with two sulfonate, two sulfate or two carboxylate groups was conveniently prepared by reactions of 1-O-alkylglycerol diglycidyl ethers with long-chain fatty alcohols, and followed by reactions with propanesultone, chlorosulfonic acid or bromoacetic acid, respectively. The sulfate and carboxylate types of compounds have higher water solubilities than the corresponding sulfonate type of compound bearing the same lipophilic group. The triple-chain surfactants show excellent surface-active properties, such as micelle forming and ability to lower surface tension, compared not only with the corresponding single-chain anionic surfactants, but also with the corresponding double-chain surfactants. The effect of the difference in head groups of these compounds on surface-active properties is described. Foaming properties, wetting ability and lime-soap dispersing requirement are also discussed.