Formation, characterization, and antigenicity of lecithin-ß-conglycinin complexes.

Lipid binding has been proposed to represent a functional property of many allergenic proteins. This study investigated the formation, characterization, and antigenicity of lecithin-ß-conglycinin complexes. The results indicate that lecithin was combined with ß-conglycinin via static quenching and primarily driven by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. In addition, heat treatment reduced the antigenicity of complexes, as evidenced by changes in molecular weight and secondary and tertiary structures. It revealed that large aggregates developed and more hydrophobic regions were exposed for complexes after heat treatment, as well as a decrease in the ß-sheet contents and an increase in the ß-turn and random coil contents. Furthermore, the average particle size of the complexes increased with increased temperature treatment, and the morphology of the complexes exhibited an amorphous polymer. These findings shedlight on the interaction between lecithin and ß-conglycinin and help us understand the role of lecithin in allergic reactions.

Iron deficiency anemia associated factors and early childhood caries in Qingdao.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has been shown to be related to early childhood caries (ECC). However, data on the relationship, if any, between IDA-associated factors and ECC remain scant. This study aimed to explore the interplay between IDA-associated factors and ECC. METHODS: This study randomly sampled a total of 1598 children in Qingdao city, and analyzed the severity of ECC using decayed-missing-filled teeth index, while the rate of caries was analyzed following the WHO recommendations. The correlation between IDA and ECC was analyzed by both the chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test. In addition, we designed an electronic questionnaire and employed the disordered multi-classification logistic regression to interrogate the relationship between the IDA-associated factors and ECC. RESULTS: Children with IDA had higher rates and severe ECC than those without IDA (p < 0.001). Children who were breastfed until 2 years old had a higher risk of IDA and ECC, compared to those who were not {OR 3.453 (1.681-7.094)}. Compared with children who had no history of IDA at the age of 2 years or below, those with IDA history had a higher risk of IDA and ECC {OR 8.762 (3.648-21.041)}. In addition, children who had a maternal history of IDA at pregnancy were at a higher risk of IDA and ECC compared to those who had no IDA history at pregnancy {OR 4.913 (2.934-8.226)}. Our data showed that children from a family with an annual income lower than 50,000 Renminbi (RMB) had a higher risk of IDA and ECC compared to those with an annual family income higher than 200,000 RMB {OR 3.421 (1.505-7.775)}. On the other hand, compared with children taking iron supplements, children who did not were at a higher risk of ECC and IDA {OR 5.602 (1.858-16.896)}. CONCLUSION: Factors such as low family income, history of IDA in children aged 2 years or younger, IDA history during pregnancy, children breastfed until 2 years old, and those not taking iron supplements were significantly associated with the occurrence of ECC and IDA.