Metabolomic reveals the responses of sludge properties and microbial communities to high nitrite stress in denitrifying phosphorus removal systems.

Nitrite, as an electron acceptor, plays a good role in denitrifying phosphorus removal (DPR); however, high nitrite concentration has adverse affects on sludge performance. We investigated the precise mechanisms of responses of sludge to high nitrite stress, including surface characteristics, intracellular and extracellular components, microbial and metabolic responses. When the nitrite stress reached 90 mg/L, the sludge settling performance was improved, but the activated sludge was aging. FTIR and XPS analysis revealed a significant increase in the hydrophobicity of the sludge, resulting in improve settling performance. However, the intracellular carbon sources synthesis was inhibited. In addition, the components in the tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances (TB-EPS) of sludge were significantly reduced and indicated the disturb of metabolism. Notably, Exiguobacterium emerged as a new genus when face high nitrite stress that could maintaining survival in hostile environments. Moreover, metabolomic analysis demonstrated strong biological response to nitrite stress further supported above results that include the inhibited of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. More importantly, some lipids (PS, PA, LysoPA, LysoPC and LysoPE) were significantly upregulated that related enhanced membrane lipid remodeling. The comprehensive analyses provide novel insights into the high nitrite stress responses mechanisms in activated sludge systems.

Proteinase 3 depletion attenuates leukemia by promoting myeloid differentiation.

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) that have impaired differentiation can transform into leukemic blasts. However, the mechanism that controls differentiation remains elusive. Here, we show that the genetic elimination of Proteinase 3 (PRTN3) in mice led to spontaneous myeloid differentiation. Mechanistically, our findings indicate that PRTN3 interacts with the N-terminal of STAT3, serving as a negative regulator of STAT3-dependent myeloid differentiation. Specifically, PRTN3 promotes STAT3 ubiquitination and degradation, while simultaneously reducing STAT3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation during G-CSF-stimulated myeloid differentiation. Strikingly, pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 (Stattic) partially counteracted the effects of PRTN3 deficiency on myeloid differentiation. Moreover, the deficiency of PRTN3 in primary AML blasts promotes the differentiation of those cells into functional neutrophils capable of chemotaxis and phagocytosis, ultimately resulting in improved overall survival rates for recipients. These findings indicate PRTN3 exerts an inhibitory effect on STAT3-dependent myeloid differentiation and could be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.

Establishment of an in situ model to explore the tumor immune microenvironment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Establish an in situ model for investigating HNSCC, focusing on tumor growth, metastasis, and the immune microenvironment. METHODS: Generated a monoclonal SCCVII-ZsGreen cell line through lentiviral transfection. Selected monoclonal lines with growth rates similar to the original SCCVII for in vivo tumorigenesis. Monitored tumor development and metastasis through fluorescence in vivo imaging. Employed immunohistochemistry to assess immune cell distribution in the tumor microenvironment. RESULTS: SCCVII-ZsGreen exhibited comparable proliferation and in vivo tumorigenicity to SCCVII. In situ tumor formation on day 10, with cervical metastasis in C57BL/6 mice by day 16. No significant fluorescence signals in organs like liver and lungs, while SCCVII-ZsGreen presence confirmed in cervical lymph node metastases. Immunohistochemistry revealed CD4+ T, CD8+ T, B, and dendritic cells distribution, with minimal macrophages. CONCLUSION: Our model is a valuable tool for studying HNSCC occurrence, metastasis, and immune microenvironment. It allows dynamic observation of tumor development, aids preclinical drug experiments, and facilitates exploration of the tumor immune contexture.

Sodium carboxymethyl celluloses as a cryoprotectant for survival improvement of lactic acid bacterial strains subjected to freeze-drying.

This study investigated the possibility of sodium carboxymethyl celluloses (Na-CMC) in protecting the viability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) against freeze-drying stress. 1 % concentration of Na-CMC with a 0.7 substitution degree and viscosity of 1500 to 3100 (MPa.s) was found to protect Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CICC 6098 best, giving a high survival rate of 23.19 ± 0.88 %, high key enzymatic activities, and 28-day storage stability. Additionally, Na-CMC as cryoprotectant provided good protection for other 7 lactic acid bacterial strains subjected to freeze-drying. The highest survival rate was 48.79 ± 0.20 U/mg for ß-GAL, 2.75 ± 0.15 U/mg for Na+-K+-ATPase, and 2.73 ± 0.41 U/mg for Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase as 48.48 ± 0.46 % for freeze-dried Pediococcus pentosaceus CICC 22228. It was Interesting to note that the presence of Na-CMC reduced the freezable water content of the lyophilized powders containing the tested strains through its hydroxyl group, and supplied micro-holes and fibers for protecting the integrated structure of LAB cell membrane and wall against the freezing damage. It is clear that addition of Na-CMC should be promising as a new cryoprotective agent available for processing the lyophilized stater cultures of LAB strains.

Extraction and characterization of polysaccharides from Schisandra sphenanthera fruit by Lactobacillus plantarum CICC 23121-assisted fermentation.

Improving the yield of polysaccharides extracted from Schisandra sphenanthera is a major challenge in traditional Chinese medicinal plants. In this study, we investigated the potential of Lactobacillus plantarum CICC 23121-assisted fermentation as an extraction tool for S. sphenanthera polysaccharides (SSP). We observed that 11.12 ± 0.28 % of polysaccharides were extracted from S. sphenanthera using strain CICC 23121 -assisted fermentation (F-SSP), which was 53.38 % higher than that using hot water extraction (NF-SSP). The optimized parameters were a fermentation time of 15.5 h, substrate concentration of 4 %, and inoculum size of 3 %. Lactic acid produced by strain CICC 23121 increased the release of intracellular polysaccharides by breaking down cell walls. Compared to NF-SSP, F-SSP contained higher and lower total carbohydrate and protein contents, respectively, and its monosaccharide composition was the same as that of NF-SSP; however, their distributions were different. F-SSP had a higher molecular weight, better aqueous stability, and looser surface morphology, and strain CICC 23121-assisted fermentation did not change the molecular structure of SSP. Both NF-SSP and F-SSP showed the potential to regulate human intestinal microflora. Our findings revealed that strain CICC 23121-assisted fermentation is an efficient method for extracting S. sphenanthera polysaccharides without affecting their physicochemical and bioactive properties.

Identification, characterisation and expression analysis of peanut sugar invertase genes reveal their vital roles in response to abiotic stress.

KEY MESSAGE: Sucrose invertase activity is positively related to osmotic and salt stress resistance in peanut. Sucrose invertases (INVs) have important functions in plant growth and response to environmental stresses. However, their biological roles in peanut are still not fully revealed. In this research, we identified 42 AhINV genes in the peanut genome. They were highly conserved and clustered into three groups with 24 segmental duplication events occurred under purifying selection. Transcriptional expression analysis exhibited that they were all ubiquitously expressed, and most of them were up-regulated by osmotic and salt stresses, with AhINV09, AhINV23 and AhINV19 showed the most significant up-regulation. Further physiochemical analysis showed that the resistance of peanut to osmotic and salt stress was positively related to the high sugar content and sucrose invertase activity. Our results provided fundamental information on the structure and evolutionary relationship of INV gene family in peanut and gave theoretical guideline for further functional study of AhINV genes in response to abiotic stress.

Fermentation characteristics and postacidification of yogurt by Streptococcus thermophilus CICC 6038 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus CICC 6047 at optimal inoculum ratio.

This study aimed to investigate the symbiosis between Streptococcus thermophilus CICC 6038 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus CICC 6047. In addition, the effect of their different inoculum ratios was determined, and comparison experiments of fermentation characteristics and storage stability of milk fermented by their monocultures and cocultures at optimal inoculum ratio were performed. We found the time to obtain pH 4.6 and ΔpH during storage varied among 6 inoculum ratios (1:1, 2:1, 10:1, 19:1, 50:1, 100:1). By the statistical model to evaluate the optimal ratio, the ratio of 19:1 was selected, which exhibited high acidification rate and low postacidification with pH values remaining between 4.2 and 4.4 after a 50-d storage. Among the 3 groups included in our analyses (i.e., the monocultures of S. thermophilus CICC 6038 [St] and Lb. bulgaricus CICC 6047 [Lb] and their cocultures [St+Lb] at 19:1), the coculture group showed higher acidification activity, improved rheological properties, richer typical volatile compounds, more desirable sensor quality after the fermentation process than the other 2 groups. However, the continuous accumulation of acetic acid during storage showed that acetic acid was more highly correlated with postacidification than d-lactic acid for the Lb group and St+Lb group. Our study emphasized the importance of selecting an appropriate bacterial consortium at the optimal inoculum ratio to achieve favorable fermentation performance and enhanced postacidification stability during storage.

Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Radicular Cervical Spondylosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy is a serious and common degenerative disease of the cervical spine due to irritation and compression of the nerve roots of the cervical spine, resulting in a series of clinical symptoms based on sensory, motor and reflex disorders, such as numbness and pain in the neck, shoulders, upper limbs and fingers. Acupuncture is highly effective in treating CSR and has become a common treatment accepted by patients. This study aims to systematically review and analyze existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of CSR. METHODS: We used the following eight databases for literature data search: PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine Disc ( CBMdisc), Wanfang Database and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP). The search consisted of randomized controlled studies of acupuncture for CSR between 2000 and 2020 and the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration's "Risk of Bias Assessment Tool."RevMan 5.4 software was used for statistical analysis only. Study screening, data extraction and statistics, and assessment of the risk of bias of the included studies were performed independently by two reviewers. RESULT: 27 studies with 3124 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis of the total efficiency index for acupuncture for CSR were [RR = 1.14,95% CI (1.09,1.19)]. The results of the meta-analysis of the PPI index were [MD = -0.35, 95% CI (-0.61,-0. 09)]. The results of META analysis of the total effective rate, VAS score, PRI(A) score, PRI(S) score and PRI(T) score showed heterogeneity in the studies included for each outcome index, and sources of heterogeneity were sought through subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis to ensure more stable and reliable data results. The results of the combined meta-analysis showed that the treatment group was significantly more effective than the control group and more effective in lowering the nerves to reduce the pain index in patients with CSR, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). This indicates that acupuncture treatment is superior to traction for CSR. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture is significantly more effective than traction therapy in the treatment of cervical spondylosis and can reduce the pain index of patients with CSR.

Effects of Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L. cv. Mopan) Polysaccharide and Their Carboxymethylated Derivatives on Lactobacillus Strains Proliferation and Gut Microbiota: A Comparative Study.

Persimmon is a fruit that contains sugars, vitamins, phenolic compounds, and various other nutrients. The aim of this study was to explore the structure of carboxymethylated persimmon polysaccharide (CM-PFP) and its interaction with the human gut microbiota. Carboxymethyl modification of the persimmon polysaccharide (PFP) increased both the Mw and Mn, enhanced dispersion stability, and decreased thermal stability. Both PFP and CM-PFP promoted the proliferation of Lactobacillus while inhibiting the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In the simulated fecal fermentation, the pH of PFP- and CM-PFP-containing media decreased, the content of short-chain fatty acids increased, and the abundance of intestinal flora at the phylum and genus levels changed. The relative abundance of harmful intestinal bacteria was significantly reduced in both PFP and CM-PFP groups. Furthermore, it was found that CM-PFP was more easily metabolized than PFP, glucose, and fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) and had a proliferation increase effect on Lactobacillus. Therefore, CM-PFP has a significant positive effect on both Lactobacillus proliferation and the human gut microbiota.

The associations between sleep timing and night sleep duration with dyslipidemia in a rural population: The Henan Rural Cohort Study.

Evidence linking sleep timing and night sleep duration to dyslipidemia was limited and inconclusive, especially among low- and middle-income adults. The aims were to evaluate the associations between sleep timing, night sleep duration and dyslipidemia in a rural population. Based on the Henan Rural Cohort Study, a total of 37 164 participants were included. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to collect sleep information. Logistic regression and restrictive cubic splines were conducted to explore the associations. Of the 37 164 enrolled participants, 13881 suffered from dyslipidemia. Compared to the reference groups, people who went to sleep after 23:00 or woke up after 7:30 had higher prevalence of dyslipidemia, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs)were 1.30 (1.20-1.41) and 1.34 (1.19-1.50). The adjusted OR (95%CI) of participants in the Late-sleep/Late-rise category compared to the Early-sleep/Early-rise category was 1.55 (1.08-1.23). Compared to the reference (7~≤8 h), the adjusted OR (95%CI) was 1.11 (1.03-1.20) for longer (>9 h) night sleep duration. Moreover, the combined effects of sleep duration (>9 h) with sleep time (22:00~) (OR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.16-1.84), sleep duration (>9 h) with wake-up time (≥7:30) (OR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.08-1.51), and sleep duration (>9 h) with the Late-sleep/Late-rise category (OR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.14-1.75) increased the prevalence of dyslipidemia. Accordingly, our results indicate that delayed sleep timing and longer night sleep duration had independent and joint effects on higher risks of dyslipidemia in rural population.

Development, characterization and functional properties of sodium alginate-based films incorporated with Schisandra chinensis extract-natamycin complex.

Because of the impact of petroleum-based polymers on environmental deterioration and the need for safe, efficient, and functional packaging films, a sodium alginate (SA)-based film incorporating a Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE)-natamycin (NA) complex was developed for the desired physical and functional properties. The incorporation of SCE-NA into SA-based films decreased the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), moisture content (MC), and hydrophilicity of the films and improved their opacity, elongation at break (EAB), and thermal stability. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses showed that SA, SCE, and NA had positive interactions and compatibility. In addition, the antimicrobial activity analysis indicated that the SA-SCE-NA film-forming solutions had satisfactory antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus niger. SA-based composite films have been used to coat cucumbers and blueberries to extend their shelf life. Compared to the neat SA film, the shelf life of cucumbers treated with the SA-SCE-NA film increased by 6 days compared to that in the untreated group at 28 °C, and the shelf life of blueberries increased by 5 days at 4 °C, revealing its potential utilization in food packaging.

Study on Extraction, Physicochemical Properties, and Bacterio-Static Activity of Polysaccharides from Phellinus linteus.

We optimized an ultrasound-assisted extraction process of Phellinus linteus mycelium polysaccharides (PLPs) and studied their monosaccharide composition and bacteriostatic properties. Based on a single-factor experiment, a three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction process of PLP, using the yield of PLP as the index. The chemical composition and monosaccharide composition of PLP were determined by chemical analysis and HPLC analysis, respectively. Microscopic morphological analysis of the surface of PLP was performed via swept-surface electron microscopy. The bacteriostatic properties of PLP were determined using the spectrophotometric turbidimetric method. The results showed that the best extraction process of PLP with ultrasonic assistance achieved a result of 1:42 g/mL. In this method, the ultrasonic temperature was 60 °C, ultrasonic extraction was performed for 20 min, and the yield of PLP was 12.98%. The monosaccharide composition of PLP mainly contains glucose (Glc), mannose (Man), galactose (Gal), and glucuronic acid (GlcA). The intracellular polysaccharide of Phellinus igniarius Mycelia (PIP) is an irregular spherical accumulation, the surface is rough and not smooth, and the extracellular polysaccharide (PEP) is a crumbly accumulation. PIP has a stronger inhibitory ability for S. aureus and E. coli and a slightly weaker inhibitory effect for B. subtilis; the inhibitory effect of PEP on S. aureus, E. coli, and B. subtilis is slightly inferior to that of PIP.

Is first pregnancy age associated with hypertension in the Chinese rural women population?

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between first pregnancy age and hypertension later in the life of women from Chinese rural areas. Methods: In total, 13,493 women were enrolled in the Henan Rural Cohort study. Logistic regression and linear regression were used to evaluate the association between first pregnancy age and hypertension and blood pressure indicators [including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP)]. The restricted cubic spline was used to examine the dose-response relationship between the first pregnancy age and hypertension or blood pressure indicators. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, each 1-year increase in first pregnancy age was associated with a 0.221 mmHg increase in SBP values, a 0.153 mmHg increase in DBP values, and a 0.176 mmHg decrease in MAP values (all P < 0.05). The ß of SBP, DBP, and MAP showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with increasing first pregnancy age and there was no statistical significance after first pregnancy age beyond 33 years on SBP, DBP, and MAP, respectively. A 1-year increment in first pregnancy age was associated with a 2.9% [OR (95% CI): 1.029 (1.010, 1.048)] higher odds of prevalent hypertension. The odds of hypertension increased sharply and then eventually leveled off with an increment of first pregnancy age after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusion: First pregnancy age might increase the risk of hypertension later in life and might be an independent risk factor for hypertension in women.

The Intrinsic Similarity of Topological Structure in Biological Neural Networks.

Most previous studies mainly have focused on the analysis of structural properties of individual neuronal networks from C. elegans. In recent years, an increasing number of synapse-level neural maps, also known as biological neural networks, have been reconstructed. However, it is not clear whether there are intrinsic similarities of structural properties of biological neural networks from different brain compartments or species. To explore this issue, we collected nine connectomes at synaptic resolution including C. elegans, and analyzed their structural properties. We found that these biological neural networks possess small-world properties and modules. Excluding the Drosophila larval visual system, these networks have rich clubs. The distributions of synaptic connection strength for these networks can be fitted by the truncated pow-law distributions. Additionally, compared with the power-law model, a log-normal distribution is a better model to fit the complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) of degree for these neuronal networks. Moreover, we also observed that these neural networks belong to the same superfamily based on the significance profile (SP) of small subgraphs in the network. Taken together, these findings suggest that biological neural networks share intrinsic similarities in their topological structure, revealing some principles underlying the formation of biological neural networks within and across species.

Reabsorption of intervertebral disc prolapse after conservative treatment with traditional Chinese medicine: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Conservative treatments have been reported to diminish or resolve clinical symptoms of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LIDH) within a few weeks. CASE SUMMARY: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar region of a 25-year-old male diagnosed with LIDH showed prolapse of the L5/S2 disc. The disc extended 1.0 cm beyond the vertebral edge and hung along the posterior vertebral edge. The patient elected a conservative treatment regimen that included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture, and massage. During a follow-up period of more than 12 mo, good improvement in pain was reported without complications. MRI of the lumbar region after 12 mo showed obvious reabsorption of the herniation. CONCLUSION: A conservative treatment regimen of TCM, acupuncture, and massage promoted reabsorption of a prolapsed disc.

Association of nocturnal sleep duration and sleep midpoint with osteoporosis risk in rural adults: a large-scale cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence has suggested the linkage between sleep habits and several metabolic diseases, but the association of sleep factors with bone health remains unclear, especially in regions with low economic levels. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship of nocturnal sleep duration and sleep midpoint with the osteoporosis risk in a rural population. METHOD: Eligible subjects were derived from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was applied to collect sleep information including sleep initiating time and wake-up time. The bone mineral density of the calcaneus was measured by the ultrasonic bone density apparatus. Multivariable logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines were utilized to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: For 8033 participants, 1636 subjects suffered from osteoporosis. Compared with the reference group (7 ~ h group), the ORs and 95% CI of osteoporosis associated with duration of nocturnal sleep were 1.32 (1.10, 1.56), 1.59 (1.25, 2.01), and 1.82 (1.25, 2.65) in the 8 ~ h, 9 ~ h, and ≥ 10 h group, respectively. Additionally, the adjusted ORs and 95% CI were 1.20 (1.01, 1.44) in the early sleep midpoint group and 1.09 (0.92, 1.29) in the intermediate sleep midpoint, compared with the late. Furthermore, there was a joint effect of long duration of nocturnal sleep and the early sleep midpoint on osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: Long duration of nocturnal sleep and early sleep midpoint were independently and jointly associated with higher risk of osteoporosis in rural areas. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: 06 July 2015. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375.

The Effect of Bovine Serum Albumin on Benzo[a]pyrene Removal by Lactobacillus Strains.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the Lactobacillus-strain-mediated removal of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). A combination of 0.5 mg/mL of BSA with 1.0 × 1010 CFU/mL bacterial cells had a removal of 49.61% BaP for strain 121, while a combination of 0.4 mg/mL of BSA with 1.0 × 1010 CFU/mL bacterial cells had a removal of 66.09% BaP for strain ML32. The results indicated that the binding of BaP to Lactobacillus-BSA was stable. BSA maintains Lactobacillus activity and BaP removal in the gastrointestinal environment. Heat and ultrasonic treatment of BSA reduced the BaP-binding ability of Lactobacillus-BSA. With the addition of BSA, the surface properties of the two strains affected BaP binding. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) data demonstrated that O-H, N-H, C=O, and P=O groups were involved in the binding of BaP to Lactobacillus-BSA. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results revealed that the morphology of Lactobacillus-BSA bound to BaP was maintained. The adsorption of BaP by Lactobacillus-BSA was appropriately described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm model. BSA enhances the affinity between the bacterial cells and BaP.

Effect modification of socioeconomic status on the association of exposure to famine in early life with osteoporosis in women.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to explore the effect of modification of socioeconomic status (SES) on the association between famine exposure in early life and osteoporosis in adulthood via the baseline data from the Henan Rural cohort study. METHODS: A total of 2669 exposed to famine participants were selected from the Henan Rural cohort, and the questionnaires, physical examination and bone mineral density measurement were completed. Specific birth years were used to define five groups: the fetal exposed group, early-childhood exposed group, mid-childhood exposed group, late-childhood exposed group and unexposed group. And the age-matched control group was a combination of the unexposed group and late-childhood exposed group. Multivariable logistic regression models were utilised to analyse the association of famine exposure in early life with osteoporosis in adulthood. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of osteoporosis of participants exposed to famine during the fetal period, early-childhood, mid-childhood and the age-matched group were 21.67%, 25.76%, 23.90% and 18.14%, respectively. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of participants suffering from famine during the fetal period, early-childhood and mid-childhood versus age-matched group were 1.19 (0.82-1.73), 1.40 (1.04-1.88) and 1.57 (1.16-2.13), respectively. The female participants yielded consistent results. The risk of osteoporosis was higher in more severe famine eara. Moreover, an attenuated effect of early life famine exposure on osteoporosis was observed in female participants with high SES. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to famine in early life showed a sex-specific association with an increased risk of osteoporosis in adulthood and the severity of famine may exacerbate this association. In addition, the risk could be modified by SES.