Management of thrombocytopenia due to liver cirrhosis:A review

Thrombocytopenia is a common complication in liver disease and can adversely affect the treatment of liver cirrhosis,limiting the ability to administer therapy and delaying planned surgical/diagnostic procedures because of an increased risk of bleeding.Multiple factors,including splenic sequestration,reduced activity of the hematopoietic growth factor thrombopoietin,bone marrow suppression by chronic hepatitis C virus infection and anti-cancer agents,and antiviral treatment with interferon-based therapy,can contribute to the development of thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients.Of these factors,the major mechanisms for thrombocytopenia in liver cirrhosis are(1)platelet sequestration in the spleen;and(2)decreased production of thrombopoietin in the liver.Several treatment options,including platelet transfusion,interventional partial splenic embolization,and surgical splenectomy,are now available for severe thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients.Although thrombopoietin agonists and targeted agents are alternative tools for noninvasively treating thrombocytopenia due to liver cirrhosis,their ability to improve thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients is under investigation in clinical trials.In this review,we propose a treatment approach to thrombocytopenia according to our novel concept of splenic volume,and we describe the current management of thrombocytopenia due to liver cirrhosis.

Nutritional status in relation to lifestyle in patients with compensated viral cirrhosis

AIM:To assess the nourishment status and lifestyle of non-hospitalized patients with compensated cirrhosis by using noninvasive methods.METHODS:The subjects for this study consisted of 27 healthy volunteers,59 patients with chronic viral hepatitis,and 74 patients with viral cirrhosis,from urban areas.We assessed the biochemical blood tests,anthropometric parameters,diet,lifestyle and physical activity of the patients.A homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance(HOMA-IR) value of ≥ 2.5 was considered to indicate insulin resistance.We measured height,weight,waist circumference,arm circumference,triceps skin-fold thickness,and handgrip strength,and calculated body mass index,arm muscle circumference(AMC),and arm muscle area(AMA).We interviewed the subjects about their dietary habits and lifestyle using health assessment computer software.We surveyed daily physical activity using a pedometer.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling were used to identify the relevant factors for insulin resistance.RESULTS:The rate of patients with HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5(which was considered to indicate insulin resistance) was 14(35.9%) in the chronic hepatitis and 17(37.8%) in the cirrhotic patients.AMC(%)(control vs chronic hepatitis,111.9% ± 10.5% vs 104.9% ± 10.7%,P = 0.021;control vs cirrhosis,111.9% ± 10.5% vs 102.7% ± 10.8%,P = 0.001) and AMA(%)(control vs chronic hepatitis,128.2% ± 25.1% vs 112.2% ± 22.9%,P = 0.013;control vs cirrhosis,128.2% ± 25.1% vs 107.5% ± 22.5%,P = 0.001) in patients with chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis were significantly lower than in the control subjects.Handgrip strength(%) in the cirrhosis group was significantly lower than in the controls(control vs cirrhosis,92.1% ± 16.2% vs 66.9% ± 17.6%,P < 0.001).The results might reflect a decrease in muscle mass.The total nutrition intake and amounts of carbohydrates,protein and fat were not significantly different amongst the groups.Physical activity levels(kcal/d)(control vs cirrhosis,210 ± 113 kcal/d vs 125 ± 74 kcal/d,P = 0.001),number of steps(step/d)(control vs cirrhosis,8070 ±3027 step/d vs 5789 ± 3368 step/d,P = 0.011),and exercise(Ex)(Ex/wk)(control vs cirrhosis,12.4 ± 9.3 Ex/wk vs 7.0 ± 7.7 Ex/wk,P = 0.013) in the cirrhosis group was significantly lower than the control group.The results indicate that the physical activity level of the chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis groups were low.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling suggested that Ex was associated with insulin resistance(odds ratio,6.809;95% CI,1.288-36.001;P = 0.024).The results seem to point towards decreased physical activity being a relevant factor for insulin resistance.CONCLUSION:Non-hospitalized cirrhotic patients may need to maintain an adequate dietary intake and receive lifestyle guidance to increase their physical activity levels.

Confirmation of Novel Quantitative Trait Loci for Seed Dormancy at Different Ripening Stages in Rice

Seed dormancy contributes resistance to pre-harvest sprouting. Effects on respective quantitative trait loci （QTLs） for dormancy should be assessed by using fresh seeds before germinability altered through storage. We investigated QTLs related to seed dormancy using backcross inbred lines derived from a cross between Nipponbare and Kasalath. Four putative QTLs for seed dormancy were detected immediately after harvest using composite interval mapping. These putative QTLs were mapped near C1488 on chromosome 3 （qSD-3.1）, R2171 on chromosome 6 （qSD-6.1）, R1245 on chromosome 7 （qSD-7.1） and C488 on chromosome 10 （qSD-IO.1）. Kasalath alleles promoted dormancy for qSD-3.1, qSD-6.1 and qSD-7.1, and the respective proportions of phenotypic variation explained by each QTL were 12.9%, 9.3% and 8.1%. We evaluated the seed dormancy harvested at different ripening stages during seed development using chromosome segment substitution lines （CSSLs） to confirm gene effects. The germination rates of CSSL27 and CSSL28 substituted with the region including qSD-6.1 were significantly lower than those of Nipponbare and other CSSLs at the late ripening stage. Therefore, qSD-6.1 is considered the most effective novel QTL for pre-harvest sprouting resistance among the QTLs detected in this study.

Effects of blue light on gametophyte development of Laminaria japonica (Laminariales, Phaeophyta)

Laminaria gametophyte was greatly influenced by light in its growth and development. Using light-emitting diodes (LED) as blue and red light sources, we analyzed the light effect on gametophytes devel- opment of Laminaria japonica Aresch. The gametophytes were obtained from zoospores collected in April, May, July, 2003 and September, 2004. We found that the growth of gametophytes was stimulated by increasing inten- sity of blue light (BL) and red light (RL) illumination, of which BL was obviously stronger than that of RL. The fertilization of gametophytes depended largely on BL, and only sufficient BL illumination could take the repro- ductive effect. In addition, we noticed that there was a significant difference in light responses for gametophytes developed from zoospore collected in different times. For zoospores released in April, under BL1 (73.90 μmol photons/m·s), the unicellular female gametophytes and multi-cellular male gametophytes produced eggs and sperms respectively, and further developed towards sporophytes. However, for gametophytes developed in May, July or September, they became multi-cellular and never formed oogonia or antheridia. It is believed that the Laminaria sporangium maturation stage could affect the gametophytes reaction to BL under laboratory culture conditions. Therefore, cryptochrome- or phototropin-like BL photoreceptors is probably involved in BL-induced development of Laminaria gametophytes.

Functionalized graphene oxide-reinforced electrospun carbon nanofibers as ultrathin supercapacitor electrode

Graphene oxide has been used widely as a starting precursor for applications that cater to the needs of tunable graphene. However, the hydrophilic characteristic limits their application, especially in a hydrophobic condition. Herein, a novel non-covalent surface modification approach towards graphene oxide was conducted via a UV-induced photo-polymerization technique that involves two major routes; a UV-sensitive initiator embedded via pi-pi interactions on the graphene planar rings, and the polymerization of hydrophobic polymeric chains along the surface. The functionalized graphene oxide successfully achieved the desired hydrophobicity as it displayed the characteristic of being readily dissolved in organic solvent. Upon its addition into a polymeric solution and subjected to an electrospinning process,non-woven random nanofibers embedded with graphene oxide sheets were obtained. The prepared polymeric nanofibers were subjected to two-step thermal treatments that eventually converted the polymeric chains into a carbon-rich conductive structure. A unique morphology was observed upon the addition of the functionalized graphene oxide, whereby the sheets were embedded and intercalated within the carbon nanofibers and formed a continuous structure. This reinforcement effectively enhanced the electrochemical performance of the carbon nanofibers by recording a specific capacitance of up to 140.10 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g, which was approximately three folds more than that of pristine nanofibers.It also retained the capacitance up to 96.2% after 1000 vigorous charge/discharge cycles. This functionalization technique opens up a new pathway in tuning the solubility nature of graphene oxide towards the synthesis of a graphene oxide-reinforced polymeric structure.

Interstitial tissue-specific gene expression in mouse testis by intra-tunica albuguineal injection of recombinant baculovirus

The purpose of this study is to establish a gene delivery system for interstitial tissue-specific protein expression in mice testes using modified recombinant baculovirus. Green fluorescent protein （GFP）-expressing recombinant baculovirus （GFP-baculovirus）, in which the insect cell-specific polyhedron promoter was replaced by the cytomegalovirus （CMV）-IE promoter, was used to transfect testicular cells in vitro, and for intra-tunica albuguineal injection of the interstitial tissue of the testis. GFP expression was monitored in frozen testes sections by fluorescence microscopy. Expression of GFP in testicular tissues was also assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, and protein expression was assessed by Western blot. Testicular cells in vitro were infected efficiently by modified recombinant GFP-baculovirus. lntra-tunica albuguineal injection of GFP- baculovirus into the mouse testis resulted in a high level of GFP expression in the interstitial tissues. RT-PCR analysis clearly showed GFP gene expression in the testis, particularly interstitial tissues. Intra-tunica albuguineal injection of a modified baculovirus that encoded recombinant rat insulin-like growth factor binding protein （IGFBP）-5 resulted in an increase in IGFBP-5 in testis and semen. In conclusion, we have developed an efficient delivery system for gene expression in vivo in testicular cells, particularly cells of the interstitial tissue using intratunica albuguineal injection of a modified recombinant baculovirus. This method will be particularly relevant for application that requires gene delivery and protein expression in the testicular cells of the outer seminiferous tubule of the testis.

Interface Engineering and Anion Engineering of Mo-Based Heterogeneous Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Development and utilization of hydrogen energy is an effective way to achieve carbon neutrality,only hydrogen production through electrolytic water splitting meets the goal of zero carbon emission.To facilitate the large-scale commercialization of water splitting devices,the development of highly efficient and low-cost catalysts to reduce the energy consumption is essential.MoS_(2)has been regarded as a promising electrocatalyst to replace platinum in hydrogen evolution reaction due to its low price and unique 2D layered structure.However,the poor conductivity and inert basal planes of MoS_(2)limited its wide-spread application.Recently,researches have demonstrated that the conductivity and active sites of MoS_(2)can be improved by heteroatoms doping or constructing of heterogeneous structures.In this review,the recent progress of Mo-based catalysts are summarized centered on MoS_(2)based on interface engineering and anion engineering,including MoS_(2)–MoO_(2),MoS_(2)–Mo_(2)C,MoS_(2)–MoN_(x),MoS_(2)–MoP,and MoS_(2)–MoSe_(2).The preparation method,structure,and performance of the catalysts are introduced and the possible mechanism behind the improved catalytic activity are revealed to give readers an overall comprehension on the progress of the Mo-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction.In addition,an outlook on future opportunities and development directions of Mo-based catalysts are proposed to facilitate the development of Mo-based catalysts for hydrogen production.

Ultrafast selective extraction of hot holes from cesium lead iodide perovskite films

Lead halide perovskites have some unique properties which are very promising for optoelectronic applications such as solar cells. LEDs and lasers. One important and expected application of perovskite halide semiconductors is solar cell operation including hot carriers. This advanced solar cell concept allows overcoming the Shockley-Queisser efficiency limit, thereby achieving energy conversion efficiency as high as 66% by extracting hot carriers. Understanding ultrafast photoexcited carrier dynamics and extraction in lead halide perovskites is crucial for these applications. Here, we clarify the hot carrier cooling and transfer dynamics in all-inorganic cesium lead iodide （CsPbI3） perovskite using transient absorption spectroscopy and Al2O3, poly（3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl） （P3HT） and TiO2 as selective contacts. We find that slow hot carrier cooling occurs on a timescale longer than 10 ps in the cases of CsPbI3/AI203 and CsPbI3/TiO2, which is attributed to hot phonon bottleneck for the high photoexcited carrier density. An efficient ultrafast hole transfer from CsPbI3 to the P3HT hole extracting layer is observed. These results suggest that hot holes can be extracted by appropriate selective contacts before energy dissipation into the halide perovskite lattice and that CsPbl3 has a potential for hot carrier solar cell applications.

Assessment for the minimal invasiveness of laparoscopic liver resection by interleukin-6 and thrombospondin-1

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic surgery has been introduced as a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of various field.However,there are few reports that have scientifically investigated the minimally invasive nature of laparoscopic liver resection(LLR).AIM To investigate whether LLR is scientifically less invasive than open liver resection.METHODS During December 2011 to April 2015,blood samples were obtained from 30 patients who treated with laparoscopic(n=10,33%)or open(n=20,67%)partial liver resection for liver tumor.The levels of serum interleukin-6(IL-6)and plasma thrombospondin-1(TSP-1)were measured using ELISA kit at four time points including preoperative,immediate after operation,postoperative day 1(POD1)and POD3.Then,we investigated the impact of the operative approaches during partial hepatectomy on the clinical time course including IL-6 and TSP-1.RESULTS Serum level of IL-6 on POD1 in laparoscopic hepatectomy was significantly lower than those in open hepatectomy(8.7 vs 30.3 pg/mL,respectively)(P=0.003).Plasma level of TSP-1 on POD3 in laparoscopic hepatectomy was significantly higher than those in open hepatectomy(1704.0 vs 548.3 ng/mL,respectively)(P=0.009),and have already recovered to preoperative level in laparoscopic approach.In patients with higher IL-6 Levels on POD1,plasma level of TSP-1 on POD3 was significantly lower than those in patients with lower IL-6 Levels on POD1.Multivariate analysis showed that open approach was the only independent factor related to higher level of IL-6 on POD1[odds ratio(OR),7.48;95%confidence interval(CI):1.28-63.3;P=0.02].Furthermore,the higher level of serum IL-6 on POD1 was significantly associated with lower level of plasm TSP-1 on POD3(OR,5.32;95%CI:1.08-32.2;P=0.04)in multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION In partial hepatectomy,laparoscopic approach might be minimally invasive surgery with less IL-6 production compared to open approach.

Fungal Isolate “KMI” Is a New Type of Orchid Mycorrhizal Fungus

We analyzed an isolate of fungus that seems to be a new type orchid mycorrhizal fungus, “KMI (refers to Kyoto-Ma- tsubara-Ishii)”, obtained from the roots of Paphiopedilum thailandense Fowl. KMI has hyphal branching into right angle similar to Rhizoctonia-like fungi, but its spore formation resembled Nectoria, which is known as a teleomorph of Fusarium rather than Rhizoctonia. Its ribosomal DNA sequences of 18S and ITS have no similarity with any known fungal species. Proteins in molecular weight of 53 and 24 kDa, which are common to mycorrhizal fungi, were detected in KMI. When KMI was inoculated onto orchids, however it didn’t form pelotons or coils, but the hyphae in the root tissues were observed and the tissues were not decayed. No significant symptoms of Rhizoctonia or Fusarium disease, however, were developed on tomato and cucumber plants. The evidences suggest that KMI is a new type of orchid mycorrhizal fungus.

Novel function of the chemorepellent draxin as a regulator for hippocampal neurogenesis

Hippocampal neurogenesis as a therapeutic target for neurological disorders：Mature granule cells are continuously differentiated from neural stem and progenitor cells and integrated into the preexisting neural system in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus throughout life.

Frequency Gradient with Respect to Temperature for Determination of Classification of the Phase Response Curve

The interesting task here is to study the frequency-current(f–I)curve and phase response curve(PRC),subject to neural temperature variations,because the f–I curve and PRC are important measurements to understand dynamical mechanisms of generation of neural oscillations,and the neural temperature is widely known to significantly affect the oscillations.Nevertheless,little is discussed about how the temperature affects the f–I curve and PRC.In this study,frequencies of the neural oscillations,modulated with the temperature variations,are quantified with an average of the PRC.The frequency gradient with respect to temperature derived here gives clear classifications of the PRC,regardless of the form.It is also indicated that frequency decreases with an increase in temperature,resulted from bifurcation switching of the saddle-homoclinic to the saddle-node on an invariant circle.

Relationship of Mothers’ Food Preferences and Attitudes with Children’s Preferences

Because early childhood is the most important time for establishing eating habits, controlling the likes and dislikes of children is significant. This study investigated the relationship between mothers’ food preferences as well as their attitudes toward food and their children’s preferences. A questionnaire was answered by 244 mothers of children aged 3-5 years who attended a private kindergarten in Japan. The mothers were asked questions relating to their own current food preferences and those during their childhoods, their eating and cooking habits, and the likes and dislikes of their children. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relative importance of mothers’ preferences and habits for their children’s likes and dislikes. The children’s preferences were significantly related to their mothers’ likes and dislikes during childhood, rather than to their current preferences, and to the children’s breakfast times during holidays and the frequency with which the mothers used takeout meals. This suggests that mothers’ likes and dislikes during childhood and their food habits affect their children’s preferences. Therefore, to improve children’s food preferences, mothers may need to improve their food habits and consider their own food preferences during childhood.

Safety assessment of dextrin hydrogel adhesion barrier (AdSpray®) for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Objective:Adhesion barriers have not traditionally been used during laparoscopic cholecystectomy(lapchole),and so there are no data confirming the safety of the dextrin hydrogel adhesion barrier(AdSpray®)for the use during lap-chole.The aim of this prospective study is to investigate the safety of AdSpray®for elective lap-chole.Methods:Between July 2019 and March 2021,we conducted a prospective study at Saiseikai Kumamoto Hospital to assess the safety of applying AdSpray®around the hepatoduodenal ligament,liver surface,and port area after extraction of the gallbladder during elective lap-chole.We assessed patient morbidity,mortality,and laboratory data on postoperative day 1 and at the outpatient follow-up visit.Results:A total of 100 patients(43 men,57 women)received AdSpray®application during elective lapchole at our institution.The mean patient age was 56.5±14.8 y,and the mean body mass index was 25.1±4.8 kg/m2.Preoperative gallbladder drainage was performed in 3(3.0%)patients as conservative treatment for acute cholecystitis.The mean operative time was 91.7±35.1 min,and the median blood loss was 5 mL(range,5e120 mL).Intraoperative gallbladder perforation was observed in 4.0%of patients(n=4).There was no intraoperative bile duct injury.One(1.0%)patient had a postoperative subhepatic fluid collection without bacterial infection.The mean white blood cell count and C-reactive protein level was significantly elevated on postoperative day 1 but returned to preoperative levels by the time of the follow-up visit.All patients were successfully discharged after surgery,and the median postoperative hospital stay was 2 d(range,2e9 d).Conclusion:Applying AdSpray®during elective lap-chole is safe,with an acceptable rate of postoperative complications.

Subunit Arrangement of a 2-Ketoisovalerate Ferredoxin Oxidoreductase from Thermococcus profundus Revealed by a Low Resolution X-Ray Analysis

2-ketoisovalerate ferredoxin oxidoreductase (VOR) is a key enzyme in hyperthermophiles catalyzing the coenzyme A-dependent oxidative decarboxylation of aliphatic amino acid-derived 2-keto acids. The enzyme purified under anaerobic conditions from a hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus profundus, is a hetero-octamer (αβγδ)2 consisting of four different subunits, α = 45 kDa, β = 31 kDa, γ = 22 kDa and δ = 13 kDa, respectively, and it has three [4Fe-4S] clusters per αβγδ-protomer, similar to other ferredoxin oxidoreductases. In the present study, the native enzyme was purified from this strain and crystallized to give rod-like crystals that were suitable for X-ray diffraction experiments. The crystals belonged to space group P41212, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 136.20 ?, c = 221.07 ?. Diffraction images were processed to a resolution of 3.0 ?. The data collected so far indicate the approximate molecular boundaries and a partial main-chain trace of the enzyme.

Experimental Induction of Heterotrophic to Autotrophic Conversion, Realized by the Enforced Primary Endosymbiosis of Photosynthetic Bacteria onto Eukaryotic Amoebae

The primary endosymbiosis of cyanobacteria with primitive eukaryotes is assumed to have occurred in ancient times, leading to the formation of plants with chloroplasts. However, since this possibility has remained experimentally unproven, we tried to convert heterotrophic eukaryotes like protozoa to autotrophs with chloroplasts. For this, when eukaryotic and heterotrophic Dictyostelium cells were forcibly cultivated with two kinds of photosynthetic bacteria (the purple non-sulfur bacterium Rhodobacter and then the cyanobacterium Synechocystis) as food sources, unique autotrophic organisms consisting of multinucleate plasmodia and their derived amoeboid cells, which had very strange morphology and behaviors, were formed by endosymbiosis of the bacteria. In this case, long-term pre-cultivation with Rdodobacter seemed to be prerequisites for the formation of the autotrophic organisms. The resulting, green-colored plasmodium contained a number of Synechocystis-derived bodies in the cytoplasm. The measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence indicates that the Synechocystis-derived bodies are like chloroplasts giving the ability of photosynthesis. Only, since the fine structural characteristics and genetic background of the autotrophic multinucleate plasmodia and their derived-amoeboid cells are extremely strange, we discuss the possibility of thinking about those reasons.

Precocious In-Vitro Flowering of Perennial Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) Regenerants with a Chemical Inducer

A precocious flowering system of regenerants in asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) was achieved by treatment with a chemical inducer. Somatic embryos withered completely by being processed for 8 - 12 days with 200 μM n-propyl N-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)carbamate that had been dissolved in distilled water. In contrast, precocious flowering occurred at an extremely low rate (3.4%) when somatic embryos were processed in carbamate dissolved in Murashige and Skoog’s liquid medium. To encapsulate the female and male embryos, we surveyed the optimum conditions of viscosity and concentration of sodium alginate for encapsulating the seeds, and we screened the values of 80 - 120 cps and 2% - 3%, respectively. The synthetic seeds produced also withered when they were processed with the carbamate dissolved in distilled water. However, when Murashige and Skoog’s liquid medium was used for the solvent, the flowering frequency of the synthetic seeds was enhanced (13.3%). Based on our morphological and histological observations, female and male regenerants that were processed with the carbamate solution produced individual flower organs. The conversion of sex expression did not occur. A precocious flowering system would allow a significant reduction in the time required for perennial seedlings to flower and can, therefore, save time required for further experiments that employ floral homeotic mutants.

Structure of vitreous body and its relationship with liquefaction

The aim of the study is to clarify the vitreous body structure and liquefaction phenomena. It was found that when melting a frozen rabbit vitreous body, the gel-sol transition phenomenon occurs and the gel structure is broken. This is almost like the liquefaction of the vitreous body in vivo. We try to clarify the liquefaction phenomenon by using this animal model. The native vitreous body has three dimensional meshwork structures. After liquefaction, it is changed into two parts, namely fiber aggregates and soluble amorphous aggregates. The surface of native vitreous body meshwork is mucopolysacharide, but that of fiber aggregates after liquefaction is changed into connective tissue, which means the conformational change of vitreous body in liquefaction. The soluble proteins after liquefaction were analyzed and identified as crystallin family. It is suggested that the liquefaction is induced by detachment of non-collagenous protein beads containing crystallins, resulting in the collapse of the three dimensional structure to release watery liquid trapped within. And the new gel-sol transition model of vitreous bod is proposed.

Characteristics of Body Composition and Relationship between Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength among Elderly Women in Different Age Groups

Age-related changes in the body composition of older adults differ among age groups. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the characteristics of body compositions in young (age, 65 - 74 years;yE group) and old (age, ≥75 years;oE group) elderly women, and compare the relationship between muscle mass and strength in elderly women with that in young women for preventing motor function loss in older adults. A total of 30 elderly and 45 young women aged ≥ 65 and 19 - 22 years, respectively, participated in this study. The participants underwent body composition measurement via bioelectrical impedance analysis and examinations of handgrip and leg muscle strength. The age-related body composition changes varied among age groups. Compared with young women, fat-free mass (FFM) in the yE group did not decrease significantly;however, fat mass (FM) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were significantly greater. Compared with the yE group, decreases in FFM, FM, and WHR in the oE group were significant;furthermore, the decrease in FM measurements was attributed to the loss of FM in the trunk and limbs (upper and lower). The measurement results suggested that the greater FM decrease in the oE group was characterized by decreases in both visceral and subcutaneous fat. In the yE group, the muscle mass was comparable to that in young women;however, there was a remarkable reduction in the lower-limb muscle mass (9% - 10%). In the oE group, muscle mass was reduced in all body parts, including upper and lower limbs and trunk. In young women, significant positive correlations between muscle mass and muscle strength in the upper and lower limbs were observed. No such correlations in the lower limbs were found in elderly women, indicating that muscle mass is not proportionally reflected in muscle strength. In conclusion, for improving and maintaining the health of elderly women, especially those above the age of 75 years, it is important to maintain muscle mass, including muscle strength, and prevent the loss of muscle quality.