Objective To compare perioperative parameters, as well as the oncological and func-tional results, for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) performed via the posterior bladder and anterior bladder approaches. Methods The recorded pre-, peri-, and postoperative parameters and complications, and evaluated the oncological and functional results were collected and compared be-tween the posterior bladder approach (n=25) and the anterior bladder approach (n=34). Results There were no significant differences regarding the preoperative characteristics of the two groups. The mean blood loss, complications, positive surgical margins, and continence showed no significant differences between the 2 groups at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The mean operation time was sig-nificantly shorter in anterior bladder approach group (174.2±58. 0 min) than in posterior bladder ap-proach group (224. 8±66.7 rain), (P<0. 01). Also, the postoperative recovery time until discharge was 5.9 d in anterior bladder approach group, which was significantly shorter than in posterior bladder approach group (7.5 d) (P<0.05). Conclusion The anterior bladder approach yields shorter oper-ation time and postoperative recovery period than posterior bladder approach for LRP.

Safety and effectiveness of powered food made from Agaricus blazei Murill was evaluated by a randomized human study. 45 healthy subjects were divided into 3 groups in sequence: control, 1 pack and 3 packs/day-administered groups. Each group had 15 persons. They had each packs for 28 days, and followed, in every two weeks, by the evaluation with CTCAE v3.0, QOL (SF36-v2), and biochemical examinations including liver/lung/kidney function, insulin resistance and NK activity and high-sensitivity CRP. None of them had adverse events nor biochemical/lung abnormal examinations. 1 and 3 packs-administered groups improved their QOL, high-sensitivity CRP and NK activity in a dose-dependent manner. These results ascertained safety, and effectiveness of the powdered food made from Agaricus blazei Murill against presymptomatic disorders including metabolic syndrome.

60 cancer patients between the ages of 20 and 80 who had completed a main treatment were randomly administered Tabebuia Avellanedae (Taheebo) extract 2.0 g/day (usual dosage), 4.0 g/day (2 times dosage), or 6.0 g/day (3 times dosage) for 6 months. A blood biochemical exam, urinalysis, adverse effects, several immunological parameters, urine 8-OHdG and QOLsurvey were evaluated. Five patients dropped out, but there was no direct cause and effect between the extract and dropout. Although several items of the blood biochemical exam revealed slight variation within the normal limits, distinct abnormities were not detected. Furthermore, side effects like allergic symptoms were not found. Immune parameters and urine 8-OHdG did not change significantly. CRP, which is a sensitive marker of inflammation, was significantly improved, and this may suggest the possibility of this extract helping to prevent hardening of blood vessels due to arteriosclerosis. In Japan, long-term food safety tests have rarely been done, therefore we recommend that more of these exams be carried out.

Objective: Gagome kombu (Kjellmaniella crassifolia), an edible brown seaweed grown around the southern area of Hokkaido, is known to abundantly contain fucoidan. Previous studies show that on animals, fucoidan from Gagome kombu (GKF) exhibits immune-enhancing, anti-cancer and anti-influenza virus capabilities. In this study, we focused on the elderly and evaluated the safety and immune-efficacy of GKF.
Methods: Eighteen (18) Japanese elderly subjects were chosen to ingest the test samples (3 tablets/day containing 50 mg GKF and lactic acid bacteria) for 8 weeks. Before ingestion and every 4 weeks thereafter (4^th and 8^th week), blood chemistry analysis, hematological analysis, urinalysis and immune analysis were conducted.
Result: Test results showed no adverse clinical changes in blood and urinary analysis. In addition, no serious symptoms were observed. Moreover, GKF markedly decreased serum IgE levels.
Conclusion: These results indicate that in the case of elderly, GKF is a safe functional food ingredient.

Objective: Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide in Gagome kombu (GKF) is known to exhibit immune-enhancing and anti-cancer activities. Recently, cancer patients use various dietary supplements containing fucoidan and mushroom extracts. However, there have been few reports on the safety and efficacy of fucoidan-containing supplements. In this study, we examined the safety of long-term ingestion of GKF in cancer patients.
Methods: Twenty six (26) Japanese cancer patients—16 of whom (male 6, female 10, age 62.8 ± 10.7) have completed cancer treatment and 10 (male 4, female 6, 67.0 ± 10.6) still under treatment and regularly taking anti-cancer drugs and hormone pills—were chosen to ingest GKF-containing supplements (200–300 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Before ingestion and every 4 weeks thereafter (4^th and 8^th week), blood chemistry analysis, hematological analysis, urinalysis and immune analysis were conducted.
Result: There were no adverse clinical changes in blood and urinary analysis. In addition, no serious adverse effects were observed.
Conclusion: These results indicate long-term ingestion of GKF is indeed, safe for cancer patients.

　　The platelet counts documented in most of the studies using the fully automated hematology analyzer XE-5000 are values measured by impedance technology (PLT-I). If blood specimens showing an anomalous particle-size distribution curve in the area where platelet counts are low are used (exceptionally low platelet count samples), the counting method is automatically switched over to an optical method (PLT-O). In the present study, we examined the usefulness of the XE-5000 by comparing PLT-I with PLT-O, using blood samples with low platelet counts collected from patients who visited our hospital between January 1 and March 31, 2012. Dilution linearity left nothing to be desired in either of the two, but simultaneous reproducibility was higher in PLT-O than in PLT-I. The correlations of PLT-I and PLT-O with visual counts were high, working out at r＝0.889～0.984. In the exceptionally low platelet count samples, the correlation coefficient was high in PLT-O than in PLT-I. The cases showing low platelet counts frequently presented giant platelets and/or red cell fragments. Therefore, measuring the samples with low platelet counts requires a high degree of precision. In the samples with exceptionally low platelet counts, PLT-O exceeded PLT-I in simultaneous reproducibility and correlation with visual counts. Thus, our study demonstrated the usefulness of the XE-5000 that could enumerate PLT-O automatically and speedily.

Objectives: The present study was examined the effects of dietary supplement containing Kurozu concentrate on Blood Pressure, QOL and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Constitution. Methods: Forty subjects with slightly high blood pressure were assigned randomly to 2 groups (active group and placebo group). Kurozu-containing foods or the placebo was administered to the subjects daily for 12 weeks. At week 0, 6 and 12, blood samples were collected, physical measurements were taken, and the quality of life (SF-36v2) and TCM constitution were examined. Results: Significant differences on blood pressure and TCM constitution between the groups were observed at week 12. The change of QOL between the groups was observed significantly at week 6. Conclusion: These findings suggest that foods containing Kurozu have hypotensive action and improve effects on constitutional problems. In addition, it was confirmed that foods containing Kurozu are safe to ingest.

Adlay( Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf ) is a grass crop that has long been used in traditional medicine as a nourishing food. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of adlay related substances on carcinogenesis and anti-inflammation. The hot water extract of all parts of adlay (CRD) were compared with the hot water extract of dehulled adlay (yokuinin). In addition, the Monoolein and Trilinolein components of adlay were compared.
As a screening date, antiproliferative effect of human cancer cells showed weak biological potency on physical dose response. Prevention effect of carcinogenesis and anti-inflammatory effect were also observed in all samplles. CRD showed stronger anti-UVB inflammatory effect than that of yokuinin; while yokuinin showed stronger anti-heating injury inflammatory effect than that of CRD. Moreover, Monoolein showed stronger effect than Trilinolein on both prevention effect of carcinogenesis and anti-inflammatory effect. These result indicated that these two extracts of adlay exhibited inhibitory effect on both tumor and inflammation. In addition, it is also suggested that Monoolein is more effective than Trilinolein.

The safety and immune potential function of Fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus mixed with mushroom extracts from Grifola frondosa, Phellinus linteus and Cordyceps sinensis were evaluated. Five cancer patients and five elderly people in their 70s ingested the mixed extract for a period of 4 weeks. Results showed significant LDL-C decrease and Th1/2 increase. Moreover, Quality of Life(QOL) related to facialand extremity skin, anxiety, fatigue, cold tolerance and appetite improved significantly. Finally, the clinical test supported the safety of this mixed extracts.

The sleep-inducing effect and safety of an herbal tea containing valerian and lemon balm were subject to a preliminary open pilot study. Subjects were 14 female volunteers (age 35 ± 11, BMI 21 ± 3 kg/m²) who complained of poor sleep. After obtaining informed consent, subjects took daily 2 cups of herbal teas containing valerian and lemon balm for 1 week, followed by a control week, during which they had two cups of hot water. OSA sleep questionnaires and VAS scales were recorded every day. Sleep quality increased at the 2^nd day after starting the tea, and sleep induction and sleep maintenance were improved in particular. Those whose complaints were severe experienced greater relief than those who complaint a little. Some cases reported transient sleepiness and gastrointestinal complaints. However, these symptoms disappeared spontaneously. The safety and effectiveness of this sleep-inducing herbal tea was ascertained.