An evidence-based review of a Lentinula edodes mushroom extract as complementary therapy in the surgical oncology patient.

The purpose of this review is to present the currently published evidence regarding the use, efficacy, potential mechanisms of action, and results of published clinical trials regarding the use of a Lentinula edodes mushroom-derived extract (active hexose correlated compound) as complementary therapy in patients with cancer. The authors explore the current preclinical and clinical evidence as it relates to this topic and its potential use in the surgical oncology patient. There has been a growing interest in stimulation of the immune system in trauma, cancer, and surgical patients in general. Little, however, has been written about some-of the supplements in widely used in Japan and China, but relatively unheard of in the United States.

Contestations over "tradition" and "culture" in a time of AIDS.

In Malawi, the distress and unease caused by rising numbers of deaths and chronic illness due to HIV infection have led people to search for explanations. Here, we describe two particular "turns to culture." Zomba villagers over two decades have come to link AIDS with kanyera, an indigenous illness syndrome. In contrast, the public media, government, and donors blame "promiscuity" and "cultural practices" for HIV infection. The resulting stigmatization causes people to avoid naming AIDS, and both turns to culture tend to link blame and stigma to women.