Measuring Perceived Effects of Drinking an Extract of Basidiomycetes Agaricus Blazei Murill: A Survey of Japanese Consumers with Cancer

BACKGROUND. To survey cancer patients who consume an extract of the Basidiomycetes Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom (Sen-Sei-Ro) to measure their self-assessment of its effects and to develop an instrument for use in future randomized trials. METHODS. We designed, translated and mailed a survey to 2,346 Japanese consumers of Sen-Sei-Ro self-designated as cancer patients. The survey assessed consumer demographics, cancer history, Sen-Sei-Ro consumption, and its perceived effects. We performed exploratory psychometric analyses to identify distinct, multi-item scales that could summarize perceptions of effects. RESULTS. We received completed questionnaires from 782 (33%) of the sampled Sen-Sei-Ro consumers with a cancer history. Respondents represented a broad range of cancer patients familiar with Sen-Sei-Ro. Nearly all had begun consumption after their cancer diagnosis. These consumers expressed consistently positive views, though not extremely so, with more benefit reported for more abstract benefits such as emotional and physical well-being than relief of specific symptoms. We identified two conceptually and empirically distinct and internally consistent summary scales measuring Sen-Sei-Ro consumers' perceptions of its effects, Relief of Symptoms and Functional Well-being (Cronbach's alpha: Relief of Symptoms, α = .74; Functional Well-Being, α = .91). CONCLUSION. Respondents to our survey of Sen-Sei-Ro consumers with cancer reported favorable perceived effects from its use. Our instrument, when further validated, may be a useful outcome in trials assessing this and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) substances in cancer patients.Kyowa-S.S.I., Tokyo, Japa

Record of an alleged Solitary Eagle in Oaxaca is a Great Black Hawk

In a recent article in this journal (García-Grajales et al., 2018), an adult Great Black Hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga) was mistakenly identified as an adult of the Solitary Eagle (Buteogallus solitarius). The Solitary Eagle differs from the Greater Black Eagle in having the longest and widest wings, and the shortest tail. These characteristics give it a more triangular shape in flight. These differences are easy to see in Figures 1–3. The same authors also cite a case of the nesting of the Solitary Eagle in Mexico (Smith, 1982). However, after reviewing photos of the young, we consider that this record is probably the Common Black Hawk (B. anthracinus). The illustrations of the Solitary Eagle in field guides of Mexico and Central America (Howell & Webb, 1995; Van Perlo, 2006) demonstrate greater similarity with the Great Black Hawk, contributing to the frequent confusion of the two species if used without consulting the text. The new features published here and in Clark et al. (2006) and Clark and Schmitt (2017) should help with correct identification of Buteogallus species in the future.En un artículo reciente en esta revista (García-Grajales et al., 2018), un adulto del Aguililla Negra Mayor (Buteogallus urubitinga) fue identificado erróneamente como un adulto del Águila Solitaria (Buteogallus solitarius). El Águila Solitaria difiere del Aguililla Negra Mayor en tener las alas más largas y anchas, y la cola más corta. Estas características le confieren una forma más triangular en el vuelo. Estas diferencias son fáciles de apreciar en la Figuras 1–3. Los mismos autores también citan un caso del anidamiento del Águila Solitaria en México (Smith, 1982). Sin embargo, después de revisar fotos de las crías, consideramos que este registro probablemente se trata del Aguililla Negra Menor (B. anthracinus). Las ilustraciones del Águila Solitaria en guías de campo de México y Centroamérica (Howell & Webb, 1995; Van Perlo, 2006) demuestran mayor similitud con el Aguililla Negra Mayor, contribuyendo a la confusión frecuente de las dos especies si se utilizan sin consultar el texto. Las nuevas características publicadas aquí y en Clark et al. (2006) y Clark y Schmitt (2017) deben ayudar a su correcta identificación en el futuro