Cultural Sensitivity And Culture And Other Practices

Cultural Sensitivity Khader Salami Cultural sensitivity refers to the awareness as well as the sensitivity to culture and other practices. Cultural sensitivity can encompass examining different cultures and how they should be accurately approached in the health care. It also includes how to communicate according to within the health care setting. Cultural sensitivity is important area because it can impact the way people work in the health care facilities. It also encompasses valuing differences so as harassment, discrimination, either intended or not. Culture is a fundamental and complex concept which consists of broad aspects of people in the health care setting (Campinha-Bacote, 2003). It includes the concepts of sexual orientation, gender, faith, age, disability, race, ethnicity, profession and socioeconomic status. Cultural sensitivity stems from this understanding in that; it’s inlcude interpersonal skill as well as the knowledge that will allow the providers of health care, appreciate, understand, and work with individuals from different cultures other than theirs. It also consists of acceptance and awareness of the people’s cultural differences, knowledge, self-awareness of the cultures of the patient and adapting to the skills. Many cultural groups, including lesbian and gay people, individuals with disabilities, lower socio-economic groups and ethnic minorities, forShow MoreRelatedIntercultural Abilities Nurses Should Have951 Words   |  4 Pagesnumber of diverse cultures within the health care system. Therefore, nurses in general, or any healthcare professionals not only need to know how to care of patients from their culture, but they also must be able to care of patients from other cultures with different health beliefs, values, and practices. Cultural views of individuals influence their perceptions and decisions of health attitudes and health cares; in order to care for people across different languages and cultures, nurses need to developRead MoreCulture Sensiti vity And The Asian Culture1076 Words   |  5 PagesCulture sensitivity, or cultural competency, is the knowledge that allow workers to recognize or value different cultures and differences other than their own, to give them the ability to respond efficiently to various cultural needs (Denisco Barker, 2015). Specifically, in the Asian-American group, there are numerous cultural differences that are prominent and diverse regarding healthcare. For this paper, the Asian cultural group was chosen because my family is part of this ethnic group. In additionRead MoreRecognizing the Need for Cultural Change1137 Words   |  5 PagesNeed for Cultural Change Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Cultural awareness 3. Cultural sensitivity 4. Cultural competence 5. 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ACA and NAADAC is a guide that will help the counselor to reference. An ACA code that will help the counselor with multicultural code to use in the practice is A.2.C â€Å"Developmental and Cultural Sensitivity counselors communicate information in ways that are both developmentally and culturally appropriate. The counselors use clear and understandableRead MoreCultural Competency And Social Work Practice1098 Words   |  5 PagesThe BusinessDictionary.com defines cultural competency as, â€Å"A set of behaviors, policies, and attitudes which form a system or agency which allows cross-cultural groups to effectively work professionally in situations. This includes human behaviors, languages, communications, actions, values, religious beliefs, social groups, and ethic perceptions. Individuals are competent to function on their own and within an organization where multi-cultural situations will be present† (2016). Our communitiesRead MoreProfessional Communication: Cultural Sensitivity among Native Americans1630 Words   |  7 PagesProfessional Communication: Cultural Sensitivity among Native Americans Professional Communication: Cultural Sensitivity In nursing school, we are normally taught that we should respect the dignity and rights of all clients. As the world becomes reduced and societies and individuals become more mobile, we are progressively able to network with people that are from other cultures. Cultural respect and competence for others becomes particularly significant for us as nurses and patient supportersRead MoreCultural Sensitivity And The Therapeutic Relationship1361 Words   |  6 PagesCultural Sensitivity and the Therapeutic Relationship The evolution of the human being is constant and multidimensional. We are always shifting, as individuals and as a society, quickly or slowly, biologically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. The differences among us create a mosaic-like society, rich in diversity and culture. Arnold and Boggs (2016) define culture as a complex social concept, which encompasses socially transmitted communication styles, family customs, political systems, andRead MoreEssay about Cultural Sensitivity, Knowledge, and Skills from Nurses806 Words   |  4 Pagestheir patients, but they also must be able to care of patients from other cultures with many beliefs and values. Cultural views of individual influence the patient’s perception and decision of health and health care (Creasia Parker, 2007). In order to care for people across different languages and cultures, nurses need to develop cultural sensitivity, knowledge, and skills. Cultural sensitivity means being aware that cultural differences and similarities exist and have an effect on values, learningRead MoreCultural Assessment And Its Impact On Health Care907 Words   |  4 Pages(2014), Culture plays an integral role in healthcare. Culturally congruent care is care that is customized to fit with the patient’s own values, beliefs, traditions, practices, and lifestyle. As nurses we are expected to deliver culturally congruent care. We may not always agree with our patients cultural practices, but we must try to incorporate them into the individualized plan of care for our patients, as long as these practices do not cause harm. Campinha-Bacote emphasized that a cultural assessment

Selling Crack By Philippe Bourgois - 1866 Words

In Search of Respect: Selling crack in El barrio, written by Philippe Bourgois, is a compelling ethnography about the lives and struggles of Puerto Rican immigrants living in East Harlem, New York. Bourgois moved his wife and infant child to live in amongst the streets of East Harlem, referred to also as Spanish Harlem or El barrio, to actively participate in the community to get a better understanding of the underground untaxed economy (p.1). Bourgois in the years he lived in East Harlem established relationships with a group of around 24 drug dealers and their families (p.2) and obtained information through means such as â€Å"taped conversations, hundreds of nights in crack houses, †¦ went to parties and intimate reunions† (p.13). This total†¦show more content†¦This shows the profitability of the drug trade and the absolute dependence on the underground economy for those under the poverty line in El Barrio to survive. Bourgois’ conversations also revea led that many were trapped in the drug trade and strongly desired to earn money legally but due to a lack of education were unable to get a legal job that is regular and sufficient (p.114). Bourgois uncovered that many struggled in the legal job market due to institutionalised racism and the culture shock between life in El Barrio and the outside working world (p.145, pp.158-161). Bourgois was also able to gain important information about the dealer’s school experiences which essentially ruined their chances of making a legal life for themselves as many experienced violence and ridicule at the hands of the public schooling system and dropped out early (pp.174-178). Showing the value and strength of the participant observation fieldwork. Bourgois’ everyday interactions with his neighbour who were also his study subjects meant that over the five years his field work began to show how the Puerto Rican traditional culture and street culture of New York heavily influenced those who lived in El Barrio. The long term fieldwork Bourgois conducted revealed the complexities of this culture which can be exemplified in the relationship the Puerto Rican drug dealers have with legal employment. Primo, one of the dealers BourgoisShow MoreRelatedThe Use Of Drugs And Its Effects On Social Status1115 Words   |  5 Pagesdisadvantages in society. In Philippe Bourgois’s book, In Search of Respect, a Puerto Rican immigrant named Primo lived in New York City’s East Harlem. Because of his lack of education and cultural capital, he wasn’t able to find a legal paying job. Also having the burden of having to support for his family, he became a victim into the world crack. Drug dealing led Primo to drug addiction , which led him to throw away his income on more drugs (Bourgois,2013). Bourgois was trying to show the intensityRead MoreSelling in the Barrio: The Culture of Poverty Essay1165 Words   |  5 Pagesgroups and ethnicities are negatively affected by poverty. Those in the lowest social class, while a mix of ethnicities, are predominantly minorities and affected the most. What stood out about Philippe Bourgeois’ is that he not only studies the people and their culture but he lived it with them. Mr. Bourgois spent two years with his wife and child living with the Puerto Rican’s in East Harlem, NY. He lived with them and became a friend to many of them with the hopes of providing an accurate analysisRead MoreIn Search Of Respect Selling Crack In El Barrio Summary1248 Words   |  5 PagesPhillipe Bourgois’s study of social marginalisation in inner city America in his ethnography ‘In Search of Respect – Selling Crack in El Barrio’, won critical a cclaim when first published in 1995. For the first time, an anthropologist had managed to gain the trust and long-term friendship of street-level drug dealers in one of the nation’s roughest ghetto neighbourhoods – East Harlem (Bourgois, 2003). He had originally come to study poverty and ethnic segregation, the political economy of inner-city streetRead MoreHegemonic Hypocrisy: A Victim of Social Scriptorium1168 Words   |  5 Pagesamidst a war involving all three cultural topographies. Albeit she speaks from a subjective standpoint, she does not mention the issue of racial hygiene, class, geographic divisions, and gender. Passages from Guenter Lewy, Melissa Wright, and Philippe Bourgois will be used to discuss the way in which different positionalities might affect the analysis of â€Å"Dislocated Identities.† In â€Å"Dislocated Identities,† Dr. Shohat tells of the reification of identity categories. Identity categories are hypotheticalRead MoreFeminicide, Gender Violence Against Women5270 Words   |  22 Pagesreplaced by service industries† (Bourgois 2004: 114). This conversion completely changed the dynamics of the workplace for the women working in the maquiladoras and most importantly the men, in the city of Jà ¹arez and the areas near the border. According to economists and sociologists alike, the repercussions from this shift in economic dynamics have led to, â€Å"unemployment, income reduction, weaker unions, and dramatic erosions in worker’s beneï ¬ ts at the entry level† (Bourgois 2004: 114). These outcomes

Managing Human Resources Top Trucking Company

Questions: 1. How do the new workplace practices introduced by the new yard manager complement one another? 2. What are the risks to sustaining these changes if George or the yard manager moves on? 3. Do you think tough blue collar unions like the Transport Workers Union are more of less likely to engage in workplace changes like these than public or service sector unions? Why? How would you find out if you are right? Answers: Introduction Human resource department of any organization needs to be strong enough so that they are able to handle the employees well during the time of crisis as well as in the normal times (Armstrong Taylor, 2014). If the human resource manager is efficient enough then it will help in prevailing a healthy and peaceful atmosphere at the workplace (Sparrow, Brewster Chung, 2016). The employees will be happy working in the organization and the works will be satisfied in the organization (Storey, 2014). Once the workers will be given a better environment to work, they will be more creative and productive in their work (Purce, 2014). The case study of Top Trucking Company that talks about the Constructive Relations will help in throwing light o the better workplace practices that should be prevalent in an organization. There has been a change in the yard manager and the situation before and after the change will be studied in the report. The report will shed light on the fact that the employees need proper supervision as well as freedom so that they can work freely in the organization. 1. New workplace practices as introduced by the new yard manager The behaviour and actions of the employees that are prevalent in the workplace can be defined as the workplace practice (Renwick, Redman Maguire, 2013). As per Budhwar Debrah, (2013), if the workplace practice is good, the employees will be happy and satisfied in the organization. They would work hard and in turn help in raising the productivity of the organization (Alfes et al., 2013). If there is proper communication among the employees, they will be able to learn well and positive work culture will prevail among the employees (Armstrong Taylor, 2017). The main difference between the new yard manger and the previous yard manager is the way of handling the employees. When on one hand, the previous yard manager was only keen on getting the job done; the new manager is keen on making the employees learn and work together. The new manager has been able to implement a communicative environment in the workplace. As a result, the employees will be able to communicate well among each other and that will in turn help in the building a bond between the employees (Wilton, 2016). To give rise to a healthy workplace practice, the new yard manager has implemented the following practices in the workplace: Workplace risk management The new yard manager knows that he employees will be able to work in a better manner only when they will be given a safe and healthy environment to work in. The person has looked into every possible aspects that will help the employees to work properly. The ventilation has been changed. The workplace is now more airy with better light. A special cell has been created to look after the mental health of the employees. Thus, if any of the employees is not happy with something or someone, they can contact the cell. The issues of the employees will be resolved at once by the organization (Kramar, 2014). Giving autonomy to the employees The employees feel free in the organization once they are given little amount of freedom in the workplace (Marler Fisher, 2013). None of the employees likes to be treated as children (Parboteeah, Seriki Hoegl, 2014). The new yard manager looked after the issue of employee autonomy as well. The employees are no given the autonomy to take decisions while carrying out their work. They are being involved in taking the big decisions in the organization. Even though the final decision is being taken by the yard manager but the employees are always invited to give their opinion. If any of the opinions of the employees sound fruitful then the opinion is being put to use by the manager (Jabbour et al., 2013). Training and development for the employees The problems of the employees in the workplace are always being heard with proper detail (Messersmith Wales, 2013). None of the employees are blamed without knowing the cause of the problems. The new yard manager goes to the root cause of any issue and then takes the call. He do not rely on one person or one incident to decide the cause of the issue. The employees are always empowered by giving them proper training in the organization (Armstrong Taylor, 2014). If the employees need to know anything new that will help them to compete well in the external market, the yard manager takes care of that and makes sure that the employees get the proper knowledge (Sparrow, Brewster Chung, 2016). The new yard manager is always ready for any training and development programs that will help the employees to develop the skills. 2. Risk for sustaining organizational changes The manager of an organization is hugely responsible for handling the employees (Storey, 2014). Even though the employees have their own area of expertise, a manager is needed to supervise whether the employees are working properly in the organization (Purce, 2014). If George or the yard manager moves on then there is chance that Top Trucking Company can face the following risks: Little or no control over the employees The expertise of the workers is not the only thing that helps an organization to perform (Renwick, Redman Maguire, 2013). At times, the ways the employees perform are being hugely dependent on the way they are being handled (Budhwar Debrah, 2013). If the manager moves on then there will be nobody to supervise in the organization. The employees will be confused regarding whom to report, as they will be without a manager (Alfes et al., 2013). It will take time in settling down in the new environment, which will in turn hamper the productivity of the organization (Armstrong Taylor, 2017). Conflict at work Trade union is one such department that helps in maintaining a proper relation between the employees and the managers (Wilton, 2016). At times, the managers might not be able accept the demands of the employees (Marler Fisher, 2013). The trade union comes to play in those situations. It helps in maintaining a harmony the manager and the employees by coming to a balanced bargain (Kramar, 2014). If George moves on, then the issues of the employees will not be resolved as there will be nobody to settle the issues. Once the issues would not be resolved in the organization, the conflict between the employees will keep on rising. Deterioration in the efficiency of the workers A manager is needed in the organization who will be able to keep a check on the performance of the employees (Parboteeah, Seriki Hoegl, 2014). He is the one who decides whether any department or employee needs training. He checks the efficiency level of the employees in the organization along with the efficiency level of the employees of other organizations. If the manger moves on, there will be nobody to supervise the employees and evaluate whether there is any need for training (Jabbour et al., 2013). Eventually, the efficiency of the employees will decrease and they would not be able to perform well (Messersmith Wales, 2013). Increase in turnover of the employees A company without a manager will always call for chaos (Armstrong Taylor, 2014). The employees will not be happy in the organization as there will be no maintenance. They will be unable to develop their skills and hence they will become less competent than the employees of other organizations will (Sparrow, Brewster Chung, 2016). They will seek better opportunities in different organizations, which will result in more turnovers (Storey, 2014). 3.Tough Blue Collar Unions VS Public or Service Sector Unions When the tough blue collars unions and the Public or Service Sector Unions are being compared to each other, it has been seen that the tough blue collars unions are more open to changes (Purce, 2014). As far as the Transport Worker Union of the organization concerned, the appointment the new yard manager have changed a lot in then organization. Hence, it can be said that Blue Collar Unions will be more welcoming to the change as they will be more benefitted. Before the new manager has been appointed, the drivers have been ill-treated. The drivers were being blamed for no reason. As the new yard manager has changed the operation, then issues are now being looked closely. Whenever, there is any issue in the organization, the employees are not being blamed. The change in the yard manger is being is seen to be a good step towards good management and helped in building the Transport Worker Union. They have accepted the change and are now open to more changed in the organizations. It has been seen that in the beginning there has been some arguments between the new yard manager and the members of the union when he has brought the changes. Thus, it can be said to be the those members belonged from the service union who not ready for any kind of change (Renwick, Redman Maguire, 2013). The members from the service union will have to restructure themselves as per the change. The entire organization is becoming better structured and hence, there is a huge need to change as per the need for the change in the organization (Budhwar Debrah, 2013). The change that has been brought by the new yard manager has benefitted the entire organization (Alfes et al., 2013). Hence, it can be said that the blue collar will help in bringing the change in a better manner than the service unions. Conclusion After going through the case study of Top Trucking Company, it can be said that the employees need a manager who will listen to them as well as guide them in every aspect. The old yard manger has always pressurized the employees, the new yard manager along with George will help in bringing the change in the organization. Then employees are given more power and they are given the freedom themselves. The manager of the organization along with George should not move on as it will again result in poor structure of the organization. Finally, the blue collars union should be brought in as they help in brining the changes in a better manner. References Alfes, K., Shantz, A. D., Truss, C., Soane, E. C. (2013). The link between perceived human resource management practices, engagement and employee behaviour: a moderated mediation model.The international journal of human resource management,24(2), 330-351. Armstrong, M., Taylor, S. (2014).Armstrong's handbook of human resource management practice. Kogan Page Publishers. Armstrong, M., Taylor, S. (2017).Armstrong's handbook of human resource management practice. Kogan Page Publishers. Budhwar, P. S., Debrah, Y. A. (Eds.). (2013).Human resource management in developing countries. Routledge. Jabbour, C. J. C., de Sousa Jabbour, A. B. L., Govindan, K., Teixeira, A. A., de Souza Freitas, W. R. (2013). Environmental management and operational performance in automotive companies in Brazil: the role of human resource management and lean manufacturing.Journal of Cleaner Production,47, 129-140. Kramar, R. (2014). Beyond strategic human resource management: is sustainable human resource management the next approach?.The International Journal of Human Resource Management,25(8), 1069-1089. Marler, J. H., Fisher, S. L. (2013). An evidence-based review of e-HRM and strategic human resource management.Human Resource Management Review,23(1), 18-36. Messersmith, J. G., Wales, W. J. (2013). Entrepreneurial orientation and performance in young firms: The role of human resource management.International Small Business Journal,31(2), 115-136. Parboteeah, K. P., Seriki, H. T., Hoegl, M. (2014). Ethnic diversity, corruption and ethical climates in sub-Saharan Africa: Recognizing the significance of human resource management.The International Journal of Human Resource Management,25(7), 979-1001. Purce, J. (2014). The impact of corporate strategy on human resource management.New Perspectives on Human Resource Management (Routledge Revivals),67. Renwick, D. W., Redman, T., Maguire, S. (2013). Green human resource management: A review and research agenda.International Journal of Management Reviews,15(1), 1-14. Sparrow, P., Brewster, C., Chung, C. (2016).Globalizing human resource management. Routledge. Storey, J. (2014).New Perspectives on Human Resource Management (Routledge Revivals). Routledge. Wilton, N. (2016).An introduction to human resource management. Sage.

The importance of fungi free essay sample

Fungi are tremendously important to human society and the planet we live on. They provide fundamental products including foods, medicines, and enzymes important to industry. They are also the unsung heroes of nearly all terrestrial ecosystems, hidden from view but inseparable from the processes that sustain life on the planet. THE MEDICAL IMPORTANCE OF FUNGI Most Fungal genera have tremendous applications in modern medicine some of which include; Drugs from Fungi At the beginning of the 21st century, Fungi were involved in the industrial processing of more than 10 of the 20 most profitable products used in medicine. Three anti-cholesterol statins, the antibiotic penicillin and the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A are among the top 10. Fungi are extremely useful organisms in biotechnology. Fungi construct unique complex molecules using established metabolic pathways. Different taxa produce sets of related molecules, each with slightly different final products. Metabolites formed along the metabolic pathway may also be biologically active. We will write a custom essay sample on The importance of fungi or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In addition, the final compounds are often released into the environment. Manipulation of the genome, and environmental conditions during formation of compounds, enable the optimisation of product formation. On the negative side, single isolates of fungi in manufacture may lose their capacity to form or release the target molecules. Indeed, the target compound may only be expressed under specific conditions, or at a specific point in the life cycle of the fungus. It is amazing that so many biologically active compounds have been discovered and taken to point where they are medically important. The role of fungi was established early in history. Yeasts have been used in the making of bread and alcohol since the beginning of civilisation. LINK In modern times, the discovery of penicillin marked the beginning of a new approach to human health and established the importance of fungi. Antibiotics From Fungi In 1941, penicillin from the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum was first used successfully to treat an infection caused by a bacterium. In doing so, it revolutionised treatment of disease. Many formally fatal diseases caused by bacteria became treatable, and new forms of medical intervention were possible. When penicillin was first produced, the concentration of active ingredient was approximately 1 microgram per ml of broth solution. Today, improved strains and highly developed fermentation technologies produce more than 700 micrograms per ml of active ingredient. In the early broths, several closely related molecules were present. These molecules are beta lactam rings fused to five-membered thiazolidine rings, with a side chain. The side chain can be chemically modified to provide slightly different properties to the compound. The natural penicillins have a number of disadvantages. They are destroyed in the acid stomach, and so cannot be used orally. They are sensitive to beta lactamases, which are produced by resistant bacteria, thus reducing their effectiveness. They also only act on gram positive bacteria. Modifications to manufacturing conditions have resulted in the development of oral forms. However, antibiotic resistance among bacteria is becoming an extremely important aspect determining the long-term use of antibiotics. Cephalosporins also contain the beta lactam ring. The original fungus found to produce the compounds was a Cephalosporium, hence the name. As with penicillin, the cephalosporin antibiotics have a number of disadvantages. Industrial modification of the active ingredients has reduced these problems. The only useful antifungal agent from fungi is griseofulvin. The original source was Penicillium griseofulvin. Griseofulvin is fungistatic, rather than fungicidal. It is used for the treatment of dermatophytes, as it accumulates in the hair and skin following topical application. The antifungal agents are readily and cheaply produced industrially. Immune Suppressants Cyclosporin A is a primary metabolite of several fungi, including Trichoderma polysporum and Cylindrocarpon lucidum. Cyclosporin A has proven to be a powerful immunosuppressant in mammals, being widely used during and after bone marrow and organ transplants in humans. Cyclosporin A is a cyclic peptide consisting of 11 mainly hydrophobic amino acids. Its inhibition of lymphocytes was first discovered during the 1970s. Subsequently, the mode of action was elucidated. Cyclosporin A binds to a cytosolic protein called cyclophilin. Cyclophilin is found amongst many different organisms and its form appears highly conserved. Cyclophilin is involved with folding the protein ribonuclease. However, the Cyclosporin A/cyclophilin complex also binds to calcineurin. Calcineurin dephosphorylates a transcription factor, thereby triggering transcription of numerous genes associated with T cell proliferation. When the complex binds to calcineurin, T cell proliferation is suppressed. The inhibition of T cells proliferation results in the suppression of the activation process associated with invasion by foreign bodies. As a consequence, transplant tissues, which are foreign bodies, are not rejected. Calcineurin is also highly conserved amongst phylogenetically diverse organisms. In fungi such as the human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, calcineurin is necessary for recovery from cell cycle arrest, growth in hypertonic solutions and regulation of the calcium pump. Thus the interaction of the Cyclosporin A/cyclophilin complex with calcineurin in Cryptococcus will result in death of the pathogen. However, in humans, cyclosporin also suppresses the immune system. The side effect is an unacceptable risk, and Cyclosporin A is not used as a fungicide in humans at present. Gliotoxins also have immunological and antibiotic activity. Produced by many fungi including Aspergillus fumigatus, gliotoxins belong to a class of compounds called epipolythiodioxopiperazines. The antibiotic activity is widely recognised and considered uninteresting. However, its effect on the immune system, especially macrophages, is being re-examined. A wide range of other compounds with antibiotic activity are also known. They have been rejected for use in medicine because of unwanted side effects, or instability of the active compound. Ergot Alkaloids Claviceps purpurea is the causal agent of St Anthonies fire, a scourge of the middle ages when ergots contaminated flour. LINK The ergots contain many alkaloids. Their effects are quite variable. They act on the sympathetic nervous system resulting in the inhibition of noradrenaline and sclerotin, causing dilation of blood vessels. They also act directly on the smooth muscles of the uterus causing contractions, thus their early use to induce abortion. Their strongest effect is intoxication, caused by lysergic acid amides, one of which is the recreational (and illegal) drug, LSD. Seeds of Paspalumreplaced by C. paspalli. Ergot alkaloids have a number of medicinal uses. Perhaps the most widespread use is in the treatment of migraines. The vasodilator activity reduces tension during an attack. The drugs also reduce blood pressure, though with untoward side effects. Alkaloids are now produced in culture by strains of C. fusiformis and C. paspalii. Statins Aspergillus griseus, a soil-borne fungus, produces secondary metabolites that have a different range of effects. The molecules called statins have been used to reduce or remove low density lipoproteins from blood vessels in humans. In fact, the compounds all act via an enzyme in the liver that makes cholesterol. By blocking the enzyme, the body removes cholesterol complexes from the inside of blood vessels. This has the effect of reducing or removing blockages in arteries, and thereby reducing the chance of a heart attack, strokes and diabetes. In addition, statins have been implicated in attracting stem cells to damaged tissues. The stem cells then appear to regenerate the tissue. Some statins induce problems. One form of the drug has been associated with muscle wastage. Others appear to lack side effects and have been recommended for wide spread use to control heart disease. Some examples of medicinal mushrooms: Cordyceps sinensis, a powerful antioxidant, has been used for centuries as a general tonic for promoting longevity, vitality, and endurance. Additionally, Cordyceps sinensis has been clinically shown to support cardiovascular health, enhance respiration and balance cholesterol levels. Agaricus blazei are medicinal mushrooms comprised of powerful nutrients called beta-glucans and other polysaccharides that have been clinically shown to enhance the immune system. Additionallly, Agaricus blazei helps to maintain healthy glucose levels, and balance healthy cholesterol levels. A delicious culinary mushroom, the maitake (Grifola frondosus) is also traditionally used in Asia as an energy tonic to increase vitality. Comprised of powerful beta-glucans, maitake is used primarily to promote a healthy immune system. Clinical research has shown that maitake protects healthy cells, enhances the immune system, and normalizes cell division. Additionally, maitake provides nutritional support for balanced cholesterol levels, blood sugar and blood pressure. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used for centuries as a vital part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A versatile medicinal mushroom, Reishi has been clinically shown to balance energy and glucose levels, support cardiovascular health, enhance the immune system and assist with liver detoxification. As a natural immuno-modulator, Reishi is also known to promote a healthy inflammatory response Traditional Chinese Medicine, hot water extracts of the inedible fruit-bodies have been used for a wide range of conditions, refreshing the human body and prolonging longevity. Phellinus linteus is a relative newcomer to the medicinal mushroom category, and has been shown to support the immune system. Traditionally, this mushroom is boiled in water and ingested as tea. Also used in skin creams, Phellinus linteus is believed to rejuvenate the skin Turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor)is perhaps the most investigated medicinal mushroom in the world with over 400 scientific studies, including several clinical studies conducted to validate its immune-enhancing properties. Turkey tail is the core ingredient in PSK, also known as Krestin, as well as PSP, and is widely used in Japan and China for individuals with compromised and depleted immune systems Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is typically used in Traditional Chinese medicine for restoring balance to the digestive system. Native Americans commonly used this mushroom in a powder form as a band aid for minor cuts and scrapes. Known primarily as a culinary delight, the shiitake mushroom is also believed to help boost the immune system and restore balanced cholesterol levels. The shiitake is high in vitamins, namely iron, niacin and B 1 and b2 – and its sun-dried form contains vitamin D. Fungi are extremely useful organisms in biotechnology. Fungi construct unique complex molecules using established metabolic pathways. Different taxa produce sets of related molecules, each with slightly different final products. Metabolites formed along the metabolic pathway may also be biologically active. In addition, the final compounds are often released into the environment. Manipulation of the genome, and environmental conditions during formation of compounds, enable the optimisation of product formation. On the negative side, single isolates of fungi in manufacture may lose their capacity to form or release the target molecules. Indeed, the target compound may only be expressed under specific conditions, or at a specific point in the life cycle of the fungus. It is amazing that so many biologically active compounds have been discovered and taken to point where they are medically important. The role of fungi was established early in history. Yeasts have been used in the making of bread and alcohol since the beginning of civilisation. LINK In modern times, the discovery of penicillin marked the beginning of a new approach to human health and established the importance of fungi. The first antibiotics were extracted from fungi. Penicillin, tetracyclene and aureomycin, Cyclosporin, a drug derived from a fungus that uses insects as its host. Cylcosporin suppresses the immune system of transplant patients hence lowering tissue rejection rates. The lower organisms are used to commercially produce bread, beer, wine, cheese, organic acids, and vitamins including Vitamin C. The Vitamin C tablet we take may be a by product of fungal growth. Mushrooms are probiotic they help our body strengthen itself and fight off illness by maintaining physiological homeostasis restoring our bodies balance and natural resistance to disease anti tumor agents have been developed from the fruiting body, mycelia, and culture medium of various medicinal mushrooms (Lentinus edodes, Ganoderma lucidum etc. Tremella fuciformis demonstrates anti-tumor activity, lowers LDL cholesterol, protects the liver and is anti-inflammatory and may slow the aging process. Grifola frondosa (Maitake) has also been shown to stimulate the immune system and to be effective against some tumors. Shiitake (for centuries called Elixir of Life ) has been licensed as a anti-cancer drug Reishi can have a number of effects: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiviral through inducing interferon production, Lowers blood pressure, Cardiotonic action through lowering serum cholesterol, Expectorant Antitussive, Liver (Hepatitis)-protecting and detoxifying, Protection against ionizing radiation, Antibacterial, and Anti-HIV activity. Cordyceps can be effective for treatment of high cholesterol, poor libido/impotence, arrhythmia, lung cancer, and chronic kidney failure. THE INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE OF FUNGI Fungi, especially the brewer’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, provide us with numerous foods and beverages, including staples like bread and beer. The brewer’s yeast is not only important for the production of delicious consumables, but it is nutritious, being especially rich in vitamin B12. Some molds are important in the maturation of cheeses like blue cheeses (the color comes from the mold’s spores) and for providing a meatlike flavor in the production of many rice, wheat, and soybean products (for example tempeh, miso, soy sauce) used extensively in Asian cuisine. Similarly, fungi are even being used as a meat substitute in products mimicking meat, like Quorn ®. Edible mushrooms are also common vegetables that provide an important source of dietary fibre and complete protein: fungal proteins provide all of the essential amino acids, a consequence of their close relation to animals. Studies have shown that the protein content of the edible penny bun mushroom (also known as porcino, cep, king bolete; Boletus edulis) even rivals and exceeds some meat. This fact is especially important for people that subsist on wild-collected foods and have limited access to other sources of protein. Moreover, some mushrooms used as food may have medicinal properties, providing a smattering of health benefits. They have industrial applications as well and several model organisms are fungi, which enable our understanding of fundamental biology like genetics and development. Entrepreneurs are applying fungi to provide sustainable and biodegradable structural products such as building materials, packing materials, and even vehicle bumpers. Many enzymes produced by fungi are valuable in the paper pulp industry, for bioremediation, and even for fashion: fungal enzymes are used to soften and fade denim jeans. Scientifically, the mould Neurospora crassa and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae(brewer’s yeast) are model organisms used all over the world in basic and applied science laboratories. And, in 1996,Saccharomyces cerevisiae became the first eukaryote to have its genome sequenced! Many fungi are useful to humans and have been exploited both industrially and commercially. Societies have utilized fungi for centuries in a wide variety of ways by capitalizing on the metabolism and metabolites (chemicals made from metabolism) produced. The oldest and best known example is the use of yeasts performing fermentation in brewing, wine making and bread making. Yeasts and other fungi play a critical role in drug production, food processing, bio-control agents, enzyme biotechnology, as well as research and development. The use of yeast (e. g. Saccharomyces cerevisae) to make alcohol and carbon dioxide uses the fermentation process to break down sugars. Up to 50% of the sugar can be converted to alcohol, but rarely surpasses 15% because the fungi are sensitive to high concentrations of alcohol. In the beer making industry, cereal grains are fermented to make the final product. Wine is composed of fermented grapes while hard cider is essentially fermented apples. Sake is produced by rice fermentation, using Aspergillus oryzae and then an additional fermentation step utilizing bacteria and yeasts. With bread making, fermentation utilizes sugar to produce carbon dioxide and alcohol. The carbon dioxide produces the bubbles and causes bread to rise, while the alcohol produced evaporates off while baking. A variety of foods and drinks are fermented before consumption. Some of the largest industries in the west are based around production of alcohol and bread. In the east, the production of soy sauce and other fermented soybean products are likely among the largest industries. The peoples of Asia have developed a wide variety of interesting fermented foods, sauces and drinks, using fungi. Other examples and the applicable fungi include koji (Aspergillus); miso, soy bean paste (Aspergillus); sufu, Chinese cheese (Rhizopus), nyufu or fuyu, bean cake or bean cheese (Rhizopus); shoyu or soy sauce (Aspergillus, Saccharomyces) and tempeh (Rhizopus). Another way in which fungi are used industrially in the food industry is in cheese production. Various cheeses are inoculated with Penicillium roquefortii to impart a strong and pungent flavor in the resultant cheeses. Examples are Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton Blue and Danish Blue. The white crust on the outside of the cheeses known as Brie and Camembert is the mycelium of Penicillium camembertii. These strong flavors are a result of the fungus producing methyl ketones. Aspergillus is utilized industrially in a number of ways. Most sodas and soft drinks contain citric acid as a main ingredient. Citric acid is also used in other drinks, many candies, canned goods, baked goods, etc. It is too expensive to isolate the citric acid from citrus fruits so it is produced in large-scale fermentation vats utilizing Aspergillus niger. Authentic soy sauce is fermented in a three-step process with the fungi Aspergillus oryzae and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, as well as the bacterium Pediococcus halophilus . ENVIRONMENTAL IMPORTANCE OF FUNGI Fungi are one of the most important groups of organisms on the planet. This is easy to overlook, given their largely hidden, unseen actions and growth. They are important in an enormous variety of ways. Recycling Fungi, together with bacteria, are responsible for most of the recycling which returns dead material to the soil in a form in which it can be reused. Without fungi, these recycling activities would be seriously reduced. We would effectively be lost under piles many metres thick, of dead plant and animal remains. Mycorrhizae and plant growth Fungi are vitally important for the good growth of most plants, including crops, through the development of mycorrhizal associations. As plants are at the base of most food chains, if their growth was limited, all animal life, including human, would be seriously reduced through starvation. fungi are mycorrhizal partners in trees and plants. Root hairs in trees and plants are often not fine enough to absorb nutrients from the soil by themselves. Mycorrhizal fungi often form a symbiotic partnership with plants and trees fungi provide thin hyphae (unicellular root like structures) that can absorb water and nutrients from the soil more efficiently than root hairs. The trees and plants in turn provide food (complex amino acids etc) for the fungi things that they would normally not be able to obtain. It is proposed that 90% of all the species of trees and plants are dependent on mycorrhizae. There are 2 types of mycorrhizae endotrophic and ectotrophic but thats for another topic of discussion. Biocontrol Fungi such as the Chinese caterpillar fungus, which parasitise insects, can be extremely useful for controlling insect pests of crops. The spores of the fungi are sprayed on the crop pests. Fungi have been used to control Colorado potato beetles, which can devastate potato crops. Spittlebugs, leaf hoppers and citrus rust mites are some of the other insect pests which have been controlled using fungi. This method is generally cheaper and less damaging to the environment than using chemical pesticides Decomposition fungi are able to break down almost anything furthermore they can pair with algae to make lichens which grow almost anywhere lichens are also an important indicator of environmental pollution