Wall-mounted folding chairs to promote resident physician sitting at the hospital bedside

BACKGROUND

Sitting at the bedside may improve patient-clinician communication; however, many clinicians do not regularly sit during inpatient encounters.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of adding wall-mounted folding chairs inside patient rooms, beyond any impact from a resident education campaign, on the patient-reported frequency of sitting at the bedside by internal medicine resident physicians.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Prospective, controlled pre-post trial between 2019 and 2022 (data collection paused 2020-2021 due to COVID-19) at an academic hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Folding chairs were installed in two of four internal medicine units and educational activities were delivered equally across all units.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

Patient-reported frequency of sitting at bedside, assessed as means on Likert-type items with 1 being "never" and 5 being "every single time." We also examined the frequency of other patient-reported communication behaviors.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty six and 206 patients enrolled in the pre and post-intervention periods, respectively. The mean frequency of patient-reported sitting by resident physicians increased from 1.8 (SD 1.2) to 2.3 (1.2) on education-only units (absolute difference 0.48 [95% CI: 0.21-0.75]) and from 2.0 (1.3) to 3.2 (1.4) on units receiving chairs (1.16, [0.87-1.45]). Comparing differences between groups using ordered logistic regression adjusting for clustering within residents, units with added chairs had greater increases in sitting (odds ratio 2.05 [1.10-3.82]), spending enough time at the bedside (2.43 [1.32-4.49]), and checking for understanding (3.04 [1.44-6.39]). Improvements in sitting and other behaviors were sustained on both types of units.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding wall-mounted folding chairs may help promote effective patient-clinician communication.

A Department of Medicine Infrastructure for Patient Safety and Clinical Quality Improvement

Payers, providers, and patients increasingly recognize the importance of quality and safety in health care. Academic Departments of Medicine can advance quality and safety given the large populations they serve and the broad spectrum of diseases they treat. However, there are only few detailed examples of how quality and safety can be organized. This article describes a practical model at The Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Medicine and details its structure and operation within a large academic health system. It is based on a fractal model that integrates multiple smaller units similar in structure (composition of faculty/staff), process (use of similar tools), and approach (using a common framework to address issues). This organization stresses local, multidisciplinary leadership, facilitates horizontal connections for peer learning, and maintains vertical connections for broader accountability.

Practitioner profiles and practice patterns for marriage and family therapists in Utah

This report presents the results of a survey of practitioner profiles and practice patterns for marriage and family therapists (MFTs) in Utah. A sample of 77 clinical members of the Utah Association for Marriage and Family Therapy provided descriptive information on their demographics, training, years of experience, and specific information about their practice of MFT. The findings indicate that clinical members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy in Utah are a mostly male, white, and highly educated group of practitioners who hold primary licensure in MFT and identify themselves primarily as MFTs. Similarities and differences with practice patterns research in Minnesota and 15 other states are discussed.

Retina-derived fetuin (RDF): analysis by immunocytochemistry, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot

PURPOSE

This study was undertaken to determine the presence of retina-derived fetuin (RDF) protein and its message in retinal tissues and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The techniques utilized in this study included light micros-copy, immunochemistry, Western blot, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blot.

METHODS

Retinal tissues and sections from embryonic, early postnatal and adult normal rats and retinal pigment epithe-lial (RPE) cells from postnatal rats were immunostained for fetuin with a polyclonal fetuin antibody and a peroxidase conjugated-secondary antibody using immunocytochemistry and Western blot analyses. The cDNA generated from RNA isolated from early postnatal rat retinas and RPE was probed with primers for rat fetuin, amplified by PCR and the PCR products were analyzed by Southern blot.

RESULTS

Fetuin (RDF) was immunolocalized to cells of the neuroepithelium in retinas of early postnatal rats and most prominently in the nuclei and perinuclear region of cultured neonatal rat RPE cells. In adult retinas, ganglion cells, inner segments of photoreceptor cells, some components of the outer plexiform layer, ganglion cells and optic nerve processes were immunoreactive for the fetuin protein. As shown by Western blot, fetuin (RDF) was higher in embryonic and early postnatal retinas than in late postnatal retinas, indicating that this protein may be developmentally regulated. Using RT-PCR, the message for rat fetuin was demonstrated in the retina and RPE of normal postnatal rats. Southern blot confirmed that the PCR product from the retina and RPE was generated from rat fetuin mRNA as well as from rat liver, the primary source of fetuin.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetuin, termed retina-derived fetuin (RDF), is reported for the first time in retinal tissues. Fetuin is a cysteine protease inhibitor that may play a role in support of neuronal cell survival during early retinal development and the maintenance of neuronal activity. RDF may interact with other growth factors and cytokines in providing trophic support for neurons and possibly other cells of the developing retina.

The basic skills evaluation device

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) requires that accredited programs evaluate trainees' clinical skills at various times during trainees' programs. The Commission does not attempt, however, to describe for programs either the nature of the skills nor how they are to be evaluated, leaving this to the programs to create. This paper describes the development and uses of the Basic Skills Evaluation Device (BSED). Using a published list of skills (Figley & Nelson, 1989), data from the literature, and data collected from COAMFTE accredited and candidacy programs, the authors and their colleagues developed a device for supervisors to use in evaluating beginning family therapists. Data regarding the reliability of the device are presented, along with limitations and suggestions for various ways of using the device.

Improving substance abuse service delivery to Hispanic women through increased cultural competencies: a qualitative study

In 1985, one woman in seventeen in the US was Hispanic-an estimated 8.5 million-and it is predicted that by the end of this century, Hispanics will comprise the largest ethnic group in this country (Amaro & Russo, 1987). Although the term "Hispanic" suggests a homogeneous group, united by similarities, this is not the case. The term refers to an ethnic group, not a racial one, whose chief commonalities are the Spanish language and some broad cultural values. Making substance abuse treatment services accessible to Hispanic women and their families requires that agencies become culturally competent to deal with this population. The authors of this qualitative study interviewed female Hispanic substance-abuse treatment clients and therapists to find what agencies might do to create a receptive atmosphere for Hispanic women.

Anti-sperm antibodies in female mice: responses following intrauterine immunization

PROBLEM

The goal of this study was to measure anti-sperm antibodies in serum following intraluminal uterine immunization and to compare this with the formation of antibodies following intraperitoneal (i.p.) or anal immunization.

METHOD

Mice were immunized with human sperm, and antibody was measured using an indirect immunobead assay.

RESULTS

High levels of anti-sperm antibodies could be measured following intrauterine immunization and i.p. immunization. Anal immunization resulted in lower levels of antibody formation. Antibody formation after intrauterine immunization was less consistent following transcervical insertion than following needle insertion of sperm.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that intrauterine immunization can result in anti-sperm antibody formation under some conditions.

Effect of age of maternal flock and strain on the incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia in growing chicks

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of age of the maternal flock (27 vs. 57 weeks of age at time the eggs were set) and strain of broiler chicks (Cobb 500, Ross, Arbor Acres, and Avian) on the incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) in broiler cockerels grown to 3 weeks of age. The chicks were fed a corn/soybean meal-based diet containing 3145 kcal metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen retention (MEn)/kg, 24% protein, and 0.50% available phosphorus. Each treatment was replicated four times with eight chicks per pen. In Expt. 1, chicks from the old parent flock had significantly higher body weights (P < or = 0.05) than those from the young parent flock. There were no significant differences in feed efficiency or incidence of TD. In Expt. 2, body weights, feed efficiency, and TD were unaffected by strain.

Effect of calcium and phosphorus on the incidence of leg abnormalities in growing broilers

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of various dietary levels of Ca and P on growth and leg abnormalities in broiler cockerels fed corn and soybean meal diets varying in Ca and P content. Experiment 1 was a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement utilizing .77 and .97% Ca and .33, .38, .43, and .48% available (non-phytate) P (AP). The higher level of Ca reduced the growth rate of chicks fed low levels of AP. Neither Ca nor AP affected the incidence of crooked legs or dyschondroplasia. Increasing AP to .43% increased (P less than .05) the percentage of bone ash and bone weight. In Experiment 2, chicks were reared for 3 wk on diets containing either .40 or .50% AP. From 3 to 6 wk of age, the chicks were fed diets containing from .25 to .50% AP. The Ca:AP ratios were 2:1 in all diets. The level of AP in diets fed to 3 wk of age had no influence on chick growth, the incidence of crooked legs, or dyschondroplasia in either the starting or growing period. In Experiment 3, the chicks were reared in environmental chambers and from 3 to 6 wk of age and exposed to either constant temperature (27 C) and relative humidity (RH) (50%) or cyclic temperature (27 to 38 C) and RH (80 to 50%). The chicks were fed diets containing either .30% AP and .60% CA or .45% AP and .90% Ca from 3 to 6 wk of age. Cyclic temperature and higher RH depressed growth (P less than .05) but had no effect on the incidence of weak legs or dyschondroplasia.

The relative biological value of feed phosphates for chicks

Two experiments were conducted to determine the relative biological values (BV) of phosphorus in feed phosphates. Experiment 2 was a replicate of Experiment 1, except that an additional phosphate source was tested. Within experiments, each treatment was replicated twice. Each pen contained eight broiler cockerels. The experimental diets were composed primarily of corn and soybean meal. The reference phosphate [anhydrous, reagent-grade, dibasic calcium phosphate (AR-DCP)] was added to supply five levels of phosphorus. Each phosphate supplement was added to supply two levels of phosphorus. A regression equation was calculated based on logarithm g, nonphytate phosphorus per kilogram of diet versus the percentage of bone ash from chicks fed diets containing AR-DCP. Nonphytate phosphorus equivalents were calculated using the percentage of bone ash from chicks fed the test phosphates. The biological values of the test phosphates were determined as nonphytate phosphorus equivalents, minus the nonphytate phosphorus in the basal diet, divided by the amount of supplemental phosphorus. The BV obtained for the commercial phosphates in Experiments 1 and 2 were: dibasic calcium phosphate, 106 and 104; monobasic calcium phosphate. 102 and 104; defluorinated phosphate (DFP)-1, 88 and 90; and DFP-2, 100.

Basic family therapy skills, I: conceptualization and initial findings

This is the first report on a program of research designed to identify the most important characteristics of the beginning marriage and family therapist. The paper first surveys the literature in family therapy, social work, and psychology and finds that, although these factors are discussed for beginning psychotherapists, no set of skills are derived empirically. This study recruited all available members of the American Family Therapy Association (AFTA) and Approved Supervisors of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) who were experienced educators and trainers of family therapists. After nominating the most important generic-type characteristics for beginning family therapists, the participants rated the items, yielding a list of not only the most important skills, but also personal traits of beginners based on mean scores of the ratings. The final section of the paper discusses the implications of these findings and notes the current and future activities of the research program.

Effect of altering dietary mineral balance on growth, leg abnormalities, and blood base excess in broiler chicks

Broiler cockerels were used in four trials of 3-wk duration to investigate the effects of altering dietary cation:anion ratios on chick growth, leg abnormalities, bone, and blood parameters. Dietary cation content was changed using Ca and Mg, whereas the anions P, Cl, and S were included at various levels, giving several total cation:anion ratios with several levels of ions. Narrowing the cation:anion ratios increased 3-wk body weights and the incidence of both dyschondroplasia and varus deformation. Further increases in dietary anion concentration generally caused a slight depression of body weights. Supplementation of Ca or Mg to diets containing high levels of anion relative to cation decreased the incidence of leg problems and lowered 3-wk body weights. Blood pH was not significantly affected by dietary mineral alterations, although pH tended to decrease as anion content was increased. Addition of P significantly reduced blood HCO3 and base excess (meq/L). Base excess was negatively correlated (P less than .05) with the incidence of TD and 3-wk body weights. Two strain-crosses of broiler cockerels, fed diets which had previously increased the incidence of leg abnormalities, exhibited no significant differences in the incidence of varus deformation or dyschondroplasia. The strain-cross of chicks having the lowest base excess had higher incidences of both leg disorders, although body weights were identical.

Citrinin toxicity in young chicks

Two experiments were conducted to demonstrate the capacity of citrinin to cause dose-related increases in water consumption and urine excretion. In Experiment 1, chicks 24 days old were fed mixtures of untreated and inoculated corn containing citrinin to provide 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 micrograms of the toxin per gram of blended corn. The corn was fed for 4 hr, and water intake and urine excretion were measured. Chicks consumed 0, 1.23, 2.37, 3.68, 4.26 and 5.44 mg citrinin from the respective treatments. Compared with chicks consuming no citrinin, water intake and urine excretion of treated chicks increased (P less than .05) when chicks consumed 3.68 mg or more citrinin. Measures of the difference between water intake and urine excretion were similar for all treatments except for chicks consuming 3.68 mg citrinin; for those chicks the difference was significantly greater (P less than .05) than for chicks consuming 1.23 mg citrinin. In Experiment 2, inoculated corn was heated in a microwave oven for 1, 2, 8, and 16 min. Temperatures of the heated corn samples, when removed from the oven, were 76 C, 100 C and 105 C, respectively. Chicks that were 28 days old were fed these various samples of corn for 4 hr. Heating corn for 2 min to a temperature of 76 C caused no apparent loss of citrinin activity based on water intake and urine excretion measures. Heating the corn for 8 min to a temperature of 100 C destroyed some of the citrinin activity. Heating citrinin-contaminated corn to 105 C for 16 min destroyed the diuretic effect of the mycotoxin.

Effects of adding acid or base to the diet on semen of heat-stressed, aging broiler breeder males

Males were fed breeder basal diet, basal diet + .67 g NaHCO3, + .43 g NH4Cl, or + .86 g NH4Cl/100 g basal and exposed to diurnal cyclic temperatures of 23.9 to 35 C in chambers from 24 to 54 weeks of age. Males fed basal diet + NaHCO3 or .43 g NH4Cl were significantly heavier in body weight by 32 to 39 weeks of age than males on basal diet. Males fed the NaHCO3 diet produced significantly more semen in the first 16 weeks than males on basal diet. No differences were found in percent packed sperm value (PSV), percent dead sperm, or percent abnormal sperm between semen of males fed NaHCO3 diet and basal diet. Spermatozoal motility was significantly higher for semen of males fed NaHCO3 or NH4Cl diets during the 32- to 39-week age period.

Relationship between dry matter digestion and metabolizable energy

The relationship between dry matter digestion (DMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) adjusted for nitrogen balance (n) and endogenous energy losses (e) was investigated in two experiments using immature broiler chicks (i). Ingredients tested were corn, wheat, oats, and soybean meal (SBM). A bioassay utilizing 21-day-old broiler chicks was carried out for determination of MEn,e,i. These values were compared with those obtained by multiplying gross energy of the feed by dry matter digestion adjusted for excreta losses from fasted birds (DMD) using regression analysis. There was a significant (P less than .0001) correlation (4 = .96) between estimated and determined MEn,e,i values for all grains and SBM. This was improved by removal of SBM from regression analysis with a decrease in the residual standard deviation from +/- .093 to +/- .036 kcal/g.

Effect of heat drying of corn on the extraction of citrinin

Experiments were conducted to determine if drying citrinin-contaminated corn at varying temperatures and times either bound citrinin or converted it to a derivative that could not be extracted from the grain. Sterilized whole corn was inoculated with spores of a Penicillium spp. that produces citrinin and was incubated for 8 weeks. Following incubation, the corn was mixed and divided into three portions. In Experiment 1, one portion was dried at room temperature and the other portions were dried at 65 C for either 40 or 72 hr. In Experiment 2, one portion was air-dried and the other portions were dried at 60 C for 24 hr or 100 C for 3 hr. The corn was then ground to a texture suitable for feeding to chicks. Analysis of the corn indicated that temperature or length of drying time had no adverse effects on the extraction of citrinin from the corn. The citrinin was not rendered unextractable by either being bound because of heating or by being converted to a derivative. When fed to chicks for 5 hr, water consumption and urine excretion data indicated that there was no loss of citrinin activity because of method of drying.

The effect of drying method and storage time on citrinin activity in corn

Sterilized whole corn was inoculated with a Penicillium spp.,3 a citrinin-producing fungus, and incubated at room temperature for 8 weeks. The corn was then blended and divided into two parts, which were dried either in air at room temperature (ADC) or in a forced draft oven at 60 C for 24 hr (ODC). Each batch of corn was ground and stored in plastic containers. The corn was fed to broiler chicks prior to and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of storage at 4 C. The inoculated corn was fed undiluted or blended with noninoculated corn to give mixtures containing one-third and two-thirds of inoculated corn. Noninoculated corn, inoculated corn, and blends of the two were fed to chicks for 5 hr as the only feed. Feed consumption, water intake, and excretion were measured at the end of the test. The citrinin contents of the ADC at 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo were 824, 599, 667, and 590 ppm and were 928, 541, 781, and 490 ppm for the ODC at the same periods. Water consumption and water excretion increased as the amount of citrinin intake increased. Neither drying method nor length of storage affected the citrinin activity in the corn. The citrinin in ODC was neither bound nor converted to a derivative that was unextractable.

Effect of fiber and phytate source and of calcium and phosphorus level on phytate hydrolysis in the chick

Broiler chicks were fed a corn-soybean meal diet or a corn-soybean meal diet containing either 15% rice bran, 15% wheat bran, 15% alfalfa meal, 10% cellulose, or 10% cottonseed hulls. All diets contained 3190 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy, 22.8% protein, and either 1.0% calcium and .5% nonphytate phosphorus (Pnp) or .85% calcium and .42% Pnp. The diets were fed for 3 weeks at which time a digestion trial was conducted to determine the amount of phytate hydrolyzed. Chicks consuming diets containing the lower levels of calcium and Pnp hydrolyzed more phytate than those fed the higher levels of calcium and Pnp except when the diet contained rice bran. Less phytate was hydrolyzed in the rice bran diet at the lower calcium and Pnp levels. Phytate hydrolysis was not affected by wheat bran but was reduced by cottonseed hulls. At the lower levels of calcium and Pnp, alfalfa meal and cellulose significantly increased phytate hydrolysis by chicks. The hydrolysis of phytate was influenced more by calcium and by source than by fiber or by level of phytate fed.

Influence of temperature, moisture, and propionic acid on mold growth and toxin production on corn

The influence of temperature and propionic acid on mold growth and toxin production on whole corn with 10, 15, or 20% added water was studied. Levels of propionic acid tested at each moisture level were 0, .025, .05, and .1%. Each flask of corn was inoculated with spores of a citrinin-producing Penicillium spp. and was then incubated for 8 weeks at a constant temperature of 5 C, at 5 C at night and room temperature during the day, or at room temperature both at night and during the day. The corn was then dried, ground, and fed to chicks to determine the presence of citrinin. Regardless of acid level or moisture content, neither mold growth nor toxin production occurred on the corn incubated at 5 C. Both mold growth and toxin production occurred on corn either partially or totally incubated at room temperature but were more prevalent in the latter. Increasing the moisture content resulted in greater mold growth and toxin production, especially on the corn incubated at room temperature. Higher levels of propionic acid were needed to prevent mold growth and toxin production as the moisture content of the corn increased.

Digestion of feed by chicks with pale bird syndrome

Unaffected chicks (normal) and chicks with pale bird syndrome (pale) were fed a control diet or a test diet obtained from the broiler house containing the pale chicks. Pale birds digested less (P less than 0.05) dry matter and ether extract than normal chicks, and the nitrogen content in their feces was greater. The chicks from both sources digested more (P less than 0.05) dry matter from the test feed but also excreted more (P less than 0.05) nitrogen than those fed the control diet. Neither diet resulted in differences in the digestion of ether extract. The cause of pale bird syndrome was related more to source of chicks rather than source of feed. Depigmentation may have resulted from decreased pigment absorption because of reduced absorption of dietary components, including ether extract.

Digestion of dry matter and amino acids and energy utilization by chicks fed molded corn containing mycotoxins

A study was conducted to determine the ability of chicks to digest dry matter and amino acids and to utilize the energy from uncontaminated corn and contaminated corn containing mycotoxins. The contaminated corn contained either aflatoxin from natural molding, citrinin by artificially molding with a Penicillum spp., or ochratoxin by inoculation with Aspergillus ochraceus. Compared to uncontaminated corn, none of the criteria measured was affected in corn contaminated with aflatoxin. Dry matter digestibility, amino acid digestibility, and energy utilization were reduced (P less than .05) when corn was artificially molded with the Pencillium spp. and with A. ochraceus.

Effect of dietary citrinin on urine excretion in broiler chickens

Eight 4-week-old broiler chickens were used to study the effects of dietary citrinin on water consumption, urine excretion, and fecal moisture. The birds were colostomized by exteriorizing the colon directly below the vent. Plastic bags were attached to collect feces. Corn containing the various levels of citrinin was fed for 4 hr. Water consumption and urine excretion were measured, and fecal samples were retained for moisture determination. Analysis of variance indicated citrinin increased (p less than 0.05) both water consumption and urine excretion. Regression analysis isolated the linear component as being significant (p less than 0.05) for both water consumption and urine excretion, identifying the responses as linear through the bounds of the treatment levels. Fecal moisture showed no changes (p less than 0.05). The correlation coefficients yielded significant relationships between treatment vs. water consumption, treatment vs urine excretion and water consumption vs urine excretion.

Citrinin toxicity in growing chicks

Male broiler chicks, from day-old to 3 weeks of age, were fed diets containing 0, 100, 220, 330, and 440 ppm citrinin produced by Penicillium lanosum grown on whole corn. Body weight decreased (P less than .05) when chicks were fed the diets containing 330 and 440 ppm citrinin. Average body weight of chicks fed the diet containing 220 ppm citrinin was 8% less than that of chicks fed no toxin. Feed utilization decreased (P less than .05) with chicks fed the diet containing 440 ppm citrinin. Analysis of thigh muscle, kidney, liver, and blood for citrinin revealed detectable amounts in the liver and blood of chicks fed 440 ppm.

Effects of extracts of toxic fescue given orally to rats

Fresh fescue (Festuca arundinacea) was obtained from farms where toxicity was encountered in cattle grazing the fescue. The fescue was dried in a forced draft oven at 60 degrees C and then ground. The dry ground fescue was extracted with ether and then re-extracted with either 1% sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid. The residual ether was evaporated and the residue resuspended in ethyl alcohol diluted with water 1% (control) and 1 mL of the above extracts of fescue were given daily to rats, via stomach tube, beginning the seventh day after breeding. Two of the seven rats given the 1% NaHCO3 fraction of the extract of fescue gave birth to live young. One of these litters contained only five pups, with one being stillborn. Three of the seven rats aborted, one gave birth to seven stillborn pups and one female died during birth. All females fed the 1% NaHCO3 and the other extracts of the fescue gave birth to normal litters. Rats fed the ether extract which was re-extracted with 1% NaHCO3, acidified and re-extracted with ether, dried and resuspended in 1% NaHCO3 produced similar reproductive problems as those rats given the ether extract of fescue which was re-extracted only once with 1% NaHCO3. Therefore, it appears that the toxic entity(s) of fescue can be extracted and that infertility/abortion/still-birth ratio of rats may be used as a bioassay.

The effect of altering the cation-anion content with calcium and phosphorus on the digestion of dry matter and amino acids and on energy utilization

Chicks, 30 days old, were fed a corn-soybean meal diet containing different concentrations of cation and anion to determine the effect of acid-base balance on the digestion of dry matter and amino acids and on energy utilization. The concentrations of cation and anion were altered by varying the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the diet. Excess cation (cation minus anion) was negatively correlated (P less than .01) to dry matter digestion, amino acid digestion, and nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (MEn) content of the diet. The digestion of the individual amino acids was also affected by excess cation in the diet.

Isolation and identification of citrinin produced by Penicillium lanosum

Penicillium lanosum, when grown on corn, produces a metabolite which increases water intake and excretion by chicks. During a 5-hr test period, chicks fed inoculated corn as the only feed began excreting water within 2 hr and excreted as much as 36 ml, whereas chicks fed untreated corn did not excrete measurable amounts. Chicks fed the inoculated corn drank more water than those fed untreated corn. The metabolite could not be extracted from oven-dried corn but was removed from air-dried corn which had been moistened with acid and extracted with chloroform and then with methanol. It was soluble in 1% sodium bicarbonate and precipitated as yellow cystals when the solution was acidified to pH 1.5. The precipitate was identified as citrinin based on the results of thin layer chromatography, ultraviolet, infrared, mass spectrometer, fluorescence excitation and emission, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra.

An intermittent problem with tibial dyschondroplasia

Broilers observed in the summer of 1978 had an excessively high incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia, causing both downgrading and loss of parts from broken legs. No etiological agent was determined. Birds held to 16 weeks of age retained the cartilaginous lesions. Bone ash was not diagnostic. Serology indicated no correlation with infectious bursal disease. No bacteria were isolated. The condition was not observed in the next placement of chicks.

The effect of feeding corn molded with Penicillium lanosum to broiler chicks

Penicillium lanosum was isolated from broiler feed obtained from troughs in a house in which the litter was wet and the chicks were substantially smaller than expected at the time of slaughter. Corn was inoculated with the fungus, incubated for 8 weeks, dried, and incorporated in a broiler ration. The ration was fed to broiler chicks for a period of 2 weeks in order to evaluate toxicity. Experimental chicks developed diarrhea and grew slower than the controls. Gross lesions consisted of swollen kidneys and erosions in the lining of the gizzard. Histologic examination revealed mild toxic nephritis and growth of fungus in and on the surface of the gizzard lining. Penicillium lanosum was isolated from the gizzards of affected birds. Diarrhea but no gizzard lesions occurred in birds feld molded corn which had been treated with ethylene oxide. This finding indicates that this isolate of P. lanosum is both toxigenic and capable of producing gizzard erosion.

Thy hydrolysis of phytate phosphorus by chicks and laying hens

The chromic oxide balance method was used to determine the amount of natural phytate phosphorus hydrolyzed by chicks and laying hens. Broiler chicks 4 and 9 weeks old and Single Comb White Leghorn hens were fed diets containing corn as the only grain source or diets in which wheat replaced one half of the corn. Feces were collected twice daily during the 7-day test period. The phytate phosphorus recovered in the feces of the 4 and 9 week old chicks and the laying hens fed the diet containing corn was 100, 98, and 92%. When wheat replaced one half of the corn the recovery was 92, 87 and 87%. The phytase activity in wheat was minimal in vivo; whereas, in vitro tests indicated enzyme activity.