CF Treatment Research Articles

Electronic monitoring reveals highly variable adherence patterns in patients prescribed ivacaftor

BackgroundPrevious studies of CF treatments have shown suboptimal adherence, though little has been reported regarding adherence patterns to ivacaftor. Electronic monitoring (EM) of adherence is considered a gold standard of measurement. MethodsAdherence rates by EM were prospectively obtained and patterns over time were analyzed. EM-derived adherence rates were compared to pharmacy refill history and self-report. Results12 subjects (age 6–48years; CFTR-G551D mutation) previously prescribed ivacaftor were monitored for a mean of 118days. Overall adherence by EM was 61%(SD=28%) and decreased over time. Median duration between doses was 16.9hours (IQR 13.9–24.1hours) and increased over time. There was no correlation between EM-derived adherence and either refill history (84%, r=0.26, p=0.42) or self-report (100%, r=0.40, p=0.22). ConclusionsDespite the promising nature of ivacaftor, our data suggest adherence rates are suboptimal and comparable to other prescribed CF therapies, and more commonly used assessments of adherence may be unreliable.

246 Parental understanding of mutation class-specific treatments for CF and implications for their child's CF

Objectives A new generation of drugs target CF mutation class, however psychosocial implications for families that currently can or cannot benefit, are largely unknown. This study explored the understanding and beliefs about these treatments in mothers of young children with CF. Methods Thematic analysis was carried out on semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted with 7 mothers of children with CF ( Results Mothers knew of ivacaftor though had limited understanding of how it works. All saw it as positive and those whose children could not take it expressed no resentment towards those who could. All knew something about their child's CF mutation, but knew little about drugs in development, expressing hope they would be of benefit, but also fear that companies would stop development if they thought it unprofitable, that treatments would not work, or not be funded by the NHS. Mothers managed uncertainty about future treatments by avoiding information, a coping strategy they developed post-diagnosis when feeling overloaded with information. They learned to ‘filter’ information based on relevance to their child's needs at that time. Those whose children cannot take ivacaftor decided not to find out more until it becomes actively relevant to their child. Conclusion All mothers had some knowledge of ivacaftor. Those not benefiting at the moment are hopeful for the future, yet fearful it will not happen and coping by avoiding further information. This may lead to parents being uninformed about key aspects of the future genetic basis of CF care.

Contribution rate to yield per spike of different green organs of winter wheat under ozone stress

To investigate the potential production contribution rate to yield per spike of different green organs of winter wheat under ozone stress, Rapid Light Curve and area of glume, lemma, awn, flag leaves, stem and sheath of flag leaves in the wheat, exposed to charcoal filtered air (CF), ambient air (NF), 100 nL⋅L−1 O3 (CF100), 150 nL⋅L−1 O3 (CF150) and a closed OTC (5H), were respectively measured. The total energy absorbed via PSII photochemistry (PARPSII)) of the main green organs was calculated according to the quantum yield of photochemical energy conversion in PSII(Y(II)). Compared with PARPSII in two days in the NF treatment, PARPSII in two days in the CF100 and CF150 treatments were remarkably decreased by 12.2% and 20.6%, respectively. Compared with grain weight per spike in the NF treatment, grain weight per spike in the CF100 and CF150 treatments were remarkably decreased by 16.0% and 33.8%, respectively. The increase rates of the total two-day PARPSII and grain weight per spike caused by the CF treatment were 9.7% and 3.1%, respectively, and the corresponding increase rates in the 5H treatment were 11.5% and 13.3%, respectively. No significant correlation was observed between the PARPSII of non-leaf green organs and the O3 fumigation level, but a significant correlation was found between the total two-day PARPSII and grain weight per spike (r2 = 0.927, p = 0.006). With reference standard of the NF treatment, other four treatments led to a series of changes in the contribution rate to yield per spike of different green organs. The non-leaf green organs possess an enhanced O3 resistance ability and are highly adaptive to the environment. High concentration of O3 causes serious injuries to leaves, and therefore the contribution rate of all the non-leaf green organs to yield showed a rising trend. The contribution rate to the yield of the different green organs was decreased in the order: spike, flag leaf, awn, flag leaf sheath and stem except that in the 5H treatment. The contribution rate to yield per spike of some green organs would be raised when other organs were seriously damaged, which provided evidence for a complex compensation mechanism among different green organs. However, this compensation effect cannot completely remedy the negative effects of leaf damage. Calculation of energy utilization via photochemical conversion at PSII provides a good indicator for the fast and non-destructive assessment of winter wheat production capacity.

Plant Growth‐promoting Fungus Penicillium oxalicum Enhances Plant Growth and Induces Resistance in Pearl Millet Against Downy Mildew Disease

AbstractPlant Growth‐promoting Fungus (PGPF) Penicillium oxalicum was isolated from rhizosphere soil of pearl millet and was tested for its ability to promote growth and induce systemic resistance in pearl millet against downy mildew disease. The fungal isolate P. oxalicum UOM PGPF 16 was identified as P. oxalicum using ITS sequencing and morphological analysis and sequence was deposited at NCBI with accession number KF150220. Pearl millet susceptible seeds were treated with three different inducers (CS, CF and LCF) of PGPF P. oxalicum and all the inducers significantly reduced the downy mildew disease and enhanced plant growth. Among the inducers tested, CS treatment recorded highest seed germination of 91% and 1427 seedling vigour followed by LCF and CF treatments. The vegetative growth parameter and NPK uptake studies under greenhouse conditions revealed that the CS treatment of P. oxalicum remarkably enhanced the parameters tested when compared to control plants. A significant disease protection of 62% and 58% against downy mildew disease was observed in plants pretreated with CS of P. oxalicum under greenhouse and field conditions, respectively. The spatio‐temporal studies revealed that inducers P. oxalicum required a minimum of 3 days for developing maximum disease resistance which was maintained thereafter. The maximum Peroxidase (POX) activity (62.7 U) was observed at 24 h in seedlings treated with CS of PGPF P. oxalicum and the activity gradually reduced at later time points after pathogen inoculation. Chitinase (CHT) activity was significantly higher in inducer treated seedlings when compared to control seedlings inoculated with pathogen after 48 h and remained constant at all time points.

Group composition for fattening entire male pigs under enriched housing conditions—Influences on behaviour, injuries and boar taint compounds

In organic farming, the production of pork from entire male pigs seems to be the most promising alternative to castration, as organic animal husbandry aims at high standards of animal welfare and elimination of mutilations. However, previous research on behaviour of entire male pigs was mostly carried out under barren housing conditions and is thus not entirely transferrable to enriched housing conditions. In the present study, we investigated single-sex and mixed-sex groups of entire male pigs and compared them with mixed-sex groups of castrated male pigs under organic housing conditions. On a commercial farm, 362 pigs (average weight 22.7kg, average age 80 days) were assigned to pens with groups of 20 (+1) pigs according to three treatments: single-sex groups with entire males (EE), mixed-sex groups with entire males and females (EF) and mixed-sex groups with castrated males and females (CF). Skin and tail lesions, lameness and the behaviours ‘head knocking/biting’, ‘fighting’ and ‘mounting’ were assessed on five days during the fattening period. Average carcass weight for all sexes was 92kg. After slaughter, female reproductive organs were inspected for signs of pregnancy. Fat samples of entire male pigs were analysed for concentrations of androstenone and skatole. Entire males showed more aggressive and mounting behaviours than castrated males (p<0.001), and no difference was found between entire males from the EE and EF treatments. Welfare of female pigs was not impaired when penned together with entire males compared to when penned together with castrates, neither in terms of skin lesions nor in terms of received aggressive behaviour. Pigs in the EE treatment had higher lesion scores than those in the EF and CF treatments (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively), while the two latter treatments did not differ. In the inspected female reproductive organs, no pregnancy could be detected. The concentration of androstenone in fat indicated that the presence or absence of females in a group did not have an effect on the male pigs. Of the 177 slaughtered entire male pigs, only one carcass was classified as containing boar taint by a human nose test. Our findings suggest that under enriched housing conditions, entire males can be kept in single–sex groups as well as in mixed-sex groups with females without compromise in animal welfare.

The Effects of Biological Control using the Composted Liquid Manure on Large Patch in Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica)

This study was conducted to investigate whether several composted liquid manures (CLMs) are useful for biological control of large patch on zoysiagrass and investigate the chemical and biological factors to suppress large patch in soil treated with CLMs. The CLMs were produced at 4 different facilities for livestock excretion treatments located in Korea. Field experiments were carried out at 5 golf courses located near each facility. CLM and Chemical fertilizer (CF: water soluble fertilizer, 20-20-20) were applied four and three times with N at <TEX>$12g\;m^{-2}$</TEX> per year, respectively. There was significant increase of concentration of K, Na, and Cu of soil treated with CLM compared to CF treatment. Among experimental plots, CN and GG2 plot sites were shown significant higher effect of biological control 80% and 50% respectively against large patch disease. The number of bacteria, Actinomycetes, and fungi in soil at these sites significantly increased and fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic activity was enhanced, while the soil was treated with CLM. The results of this study demonstrated that CLM application has effect on soil to suppress large patch and reduce the use of fungicide in environment-friendly turf management.

Crop Yield Response to Soil Organic Carbon Stock over Long-Term Fertilizer Management in Huang-Huai-Hai Plains of China

Huang-Huai-Hai (HHH) plains of China account for 69.2 % of annual wheat (Triticum aestivum) and 35.3 % of annual maize (Zea mays) production in China, and are China’s principal crop production area. Thus, the understanding of crop yield response to increase in soil organic carbon (SOC) stock in different fertilizer managements, soil types, and the threshold of SOC stock in the HHH region is the key factor affecting the adoption of fertilizer managements. Thus, data from ten long-term experiments have been collated and synthesized in this article. These long-term experiments involved four groups of similar fertilizer managements: (i) no chemical fertilizer or organic as control (CK), (ii) chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizer applied without organic manure (UF), (iii) combined application of chemical fertilizer (N, P, K) without organic manure (CF), and (iv) integrated nutrient management (INM) based on use of manure/straw and chemical fertilizer (N, P, K). The results indicated that (i) Crop yield increased with increase in SOC stock in all sites across the HHH. Increase in SOC stock by one Mg ha−1 increased crop yield (kg ha−1 year−1) from 66.9 in Changpin to 333.2 in XinjiA and 495.2 in XinjiB in sub-region 1, 1,031.4 in HengshuiA, 419.2 in HengshuiB, and 148.5 in Yucheng in sub-region 2, and 914.2 in ZhengzhouA, 1,116.6 in ZhengzhouB, 1,135.6 in Xuzhou, and 437.3 in Mengcheng in sub-region 3. (ii) The magnitude of increase in crop yield with increase in SOC stock varied among CK,UF,CF, and INM treatments for different sites across the HHH. A gradual but sustainable increase was observed through SOC-induced improvements in soil quality. (iii) The threshold value of SOC stock for sub-region 1 was 44.9 Mg ha−1 in XinjiA with the corresponding crop yield of 12.3 Mg ha−1 year−1. The available data were not sufficient to identify the threshold level of SOC stock for sub-region 2. The threshold values of SOC stock(Mg ha−1) for sub-region 3 were 27.5 in Xuzhou, and 44.6 in Mengcheng with the corresponding crop yield(Mg ha−1 year−1) of 14.5 and 10.5, respectively. (v)The threshold value of SOC stock in response to crop yield for the entire HHH ranged from 25.0 to 41.0 Mg ha−1, and the corresponding potential of increase in crop yield from 12.8 to 18.0 Mg ha−1 year−1. In comparison with a rapid yield response by application of chemical fertilizers, increase in SOC stock and improvement in soil quality result in a gradual but sustainable yield increase. Thus, restoration of the depleted SOC stock by conversion to a restorative land use and adoption of INM across the HHH can enhance soil quality and improve crop production.

Advantages and drawbacks of long-term macrolide use in the treatment of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis is a respiratory disease characterized by persistent airway inflammation and dilation of bronchial wall driven by various causes. Patients with bronchiectasis suffer from excessive sputum production, recurrent exacerbations, and progressive airway destruction. Major therapy for bronchiectasis is focused on breaking the "vicious cycle" of mucus stasis, infection, inflammation, and airway destruction. Growing evidences have been shown that macrolides possess immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory functions beyond their antimicrobial effects. Macrolide antibiotics have been effectively used in the treatment of diffuse panbronchiolitis, CF and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Currently a number of clinical trials were performed to assess macrolide treatment in the management of non-CF bronchiectasis. The purpose of this paper is to review the efficacy and potential risks of these recent studies on the use of macrolides in non-CF bronchiectasis.

Long-term addition of compost and NP fertilizer increases crop yield and improves soil quality in experiments on smallholder farms

Soil fertility decline due to low nutrient input is a constraint for sustainable agriculture in smallholder farming systems in Ethiopia. In this study, crop productivity and soil organic matter buildup were compared in soils receiving locally made compost, applied either alone or in combination with NP fertilizer. The experiments had four treatments: full dose of compost (C), full dose of fertilizer (F), half compost and half fertilizer (CF), and unfertilized control (control). The full dose of compost was equivalent to 2.4tha−1 organic matter. The field study was conducted on four farm fields in the village Beseku, each representing different sub-villages. Participating farmers were selected based on their willingness and an assessment of dedication to carry out the experiment. The experiments, a randomized complete block design with three replications, were replicated across four farm fields. The treatments were repeated for six cropping seasons (years), and data on soil nutrient status and crop (maize, wheat, potato, and faba bean) harvests were collected. In the 0–10cm soil layer, pH was (P<0.05) lower in the F treatments than in the C and CF treatments. Compared with the F treatment, the soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen stocks increased (P<0.05) by 4.60 and 0.42tha−1 in C treatment, and by 4.74 and 0.45tha−1 in CF treatment. Treatment effects on crop harvests were significant (P<0.05) for all crops grown across the sites and seasons. The highest maize yield was obtained from CF, with relative harvest of 178% compared with the control and 126% compared with F, but was comparable to C. For wheat and potato, the yields obtained from CF, C and F were comparable. For faba bean, CF had a relative harvest of 145% over the control. Maize harvest was in the order of CF>F>C>control in the initial season, CF>C>F>control in the next three consecutive seasons, and C>CF>F> control in the final year of the experiment. The overall combined yield was in the order of CF>C>F>control for maize and faba bean, CF>F>C>control for potato, and F>CF>C>control for wheat. The addition of either compost alone or in combination with NP fertilizer improved soil properties and crop productivity, compared with control and only fertilizer addition. Therefore, compost addition can serve as a complement to fertilizer use and reduce dependence on mineral fertilizer in low-input crop production system. The apparent synergy between compost and fertilizer addition needs further research in order to be explained.

106 Epidemiological study of Achromobacter xylosoxidans in a reference center for CF treatment in Brazil

106 Epidemiological study of Achromobacter xylosoxidans in a reference center for CF treatment in Brazil

295 CF patients diagnosed in adulthood: spectrum of referral source

Objectives: Although the vast majority of individuals with CF are diagnosed under the age of 3 years, increased awareness of the condition amongst adult clinicians means that up to 12% of diagnoses are now made in adulthood (UK CF Registry 2012). As specific CF treatment is linked to improved outcomes, we looked at the characteristics of patients attending our centre who were diagnosed in adulthood. Methods: All 32 patients diagnosed in adulthood (defined as age >17 years, 11.2% of the total) were identified. The referral source and reason were studied: any radiological findings at referral were used to aid this. Results: The median diagnosis age was 30 years (range 19−60). Twenty-two patients (69%) were referred from general chest clinics and the remainder from surgical, fertility and genetics services. The commonest referral reason was recurrent lower respiratory infection (11, 34%), followed by a paediatric family history (5, 16%). 2 patients (6%) were referred from fertility services with azoospermia. 24 (75%) had undergone HRCT at referral (18 from chest clinics): 18 (82%) had bronchiectasis (7 severe widespread, 6 mild widespread, 3 lower lobe, 2 upper lobe) and 1 patient had bronchial wall thickening. Conclusion: CF can be diagnosed at any age and in a number of different specialties. Though the majority were referred by respiratory clinicians, some patients were diagnosed in surgery or fertility clinics illustrating the increasing awareness of adult CF as a clinical entity. As expected those referred from nonrespiratory sources were more likely to have a normal HRCT. Improving links between CF centres and other specialities may help the diagnosis rate in the adult population.

Inter‐rotational Effects of Fertilization and Weed Control on Juvenile Loblolly Pine Productivity and Nutrient Dynamics

The inter‐rotational effects of fertilization and weed control treatments on the productivity and soil nutrient availability of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stands growing on a North Florida Spodosol were investigated using two replicated, randomized complete block design experiments. The first rotation treatments were: control (C), fertilizer only (F), weed control only (W), and fertilizer + weed control (FW). One experiment was actively retreated as in the previous rotation, while the second was left untreated (CC, CF, CW, and CFW). A common full‐sib loblolly pine family was planted in both experiments. After three growing seasons, the second‐rotation pine growth consistently outperformed the first rotation. The actively retreated FW treatment had fourfold higher aboveground pine biomass than the C treatment (7.7 Mg ha−1); the untreated CF (17.9 Mg ha−1) treatment had 1.5‐fold higher pine biomass than the CFW treatment. While a suite of improved cultural practices (e.g., advanced genetics and site preparation) and environmental factors may be responsible for higher growth responses in the second rotation than the first in both experiments, lower growth response in the CFW treatment compared with the CF treatment was associated with lower soil P availability (r = 0.8, p &lt; 0.01) and historical P movement from the E to Bh and Bt horizons. These results suggest that the understory vegetation and forest floor from the first rotation served as an important nutrient sink, especially for P, which then subsequently became a nutrient source (through mineralization) in the second rotation. Historical P fertilization on flatwoods Spodosols may thus alleviate the need for P fertilization during stand establishment when an intact understory was present in the previous stand.

Effect of Dehydrated Digested Effluent of Manure on Yield and Quality of Annual Forages and Soil Chemical Properties in Southern Kyushu, Japan

Digested effluent of manure (DEM) produced by biogas-plants contains many macro- and micro-nutrients. In an experiment conducted in southern Kyushu (Japan), forage crops cultivated after receiving DEM and chemical fertilizers exhibited similar dry matter yields. From a logistical standpoint, however, DEM in liquid form is difficult to handle and apply due to the low concentration of nutrients. To overcome this shortcoming, we prepared dehydrated DEM (DDEM) by adding DEM to cattle manure without disturbing the manure fermentation process. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of DDEM on dry matter yield and nitrogen recovery rate in annual dual-cropping systems (summer crop of maize or sorghum and winter crop of Italian ryegrass) that are typical of the region and to compare these results to commercial cattle manure alone, in combination with chemical fertilizer (CM or CM + CF), or no fertilizer application (NF). In both cropping systems, the DDEM treatment produced similar dry matter yields (2.6 to 3.02 kg&middotm-2) and apparent nitrogen recovery rates (43% to 53%) as the CM + CF and CM treatments. This suggests that DDEM can potentially replace chemical fertilizers and commercial cattle manure in the region.

Kwalifikacja chorych na mukowiscydozę do transplantacji płuc – doświadczenia własne

BackgroundLung transplantation is a recognized treatment option for selected patients with cystic fibrosis in the end stage of bronchopulmonary disease. This is, however, a major challenge associated with the right choice of recipients proceedings before, around and after surgery, many complications and psychosocial factors. Materials and methodsThis article presents six patients aged 14–19 years who have been referred for LT from the Institute of Mother and Child. The eligibility criteria, the risk factors of death, which must be taken into account in the care of patients in the end stage of bronchopulmonary disease, were analyzed. ResultsSix patients out of 350 treated in the Outpatient Clinic of Cystic Fibrosis were qualified for the lung transplantation from 2008 to 2012. One patient died 22 months after LT, the remaining survival time is between 2 and 5 years. They are in good general condition under the strict control of transplantation centers. ConclusionsThe exact determination of the time to put a CF patient on the waiting list for transplantation is very difficult. But it is also of paramount importance to minimize mortality before and maximize survival after LT. Multidisciplinary team experienced in the treatment of CF, caring for a patient with transplant centre should make such difficult decisions. The principle of treatment of patients with CF before LT is to maximize all available and relevant aspects of care. The procedure should be tailored to the patient's needs and capabilities of the center.

Effect of ridge–furrow and plastic-mulching planting patterns on yield formation and water movement of potato in a semi-arid area

Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of different ridge–furrow plastic-mulching planting patterns (RFM) on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth, tuber yield and quality, and water use efficiency (WUE) in an arid area of Northwestern China in 2010 and 2011.Six treatments were used: (1) a flat plot without mulch (CK); (2) alternating mulched with plastic film and bare plots with no ridges (MNR); (3) completely mulched alternating wide and narrow ridges with furrow planting (CF); (4) completely mulched alternating wide and narrow ridges with ridge planting (CR); (5) alternating mulched ridges and bare plots with no ridges and with furrow planting (HF); (6) alternating mulched ridges and bare plots with no ridges and with ridge planting (HR).RFM systems greatly improved tuber yield and WUE of potato in comparsion to CK. Compared to CK, the magnitude of yield in RFM increase were 50.1–86.8% in 2010 and 36.3–60.5% in 2011, respectively. Two completely mulched treatments (CF, CR) produced the highest tuber yield. Compared to CK, the highest increase in WUE was 83.9% (CR) and 65.8% (CF) in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Evapotranspiration in RFM was significantly decreased compared to CK during the early and end growing stages. But ET in CF, CR, HF and HR became higher at vigorous growth stages (from 6 July to 27 August) due to higher transpiration, which may imply a higher ratio of transpiration/evaporation. CF and CR treatments resulted in higher dry matter and relative growth rate than other treatments, and had higher output efficiency of dry matter from aboveground to tuber. Potato in CR showed the highest tuber yield, output value, net revenue and WUE, produced tubers with good size, low percentages of green and blemished tubers, and high protein content. In conclusion, CR is the best planting pattern for rain-fed potato.

Factors affecting ozone sensitivity of tobacco Bel-W3 seedlings.

BackgroundSince 1962, the tobacco variety Nicotiana tabacum cv. Bel-W3 has been used worldwide as an ozone (O3) bio-indicator. The use of indicator plants to monitor O3 pollution has proven problematic when trying to correlate the severity of injury to ambient O3 concentration. The aim of the present study was to study factors affecting the O3 sensitivity of Nicotiana tabacum cv. Bel-W3 seedlings.ResultsIn chronic O3 pre-exposure tests, tobacco plants were cultured from seeds in charcoal-filtered air (CF) and noncharcoal-filtered ambient air (NF) for 21 days. During these periods, the mean O3 concentrations of the CF and NF treatments were 5.5 ± 0.2 and 14.7 ± 0.4 ppb h-1, respectively (p < 0.001). At the end of the culturing period, no O3-induced foliar injury was observed in any of the plants. The O3 sensitivity of the tobacco plants was determined by exposing the plants to 150 ppb O3 for 8 hours in a fumigation chamber. The leaf injury index percentages (LII%) of indicator plants via the CF and NF treatments were 58.0 ± 3.2% and 43.1 ± 4.0%, respectively (p < 0.01). Twenty-one-day-old tobacco seedlings grown in NF air were used to test the effects of exposed leaves on O3 sensitivity. After removing the cotyledons and all true leaves, the NF seedlings with their apical buds intact were transferred to CF air. After another 7 days of culturing, the newly developed leaves were approximately 1 cm in length. After O3 treatment, the LII% values of the newly developed leaves from the untreated and defoliated seedlings were 2.5 ± 1.7% and 27.6 ± 1.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). In acute O3 exposure tests, 21-day-old seedlings grown in CF air were fumigated with 150 ppb O3 for 8 hours in one day or for 4 hours/day in two consecutive days. The LII% values for the two groups were 63.5 ± 7.4% and 20.1 ± 4.3%, respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe present findings suggest that plant pre-exposure to O3 is a critical factor influencing O3 sensitivity and that exposed leaves obtain acquired tolerance against O3 injury later on.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1999-3110-54-21) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effects of pepper crop residues and inorganic fertilizers on soil properties relevant to carbon cycling and broccoli production

AbstractWe conducted a two‐year experiment to evaluate the effects of fresh pepper residues (CR treatment) on soil properties and broccoli yield compared with the application of chemical fertilizers (CF treatment). Soil‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the organic composition of added residues and surface soil. We also measured total and soluble organic carbon and different biochemical properties associated with the C cycle. The results show that large application rates of CR increased microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and arylesterase and β‐glucosidase activities compared with the control. There was a significant increase in MBC for the CF treatment only with the greatest application rate. No differences in soil organic carbon composition and structure were found between treatments with soil organic C, soluble C, basal soil respiration, arylesterase and β‐glucosidase activities correlated positively with the soil carboxylic region and negatively with the aromatic region of the spectra. Broccoli yield was significantly more for the second crop cycle with maximum values for the greatest application rates of CF and CR indicating that crop residues with a minimum amount of chemical fertilizers can be used to obtain an adequate yield. The use of pepper residues as an organic amendment improved biochemical properties of the soil with positive effects on broccoli quality and had no negative impact on yield.

199 Early predictors of bronchiectasis and trapped air severity in cystic fibrosis

Objectives: For effective treatment of CF with inhaled drugs, efficient, easy to use devices are needed. This study was designed to assess time and practicability of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (A1-PI(H)), (77mg/1.1ml) lung deposition in CF patients. Methods: Using the Respironics I-Neb AAD System. 15 mild to severe CF patients (FEV1: 34–101%) were included to inhale study drug in two inhalation modes: Target Inhalation Mode (TIM) and Tidal Breathing Mode (TBM). Conclusion: Total inhalation time was lower in TIM (3±0.5 min) than in TBM (4.5±2.1 min). Inhalation time and volume inhaled per breath were lower in TBM than in TIM. Subjects inhaled more deeply and slowly in TIM. Consequently, treatment time was longer and the number of breaths needed to deliver a similar dose was higher in TBM than in TIM. In both inhalation modes a high percentage of CF subjects rated their mouthpiece exhalation as “easy” and “very easy” (TIM: 80%, TBM: 100%). In total, 87% of the CF subjects classified their mouthpiece inhalation through in TBM as “easy” and “very easy” (TIM: 40%). For both inhalation modes a high percentage of CF subjects classified the use of the I-neb as “easy” and “very easy” (TIM: 71.5%, TBM: 86.7%). All CF patients were able to inhale the full dose in <6min in TIM and <10min in TBM. TIM is consistently more efficient and less time consuming than TBM, as reflected in total treatment and inhalation time, and number of breaths. All CF patients could handle the device properly and most of them rated its use as easy or very easy.

198 Time and handling of the I-Neb in target inhalation mode (TIM) and tidal breathing mode (TBM) assessed in mild to severe CF patients

Objectives: For effective treatment of CF with inhaled drugs, efficient, easy to use devices are needed. This study was designed to assess time and practicability of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (A1-PI(H)), (77mg/1.1ml) lung deposition in CF patients. Methods: Using the Respironics I-Neb AAD System. 15 mild to severe CF patients (FEV1: 34–101%) were included to inhale study drug in two inhalation modes: Target Inhalation Mode (TIM) and Tidal Breathing Mode (TBM). Conclusion: Total inhalation time was lower in TIM (3±0.5 min) than in TBM (4.5±2.1 min). Inhalation time and volume inhaled per breath were lower in TBM than in TIM. Subjects inhaled more deeply and slowly in TIM. Consequently, treatment time was longer and the number of breaths needed to deliver a similar dose was higher in TBM than in TIM. In both inhalation modes a high percentage of CF subjects rated their mouthpiece exhalation as “easy” and “very easy” (TIM: 80%, TBM: 100%). In total, 87% of the CF subjects classified their mouthpiece inhalation through in TBM as “easy” and “very easy” (TIM: 40%). For both inhalation modes a high percentage of CF subjects classified the use of the I-neb as “easy” and “very easy” (TIM: 71.5%, TBM: 86.7%). All CF patients were able to inhale the full dose in <6min in TIM and <10min in TBM. TIM is consistently more efficient and less time consuming than TBM, as reflected in total treatment and inhalation time, and number of breaths. All CF patients could handle the device properly and most of them rated its use as easy or very easy.

Comparative Molecular docking analysis of DNA Gyrase subunit A in Pseudomonas aeruginosaPAO1.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterium known for causing chronic infections in cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Recently, several drug targets in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 have been reported using network biology approaches on the basis of essentiality and topology and further ranked on network measures viz. degree and centrality. Till date no drug/ligand molecule has been reported against this targets.In our work we have identified the ligand /drug molecules, through Orthologous gene mapping against Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis str. 168 and performed modelling and docking analysis. From the predicted drug targets in PA PAO1, we selected those drug targets which show statistically significant orthology with a model organism and whose orthologs are present in all the selected drug targets of PA PAO1.Modeling of their structure has been done using I-Tasser web server. Orthologous gene mapping has been performed using Cluster of Orthologs (COGs) and based on orthology; drugs available for Bacillus sp. have been docked with PA PAO1 protein drug targets using MoleGro virtual docker version 4.0.2.Orthologous gene for PA3168 gyrA is BS gyrAfound in Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis str. 168. The drugs cited for Bacillus sp. have been docked with PA genes and energy analyses have been made. Based on Orthologous gene mapping andin-silico studies, Nalidixic acid is reported as an effective drug against PA3168 gyrA for the treatment of CF and COPD.