Search

Spray drift assessment encompasses classification of the capacity of each sprayer/technology/setting combination to reduce or avoid the spray drift risk, as well as drift measurement to define buffer zones mandated during pesticide application. Compounding the challenge of these tasks is the great variability of field evaluation results from environmental conditions, spray application technology, canopy structure, and measurement procedures. This study, performed in Spanish context, evaluates the effects of different parameters on comparative measurements of ground and airborne spray drift employing the ISO22866:2005 protocol. Four configurations of air blast sprayers, derived from two fan airflow rates and two nozzle types (conventional and air-induction), were tested in orchard and vineyard at late growth stage. Spray drift curves were obtained, from which corresponding Drift Values (DVs) were calculated using an approximation of definite integral. Both sprayer settings and environmental variables statistically affect spray drift total amounts and result variability. PCA analysis showed that nozzle type and wind speed characteristics explained 51% and 24% of the variance, respectively. In particular, mean wind direction influence ground sediments (Pr < 0.01) and maximum wind speed strongly influence airborne drift value (Pr < 0.0001). The wind characteristics concealed the influence of adopted fan airflow rates on final spray drift assessment results. The effect of uncontrollable environmental conditions makes objective and comparative tests difficult.

Gentiana Lutea root (G. Lutea) is a medicinal herb, traditionally used as a bitter tonic in gastrointestinal ailments for improving the digestive system. The active principles of G. Lutea were found to be secoiridoid bitter compounds as well as many other active compounds causing the pharmacological effects. No study to date has yet determined the potential of G. Lutea antioxidant activity on lipid oxidation. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an extract of G. Lutea on lipid oxidation during storage of an emulsion. G. Lutea extracts showed excellent antioxidant activity measured by DPPH scavenging assay and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays. An amount of 0.5% w/w G. Lutea lyophilise was able to inhibit lipid oxidation throughout storage (p < 0.05). A mixture of G. Lutea with 0.1% (w/w) BSA showed a good synergic effect and better antioxidant activity in the emulsion. Quantitative results of HPLC showed that G. Lutea contained secoiridoid-glycosides (gentiopiocroside and sweroside) and post column analysis displayed radical scavenging activity of G. Lutea extract towards the ABTS radical. The results from this study highlight the potential of G. Lutea as a food ingredient in the design of healthier food commodities

This study's objective was to evaluate the functionality of an ad hoc test bench for spray drift measurement with boom sprayers, using it for evaluating different nozzles according to drift risk. The repeatability of results was evaluated by conducting similar tests at two different laboratories. Drift potential values (DPV) obtained showed an interesting effect of Venturi flat fan nozzles on drift reduction, in comparison with conventional flat fan nozzles (reference nozzle was XR 11003). Newly designed flat fan nozzles reduced the risk of drift. Reasonably relations between 10th-percentile, D[v,0.1], 50th-percentile or Volume Median Diameter, D[v,0.5], 90th-percentile, D[v,0.9], V100 and DPV were observed in all cases, with R2 values of 0.58, 0.65, 0.66 and 0.72, respectively. The lowest drift values were achieved with TTI and TD Spray Max nozzles; they were significantly lower than those obtained for IDK and AIXR ones. Results indicated that the drift test bench can be used as an alternative to the official standard procedure for drift measurements on boom sprayers (e.g. ISO 22866), as it is able to discriminate the influence of different boom settings (especially nozzle types) on drift. Further studies could be useful in order to prove that the classification of nozzles according to drift risk obtained using the test bench is comparable to the nozzle classifications obtained applying the ISO 22866 test method.

Resumen Las propiedades beneficiosas de los AGO3 y sus efectos sobre el control de algunos factores de riesgo cardiovascular han sido estudiadas ampliamente y se han establecido sus efectos beneficiosos sobre diversos procesos fisiologicos y patologicos, que van desde el desarrollo cognitivo y cerebral del feto y del recien nacido, pasando por sus efectos antiinflamatorios en variedad de cuadros patologicos. En el presente articulo, se revisa la evidencia cientifica disponible que apoya la suplementacion con AGO3 en la mujer y se realizan recomendaciones especificas en ese sentido. Se recomienda la suplementacion con 500 mg diarios de AGO3 durante todas las epocas de la vida de la mujer, que deben aumentarse hasta 1 g para la prevencion cardiovascular secundaria, 1,5 g para el manejo de los sintomas vasomotores o 2 g en pacientes con hipertrigliceridemia. Durante la totalidad del embarazo se recomienda un minimo de al menos 300 mg/dia de acido docosahexaenoico.

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the fluid velocities generated by the agitation system of an air-assisted sprayer was developed and validated by practical experiments in a laboratory. The model was developed considering different settings of the agitation system: Three water levels in the tank (1000, 2000, and 3000 L), two different numbers of active nozzles (2 or 4), and three working pressures of the agitation circuit (8, 10, or 12 bar). Actual measurements of the fluid velocity into the tank were taken using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV). CFD simulations made it possible to estimate fluid velocities at 38% of the measuring points with relative errors of less than 30%. Additionally, the CFD models have allowed the correct prediction of the general behavior of the fluid in the tank considering mean velocities depending on the setting parameters of the agitation system (water level in the tank, hydraulic circuit pressure, and number of active nozzles).

The wide variety of epigenetic controls available is rapidly expanding the knowledge of molecular biology even overflowing it. At the same time, it can illuminate unsuspected ways of understanding the etiology of cancer. New emerging therapeutic horizons, then, promise to overcome the current antitumor strategies need. The translational utility of this complexity is particularly welcome in oral cancer (OC), in which natural history is alarmingly disappointing due to the invasive and mutilating surgery, the high relapsing rate, the poor quality of life and the reduced survival after diagnosis. Melatonin activates protective receptor-dependent and receptor-independent processes that prevent tissue cancerisation and inhibit progressive tumor malignancy and metastasis. Related evidence has shown that melatonin pleiotropy encompasses gene expression regulation through all the three best-characterized epigenetic mechanisms: DNA methylation, chromatin modification, and non-coding RNA. OC has received less attention than other cancers despite prognosis is usually negative and there are no significant therapy improvements recorded in the past decade. However, a large research effort is being carried out to elucidate how melatonin´s machinery can prevent epigenetic insults that lead to cancer. In the light of recent findings, a comprehensive examination of biochemistry through which melatonin may reverse epigenetic aberrations in OC is an extraordinary opportunity to take a step forward in the clinical management of patients.

Considering the need to reduce environmental contamination and uplift the effectiveness and quality of pesticide application, this work had the goal to determine the conditions of use and conservation of agricultural sprayers used in the Central and Western border of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, and to identify the most frequent problems in agricultural sprayers. Fifty-six sprayers connected to a three-point hydraulic system and the tractor drawbar were inspected, evaluating the safety and operation items using the methodology described in the Standard ISO 16122. After the evaluations, the collected data were submitted to an exploratory analysis by using descriptive statistics with the use of percentage frequency. Based on the obtained results, it is possible to observe that the most serious problems are mainly related to the safety of the operator and the environment, since 41.07% of the sprayers did not have the protection of the cardan transmission and 33.93% did not have the protection of straps and pulleys. In addition, static leaks were present in 46.43% of the samples and 87.50% presented dynamic leaks. In 71.43% of the cases, there was no presence of a clean water reservoir to wash the rigid packagings. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that the state of use and conservation of the inspected sprayers is serious, justifying the need for inspections on agricultural sprayers to become mandatory in Brazil, also requiring government policies for the renewal of these equipments, as well as, the homologation of research centers to conduct tests on agricultural machinery and implements before their commercialization. In addition is also necessary to invest in training of operators by conducting technical courses about the importance of equipment knowledge, available technologies and necessary maintenance, as the level of knowledge is low about the basics of operational safety, maintenance and use of the sprayers which contributes to the high percentages of nonconformity with ISO 16122.

The development of the primary sector by expansion of cultivation areas and the raise of productive indexes promotes a larger use of agrotoxics, causing problems related to the inefficiency of applications, which becomes an issue to be studied, especially regarding the quality of sprayers and the precision of spraying. The goal of the present paper is to determine the condition and conservation of agricultural sprayers used in the West border and the Central region of Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), in southern Brazil, as well as identifying the most recurring problems, and assessing the applicability of ISO 16122 in the country’s reality. The execution of this work originated the Projeto de Inspeção de Pulverizadores Agrícolas (PIPA) [Agricultural Sprayer Inspection Project], which was undertaken in two regions of RS, inspecting 56 sprayers. The inspections were carried out by using the technical kit for agricultural sprayer inspection, according to requirements in the methodology described in ISO 16122 (2015). After evaluations were conducted, the data collected were submitted to exploratory analysis by descriptive statistics with the use of percentage frequency. Based on the results obtained, it was possible to conclude that there is need for agricultural sprayer inspection to become mandatory in Brazil. Considering the most frequent application problems, it was possible to verify that, in 64.29% of the evaluations, the precision of the manometer was considered as seriously flawed; in 73.21%, the transverse distribution of the spray wand was also seriously flawed, which is related principally to errors in the space among spray nozzles, and to their wear, affecting 76.79% of the cases in terms of application volume. Besides these, it was also observed that, in 69.64% of the inspected sprayers, the PTO rotation was below recommendation. In relation to the applicability of ISO 16122, it was concluded that there is need for it to be updated, developing specific methodologies for the inspection of self-propelled sprayers. In this sense, in case it be transcribed as ABNT NBR ISO 16122, the latter must specify new parameters so it be unanimously and appropriately used in accordance to Brazilian reality.

Aims: Fucosylation is regulated by fucosyltransferas-es, the guanosine diphosphate-L-fucose (GDP-L-Fuc)synthetic pathway, and the GDP-L-fucose transporter(GDP-L-Fuc Tr). We have reported previously anincreased level of a(1,6)fucosyltransferase activityand expression in colorectal cancer (CRC). The pres-ent study aimed to analyse the expression profiles ofthe FX enzyme and GDP-L-Fuc Tr in a cohort of oper-ated CRC patients to elucidate their role in a(1,6)fu-cosylation in this neoplasm.Methods and results: We assessed the immunohisto-chemical expression of FX and GDP-L-Fuc Tr in aseries of tumour samples and healthy tissues fromCRC specimens. FX expression was observed in 58 of91 (63.7%) tumours and 23 of 28 (82.1%) corre-sponding healthy samples. GDP-L-Fuc Tr expressionwas detected in 86 of 102 (84.3%) colorectaltumours, and 13 of 27 (48.1%) healthy tissue speci-mens. The expression of GDP-L-Fuc Tr was statisti-cally higher in tumours than in healthy tissues(P < 0.001). A correlation was found between FXand GDP-L-Fuc Tr expression in tumour samples(P = 0.003).Conclusion: GDP-L-Fuc Tr overexpression in thetumour tissue of CRC patients suggests that GDP-L-Fuc transport to the Golgi apparatus may be animportant factor associated with increased a(1,6)fu-cosylation in CRC.Keywords: colorectal cancer, FX, GDP-Fuc Tr, a(1,6)fucosylation

In this work, a LIDAR 3D Dynamic Measurement System, based on a Two-Dimensional Terrestrial Laser-LIDAR Scanner (2D TLS), was used for the geometric characterisation of tree-row crops (apple trees, pear trees and vineyards). The trees were scanned with the LIDAR system from opposite sides to obtain two three-dimensional point clouds. The point clouds were registered and the volume occupied by the resulting point cloud, tree row LIDAR-volume (TRLV), was graphically and numerically obtained. The study undertaken in this paper is based on the hypothesis that there may exist a non-linear relationship between the TRLV and the leaf area density (LAD). The main objective is to examine the relationship between TRLV and LAD in vineyards, apple and pear orchards. The study of 35 blocks of vegetation reveals a good logarithmic fit, y = −0.36 ln(x) + 3.69 with R2 = 0.87, between the TRLV (x) in dm3 and the LAD (y) in dm−1. It would appear that the TRLV of the crops under study (planted in a hedgerow-type configuration) is in itself an explanation of the LAD. The competition for light between the leaves and the space that these leaves occupy appear to follow a similar model in the three crops. According to the results of this study, the LAD can be estimated from the TRLV. If the LAD is multiplied by the TRLV, the leaf area of the vegetation under study can be obtained. It is therefore concluded that by using the information provided by the LIDAR 3D Dynamic Measurement System, a good estimation can be obtained of the leaf area in hedgerow fruit tree crops and hedgerow vineyards. This work has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and by the European Union through the FEDER funds and is part of research projects Pulvexact (AGL2002-04260-C04-02), Optidosa (AGL2007-66093-C04-03) and Safespray (AGL2010-22304-C04-03).

The CDw75 epitope is an α(2,6) sialylated antigen overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC), where its expression correlates with the progression of the disease. The CDw75 epitope is located mainly in N-glycoproteins, whose identity remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to identify proteins with the CDw75 epitope as a strategy to deepen the understanding of molecular pathogenesis of CRC and to identify novel biomarkers for this disease. For this purpose, a two-dimensional electrophoresis approach was employed. Protein spots in the gels were matched to the corresponding CDw75 positive spots in the immunoblotted polyvinylidene difluoride membranes, and further identification of the protein species was performed by mass spectrometry. Additionally, one-dimensional western blotting experiments were performed to verify the expression of these candidate proteins in the colorectal tissue and their coincidence in molecular mass with the CDw75-positive bands. The findings of the present study indicate that haptoglobin and the keratins 8 (K8) and 18 (K18) are proteins with the CDw75 epitope in the colorectal tissue from CRC patients and also suggest novel functions and cellular locations for these proteins in the colorectal tissue and in relation to CRC.

The application of pesticides to traditional and intensive olive orchards in Southern Spain has led to environmental problems. More specifically, the lack of an accurate, useful criterion to regulate the spray volume in relation to canopy characteristics has led to spray drift and runoff, which are threats to local ecosystems. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal relationship between canopy volume and the spray application volume, called specific spray volume, CV, through laboratory and field trials. In the laboratory trial, 6 specific spray volumes (0.05, 0.08, 0.10, 0.12, 0.15, and 0.20Lm(-3)) were tested in a specially designed structure containing small, live olive trees in order to simulate an intensive plantation system. The model aimed to evaluate the coverage of pesticide application on water sensitive paper (WSP) collectors. In the field trial, the three laboratory specific spray volumes that gave the best coverage values were tested on live, intensively managed trees, whose crown volume was manually measured. Food dye E-102 was used to determine the spray deposition on artificial targets (10×10cm absorbent paper pieces), and WSP was used to evaluate spray coverage. The spray penetration and deposit homogeneity inside the canopy were also evaluated. Weather conditions during the field trial were monitored with a weather station. The results of the laboratory trial showed that the three best specific spray volumes were 0.08, 0.10, and 0.12Lm(-3), resulting in mean coverage values of approximately 30%. The ANOVA of the field trial results showed that the 0.12Lm(-3) was the optimal specific spray volume for isolated olive trees. This specific spray volume gave the highest mean deposits, the best efficiency (as measured by the greatest normalized deposit), the most favourable penetration and homogeneity, and the highest coverage values.

We previously reported that α(1,6)fucosyltransferase (Enzyme class 2.4.1.68) activity and expression are increased in colorectal cancer, suggesting a role for this enzyme in tumor development and progression. However, the possible impact of α(1,6)fucosyltransferase activity or expression on clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer patients has never been studied. Thus, the present study was conducted to determine the value of α(1,6)fucosyltransferase as a prognostic factor for colorectal cancer. α(1,6)Fucosyltransferase expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry in 141 colorectal tumors, and α(1,6)fucosyltransferase activity was determined in 39 tumors. A complete standardized follow-up of patients was documented until the end of the observation period of 5 years or patient death. Univariate analysis demonstrated the absence of a correlation between enzyme activity and disease evolution. However, in patients with moderate or strong α(1,6)fucosyltransferase expression, a significant decrease in the overall (P = .04) and disease-free (P = .03) survival rates was observed. In addition, when local and distant disease recurrence were considered separately, enzyme expression was found to correlate with local tumor recurrences (P = .01). Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that α(1,6)fucosyltransferase expression has independent value for predicting tumor recurrences and, specifically, local recurrences. These findings suggest that α(1,6)fucosyltransferase expression may be a good indicator of poor prognosis in colorectal cancer and, therefore, a helpful tool to choose the most effective treatment.

The use of electronic devices for canopy characterization has recently been widely discussed. Among such devices, LiDAR sensors appear to be the most accurate and precise. Information obtained with LiDAR sensors during reading while driving a tractor along a crop row can be managed and transformed into canopy density maps by evaluating the frequency of LiDAR returns. This paper describes a proposed methodology to obtain a georeferenced canopy map by combining the information obtained with LiDAR with that generated using a GPS receiver installed on top of a tractor. Data regarding the velocity of LiDAR measurements and UTM coordinates of each measured point on the canopy were obtained by applying the proposed transformation process. The process allows overlap of the canopy density map generated with the image of the intended measured area using Google Earth(®), providing accurate information about the canopy distribution and/or location of damage along the rows. This methodology was applied and tested on different vine varieties and crop stages in two important vine production areas in Spain. The results indicate that the georeferenced information obtained with LiDAR sensors appears to be an interesting tool with the potential to improve crop management processes.

Dose expression and volume rate are key questions for spray application in orchard and vineyard plantations. Crop characteristics seem to be one of the most important factors to determine the optimal value, but parameters as the leaf area, canopy volume, and canopy density are difficult to quantify. dosavina , a decision support system, has been developed as a tool to calculate the optimal volume rate for spray applications in vineyards. The method is based on achieving the optimal coverage (impacts cm −2 ) according to the characteristics of the crop canopy, and includes the establishment of an efficiency factor that depends on aspects such as the type of sprayer used, nozzle type and size, operational parameters, and weather conditions. Field tests, in order to evaluate the interest in and functionality of the dosavina computer program, were arranged for different wine grape varieties in New York State (USA) and Lleida (Spain), with a wide spectrum of wine varieties ( Baco , Riesling , Vignoles , Merlot , and Cabernet Sauvignon ), sprayers, and working conditions. Deposition, uniformity, and control of different diseases ( powdery mildew , Botrytis bunch rot , and grape black rot ) were evaluated at different crop stages, by comparing the volume rate applied according to dosavina with the conventional rate most generally used by farmers. The volume rate was reduced by an average 39.9% for dosavina , with similar or even higher values of deposition and uniformity. The resulting reduction in pesticide use (average 53%) did not present any difference in disease control for the selected varieties. Methodologies based on coverage and leaf area, as prescribed by dosavina , seem to be an effective alternative approach to determine the most adequate volume rate according to the canopy structure, with the consequent diminution of pesticide use and the increase of environmentally friendly practices.

Lewis(b) and Lewis(y) (Le) antigens are known to be elevated in colorectal tumours. Alterations in the catalytic behaviour of GDP-L-fucose:β-D-galactoside α(1,2)fucosyltransferase [α(1,2)FT, EC: 2.4.1.69], the key enzyme in their synthesis, have been suggested as being responsible for these changes. In particular, an aberrant tumour-specific α(1,2)FT activity that converts Le(a) and Le(x) to Le(b) and Le(y) determinants, respectively, has been reported in colorectal cancer tissues. To clarify the catalytic function of this enzyme during colorectal tumorigenesis, we analyzed α(1,2)FT activity levels in healthy and tumour colon specimens using different acceptor substrates and determined the kinetic properties of the enzyme. To complete the study, the aberrant Le(a)/Le(x) α(1,2)fucosylation was determined in healthy and tumour colorectal tissues. A correlation analysis between the activity levels and various standard clinicopathological features, such as tumour stage, was also carried out to elucidate the role of these activities in tumour progression. The results obtained confirm the enhanced α(1,2)fucosylation in colorectal neoplastic tissues and the importance of the aberrant Le(a)/Le(x) α(1,2)FT activity in this increase. However, taking into account the high levels of Le(a)/Le(x) fucosylation observed in healthy control tissues, we must rule out the idea of a colorectal tumour-specific α(1,2)FT. On the other hand, no significant association was observed between α(1,2)FT activity levels and the clinicopathological characteristics. Overall, our results suggest that α(1,2)FT activity plays a critical role in the accumulation of Le(b) and Le(y) antigens in human colorectal carcinoma.

Changes in enzyme activity and the expression levels of alpha(1,6)fucosyltransferase [alpha(1,6)FT] have been reported in certain types of malignant transformations. To develop a better understanding of the role of alpha(1,6)FT in human colorectal carcinoma (CRC), we analysed the enzyme activity in healthy and tumour tissues. alpha(1,6)FT activity was considerably higher in tumour tissue than in healthy tissue and was related to gender, lymph node metastasis, type of growth and tumour stage. We also observed a significant increase in the alpha(1,6)FT expression in tumour tissues as compared to healthy and transitional tissues, inflammatory lesions and adenomas. The immunohistochemical expression in tumour tissues was correlated with the degree of infiltration through the intestinal wall. Finally, a statistical correlation was found between enzyme activity and expression obtained by Western blot in colorectal tumours when compared in the same patient. All these findings demonstrate an alteration of alpha(1,6)FT activity and expression in CRC.

The changes in the shape and size of vines during the growing season require a continuous adjustment of the applied dose to optimize spray application efficiency. Target detection with ultrasonic sensors can be used to adapt the applied dose following the principles of the variable rate technology. A multi-nozzle air-blast sprayer was fitted with three ultrasonic sensors and three electro-valves, to modify the flow rate from the nozzles in real time, in relation to the variability of crop width. A constant application rate of 300 l ha−1 was compared with a variable rate application using the tree row volume principle at a 0.095 l m−3 canopy. The total flow rate sprayed by the nozzles was modified according to the variations of crop width measured by the ultrasonic sensors. On average 58% less liquid was applied compared to the constant rate application, with similar deposition on leaves with both treatments. A detailed analysis of savings indicates differences between the lower, middle and top part of the crop, in accordance with the leaf area distribution with crop height. No significant differences between treatments were detected in uniformity of liquid distribution and capability to reach the inner parts of the crop. This important reduction in spray volume could be followed by an equivalent reduction of plant protection products but further research work is needed to guarantee biological efficacy of a reduced dose. This work was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science, and it is part of the funded research project AGL2002-04260-C04-03

In 2009, the European Directive for a Sustainable Use of Pesticides (128/2009/CE) established important mandatory actions to be accomplished by all Member States (MS) in the European Union. The main objective is to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides by reducing their risks and impacts on human health and the environment. Among other important actions, drift reduction measures are essential to avoid the entry of plant protection products (PPP) in water or other undesirable areas. As the risk of environmental contamination is directly related to the spray application technology, there is a strong need for objective methods for drift evaluation as well as robust procedures for the classification of sprayers according to their risk of contamination. For this purpose, and as a complementary tool to actual drift measurement methodologies in the field or in laboratory conditions, a new method has been proposed for the quantification of the potential drift generated by horizontal boom sprayer systems using an ad hoc test bench. This study aims to evaluate the influence of wind velocity and wind direction on the drift potential value (DPV) using the proposed methodology and test bench. The results indicated that wind velocities below 1.0 m s-1 have a negligible influence on the DPV. Front wind led to higher DPVs than lateral wind. A global analysis of data indicates that the proposed methodology and test bench are interesting tools for the quick and objective evaluation of the potential drift if used in appropriate environmental conditions.

Background: Although colorectal carcinogenesis has been intensively studied, the published investigations do not provide a consistent description of how different carbohydrate determinants of colorectal epithelium are modified in colorectal cancer (CRC). Objective: This study is an attempt to characterize the terminal fucosylation steps responsible for the synthesis of mono-(Leª/Le x) and difucosylated (Le b/Le y) Lewis antigens in healthy and tumour CRC tissue. Methods: An immunohistochemical study of Lewis antigens' expression was undertaken, along with screening of the fucosyltransferase (FT) activities involved in their synthesis, on healthy and tumour samples from 18 patients undergoing CRC. Results: Analysis of α(1,2/3/4)FT activities involved in the sequential fucosylation of cores 1 and 2 showed significant increases in tumour tissue. Expressed as μU/mg and control vs. tumour activity (p from Wilcoxon's test), the FT activities for Leª/Le b synthesis were: lacto-N-biose α(1,2)/α(1,4)FT, 65.4 ± 19.0 vs. 186 ± 35.1 (p < 0.005); lacto-N-fucopentaose 1 α(1,4)FT, 64.9 ± 11.9 vs. 125.4 ± 20.7 (p < 0.005); Leª α(1,2)FT, 56.2 ± 7.2 vs. 130.5 ± 15.6 (p < 0.001). Similarly, for Le x/Le y synthesis were: N-acetyllactosamine α(1,2)-/α(1,3)FT, 53.4 ± 12.2 vs. 108.1 ± 18.9 (p < 0.001); 2'-Fucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine α(1,3)FT, 61.3 ± 10.7 vs. 126.4 ± 22.9 (p < 0.001); 2'-Fucosyllactose α(1,3)FT, 38.9 ± 10.9 vs. 143.6 ± 28.9 (p < 0.001); 2'-Methyllactose α(1,3)FT, 30.9 ± 4.8 vs. 66.1 ± 8.1 (p < 0.005); and Le x α(1,2)FT, 54.3 ± 11.9 vs. 88.2 ± 14.4 (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemical Le y expression was increased (p < 0.01 according to Wilcoxon's test) in tumour tissue, with 84.6% of specimens being positive: 7.7% weak, 15.4% moderate and 61.5% high intensity. Conclusions: Results suggest the activation of the biosynthesis pathways of mono-and difucosylated Lewis histo-blood antigens in tumour tissue from CRC patients, leading to the overexpression of Le y, probably at the expense of Le x.

It has been reported that surface glycoconjugates in tumour cells have more complex and more heavily sialylated sugar chains in glycoproteins. Here, we analysed CMP-NeuAc:asialofetuin sialyltransferase activities in total cell membranes from colorectal cancer tissue with respect to normal adjacent tissue, finding enhanced sialyltransferase activities. Determination of the kinetic parameters for the donor substrate, CMP-NeuAc, revealed that the apparent Km in tumour tissue was decreased as regards to the normal value. Furthermore, we failed to find any correlation between this activity and the characteristics of the samples such as the age or sex of the patient, or Dukes’ stage of the tumour. In order to know which sialyltransferase activity was altered, we studied the incorporation of NeuAc into N- and O-linked chains from asialofetuin. The results allow us to conclude that it is on N-linked chains where the activity is enhanced. With respect to α(2,3)- and α(2,6)-NeuAc linkages, we observed that enhanced activity in tumour tissues affects both linkages equally.

Drift is one of the most important issues to consider for realising sustainable pesticide sprays. This study proposes and tests an alternative methodology for quantifying the drift potential (DP) of air blast sprayers, trying to avoid the difficulties faced in conducting field trials according to the standard protocol (ISO 22866:2005). For this purpose, an ad hoc test bench designed for DP comparative measurements was used. The proposed methodology was evaluated in terms of robustness, repetitiveness and coherence by arranging a series of trials at two laboratories. Representative orchard and vineyard air blast sprayers in eight configurations (combination of two forward speeds, two air fan flow rates, and two nozzle types) were tested. The test bench was placed perpendicular to the spray track to collect the fraction of spray liquid remaining in the air after the spray process and potentially susceptible to drift out of the treated area. Downwind spray deposition curves were obtained and a new approach was proposed to calculate an index value of the DP estimation that could allow the differences among the tested configurations to be described. Results indicated that forward speed of 1.67 m/s allows better discrimination among configurations tested. Highest DP reduction, over 87.5%, was achieved using the TVI nozzles in combination with low air fan flow rate in both laboratories; conversely, the highest DP value was obtained with the ATR nozzles in combination with high air fan flow rate. Although the proposed method shows a promising potential to evaluate drift potential of different sprayer types and nozzles types used for bush and tree crops further research and tests are necessary to improve and validate this method.

Hand-held-trolley sprayers have recently been promoted to improve spray application techniques in greenhouses in south-eastern Spain. However, certain aspects remain to be improved. A modified hand-held-trolley sprayer was evaluated under two different canopy conditions (high and low canopy density) and with several sprayer settings (nozzle type, air assistance and spray volume). In this study, the deposition, coverage and uniformity of distribution of the spray on the canopy have been assessed.The deposition on leaves was significantly higher when flat-fan nozzles and air assistance were used at both high and low spray volumes. No differences were detected between the reference system at a high spray volume and the modified trolley at a low spray volume. Flat-fan nozzles with air assistance increased penetrability into the canopy.Air assistance and flat-fan nozzles allow volume rates to be reduced while maintaining or improving spray quality distribution. The working parameters of hand-held sprayers must be considered to reduce environmental risk and increase the efficacy of the spraying process. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Despite technological progress in pesticide application equipment, chemical crop protection continues to contribute to environmental pollution. Water is at risk of contamination with pesticides from point and diffuse sources and could be reduced to a great extent with a better sprayer design. The sprayer manufacturers and pesticide applicators need to take more responsibility for the prevention of water pollution and therefore they have to make environmentally responsible decisions at different stages, from designing to servicing sprayers. The objective of the presented work was to develop an interactive application that would support decisions made by sprayer manufacturers during the production process, and by pesticide applicators when selecting and operating the sprayers. The EOS (Environmentally Optimised Sprayer) is an application evaluating the risk mitigation potential of sprayers based on their technological features, within five risk areas, representing sources of pollution: (i) Inside Contamination; (ii) Outside Contamination; (iii) Filling; (iv) Spray Loss & Drift; (v) Remnants. The evaluator completes the EOS questionnaire by checking for the technical solutions identified in the evaluated sprayer and the result reflects the sprayer quality in terms of potential environmental risk mitigation. The EOS tool also proved its awareness raising facility and educative value when used during training activities and university courses.

The enhancement of lysosomal β-hexosaminidase degradative activity in different human cancer tissues is fairly well documented. Gastric tumors have attracted considerable attention on the basis of their social incidence and clinical recurrence. Here we report a comparative study of β-hexosaminidase activity and of its isoenzymes β-hexosaminidase A (HA) and β-hexosaminidase B (HB) from gastric adenocarcinoma and normal mucosa. Tumor β-hexosaminidase activity from crude extracts and chromatographically resolved HA and HB forms were analyzed as regards their physicochemical and enzymatic properties and were compared to similar samples obtained from control tissue. The existence of one active site in the β-hexosaminidase enzyme responsible for both N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and N-acetyl-β-D- galactosaminidase activities was determined. Apart from their relative contributions to β-hexosaminidase activities, two major differences appeared in tumor HA and HB forms with respect to the corresponding controls: (1) the presence of an atypical heat-stable HB isoenzyme in gastric adenocarcinoma, and (2) a significantly increased Vmax of the HA form acting on both p-nitrophenyl-N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminide and p-nitrophenyl-N-acetyl-β-D-galactosaminide substrates. The results show that the β-hexosaminidase HA and HB isoenzymes from gastric adenocarcinoma display different patterns of response from the same forms from other human tumors.

Previous studies on the interaction between the inactivating peptide of the Shaker B K+ channel (ShB peptide, H2N-MAAVAGLYGLGEDRQHRKKQ) and anionic phospholipid vesicles, used as model targets, have shown that the ShB peptide: (i) binds to the vesicle surface with high affinity; (ii) readily adopts a strongly hydrogen-bonded β-structure; and (iii) becomes inserted into the hydrophobic bilayer. We now report fluorescence studies showing that the vesicle-inserted ShB peptide is in a monomeric form and, therefore, the observed β-structure must be intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded to produce a β-hairpin conformation. Also, additional freeze–fracture and accessibility-to-trypsin studies, which aimed to estimate how deeply and in which orientation the folded monomeric peptide inserts into the model target, have allowed us to build structural models for the target-inserted peptide. In such models, the peptide has been folded near G6 to configure a long β-hairpin modelled to produce an internal cancellation of net charges in the stretch comprising amino acids 1–16. As to the positively charged C-terminal portion of the ShB peptide (RKKQ), this has been modelled to be in parallel with the anionic membrane surface to facilitate electrostatic interactions. Since the negatively charged surface and the hydrophobic domains in the model vesicle target may partly imitate those present at the inactivation ‘entrance ’ in the channel protein [Kukuljan, M., Labarca, P. and Latorre, R. (1995) Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol. 268, C535–C556], we believe that the structural models postulated here for the vesicle-inserted peptide could help to understand how the ShB peptide associates with the channel during inactivation and why mutations at specific sites in the ShB peptide sequence, such as that in the ShB-L7E peptide, result in non-inactivating peptide variants.

The use of a scanning Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system to characterize drift during pesticide application is described. The LIDAR system is compared with an ad hoc test bench used to quantify the amount of spray liquid moving beyond the canopy. Two sprayers were used during the field test; a conventional mist blower at two air flow rates (27,507 and 34,959 m3·h-1) equipped with two different nozzle types (conventional and air injection) and a multi row sprayer with individually oriented air outlets. A simple model based on a linear function was used to predict spray deposit using LIDAR measurements and to compare with the deposits measured over the test bench. Results showed differences in the effectiveness of the LIDAR sensor depending on the sprayed droplet size (nozzle type) and air intensity. For conventional mist blower and low air flow rate; the sensor detects a greater number of drift drops obtaining a better correlation (r = 0.91; p < 0.01) than for the case of coarse droplets or high air flow rate. In the case of the multi row sprayer; drift deposition in the test bench was very poor. In general; the use of the LIDAR sensor presents an interesting and easy technique to establish the potential drift of a specific spray situation as an adequate alternative for the evaluation of drift potential.

Many surveys have shown that on some farms crop sprayers are in poor mechanical condition. Research indicates that in early to mid-season around 55% of the spray aimed at apple trees and grapevines actually hits the target, the remainder falls to the ground or goes off into the air.

Summary Background A universal hallmark of cancer cells is the change in their glycosylation phenotype. One of the most frequent alterations in the normal glycosylation pattern observed during carcinogenesis is the enhancement of α(1,6)linked fucose residues of glycoproteins, due to the up-regulation of the α(1,6)fucosyltransferase activity. Our previous results demonstrated the specific alteration of this enzyme activity and expression in colorectal cancer, suggesting its implication in tumour development and progression. Methods In the current work we combined a LCA-affinity chromatography with SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry in order to identify α(1,6)fucosylated proteins differentially expressed in colorectal cancer. This strategy allowed the identification of a group of α(1,6)fucosylated proteins candidates to be involved in CRC malignancy. Results The majority of the identified proteins take part in cell signaling and interaction processes as well as in modulation of the immunological response. Likewise, we confirmed the increased expression of GRP94 in colorectal cancer tissue and the significant down-regulation of the IgGFcBP expression in tumour cells. Conclusion All these results validate the importance of core-fucosylated proteins profile analysis to understand the mechanisms which promote cancer onset and progression and to discover new tumour markers or therapeutic targets.

Electronic canopy characterization is an important issue in tree crop management. Ultrasonic and optical sensors are the most used for this purpose. The objective of this work was to assess the performance of an ultrasonic sensor under laboratory and field conditions in order to provide reliable estimations of distance measurements to apple tree canopies. To this purpose, a methodology has been designed to analyze sensor performance in relation to foliage ranging and to interferences with adjacent sensors when working simultaneously. Results show that the average error in distance measurement using the ultrasonic sensor in laboratory conditions is ±0.53 cm. However, the increase of variability in field conditions reduces the accuracy of this kind of sensors when estimating distances to canopies. The average error in such situations is ±5.11 cm. When analyzing interferences of adjacent sensors 30 cm apart, the average error is ±17.46 cm. When sensors are separated 60 cm, the average error is ±9.29 cm. The ultrasonic sensor tested has been proven to be suitable to estimate distances to the canopy in field conditions when sensors are 60 cm apart or more and could, therefore, be used in a system to estimate structural canopy parameters in precision horticulture. This work has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and by the European Union through the FEDER funds and is part of research projects Pulvexact (AGL2002-04260-C04-02), Optidosa (AGL2007-66093-C04-03) and Safespray (AGL2010-22304-C04-03).

Canopy characterization is a key factor to improve pesticide application methods in tree crops and vineyards. Development of quick, easy and efficient methods to determine the fundamental parameters used to characterize canopy structure is thus an important need. In this research the use of ultrasonic and LIDAR sensors have been compared with the traditional manual and destructive canopy measurement procedure. For both methods the values of key parameters such as crop height, crop width, crop volume or leaf area have been compared. Obtained results indicate that an ultrasonic sensor is an appropriate tool to determine the average canopy characteristics, while a LIDAR sensor provides more accuracy and detailed information about the canopy. Good correlations have been obtained between crop volume (CVU) values measured with ultrasonic sensors and leaf area index, LAI (R2 = 0.51). A good correlation has also been obtained between the canopy volume measured with ultrasonic and LIDAR sensors (R2 = 0.52). Laser measurements of crop height (CHL) allow one to accurately predict the canopy volume. The proposed new technologies seems very appropriate as complementary tools to improve the efficiency of pesticide applications, although further improvements are still needed. This work was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Project AGL2007- 66093-C04-02), and the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund).

Objective: CDw75 is an α(2,6)-sialylated antigen associated with a poor prognosis in gastric cancer. In the present study, we examined if CDw75 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) predicts tumour recurrence.Besides, we evaluated CDw75 expression in different colorectal tissue specimens to clarify their role in tumour development and progression. Methods: We analyzed CDw75 expression in 34 specimens of healthy disease-free colorectal mucosa, 19 specimens of inflammatory colorectal mucosa, 73 colorectal adenomas, 35 specimens of healthy tissue and 101 specimens of tumoural tissue from CRC patients. Results: None of the healthy disease-free and inflammatory colorectal mucosa specimens showed the presence of the epitope. CDw75 was expressed in 26% of the colorectal adenomas. In healthy and tumoural tissue from CRC patients, CDw75 was detected in 22.9% and 82.2% of the specimens, respectively. CDw75 expression in tumoural tissue was correlated with growth pattern (p = 0.044), Dukes stage (p = 0.002), TNM stage (p = 0.020) and distant metastasis (p = 0.005). Survival analysis showed that CDw75 expression is not associated with tumour recurrence.Conclusion: CDw75 expression in CRC is not a prognostic factor for predicting disease-free survival. Nevertheless, CDw75 expression may be agood marker of tumour progressionand of the malignant potential of CRC.

Two different spray application methods were compared in three vine varieties at different crop stages. A conventional spray application with a constant volume rate per unit ground area (1 ha(-1)) was compared with a variable rate application method designed to compensate electronically for measured variations in canopy dimensions. An air-blast sprayer with individual multi-nozzle spouts was fitted with three Ultrasonic sensors and three electro valves on one side, in order to modify the emitted flow rate of the nozzles according to the variability of canopy dimensions in real time. The Purpose of this prototype was to precisely apply the required amount of spray liquid and avoid over dosing. On average, a 58% saving in application volume was achieved with the variable rate method, obtaining similar or even better leaf deposits. This work was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science, and was part of research project AGL2007-66093-C04-02/AGR. We are grateful to Professor Jordi Valero from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya for his help in the statistical analysis and Xavier Vidal director of the School of Viticulture “Mercè Rosell” at Espiells (Barcelona) for his help during the field experiments.

In recent years, LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors have been widely used to measure environmental parameters such as the structural characteristics of trees, crops and forests. Knowledge of the structural characteristics of plants has a high scientific value due to their influence in many biophysical processes including, photosynthesis, growth, CO2-sequestration and evapotranspiration, playing a key role in the exchange of matter and energy between plants and the atmosphere, and affecting terrestrial, above-ground, carbon storage. In this work, we report the use of a 2D LIDAR scanner in agriculture to obtain three-dimensional (3D) structural characteristics of plants. LIDAR allows fast, non-destructive measurement of the 3D structure of vegetation (geometry, size, height, cross-section, etc.). LIDAR provides a 3D cloud of points, which is easily visualized with Computer Aided Design software. Three-dimensional, high density data are uniquely valuable for the qualitative and quantitative study of the geometric parameters of plants. Results are demonstrated in fruit and citrus orchards and vineyards, leading to the conclusion that the LIDAR system is able to measure the geometric characteristics of plants with sufficient precision for most agriculture applications. The developed system made it possible to obtain 3D digitalized images of crops, from which a large amount of plant information – such as height, width, volume, leaf area index and leaf area density – could be obtained. There was a great degree of concordance between the physical dimensions, shape and global appearance of the 3D digital plant structure and the real plants, revealing the coherence of the 3D tree model obtained from the developed system with respect to the real structure. For some selected trees, the correlation coefficient obtained between manually measured volumes and those obtained from the 3D LIDAR models was as high as 0.976. This research was funded by the CICYT (Comisión Interministerial de Ciencia y Tecnología, Spain), under Agreement No. AGL2002-04260-C04-02. LMS200 and SICK are trademarks of SICK AG, Germany.

Objective: Although downregulation of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) has been correlated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC), it is also possible that colon cancer spreading comes from reducing tumor cell adhesion through NCAM polysialylation, as occurs in lung carcinoma or Wilms’ tumor. Methods: To prove this hypothesis, we have performed a prospective study on tumor and control specimens from 39 CRC patients, which were immunostained for NCAM and PSA (polysialic acid) expression. Results: Tumor versus control expression of NCAM and PSA epitopes in tissue specimens, as well as correlation between tumor expression and clinicopathological features, were statistically analyzed. Results showed a low constitutive expression of NCAM and PSA (PSA-NCAM) in control tissue, which reached a statistically significant increase in the tumor tissue. Likewise, the presence and number of lymph node metastases at surgery were correlated with NCAM expression and PSA/NCAM coexpression. Conclusions: These data highlight the importance of taking into account PSA-associated epitopes when dealing with NCAM cell expression studies in tumor development and progression. The analysis of PSA and NCAM expression in CRC suggests a new way, other than downregulation of NCAM, in order to escape contact inhibition and promote cell tumor spreading in colorectal cancer.

The use of a low-cost tractor-mounted scanning Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system for capable of making non-destructive recordings of tree-row structure in orchards and vineyards is described. Field tests consisted of several LIDAR measurements on both sides of the crop row, before and after defoliation of selected trees. Summary parameters describing the tree-row volume and the total crop surface area viewed by the LIDAR (expressed as a ratio with ground surface area) were derived using a suitable numerical algorithm. The results for apple and pear orchards and a wine producing vineyard were shown to be in reasonable agreement with the results derived from a destructive leaf sampling method. Also, good correlation was found between manual and sensor-based measurements of the vegetative volume of tree-row plantations. The Tree Area Index parameter, TAI, gave the best correlation between destructive and non-destructive (i.e. LIDAR-based) determinants of crop leaf area. The LIDAR system proved to be a powerful technique for low cost, prompt and non-destructive estimates of the volume and leaf-area characteristics of plants. This research was funded by the CICYT (Comisión Interministerial de Ciencia y Tecnología, Spain), under Agreement No. AGL2002-04260-C04-02.

Changes in enzyme activity and the expression levels of alpha(1,6)fucosyltransferase [alpha(1,6)FT] have been reported in certain types of malignant transformations. To develop a better understanding of the role of alpha(1,6)FT in human colorectal carcinoma (CRC), we analysed the enzyme activity in healthy and tumour tissues. alpha(1,6)FT activity was considerably higher in tumour tissue than in healthy tissue and was related to gender, lymph node metastasis, type of growth and tumour stage. We also observed a significant increase in the alpha(1,6)FT expression in tumour tissues as compared to healthy and transitional tissues, inflammatory lesions and adenomas. The immunohistochemical expression in tumour tissues was correlated with the degree of infiltration through the intestinal wall. Finally, a statistical correlation was found between enzyme activity and expression obtained by Western blot in colorectal tumours when compared in the same patient. All these findings demonstrate an alteration of alpha(1,6)FT activity and expression in CRC.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the experience of the Agriculture Engineering School of Barcelona (ESAB), where undergraduate students were involved in field research experiments on organic waste use in agricultural systems.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines how the formation of professionals oriented to work for OWM companies has been successfully promoted.FindingsAgricultural systems can assimilate self‐produced organic wastes (OW) and others from different sources. Their management for crop production can generate enormous economic and environmental benefits which can contribute to sustainable development. The implementation of an integrated strategy for OW treatment (OWT) and management (OWM) must be adapted to the characteristics of the specific geographical region and must consider the interrelations among diverse subjects such as: soil science, fertilizer management, plant production, animal husbandry, farm machinery, climate and culture.Practical implicationsThe education of future specialists in OWM requires a multidisciplinary education which can be effectively achieved if those topics are incorporated into the educational programs of agriculture engineering schools.Originality/valueThe paper shows how agricultural systems can assimilate self‐produced organic wastes from different sources.

New instruments of chemical dose adjustment for spray application in tree orchards (deciduous fruits, vineyards and citrus) has been developed in a three year cooperative project (PULVEXACT) involving four R+D Spanish institutes and universities (Agriculture, Livestok and Fisheries Department of the Regional Government of Catalonia, University of Lleida, Catalunya Polytechnic University and Valencia Polytechnic University). A decision scheme (DOSA) for farmers and crop protection advisers on the basis of tree crop characteristics (crop, variety, training system, development stage, tree and row spacing, height, depth, geometry, LAI, ...) and providing the optimal volume rates has been implemented to run in PCs. Additionally for measuring canopy size and leaf density variability, an electronic measurement system for detecting plants geometry and other shape parameters, by means of a terrestrial laser scanner (LIDAR) and ultrasonic sensors (US), has been implemented. A considerable computational and experimental effort has been carried out in order to analyze the electronic data and to transform it on structural information parameters to be used as valuable information for sprayer control. Finally the US system has been successfully used on dynamic regulation in real-time of spray flux providing an optimized pesticide application method. All this work will make possible a dose adjustment to match the real needs for chemical control of pests and diseases in the above-mentioned crops and therefore a significant reduction of the environmental impact of spray applications and a cut back of farming costs.

The adjustment of spray application conditions is still an issue in spray applications in fruit crops. Many fruit varieties are found in apple and pear orchards, that can be in different development stages and grown in a wide range of training systems. The active ingredient of a pesticide preparation can be delivered using different volume application rates (VAR), which if not well adjusted to each orchard can cause a diminution of the application efficiency. The objective of the work was to decide the best VAR in two apple varieties (Golden and Red Chief) and two pear varieties (Blanquilla and Conference). During two growing seasons, three VAR (400, 800 and 1600 l/ha) were tested in different orchards. Spraying parameters were kept as similar as possible (sprayer, forward speed, droplet size, air volume rate, weather conditions, etc.) so that the differences were mainly caused by the tested VAR. Depending on the results, there was a possibility to design and test a variable rate (VR) sprayer prototype able to deliver an specific flow rate according to the volume of vegetation detected by ultrasonic sensors. According to the results, no clear trends were found between the three different VAR, although it seems that the lowest VAR could be more suitable for early season spraying, whereas in full stage applications the highest VAR seemed more adequate. The fact that the same droplet size and a last generation sprayer were always used can explain why no differences between the corresponding spray deposits were found. The results found led us to develop and validate the VR prototype turning out into very optimistic results on dose adjustment in real-time.

With falling market prices for grapes, many growers are unable to afford new directed deposition vineyard sprayers. 50% of the juice grape growers in New York and Pennsylvania use Kinkelder sprayers. Kinkleder sprayers are notorious for their high wind speed and air shear nozzles which create a highly visible spray plume resulting in drift and poor deposition. A new air deflector system was designed at Cornell University to provide horizontal airflow. Results in field trials in Vitis labrusca var. Concord, indicates an improvement in deposition throughout the canopy of 25%. Drift was considerably reduced. Further field trails are to be conducted to evaluate the biological effectiveness of the new air deflectors.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the activity of CMP-NeuAc:Galβ(1,4)GlcNAc sialyltransferase (ST6Gal I) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: ST6Gal I activity was determined in healthy, transitional and tumor tissues from the same patient using asialotransferrin and N-acetyllactosamine as acceptors. Results: ST6Gal I activities with asialotransferrin (n = 85) and N-acetyllactosamine (n = 40) as acceptors were statistically significantly enhanced in CRC tissue compared with healthy mucosa from the same patient (p = 0.001). Using transitional tissue (n = 27), enhancement versus healthy tissue was observed (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between ST6Gal I activity with N-acetyllactosamine and asialotransferrin in healthy (n = 32), tumorous (n = 32) and transitional tissue (n = 27), supporting the fact that the same enzyme was detected using both acceptors. Furthermore, we studied the relationship between some patients’ clinicopathological features and ST6Gal I activity. Although the differences were not statistically significant, the levels of ST6Gal I activity in tumorous and transitional tissues varied with the histological grade of the tumor; however, we failed to find a correlation with the AJCC tumor classification. Conclusions: This work reports enhanced ST6Gal I activity in tumor and transitional tissues from CRC patients. However, our overall results suggest that ST6Gal I activity is not indicative of the patient’s outcome.

Objectives: Sialyl-Tn (sTn) is a mucin carbohydrate-associated antigen that is strongly expressed in a large number of colorectal carcinomas. In this study, we combined immunohistochemical and enzymatic techniques in order to find the correlation between sTn tissue expression and the sialyltransferase activity (ST6GalNAc I) responsible for its synthesis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods: We compared sTn expression in healthy (n = 46), tumorous (n = 60) and transitional tissue (n = 46) from CRC patients, and correlated sTn altered expression with clinicopathologic variables of the patient. Furthermore, we determined ST6GalNAc I tissue activity employing asialo-ovine submaxillary mucin (asialo-OSM) as glycoprotein acceptor (n = 27). Results: The rates of sTn positive expression obtained for healthy, tumorous and transitional tissues were 15, 67 and 63%, respectively. These rates led to statistically significant differences between healthy and tumorous or transitional tissue (p = 0.001); sTn expression was related to the first stages of the tumor invasion in transitional tissue. As regards ST6GalNAc I activity, we found an enhancement in transitional tissue. Statistical correlation analysis did not reveal association between sTn expression and ST6GalNAc I activity. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that sTn antigen tissue expression and ST6GalNAc I activity levels were not correlated in CRC, in spite of the overexpression of the antigen in tumorous and transitional tissue.