Agriculture's contribution to national emissions

This info note offers an overview of the distribution of agricultural emissions among countries and the relative contribution of agriculture to national emissions. It is based on three data sources: the FAOSTAT database of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) global emission estimates for 2010 and national reports to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Institutional innovations in African smallholder carbon projects

This paper synthesizes the insights of six African agricultural carbon project case studies and identifies institutional innovations among these projects that are contributing to long-term project success while maximizing benefits and minimizing risk for participating farmers. We review project organization and management, the structure and role of community groups within the projects, costs and benefits for managers and farmers, strategies to manage risks to farmers, and efforts to support women’s participation. Projects have developed organizational systems for financial management, agricultural extension, and carbon monitoring. All of these were managed by project management entities, with farmers implementing practices and supporting monitoring systems. Most projects engaged farmers in small groups and larger clusters of groups, which enabled broad participation, efficient contracting, timely communication, provision of extension services, benefit-sharing, and gender-focused activities. Direct carbon payments to farmers were low. Consequently projects needed to manage expectations around benefits carefully, support more efficient systems of aggregation and ensure non-cash benefits for farmers. Managing power dynamics within and among farmer groups was a significant challenge to ensuring equitable decision-making and participation. Mechanisms for settling conflict over land and benefits were also critical. We present action research questions that emerged from the first phase of this work and discuss the future of the initiative. Case studies about each agriculture carbon project from which our analysis is drawn can be downloaded along with the main report

Retrospective analysis of alpha‐human papillomavirus (HPV) types in tissue samples from anogenital dysplasias – introduction of the RICH (Risk of HPV‐related Carcinoma in HIV+/− patients) score

Background Chronic viral infections caused by highly contagious human papillomaviruses (HPVs) from the alpha genus are a substantial risk factor for tumour diseases. Objectives The goal of this study was to compare the HPV infection pattern with histology in a patient group of immunocompromised HIV+ and non‐immunocompromised patients with anal intraepithelial neoplasia. Materials and Methods Tissue samples (n = 210) from the anogenital area of 121 patients underwent retrospective histological and molecular examination for HPV DNA prevalence by chip analysis. The study was part of a cancer screening from the Dermatology Department of the LMU Munich, Germany. All data were collected and processed anonymously. Results HPV 6 or 11 are more abundant in tissue samples from histologically diagnosed condylomata acuminata (47.7%) compared to grade 1, 2, and 3 intraepithelial neoplasias (IN 1‐3). Detection of high‐risk (hr) alpha‐HPV DNA was significantly higher in tissue samples from IN 3 (67.5%) compared to IN 1 and 2 (12.9%), and compared to condylomata acuminata (29.5%). No HPV types were detected in histologically unremarkable tissue samples. There was a significant association between the prevalence of HPV 16 and the classifications IN 1 to IN 3 (χ2 (2) = 13.62, P = 0.001). We identified a significant correlation between the prevalence of high‐risk and low‐risk (lr) HPV types and HIV, especially mixed infections of different HPV types correlated with high‐grade IN. Based on the present data, we suggest the risk of carcinoma in HIV+/− patients (RICH) score and test it in the 121 patients. Conclusions hr alpha‐HPVs, mainly HPV 16, are associated with increased oncogenic potential of premalignant lesions (IN 1‐3), especially in HIV+ patients. Based on the combination of HIV/HPV‐testing and histological analysis, we identified correlations that could potentially forecast the risk of malignant transformation and summarized them in the form of RICH score

Immundefekte bei chronischer Rhinosinusitis : eine bedeutende und oft unterschätzte Ursache

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most frequent chronic diseases. Among these patients the prevalence of immune defects is higher than in the healthy general population. Methods A selective review of the literature was carried out in PubMed and Medline covering the period between 2008 and 2019. Additionally, recent German publications in journals not listed in the abovementioned databases were analyzed. Results The diagnostic workflow with respect to the immunodeficiency consists of a detailed anamnesis and physical examination, laboratory tests and the antibody reaction to polysaccharide vaccines and antigens. Beside antibiotic treatment, vaccinations and immunoglobulin replacement are available. Notwithstanding the above, functional endoscopic surgery of the paranasal sinuses should be performed according to guideline recommendations. Conclusion Patients with CRS who do not sufficiently respond to conservative and surgical treatment should be checked for underlying immunodeficiencies

Dupilumab provides rapid and sustained improvement in SCORAD outcomes in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: combined results of four randomized phase 3 trials

Background:Dupilumab, a first-in-class therapy targeting the two key cytokines involved in the persistent underlying inflammatory pathway in atopic dermatitis (AD), is approved for treatment of moderate-to-severe AD in Europe, USA, Japan and several other countries. Objective:To assess dupilumab effects on SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and component scores (objective and subjective SCORAD) over time in adults with moderate-to-severe AD. Methods:Thispost hocanalysis included 2,444 patients in four placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, phase 3 trials. SOLO 1 and 2 (NCT02277743; NCT02277769) evaluated 16 weeks of dupilumab monotherapy against placebo. CAFe (NCT02755649) and CHRONOS (NCT02260986) evaluated dupilumab with concomitant topical corticosteroids (TCS) against TCS alone for 16 and 52 weeks, respectively. Results:2,444 patients randomized to treatment in SOLO 1 and 2 (N = 1,379), CAFe (N = 325) and CHRONOS (N = 740) were analyzed. Dupilumab treatment significantly improved overall SCORAD and individual components as early as Week 1 or 2, with significant and clinically meaningful differences vs. control through end of treatment (p < .0001). These results occurred irrespective of dupilumab regimen, 300 mg subcutaneously weekly or every 2 weeks. Conclusions:In four large phase 3 trials in adults with moderate-to-severe AD, dupilumab treatment with or without concomitant TCS resulted in rapid and sustained improvements in all SCORAD outcomes vs. placebo or TCS alone

Framework for rapid country-level analysis of AFOLU mitigation options

Mitigation in the agricultural sector is critical to meeting the 2 ̊C target set by the Paris Agreement. Recent analysis indicates that land-based mitigation can potentially contribute about 30% of the reduction is needed to reach the 2030 target. However, action to reduce emissions from the agricultural sector has lagged behind other sectors. Action and investment in agriculture have been constrained by a lack of policy-relevant and science-based methods estimating GHG emissions and mitigation potential that contribute to decision making. In this paper, we present a framework for a rapid country-level scientific assessment of emissions and mitigation potential from the agricultural, forestry and other land-use (AFOLU) sector. The framework sets targets for AFOLU mitigation based on local agro- environmental conditions, mitigation options best fitted for those conditions and stakeholder input. It relies on the use of simple models or tools to estimate emissions at the farm gate using a mix of Tier 1, Tier 2 and simple Tier 3 methods under baseline, business-as-usual (BAU) and mitigation scenarios. The mitigation potential of low-emissions agriculture options is determined relative to a baseline or BAU scenario. The framework also enables examining the likely level of implementation of low-emission options. This includes assessing the cost and additional benefits of applying the identified low- emission options across different jurisdictions of interest. The feasibility of these options, assessment of institutional capacity for scaling and identification of barriers and risks of adoption to identify priorities are also determined. This information is used by stakeholders and experts to develop a road map for implementation. Rapid assessment of national mitigation potentials can help countries to assess their Nationally Determined Contributions’ (NDC) targets and prioritize mitigation options for achieving the targets and monitor progress towards their achievement. Spatially explicit information helps countries plan implementation at subnational levels

The 4 per 1000 initiative.

Soil organic matter is at the nexus of global challenges: food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, soil security. The 4 per 1000 initiative, launched at the Climate COP21 within the Lima-Paris Action Agenda proposes to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks to simultaneously address all these challenges. It directly addresses three sustainable development goals: SDG2 ?no hunger?, SDG13 ?Climate action?, and SDG15 ?Life on land? and indirectly concerns several others. The initiative targets agricultural soils in priority, which are often the most degraded soils and because of the high expected benefits in terms of soil fertility and hence of productivity. A range of agricultural practices are available that allow to increase SOC stocks while ensuring a resilient, productive and environmentally friendly agriculture, so that a large-scale deployment can be aimed at. Here, we review and discuss the main limits and criticisms addressed to the 4 per 1000 initiative

An investment plan for low-emission rice production in the Mekong River Delta region in support of Vietnam's Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement

Rice production is integral to agriculture and food security in Vietnam, but it also contributes greenhouse gas emissions. In 2010, paddy rice production emitted 44.61 million tons carbon dioxide equivalents (MtCO2e), 18% of total national GHG emissions. A variety of options to mitigate GHG emissions from paddy rice show promise and will contribute to implementing Vietnam’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and green growth strategies. One of the most promising options is alternate wetting and drying (AWD), a technique in which fields are allowed to dry out to a certain point before irrigation instances. This paper focuses on the Mekong River Delta region, which produces more than 50% of total rice production and 95% of rice exported from Vietnam. This study employs a literature review, a study of promising GHG mitigation options, and an analysis of cost and benefits of AWD to develop an investment plan for AWD in the Mekong River Delta. In our field survey, we found AWD contributed to increasing farmers’ net incomes primarily by decreasing production costs. The study proposes an investment plan with four outputs and 15 investment activities with a goal of practicing AWD on 900,000 hectares in the Mekong River Delta and mitigating 10.97 M.tCO2e. A co-benefit is additional net income for farmers of 8,540 billion VND (USD 371.36 million) per year compared to conventional rice cultivation. The budget is USD 721.78 million (81.32% for hard infrastructure, 18.19% for MRV operation, research, performance and planning), of which 36.9% is provided by the state, 29.92% from local provinces, 21.77% from international support and 11.42% from the private sector. Mobilization of financial resources from public and private sectors and the integration into government plans and programs are recommended

Analysis of chromosome positions in the interphase nucleus of Chinese hamster cells by laser-UV-microirradiation experiments

Unsynchronized cells of an essentially diploid strain of female Chinese hamster cells derived from lung tissue (CHL) were laser-UV-microirradiated (=257 nm) in the nucleus either at its central part or at its periphery. After 7–9 h postincubation with 0.5 mM caffeine, chromosome preparations were made in situ. Twenty-one and 29 metaphase spreads, respectively, with partial chromosome shattering (PCS) obtained after micro-irradiation at these two nuclear sites, were Q-banded and analyzed in detail. A positive correlation was observed between the frequency of damage of chromosomes and both their DNA content and length at metaphase. No significant difference was observed between the frequencies of damage obtained for individual chromosomes at either site of microirradiation. The frequency of joint damage of homologous chromosomes was low as compared to nonhomologous ones. Considerable variation was noted in different cells in the combinations of jointly shattered chromosomes. Evidence which justifies an interpretation of these data in terms of an interphase arrangement of chromosome territories is discussed. Our data strongly argue against somatic pairing as a regular event, and suggest a considerable variability of chromosome positions in different nuclei. However, present data do not exclude the possibility of certain non-random chromosomal arrangements in CHL-nuclei. The interphase chromosome distribution revealed by these experiments is compared with centromere-centromere, centromere-center and angle analyses of metaphase spreads and the relationship between interphase and metaphase arrangements of chromosomes is discussed