Do Dispersing Monkeys Follow Kin? Evidence from Gray-cheeked Mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena)

Among social vertebrates, immigrants may incur a substantial fitness cost when they attempt to join a new group. Dispersers could reduce that cost, or increase their probability of mating via coalition formation, by immigrating into groups containing first- or second-degree relatives. We here examine whether dispersing males tend to move into groups containing fathers or brothers in gray-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena) in Kibale National Park, Uganda. We sampled blood from 21 subadult and adult male mangabeys in 7 social groups and genotyped them at 17 microsatellite loci. Twelve genotyped males dispersed to groups containing other genotyped adult males during the study; in only 1 case did the group contain a probable male relative. Contrary to the prediction that dispersing males would follow kin, relatively few adult male dyads were likely first- or second-degree relatives; opportunities for kin-biased dispersal by mangabeys appear to be rare. During 4 yr of observation, adult brothers shared a group only once, and for only 6 wk. Mean relatedness among adult males sharing a group was lower than that among males in different groups. Randomization tests indicate that closely related males share groups no more often than expected by chance, although these tests had limited power. We suggest that the demographic conditions that allow kin-biased dispersal to evolve do not occur in mangabeys, may be unusual among primates, and are worth further attention

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of azithromycin in severe malaria bacterial co-infection in African children (TABS-PKPD): a protocol for a Phase II randomised controlled trial [version 2; peer review: 1 approved]

Background: African children with severe malaria are susceptible to Gram-negative bacterial co-infection, largely non-typhoidal Salmonellae, leading to a substantially higher rates of in-hospital and post-discharge mortality than those without bacteraemia. Current evidence for treating co-infection is lacking, and there is no consensus on the dosage or length of treatment required. We therefore aimed to establish the appropriate dose of oral dispersible azithromycin as an antimicrobial treatment for children with severe malaria and to investigate whether antibiotics can be targeted to those at greatest risk of bacterial co-infection using clinical criteria alone or in combination with rapid diagnostic biomarker tests. Methods: A Phase I/II open-label trial comparing three doses of azithromycin: 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg spanning the lowest to highest mg/kg doses previously demonstrated to be equally effective as parenteral treatment for other salmonellae infection. Children with the highest risk of bacterial infection will receive five days of azithromycin and followed for 90 days. We will generate relevant pharmacokinetic data by sparse sampling during dosing intervals. We will use population pharmacokinetic modelling to determine the optimal azithromycin dose in severe malaria and investigate azithromycin exposure to change in C-reactive protein, a putative marker of sepsis at 72 hours, and microbiological cure (seven-day), alone and as a composite with seven-day survival. We will also evaluate whether a combination of clinical, point-of-care diagnostic tests, and/or biomarkers can accurately identify the sub-group of severe malaria with culture-proven bacteraemia by comparison with a control cohort of children hospitalized with severe malaria at low risk of bacterial co-infection. Discussion: We plan to study azithromycin because of its favourable microbiological spectrum, its inherent antimalarial and immunomodulatory properties and dosing and safety profile. This study will generate new data to inform the design and sample size for definitive Phase III trial evaluation. Registration: ISRCTN49726849 (27th October 2017)

Scenario analysis of the long-term impact on energy demand and emissions of B10 use as a clean transport fuel

Sustainable energy sources are continually advocated as the globe strives to transition from non-renewable forms. Energy security risks associated with the gradual depletion of petroleum resources and the related climate change effects require remedies. Nations have enacted laws stipulating biofuel blending mandates to reverse these adverse effects. Using the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) software, this study assessed the potential long-term impact on energy demand and CO2 emissions from implementing B10 (10% biodiesel and 90% conventional diesel blend) in Uganda’s petroleum sub-sector was assessed. Four scenarios were analysed from 2019 to 2050: baseline (100% fossil diesel), B10, B20 (20% biodiesel and 80% conventional diesel blend), and electric-powered transport, were analysed for 2019 to 2050. The analysis revealed that replacing fossil diesel with B10 reduces fossil-derived energy demand by 3.52% and projects an 8.38% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the baseline scenario. The B20 and electric vehicle scenarios offer an even greater reduction. Specifically, the B20 scenario shows an 8.46% decrease, and the electric scenario shows a 9.98% decrease in fossil-derived energy demand. These reductions are attributed to the lower proportion of fossil fuels in biodiesel blends and the higher energy efficiency of electric vehicles. B10 use as a substitute fuel for diesel-powered vehicles is expected to mitigate transport sector emissions in Uganda with minimal impact on final energy demand. B20 and electrification scenarios with lower final energy demand and higher environmental impact reductions are more advantageous relative to the B10 and baseline scenarios. Future analyses should establish the optimal renewable fuel and vehicular technologies mix for a net zero scenario by 2050 for Uganda’s transport sector

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of azithromycin in severe malaria bacterial co-infection in African children (TABS-PKPD): a protocol for a Phase II randomised controlled trial [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]

Background: African children with severe malaria are susceptible to Gram-negative bacterial co-infection, largely non-typhoidal Salmonellae, leading to a substantially higher rates of in-hospital and post-discharge mortality than those without bacteraemia. Current evidence for treating co-infection is lacking, and there is no consensus on the dosage or length of treatment required. We therefore aimed to establish the appropriate dose of oral dispersible azithromycin as an antimicrobial treatment for children with severe malaria and to investigate whether antibiotics can be targeted to those at greatest risk of bacterial co-infection using clinical criteria alone or in combination with rapid diagnostic biomarker tests. Methods: A Phase I/II open-label trial comparing three doses of azithromycin: 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg spanning the lowest to highest mg/kg doses previously demonstrated to be equally effective as parenteral treatment for other salmonellae infection. Children with the highest risk of bacterial infection will receive five days of azithromycin and followed for 90 days. We will generate relevant pharmacokinetic data by sparse sampling during dosing intervals. We will use population pharmacokinetic modelling to determine the optimal azithromycin dose in severe malaria and investigate azithromycin exposure to change in C-reactive protein, a putative marker of sepsis at 72 hours, and microbiological cure (seven-day), alone and as a composite with seven-day survival. We will also evaluate whether a combination of clinical, point-of-care diagnostic tests, and/or biomarkers can accurately identify the sub-group of severe malaria with culture-proven bacteraemia by comparison with a control cohort of children hospitalized with severe malaria at low risk of bacterial co-infection. Discussion: We plan to study azithromycin because of its favourable microbiological spectrum, its inherent antimalarial and immunomodulatory properties and dosing and safety profile. This study will generate new data to inform the design and sample size for definitive Phase III trial evaluation

Sickle cell anaemia and severe P. falciparum malaria: a secondary analysis of the Transfusion and Treatment of African Children Trial (TRACT)

Background: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) has historically been associated with high levels of childhood mortality in Africa. Although malaria has a major contribution to this mortality, to date, the clinical pathology of malaria among children with SCA has been poorly described. We aimed to explore the relationship between SCA and Plasmodium falciparum malaria in further detail by investigating the burden and severity of malaria infections among children recruited with severe anaemia to the TRACT trial of blood transfusion in Africa. Methods: This study is a post-hoc secondary analysis of the TRACT trial data, conducted after trial completion. TRACT was an open-label, multicentre, factorial, randomised controlled trial enrolling children aged 2 months to 12 years who presented with severe anaemia (haemoglobin <6·0 g/dL) to four hospitals in Africa. This secondary analysis is restricted to Uganda, where the birth prevalence of SCA is approximately 1% and malaria transmission is high. Children were classified as normal (HbAA), heterozygous (HbAS), or homozygous (HbSS; SCA) for the rs334 A→T sickle mutation in HBB following batch-genotyping by PCR at the end of the trial. To avoid confounding from SCA-specific medical interventions, we considered children with an existing diagnosis of SCA (known SCA) separately from those diagnosed at the end of the trial (unknown SCA). The outcomes considered in this secondary analysis were measures of P falciparum parasite burden, features of severe malaria, and mortality at day 28 in malaria-positive children. Findings: Between Sept 17, 2014, and May 15, 2017, 3944 children with severe anaemia were enrolled into the TRACT trial. 3483 children from Uganda were considered in this secondary analysis. Overall, 1038 (30%) of 3483 Ugandan children had SCA. 1815 (78%) of 2321 children without SCA (HbAA) tested positive for P falciparum malaria, whereas the prevalence was significantly lower in children with SCA (347 [33%] of 1038; p<0·0001). Concentrations of plasma P falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2), a marker of the total burden of malaria parasites within an individual, were significantly lower in children with either known SCA (median 8 ng/mL; IQR 0–57) or unknown SCA (7 ng/mL; 0–50) than in HbAA children (346 ng/mL; 21–2121; p<0·0001). In contrast to HbAA children, few HbSS children presented with classic features of severe and complicated malaria, but both the frequency and severity of anaemia were higher in HbSS children. We found no evidence for increased mortality at day 28 in those with SCA compared with those without SCA overall (hazard ratios 1·07 [95% CI 0·31–3·76] for known SCA and 0·67 [0·15–2·90] for unknown SCA). Interpretation: The current study suggests that children with SCA are innately protected against classic severe malaria. However, it also shows that even low-level infections can precipitate severe anaemic crises that would likely prove fatal without rapid access to blood transfusion services

Characterising demographics, knowledge, practices and clinical care among patients attending sickle cell disease clinics in Eastern Uganda [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

Background: In Uganda to date, there are neither established registries nor descriptions of facility-based sickle cell disease (SCD) patient characteristics beyond the central region. Here, we summarize data on the baseline clinical characteristics and routine care available to patients at four clinics in Eastern Uganda as a prelude to a clinical trial. Methods: Between February and August 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of patients attending four SCD clinics in Mbale, Soroti, Atutur and Ngora, all in Eastern Uganda, the planned sites for an upcoming clinical trial (H-PRIME: ISRCTN15724013). Data on socio-demographic characteristics, diagnostic methods, clinic schedules, the use of prophylactic and therapeutic drugs, clinical complications and patient understanding of SCD were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: Data were collected on 1829 patients. Their ages ranged from 0 to 64 years with a median (IQR) of 6 (3-11) years. 50.9% of participants were male. The majority (1151; 62.9%) reported a positive family history for SCD. Approximately half knew that SCD is inherited from both parents but a substantial proportion did not know how SCD is transmitted and small numbers believed that it is acquired by either transfusion or from other people. Only 118/1819 (6.5%) participants had heard about or were using hydroxyurea while 356/1794 (19.8%) reported stigmatization. Participants reported a median of three (IQR 1-4) hospital admissions during the preceding 12 months; 80.8% had been admitted at least once, while 14.2% had been admitted more than five times. Pain was the most common symptom, while 83.9% of those admitted had received at least one blood transfusion. Conclusion: The majority of patients attending SCD clinics in Eastern Uganda are children and few are currently being treated with hydroxyurea. The data collected through this facility-based survey will provide background data that will be useful in planning for the H-PRIME trial

Factors affecting haemoglobin dynamics in African children with acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria treated with single low dose primaquine or placebo

Background: Single low-dose primaquine (SLDPQ) effectively blocks the transmission of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, but anxiety remains regarding its haemolytic potential in patients with glucose-6-phopshate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. We, therefore, examined the independent effects of several factors on haemoglobin (Hb) dynamics in falciparum-infected children with a particular interest in SLDPQ and G6PD status. Methods: This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, safety trial was conducted in Congolese and Ugandan children aged 6 months–11 years with acute uncomplicated P. falciparum and day (D) 0 Hbs ≥ 6 g/dL who were treated with age-dosed SLDPQ/placebo and weight-dosed artemether lumefantrine (AL) or dihydroartemisinin piperaquine (DHAPP). Genotyping defined G6PD (G6PD c.202T allele), haemoglobin S (HbS), and α-thalassaemia status. Multivariable linear and logistic regression assessed factor independence for continuous Hb parameters and Hb recovery (D42 Hb > D0 Hb), respectively. Results: One thousand one hundred thirty-seven children, whose median age was 5 years, were randomised to receive: AL + SLDPQ (n = 286), AL + placebo (286), DHAPP + SLDPQ (283), and DHAPP + placebo (282). By G6PD status, 284 were G6PD deficient (239 hemizygous males, 45 homozygous females), 119 were heterozygous females, 418 and 299 were normal males and females, respectively, and 17 were of unknown status. The mean D0 Hb was 10.6 (SD 1.6) g/dL and was lower in younger children with longer illnesses, lower mid-upper arm circumferences, splenomegaly, and α-thalassaemia trait, who were either G6PDd or heterozygous females. The initial fractional fall in Hb was greater in younger children with higher D0 Hbs and D0 parasitaemias and longer illnesses but less in sickle cell trait. Older G6PDd children with lower starting Hbs and greater factional falls were more likely to achieve Hb recovery, whilst lower D42 Hb concentrations were associated with younger G6PD normal children with lower fractional falls, sickle cell disease, α-thalassaemia silent carrier and trait, and late treatment failures. Ten blood transfusions were given in the first week (5 SLDPQ, 5 placebo). Conclusions: In these falciparum-infected African children, posttreatment Hb changes were unaffected by SLDPQ, and G6PDd patients had favourable posttreatment Hb changes and a higher probability of Hb recovery. These reassuring findings support SLDPQ deployment without G6PD screening in Africa

A predictive algorithm for identifying children with sickle cell anemia among children admitted to hospital with severe anemia in Africa

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is common in sub-Saharan Africa where approximately 1% of births are affected. Severe anemia is a common cause for hospital admission within the region yet few studies have investigated the contribution made by SCA. The Transfusion and Treatment of severe anemia in African Children Trial (ISRCTN84086586) investigated various treatment strategies in 3983 children admitted with severe anemia (hemoglobin < 6.0 g/dl) based on two severity strata to four hospitals in Africa (three Uganda and one Malawi). Children with known-SCA were excluded from the uncomplicated stratum and capped at 25% in the complicated stratum. All participants were genotyped for SCA at trial completion. SCA was rare in Malawi (six patients overall), so here we focus on the participants recruited in Uganda. We present baseline characteristics by SCA status and propose an algorithm for identifying children with unknown-SCA. Overall, 430 (12%) and 608 (17%) of the 3483 Ugandan participants had known- or unknown-SCA, respectively. Children with SCA were less likely to be malaria-positive and more likely to have an affected sibling, have gross splenomegaly, or to have received a previous blood transfusion. Most outcomes, including mortality and readmission, were better in children with either known or unknown-SCA than non-SCA children. A simple algorithm based on seven admission criteria detected 73% of all children with unknown-SCA with a number needed to test to identify one new SCA case of only two. Our proposed algorithm offers an efficient and cost-effective approach to identifying children with unknown-SCA among all children admitted with severe anemia to African hospitals where screening is not widely available

Long-term Site Fidelity and Individual Home Range Shifts in Lophocebus albigena

We investigated long-term site fidelity of gray-cheeked mangabey (Lophocebus albigena) groups in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Concurrently, we monitored shifts in home range by individual females and subadult and adult males. We documented home range stability by calculating the area of overlap in successive years, and by recording the drift of each group’s monthly centroid from its initial location. Home ranges remained stable for 3 of our 4 groups (overlap over 10 yr >60%). Core areas were more labile, but group centroids drifted an average of only 530 m over the entire decade. Deviations from site fidelity were associated with dispersal or group fission. During natal dispersal, subadult males expanded their home ranges over many months, settling ≤4 home ranges away. Adult males, in contrast, typically dispersed within a few days to an adjacent group in an area of home range overlap. Adult males made solitary forays, but nearly always into areas used by their current group or by a group to which they had previously belonged. After secondary dispersal, they expanded their ranging in the company of their new group, apparently without prior solitary exploration of the new area. Some females also participated in home range shifts. Females shifted home ranges only within social groups, in association with temporary or permanent group splits. Our observations raise the possibility that male mangabeys use a finder-joiner mechanism when moving into new home ranges during secondary dispersal. Similarly, females might learn new resource locations from male immigrants before or during group fission

Randomised controlled trial of oxygen therapy and high-flow nasal therapy in African children with pneumonia

Purpose: The life-saving role of oxygen therapy in African children with severe pneumonia is not yet established. / Methods: The open-label fractional-factorial COAST trial randomised eligible Ugandan and Kenyan children aged > 28 days with severe pneumonia and severe hypoxaemia stratum (SpO2  3 h receipt of oxygen were excluded. The primary endpoint was 48 h mortality; secondary endpoints included mortality or neurocognitive sequelae at 28 days. / Results: The trial was stopped early after enrolling 1852/4200 children, including 388 in the severe hypoxaemia stratum (median 7 months; median SpO2 75%) randomised to HFNT (n = 194) or LFO (n = 194) and 1454 in the hypoxaemia stratum (median 9 months; median SpO2 88%) randomised to HFNT (n = 363) vs LFO (n = 364) vs permissive hypoxaemia (n = 727). Per-protocol 15% of patients in the permissive hypoxaemia group received oxygen (when SpO2 < 80%). In the severe hypoxaemia stratum, 48-h mortality was 9.3% for HFNT vs. 13.4% for LFO groups. In the hypoxaemia stratum, 48-h mortality was 1.1% for HFNT vs. 2.5% LFO and 1.4% for permissive hypoxaemia. In the hypoxaemia stratum, adjusted odds ratio for 48-h mortality in liberal vs permissive comparison was 1.16 (0.49–2.74; p = 0.73); HFNT vs LFO comparison was 0.60 (0.33–1.06; p = 0.08). Strata-specific 28 day mortality rates were, respectively: 18.6, 23.4 and 3.3, 4.1, 3.9%. Neurocognitive sequelae were rare. / Conclusions: Respiratory support with HFNT showing potential benefit should prompt further trials