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Phylo-Plex: A phylogenetically informed, low-cost amplicon sequencing platform for deployable high-resolution genomic epidemiology

2026-04-21T11:35:19Z

Title: Phylo-Plex: A phylogenetically informed, low-cost amplicon sequencing platform for deployable high-resolution genomic epidemiology Authors: Mathew A Beale; Vignesh Shetty; Kirsty E Ambridge; George Lacey; Sam Dougan; William Roberts-Sengier; Beth Sampher; Florent Lassalle; Matthew J Dorman; Mahlape P Mahlangu; Johanna ME Venter,; Bianca Da Costa Dias; Chipinduro, Martha; Tendai M. Washaya; Luanne Rodgers; Beauty Makamure; Ethel Dauya; Michael Marks; Etienne E. Müller; Rashida A Ferrand; Nicholas R Thomson Abstract: Genomic pathogen surveillance is a powerful tool for public health and research, but is costly and unachievable in low-resource settings. Most sub-genomic typing methods sacrifice resolution whilst remaining costly. We developed “Phylo-Plex”, a novel approach that identifies information-rich genomic regions to maximise phylogenetic information whilst minimising the number of regions. Applied to Treponema pallidum, we designed a high-resolution multiplex PCR sequencing scheme for lineage tracking. Using MinION Flongle cells, we sequenced 72 clinical samples. Our T. pallidum scheme comprising 59 multiplex amplicons achieved high discrimination of fine-scale sublineages comparable to those defined using whole genomes, and demonstrating a qPCR detection limit ≤Ct 32. Variant calls from MinION amplicon sequencing were highly correlated with Illumina whole genome sequencing. We successfully deployed the method in a low-resource laboratory in Zimbabwe, costed at <£300/24 samples (£12.47/sample). Phylo-Plex enables low-cost tracking of priority pathogenic lineages in low resource settings and at scale. Description: This article is a preprint and has not been peer-reviewed

Social and Behavioural Determinants of Energy Efficiency amongst Children and Young People in Zimbabwe: A Qualitative Study

2026-03-12T14:34:01Z

Title: Social and Behavioural Determinants of Energy Efficiency amongst Children and Young People in Zimbabwe: A Qualitative Study Authors: Munodawafa, Davison; Manjeru, Pepukai; Mugandani, Raymond; Moetsabi, Titus; Goronga, Lioyd; Titu, Shanna Zelda; Mupfumira, Linda Abstract: Background: Household energy consumption is a major contributor to global emissions. In Zimbabwe, heavy reliance on traditional fuels and limited electricity access makes understanding youth energy-saving behaviours critical for public health and environmental interventions. This study explored the social and behavioural determinants of energy efficiency amongst Zimbabwean children and young people. Materials and Methods: A qualitative formative assessment was conducted in four diverse districts, guided by the social ecological model and theory of planned behaviour. Data were collected via 64 focus groups (ages 4–24), 20 key informant interviews and 40 in-depth interviews. Transcripts were thematically analysed. The manuscript was prepared in accordance with the COREQ 32-item checklist. Results: Energy literacy was functional but lacked technical depth, varying significantly with age. Behaviour was dictated by structural constraints, not choice. Prohibitive electricity costs described by respondents as ‘like paying lobola’ and persistent power cuts were dominant barriers, forcing reliance on firewood despite awareness of environmental impacts. Economic necessity frequently superseded cultural norms regarding fuel use. Conclusion: Energy behaviours amongst Zimbabwean youth are shaped by systemic barriers and socio-economic status, which override individual intentions. Interventions must move beyond knowledge-based approaches to tackle structural inequalities in energy access and affordability. We recommend age-appropriate education and policy actions that improve infrastructure and support affordable alternatives like residential solar.

Potential Impacts of Emerging Trends in Biomedical Research on Zimbabwe's Future Health Sector Development

2026-03-12T08:17:44Z

Title: Potential Impacts of Emerging Trends in Biomedical Research on Zimbabwe's Future Health Sector Development Authors: Ngorima, Godwins; Kapanga, Donald T.; Mutaramutswa, Alfred M.; Nyirenda, Trust; Nhari, Leroy; Maunganidze, Fabian; Mawere, Cephas; Bhebhe, Michael; Mabaya, Lucy; Nyagumbo, Elliot Abstract: Biomedical research in Zimbabwe is an expanding field, predominantly addressing region-specific health challenges such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and non-communicable diseases. This study explores the prospective influence of emerging biomedical technologies on the development of Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector. While the societal benefits of research are often evaluated qualitatively rather than through economic metrics, historically, these contributions have been among the most significant in advancing public health. As human life expectancy continues to rise, policymakers and economists are increasingly concerned with the long-term social implications and escalating demand for healthcare services. The study employs exploratory desk-study and secondary research, assesses how emerging biomedical technologies could affect Zimbabwe's health sector. Its forward-looking, policy-oriented design synthesises existing knowledge to identify trends and propose strategic recommendations, relying solely on secondary data without primary collection. This investigation assesses how novel biomedical innovations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, precision medicine, telemedicine, big data analytics, immunotherapies, biologics, point-of-care diagnostics, and the Internet of Things may impact Zimbabwe’s health system. The integration of these technologies promises to enhance diagnostic accuracy, enable personalised treatment strategies, and foster more efficient, inclusive, and patient-centered healthcare delivery. This data-driven analysis aims to provide strategic insights into the adoption of emerging biomedical research trends, thereby informing future health sector development in Zimbabwe.

Artifactual Hypoglycemia Masquerading as a Medical Emergency: A Diagnostic Pitfall of High-Dose Vitamin C

2025-11-03T07:53:58Z

Title: Artifactual Hypoglycemia Masquerading as a Medical Emergency: A Diagnostic Pitfall of High-Dose Vitamin C Authors: Hlupeni, Admire; Rayvlin John Liceralde; Adekunle Obisesan; Tariq Tanoli Abstract: Introduction Severe hypoglycemia prompts emergent intervention, yet not all low glucose readings reflect true hypoglycemia. We present a striking case of extreme artifactual hypoglycemia due to high-dose vitamin C therapy, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and management implications. Case Report A 76-year-old man with metastatic prostate cancer, receiving high-dose vitamin C as part of alternative therapy, presented with worsening malaise, oliguria, and edema. On presentation, despite critically low blood glucose (BG) reading (<20 mg/dL) on both point-of-care glucometer and laboratory testing, the patient remained asymptomatic. Repeated dextrose infusions failed to increase the recorded BG levels, contradicting the expected response in true hypoglycemia. Dialysis, rather than dextrose, ultimately corrected his BG readings. Additionally, his liver enzymes, initially undetectable on presentation, became measurable as dialysis progressed. Further investigation identified markedly elevated vitamin C levels as the interfering substance, affecting both standard glucose and liver enzyme assays, leading to pseudo-hypoglycemia. Discussion This case highlights the impact of high-dose vitamin C on glucose oxidase-based assays, causing pseudohypoglycemia and potentially triggering inappropriate clinical interventions. Also, over-reliance on laboratory values without clinical correlation can be costly and problematic particularly in critically ill patients, emphasizing the need for contextual interpretation of biochemical data. Alternative glucose measurement methods, such as hexokinase assays, may be required in suspected cases. Conclusion Clinicians should suspect pseudohypoglycemia when glucose readings are critically low but the patient lacks corresponding symptoms, especially in patients pursuing alternative medicine. Whipple's Triad remains vital in differentiating true hypoglycemia from laboratory artifact, preventing unnecessary escalation of care.