Publications

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We applied modeling and simulation to examine the real-world tradeoffs between developingcountry public-health improvement and the need to improve the identification, tracking, and security of agents with bio-weapons potential. Traditionally, the international community has applied facility-focused strategies for improving biosecurity and biosafety. This work examines how system-level assessments and improvements can foster biosecurity and biosafety. We modeled medical laboratory resources and capabilities to identify scenarios where biosurveillance goals are transparently aligned with public health needs, and resource are distributed in a way that maximizes their ability to serve patients while minimizing security a nd safety risks. Our modeling platform simulates key processes involved in healthcare system operation, such as sample collection, transport, and analysis at medical laboratories. The research reported here extends the prior art by provided two key compone nts for comparative performance assessment: a model of patient interaction dynamics, and the capability to perform uncertainty quantification. In addition, we have outlined a process for incorporating quantitative biosecurity and biosafety risk measures. Two test problems were used to exercise these research products examine (a) Systemic effects of technological innovation and (b) Right -sizing of laboratory networks.

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Despite significant progress in development of bioanalytical devices cost, complexity, access to reagents and lack of infrastructure have prevented use of these technologies in resource-limited regions. To provide a sustainable tool in the global effort to combat infectious diseases the diagnostic device must be low cost, simple to operate and read, robust, and have sensitivity and specificity comparable to laboratory analysis. In this mini-review we describe recent work using laser machined plastic laminates to produce diagnostic devices that are capable of a wide variety of bioanalytical measurements and show great promise towards future use in low-resource environments.

The prototype laboratory concept was developed to simplify the laboratory design process, and should be considered for use as a new laboratory design methodology. Many developing countries lack adequate public and animal health laboratories and typically do not have the economic means and the design and construction expertise to build a laboratory on their own. These countries rely on international sponsors to provide the funds necessary to design and construct a laboratory. However, these international sponsors are often located far away, making travel back and forth difficult, which leads to an increase in overall costs and delays for the project. The prototype laboratory concept and design methodology were developed to streamline the design process, saving time and money, while also minimizing the number of errors that typically arise using a traditional design process by providing well considered design decisions in advance of the project. By solving numerous detailed design issues early, this methodology will allow the time, attention and energies of the design team to be focused on addressing the specific needs of the end users, the unique design challenges related to a given site and scientific program, and the biosafety and biosecurity risks associated with the scientific activities planned to be conducted in the facility. While the concept could be expanded to cover other types of laboratories to date, it has primarily focused on supporting the implementation of good laboratory design best practices for infectious disease diagnostic and research laboratories for both the human and animal health sectors. This report presents the laboratory design concept and details associated with the modular layouts. It builds on the work previously provided in the interim prototype laboratory concept report delivered to the Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP) at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in 2014. This report includes a number of revised and additional module layouts, more detailed information regarding laboratory finishes and equipment, engineering service information, electrical and lighting layouts, plumbing service information and two mechanical service options for each prototype module. Additionally, this report also includes a description of a cost estimating tool that will accompany this report and allow funding agencies to generate an approximate cost for the construction of a laboratory that utilizes the prototype laboratory concept modules. This report is intended to serve a complete document and includes all relevant information from the 2014 prototype laboratory concept report.

Rinderpest is a virus that can affect cattle and other even toes ungulates; evidence of outbreaks from over 10,000 years ago highlights the potential impact of this virus. During the 18th century, Rinderpest caused huge losses in cattle throughout Europe. Starting in the mid 1900’s vaccination efforts seemed feasible and work was initiated to vaccinate large populations of cattle. Walter Plowright received numerous awards for updating the Rinderpest vaccine which many believed would be the key to eradication. Vaccination of the disease lead to a massive drop in outbreaks and the last confirmed case of Rinderpest in Asia was in 2000 and in Africa in 2001.1 At this point, Rinderpest has been declared eradicated from nature. However, stocks of the virus are still in many laboratories.2 Rinderpest was investigated as a biological weapon agent during the Second World War. However, following WWII, rinderpest was not considered a high risk as a biological weapon as there was no direct military advantage. Now, with the concern of the use of biological agents as weapons in acts of terrorism, concern regarding rinderpest has resurfaced. Since the eradication of this virus, cattle populations are highly susceptibility to the virus and the economic impacts would be significant. This paper will discuss the specific nature of the terrorism risks associated with rinderpest; and based upon those risks provide recommendations regarding biosecurity management. The biosecurity management measures will be defined in a manner to align with the CWA 15793: the laboratory biorisk management document.

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