DSpace Repository :: Browsing by Author "Elman, Noel M."

Browsing by Author "Elman, Noel M."

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Analytical models integrated with satellite images for optimized pest management
(2016) Bright, L. Zack; Handley, Michael; Chien, Isabel; Curi, Sebastián; Anders Brownworth, L.; D'hers, Sebastián; Bernier, Ulrich R.; Gurman, Pablo; Elman, Noel M.
"The global field protection (GFP) was developed to protect and optimize pest management resources integrating satellite images for precise field demarcation with physical models of controlled release devices of pesticides to protect large fields. The GFP was implemented using a graphical user interface to aid the end-user to select location and define an arbitrary perimeter for protection. The system provides coordinates of drop points for the controlled release devices which can be delivered using drone technology, e.g. unmanned air vehicles. In this work, we present the first proof of concept of this technology. A vast number of pest management applications can benefit from this work, including prevention against vector-borne diseases as well as protection of large agriculture fields."
A combined experimental-computational approach for spatial protection efficacy assessment of controlled release devices against mosquitoes (Anopheles)
(2018-03) Bernier, Ulrich R.; Kline, Daniel L.; Abad Vázquez, Agustín; Perry, Melynda; Cohnstaedt, Lee W.; Gurman, Pablo; D'hers, Sebastián; Elman, Noel M.
"This work describes the use of entomological studies combined with in silico models (computer simulations derived from numerical models) to assess the efficacy of a novel device for controlled release of spatial repellents. Controlled Release Devices (CRDs) were tested with different concentrations of metofluthrin and tested against An. quadrimaculatus mosquitoes using arm-in cage, semi-field, and outdoor studies. Arm-in-cage trials showed an approximate mean values for mosquito knockdown of 40% and mosquito bite reduction of 80% for the optimal metofluthrin formulation for a 15-minute trial. Semi-field outdoor studies showed a mean mortality of a 50% for 24 hour trial and 75% for a 48 hour trial for optimal concentrations. Outdoors studies showed an approximate mean mortality rate of 50% for a 24 hour trial for optimal concentrations. Numerical simulations based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) were performed in order to obtain spatial concentration profiles for 24 hour and 48 hour periods. Experimental results were correlated with simulation results in order to obtain a functional model that linked mosquito mortality with the estimated spatial concentration for a given period of time. Such correlation provides a powerful insight in predicting the effectiveness of the CRDs as a vector-control tool. While CRDs represent an alternative to current spatial repellent delivery methods, such as coils, candles, electric repellents, and passive emanators based on impregnated strips, the presented method can be applied to any spatial vector control treatment by correlating entomological endpoints, i.e. mortality, with in-silico simulations to predict overall efficacy. The presented work therefore presents a new methodology for improving design, development and deployment of vector-control tools to reduce transmission of vector-borne diseases, including malaria and dengue."
Controlled release spatial repellent devices (CRDs) as novel tools against malaria transmission: a semi‑field study in Macha, Zambia
(2018-11) Stevenson, Jennifer C.; Simubali, Limonty; Mudenda, Twig; Cardol, Esther; Bernier, Ulrich R.; Abad Vázquez, Agustín; Thuma, Philip E.; Norris, Douglas E.; Perry, Melynda; Kline, Daniel L.; Cohnstaedt, Lee W.; Gurman, Pablo; D'hers, Sebastián; Elman, Noel M.
"The emergence of mosquitoes that can avoid indoor-deployed interventions, such as treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying, threatens the mainstay of malaria control in Zambia. Furthermore, the requirement for high coverage of these tools poses operational challenges. Spatial repellents are being assessed to supplement these vector control tools, but limitations exist in the residual effect of the repellent and the need for external power or heat for diffusion of the volatiles."
Field Evaluation of Novel Spatial Repellent Controlled Release Devices (CRDs) against Mosquitoes in an Outdoor Setting in the Northern Peruvian Amazon
(Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 7(11), 372. MDPI AG, 2022) Flores-Mendoza, Carmen; López-Sifuentes, Victor M.; Vásquez, Gissella M.; Stoops, Craig A.; Fisher, Michael L.; Bernier, Ulrich R.; Perry, Melynda; Mollica, Juan; Coltzau, Damián A.; Gurman, Pablo; D’hers, Sebastián; Elman, Noel M.
U.S. military troops are exposed to mosquito-borne pathogens when deployed to endemic regions. Personal protective measures such as permethrin-treated uniforms and dermal repellents are the cornerstones of mosquito-borne disease prevention for the U.S. military. These measures have limitations and additional personal protection tools, such as spatial repellent devices to decrease the risk of vector-borne pathogen transmission, are required. Novel spatial repellent controlled-release devices formulated with metofluthrin were evaluated in an outdoor setting in the northern Amazon of Peru to evaluate performance under field conditions. The metofluthrin emitting devices lowered the number of mosquitoes captured in protected human landing collections (HLC) compared to blank devices, although there were effect differences between Anopheles spp. and species in other mosquito genera. A computational-experimental model was developed to correlate HLC and active ingredient (AI) concentrations as a function of time and space. Results show a strong correlation between the released AI and the decrease in HLC. This model represents the first effort to obtain a predictive analytical tool on device performance using HLC as the entomological endpoint.
Rapid reconstitution packages (RRPs) for stable storage and delivery of glucagon
(2019-06) D'hers, Sebastián; Abad Vázquez, Agustín; Gurman, Pablo; Elman, Noel M.
"Current emergency injectors of glucagon require manual reconstitution, which involves several steps that may lead to dosage errors. Rapid reconstitution packages (RRPs) are new devices, designed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to optimize fluid mixing, integrating physical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients and diluents. RRPs improve drug stability for long-term storage and ease of delivery. Device prototypes were manufactured using advanced stereolithography apparatus (SLA) 3D printing technology. Reconstitution of glucagon with RRPs was evaluated by highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and optical spectroscopy methods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to test in vitro activity. Experimental results showed that RRPs effectively reconstituted glucagon even after exposure to 60 °C for a 24-h period. RRPs exhibited improved performance at maintaining drug stability compared to lyophilized glucagon stored in a standard glass vial under the same temperature conditions. RRPs represent a portable platform for rapid reconstitution of lyophilized drugs, compatible with standard syringes available in any clinical setting. The RRP provides an alternative to manual reconstitution process, especially designed for medical emergencies."
Spatial repellents transfluthrin and metofluthrin affect the behavior of Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, and Ixodes scapularis in an in vitro vertical climb assay
(Plos One, 2022) Siegel, Eric L.; Olivera, Marcos; Martínez Roig, Esteban; Perry, Melynda; Li, Andrew Y.; D'hers, Sebastián; Elman, Noel M.; Rich, Stephen M.
Repellents serve an important role in bite protection. Tick repellents largely rely on biomechanisms that induce responses with direct contact, but synthetic pyrethroids used as spatial repellents against insects have received recent attention for potential use in tick protection systems. An in vitro vertical climb assay was designed to assess spatial repellency against Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, and Ixodes scapularis adult, female ticks. Climbing behavior was assessed with and without the presence of two spatial repellents, transfluthrin and metofluthrin. Repellency parameters were defined to simulate the natural questing behavior of ambushing ticks, including measures of detachment, pseudo-questing duration, climbing deterrence, and activity. Significant effects were observed within each parameter. D. variabilis showed the greatest general susceptibility to each repellent, followed by A. americanum, and I. scapularis. The most important and integrative measure of repellency was climbing deterrence–a measure of the spatial repellent’s ability to disrupt a tick’s natural propensity to climb. Transfluthrin deterred 75% of D. variabilis, 67% of A. americanum, and 50% of I. scapularis. Metofluthrin was slightly more effective, deterring 81% of D. variabilis, 73% of A. americanum, and 72% of I. scapularis. The present study poses a novel paradigm for repellency and reports a preliminary assessment of spatial repellent effect on tick behavior. Further research will assess spatial repellency in a more natural setting, scale exposure conditions, and incorporate host cues.

Browsing by Author "Elman, Noel M."

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