Emulator-based Bayesian optimization for efficient multi-objective calibration of an individual-based model of malaria (Publications)
framework employing Gaussian process or machine learning emulator functions to calibrate a complex malaria transmission simulator. We demonstrate our approach by optimizing over a high-dimensional parameter [...] a portfolio of multiple fitting objectives built from datasets capturing the natural history of malaria transmission and disease progression. Our approach quickly outperforms previous calibrations, yielding
The 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 is an essential upstream activator of protein kinase A in malaria parasites (Publications)
t protein kinase A (PKA) signalling is essential for the proliferation of Plasmodium falciparum malaria blood stage parasites. The mechanisms regulating the activity of the catalytic subunit PfPKAc, however [...] function has not been investigated in gametocytes, the sexual blood stage forms that are essential for malaria transmission. By studying a conditional PfPKAc knockdown (cKD) mutant, we confirm the essential role
Effect of interventions to reduce malaria incidence among military personnel on active duty: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial... (Publications)
studies assessing the impact on malaria infection. This study will estimate the protective efficacy of treated uniforms and DEET insect repellent on the incidence of malaria infection among military personnel [...] placebo-controlled trial is planned to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions on preventing malaria infections in soldiers on active duty at Mgambo National Service Camp in Tanga, Tanzania. The arms [...] untreated uniforms with placebo lotion. The primary outcome is the...
Insights from modelling malaria vaccines for policy decisions: the focus on RTS,S (Publications)
ns. This review illustrates the utility of simulation approaches by reviewing the literature on malaria vaccine modelling, with a focus on its link to the development of policy guidance for the first licensed
A brief history of selected malaria vaccine and medical interventions pursued by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and partners,... (Publications)
research portfolio as key elements for researching and applying evidence in malaria control and elimination as part of national malaria control programmes. [...] perspective. Its aim is to highlight the above-mentioned transformation by focusing on selected malaria research-cum-action interventions during the crucial period of the 1990s, which were tailored to
Delayed cerebellar ataxia, a rare post-malaria neurological complication: case report and review of the literature (Publications)
Delayed cerebellar ataxia (DCA) is a rare post-malarial neurological complication with unknown pathomechanism characterized by its self-limiting course and favorable outcome. We report a case of DCA f
Estimating intervention effectiveness in trials of malaria interventions with contamination (Publications)
Background In cluster randomized trials (CRTs) or stepped wedge cluster randomized trials (SWCRTs) of malaria interventions, mosquito movement leads to contamination between trial arms unless buffer zones separate [...] s are provided as a function of intervention coverage. The methods are applied to two SWCRTs of malaria interventions, the SolarMal trial on the impact of mass trapping of mosquitoes with odor-baited traps [...] effectiveness as a function of coverage. Conclusions The...
Unlocking the human factor to increase effectiveness and sustainability of malaria vector control (Publications)
decade in the fight against malaria there is a critical opportunity to elevate the role of social and behaviour change to increase the impact and sustainability of malaria control and elimination efforts [...] BACKGROUND: Progress in the fight against malaria has stalled in recent years, highlighting the importance of new interventions and tailored approaches. A critical factor that must be considered across [...] research with entomological and epidemiological evaluations will provide a more...
Early life adversity, biological adaptation, and human capital: evidence from an interrupted malaria control program in Zambia (Publications)
adaptation - immunity formation - for human capital accumulation. Using variation in early life malaria risk generated by an interrupted disease control program in Zambia, we show that exposure to infectious [...] infectious diseases during the first two years of life can reduce the harmful effects of malaria exposure on cognitive development during the preschool years. These findings suggest a non-linear and traj