Development of a mathematical model for tsetse population dynamic to optimize the control in the Niayes (Senegal)

The Niayes area in Senegal is infested by a tsetse population, which is presently targeted by a national eradication effort. The area infested is about 1000km2 but tse-tse fly distribution changes rapidly due to environmental changes, climatic condition, humidity, temperature and vegetal cover etc.. The availability of tsetse fly presence/absence data in Senegal is limited to the database survey conducted during the feasibility study (2008/2009), that's why we decided to use a matrix model based on the tse-tse life cycle to predict the actual fly distribution in the Niayes area during the control program. The model describes biological process and the effects of the daily contribution of the temperature on the development of the pupae, the teneral and the adult flies. The model will be fitted to field demographic data to estimate parameters. The sensivity analysis and uncertainty analysis of the model will allow to predict the ecological niche of tsetse in the area and thus their temporal distribution according to climatic variations. We'll use MODIS data and field data as an input in our model to characterize the habitats suitable for tse-tse population establishment

Long-term quality of life is better after laparoscopic compared to open pancreatoduodenectomy

Background: Three randomized controlled trials have reported improved functional recovery after Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD), as compared to open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD). Long-term results regarding quality of life (QoL) are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare long-term QoL of LPD versus OPD. Methods and patients: A monocentric retrospective cross-sectional study was performed among patients < 75 years old who underwent LPD or OPD for a benign or premalignant pathology in a high-volume center (2011-2021). An electronic three-part questionnaire was sent to eligible patients, including two diseases specific QoL questionnaires (the European Organization for Research and Treatment in Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire for cancer (QLQ-C30) and a pancreatic cancer module (PAN26) and a body image questionnaire. Patient demographics and postoperative data were collected and compared between LPD and OPD. Results: Among 948 patients who underwent PD (137 LPD, 811 OPD), 170 were eligible and 111 responded (58 LPD and 53 OPD). LPD versus OPD showed no difference in mean age (51 vs. 55 years, p = 0.199) and female gender (40% vs. 45%, p = 0.631), but LPD showed lower BMI (24 vs 26; p = 0.028) and higher preoperative pancreatitis (29% vs 13%; p = 0.041). The postoperative outcome showed similar Clavien-Dindo ≥ III morbidity (19% vs. 23%; p = 0.343) and length of stay (24 vs. 21 days, p = 0.963). After a similar median follow-up (3 vs. 3 years; p = 0.122), LPD vs OPD patients reported higher QoL (QLQ-C30: 49.6 vs 56.3; p = 0.07), better pancreas specific health status score (PAN20: 50.5 vs 55.5; p = 0.002), physical functioning (p = 0.002), and activities limitations (p = 0.02). Scar scores were better after LPD regarding esthetics (p = 0.001), satisfaction (p = 0.04), chronic pain at rest (p = 0.036), moving (p = 0.011) or in daily activities (p = 0.02). There was no difference in digestive symptoms (p = 0.995). Conclusion: This monocentric study found improved long-term QoL in patients undergoing LPD, as compared to OPD, for benign and premalignant diseases. These results could be considered when choosing the surgical approach in these patients