Temporal trends and future projections of pancreatic cancer mortality in Italy were examined to identify and characterize areas of interventions at medical and administrative level. Pancreatic cancer mortality data for 2005-2022 and demographic data including projections of Italian population through 2035 were retrieved from the Italian National Institute of Statistics public database. Age- and sex-specific mortality rates were projected until 2035 using Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis. The average annual number of deaths from pancreatic cancer in Italy is projected to increase through 2035, with a cumulative rise of +15.4% for males (M), and +13.0% for females (F), compared to the 2020-2022 period. While males consistently have higher Age Standardized Mortality Rates (ASMR) across all macro-regions, the national ASMR trend is projected to decrease slightly for both sexes (M: - 3.8%, F: - 0.6%). At a macro-regional level, those at lowest development index - southern Italy and islands-are the only macro-areas projected to experience an ASMR increase for both sexes. The largest projected ASMR increases were found for females in the islands (+ 22.7%) and for males in the southern regions (+ 18.8%). In contrast, the North-East regions showed the most favorable trend, with the largest projected ASMR decrease for females (- 8.7%). In parallel with population ageing, the absolute burden of pancreatic cancer mortality in Italy is projected to increase substantially, with significant macro-regional disparities. Addressing this growing challenge will require coordinated strategies and region-specific healthcare planning to optimize resource allocation and ensure equitable access to care.

This study aimed to characterize the response and inter-system consistency of a high-resolution myQA SRS detector used for patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) across different configurations of treatment planning system and linear accelerator (TPS-linac). A total of 20 clinically approved stereotactic radiosurgery / stereotactic body radiotherapy (SRS/SBRT) cases were included in a paired-study design to eliminate patient-specific anatomical bias. Each case was re-optimized on both Monaco-Versa HD (Agility 160 MLC) and Eclipse-TrueBeam STx (HD120 MLC) platforms, resulting in 40 unique plans. Doses from all plans were measured using the myQA SRS detector, with TrueBeam-based plans additionally verified via an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) for comparative detector analysis. Gamma passing rates (GPRs) (2%/1 mm to 3%/2 mm) and plan complexity metrics, including monitor units (MUs), segment number, and Modulation Factor (MF), were evaluated using non-parametric statistics. For the myQA SRS, mean GPRs ranged from 85.1% to 95.5% for Monaco and 80.6% to 92.9% for Eclipse, with no statistically significant differences observed between platforms (p > 0.05). Spearman's analysis confirmed that plan complexity did not correlate with QA outcomes (p > 0.05), indicating that the detector's response remains independent of modulation levels within clinical ranges. Comparative analysis between myQA SRS and EPID revealed systematic detector-dependent differences that became more pronounced at wider gamma criteria. Isolated low-passing outlier cases, associated with very small targets in steep dose-gradient regions, were observed for both detectors and were analyzed separately. Overall, the myQA SRS detector demonstrated high inter-system consistency, and appears to be a robust tool for PSQA of highly modulated stereotactic plans. The findings suggest that PSQA outcomes are more influenced by system-specific modelling and detector characteristics than by plan complexity alone.

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment is often associated with adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of varying severity, which may negatively affect treatment adherence and outcomes. This study aimed to identify ADRs related to first-line anti-TB drugs, determine associated factors, and evaluate treatment outcomes among TB patients in the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region of Morocco. A retrospective study was conducted in southern Morocco from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024. Data were collected from clinical charts of TB patients treated at the Center for Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases of Laâyoune (CDTMRL). Adverse drug reactions were evaluated by a specialist clinician throughout treatment, and outcomes were assessed according to World Health Organization guidelines. Among 354 TB patients, 26.55% experienced ADRs, most commonly during the intensive treatment phase. ADRs were significantly associated with gender, age, smoking status, and comorbidities, particularly diabetes and HIV infection. The majority of ADRs were hepatic (13.87%) and gastrointestinal (9.83%). Cutaneous (6.36%), articular (6.07%), and renal (5.78%) ADRs occurred at similar frequencies. Neurological, immunoallergic, cardiovascular, and urogenital ADRs were comparatively less frequent. Most reactions were mild to moderate and managed symptomatically, with few requiring treatment modifications and no ADR-related deaths. Treatment success outcomes were achieved in 81.1% of patients and unsuccessful treatment accounted for 10.73%. Adverse reactions to first-line anti-TB medications are relatively common and highlight the need for close clinical monitoring throughout the treatment period. Strengthening pharmacovigilance and improving patient education may help enhance treatment adherence and reduce complications.

AIM: To characterize current vertebral augmentation practices among neurosurgeons in Türkiye, with particular emphasis on patient selection, procedural approaches, complication experience, and postprocedure osteoporosis management. MATERIAL and METHODS: A national, cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based survey was conducted among neurosurgeons practicing in Türkiye. Data on clinician and institutional characteristics, indications and timing for vertebral augmentation, technical preferences, perceived complications, and approaches to secondary fracture prevention were collected using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: Most respondents reported routinely performing vertebral augmentation at their centers, and many indicated substantial cumulative procedural experience. Clinical decision-making was primarily guided by pain severity and MRI-based fracture acuity. Support for vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty was highest for acute or subacute painful osteoporotic fractures refractory to conservative treatment. In contrast, support was lower for patients with chronic and traumatic fractures without neurologic deficit. Technical practice was relatively uniform, most commonly involving unilateral transpedicular access, local anesthesia with sedation, and single C-arm fluoroscopy. Cement leakage and adjacent-level fractures were frequently reported as lifetime experiences. Only a small minority of respondents reported having a written postprocedure osteoporosis protocol, and routine use of antiresorptive or anabolic therapy was limited. CONCLUSION: Vertebral augmentation is widely used by neurosurgeons in Türkiye in a selective, patient-centered manner. Although technical practice is relatively consistent, structured secondary fracture prevention after vertebral augmentation is uncommon, highlighting an important opportunity to improve long-term outcomes.