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27 pages, 17329 KB  
Article
Satellite-Driven Spatiotemporal Multiscale Perception Learning for Estimating Daily Arctic Sea Ice Thickness
by Qingyu Zheng, Wei Li, Guijun Han, Qi Shao, Lige Cao, Gongfu Zhou and Haowen Wu
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(17), 2991; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18172991 - 3 Sep 2026
Viewed by 294
Abstract
Sea ice thickness (SIT) is a key variable in improving the accuracy and lead time of sea ice forecasts. However, obtaining continuous gridded Arctic spatiotemporal SIT fields remains a significant challenge. This study proposes a machine learning framework (ICE-3D), which directly produces daily [...] Read more.
Sea ice thickness (SIT) is a key variable in improving the accuracy and lead time of sea ice forecasts. However, obtaining continuous gridded Arctic spatiotemporal SIT fields remains a significant challenge. This study proposes a machine learning framework (ICE-3D), which directly produces daily gridded pan-Arctic SIT. ICE-3D establishes a spatiotemporal, multiscale, perception learning-based estimation paradigm. We design an innovative training strategy called spatiotemporal multiscale fusion window (STMFW). The strategy fuses physical covariations at different scales to improve targeted inference, especially for summer SIT. Validated against CryoSat-2 satellite altimetry and BGEP in situ measurements, ICE-3D achieves an overall correlation coefficient exceeding 0.75 for basin-scale SIT. Its summer SIT MAE is less than 0.38 m, outperforming TOPAZ4 reanalysis and showing comparable precision to PIOMAS within validated regions. Compared with static offline training, the online learning module reduces SIT overestimation bias in marginal ice zones by approximately 16%, and the model reliably captures high-frequency regional ice variations and seasonal sea ice volume (SIV) cycles. Our derived SIV results reveal a 38% loss of pan-Arctic sea ice volume from 1991 to 2020, accompanied by a stabilized melting rate over the past decade, indicating severely depleted perennial ice reserves and largely irreversible Arctic sea ice decline under the current climate regime. The ICE-3D SIT with quantified uncertainties supports multiscale Arctic climate analysis and provides critical data support for risk assessment during the peak Arctic shipping season. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence for Ocean Remote Sensing (Second Edition))
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18 pages, 8707 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Variations and Associated Environmental Factors of Coastal Polynyas in the Kara–Laptev Seas from 2003 to 2025
by Ziqing Dong, Mei Hong, Xian Jiang and Xuezhi Bai
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(17), 2914; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18172914 - 31 Aug 2026
Viewed by 214
Abstract
Coastal polynyas in the Kara–Laptev Seas regulate winter air–sea exchange and sea-ice production, but neighboring polynya systems can behave differently. This study examines January–April variability of the Ob–Yenisey (OY), western Laptev Sea (WLS), and eastern Laptev Sea (ELS) polynyas from 2003 to 2025 [...] Read more.
Coastal polynyas in the Kara–Laptev Seas regulate winter air–sea exchange and sea-ice production, but neighboring polynya systems can behave differently. This study examines January–April variability of the Ob–Yenisey (OY), western Laptev Sea (WLS), and eastern Laptev Sea (ELS) polynyas from 2003 to 2025 using passive-microwave sea-ice concentration, ERA5 winds and air temperature, AMSR-MPR sea-surface temperature, TOPAZ4b sea-ice thickness, and AO/ENSO indices. The three regions show distinct spatiotemporal variations. The OY exhibits the only significant increase in accumulated polynya area (+1.72 × 104 km2 day a−1), the WLS has the largest interannual variability and the most frequent large-area events, and the ELS is most strongly concentrated in late March and April. NW has the clearest same-day or one-day-lead association with opening, consistent with wind-driven mechanical divergence, while coastline orientation and landfast-ice geometry are associated with differences in regional responses. Hierarchical partitioning (HP) assigns the largest daily relative statistical allocation to SST in the WLS and ELS; because this association is predominantly synchronous, it is interpreted as an ice–ocean state relationship rather than as a demonstrated antecedent control. Annual associations are more region dependent and include NW, T2M, SST, and SIT. AO is positively correlated with polynya activity, whereas ENSO has no consistent relationship. Full article
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12 pages, 845 KB  
Article
Real-World Efficacy and Safety of Gemcitabine, Cisplatin, Plus Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Biliary Tract Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis
by Mai Kitahara, Kei Saito, Yoko Oki, Noriyuki Kuniyoshi, Shuzo Nomura, Mariko Fujisawa and Hirofumi Kogure
Cancers 2026, 18(16), 2555; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18162555 - 9 Aug 2026
Viewed by 418
Abstract
Background: Based on the demonstrated survival benefits of gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GemCis) therapy in the TOPAZ-1 and KEYNOTE-966 trials, GemCis plus immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has become a standard first-line treatment for unresectable biliary tract cancer. However, its safety and efficacy [...] Read more.
Background: Based on the demonstrated survival benefits of gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GemCis) therapy in the TOPAZ-1 and KEYNOTE-966 trials, GemCis plus immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has become a standard first-line treatment for unresectable biliary tract cancer. However, its safety and efficacy in elderly patients and those requiring biliary drainage remain insufficiently evaluated in real-world practice. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GemCis plus ICI therapy, with a focus on elderly patients and those requiring biliary drainage. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer treated with GemCis plus ICI at our institution between April 2022 and September 2025. Progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and prognostic factors were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. PFS and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were compared between durvalumab and pembrolizumab. Results: Of the 51 patients diagnosed with unresectable biliary tract cancer during the observation period, 26 (51.0%) received GemCis plus ICI therapy. The median age was 73 years (range, 46–83 years), and 15 (57.7%) patients were male. Distant metastases were present in 22 patients (84.6%), and biliary drainage was performed in 15 (57.7%). The primary tumor sites were intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 8), perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (n = 6), gallbladder cancer (n = 11), and cancer of unknown primary origin (n = 1). The ICIs used were durvalumab in 18 patients and pembrolizumab in eight patients. The median follow-up period was 214 days (range, 30–1114). The response rate was 28.6%, the disease control rate was 90.5%, and the transition rate to ICI maintenance therapy was 29.2%. IrAEs occurred in six patients (23.1%), with a significantly higher frequency in the pembrolizumab group than in the durvalumab group (50.0% vs. 11.1%). The median PFS was 8.2 months in the durvalumab group and 8.9 months in the pembrolizumab group, with no significant difference (p = 0.88). Multivariate analysis incorporating age, performance status, metastatic burden, and liver function confirmed that age ≥ 75 years remained the only independent predictor of shorter PFS (HR 5.62; 95% CI, 1.35–23.4; p = 0.02), whereas ICI regimen and biliary drainage were not significant prognostic factors. Conclusions: In clinical practice, GemCis plus ICI therapy showed no statistically significant difference in efficacy between ICI regimens in this small cohort, although this comparison was not statistically powered. Given the exploratory nature of these findings, the lower incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) observed in the durvalumab group should be interpreted with caution. Age ≥ 75 years was associated with shorter PFS. Careful patient selection is warranted when considering GemCis plus ICI therapy in elderly patients with biliary tract cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Therapy)
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13 pages, 689 KB  
Article
Color Adjustment and Fluorescence Matching of Single-Shade Composites: Spectrophotometric and Photographic Analysis Techniques
by Buket Karalar, Merve Nur Yılmaz and Merve Pelin Dur Sarıgüzel
Polymers 2026, 18(15), 1819; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18151819 - 25 Jul 2026
Viewed by 307
Abstract
Background: Although the color adjustment of single-shade composites has been widely investigated, limited information is available regarding their fluorescence-matching performance. The aim of this study was to compare the optical performance of different composite resin systems by evaluating color adjustment under visible-light conditions [...] Read more.
Background: Although the color adjustment of single-shade composites has been widely investigated, limited information is available regarding their fluorescence-matching performance. The aim of this study was to compare the optical performance of different composite resin systems by evaluating color adjustment under visible-light conditions and fluorescence matching under ultraviolet (UV) illumination. Methods: Standardized cervical cavities were prepared in 45 extracted human maxillary central incisors. Teeth were divided into nine groups (n = 5): five single-shade composites (Omnichroma, Charisma Topaz One, Vittra APS Unique, Zenchroma, and ONEshade), two simplified shade composites (Optishade and Clearfil Majesty ES-2), one multi-shade composite (Estelite Sigma Quick), and one group-shade composite (G-aenial A’chord). Color adjustment was evaluated using spectrophotometry (SP) and cross-polarized digital photography (CP), whereas fluorescence matching was evaluated using fluorescence-illuminated digital photography (FI). Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: FI showed significantly higher ΔE values (23.01 ± 7.04) than SP (3.34 ± 1.52) and CP (3.55 ± 1.35) (p < 0.001). G-aenial A’chord exhibited the lowest ΔE values (6.54 ± 5.01), whereas Charisma Topaz One showed the highest fluorescence mismatch (30.22 ± 10.92) (p < 0.001). A significant interaction was found between composite type and measurement method (p < 0.001). Conclusions: While single-shade composites exhibited favorable color adjustment under visible-light conditions, they showed greater fluorescence mismatch under UV illumination. In contrast, the group-shade composite demonstrated the most stable optical performance across different evaluation methods. Full article
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9 pages, 2321 KB  
Article
Clinical Outcomes and Return to Sport After Percutaneous Radiofrequency Coblation: A Preliminary Retrospective Study in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
by Alice Montagna, Giuseppe Niccoli, Fabio Nesta, Marco Pasqualon, Francesco Benazzo and Rudy Sangaletti
Surg. Tech. Dev. 2026, 15(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/std15020018 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 714
Abstract
Introduction: Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in adults, with a significant impact on quality of life and athletic performance. While conservative treatments are effective in most cases, a subset of patients remains symptomatic and may require surgical intervention. Minimally [...] Read more.
Introduction: Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in adults, with a significant impact on quality of life and athletic performance. While conservative treatments are effective in most cases, a subset of patients remains symptomatic and may require surgical intervention. Minimally invasive techniques, such as bipolar radiofrequency (RF) coblation using the TOPAZ system, have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional open or endoscopic procedures. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the clinical outcomes of 49 consecutive patients (20 males and 29 females; mean age 54.3 ± 11.4 years; mean BMI 25.3 ± 3.2, range 21.5–34.7) with chronic plantar fasciitis unresponsive to at least six months of conservative treatment. The affected side was left in 24 patients and right in 25, and 35 patients were regularly engaged in sports prior to symptom onset. All patients underwent percutaneous bipolar RF coblation using the TOPAZ device between July 2019 and November 2024. Patient-reported outcome measures—including the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), AOFAS Ankle–Hindfoot Score, SF-36, and Tegner Activity Scale—were collected at the final follow-up (mean 41.7 ± 18.3 months, range 6–71). Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in pain and function: mean VAS decreased from 8.5 to 3.1 (p < 0.001), and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) pain and function scores improved from 2.5 and 12.75 to 28.75 and 38.75, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean Tegner score increased from 1.3 to 4.1 (p < 0.001), with 100% of previously active patients returning to sport. No major complications or reoperations were reported. Conclusions: Percutaneous bipolar RF coblation appears to be a safe and effective treatment for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis, offering significant pain relief, functional improvement, and a high return-to-sport rate with minimal morbidity. This technique may represent a valuable intermediate option between conservative care and open surgery. Full article
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14 pages, 1969 KB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of the Si/Al Stoichiometry and Catalyst Content on the Growth Mechanism of Mullite Whiskers
by Haihong Zhang, Fangli Yu, Haifu Li, Haibo Li, Qiang Zhi, Bin Li, Fengli He and Yeye Liu
Materials 2026, 19(10), 2065; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19102065 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 375
Abstract
In this study, mullite single-crystal whiskers were prepared by sintering mullite gel powders using HF as a catalyst via the sol–gel process. The effects of the Al2O3:SiO2 molar ratio on the morphology of mullite whiskers in the Al–Si–F [...] Read more.
In this study, mullite single-crystal whiskers were prepared by sintering mullite gel powders using HF as a catalyst via the sol–gel process. The effects of the Al2O3:SiO2 molar ratio on the morphology of mullite whiskers in the Al–Si–F system were comprehensively explored during the catalytic reaction. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of the Si:Al ratio and the catalyst content on the growth mechanism of mullite whiskers were evaluated. The morphological characteristics of the whiskers were determined using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, morphological parameters, including the diameter and length of whiskers, were statistically analyzed using the Image J software. Additionally, the compositional variation and phase evolution during the whisker growth process were examined via energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively, and the corresponding growth mechanism was elucidated. When HF-mediated catalysis reaches a sufficient level (Al2O3:SiO2:HF = 1:1.5:4.3), the low SiO2 content in the system leads to Al enrichment and the formation of flake-shaped Al2O3 structures, indicating an effect analogous to that of increasing catalyst content. Conversely, the simultaneous reduction in the contents of HF and SiO2 induces different catalytic reactions because of their synergy. Specifically, at relatively low SiO2 and HF contents, F ions enter the Al–Si–O system via SiF4, leading to the generation of fluorine-containing topaz, which subsequently transforms into mullite. At relatively high SiO2 and HF contents, mullite can be directly synthesized via the reaction of AlF3 and SiF4. With a gradual reduction in the SiO2 and HF contents, the mullite whiskers exhibit a varying morphology, predominantly transitioning from rod-shaped to flake-shaped and subsequently to rod-shaped structures. This is due to the synergistic effects of the phase transformation and catalytic reactions within the Al–Si–O system. Full article
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18 pages, 3865 KB  
Article
Effects of DEM Resolution on the Characterization of a Small Agroforestry Basin for Hydrological Modelling: The Case of Idanha—Portugal
by Antonio C. Duarte, Carla S. S. Ferreira and Giuliano Vitali
Water 2026, 18(9), 1060; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18091060 - 29 Apr 2026
Viewed by 712
Abstract
Digital elevation models (DEMs) are key fundamental inputs in hydrological modelling, yet the influence of spatial resolution on basin delineation and process representation remains insufficiently understood, particularly in small catchments. This study investigates the influence of DEM resolution on topographic characterization and hydrological [...] Read more.
Digital elevation models (DEMs) are key fundamental inputs in hydrological modelling, yet the influence of spatial resolution on basin delineation and process representation remains insufficiently understood, particularly in small catchments. This study investigates the influence of DEM resolution on topographic characterization and hydrological response in a small agroforestry basin in central Portugal. Three DEMs with resolutions of 5 m, 10 m, and 30 m were generated from contour data and satellite sources and processed using the TOPAZ-based TopAGNPS delineation framework. The sensitivity of basin structure to delineation parameters—critical source area (CSA) and minimum source channel length (MSCL)—was assessed, and the resulting configurations were used as inputs to the AnnAGNPS model. Results show that DEM resolution strongly influences the representation of hydrological cells and stream reaches. Increasing resolution from 30 m to 5 m leads to a nearly doubling of average cell slope and increases reach slope by more than four times, with corresponding changes in drainage network density and connectivity. Log-linear relationships were identified between slope and contributing area, as well as between slope and reach length, consistent with established geomorphic scaling laws. Hydrological simulations further indicate that resolution-dependent delineation significantly influences runoff, erosion, and peak discharge estimates, with finer resolutions increasing sensitivity to parametrization. Among land-cover scenarios, desertified conditions generate substantially higher runoff and peak flows compared to naturalized and forested conditions. Overall, the findings demonstrate that DEM resolution, together with preprocessing and delineation choices, exerts a critical control on hydrological model outputs. These effects are particularly pronounced in low-relief, human-influenced catchments, where coarse-resolution DEMs may lead to systematic underestimation of hydrological responses. The study highlights the need for resolution-aware modelling strategies and careful parametrization to improve the reliability and transferability of hydrological simulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Water Management—Coupling Hydrological and Crop Models)
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29 pages, 386 KB  
Review
Current Status of Drug Treatment of Cholangiocarcinoma—Updated Progress and Critical Limitations
by Jennifer Cillis, Courtney Chen, Supriya Deshpande, Yuman Fong and Shyambabu Chaurasiya
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(4), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19040554 - 31 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3800
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly lethal, heterogeneous malignancy arising from the biliary tract. Although the prevalence of CCA is relatively low, its incidence has increased in the last few decades, and the overall prognosis is poor. Surgical resection remains the most efficacious treatment [...] Read more.
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly lethal, heterogeneous malignancy arising from the biliary tract. Although the prevalence of CCA is relatively low, its incidence has increased in the last few decades, and the overall prognosis is poor. Surgical resection remains the most efficacious treatment modality for CCA. However, due to its aggressive nature and often asymptomatic presentation, most patients are first diagnosed with advanced disease, precluding them from curative intervention. Moreover, due to its heterogeneity at the molecular, genomic, and epigenetic levels, drug treatment of CCA remains challenging. In this review, we discuss the current standard drug treatment approaches, recent breakthroughs, and promising new therapeutics for CCA. We summarize key clinical data for the standard first-line chemotherapy regimen and its efficacy and resistance mechanisms, along with more recent studies supporting or proposing second-line treatments. We highlight landmark clinical trials, including ABC-02, which established gemcitabine-cisplatin (GC) as the first-line regimen against biliary cancers. Additionally, we discuss recent findings on the susceptibility of CCA against targeted therapies and other immunologic molecules, including results from the KEYNOTE-966 and TOPAZ-1 clinical trials. Finally, we critically analyze new therapeutics in the preclinical and clinical space, such as CAR-T cells and oncolytic viruses that may be effective against CCA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy)
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21 pages, 7166 KB  
Article
Geometric Reliability of AI-Enhanced Super-Resolution in Video-Based 3D Spatial Modeling
by Marwa Mohammed Bori, Zahraa Ezzulddin Hussein, Zainab N. Jasim and Bashar Alsadik
ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2026, 15(3), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi15030125 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1465
Abstract
Video-based photogrammetric reconstruction is increasingly used when high-resolution still images are unavailable. However, limited spatial resolution, compression artifacts, and motion blur often reduce geometric accuracy. Recent advances in learning-based image super-resolution (SR) offer a promising preprocessing method, but their geometric reliability within photogrammetric [...] Read more.
Video-based photogrammetric reconstruction is increasingly used when high-resolution still images are unavailable. However, limited spatial resolution, compression artifacts, and motion blur often reduce geometric accuracy. Recent advances in learning-based image super-resolution (SR) offer a promising preprocessing method, but their geometric reliability within photogrammetric workflows remains not well understood. This study provides a controlled quantitative evaluation of learning-based super-resolution for video-based 3D reconstruction. Low-resolution video frames are enhanced using two representative methods: an open-source real-world SR model (Real-ESRGAN ×4) and a commercial solution (Topaz Video AI ×4). All datasets are processed with the same Structure-from-Motion and Multi-View Stereo pipelines and tested against terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) reference data. Results show that super-resolution significantly increases reconstruction density and improves the recovery of fine-scale surface details, while also leading to greater local surface variability compared with reconstructions from the original video; photogrammetric stability remains consistent despite these changes. The findings highlight a fundamental trade-off between reconstruction completeness and local geometric accuracy and clarify when enhanced video imagery via super-resolution can be a reliable source for 3D reconstruction. These results are especially important for spatial data science workflows and AI-powered 3D modeling and digital twin applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Digital Twins Empowered by AI and Dataspaces)
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16 pages, 3884 KB  
Article
Cobalt Diffusion Treatment in Topaz: Process and Mechanism of Color Modification
by Xiaoxu Yan, Suwei Yue, Zida Tong, Yuzhi Zhang and Yun Wu
Minerals 2026, 16(1), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010094 - 19 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1339
Abstract
Topaz is one of the most economically important fluorine-rich nesosilicates, which are predominantly colorless in natural crystals. Hence, the trade relies almost entirely on irradiated blue topaz with an unstable color center, which has been shown to fade over time. The cobalt (Co) [...] Read more.
Topaz is one of the most economically important fluorine-rich nesosilicates, which are predominantly colorless in natural crystals. Hence, the trade relies almost entirely on irradiated blue topaz with an unstable color center, which has been shown to fade over time. The cobalt (Co) diffusion treatment is a stable alternative process for converting colorless topaz to blue by a solid-state diffusion mechanism. To investigate the potential role of Co2+ substitution in the formation of the blue layer and the coupled behavior of F/OH dehydroxylation in facilitating this process, systematic diffusion treatments have been successfully conducted and compared. In this study, gem-quality topazes were annealed in air at 1000 °C for 20–40 h (hr) along with CoO, Fe2O3, Cr2O3, and CuO powders. The diffused products were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Ultraviolet-Visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Near-Mid Infrared spectroscopy (NMIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Parallel runs with CuO, Fe2O3, or Cr2O3 alone confirmed that none of these oxides produces a stable blue layer, underscoring the unique role of Co. The Co-diffused sample displays an intense blue layer characterized by a Co2+ octahedral isomorphism triplet at 540, 580, and 630 nm, which are absent from both untreated and heat-only controls. XPS analysis reveals the emergence of Co2+ (binding energy: 780.63 eV) and a concomitant depletion in F, along with the disappearance of the OH overtone absorption at 7123 cm−1. These observations confirm that defluorination generates octahedral vacancies accommodated by the coupled substitution: CoF2 (solid reactant) + (AlO2) (fragment of topaz structure) → AlOF (solid product) + (CoOF) (fragment of topaz structure). Prolonged annealing leads to decreased relative atomic percentages of K+ and F ions, consistent with volatilization losses during the high-temperature process, thereby directly correlating color intensity with cobalt valence state, which transfers from Co2+ to Co3+. These findings establish a Co-incorporation chronometer for F–rich aluminosilicate systems, with an optimal annealing time of approximately 20 hr at 1000 °C. Furthermore, the above results demonstrate that the color mechanism in nesosilicate gems is simultaneously governed by volatile release and cation availability. Full article
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21 pages, 552 KB  
Article
Durvalumab-Based First-Line Chemoimmunotherapy in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: Real-World Outcomes and Prognostic Factors—A Turkish Oncology Group Study
by Safa Can Efil, Fatih Kus, Bahadir Koylu, Bekir Mert Durukan, Selami Bayram, Halil Goksel Guzel, Banu Ozturk, Harun Muglu, Ahmet Bilici, Fatih Kose, Ozkan Alan, Eda Karapelit Agitoglu, Gurkan Guner, Ali Ayberk Besen, Kaan Helvaci, Murat Araz, Turgut Kacan, Cagatay Arslan, Ahmet Unal, Emine Bihter Eniseler, Sedat Biter, Ferhat Ekinci, Ferit Aslan, Ilkay Tugba Unek, Semra Tas, Omer Acar, Ozturk Ates, Teoman Sakalar, Sinem Akbas, Hilal Karakas, Muhammed Bulent Akinci, Bulent Yalcin, Suayip Yalcin and Mehmet Ali Nahit Senduradd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Cancers 2026, 18(1), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18010101 - 29 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1738
Abstract
Background: Durvalumab combined with gemcitabine–cisplatin (GC) has become the standard first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) following the TOPAZ-1 trial. However, real-world effectiveness, safety, and prognostic determinants, particularly in underrepresented populations, remain insufficiently defined. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.
Background: Durvalumab combined with gemcitabine–cisplatin (GC) has become the standard first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) following the TOPAZ-1 trial. However, real-world effectiveness, safety, and prognostic determinants, particularly in underrepresented populations, remain insufficiently defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the real-world outcomes of first-line durvalumab plus chemotherapy and identify independent prognostic factors in patients with advanced BTC. Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included patients with unresectable or metastatic BTC treated with first-line durvalumab plus chemotherapy across 21 tertiary oncology centers in Türkiye. Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, biomarker data, and treatment details were collected. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), while secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety. Survival outcomes were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: A total of 78 patients were analyzed; 53.8% were male, and the median age was 62 years. Primary tumor sites were intrahepatic (55.1%), extrahepatic (30.8%), and gallbladder (14.1%). After a median follow-up of 12.58 months, median OS was 11.59 months and median PFS was 6.80 months. The ORR was 50.6%, including complete and partial responses in 2.7% and 47.9% of patients, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 97.4% of patients, with grade 3–4 events in 37.2%. Immune-related adverse events were observed in 19.2%, including one case of grade 3 pneumonitis. No patient permanently discontinued durvalumab due to toxicity, and no durvalumab-related mortality occurred. In multivariable analysis, ECOG performance status 2 (HR 3.43; 95% CI 1.33–8.80) and ALBI grade 2–3 (HR 2.54; 95% CI 1.24–5.19) independently predicted worse OS, while ECOG performance status 2 also predicted shorter PFS (HR 5.91; 95% CI 2.30–15.17). Conclusions: In this multicenter real-world Turkish cohort, first-line durvalumab plus chemotherapy showed effectiveness and tolerability comparable to clinical trial data. Baseline ECOG performance status and ALBI grade were independent prognostic factors, supporting their use for risk stratification in advanced biliary tract cancer. Full article
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23 pages, 291 KB  
Article
Biochemical and Volatile Compound Variation in Apple (Malus domestica) Cultivars According to Fruit Size: Implications for Quality and Breeding
by Jan Juhart, Franci Štampar, Mariana Cecilia Grohar and Aljaz Medic
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(18), 10003; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151810003 - 12 Sep 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1742
Abstract
Apple fruit size affects market value, yet its impact on biochemical and sensory traits is poorly understood. This study provides the first comprehensive metabolic profiling of peel and flesh across five cultivars, including red-fleshed ‘Baya Marisa’ and four white-fleshed cultivars (‘Opal’, ‘Red Boskoop’, [...] Read more.
Apple fruit size affects market value, yet its impact on biochemical and sensory traits is poorly understood. This study provides the first comprehensive metabolic profiling of peel and flesh across five cultivars, including red-fleshed ‘Baya Marisa’ and four white-fleshed cultivars (‘Opal’, ‘Red Boskoop’, ‘Crown Prince Rudolf’, and ‘Topaz’), in two size groups: large (>70 mm, Class I) and small (55–70 mm, Class II). Sugars and organic acids varied by cultivar but not consistently by size. White-fleshed small apples had higher flesh phenolics, suggesting a dilution effect, while ‘Baya Marisa’ showed no size-related phenolic differences, indicating potential genetic influence. VOCs were mainly aldehydes, with cultivar-specific differences outweighing size effects. Fruit maturity and controlled-atmosphere storage likely limited ester production. These findings demonstrate that fruit size influences certain biochemical traits in a cultivar-dependent manner. This study’s novelty lies in combining tissue-specific metabolite profiling with size comparisons across multiple cultivars, providing practical insights for breeders, nutritionists, and the fruit industry. This work supports size-specific quality assessment and valorization of smaller apples for fresh consumption and processing, challenging conventional market classifications based solely on size. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Science and Technology)
10 pages, 1075 KB  
Article
UK Real-World Evidence of Using Durvalumab Plus Cisplatin and Gemcitabine in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer via an Early Access Scheme
by Harry Daniels, Mona Hassan, Omer Babiker, William Rowley, Aitzaz Qaisar, Emma Phillips, Ellana Griffin, Catherine Bell, Bahaaeldin Baraka, Shyamika Acharige, Maia Aquino, Rachel Plant, Justin Mencel, Samuel Chan, Dominique Parslow, Arvind Arora, Martin Scott-Brown, Shelize Khakoo, Chiara Braconi, Daniel Palmer, Yuk Ting Ma and Shivan Sivakumaradd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Cancers 2025, 17(17), 2732; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17172732 - 22 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3240
Abstract
Background: Durvalumab (anti-PD-L1) in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin has become the first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced, surgically unresectable, or metastatic biliary tract cancer, following the survival benefit demonstrated in the TOPAZ-1 phase III trial. This study presents real-world data from [...] Read more.
Background: Durvalumab (anti-PD-L1) in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin has become the first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced, surgically unresectable, or metastatic biliary tract cancer, following the survival benefit demonstrated in the TOPAZ-1 phase III trial. This study presents real-world data from UK centres in patients who received early access to the regimen via AstraZeneca’s scheme. The aim was to assess the safety and efficacy of this treatment approach in routine clinical practice and compare it to outcomes reported in the TOPAZ-1 trial. Method: This retrospective study included patients with locally advanced, surgically unresectable, or metastatic biliary tract adenocarcinoma who received durvalumab in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin. Data were collected across ten UK centres. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), with secondary endpoints including overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), and safety outcomes, encompassing both chemotherapy and immunotherapy-related adverse events (AEs). Results: A total of 134 patients treated between April 2022 and December 2023 were included. The median follow-up was 12.8 months (95% CI: 11–16.8). The median PFS was 8.83 months (95% CI: 5.73–11.7), closely aligning with the 7.2 months reported in TOPAZ-1 (95% CI: 6.7–7.4). The median OS was 12 months (95% CI: 10.7–13.9), slightly below the 12.8 months observed in TOPAZ-1 (95% CI: 11.1–14.0). The ORR was 29.1% (TOPAZ-1: 26.7%), and the disease control rate was 61.2%. In terms of safety, 64 patients (52.3%) experienced any-grade AEs, and 9 patients (6.8%) had grade 3–4 AEs, representing a lower toxicity profile than TOPAZ-1. Immunotherapy-related AEs occurred in 25 patients (18.7%), with grade 3–4 events in 3%. Conclusions: These real-world findings from UK cancer centres support the outcomes of the TOPAZ-1 trial, demonstrating comparable efficacy and a favourable safety profile for durvalumab combined with gemcitabine-cisplatin as first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Drug Development)
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12 pages, 693 KB  
Article
Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Durvalumab Plus Gemcitabine and Cisplatin in Patients with Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: A Real-World Retrospective Cohort Study
by Eishin Kurihara, Satoru Kakizaki, Masashi Ijima, Takeshi Hatanaka, Norio Kubo, Yuhei Suzuki, Hidetoshi Yasuoka, Takashi Hoshino, Atsushi Naganuma, Noriyuki Tani, Yuichi Yamazaki and Toshio Uraoka
Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 1915; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13081915 - 6 Aug 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3219
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The TOPAZ-1 phase III trial reported a survival benefit of using durvalumab, an anti-programmed death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) antibody, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin (GCD) treatment in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer. This retrospective study investigated the efficacy and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The TOPAZ-1 phase III trial reported a survival benefit of using durvalumab, an anti-programmed death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) antibody, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin (GCD) treatment in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer. This retrospective study investigated the efficacy and safety of GCD treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer in real-world conditions. Methods: The study subjects were 52 patients with biliary tract cancer who received GCD therapy between January 2023 and May 2024. The observation parameters included the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), tumor markers (CEA, CA19-9), overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events. Results: The cohort included 36 men and 16 women, with a median age of 73.0 years. There were 36 cases of cholangiocarcinoma (distal: 10, perihilar: 19, intrahepatic: 7), 13 cases of gallbladder cancer, and 3 cases of ampullary carcinoma. The stages were locally advanced in 30 cases and metastatic in 22 cases. Biliary drainage was performed in 30 cases. There were 38 cases receiving first-line therapy and 14 cases receiving second-line or later treatments. The median values at the start of GCD therapy were ALB 3.7 g/dL, CRP 0.39 mg/dL, NLR 2.4, PLR 162.5, CEA 4.8 ng/mL, and CA19-9 255.9 U/mL. The mGPS distribution was 0:23 cases, 1:18 cases, and 2:11 cases. The treatment outcomes were ORR 25.0% (CR 2 cases, PR 11 cases), DCR 78.8% (SD 28 cases, PD 10 cases, NE 1 case), median PFS 8.6 months, and median OS 13.9 months. The PLR was suggested to be useful for predicting PFS. A decrease in CEA at six weeks after the start of treatment was a significant predictor of PFS and OS. Gallbladder cancer had a significantly poorer prognosis compared to other cancers. The immune-related adverse events included hypothyroidism in two cases, cholangitis in one case, and colitis in one case. Conclusions: The ORR, DCR, and PFS were comparable to those in the TOPAZ-1 trial. Although limited by its retrospective design and small sample size, this study suggests that GCD therapy is an effective treatment regimen for unresectable biliary tract cancer in real-world clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Anticancer Inhibitors and Targeted Therapy)
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19 pages, 8020 KB  
Article
Homrit Akarem Post-Collisional Intrusion, Southeastern Desert, Egypt: Petrogenesis of Greisen Formed in a Cupola Structure and Enrichment in Strategic Minerals
by Mokhles K. Azer, Adel A. Surour, Hilmy E. Moussa, Ayman E. Maurice, Mabrouk Sami, Moustafa A. Abou El Maaty, Adel I. M. Akarish, Mohamed Th. S. Heikal, Ahmed A. Elnazer, Mustafa A. Elsagheer, Heba S. Mubarak, Amany M. A. Seddik, Hadeer Sobhy and Mohamed O. Osama
Geosciences 2025, 15(6), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15060200 - 26 May 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1953
Abstract
The greisens discussed in the present study are associated with the Homrit Akarem post-collisional granites, which are exposed near the western edge of the Egyptian Nubian Shield in the Southeastern Desert of Egypt. The Homrit Akarem granites intruded into Neoproterozoic country rocks, with [...] Read more.
The greisens discussed in the present study are associated with the Homrit Akarem post-collisional granites, which are exposed near the western edge of the Egyptian Nubian Shield in the Southeastern Desert of Egypt. The Homrit Akarem granites intruded into Neoproterozoic country rocks, with sharp intrusive contacts. The marginal parts of the Homrit Akarem intrusion underwent extensive post-magmatic metasomatism, resulting in the formation of albitized granite and greisens. The Homrit Akarem greisens occur as veins and stockworks, which can be classified into four types: muscovite-rich, cassiterite-rich, topaz-rich, and beryl-rich greisens. Based on petrographic inspection, we identified ore minerals (cassiterite, beryl, topaz, muscovite, Nb-Ta oxides, tourmaline, fluorite, and corundum) in the greisens using electron probe microanalysis. The Homrit Akarem mineralized greisens were formed in a magmatic cupola above A-type magma, where fluid–rock interactions played a significant role in their formation. The accumulation of residual volatile-rich melt and exsolved fluids in the apical part of the magma chamber produced albitized granite, greisens, and quartz veins that intruded into the peripheries of the granitic intrusion and its surrounding country rocks. The variation in the mineralogy of the studied greisens indicates the diverse chemical composition of both the hydrothermal/magmatic fluids and the host granites. The simultaneous decrease in temperature and pressure is considered a crucial factor that controlled mineralization in the apical parts of the magma chamber. The occurrence of cassiterite, beryl, topaz, tourmaline, muscovite, and Nb-Ta oxides in the studied greisens suggests a potential polymetallic deposit of industrial minerals. Full article
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