Imaging Patterns in Breast Cancer for Women Under 40 Years: A Descriptive Cohort Study

Background and Aim: Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring malignant disease in women and remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among females worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the imaging findings of breast cancer in women under the age of 40 and analyze their pathological patterns. Method: A retrospective study was conducted from 2013 to 2019, involving 120 patients below 40 years of age with pathologically confirmed primary epithelial breast cancers. The data were collected from the electronic records of a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Mammograms were performed for 115 patients, ultrasounds were conducted for all patients, and MRI scans were carried out for 47 patients. Results: All radiological findings and clinical characteristics of the 120 cases were retrieved from our digital-based system. The majority of breast cancer patients (83.4%) were between 30 and 40 years old, and the most common clinical presentation was a mass (45.8%). Out of the 73 patients who underwent genetic tests, 32.9% tested positive for gene mutations. No statistically significant correlation was found between specific age groups and breast composition (P = 0.216), specific mammogram abnormalities such as masses (P = 0.262), or microcalcifications (P = 0.421). Ultrasonography was performed for all patients, with abnormalities detected in only one patient who was diagnosed with Paget’s disease of the nipple. Masses, with or without parenchymal changes, were the predominant feature in 88.3% of cases. Conclusion: The imaging findings in breast cancer cases typically involve masses with suspicious features, irregular shape, and spiculated margins on mammograms, and irregular shape with microlobulated or angular margins on ultrasound. MRI features commonly include masses with irregular shape and heterogeneous enhancement. The luminal B subtype was identified as the most prevalent pathological feature, characterized by a high proliferative index (Ki-67%). Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]The publication of this article was funded by Qatar National Library (QNL)

Assessment of the Physical Properties of an Experimental Adhesive Dentin Bonding Agent with Carbon Nanoparticles

The present study was aimed at reinforcing the control adhesive (CA) with two concentrations (2.5% & 5%) of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and evaluating the impact of these additions on the adhesive’s properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-Ray (EDX) spectroscopy were utilized to examine the morphological characteristics and elemental mapping of the filler CNPs. To investigate the adhesive’s properties, rheological assessment, shear bond strength (SBS) testing, analysis of the adhesive–dentin interface, degree of conversion (DC) analysis, and failure mode investigations were carried out. The SEM micrographs of CNPs verified roughly hexagonal-shaped cylindrical particles. The EDX plotting established the presence of carbon (C), oxygen (O), and zirconia (Zr). Upon rheological assessment, a gradual reduction in the viscosity was observed for all the adhesives at higher angular frequencies. The SBS testing revealed the highest values for 2.5% CNP adhesive group (25.15 ± 3.08 MPa) followed by 5% CNP adhesive group (24.25 ± 3.05 MPa). Adhesive type interfacial failures were most commonly found in this study. The 5% CNP containing adhesive revealed thicker resin tags and a uniform hybrid layer without any gaps (compared with 2.5% CNP adhesive and CA). The reinforcement of the CA with 2.5% and 5% CNPs augmented the adhesive’s bond strength. Nevertheless, a diminished viscosity (at higher angular frequencies) and reduced DC were observed for the two CNP reinforced adhesives. CNP reinforced dentin adhesives are effective in enhancing the adhesive bond integrity of resin to dentin

Assessment of the Physical Properties of an Experimental Adhesive Dentin Bonding Agent with Carbon Nanoparticles

The present study was aimed at reinforcing the control adhesive (CA) with two concentrations (2.5% & 5%) of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and evaluating the impact of these additions on the adhesive’s properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-Ray (EDX) spectroscopy were utilized to examine the morphological characteristics and elemental mapping of the filler CNPs. To investigate the adhesive’s properties, rheological assessment, shear bond strength (SBS) testing, analysis of the adhesive–dentin interface, degree of conversion (DC) analysis, and failure mode investigations were carried out. The SEM micrographs of CNPs verified roughly hexagonal-shaped cylindrical particles. The EDX plotting established the presence of carbon (C), oxygen (O), and zirconia (Zr). Upon rheological assessment, a gradual reduction in the viscosity was observed for all the adhesives at higher angular frequencies. The SBS testing revealed the highest values for 2.5% CNP adhesive group (25.15 ± 3.08 MPa) followed by 5% CNP adhesive group (24.25 ± 3.05 MPa). Adhesive type interfacial failures were most commonly found in this study. The 5% CNP containing adhesive revealed thicker resin tags and a uniform hybrid layer without any gaps (compared with 2.5% CNP adhesive and CA). The reinforcement of the CA with 2.5% and 5% CNPs augmented the adhesive’s bond strength. Nevertheless, a diminished viscosity (at higher angular frequencies) and reduced DC were observed for the two CNP reinforced adhesives. CNP reinforced dentin adhesives are effective in enhancing the adhesive bond integrity of resin to dentin