Objective Epidemiological studies have shown evidence of the effect of genetic variations in the pathogenesis of breast cancer and have suggested a relationship of the disease with genetic polymorphisms. Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) is a collagenase responsible for the degradation of type IV collagen, the major component of the basement membrane, and other essential extra cellular matrix components, being involved in the tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between the MMP-9-1562 C/T polymorphism (rs 3918242) and the risk of developing breast cancer. Methods In this case-control study, the frequency of the MMP-9-1562 C/T polymorphism (rs 3918242) was determined in 148 women with breast cancer and 245 women without the disease. The DNA was extracted from plasma samples, and the gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); the presence of the polymorphism was determined using restriction enzymes. Results After adjusting for confounding variables, we found that the polymorphism was not associated with the occurrence of breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.159, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6625–1.997, p = 0.5964). We also found no association with more advanced disease, the presence of hormone receptors, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression, or rate of tumor cell proliferation. Conclusion We did not observe a relationship between MMP-9–1562 C/T polymorphism (rs 3918242) and the occurrence of breast cancer.

Objective Construction and validation of the WhatsApp Stress Scale (WASS), a questionnaire designed for physicians that measures how the use of smartphones and related software communication applications affects the quality of life of gynecologists who use this tool to communicate with patients. Methods The present cross-sectional observational study analyzed 60 gynecologists according to weekly WhatsApp usage time for communication with patients and compared the data with the perception of the doctor on the use of this virtual interaction as a stressor. Physicians were equally divided into three groups: < 2 hours, 2 to 5 hours, and > 5 hours. The authors created a questionnaire in Likert scale format. The study proceeded in three phases: development of the questionnaire items, pretesting, constructing, and validity and reliability testing using factor analysis, Cronbach α coefficient, and paired t-test. Results A 9-item instrument using a 5-point Likert scale was created and administered to the participants in 3 different times: T0, T1 (15 minutes after the end of T0), and T2 (15 days later). All questionnaire items possessed adequate content validity indices and the internal consistency of the instrument was satisfactory (Cronbach α 0.935; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.744–0.989; p = 0.0001). No statistically significant differences were observed in the responses between the rounds of testing, indicating good test-retest reliability. A positive association between the high frequency of WhatsApp usage for communication with patients and the stress perceived by the doctor was shown. Conclusion The WASS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the use of messaging applications to communicate with patients as a stressor perceived by gynecologists.

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to assess the use of smartphones' messaging apps as a stressor affecting the well-being of gynecologists who use this tool to communicate with patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with gynecologists who use message applications to communicate with patients. Participants answered the WhatsApp Stress Scale, Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, and the techno-stress questionnaire. The population sample consisted of gynecologists and obstetricians selected by convenience. RESULTS: Physicians who spent more time using WhatsApp to communicate with patients had higher levels of stress (p=0.010), Burnout (p<0.001), and techno-invasion score (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A positive association was found between the high frequency of WhatsApp usage for communication with patients and doctor's Burnout and stress, negatively influencing professional's well-being.

Objective Epidemiological studies have shown evidence of the effect of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, and have suggested a relationship of the disease with variations in genes involved in estrogen synthesis and/or metabolism. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the CYP3A4*1B gene polymorphism (rs2740574) and the risk of developing breast cancer. Methods In the present case-control study, the frequency of the CYP3A4*1B gene polymorphism was determined in 148 women with breast cancer and in 245 women without the disease. The DNA of the participants was extracted from plasma samples, and the gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The presence of the polymorphism was determined using restriction enzymes. Results After adjusting for confounding variables, we have found that the polymorphism was not associated with the occurrence of breast cancer (odds ratio = 1.151; 95% confidence interval: 0.714–1.856; p = 0.564). We have also found no association with the presence of hormone receptors, with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression, or with the rate of tumor cell proliferation. Conclusion We have not observed a relationship between the CYP3A4*1B gene polymorphism and the occurrence of breast cancer.

Introduction: breast cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer and the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Approximately 1.67 million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in 2012, leading to more than half a million deaths. Breast cancer accounted for 11.6% of newly diagnosed cancers (2,089 million) and 9.2% (787,000) of cancer-related deaths for both sexes and at all ages worldwide in 2018. Objective: breast cancer, as the most diagnosed carcinoma in the world and the leading cause of death among women, is a morbidity of outstanding importance, and the object of this study is to evaluate the association between the LOX gene G473A (rs1800449) polymorphism and breast cancer occurrence, potentially establishing a new finding in the identification of risks, prevention, and care for a specific group of women. Methods:in this retrospective cohort study, LOX G473A polymorphism frequency was assessed in 148 women with breast cancer and 245 women without breast cancer. All patients completed a questionnaire to identify possible risk factors and subsequently underwent peripheral blood collection to study the LOX gene. DNA was extracted followed by gene amplification via PCR, and the polymorphism was studied by specific fragment electrophoresis after digestion of the samples with the restriction endonuclease Pstl. Results: this study identified the use of oral contraceptives and family history of breast cancer as risk factors for breast cancer; the G473A polymorphism in LOX was not identified as a risk factor. Conclusion: a relationship was not observed between the LOX G473A polymorphism and the occurrence of breast cancer.