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While work-care reconciliation strategies can benefit family carers, employers, wider society and the economy, juggling family caregiving responsibilities with paid employment can lead to role strain. Family carers frequently find themselves engaged in role decisions and role negotiations and being faced with decisions to alter their work commitments in order to fulfil their caregiving responsibilities. The purpose of this study was to explore family carers' experiences of modifying work arrangements to accommodate caregiving responsibilities for an ill or dependant family member. Ten face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with family carers in Ireland, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings highlighted the value placed on work by family carers, but despite this, the caring role always took precedence over the employee role. Family carers adopted a combination of strategies, and where possible, carved out a carer-friendly career for themselves. The findings also revealed the key triggers for work alterations and the sacrifices made by family carers. It is important that family carers are supported by employers to successfully balance work with caregiving responsibilities and that an array of work options are available to them, so that they can make better-informed choices regarding work-care reconciliation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, it was demonstrated that an empirical model based on bremsstrahlung isochromat spectroscopy of elemental thorium (Th) could be used to explain the experimental results and unoccupied 5f electronic structure for simple localized actinide systems with n = ⅔, 2, 3, and 5, where n is the 5f occupancy. Here, the thorium model will be extended to provide an understanding of the observed behavior and unoccupied 5f electronic structure in the uranium monochalcogenide systems of uranium sulfide and uranium telluride, in terms of weak 5f delocalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a simple empirical model based upon the bremsstrahlung isochromat spectroscopy of elemental Th, it is possible to explain the recent high energy resolution fluorescence detection measurements of UF4 (n = 2) and UCd11 (n = 3) as well as the new inverse photoelectron spectroscopy of Pu2O3 (n = 5), where n is the 5f occupation number. A critical issue in this analysis is the assumption that the Th 5f states are essentially empty, which will be confirmed both experimentally and computationally. Thus, for 5f systems, this simple model provides a unified and consistent picture of 5f unoccupied density of states in simple, localized systems, as the 5f occupation varies in the early part of the series, for n = 0, 2, 3, and 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delocalization in the 5f states of the actinides is an important phenomenon, but poorly quantified. Here, the fundamental limitations of 5f dispersion measurements using angle and momentum resolved variants of photoelectron spectroscopy will be discussed. A novel approach will be suggested, based on a theoretical projection, which should circumvent these limitations: M4,5 X-ray emission spectroscopy. This analysis will utilize the case study of U metal, which can be considered to be the paramount example of 5f dispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using M4,5 X-ray Emission Spectroscopy (XES) in the tender X-ray regime, it is possible to quantify 5f delocalization in the actinides. Previous analyses, utilizing the Branching Ratio (BR) in the N4,5 X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), could not discriminate between the cases of localized n = 2 and delocalized n = 3, in uranium materials, where n is the number of 5f electrons on the U entity. Here, it is shown that, by employing the ubiquitous 6p → 3d XES as a point of normalization, the localized n = 2 and delocalized n = 3 cases can be easily distinguished and quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal phthalocyanines (MPc's) are an interesting class of material, and their magnetic and electronic properties are determined by the orbital occupation of the transition metal 3d orbitals incorporated in the molecules center. Thus, the ground state configuration of the transition metal center is very important for a complete understanding of these materials. We present experimental data taken using x-ray absorption and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy together with a theoretical interpretation of MPc series with M=Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, and Mn. The combination of these methods allows us to narrow down possible dominating ground state configurations and shed a brighter light on the electronic structure of these complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a high energy resolution x-ray spectrometer for the tender x-ray regime (1.6–5.0 keV) that was designed and operated at Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource. The instrument is developed on a Rowland geometry (500 mm of radius) using cylindrically bent Johansson analyzers and a position sensitive detector. By placing the sample inside the Rowland circle, the spectrometer operates in an energy-dispersive mode with a subnatural line-width energy resolution (∼0.32 eV at 2400 eV), even when an extended incident x-ray beam is used across a wide range of diffraction angles (∼30° to 65°). The spectrometer is enclosed in a vacuum chamber, and a sample chamber with independent ambient conditions is introduced to enable a versatile and fast-access sample environment (e.g., solid/gas/liquid samples, in situ cells, and radioactive materials). The design, capabilities, and performance are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this research was to develop a tool to identify and assess the qualities of cancer‐related loneliness in adult cancer survivors who have completed treatment. In addition to reporting the development of the tool, we explicate the process of using the findings of a qualitative analysis to generate questionnaire items, as currently little guidance exists on this topic. The findings of our qualitative research exploring the experience of loneliness in adult cancer survivors who had completed treatment, together with the findings of our concept analysis of loneliness, were used to develop an assessment tool for cancer‐related loneliness following treatment completion. Cognitive testing was undertaken to assess fidelity of comprehension and feasibility in administration. The Cancer‐Related Loneliness Assessment Tool is a 10‐item self‐report questionnaire capturing the essential elements of cancer‐related loneliness following treatment completion. Experts believed the questionnaire to be face‐valid and usable in clinical practice, and preliminary cognitive testing indicated that the items generate the information intended and individuals have little trouble completing the tool. Following further development work, the tool could be employed to identify cancer‐related loneliness following treatment completion. It could also aid with the development/adaptation and evaluation of person‐centred interventions to address such loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wakefulness and sleep are fundamental characteristics of the brain. We, therefore, hypothesized that transmitter systems contribute to their regulation and will exhibit circadian alterations. We assessed the concentration of various neurotransmitter receptors and transporters including adenosinergic (A1AR, A2AAR, and ENT1), dopaminergic (D1R, D2R, and DAT), and serotonergic (5-HT2AR) target proteins. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used and maintained in a 12 h light: 12 h dark cycle (lights on from 07:00 h to 19:00 h). We measured receptor and transporter concentrations in different brain regions, including caudate putamen, basal forebrain, and cortex in 4 hour-intervals over a 24 hour-period using quantitative in vitro autoradiography. Investigated receptors and transporters showed no fluctuations in any of the analyzed regions using one-way ANOVA. Only in the horizontal diagonal band of Broca, the difference of A1AR concentration between light and dark phases (t-test) as well as the cosinor analysis of the 24 hour-course were significant, suggesting that this region underlies receptor fluctuations. Our findings suggest that the availability of the investigated neurotransmitter receptors and transporters does not undergo changes in a 24 hour-period. While there are reports on changes in adenosine and dopamine receptors during sleep deprivation, we found no changes in the investigated adenosine, dopamine, and serotonin receptors during regular and undisturbed day-night cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultra-bright femtosecond X-ray pulses provided by X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs) open capabilities for studying the structure and dynamics of a wide variety of biological and inorganic systems beyond what is possible at synchrotron sources. Although the structure and chemistry at the catalytic sites have been studied intensively in both biological and inorganic systems, a full understanding of the atomic-scale chemistry requires new approaches beyond the steady state X-ray crystallography and X-ray spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures. Following the dynamic changes in the geometric and electronic structure at ambient conditions, while overcoming X-ray damage to the redox active catalytic center, is key for deriving reaction mechanisms. Such studies become possible by using the intense and ultra-short femtosecond X-ray pulses from an XFEL, where sample is probed before it is damaged. We have developed methodology for simultaneously collecting X-ray diffraction data and X-ray emission spectra, using an energy dispersive spectrometer, at ambient conditions, and used this approach to study the room temperature structure and intermediate states of the photosynthetic water oxidizing metallo-protein, photosystem II. Moreover, we have also used this setup to simultaneously collect the X-ray emission spectra from multiple metals to follow the ultrafast dynamics of light-induced charge transfer between multiple metal sites. A Mn–Ti containing system was studied at an XFEL to demonstrate the efficacy and potential of this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been a dramatic increase in the use of dietary supplements over the last few decades and both omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine are two of the best-selling dietary supplements in many countries. An understanding of omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine consumption is of significance to health care providers and for future health promotion activities. Methods: This research involved analysis of data collected from a nationally-representative sample of Australian women as part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). Participants' use of omega-3 fatty acids (FA), glucosamine, their demographics, health status and health care utilisation were measured. Analysis included logistic regression modelling. Results: Of the 10,638 women in the study, 26.8% reported use of omega-3 FA and 15.9% glucosamine. Women with osteoarthritis (OR=2.529; 95% CI: 2.190, 2.921), other arthritis (OR= 1.618; 95% CI: 1.375, 1.905), and joint pain (OR= 2.699; 95% CI: 2.305, 3.160) were more likely to use glucosamine (all p<0.001). In contrast, those with diabetes (OR= 0.471; 95% CI: 0.343, 0.646) or depression (OR= 0.764; 95% CI: 0.657, 0.887) were less likely to use glucosamine (both p<0.001). Women with osteoarthritis (OR=1.481; 95% CI: 1.297, 1.691) and joint pain (OR= 1.456; 95% CI: 1.306, 1.622) were more likely to use omega-3 FA (all p<0.001). Conclusions: Substantial prevalence rates for use of glucosamine and omega-3 FA amongst mid-aged women highlights the need for health practitioners and policymakers to be mindful of the possible significant role of such supplement use as part of patient health-seeking behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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1, there is substantial agreement between the Th model and the spectra for UO SB 2 sb ([3]) and U SB 3 sb O SB 8 sb ([4]). The U SB 3 sb O SB 8 sb spectrum of Le Pape I et al i .[4] is almost identical to that published earlier by Kvashnina and co-workers.[5] However, there is no agreement between the U(VI) uranyl cases[[4], [6]] and the Th model. The HERFD of U SB 4 sb O SB 9 sb of Kvashnina I et al i .[5] also has more than one peak, thus rendering agreement with the Th model impossible without additional information. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents a case study of 79-year-old male with a medical history of multiple operations in the head and neck region due to recurrent basal cell carcinoma. Topics discussed include patient underwent an ablation of the left ear and a petrosectomy with anamnestic complete postoperative paresis of the left facial nerve, immunohistological analysis showed a solid sclerodermiformic basal cell carcinoma and inability to perform preoperative magnetic resonance imaging due to claustrophobia.

I Already a significant public health problem prior to the COVID-19 pandemic due to its associations with low wellbeing, poor mental and physical health and premature mortality, loneliness has likely escalated greatly across the world following the introduction of physical distancing measures to control the spread of coronavirus. Multidisciplinary research priorities for the COVID-19 pandemic: a call for action for mental health science. [Extracted from the article]

Despite overall improvements in outcomes of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), ∼30-40% of patients develop relapsed or refractory disease. For patients with chemo refractory disease, or recurrent disease following autologous hematopoietic SCT (auto-HCT), the prognosis is poor, with no consensus on the optimal therapy. Currently, owing to the graft vs lymphoma effect, hematopoietic allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is the only potentially curative option for such patients. In addition, many patients who are considered today for auto-HCT actually have a low likelihood of benefit. For example, a patient with prior rituximab exposure who relapses within 1 year of diagnosis and has a second-line age-adjusted International Prognosis Index of 2 or 3 at relapse has a <25% chance of being cured by auto-HCT. It is possible that such patients may be better served with an allo-HCT. Unfortunately, in many cases, allo-HCT applicability is limited by patient age, comorbidities, performance status and treatment-related toxicities. Recent attempts to improve the efficacy of auto-HCT, such as incorporating radio-immunotherapy into the conditioning regimen, have not resulted in improved outcomes. However, incorporation of novel agents such as anti-programmed death-1 antibodies as maintenance therapy after auto-HCT show promise. Allo-HCT in relapsed/refractory DLBCL patients can result in a 30-40% PFS rate at 3 years, in part due to a graft vs DLBCL effect. While reduced-intensity/non-myeloablative conditioning is increasingly being used, certain patients may benefit from myeloablative conditioning. We present an algorithm intended to discriminate which relapsed and refractory DLBCL patients are most likely to benefit from auto-HCT vs allo-HCT. New approaches, using novel agents that target the molecular heterogeneity in DLBCL, will be an essential component of moving the field forward. Lastly, we propose a prospective registry-based study as the only feasible mechanism to define the optimal position of allo-HCT in the overall treatment strategy for DLBCL. It is hoped that this review will promote the development of prospective multicenter efforts to determine whether such patients do, in fact, benefit from earlier and/or more effective implementation of allo-HCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Pathologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: The majority of targeted personalized cancer therapies are effective only in part of the patients, and most of these drugs are excessively expensive. Therefore, methods are urgently required, which reveal already early during treatment, whether the therapy is effective. In the present report, monitoring of circulating epithelial tumor cells (CETC) was used as a timely control of trastuzumab therapy in patients with HER2/neu-positive breast cancer. Methods: Seventy-nine sequential HER2/neu-positive breast cancer patients, 35 without trastuzumab, and 36 treated with 1 year of trastuzumab treatment were included. CETC from unseparated white blood cells stained with FITC-anti-EpCAM were analyzed repeatedly during chemotherapy and between 2 and 10 times during 1 year of maintenance treatment or observation. Results: Patients treated with trastuzumab had a better relapse-free survival than patients without trastuzumab treatment during the first 2-4 years of follow-up. Decrease in numbers or no change versus highly variable numbers or increase (fivefold or more) allowed to discriminate highly significantly and clearly ( P < 0.0001, hazard ratio 5.5) between patients with a low or high risk of relapse. An increase in CETC was accompanied by an increasing portion of cells containing a very high number of HER2/neu gene amplificates. Conclusions: Analysis of the behavior of CETC can, in the future, contribute to evaluate the efficacy of targeted therapy early during the course of the disease, sparing patients unnecessary treatment but also to reduce the costs for the health system and to downsize the extent and length of clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the electronic structure of iron phthalocyanine (FePc) films at low temperature using electron energy-loss spectroscopy. The electronic excitation spectrum of FePc is rather complex and comprises both π-π* transitions of the phthalocyanine ligand and transitions that involve the Fe 3d orbitals. The C 1s core excitations provide so far unidentified information on the molecular orbitals. They demonstrate that the Fe 3d orbital with eg symmetry is energetically located in between the highest occupied and the lowest unoccupied ligand state and that it is not fully occupied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of HNO is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The use of conventional CT- or MRI-based navigation systems for head and neck surgery is unsatisfactory due to tissue shift. Moreover, changes occurring during surgical procedures cannot be visualized. To overcome these drawbacks, we developed a novel ultrasound-guided navigation system for head and neck surgery. A comprehensive error analysis was undertaken to determine the accuracy of this new system. Materials and Methods: The evaluation of the system accuracy was essentially based on the method of error definition for well-established fiducial marker registration methods (point-pair matching) as used in, for example, CT- or MRI-based navigation. This method was modified in accordance with the specific requirements of ultrasound-guided navigation. The Fiducial Localization Error (FLE), Fiducial Registration Error (FRE) and Target Registration Error (TRE) were determined. Results: In our navigation system, the real error (the TRE actually measured) did not exceed a volume of 1.58 mm3 with a probability of 0.9. A mean value of 0.8 mm (standard deviation: 0.25 mm) was found for the FRE. The quality of the coordinate tracking system (Polaris localizer) could be defined with an FLE of 0.4 ± 0.11 mm (mean ± standard deviation). The quality of the coordinates of the crosshairs of the phantom was determined with a deviation of 0.5 mm (standard deviation: 0.07 mm). Conclusion: The results demonstrate that our newly developed ultrasound-guided navigation system shows only very small system deviations and therefore provides very accurate data for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the impact of the concepts of identity and difference on demented persons (especially on persons with Alzheimer's disease). The diagnosis of dementia is often synonymous with the assertion that demented individuals are no longer capable of making reasonable decisions. But rationality is an important aspect of characterizing a person's identity. Hence, this prevailing image of dementia as a loss of self and a change of identity leads to the situation that demented persons represent difference and otherness. Here, the brain and the mind act as the source for difference. The paper discusses several identity concepts with regard to demented persons and the relationship between identity and difference in dementia. This analysis is accompanied by an examination of the current biopolitics of dementia and ageing as biopolitics constitutes the socio-political-medical understanding of dementia. Challenges and possibilities for dementia care will be explored in the context of this complex relationship between theoretical concepts and political, medical, and health-care practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Consumer--Professional Partnership Program CPPP) was developed to increase patient participation in the education of nurses and other health care professionals. Its goal is to inform nurses about disability and health issues from the perspective of people with spinal cord injury. This article discusses the development of this program and the first experiences with its implementation. Forty-three nursing professionals took part in CPPP training. Initial participant responses were positive, especially with regard to hearing from consumers about care preferences, barriers to care, and ways to improve patien--provider interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of living environment on the health and access to health care of low-income working-age adults with physical disabilities. We conducted focus groups of participants with physical disabilities in the District of Columbia living in each of three housing situations (a homeless shelter, a nursing home, and an inaccessible house or apartment). Twenty-eight people participated in the focus groups. Most were male (79%) and African American (93%). Participants from a homeless shelter expressed concerns about accessibility and sanitation at the shelter. Nursing home participants expressed a need for privacy and autonomy that would foster consumer-directed care. Participants living in inaccessible apartments or houses worried about their ability to maintain daily living and social activities. Participants perceived barrier-free housing conditions to be a prerequisite for independent living and for ensuring their basic health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design. Prospective, self-report mail survey with two points of measurement one year apart. Objectives. To determine significant predictors of pressure ulcers (PU) and urinary tract infections (UTI) in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) over 2 years. Setting. Non-institutionalized adults with SCI living in the United States of America. Methods. Secondary data analysis from 2 consecutive years. Independent variables included demographic, healthcare-related, functional, access to care, and health behavior measures. Dependent variables were the occurrence of PU and UTI at Time 2. Results. Bivariate analyses showed significant associations between various independent variables and the occurrence of PU and UTI at Time 2. Separate logistic regression analyses for PU and UTI at Time 2 as dependent variables showed that PU at Time 1, not being married or cohabiting, not having access to primary care services when needed, and reporting a greater number of activities of daily living (ADL) requiring assistance were significant predictors of PU at Time 2. UTI at Time 1, a greater number of ADLs requiring assistance, and not engaging in weekly exercise are significant predictors of subsequent occurrence of UTI. Conclusions. Findings support previous research, and indicate the need for increased efforts to provide SCI self-management education to at-risk subpopulations, including individuals with greater personal assistance needs and functional limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Onkologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

PURPOSE: To describe the experiences with care co-ordination of people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury; to determine barriers to effective care co-ordination; and to compare experiences across disability and health plan types. METHOD: Qualitative, semi-structured telephone interviews with 30 people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury. Interviews focused on the care co-ordination experience of individuals in managed care and traditional indemnity health insurance plans in the USA and were analysed using NVivo. RESULTS: Half of the respondents reported that they had a health professional who co-ordinated their care. Participants identified barriers that prevented effective care co-ordination, including a lack of disability specific knowledge, providers' limited time and effort related to care, and insufficient communication among providers. There were few differences between managed care and fee-for-service respondents with regard to these barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings reveal few differences in the care co-ordination experiences amongst people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury in both plan types. All providers need to become more literate about the health care needs of people with physical disabilities, and health plans need to reward communication among providers and the time and effort invested in care co-ordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with disabilities constitute a marginalized group in health services research, and their experiences within the health-care system are not well understood. This article examines the access barriers to primary, specialist, and rehabilitative care, and their consequences for individuals' health, functioning, well-being, and health services utilization. The findings are based on an in-depth analysis of 30 qualitative interviews. Access problems are grouped into environmental, structural, and process barriers. The findings highlight the complex nature of access barriers for people with disabilities and underscore the importance of disability literacy in the health service delivery process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enumerates the consequences of access barriers to health care. Scope and nature of the consequences that adults with disabilities perceive as the result of inappropriate access to health care services; Variability of the consequences by demographic attributes.

Motivated by recent experiments on cuprates with low-dimensional magnetic interactions, a new class of two-dimensional Ising models with short-range interactions and mobile defects is introduced and studied. The non-magnetic defects form lines, which, as temperature increases, first meander and then become unstable. Using Monte Carlo simulations and analytical low- and high-temperature considerations, the instability of the defect stripes is monitored for various microscopic and thermodynamic quantities in detail for a minimal model, assuming some of the couplings to be indefinitely strong. The robustness of the findings against weakening the interactions is discussed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Compliance has been studied from a wide range of scientific perspectives including medicine, nursing, psychology and health economics. * There is no agreement regarding a commonly accepted definition. Lack of consistency in the definition and measurement of compliance is a major problem in research which becomes more complicated in an international study. * The response to the confusion over the term compliance has been to suggest and use alternative terms such as adherence, co-operation, mutuality and therapeutic alliance. These terms are ill-defined and often are used as synonyms. * The purpose of this paper is to analyse definitions of the concept of compliance. Abstracts from MEDLINE have been analysed in order to identify the types of compliance research that have been carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adherence to long-term complex treatment in children with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) is a major problem. This article reviews psychosocial factors that compromise treatment adherence and discusses ways to improve long-term adherence. Child-centred information, therapy management, behaviour modification, and parental monitoring are described as adherence facilitating strategies for clinical and non-clinical settings. Finally, the implications for further practice and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ridge structure with ΔEγ=±30 keV, observed in the past in coincidence with protons emitted in the reaction 187 MeV 37Cl +120Sn and attributed to an hyperdeformed nuclear shape in 152Dy, has been studied in a new experiment performed with the EUROBALL III array. The ridge is now observed in coincidence with transitions in the yrast superdeformed band of 152Dy but no discrete rotational bands have been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Tumor formation and progression is characterized by a proceeding degeneration of genetic material. As a consequence a growing number of proteins are misfolded and thus accumulate in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and induce the "unfolded protein response" (UPR). Activation of the UPR can cause elimination of cells through apoptosis or a restabilization and therefore cell survival. We could previously show that chronic and single application of BMP-2 alters distinct subsets of genes in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7. The group of apoptosis-related genes was predominantly regulated after shortterm application of BMP-2. The protein kinase R (PKR) exhibited the most prominent BMP-2 dependent regulation. Materials and methods In order to verify the array results, we incubated the breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 with 50 ng/ml or 100 ng/ml BMP-2 and performed real real-time PCR for PKR and selected genes associated with UPR and apoptosis regulation at several time points. The activation of the PKR pathway was analyzed by immunoblotting using phosphor-specific antibodies for PKR and eIF2alpha. UPR is involved in apoptosis regulation. Therefore, the cell cycle status of the cells was studied by FACS analysis using the Cell Cycle Test (Becton Dickinson). Results Incubation of MCF-7 cells with BMP-2 induces a 2-fold induction of PKR expression after 24 h independent of the amount of BMP-2 applied. The alterations of PKR expression found on the mRNA level were further investigated on the protein level by western blot analysis. We could show that the BMP-2 dependent up-regulation of PKR mRNA is paralleled by an increase in PKR protein content with a subsequent down-regulation of the total protein content of PKR after 24 hours. Incubation of MCF-7 cells with BMP-2 led to a robust increase of the fraction of phosphorylated PKR after 4 hours suggesting an additional route of BMP-2 dependent regulation of PKR activation. A prominent substrate of PKR is the alpha-subunit of the translation factor eIF2. Phosphorylation of eIF2alpha leads to an inhibition of translation. During incubation of MCF-7 cells with BMP-2 the level of total eIF2alpha is not altered. In contrast, the amount of phosphorylated eIF2alpha is increased in BMP-2 treated MCF-7 cells after 16 h up to 24 h. compared to serum-free controls. Cell cycle analysis revealed a slight reduction of apoptotic cells under the influence of BMP-2 in comparison to controls. Conclusion BMP-2 is able to activate the cellular stress response in the breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 giving a link to a new impact of BMP-2 in tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]