Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are traditionally known for their role in extracellular matrix remodeling. Increasing evidence reveals several alternative substrates and novel biological roles for these proteases. Recent evidence showed the intracellular localization of MMP-2 within cardiac myocytes, colocalized with troponin I within myofilaments. Here we investigated the presence of MMP-2 in the nucleus of cardiac myocytes using both immunogold electron microscopy and biochemical assays with nuclear extracts. The gelatinase activity found in both human heart and rat liver nuclear extracts was blocked with MMP inhibitors. In addition, the ability of MMP-2 to cleave poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) as a substrate was examined as a possible role for MMP-2 in the nucleus. PARP is a nuclear matrix enzyme involved in the repair of DNA strand breaks, which is known to be inactivated by proteolytic cleavage. PARP was susceptible to cleavage by MMP-2 in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner, yielding novel degradation products of ~66 and <45 kDa. The cleavage of PARP by MMP-2 was also blocked by MMP inhibitors. This is the first characterization of MMP-2 within the nucleus and we hereby suggest its possible role in PARP degradation.

Background: Experts call for stronger safety cultures and transparent reporting practices to increase medication safety in today's strained healthcare environments. The field of ecological restoration is concerned with the effective, efficient, and sustainable repair and recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. A study was undertaken to determine whether the lessons of restoration science can be adapted to the study of medication safety issues. Methods: Working with 26 practitioners, the principles of good restoration were used to design and pilot an innovative multifaceted medication safety intervention. The intervention included focus groups with practitioners, the construction and administration of a research based medication safety inventory, repeat digital photography of environmental safety issues, and targeted environmental modifications. Results: Participants were most concerned about staff education and the physical environment for medication administration. Ward staff used the research to build a healthy reporting culture, introduce regular discussions of near misses, develop education strategies, redesign delivery and storage processes, and renovate the environment. Conclusions: Members of a busy hospital ward successfully adapted methods of restoration science to study, redesign, and strengthen medication safety practices and ward safety culture within existing resources. Further research will be conducted to test the merits of restoration science for health care.

The present study demonstrates for the first time that selective iNOS inhibition or SOD treatment reduces enhanced MMP-9 protein and activity associated with improvement of both, endothelium-dependent and -independent coronary vasomotor function in rat cardiac allografts. This is accompanied by reduction of nitrotyrosine and superoxide production. This suggests that the proteolytic enzyme MMP-9 is an effector molecule of oxidant-mediated coronary vasomotor dysfunction.

Understanding and using big data is a critical part of developing relevant, sound and credible policy. Rigorous collection and analysis of big data supports the integrity of the evidence used by nurse regulators in developing nursing and health policy.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine relationships between internationally educated nurses’ (IENs’) performance in a registered nurse competency assessment process and the outcomes of their nursing registration applications. Assessments of nursing practice competencies, IEN applicant characteristics and registration outcomes were explored. Design/methodology/approach This is a secondary statistical analysis of a subset of IEN application data from a previous study in combination with assessment data from an additional database. Application data between 2008 and 2011 were analyzed using univariate/bivariate analyses and regression models to explore the relationship of performance in the assessment process and outcomes of the registration process. Findings Competency categories IEN applicants had difficulties with (from least to most) were Professional Responsibility and Accountability, Ethical Practice, Self-Regulation, Service to the Public, Knowledge-Based Practice: Specialized Body of Knowledge and Knowledge-Based Practice: Competent Application of Knowledge. IENs educated in the UK and USA had the highest scores and odds of meeting competencies. Applicants educated in India and Asia had lower scores and odds ratios. All national entry-to-practice examination and registration eligibility competencies were significantly related to registration outcomes. Applicants passing the exam had higher competency scores while applicants ineligible for registration had lower competency scores. Research limitations/implications Limitations include integrity of data extracted from active databases, IEN motivation to complete the RN registration process and conversion of assessment scales for research analysis. Originality/value Results inform regulation policies that improve IEN registration processes and may be informative to regulators, assessment centers, educational institutions and IENs.