Phase partitioning of the neutrophil oxidative burst is coordinated by accessory pathways of glucose metabolism and mitochondrial activity.

Neutrophils are a part of the innate immune system and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to extinguish pathogens. The major source of ROS in neutrophils is NADPH oxidase, which is fueled by NADPH generated via the pentose phosphate pathway; however, it is unclear how other accessory glucose metabolism pathways and mitochondrial activity influence the respiratory burst. We examined the temporal dynamics of the respiratory burst and delineated how metabolism changes over time after neutrophil activation.

Hyaluronan provokes inflammation but suppresses phagocytotic function in macrophages.

Background: The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural and functional support for the myocardium, but myocardial infarction (MI) changes the composition of the ECM. One of the chief components of the ECM, hyaluronan (HA), accumulates after MI; however, specific biological actions of HA-particularly at the level of infiltrating immune cells and implications of such interactions on ventricular remodeling-have not been explored.

Goal: Because acute accumulation of HA coincides with macrophage infiltration after MI, we assessed the impact of HA on macrophage function.

Intravenous infusions of mesenchymal stromal cells have cumulative beneficial effects in a porcine model of chronic ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

Aims: The development of cell therapy as a widely available clinical option for ischaemic cardiomyopathy is hindered by the invasive nature of current cell delivery methods. Furthermore, the rapid disappearance of cells after transplantation provides a cogent rationale for using repeated cell doses, which, however, has not been done thus far in clinical trials because it is not feasible with invasive approaches. The goal of this translational study was to test the therapeutic utility of the intravenous route for cell delivery.

Bone Marrow and Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stromal Cells are Ineffective for Myocardial Repair in an Immunodeficient Rat Model of Chronic Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Although cell therapy provides benefits for outcomes of heart failure, the most optimal cell type to be used clinically remains unknown. Most of the cell products used for therapy in humans require in vitro expansion to obtain a suitable number of cells for treatment; however, the clinical background of the donor and limited starting material may result in the impaired proliferative and reparative capacity of the cells expanded in vitro. Wharton's jelly mesenchymal cells (WJ MSCs) provide a multitude of advantages over adult tissue-derived cell products for therapy.

Rigor Me This: What Are the Basic Criteria for a Rigorous, Transparent, and Reproducible Scientific Study?

Scientific advancement is predicated upon the ability of a novel discovery to be independently reproduced and substantiated by others. Despite this inherent necessity, the research community is awash in published studies that cannot be replicated resulting in widespread confusion within the field and waning trust from the general public. In many cases, irreproducibility is the unavoidable consequence of a study that is conducted without the appropriate degree of rigor, typified by fundamental flaws in approach, design, execution, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.