To date, a wide range of materials, from synthetic to natural or a mixture of these, has been explored, modified, and examined as small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts (SD-TEVGs) for tissue regeneration either in vitro or in vivo. However, very limited success has been achieved due to mechanical failure, thrombogenicity or intimal hyperplasia, and improvements of the SD-TEVG design are thus required. Here, in vivo studies investigating novel and relative long (10 times of the inner diameter) SD-TEVGs in large animal models and humans are identified and discussed, with emphasis on graft outcome based on model- and graft-related conditions. Only a few types of synthetic polymer-based SD-TEVGs have been evaluated in large-animal models and reflect limited success. However, some polymers, such as polycaprolactone (PCL), show favorable biocompatibility and potential to be further modified and improved in the form of hybrid grafts. Natural polymer- and cell-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM)-based SD-TEVGs tested in large animals still fail due to a weak strength or thrombogenicity. Similarly, native ECM-based SD-TEVGs and in-vitro-developed hybrid SD-TEVGs that contain xenogeneic molecules or matrix seem related to a harmful graft outcome. In contrast, allogeneic native ECM-based SD-TEVGs, in-vitro-developed hybrid SD-TEVGs with allogeneic banked human cells or isolated autologous stem cells, and in-body tissue architecture (IBTA)-based SD-TEVGs seem to be promising for the future, since they are suitable in dimension, mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and availability.

Monocyte apoptosis is a key mechanism that orchestrates host immune responses during sepsis. TRIM22 is constitutively expressed at high levels in monocytes and plays important roles in the antiviral response and inflammation. Overexpression of TRIM22 interferes with the clonogenic growth of monocytic cells, suggesting that TRIM22 may regulate monocyte survival. However, the effect of TRIM22 on monocyte apoptosis remains unknown. In the present report, lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-primed human peripheral blood monocytes expressing higher levels of TRIM22 were more sensitive to apoptosis. This phenomenon was also observed in TRIM22-overexpressing THP-1 monocytes and was associated with the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, as well as the increased expression and oligomerization of the pro-apoptotic protein Bak. Similar expression patterns of TRIM22 and Bak were also observed in LPS-primed, apoptotic human peripheral blood monocytes. In addition, the deletion of either the RING domain or the SPRY domain of TRIM22 significantly attenuated TRIM22-mediated monocyte apoptosis and decreased Bak expression and oligomerization. Furthermore, in monocytes from septic patients, TRIM22 levels were down-regulated and positively correlated with Bak levels. Taken together, these results indicate that TRIM22 plays a critical role in monocyte apoptosis by regulating Bak oligomerization and may have a potential function in the pathogenesis of sepsis.

Cryotherapy with ice in a plastic bag is a simple, readily attainable and cost-effective technique for relieving postarthroscopy pain. We recommend that it be included in standard treatment protocols. Techniques for cryotherapy should be incorporated into in-service education.

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