The primary objective of this systematic review was to identify key factors relating to tissue viability of the residual limb in lower extremity traumatic amputees. A secondary objective was to identify factors that affect rehabilitation post-amputation. In total, 218 studies were assessed; 37 met pre-determined criteria. Studies were classified according to the WHO ICE framework and the NHMRC level of evidence.

Five key themes emerged; Prosthetic Fit; The Residuum; Quality of Life; Amputee Care and Prosthetic Use. The evidence indicates that high frequencies of skin problems affecting tissue viability within this population are inherently linked to intolerance of the prosthesis. Stump integrity, amputee care regimen and pain were also identified as impacting on quality of life, affecting rehabilitation

and the ability to become independently mobile. Levels of evidence within all studies were low and indicative of the majority Dorsomorphin being non-randomised cohort studies or case control studies. As there are a limited number of interventional studies, further development of robust outcome measures, clinical trials and prospective studies are of utmost importance to unravel the links between tissue viability and the other key factors. This will inform clinical management strategies and help develop targeted therapies and care pathways. (C) 2014 Tissue Viability Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently one of the most lethal and prevalent high throughput screening tumors worldwide. Prognosis in the metastatic setting remains poor despite therapeutic advances. In addition to chemotherapy, new drugs have recently been developed targeting signaling pathways involved in tumor growth, differentiation and angiogenesis. Aflibercept, a recombinant protein derived from VEGF receptors 1 and 2, also targets this angiogenesis pathway but via a different mechanism, acting as VEGF decoy, thus blocking other VEGFs. Areas covered: A comprehensive review of preclinical studies with aflibercept in cell lines and xenografts of different tumor types is presented. MEK inhibitor Aflibercept

safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics data from Phase I studies in solid tumor patients are discussed. Implications of Phase II studies and the pivotal Phase III VELOUR trial of second-line treatment in metastatic CRC (mCRC) patients evaluating aflibercept alone or combined with chemotherapy are also described. Expert opinion: In this challenging field, aflibercept offers a good option for oxaliplatin-refractory mCRC patients when combined with irinotecan and 5-fluorouracil irrespective of prior anti-angiogenic treatment. Therapeutic management may be further advanced by characterization of patients with predictive biomarkers and molecular profiles to improve benefit with this treatment.”
“The MALT1 paracaspase has arginine-directed proteolytic activity.