Positive perception of stem cells for neurological conditions: results from an Australian public forum.

Background: Stem cells offer great hope and promise as a potential treatment for human diseases. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the public perception of stem cells for neurological conditions. Materials & methods: A paper-based questionnaire was administered to all attendees of a free, public stem cell forum. Results: Of 203 respondents, >95% believe that stem cells have the potential to treat neurological conditions. There was also high support (92%) for the use of embryonic/fetally derived cells, and 67% of respondents indicated a high likelihood to participate in a clinical trial of stem cell treatment(s), indicating overall support for research and translation. Conclusion: Our data demonstrates a positive perception of stem cell treatments for neurological conditions in our cohort.

State of the Evidence Traffic Lights 2019: Systematic Review of Interventions for Preventing and Treating Children with Cerebral Palsy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability of childhood, but the rate is falling, and severity is lessening. We conducted a systematic overview of best available evidence (2012-2019), appraising evidence using GRADE and the Evidence Alert Traffic Light System and then aggregated the new findings with our previous 2013 findings. This article summarizes the best available evidence interventions for preventing and managing cerebral palsy in 2019. RECENT FINDINGS: Effective prevention strategies include antenatal corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate, caffeine, and neonatal hypothermia. Effective allied health interventions include acceptance and commitment therapy, action observations, bimanual training, casting, constraint-induced movement therapy, environmental enrichment, fitness training, goal-directed training, hippotherapy, home programs, literacy interventions, mobility training, oral sensorimotor, oral sensorimotor plus electrical stimulation, pressure care, stepping stones triple P, strength training, task-specific training, treadmill training, partial body weight support treadmill training, and weight-bearing. Effective medical and surgical interventions include anti-convulsants, bisphosphonates, botulinum toxin, botulinum toxin plus occupational therapy, botulinum toxin plus casting, diazepam, dentistry, hip surveillance, intrathecal baclofen, scoliosis correction, selective dorsal rhizotomy, and umbilical cord blood cell therapy. We have provided guidance about what works and what does not to inform decision-making, and highlighted areas for more research.