RUSSELL EARL WARE, MD

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Researchers looked at the use of laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) to treat hypertrophic scars, which are thick, raised scars that can develop after an injury or surgery. They found that while many studies (55 in total) have explored LADD, the results varied greatly, and it is difficult to determine how effective the treatment is due to inconsistent methods and outcome measurements. This matters because a clearer understanding of LADD could help improve treatment options for those with challenging scars. Who this helps: Patients with hypertrophic scars looking for effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how much lower limb training children with cerebral palsy need to improve their walking speed, endurance, and overall motor skills. Researchers found that children needed around 12 hours of training to boost walking speed, 7.5 hours for endurance, and 23-21 hours for other motor skills. Knowing these training thresholds can help therapists better design treatment plans to enhance mobility in these children. Who this helps: This helps children with cerebral palsy and their therapists.

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The study investigated the ancient environment of Doggerland, a now-submerged area that used to connect parts of Europe before the North Sea formed. Scientists analyzed DNA from sediment samples to learn that forests began developing over 16,000 years ago in this region, making it a more welcoming place for humans compared to nearby areas. These findings suggest that Doggerland provided ideal conditions for early human cultures to thrive. Who this helps: This research benefits archaeologists, historians, and environmental scientists studying human history and ancient ecosystems.

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This study looked at how to measure and assess skin injuries in newborns, focusing on different methods to determine their severity. Researchers evaluated 24 babies with skin injuries and found that while a simple visual check was the most accurate method, the pH test was the fastest and cheapest to perform, costing just $0.17 to $0.41 per assessment. The findings matter because they could improve how doctors identify and manage neonatal skin injuries, which are common but can vary greatly in severity. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers working with newborns.

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This study looks at how critically ill patients receive vasopressor medications, either through a peripheral IV line or a central line. The researchers want to see if it's safe and practical to use the peripheral method, as there haven’t been any recent controlled trials to guide this. The goal is to gather data that can help design a larger study in the future. Who this helps: This research benefits critically ill patients who need vasopressor treatment.

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This research focuses on improving the safety of central venous access devices (CVADs) used in children undergoing cancer treatment. The study compares two different solutions for "locking" these catheters: a new solution called tetra-EDTA (T-EDTA) and a standard saline solution. Researchers are looking at the rate of serious complications like infections and blood clots, aiming to gather data from 720 kids over the course of the trial. Who this helps: This helps pediatric cancer patients and their healthcare providers by potentially reducing serious complications during treatment.

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This study examined how COVID-19 restrictions affected the number of reported cases and testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea in Queensland, Australia, from January 2015 to December 2021. Researchers found that after COVID-19 restrictions began on March 29, 2020, chlamydia notifications dropped by an average of 48.4 cases per week, while gonorrhoea notifications among males fell by 39.1 cases per month, and testing decreased by 4,262 tests per month. These findings highlight the need to pay attention to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during public health crises, as they can be overlooked despite their importance. Who this helps: This information benefits healthcare providers and public health officials managing STI testing and treatment during crises.

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In a study conducted at a children's hospital in the Dominican Republic, researchers looked at kids who were hospitalized for dengue fever to see how often they also had malaria. Out of 429 children tested, only 1.4% (or 6 children) had both dengue and malaria at the same time. While having both infections was rare, those with both tended to need more intensive care, even though their overall illness was similar to those with just dengue. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and health professionals working with children who may be affected by these diseases.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 lockdown affected the mental health of pregnant women, new mothers, and their partners in Australia. Researchers found that while there was no major change in depression or stress levels, the likelihood of pregnant women experiencing severe anxiety dropped by more than half during the lockdown, and post-lockdown stress levels decreased by over 70% compared to before the pandemic. This is important because it shows that lockdown may have unexpectedly reduced anxiety for many women during pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and new mothers.

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This study looked at how novice clinicians choose where to insert a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) in the forearm, comparing their use of new vessel locating devices with traditional palpation methods. Researchers found that using the locating devices did not help novices select better sites than simply feeling for veins, with results showing similar effectiveness between the two methods. This matters because ensuring proper catheter placement on the first attempt can reduce failure rates and improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients who need IV access during hospital stays.

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This study looked at how children in Vietnam feel about air pollution from traffic and why they might not take self-protective measures, like wearing masks. Researchers developed a questionnaire to measure these attitudes and found that the reliability of the tool was decent, with agreement rates of 47.2% to 78.3% when tested multiple times. Understanding children's beliefs about air pollution is important because it can help improve health protection efforts in communities. Who this helps: This helps children and communities affected by air pollution.

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This study looked at how restoring Olympia oysters affects nearby eelgrass, which is important for marine habitats. Researchers found that while light levels were lower near the oyster restoration site, the changes in eelgrass density and health were minor and not harmful. This matters because it shows that efforts to restore oysters can coexist with the conservation of eelgrass, benefiting both species in the ecosystem. Who this helps: This helps marine conservationists and coastal ecosystem managers.

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This study looked at the rates of surgical site infections (SSI) in patients who had general surgery around the world, analyzing data from 488,594 patients. It found that about 11 out of every 100 patients, or 11%, develop an infection within 30 days after their surgery. The researchers also discovered that longer surgeries are associated with a higher likelihood of infection. Who this helps: This information benefits patients undergoing surgery and healthcare providers by highlighting infection risks and encouraging improvements in surgical care.

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This study looked at adults with intellectual disabilities in Queensland, Australia, to understand how often they are prescribed psychotropic medications from 1999 to 2015. It found that the percentage of these adults using such medications increased from 43% to 54%, with 9% to 18% starting and 7% to 15% stopping the medications over the years. The presence of challenging behavior was strongly linked to higher rates of medication use, meaning those exhibiting challenging behavior were more likely to be on these medications. Who this helps: This information helps patients with intellectual disabilities and their doctors better understand medication trends and the influence of behavior on treatment.

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This study looked at whether losing participants over time in a long-term pregnancy study changes the results regarding maternal mental health and other socio-demographic factors. Researchers followed 7,718 pregnant women over up to 27 years and found that the data from those who stayed in the study was mostly similar to the data from those who dropped out. In fact, 90.8% of comparisons showed no significant differences, suggesting that losing some participants doesn't usually skew the results. Who this helps: This helps researchers understand the reliability of long-term studies, ensuring accurate findings for maternal health.

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This study looked at how flax plants adapted as they moved to northern areas after being domesticated around 10,000 years ago. Researchers found that the flax plant's structure changed to favor fiber production, resulting in longer stems and smaller seeds, which makes it better for producing fiber rather than oil. Specifically, a gene called LuTFL1 played a key role in these changes, showing a strong adaptation pattern in northern flax populations. Who this helps: This research benefits farmers and agricultural specialists focusing on flax cultivation for fiber production.

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The study explored the history of sorghum, a cereal crop, by analyzing ancient DNA from samples found in Egyptian Nubia. Researchers found that, over time, sorghum experienced a gradual loss of genetic diversity and an increase in harmful mutations, rather than a dramatic reduction in genetic diversity at the start of its domestication. This matters because it shows that the process of changing and adapting sorghum continued throughout its cultivation history, shedding light on how crops can evolve and adapt to their environments. Who this helps: This research benefits farmers, agricultural scientists, and plant breeders who want to understand how to improve crop resilience and productivity.

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The study looked at the stress levels of people taking care of teenagers with intellectual disabilities compared to those caring for children in the general population. It found that caregivers of adolescents with intellectual disabilities experienced much higher stress, with these caregivers often feeling more financial pressure and facing challenges in their relationships. Better social support helped reduce stress levels among all caregivers, showing that having a strong support network is crucial for their well-being. Who this helps: This helps caregivers of adolescents with intellectual disabilities by highlighting the importance of social support for their mental health.

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This research reviewed various exercise programs designed for people recovering from burns to see how effective and safe they are. The study found that exercise can help improve body composition and quality of life, with a significant reduction in the need for surgery to correct contractures (from 34% down to 20%). However, there was not enough evidence to confirm the safety of these exercise programs. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from burn injuries.

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This study looked at whether a medication called pregabalin could help prevent chronic pain in people who have had whiplash injuries and are likely to recover poorly. The researchers planned to include 30 participants who were experiencing moderate neck pain within 48 hours of their injury. They aimed to see if pregabalin, taken alongside medical advice, could reduce pain levels compared to a placebo. Who this helps: This research could benefit patients who suffer from whiplash injuries, especially those at risk of long-term pain.

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This study looked at the quality of systematic reviews related to burn care, analyzing 60 reviews to see how well they were done and reported. It found that fewer than half of the reviews met important quality standards, with significant gaps in areas like study design and conflict of interest reporting. Improving the quality of these reviews is important because it helps ensure that healthcare providers have reliable information to guide the treatment of burn patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing better evidence for effective burn care treatments.

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This study is looking at how well two treatments—silicone gel and special pressure garments—work for preventing and managing burn scars in children. It involves 135 kids who will be split into three groups to receive either silicone gel, pressure garments, or both, with outcomes like scar itch and thickness measured over time. The findings are important because they will help determine the best options for reducing the physical and emotional impact of burn scars on young patients. Who this helps: This helps children with burn injuries and their families.

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This research study looked at whether certain tests used to assess the brain function of adults who have had a stroke can accurately predict how well they will be able to live independently afterward. The study focused on two specific tests: the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the Canadian Neurological Scale. Understanding how well these tests predict independence is important because it helps doctors plan better care for stroke patients. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from strokes and their doctors.

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This study looked at how consistently two balance tests, the Full-BESTest and Mini-BESTest, measure balance and postural control in children aged 7-17. The results showed that the Full-BESTest had excellent reliability with scores over 0.82, while the Mini-BESTest ranged from fair to excellent, with scores between 0.56 and 0.86. This matters because having reliable tests helps therapists better understand a child's balance abilities and plan appropriate treatments. Who this helps: This research benefits children who may have balance issues and the healthcare providers working with them.

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This study looked at how different factors affect the ability of children and teenagers with acquired brain injuries (ABI) to be physically active. Researchers assessed 58 children and found that their ability to perform strength exercises was influenced by how well they could move and their overall intelligence, with age playing a big role in how active they were; specifically, younger children tended to be less active, while age accounted for 12% of how much time they spent being sedentary. This is important because it helps identify who might need more support to stay physically active and thrive. Who this helps: This helps children and teenagers with ABI and the doctors and therapists who work with them.

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This study looked at how ancient DNA breaks down over time by analyzing data from 185 previous research projects. The researchers found that while some aspects of DNA decay, like changes to a specific base called cytosine, follow expected patterns with age, the overall fragmentation of DNA didn't seem to correlate with how old the samples were. This matters because understanding how DNA decays helps scientists figure out how to better preserve and study ancient biological materials, which can reveal important historical insights. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying ancient organisms and the environments they lived in.

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This study focused on creating a quick and simple test to diagnose sickle cell anemia, which affects about 300,000 babies every year, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. The new test can identify patients with sickle cell anemia in just 15 minutes using a tiny amount of blood, showing 98% accuracy in distinguishing sickle cell anemia from other blood types. This is important because many countries in sub-Saharan Africa lack proper screening for this disease, and timely diagnosis can lead to effective treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially newborns at risk of sickle cell anemia, and healthcare providers in low-resource settings.

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This study looked at how well systematic reviews on hand and wrist conditions were conducted and reported. Out of 91 reviews analyzed, many failed to properly disclose key information, like their research methods or possible biases. This is important because low-quality reviews can lead to unreliable conclusions, impacting treatment decisions for patients. Who this helps: Patients and doctors treating hand and wrist injuries or conditions.

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The PREDICT-CP study looked at 245 school-aged children with cerebral palsy (CP) to understand how factors like brain structure, physical activity, and diet affect their motor skills, communication, and overall quality of life. The study found important links between brain damage and various outcomes, helping predict the children's healthcare needs and the types of support they require as they grow. This research is crucial because it can guide better treatments and interventions for children with CP, ultimately improving their daily lives. Who this helps: Patients with cerebral palsy and their families.

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This study looked at how effective a special imaging test called PET/CT is in assessing small growths in the lungs known as solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) in patients at high risk for cancer. Researchers found that using PET/CT improved the ability to predict whether these nodules are cancerous, increasing the prediction accuracy from 64% to 75%. This is important because it can help doctors make better decisions about whether patients need risky biopsies to determine if nodules are cancerous, potentially lowering unnecessary procedures. Who this helps: Patients with solitary pulmonary nodules who need guidance on their diagnosis.

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This study looked at two types of therapy for infants with congenital hemiplegia, a common form of cerebral palsy that causes weakness on one side of the body. Researchers compared "Baby mCIMT," which focuses on helping the weaker hand by limiting the stronger hand, to "Baby BIM," which encourages using both hands together during play. The study involves 150 infants aged 3 to 6 months, with assessments done at several points, including 6, 12, and 24 months, to see which therapy best improves hand function and cognitive abilities. Who this helps: This research benefits infants with congenital hemiplegia and their parents by identifying effective early therapies.

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This study focused on natural killer T (NKT) cells in the liver and their roles in organ transplant survival. The researchers found that these cells can be classified into two types, with distinct functions that affect inflammation during organ transplants. Understanding how these cells work could lead to better treatments for liver diseases and improve the success of liver transplants. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing liver transplants.

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This study looked at the eating habits of Samoan adults living in Logan, Queensland, and compared them to similar groups in Brisbane and New Zealand. It found that 9.2% of Samoans ate three or more servings of vegetables each day, which is much lower than the 36.6% among comparable Brisbane residents, while younger Samoans were more likely to eat fast food and snacks. Understanding these dietary trends is important for addressing health issues and promoting better nutrition within the Samoan community. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly the Samoan community, and public health officials focused on nutrition.

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This study looked at why some pregnant women who joined a long-term research project stopped participating over time. Out of 7,718 women, researchers found that younger women, those without partners, and those living in rented homes were more likely to return but less likely to stay involved, while those facing financial difficulties or who were younger and less educated had higher chances of never responding. Understanding these patterns helps researchers plan better for future studies by targeting support to keep vulnerable participants engaged. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare providers who need reliable data for better patient care.

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This study looked at obesity rates among adolescents with intellectual disabilities in Australia, focusing on 261 young people aged 12 to 18. It found that 22.5% were obese and 23.8% were overweight, which is higher than the general Australian youth population. The study revealed that those with Down syndrome were three times more likely to be obese compared to their peers. Who this helps: This information benefits healthcare providers and families of adolescents with intellectual disabilities, particularly those with Down syndrome, by highlighting the need for targeted obesity prevention and treatment.

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This research focused on how well diabetic retinopathy (DR), a major cause of preventable blindness, is screened and monitored in Australian general practices. The study found that practices using a combined approach with telehealth achieved a 100% screening rate for DR among patients with type 2 diabetes, while traditional practices had rates between 22-53%. Additionally, 95% of patients in the telehealth groups received appropriate follow-up care after being diagnosed with DR, compared to only 29% in the control groups, showing that this method significantly improves care for diabetes patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diabetes by providing better eye care and reducing the risk of blindness.

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This study looked at how well certain objective measurements from a specific imaging test (FDG-PET/CT) compare to expert visual assessments in determining whether lymph nodes in the chest are cancerous or not. Researchers found that while the objective measurements can distinguish between malignant and benign nodes—correctly identifying about 83% of cases—the expert visual assessments were even more accurate, achieving a 91% success rate. This is important because improving the accuracy of lung cancer staging helps ensure patients receive the correct treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by providing clearer methods for diagnosing lymph node conditions in lung cancer.

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This study looked at how often research on public health includes people with intellectual disabilities and how they are identified in studies. The researchers found that cohort studies often passively leave out individuals with intellectual disabilities, while randomized controlled trials actively exclude them. Most articles that do include this group use self-reports or other people's reports to identify them. This is important because it highlights the need for more research that represents these individuals, which can lead to better health outcomes for them. Who this helps: This helps patients with intellectual disabilities and the doctors and researchers who care for them.

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This research focused on how crops, specifically barley, adapted to different environments as agriculture spread, particularly in ancient Egypt. The researchers used advanced DNA analysis techniques and found that barley developed traits to resist drought, helping it thrive in challenging conditions. This research is important because it helps us understand how plants can adapt to changing environments, which is crucial for improving crop resilience in the face of climate change. Who this helps: This helps farmers, agricultural scientists, and policymakers working on crop resilience.

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This study looked at how to create better physical activity programs for adults with intellectual disabilities. Researchers interviewed 11 individuals with intellectual disabilities and community volunteers in Brisbane, Australia, and found that personal motivation, outside barriers like accessibility, and social expectations all play a crucial role in whether people participate in these activities. The insights gained will help improve programs aimed at increasing physical activity and social support, making them more effective and relevant for participants. Who this helps: This research helps adults with intellectual disabilities and the volunteers who support them.

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Research has focused on how plants adapted to live alongside humans over millions of years, specifically looking back to the Pliocene era. The study found that rather than individual plants simply changing due to human cultivation, entire groups of plants evolved together in response to human presence, leading to domesticated species. This understanding is significant because it highlights a long history of cooperation between plants and humans, which can inform future agricultural practices. Who this helps: This helps farmers and agricultural scientists looking to improve crop cultivation methods.

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This research paper focuses on how doctors use different imaging techniques, like CT scans and ultrasound, to diagnose and manage lung cancer effectively. It highlights that advancements in these diagnostic tools have improved the way lung cancer is treated but notes that financial issues can limit their use in everyday medical practice. Understanding how these technologies work together at different stages of cancer care is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with lung cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at images from a tool called endobronchial ultrasound mini probe (EBUS-MP) to see if special analysis of the grey shades in these images could tell the difference between benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) lung lesions. The researchers analyzed 167 images and found that benign lesions had significantly higher variations in pixel brightness compared to malignant ones. The results showed that two doctors could correctly identify the nature of the lesions about 76-77% of the time, and this tool had a high success rate in ruling out cancer (82% to 100% accuracy). Who this helps: This benefits patients who need accurate diagnoses for lung lesions and doctors who are making treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how effective daily body washes with an antiseptic called octenidine are at stopping the spread of a tough infection known as MRSA in hospitals. The researchers found that using octenidine led to a very slight reduction in new MRSA cases (3.0%) compared to regular soap and water washes (3.3%), but this difference was not significant and did not lower the rates of MRSA-related infections or severe cases. This is important because it shows that simply using antiseptic washes may not be enough to control MRSA in hospitals where it is common. Who this helps: This information helps healthcare workers and hospital administrators as they look for better ways to prevent infections in patients.

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Researchers studied type II natural killer T (NKT) cells, which are important for recognizing certain fats made by the body and microbes. They found that these cells play a key role in controlling inflammation related to autoimmune diseases and fighting cancer. Understanding how type II NKT cells work can lead to new treatments for various health issues, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancer.

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The study examined a web-based therapy called Mitii™ designed for children and teens with acquired brain injuries, which often affect their physical and mental abilities. Sixty children, split into two groups, will either receive 20 weeks of daily Mitii™ training or be placed on a waiting list. The researchers aim to see if those who use Mitii™ improve in activities of daily living and other skills compared to those who don’t. Who this helps: This benefits children with brain injuries and their families by providing more treatment options.

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This study looked at the safety of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections for children with cerebral palsy who are unable to walk. Researchers found that there was no significant difference in the number of serious or moderate side effects between children receiving BoNT-A and those getting a fake treatment, meaning BoNT-A was safe to use. Specifically, in the second part of the study, only 1 serious side effect and several mild ones were possibly linked to the treatment. Who this helps: This helps children with cerebral palsy and their caregivers by providing a treatment option that is safe and may improve comfort.