European journal of pediatrics
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Acute flaccid myelitis is characterized by the combination of acute flaccid paralysis and a spinal cord lesion largely restricted to the gray matter on magnetic resonance imaging. The term acute flaccid myelitis was introduced in 2014 after the upsurge of pediatric cases in the USA with enterovirus D68 infection. Since then, an increasing number of cases have been reported worldwide. ⋯ Sharing clinical knowledge and insights from basic research is needed to make progress in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this new polio-like disease. What is Known: • Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a polio-like condition characterized by rapid progressive asymmetric weakness, together with specific findings on MRI • AFM has been related to different viral agents, but recent outbreaks are predominantly associated with enterovirus D68. What is New: • Improving knowledge on AFM must increase early recognition and adequate diagnostic procedures by clinicians. • The increasing incidence of AFM urges cooperation between pediatricians, neurologists, and microbiologists for the development of treatment and preventive options.
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Although tobacco use has decreased in the general population in recent years, smoking remains high among subpopulations. This study examined whether sexual identity is associated with cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use among high school students. Data were drawn from the US Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (n = 28811). ⋯ While tobacco control policies have been effective in reducing cigarette use in the general population, targeting policy toward sexual minorities is an important consideration. What is Known: • Sexual minority groups face a disproportionate amount of stress and have a heightened risk of substance use. • Methodological concerns exist in the extant literature, including limited data at the national level. What is New: • Propensity score matching was used to account for imbalances in sexual identity subgroups, and findings show significant heterogeneity in cigarette and e-cigarette use among sexual minority high school students. • Sexual identity status is strongly associated with cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use, especially among bisexual identity female subgroup.