IntroductionIn humans, vitamin D has been shown to play a role in infectious diseases, but its association with acquisition and a complicated course of febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) has not been investigated. We aimed to investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D3) levels and the risk of first time febrile UTI in children.Material and methodsThis prospective case-control study included 50 children with first febrile UTI, with no risk factors for UTI, and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy siblings as controls. White blood cell count, serum C-reactive protein, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and parathormone were measured in all studied children. Vitamin D status was determined by measuring plasma 25(OH)D3 level. Deficiency was defined as a plasma 25(OH)D3 level ≤ 25 nmol/l.ResultsChildren with UTI had significantly lower mean serum levels of 25(OH)D3 (10.5 ±2.7 nmol/l) than those of controls (25.9 ±5.6 nmol/l) (p < 0.05). Patients with lower UTI had significantly higher serum levels of 25(OH)D3 compared to those with acute pyelonephritis (12.4 ±2.59 vs. 8.2 ±3.2 nmol/l; p < 0.001). Mean serum levels of 25(OH)D3 were significantly lower (p = 0.001) in the female patients compared with males, and this difference was not found within the control group. Multivariate analysis showed that a serum 25(OH)D3 level of ≤ 25 nmol/l is associated with UTI (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.61–2.82; p = 0.04).ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency (≤ 25 nmol/l) was an independent risk factor for UTI in children.

DREEM helped pinpoint areas of change in students' perception regarding many aspects of the educational environment. It also helped to identify areas that are still in need of improvement by the college's administration and staff. DREEM inventory can be used to monitor change over time in the educational environment.

Summary Two thin sandstone and siltstone horizons in the Middle Lias (Lower Jurassic) of the Yorkshire coast, informally called the lower and upper striped beds, are characterised by small-scale fining-upward layers associated with filled scour channels (gutter marks). The gutters are up to 5 m long, 50–500 mm wide and up to 200 mm deep, and have variable cross-sections. Some have a simple, fining-upward laminated structure, others a complex, multiple-stacked structure. They show a remarkably uniform, approximately east-west, orientation at localities 20 km apart. The trend of rare ripple marks is approximately at right angles to the gutter marks. The striped beds are interpreted as deposits of submarine sheet flows, with contemporary scour and fill, in a prodelta - open shelf slope setting.

Although there have been tremendous advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric brain diseases in the last few decades, the causes and pathogenesis of these diseases remain to be elucidated. Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) diseases create both short- and long-term impairments and disabilities and are therefore one of the leading causes for emotional, financial, and social burden to patients, their families, and their social network. The significant pediatric morbidity and mortality rates caused by CNS diseases call for equally significant efforts toward a better understanding of the etiology and nature of these disorders. Recent studies show the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in various aspects of central nervous system development and neuropsychiatric diseases. This review focuses on the role of miRNAs in different pediatric neurological conditions. We emphasize the importance of microRNA-based research in combating pediatric neurological disorders. We believe this approach will result in novel therapies to secure normal development and prevent disabilities in the pediatric population.