First all-solid pediatric phantom for dual X-ray absorptiometry measurements in infants.

Manufacturer-supplied lumbar spine phantoms are normally used for quality control of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) instruments. Presently, there is no pediatric phantom for whole-body mineralization and softtissue composition DXA measurements. We designed blocks of acrylic (for fat mass), polyvinyl chloride (for lean mass), and aluminum (for bone mass) whose combination provides five whole-body phantoms ("Inphants") that mimic body weight and composition during the first year of life and help solve problems that require repeated scans in stable conditions.

[Vitamin D and pregnancy].

During pregnancy maternal serum concentrations of 25 hydroxyvitamin D correlate with dietary vitamin D intake. Maternal serum concentrations of 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D the hormonal circulating and active form of vitamin D are elevated, during pregnancy.