Using SITAR (SuperImposition by Translation and Rotation) to estimate age at peak height velocity in Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children

Puberty is a time of substantial biological and psychological changes. One of the hallmarks of puberty is a rapid growth spurt, however its timing varies between individuals. The impact of pubertal timing on later health outcomes has been of interest in life course epidemiology, however its measurement can be challenging. Age at peak height velocity (aPHV) offers an objective measure of pubertal timing without having to rely on physical examination or self-report. We describe the derivation of aPHV estimates in Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) offspring, using Superimposition by Translation And Rotation (SITAR) mixed effects growth curve analysis. ALSPAC is a rich source of phenotypic and genotypic data and given the importance of pubertal timing for later health outcomes, these data offer an opportunity to explore the determinants and consequences of aPHV

Sex differences in proximal femur shape : findings from a population-based study in adolescents

We are extremely grateful to all the families who took part in this study, the midwives for their help in recruiting them, and the whole ALSPAC team, which includes interviewers, computer and laboratory technicians, clerical workers, research scientists, volunteers, managers, receptionists, and nurses. The UK Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust (ref: 102215/2/13/2) and the University of Bristol provide core support for ALSPAC. MF was supported by a Wellcome Trust PhD studentship (ref: 105504/Z/14/Z). LP works in the Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol which is supported by the Medical Research Council and the University of Bristol (MC_UU_00011/1). Arthritis Research UK project grant (ref: 20244) supported the generation of adult reference statistical shape model. This publication is the work of the authors and MF will serve as guarantor for the contents of this paper. None of the funders had any influence on data collection, analysis, interpretation of the results, or writing of the paper.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Using statistical shape modelling of DXA images to quantify the shape of the proximal femur at ages 14 and 18 years in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children [version 1; referees: 1 approved with reservations]

This work was supported by the Wellcome Trust through a PhD Studentship to MF [105504] and the ALSPAC core programme grant [102215]. The UK Medical Research Council and Wellcome [102215] and the University of Bristol provide core support for ALSPAC. LP works in a unit that receives support from the UK Medical Research Council and the University of Bristol [ MC_ UU_12013/4 & MC_UU_12013/5]. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Deriving alpha angle from anterior-posterior dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans : an automated and validated approach

Grant information: RE, MF, FS are supported by, and this work is funded by a Wellcome Trust collaborative award (209233). BGF is supported by a Medical Research Council (MRC) clinical research training fellowship (MR/S021280/1). BGF, MF, JHT, GDS work in the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, which is supported by the MRC (MC_UU_00011/1). CL was funded by the MRC, UK (MR/S00405X/1).Non peer reviewedPublisher PD