School-based interventions are promising for targeting a change in obesity-related behaviours in children. However, the efficacy of school-based interventions to prevent obesity remains unclear. This review examined the effectiveness of school-based interventions at changing obesity-related behaviours (increased physical activity, decreased sedentary behaviour and improved nutrition behaviour) and/or a change in BMI/BMI z-score. Following PRISMA guidelines, seven databases were systematically searched from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2020. Two review authors independently screened studies for eligibility, completed data extraction and assessed the risk of bias of each of the included studies. Forty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in a narrative synthesis. Thirty-eight studies were eligible for inclusion in a meta-analysis. The findings demonstrate that interventions in children when compared to controls resulted in a small positive treatment effect in the control group (2.14; 95% CI = 0.77, 3.50). There was no significant effect on sedentary behaviour, energy intake and fruit and vegetable intake. Significant reductions were found between groups in BMI kg/m² (−0.39; 95% CI = −0.47, −0.30) and BMI z-score (−0.05; 95% CI = −0.08, −0.02) in favour of the intervention. The findings have important implications for future intervention research in terms of the effectiveness of intervention components and characteristics.

In Northern Ireland (NI), many children do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity (PA). To reduce the prevalence of physical inactivity and associated health conditions, it is important to understand the influences on children's PA, which in turn has the potential to inform future intervention design. The purpose of this formative study was to examine the current views, barriers, facilitators, experiences, and perceptions of children in relation to PA in the classroom, school, and home environments, and to assess the acceptability of components for a school-based intervention. Write and draw tasks and semi-structured focus groups (n = 10) were conducted with 50 children aged 7–9 years (22 boys, 28 girls) from six primary schools. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Pen profiles were constructed from the transcripts in a deductive manner and represent key emergent themes. Results indicated that children's perception and knowledge of PA was mainly structured and sport-based, while some referred to fun, play and health. Fun, social support and outdoor activity were identified as key facilitators. Barriers included parental restrictions, lack of time and space in the different environments. The acceptability of intervention components was examined, children recognized the potential benefits of additional movement in the classroom, but opinions differed on the sit-to-stand desks. Findings contribute to a more detailed understanding of children's perceptions of context specific PA, the barriers they face, in addition to factors that support them to lead a physically active lifestyle, which may inform future PA promotion strategies.

We acknowledge an error in the BMI data in our publication

Nosocomial Aspergillosis and other invasive fungal infections pose a serious risk to immunocompromised patients, particularly during hospital construction and renovation. These dust-generating activities release airborne fungal spores, increasing the risk of fungal infection in these patients. Guidance on effective air sampling as part of a risk management strategy during these activities in acute hospital settings remains limited. The aim of this review was to explore and synthesise the various air sampling methods used in acute healthcare settings during and following construction work. Three electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS and Embase) were searched from 1^st of January 2005 until 18^th March 2025. Studies were screened based on eligibility criteria, with data extracted independently by three researchers. Of 364 studies identified, 28 met the inclusion criteria (6 reviews and 22 primary research studies). Air sampling approaches varied in sampler type, volume, timing, and use of protective measures. Most studies (85%, n = 24) focused on Aspergillus species. PPE use was reported in only two studies and two studies reported a deliberate time delay before sampling. Two overarching themes emerged: (1) variation and limitations in air sampling practice and (2) systemic and contextual barriers to implementation. Few studies reported clear contamination thresholds or linked sampling results to patient outcomes. Current evidence lacks standardised, high-quality protocols for air sampling during and after hospital construction. Practical, evidence-based guidance is urgently needed to support infection prevention teams in effectively monitoring and mitigating fungal contamination risks.

Background: A high proportion of primary school children in Northern Ireland (NI) are insufficiently active. In response, an intervention adapted from the TransformUs programme was established to promote physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary behaviour (SB). This study aimed to assess the feasibility of recruitment and retention, data collection procedures, intervention acceptability and explore preliminary effectiveness on children’s PA and SB levels. Methods: The Children – Sit Less, Move More (C-SLAMM ) intervention integrated behavioural, pedagogical, and environmental strategies across classroom, school, and home settings. Eight primary schools were recruited and randomly assigned (1:1) to either the intervention or control. Feasibility measures included school and participant recruitment, retention and completion rates. Acceptability was assessed using weekly diary logbooks, fidelity checklists and qualitative methods (write and draw activity, focus groups, interviews). Children (aged 7–9 years) wore activPAL accelerometers continuously for 7 days at baseline and post-intervention (Week 8) to measure time spent sitting, standing, and stepping. Results: A total of 194 consent forms were distributed. Of the 162 children who consented (84% response rate), 76 (46.9%) met the valid wear-time criteria at both baseline and follow-up. Intervention delivery varied across schools, impacting fidelity. Qualitative analysis revealed four themes: (1) engagement, (2) positive aspects of C-SLAMM intervention, (3) barriers to intervention delivery, and (4) recommendations for improvement. Children and teachers generally found the intervention acceptable, though barriers included limited parental support, inadequate classroom space and time constraints. There were no significant differences in sitting time (β = −6.5 minutes/day; 95%CI: −36.4, 23.4), standing or stepping time between groups. Nevertheless, the intervention was seen as enhancing classroom experiences for both children and teachers. Conclusions: The C-SLAMM intervention was well-received and shows promise as an acceptable approach to reduce sitting time and promote PA. Further refinement of data collection methods is needed before progressing to a pilot trial. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05854355 (submitted on the 30 ^th of March 2023).