Trial baseline characteristics of a cluster randomised controlled trial of a school-located obesity prevention programme; the Healthy Lifestyles Programme (HeLP) trial.

BACKGROUND: We have developed a healthy lifestyles programme (HeLP) for primary school aged children (9-10 years), currently being evaluated in a definitive cluster randomised controlled trial. This paper descriptively presents the baseline characteristics of trial children (BMI, waist circumference, % body fat, diet and physical activity) by gender, cluster level socio-economic status, school size and time of recruitment into the trial. METHODS: Schools were recruited from across the South West of England and allocated 1:1 to either intervention (HeLP) or control (usual practice) stratified by the proportion of children eligible for free school meals (FSM, <19%, ≥19%) and school size (one Year 5 class, >1 Year 5 class). The primary outcome is change in body mass index standard deviation score (BMI sds) at 24 months post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes are BMI sds at 18 months, waist circumference and percentage body fat sds at 18 and 24 months, proportion of children classified as underweight, overweight and obese at 18 and 24 months, physical activity (for a sub-sample) and food intake at 18 months. RESULTS: At baseline 11.4% and 13.6% of children were categorised as overweight or obese respectively. A higher percentage of girls than boys (25.3% vs 24.8%) and children from schools in FSM category 2 (28.2% vs 23.2%) were overweight or obese. Children were consuming a mean (range) of 4.15 (0-13) energy dense snacks (EDS) and 3.23 (0-9) healthy snacks (HS) per day with children from schools in FSM category 2 consuming more EDS and negative food markers and less HS and positive food markers. Children spent an average 53.6 min per day (11.9 to 124.8) in MVPA and thirteen hours (779.3 min) per day (11 h to 15 h) doing less than 'light' intensity activity. Less than 5% of children achieved the Departments of Health's recommendation of 60 min of MVPA every day. CONCLUSION: We have excellent completeness of baseline data for all measures and have achieved compliance to accelerometry not seen before in other large scale studies. Our anthropometric baseline data is representative of local and national data for children this age and reflects the gender and socio-economic variations expected of children this age in relation to physical activity and weight status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN15811706 (1/05/2012).

Communicating with disabled children when inpatients: barriers and facilitators identified by parents and professionals in a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Communication is a fundamental part of health care, but can be more difficult with disabled children. Disabled children are more frequently admitted to hospital than other children. AIMS: To explore experiences of ward staff and families to identify barriers and facilitators to effective communication with disabled children whilst inpatients. DESIGN: This was an exploratory qualitative study. METHODS: We consulted 25 staff working on paediatric wards and 15 parents of disabled children recently admitted to those wards. We had difficulty in recruiting children and evaluating their experiences. Data were collected through interviews and focus groups. A thematic analysis of the data supported by the Framework Approach was used to explore experiences and views about communication. Emerging themes were subsequently synthesised to identify barriers and facilitators to good communication. RESULTS: Barriers to communication included time, professionals not prioritising communication in their role and poor information sharing between parents and professionals. Facilitators included professionals building rapport with a child, good relationships between professionals and parents, professionals having a family-centred approach, and the use of communication aids. CONCLUSIONS: Communication with disabled children on the ward was perceived as less than optimal. Parents are instrumental in the communication between their children and professionals. Although aware of the importance of communication with disabled children, staff perceived time pressures and lack of priority given to communicating directly with the child as major barriers.

Meaningful health outcomes for paediatric neurodisability: Stakeholder prioritisation and appropriateness of patient reported outcome measures.

BACKGROUND: Health services are increasingly focused on measuring and monitoring outcomes, particularly those that reflect patients' priorities. To be meaningful, outcomes measured should be valued by patients and carers, be consistent with what health professionals seek to achieve, and be robust in terms of measurement properties. The aim of this study was (i) to seek a shared vision between families and clinicians regarding key aspects of health as outcomes, beyond mortality and morbidity, for children with neurodisability, and (ii) to appraise which multidimensional patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) could be used to assess salient health domains. METHODS: Relevant outcomes were identified from (i) qualitative research with children and young people with neurodisability and parent carers, (ii) Delphi survey with health professionals, and (iii) systematic review of PROMs. The International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health provided a common language to code aspects of health. A subset of stakeholders participated in a prioritisation meeting incorporating a Q-sorting task to discuss and rank aspects of health. RESULTS: A total of 33 pertinent aspects of health were identified. Fifteen stakeholders from the qualitative and Delphi studies participated in the prioritisation meeting: 3 young people, 5 parent carers, and 7 health professionals. Aspects of health that emerged as more important for families and targets for health professionals were: communication, emotional wellbeing, pain, sleep, mobility, self-care, independence, mental health, community and social life, behaviour, toileting and safety. Whilst available PROMs measure many aspects of health in the ICF, no single PROM captures all the key domains prioritised as for children and young people with neurodisability. The paucity of scales for assessing communication was notable. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a core suite of key outcome domains for children with neurodisability that could be used in evaluative research, audit and as health service performance indicators. Future work could appraise domain-specific PROMs for these aspects of health; a single measure assessing the key aspects of health that could be applied across paediatric neurodisability remains to be developed.

Virtual reality current use, facilitators and barriers to implementation in paediatric physiotherapy: cross-sectional online survey of UK paediatric physiotherapists.

BACKGROUND: The literature is scarce about virtual reality (VR) use and its integration into clinical practice. Given the growing interest toward using VR in healthcare in the UK, the aims of this survey were to explore its current use by paediatric physiotherapists in clinical practice in the UK, identify the facilitators and barriers to VR implementation in clinical practice and investigate the factors that will enhance intentions to use it in the future. METHODS: An online survey using Assessing Determinants of Prospective Take-Up of Virtual Reality (ADOPT-VR2) was distributed to UK paediatric physiotherapists through the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Out of 128 responses, 81 UK-based paediatric physiotherapists completed the survey. The therapists worked in the National Health Service, in the private sector and education. Most of the respondents reported not using VR in clinical practice (n = 75; 93%). Only 7% of respondents reported using VR in clinical practice. Attitudes toward VR, compatibility, and the peer influence constructs of ADOPT-VR2 all significantly predicted the behavioural intention to use VR (R2 = 0.612, p = <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the current use of VR is limited. The findings from this study suggest that multiple factors need to be reconciled to enhance VR implementation. Specifically, therapists need to be provided with time, appropriate training, and financial and technical support. Stakeholders may also need to consider developing practical manuals to ensure therapists are implementing VR consistently and correctly.

The current use of VR in clinic is notably limited.The limited use of VR is not solely related to the lack of funds.Physiotherapists need to be provided with appropriate training, financial and technical support to facilitate VR clinical implementation.

Stomatin-deficient cryohydrocytosis results from mutations in SLC2A1: a novel form of GLUT1 deficiency syndrome.

The hereditary stomatocytoses are a series of dominantly inherited hemolytic anemias in which the permeability of the erythrocyte membrane to monovalent cations is pathologically increased. The causative mutations for some forms of hereditary stomatocytosis have been found in the transporter protein genes, RHAG and SLC4A1. Glucose transporter 1 (glut1) deficiency syndromes (glut1DSs) result from mutations in SLC2A1, encoding glut1. Glut1 is the main glucose transporter in the mammalian blood-brain barrier, and glut1DSs are manifested by an array of neurologic symptoms. We have previously reported 2 cases of stomatin-deficient cryohydrocytosis (sdCHC), a rare form of stomatocytosis associated with a cold-induced cation leak, hemolytic anemia, and hepatosplenomegaly but also with cataracts, seizures, mental retardation, and movement disorder. We now show that sdCHC is associated with mutations in SLC2A1 that cause both loss of glucose transport and a cation leak, as shown by expression studies in Xenopus oocytes. On the basis of a 3-dimensional model of glut1, we propose potential mechanisms underlying the phenotypes of the 2 mutations found. We investigated the loss of stomatin during erythropoiesis and find this occurs during reticulocyte maturation and involves endocytosis. The molecular basis of the glut1DS, paroxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesia, and sdCHC phenotypes are compared and discussed.

Towards a definition of neurodisability: a Delphi survey.

AIM: The aim of this study was to develop, systematically, a consensus-based definition for 'neurodisability' that is meaningful to health professionals and parents of children with neurological conditions. METHOD: A multidisciplinary group of health professionals was recruited through child development teams and professional societies in the UK; several parents of children with neurological conditions worked with the research team. Professionals participated in three rounds of a Delphi survey. Participants rated their agreement with a proposed definition in each round, and feedback was used to refine the definition. Finally, a perspective was sought from international experts. RESULTS: Responses to the three rounds were as follows: round 1,245 out of 290 (84.4%); round 2,242 out of 300 (80.6%); and round 3,237 out of 297 (79.7%). Agreement with the proposed definition was extremely high in every round (89.0%, 90.1%, and 93.6% respectively). The final version of the definition was widely endorsed among professionals, parents, and a small number of international colleagues. The final definition is as follows: 'Neurodisability describes a group of congenital or acquired long-term conditions that are attributed to impairment of the brain and/or neuromuscular system and create functional limitations. A specific diagnosis may not be identified. Conditions may vary over time, occur alone or in combination, and include a broad range of severity and complexity. The impact may include difficulties with movement, cognition, hearing and vision, communication, emotion, and behaviour'. INTERPRETATION: An agreed definition of neurodisability will be useful for conducting research or clinical evaluations with people affected by neurological problems.

The efficacy of virtual reality interventions compared with conventional physiotherapy in improving the upper limb motor function of children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the commonest motor disability affecting children. This study reviewed the evidence for virtual reality (VR) intervention compared with conventional physiotherapy in upper limb function of children with CP. METHODS: Searches were undertaken in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, CENTRAL, Web of Science, CINAHL, ERIC, ICTRP, EU-CTR, ClinicalTrials.gov and EThOS databases. Only randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Two reviewers independently screened the search results, assessed full-text articles, extracted data and appraised the methodological quality by using the Cochrane collaboration's risk of bias (RoB2) tool. Albatross plots were used to synthesise the data. RESULTS: Seven RCTs, examining motor function in a total of 202 children with CP, included. Four trials used the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) as an outcome measure, and three trials used grip strength. These outcome measures were utilised to develop two Albatross plots. Data from the plots showed contradictory findings of the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of VR in the upper limb rehabilitation of children with CP remains unclear. All included studies used commercial non-immersive VR games. Future high-quality clinical research is needed to explore the extent to which non-immersive and immersive VR is feasible and effective with children and adolescents.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe current evidence supporting the use of VR as a rehabilitative tool is weak and uncertain.The current use of VR relies only on commercial non-immersive VR (off-shelf) games, which are not adjustable to meet the demands and goals of therapy programmes.Future research is needed to study the therapeutic feasibility of immersive VR with children and adolescents.

H1N1 antibody persistence 1 year after immunization with an adjuvanted or whole-virion pandemic vaccine and immunogenicity and reactogenicity of subsequent seasonal influenza vaccine: a multicenter follow-on study.

BACKGROUND: We investigated antibody persistence in children 1 year after 2 doses of either an AS03(B)-adjuvanted split-virion or nonadjuvanted whole-virion monovalent pandemic influenza vaccine and assessed the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a subsequent dose of trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV). METHODS: Children previously immunized at age 6 months to 12 years in the original study were invited to participate. After a blood sample was obtained to assess persistence of antibody against swine influenza A/H1N1(2009) pandemic influenza, children received 1 dose of 2010/2011 TIV, reactogenicity data were collected for 7 days, and another blood sample was obtained 21 days after vaccination. RESULTS: Of 323 children recruited, 302 received TIV. Antibody persistence (defined as microneutralization [MN] titer ≥1:40) 1 year after initial vaccination was significantly higher in the AS03(B)-adjuvanted compared with the whole-virion vaccine group, 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94.1%-100%) vs 32.4% (95% CI, 21.5%-44.8%) in children immunized <3 years old and 96.9% (95% CI, 91.3%-99.4%) vs 65.9% (95% CI, 55.3%-75.5%) in those 3-12 years old at immunization, respectively (P < .001 for both groups). All children receiving TIV had post-vaccination MN titers ≥1:40. Although TIV was well tolerated in all groups, reactogenicity in children <5 years old was slightly greater in those who originally received AS03(B)-adjuvanted vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides serological evidence that 2 doses of AS03(B)-adjuvanted pandemic influenza vaccine may be sufficient to maintain protection across 2 influenza seasons. Administration of TIV to children who previously received 2 doses of either pandemic influenza vaccine is safe and is immunogenic for the H1N1 strain.

Glucose transporter-1 deficiency syndrome: the expanding clinical and genetic spectrum of a treatable disorder.

Glucose transporter-1 deficiency syndrome is caused by mutations in the SLC2A1 gene in the majority of patients and results in impaired glucose transport into the brain. From 2004-2008, 132 requests for mutational analysis of the SLC2A1 gene were studied by automated Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Mutations in the SLC2A1 gene were detected in 54 patients (41%) and subsequently in three clinically affected family members. In these 57 patients we identified 49 different mutations, including six multiple exon deletions, six known mutations and 37 novel mutations (13 missense, five nonsense, 13 frame shift, four splice site and two translation initiation mutations). Clinical data were retrospectively collected from referring physicians by means of a questionnaire. Three different phenotypes were recognized: (i) the classical phenotype (84%), subdivided into early-onset (<2 years) (65%) and late-onset (18%); (ii) a non-classical phenotype, with mental retardation and movement disorder, without epilepsy (15%); and (iii) one adult case of glucose transporter-1 deficiency syndrome with minimal symptoms. Recognizing glucose transporter-1 deficiency syndrome is important, since a ketogenic diet was effective in most of the patients with epilepsy (86%) and also reduced movement disorders in 48% of the patients with a classical phenotype and 71% of the patients with a non-classical phenotype. The average delay in diagnosing classical glucose transporter-1 deficiency syndrome was 6.6 years (range 1 month-16 years). Cerebrospinal fluid glucose was below 2.5 mmol/l (range 0.9-2.4 mmol/l) in all patients and cerebrospinal fluid : blood glucose ratio was below 0.50 in all but one patient (range 0.19-0.52). Cerebrospinal fluid lactate was low to normal in all patients. Our relatively large series of 57 patients with glucose transporter-1 deficiency syndrome allowed us to identify correlations between genotype, phenotype and biochemical data. Type of mutation was related to the severity of mental retardation and the presence of complex movement disorders. Cerebrospinal fluid : blood glucose ratio was related to type of mutation and phenotype. In conclusion, a substantial number of the patients with glucose transporter-1 deficiency syndrome do not have epilepsy. Our study demonstrates that a lumbar puncture provides the diagnostic clue to glucose transporter-1 deficiency syndrome and can thereby dramatically reduce diagnostic delay to allow early start of the ketogenic diet.

Randomized clinical trial of DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib vaccine administered concomitantly with meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccines during the primary infant series.

BACKGROUND: Concomitant administration of vaccines simplifies delivery. DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib is a fully liquid, combination vaccine against 6 diseases. This study evaluated the compatibility of DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib with 2 different meningococcus group C conjugate (MCC) vaccines in infants. METHODS: In a phase 3, open-label study, 284 healthy infants from 11 UK centres received DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib at age 2, 3, and 4 months; 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) at 2 and 4 months; a Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)-MCC vaccine and a measles/mumps/rubella vaccine at 12 months. Participants were randomised 1:1 to receive either an MCC-detoxified tetanus toxin vaccine (MCC-TT; n = 141) or an MCC-Corynebacterium diphtheriae CRM197 protein vaccine (MCC-CRM; n = 143) at 3 and 4 months. The primary outcome was seroprotection rate (SPR) to MCC (percent with rabbit complement serum bactericidal antibody titer ≥8). RESULTS: Per protocol analysis, MCC SPRs were 100 and 96.4 one month after the first dose, 100 and 99.1 after the second dose, and 100 and 97.3 after the third (booster) dose of MCC in the MCC-TT and MCC-CRM groups, respectively. One month after all 3 doses of DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib, immunoglobulin G anti-polyribosylribitol phosphate SPRs (% ≥0.15 µg/mL) were 97.8 in the MCC-TT group and 100 in the MCC-CRM group; anti-hepatitis B antigen SPRs (% ≥10 mIU/mL) were 96.8 and 96.3 in the MCC-TT and MCC-CRM groups, respectively. All participants were seroprotected against diphtheria and tetanus (≥0.01 IU/mL) and poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 (≥8 dilution), and seroresponse rates to all pertussis antigens were ≥90.4%. Two vaccine-related serious adverse events (transient severe abdominal pain and crying) occurred concomitantly in 1 participant in the MCC-CRM group. Adverse event rates were similar to other studies of DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib, with pyrexia ≥38 °C in 10.9% of participants following any dose. CONCLUSIONS: DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib can be effectively used in a 2-, 3-, and 4-month infant priming schedule when given with 2 doses of MCC.

Effectiveness of the Healthy Lifestyles Programme (HeLP) to prevent obesity in UK primary-school children: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Background: Although childhood overweight and obesity prevalence has increased substantially worldwide in the past three decades, scarce evidence exists for effective preventive strategies. We aimed to establish whether a school-based intervention for children aged 9-10 years would prevent excessive weight gain after 24 months. Methods: This pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial of the Healthy Lifestyles Programme (HeLP), a school-based obesity prevention intervention, was done in 32 schools in southwest England. All state-run primary and junior schools in Devon and Plymouth (UK) with enough pupils for at least one year-5 class were eligible. Schools were assigned (1:1) using a computer-generated sequence to either intervention or control, stratified by the number of year-5 classes (one vs more than one) and the proportion of children eligible for free school meals (<19% [the national average] vs ≥19%). HeLP was delivered to year-5 children (ages 9-10 years) over 1 year, and included dynamic and interactive activities such as physical activity workshops, education sessions delivered by teachers with short homework tasks, drama sessions, and setting goals to modify behaviour (with parental support and one-to-one discussions with HeLP coordinators). The primary outcome was change in body-mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) between baseline and 24 months, analysed in children with BMI data available for both timepoints. This study is registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial register, number ISRCTN15811706, and the trial status is complete. Findings: Between March 21, 2012, and Sept 30, 2013, 32 eligible schools with 1324 children were recruited, of which 16 schools (676 children) were randomly assigned to the HeLP intervention and 16 schools (648 children) to control. All schools that began the trial completed the intervention, and 1244 children (628 in intervention group and 616 in control group) had BMI data at both baseline and 24 months for the primary outcome analysis. Mean BMI SDS was 0·32 (SD 1·16) at baseline and 0·35 (1·25) at 24 months in the intervention group, and 0·18 (1·14) at baseline and 0·22 (1·22) at 24 months in the control group. With adjustment for school-level clustering, baseline BMI scores, sex, cohort, and number of year-5 classes and socioeconomic status of each school, the mean difference in BMI SDS score (intervention-control) at 24 months was -0·02 (95% CI -0·09 to 0·05), p=0·57. One parent reported an adverse event related to their child's eating and activity behaviours, but agreed for the child to continue trial participation after discussion with the chief investigator. Interpretation: Despite a theoretically informed and extensively piloted intervention that achieved high levels of engagement, follow-up, and fidelity of delivery, we found no effect of the intervention on preventing overweight or obesity. Although schools are an ideal setting in which to deliver population-based interventions, school-based interventions might not be sufficiently intense to affect both the school and the family environment, and hence the weight status of children. Future research should focus on more upstream determinants of obesity and use whole-systems approaches. Funding: UK National Institute for Health Research, Public Health Research Programme.

A phase III, open-label, randomised multicentre study to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of a booster dose of two different reduced antigen diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-polio vaccines, when co-administered with measles-mumps-rubella vaccine in 3 and 4-year-old healthy children in the UK.

AIM: To evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of a reduced antigen diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-inactivated poliovirus (dTap-IPVB) vaccine (Boostrix-IPV, GSK) as a pre-school booster in 3-4 year old children as compared to dTap-IPVR (Repevax, Sanofi Pasteur), when co-administered with mumps-measles-rubella vaccine (MMRV). METHODS: This phase III, open label, randomised study was conducted in the UK between April 2011 and April 2012. Children due their pre-school dTap-IPV booster vaccination were randomised 2:1 to receive one of two different dTap-IPV vaccines (dTap-IPVB or dTap-IPVR) with blood sample for immunogenicity assessment just prior and one month after vaccination. Immune responses to diphtheria, tetanus and polio antigens were compared between the study vaccines (inferential comparison). In the absence of an accepted pertussis correlate of protection, the immunogenicity of dTap-IPVB vaccine against pertussis was compared with historical pertussis efficacy data (inferential comparison). Safety and reactogenicity of both study vaccines were evaluated. RESULTS: 387 children were randomised and 385 vaccinated: 255 in the dTap-IPVB group and 130 in the dTap-IPVR group. Prior to vaccination, ≥76.8% of children had anti-diphtheria and ≥65.5% had anti-tetanus titres above the protection threshold; for pertussis, the pre-vaccination seropositivity rate ranged between 18.1 and 70.6%. Both vaccines were immunogenic with 99.2-100% of children achieving titres above the pre-specified seroprotection/seropositivity thresholds. One serious adverse event not considered as causally related to the study vaccination by the study investigator was reported in the dTap-IPVB group. CONCLUSION: Non-inferiority of dTap-IPVB to dTap-IPVR was demonstrated. Both vaccines had a clinically acceptable safety and reactogenicity profile when co-administered with MMRV to children 3-4 years old. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01245049 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Improving communication between staff and disabled children in hospital wards: testing the feasibility of a training intervention developed through intervention mapping.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and test the feasibility of a novel parent-inspired training intervention for hospital ward staff to improve communication with disabled children when inpatients. DESIGN: Training content and delivery strategies were informed by the iterative process of Intervention Mapping and developed in collaboration with parents of disabled children. SETTING: UK University Hospital children's ward. SUBJECTS: 80 medical, nursing, allied health professionals, clerical and housekeeping staff on a children's ward. METHODS: Themes identified in previous qualitative research formed the basis of the training. Learning objectives included prioritising communication, cultivating empathy, improving knowledge and developing confidence. Participant feedback was used to refine content and delivery. Intervention documentation adheres to the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist. RESULTS: Highlighting mandated National Health Service policies and involving the hospital Patient and Carer Experience Group facilitated management support for the training. Eighty staff participated in one of four 1-hour sessions. A paediatric registrar and nurse delivered sessions to mixed groups of staff. General feedback was very positive. The intervention, fully documented in a manual, includes videos of parent carers discussing hospital experiences, interactive tasks, small group discussion, personal reflection and intention planning. Generic and local resources were provided. CONCLUSION: It was feasible to deliver this new communication training to hospital ward staff and it was positively received. Early feedback was encouraging and indicates a commitment to behaviour change. Further piloting is required to establish the transferability of the intervention to other hospitals, followed by consideration of downstream markers to evaluate the effects on disabled children's inpatient experience. Organisational and cultural change is required to support individual behaviour change.

Health outcomes for children with neurodisability: what do professionals regard as primary targets?

AIM: To identify what aspects of health clinicians target when working with children with neurodisability, and which might be appropriate to assess the performance of health services. METHOD: Health professionals were recruited through child development teams and professional societies in England. Professionals participated in four rounds of an online Delphi survey. Open questions were used to elicit aspects of health; these were coded using the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth. Then, participants were asked to rate their agreement with statements to prioritise outcomes identified. RESULTS: Responses to all four rounds were, respectively: 233/276 (84.4%), 232/286 (81.1%), 227/285 (79.6%) and 191/284 (67.3%). The key outcome domains identified were: mental health, confidence/emotional stability, anxiety/attention, sleep, pain, toileting, movement ability, manual ability, acquiring skills, communication, mobility, self-care, recreation and leisure. Participants rated both functioning and well-being in these aspects of health as equally important. INTERPRETATION: This Delphi survey identified nine key domains that provide a professional perspective on a core set of outcomes for evaluating services for children and young people with neurodisability.

The Healthy Lifestyles Programme (HeLP), a novel school-based intervention to prevent obesity in school children: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Over the last three decades there has been a substantial increase in the proportion of children who are overweight or obese. The Healthy Lifestyles Programme (HeLP) is a novel school-based intervention, using highly interactive and creative delivery methods to prevent obesity in children. METHODS/DESIGN: We describe a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of HeLP. The intervention has been developed using intervention mapping (involving extensive stakeholder involvement) and has been guided by the Information, Motivation, Behavioural Skills model. HeLP includes creating a receptive environment, drama activities, goal setting and reinforcement activities and runs over three school terms. Piloting showed that 9 to 10 year olds were the most receptive and participative. This study aims to recruit 1,300 children from 32 schools (over half of which will have ≥19% of pupils eligible for free school meals) from the southwest of England. Participating schools will be randomised to intervention or control groups with baseline measures taken prior to randomisation. The primary outcome is change in body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) at 24 months post baseline. Secondary outcomes include, waist circumference and percent body fat SDS and proportion of children classified as overweight or obese at 18 and 24 months and objectively measured physical activity and food intake at 18 months. Between-group comparisons will be made using random effects regression analysis taking into account the hierarchical nature of the study design. An economic evaluation will estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness of HeLP, compared to control, from the perspective of the National Health Service (NHS)/third party payer. An in-depth process evaluation will provide insight into how HeLP works, and whether there is any differential uptake or engagement with the programme. DISCUSSION: The results of the trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the Healthy Lifestyles Programme in affecting the weight status of children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN15811706.

Synthetic aperture interferometry: in-process measurement of aspheric optics.

A scanning probe consisting of a source and receive fiber pair is used to measure the phase difference between wave fronts scattered from the front and rear surfaces of an aspheric optic. This system can be thought of as a classical interferometer with an aperture synthesized from the data collected along the path of the probe. If the form of either surface is known, the other can be deduced. In contrast with classical interferometers, the method does not need test or null plates and has the potential to be integrated into the manufacturing process.

Computer-aided lens assembly.

We propose a computer-aided method of lens manufacture that allows assembly, adjustment, and test phases to be run concurrently until an acceptable level of optical performance is reached. Misalignment of elements within a compound lens is determined by a comparison of the results of physical ray tracing by use of an array of Gaussian laser beams with numerically obtained geometric ray traces. An estimate of misalignment errors is made, and individual elements are adjusted in an iterative manner until performance criteria are achieved. The method is illustrated for the alignment of an air-spaced doublet.