Aims To evaluate the long‐term trends of new psychoactive substance (NPS) detection in pooled urine samples collected across a city centre. Methods Pooled urine samples from portable stand‐alone urinals were collected on a monthly basis over 5.5 years (July 2013–December 2018) across a city centre. These were analysed using a high‐performance liquid chromatography system, interfaced to a high‐resolution accurate mass spectrometer. Data were processed against a database containing over 2000 drugs/metabolites including over 800 NPS. Results In total, 44 NPS were detected with variation over time including cathinones (15, 34.1%), synthetic cannabinoids (8, 18.2%) and 21 (47.7%) other NPS. Since the introduction of the UK Psychoactive Substances Act (May 2016) cathinone detection has decreased with minimal detection over the last 4 months of the study. Synthetic cannabinoids were not detected on a regular basis until July 2016 with a subsequent variable detection frequency. There was a consistent, low level detection frequency of all other NPS throughout the study, but which appears to have increased alongside the decrease in cathinone detection. Conclusion Pooled urine analysis of samples taken from portable urinals in a city centre can be used as an effective monitoring tool to determine long‐term trends in the use of NPS. The results of this study demonstrate the impact of the Psychoactive Substances Act and reflect the findings of population surveys and clinical studies. Triangulation of these data with other data sources will enable greater insight into the NPS phenomenon.
Aims/Objectives/BackgroundPaediatric presentations to the emergency department (ED) reduced significantly during the COVID-19 lockdown. Concerns were raised that children were coming to harm as a result of delayed presentations to ED and rapid guidance was produced for parents to highlight red and amber symptoms which should prompt ED review. NHS 111 responses were also adapted for children to facilitate rapid recognition of the sick child.The aim of this rapid surveillance project was to objectively describe the proportion of children who had a delayed presentation to ED during the COVID-19 lockdown and their need for admission.Methods/DesignProspective anonymous data collection on children presenting to ED during periods between 20th April and 8th July 2020 in 7 trusts in England and Northern Ireland. Clinicians (doctors and advance care practitioners) were asked to feedback at the time of patient dispostion about whetherthe parents had reported a delay in presenting to hospitalthe parents had experienced a delay secondary to another service provider (primary care/111)there was no delay in presentationthey were uncertain as to whether there was a delay.Data was a collected via an approved website with appropriate data goverance.Abstract 382 Table 1Patient characteristics and outcomesAgeNRed SxAmber Sx111/GP inputParental delayGP/111 delayAdmission to PICU if delayedAdmission to ward if delayed0–6 weeks 67 7 (10.4%) 19 (28.4%) 23 (34.3%) 3 (4.5%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (33.3%) 1 (33.3%) 7 weeks - 3 months 51 4 (7.8%) 17 (33.3%) 50 (98.0%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (2.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) 4–6 months 47 7 (14.9%) 11 (23.4%) 22 (46.8%) 4 (8.5%) 4 (8.5%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) 7–11 months 116 10 (8.6%)22 (19.0%) 50 (43.1%) 2 (1.7%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) 1 year 198 15 (7.6%) 43 (21.7%) 58 (29.3%) 4 (2.0%) 3 (1.5%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (14.3%) 2–5 years 471 14 (3.0%) 98 (20.8%) 107 (22.7%) 11 (2.3%) 1 (0.2%) 1 (8.3%) 1 (8.3%) 6–10 years 388 22 (5.7%) 112 (28.9%) 105 (27.1%) 17 (4.4%) 4 (1.0%) 0 (0.0%) 3 (14.3%) 11–15 years 299 22 (7.4%) 64 (21.4%) 64 (21.4%) 12 (4.0%) 2 (0.7%) 0 (0.0%) 3 (21.4%) Total 1637 101 (6.2%) 386 (23.6%) 449 (27.4%) 53 (3.2%) 15 (0.9%) 2 (2.9%) 9 (13.2%) Sx: Signs (as per RCPCH guidance)PICU: Paediatric Intensive Care UnitResults/Conclusions1637 patients patient entries were recorded, the majority in May 2020 (86%). Patient characteristics and outcomes are shown in table 1.Diagnosis of 11 patients with delayed presentation requiring admission: sepsis, abdominal pain of unclear cause, abscess, bronchiolitis, headache, GORD, DKA, testicular torsion and viral induced wheeze.1 in 24 children were reported to have delayed presentation during lockdown and a small number of these children required PICU admission.Overall the data are reassuring that the majority of children are brought to ED appropriately. Ongoing messaging for parents regarding red and amber symptoms continues to be important, particularly in the event of any further lockdowns.
The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe and noticeable. Consumers are becoming more cognizant of the environmental challenges that affect the planet. A major contributor to carbon emissions and the resulting warming climate and pollution is transportation. As a result, the selection of environmentally friendly options in this industry is becoming a pressing matter. This study aims to examine the reasons that motivate consumers to choose eco-friendly vehicles. The study specifically aims to understand what factors drive consumers to purchase such vehicles. A questionnaire was administered to the Portuguese population to determine which factors influence the decision to purchase eco-friendly vehicles, and what type of vehicles are preferred. The study includes all types of eco-friendly vehicles, including early-stage solutions such as fuel cell vehicles. Furthermore, the study examines whether there is any difference in purchasing habits between generations. The study is based on several theories, including the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Diffusion of Innovation (DOI), Norm Activation Model (NAM), and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Our research concludes that attitude (influenced by the advantages, compatibility, and non-complexity) and personal norms (influenced by the efficiency) are the two factors that affect positively and significantly the intention of purchase. The preferred eco-friendly vehicle among participants was found to be the hybrid electric vehicle, and the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle was also considered. The study did not find a significant impact of generation on purchasing decisions, but different generations were found to value different factors when making a vehicle purchase.
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