Objectives: Dyshomeostasis of the dopaminergic system is implicated in the pathophysiology of eating disorders (EDs). We have previously reported an association between 3'-UTR VNTR (three prime untranslated region...Objectives: Dyshomeostasis of the dopaminergic system is implicated in the pathophysiology of eating disorders (EDs). We have previously reported an association between 3'-UTR VNTR (three prime untranslated region variable number of tandem repeat) of the Dopamine Transporter 1 (DAT1) gene and ED with binge eating behavior (EDBEB). Here we investigated whether variants in the coding region of the DAT1 gene also associate with EDBEB. Methods: The coding region and exon-intron junctions of the DAT1 gene were screened by direct sequencing using genomic DNA from EDBEB patients (n = 90) and healthy subjects (n = 114) on whom 3'-UTR VNTR variants had been previously determined. Results: rs2270912 and rs28363130, two of five known polymorphisms found by this screen, were significantly associated with EDBEB patients by genotype (p = 0.003, p = 0.011, respectively) and allele (p = 0.003, p = 0.012, respectively) frequency compared with healthy subjects. Interestingly, these polymorphisms associate with the risk 3'-UTR VNTR variant of EDBEB. Conclusion: Although our sample size was small, we show here that rs2270912 and rs28363130 associates with EDBEB and might act with 3'-UTR VNTR as a haplotype. These findings support the notion that the DAT1 gene plays a key role in the dopaminergic system of EDBEB.展开更多
Electrochemical measurements were conducted to study the electrochemical behavior of gold （Au） and its commonly associated minerals in alkaline thiourea solutions. The results indicated that without addition of any ...Electrochemical measurements were conducted to study the electrochemical behavior of gold （Au） and its commonly associated minerals in alkaline thiourea solutions. The results indicated that without addition of any stabilizer, selective dissolution of Au from stibnite and pyrite was only possible at relatively low thiourea concentrations. As Na2SiO3 was added, pyrite started to become active and an oxida- tion peak appeared; the oxidation peaks of axsenopyrite and chalcocite appeared earlier thaxl that of Au. The chalcocite peak shifted in the positive direction and the peak current increased. Stibnite did not show an oxidation peak and its current was nearly zero. Adding Na2SiO3 favored the selective dissolution of Au when its minerals were associated with chalcocite and stibinte. At pH 12, the Au anode dissolution peak current increased with stabilizer concentration. At 0.38 and 0.42 V and for Na2SiO3 concentration below 0.09 M, the current density continuously increased with Na2SiO3 concentration. The Na2SiO3 concentration had to be adequate to stabilize thiourea. When the potential was higher than 0.42 V, the surface of the Au electrode started to passivate. With an additional increase in potential, the presence of Na2SiO3 could not stop the inevitable decomposition of thiourea.展开更多
Thermodynamic properties and electrochemical behaviors of gold and its associated elements, such as silver, copper, nickel and iron, in various complex agent solutions were studied. Within CS（NH2）2, S2O2-3 and SCN- ...Thermodynamic properties and electrochemical behaviors of gold and its associated elements, such as silver, copper, nickel and iron, in various complex agent solutions were studied. Within CS（NH2）2, S2O2-3 and SCN- systems, alkaline thiourea is the optimal nontoxic lixiviating agent substituting cyanide from the viewpoint of thermodynamics. The electrochemical study indicates that the anodic dissolution current densities of gold are 2.616, （1.805,） 1.267, 1.088, 0.556, and 0.145 mA·cm-2 respectively in the solutions of cyanide, alkaline thiourea containing Na2SiO3, SCN-, acidic thiourea, alkaline thiourea and thiosulfate at the potential of 0.500 V. Comparing various lixiviating agents, the alkaline thiourea solution containing Na2SiO3 is of prominent selectivity in leaching gold, in the potential range from 0.500 to 0.600 V, which is most efficient for leaching gold selectively instead of cyanide. The effect on leaching gold is similar to that in the cyanide system.展开更多
The purpose of our study was to assess drinking status in middle school students and to understand the associated factors. The adjusted drinking rates were 50.9%, 39.8%, and 15.1% for lifetime, past-year, and current ...The purpose of our study was to assess drinking status in middle school students and to understand the associated factors. The adjusted drinking rates were 50.9%, 39.8%, and 15.1% for lifetime, past-year, and current drinking, respectively.展开更多
Eight 6FDA-TFDB polyimide(PI)samples with absolute molecular weights ranging from 1.25 × 10^5 g mol^-1 to 3.11 × 10^5 g mol^-1 are obtained by precipitation fractionation.Rheological experiments are conducte...Eight 6FDA-TFDB polyimide(PI)samples with absolute molecular weights ranging from 1.25 × 10^5 g mol^-1 to 3.11 × 10^5 g mol^-1 are obtained by precipitation fractionation.Rheological experiments are conducted to determine the influence of molecular weight on the associating behavior of PI in A/X-dimethylformamide(DMF)solutions in a broad volume fraction,including abnormal steady shear flow,solution heterogeneity,and scaling behavior.Abnormal flow behaviors,i.e.,multi-region shear thinning and weak shear thickening,are studied,and these behaviors have not been reported in literature.The heterogeneity of PI/DMF solutions is examined by dynamic rheological test.By plotting qsp versus four concentration regions of l-IV can be distinguished for all PI samples with various molecular weights.The scaling results in different concentration regions are in good agreement with the associative polymer theory proposed by Rubinstein and Semenov.The scaling exponents do not show molecular weight dependence in concentration regions I and II.In concentration regions Ⅲ and Ⅳ,the scaling exponents change little when the molecular weight is below 242 k but increase when the molecular weight increases from 242 k to 311 k.This work can help us to understand polyimide solution properties from dilute to semidilute entangled solutions,and will guide the polyimide solution preparation for different processing.展开更多
For proposing an adaptive-threshold-based method for detecting battery voltage inconsistency fault,this study explored the associations between driving behavior and voltage consistency between cells(VCC)at a microscop...For proposing an adaptive-threshold-based method for detecting battery voltage inconsistency fault,this study explored the associations between driving behavior and voltage consistency between cells(VCC)at a microscopic level,by performing a naturalistic driving experiment on real-world electric vehicles(EVs).The running process of EVs is divided into four kinds of micro-segments A,B,C,D through the driver's pedal actions.Focusing on these segments,Pearson correlation coefficients(PCCs)between driving behavior parameters(DBPs)and voltage variation coefficient between cells(VVCC)are calculated,the impact patterns of DBPs to VVCC are analyzed by accumulated local effects(ALE)plots obtained from random forest(RF)modeling.The results show that the maximum PCC is reached by average accelerator pedal stroke with 0.724 for segments A,and by average speed with 0.789,0.554,and 0.553 for the other three segments.The four RF models show a high accuracy of VVCC prediction with goodness of fit over 0.919,and the ALE plots demonstrate the impact patterns are positivenonlinear overall.The maximum VVCC growing rates are reached by average accelerator pedal stroke for segments A(48.09%),and average speed for other segments(55.70%,29.01%,and 23.68%for segments B,C,and D,respectively).These results imply a strong connection between driving behavior and battery voltage consistency,which could be effectively captured to provide crucial inputs and interpretation methods for modeling voltage consistency prediction during EVs running.Hence,this work lays the foundation for the development of battery voltage fault detection algorithms considering different driving states.展开更多
Sleep disturbances are common in childhood and adolescence. Sleep problems in early infants tend to be persistent and prominent in preschool and school-aged children. Chronic sleep disorders, especially in young child...Sleep disturbances are common in childhood and adolescence. Sleep problems in early infants tend to be persistent and prominent in preschool and school-aged children. Chronic sleep disorders, especially in young children may lead to neurobehavioral problems and psycho-cognitive impairment. Sleep difficulties may be the result of underlying medical conditions, （breathing disorders） or psychological problems. Research studies have shown the association between sleep disorders and day time cognitive impairment, behavioral problems, poor school performance and inattention in children. Appropriate diagnosis and early management of sleep disorders in children lead to improvement of neurocognitive function and behavioral problems in these children.展开更多
A series of hydrophobically associating polyacrylamides modified by small amounts （〈 3 mol%） of a self- associative cationic monomer 4-（2-（acryloyloxy） ethoxy） benzyl tri-ethyl ammonium bromide （AEBA） as hydr...A series of hydrophobically associating polyacrylamides modified by small amounts （〈 3 mol%） of a self- associative cationic monomer 4-（2-（acryloyloxy） ethoxy） benzyl tri-ethyl ammonium bromide （AEBA） as hydrophobe were synthesized by radical copolymerization in aqueous solutions without external surfactants. The resulting eopolymers containing a multiblock structure exhibited a high tendency for hydrophobic association and a high thickening capacity. Solution properties and aggregation structures were investigated by viscometry and fluorescence technique. The high viscosity enhancement was found as the polymer concentration beyond a critical value c＊ and strongly depended on the copolymer microstructures. The number and length of hydrophobic microblocks within the copolymer backbones could be controlled by changing the AEBA concentration in copolymerization system. Addition of salt induced more hydrophobic association and viscosity enhancement. The synthesis method used was simple and environmentally friendly without any external surfactant contamination in comparison with the conventional micellar copolymerization.展开更多
BACKGROUND Health-related risky behaviors generally refer to behaviors that have a negative impact on health and quality of life.Health-related risky behaviors in adolescents with high-functioning autism(HFA)have not ...BACKGROUND Health-related risky behaviors generally refer to behaviors that have a negative impact on health and quality of life.Health-related risky behaviors in adolescents with high-functioning autism(HFA)have not been well understood so far.Adolescents with HFA may have more health-related risky behaviors than neurotypical adolescents.AIM To investigate health-related risky behaviors and their risk factors with HFA.METHODS This is an observational study.Our study enrolled 110 adolescents aged 12-19-years-old meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition criteria for HFA.They were recruited from Peking University Sixth Hospital.There were also 110 age,sex and nationality matched controls enrolled who came from a public school in Beijing,China.Both groups completed the Adolescents Health-related Risky Behavior Inventory.Nonparametric tests were carried out for comparison of the Adolescents Health-related Risky Behavior Inventory scores between the two groups.Expression recognition,the Inventory of Subjective Life Quality for Child and Adolescent,Chinese Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children,Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adult-Chinese Revised,Theory of Mind test and Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire were assessed in the autism group to explore factors associated with health-related risky behaviors.Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to explore the risk factors of health-related risky behaviors in the HFA group.RESULTS The results showed that the total score of the Adolescents Health-related Risky Behavior Inventory and scores of“aggression and violence,”“suicide and selfinjury,”“health compromising behavior”and“unprotected sex”subscales in the HFA group were significantly higher than those in the control group(Z range-4.197 to-2.213,P<0.05).Among the associated factors,poor emotional experience(B=-0.268,P<0.001),depression(B=-0.321,P<0.001),low score of intelligence(B=-0.032,P=0.042),low score of Theory of Mind test(B=-1.321,P=0.003)and poor adaptation to school life(B=-0.152,P=0.006)were risk factors.These risky behaviors may promote the occurrence of health-related risky behaviors in adolescents with HFA.CONCLUSION This study showed that adolescents with HFA were more likely to be involved in health-related risky behaviors.Different health-related risky behaviors have different reasons.展开更多
The present study investigated the effects of catalpol, the main constituent of the Chinese herb Rehmannia root, on neurons following brain ischemia, A rat model of focal permanent brain ischemia was established using...The present study investigated the effects of catalpol, the main constituent of the Chinese herb Rehmannia root, on neurons following brain ischemia, A rat model of focal permanent brain ischemia was established using electrocoagulation, The rats were intrapedtoneally injected with catalpol, at a dose of 5 mg/kg, daily for 1 week, Results showed that the number of neuronal synapses in the motor cortex and growth associated protein 43 expression were increased following catalpol treatment, indicating that catalpol might contribute to neuroplasticity and ameliorate functional neurological deficits induced by cerebral ischemia.展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong> Hand hygiene (HH) is essential in preventing healthcare-associated infections, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where SARS-CoV2 has shown the ability to survive on surf...<strong>Background:</strong> Hand hygiene (HH) is essential in preventing healthcare-associated infections, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where SARS-CoV2 has shown the ability to survive on surfaces for days. In this study, we explore HH compliance rate and the factors associated with its increase during COVID-19 pandemic. <strong>Methods:</strong> HH compliance was assessed amongst doctors in Anesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care Unit by direct observation between 2018 and 2021. An anonymous survey was then sent to the doctors to understand factors influencing the observed improvement in HH compliance during the pandemic. <strong>Results:</strong> Compliance towards the five moments of HH has shown a statistically significant rising trend from a median HH compliance of 60% in 2018, to 70% in 2019 to 94% in 2020. However, HH compliance subsequently declined in the first quarter of 2021 to median of 87%. The follow-up survey had a response rate of 96% (n = 53). 90% of survey participants responded that their HH frequency had increased during the COVID-19 pandemic with 47% stating they were performing HH 11 - 20 times/day. 64% responded that this increased frequency had affected their skin condition. 62% responded that this increased frequency was sustainable even after the pandemic ends. Participants ranked considerations influencing HH compliance. “Prevent transmitting the infection to vulnerable patients” was ranked highest followed by “High infection rate”, “Fear of contracting COVID-19” and lastly, “Public health guidelines”. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Despite the absence of new campaigns, HH compliance reached an all-time high. The pandemic has provided opportunity for behavioral change through “reflective” drivers of behavior such as emotions (“Fear”) and knowledge (“High infection rate”). Understanding the motivations behind current increased HH compliance and riding on the increased initial uptake of behavior may help convert HH into a habitual action and not just a reaction to the pandemic.展开更多
文摘Objectives: Dyshomeostasis of the dopaminergic system is implicated in the pathophysiology of eating disorders (EDs). We have previously reported an association between 3'-UTR VNTR (three prime untranslated region variable number of tandem repeat) of the Dopamine Transporter 1 (DAT1) gene and ED with binge eating behavior (EDBEB). Here we investigated whether variants in the coding region of the DAT1 gene also associate with EDBEB. Methods: The coding region and exon-intron junctions of the DAT1 gene were screened by direct sequencing using genomic DNA from EDBEB patients (n = 90) and healthy subjects (n = 114) on whom 3'-UTR VNTR variants had been previously determined. Results: rs2270912 and rs28363130, two of five known polymorphisms found by this screen, were significantly associated with EDBEB patients by genotype (p = 0.003, p = 0.011, respectively) and allele (p = 0.003, p = 0.012, respectively) frequency compared with healthy subjects. Interestingly, these polymorphisms associate with the risk 3'-UTR VNTR variant of EDBEB. Conclusion: Although our sample size was small, we show here that rs2270912 and rs28363130 associates with EDBEB and might act with 3'-UTR VNTR as a haplotype. These findings support the notion that the DAT1 gene plays a key role in the dopaminergic system of EDBEB.
基金financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51504031)the innovation fund of the General Research Institute for Nonferrous Metals(No.53319)
文摘Electrochemical measurements were conducted to study the electrochemical behavior of gold （Au） and its commonly associated minerals in alkaline thiourea solutions. The results indicated that without addition of any stabilizer, selective dissolution of Au from stibnite and pyrite was only possible at relatively low thiourea concentrations. As Na2SiO3 was added, pyrite started to become active and an oxida- tion peak appeared; the oxidation peaks of axsenopyrite and chalcocite appeared earlier thaxl that of Au. The chalcocite peak shifted in the positive direction and the peak current increased. Stibnite did not show an oxidation peak and its current was nearly zero. Adding Na2SiO3 favored the selective dissolution of Au when its minerals were associated with chalcocite and stibinte. At pH 12, the Au anode dissolution peak current increased with stabilizer concentration. At 0.38 and 0.42 V and for Na2SiO3 concentration below 0.09 M, the current density continuously increased with Na2SiO3 concentration. The Na2SiO3 concentration had to be adequate to stabilize thiourea. When the potential was higher than 0.42 V, the surface of the Au electrode started to passivate. With an additional increase in potential, the presence of Na2SiO3 could not stop the inevitable decomposition of thiourea.
文摘Thermodynamic properties and electrochemical behaviors of gold and its associated elements, such as silver, copper, nickel and iron, in various complex agent solutions were studied. Within CS（NH2）2, S2O2-3 and SCN- systems, alkaline thiourea is the optimal nontoxic lixiviating agent substituting cyanide from the viewpoint of thermodynamics. The electrochemical study indicates that the anodic dissolution current densities of gold are 2.616, （1.805,） 1.267, 1.088, 0.556, and 0.145 mA·cm-2 respectively in the solutions of cyanide, alkaline thiourea containing Na2SiO3, SCN-, acidic thiourea, alkaline thiourea and thiosulfate at the potential of 0.500 V. Comparing various lixiviating agents, the alkaline thiourea solution containing Na2SiO3 is of prominent selectivity in leaching gold, in the potential range from 0.500 to 0.600 V, which is most efficient for leaching gold selectively instead of cyanide. The effect on leaching gold is similar to that in the cyanide system.
基金the financial support from Pernod Ricard (China)
文摘The purpose of our study was to assess drinking status in middle school students and to understand the associated factors. The adjusted drinking rates were 50.9%, 39.8%, and 15.1% for lifetime, past-year, and current drinking, respectively.
基金the National Basic Research Program of China(No.2014CB643604)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51173178).
文摘Eight 6FDA-TFDB polyimide(PI)samples with absolute molecular weights ranging from 1.25 × 10^5 g mol^-1 to 3.11 × 10^5 g mol^-1 are obtained by precipitation fractionation.Rheological experiments are conducted to determine the influence of molecular weight on the associating behavior of PI in A/X-dimethylformamide(DMF)solutions in a broad volume fraction,including abnormal steady shear flow,solution heterogeneity,and scaling behavior.Abnormal flow behaviors,i.e.,multi-region shear thinning and weak shear thickening,are studied,and these behaviors have not been reported in literature.The heterogeneity of PI/DMF solutions is examined by dynamic rheological test.By plotting qsp versus four concentration regions of l-IV can be distinguished for all PI samples with various molecular weights.The scaling results in different concentration regions are in good agreement with the associative polymer theory proposed by Rubinstein and Semenov.The scaling exponents do not show molecular weight dependence in concentration regions I and II.In concentration regions Ⅲ and Ⅳ,the scaling exponents change little when the molecular weight is below 242 k but increase when the molecular weight increases from 242 k to 311 k.This work can help us to understand polyimide solution properties from dilute to semidilute entangled solutions,and will guide the polyimide solution preparation for different processing.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFC3009700)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52372341)the Chinese Scholarship Council(202206950047)。
文摘For proposing an adaptive-threshold-based method for detecting battery voltage inconsistency fault,this study explored the associations between driving behavior and voltage consistency between cells(VCC)at a microscopic level,by performing a naturalistic driving experiment on real-world electric vehicles(EVs).The running process of EVs is divided into four kinds of micro-segments A,B,C,D through the driver's pedal actions.Focusing on these segments,Pearson correlation coefficients(PCCs)between driving behavior parameters(DBPs)and voltage variation coefficient between cells(VVCC)are calculated,the impact patterns of DBPs to VVCC are analyzed by accumulated local effects(ALE)plots obtained from random forest(RF)modeling.The results show that the maximum PCC is reached by average accelerator pedal stroke with 0.724 for segments A,and by average speed with 0.789,0.554,and 0.553 for the other three segments.The four RF models show a high accuracy of VVCC prediction with goodness of fit over 0.919,and the ALE plots demonstrate the impact patterns are positivenonlinear overall.The maximum VVCC growing rates are reached by average accelerator pedal stroke for segments A(48.09%),and average speed for other segments(55.70%,29.01%,and 23.68%for segments B,C,and D,respectively).These results imply a strong connection between driving behavior and battery voltage consistency,which could be effectively captured to provide crucial inputs and interpretation methods for modeling voltage consistency prediction during EVs running.Hence,this work lays the foundation for the development of battery voltage fault detection algorithms considering different driving states.
文摘Sleep disturbances are common in childhood and adolescence. Sleep problems in early infants tend to be persistent and prominent in preschool and school-aged children. Chronic sleep disorders, especially in young children may lead to neurobehavioral problems and psycho-cognitive impairment. Sleep difficulties may be the result of underlying medical conditions, （breathing disorders） or psychological problems. Research studies have shown the association between sleep disorders and day time cognitive impairment, behavioral problems, poor school performance and inattention in children. Appropriate diagnosis and early management of sleep disorders in children lead to improvement of neurocognitive function and behavioral problems in these children.
文摘A series of hydrophobically associating polyacrylamides modified by small amounts （〈 3 mol%） of a self- associative cationic monomer 4-（2-（acryloyloxy） ethoxy） benzyl tri-ethyl ammonium bromide （AEBA） as hydrophobe were synthesized by radical copolymerization in aqueous solutions without external surfactants. The resulting eopolymers containing a multiblock structure exhibited a high tendency for hydrophobic association and a high thickening capacity. Solution properties and aggregation structures were investigated by viscometry and fluorescence technique. The high viscosity enhancement was found as the polymer concentration beyond a critical value c＊ and strongly depended on the copolymer microstructures. The number and length of hydrophobic microblocks within the copolymer backbones could be controlled by changing the AEBA concentration in copolymerization system. Addition of salt induced more hydrophobic association and viscosity enhancement. The synthesis method used was simple and environmentally friendly without any external surfactant contamination in comparison with the conventional micellar copolymerization.
基金Supported by National Key R&D Program of China,No.2017YFC1309900Beijing Municipal Science&Technology Commission,No.Z171100001017088 and No.Z161100000116098.
文摘BACKGROUND Health-related risky behaviors generally refer to behaviors that have a negative impact on health and quality of life.Health-related risky behaviors in adolescents with high-functioning autism(HFA)have not been well understood so far.Adolescents with HFA may have more health-related risky behaviors than neurotypical adolescents.AIM To investigate health-related risky behaviors and their risk factors with HFA.METHODS This is an observational study.Our study enrolled 110 adolescents aged 12-19-years-old meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition criteria for HFA.They were recruited from Peking University Sixth Hospital.There were also 110 age,sex and nationality matched controls enrolled who came from a public school in Beijing,China.Both groups completed the Adolescents Health-related Risky Behavior Inventory.Nonparametric tests were carried out for comparison of the Adolescents Health-related Risky Behavior Inventory scores between the two groups.Expression recognition,the Inventory of Subjective Life Quality for Child and Adolescent,Chinese Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children,Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adult-Chinese Revised,Theory of Mind test and Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire were assessed in the autism group to explore factors associated with health-related risky behaviors.Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to explore the risk factors of health-related risky behaviors in the HFA group.RESULTS The results showed that the total score of the Adolescents Health-related Risky Behavior Inventory and scores of“aggression and violence,”“suicide and selfinjury,”“health compromising behavior”and“unprotected sex”subscales in the HFA group were significantly higher than those in the control group(Z range-4.197 to-2.213,P<0.05).Among the associated factors,poor emotional experience(B=-0.268,P<0.001),depression(B=-0.321,P<0.001),low score of intelligence(B=-0.032,P=0.042),low score of Theory of Mind test(B=-1.321,P=0.003)and poor adaptation to school life(B=-0.152,P=0.006)were risk factors.These risky behaviors may promote the occurrence of health-related risky behaviors in adolescents with HFA.CONCLUSION This study showed that adolescents with HFA were more likely to be involved in health-related risky behaviors.Different health-related risky behaviors have different reasons.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81073084the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, No.XDJK2009C081+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation Project of CQ CSTC, No.2010BB5127Science and Technology Innovative Capacity Construction Program of Chongqing(CSTC) No.2009CB1010
文摘The present study investigated the effects of catalpol, the main constituent of the Chinese herb Rehmannia root, on neurons following brain ischemia, A rat model of focal permanent brain ischemia was established using electrocoagulation, The rats were intrapedtoneally injected with catalpol, at a dose of 5 mg/kg, daily for 1 week, Results showed that the number of neuronal synapses in the motor cortex and growth associated protein 43 expression were increased following catalpol treatment, indicating that catalpol might contribute to neuroplasticity and ameliorate functional neurological deficits induced by cerebral ischemia.
文摘<strong>Background:</strong> Hand hygiene (HH) is essential in preventing healthcare-associated infections, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where SARS-CoV2 has shown the ability to survive on surfaces for days. In this study, we explore HH compliance rate and the factors associated with its increase during COVID-19 pandemic. <strong>Methods:</strong> HH compliance was assessed amongst doctors in Anesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care Unit by direct observation between 2018 and 2021. An anonymous survey was then sent to the doctors to understand factors influencing the observed improvement in HH compliance during the pandemic. <strong>Results:</strong> Compliance towards the five moments of HH has shown a statistically significant rising trend from a median HH compliance of 60% in 2018, to 70% in 2019 to 94% in 2020. However, HH compliance subsequently declined in the first quarter of 2021 to median of 87%. The follow-up survey had a response rate of 96% (n = 53). 90% of survey participants responded that their HH frequency had increased during the COVID-19 pandemic with 47% stating they were performing HH 11 - 20 times/day. 64% responded that this increased frequency had affected their skin condition. 62% responded that this increased frequency was sustainable even after the pandemic ends. Participants ranked considerations influencing HH compliance. “Prevent transmitting the infection to vulnerable patients” was ranked highest followed by “High infection rate”, “Fear of contracting COVID-19” and lastly, “Public health guidelines”. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Despite the absence of new campaigns, HH compliance reached an all-time high. The pandemic has provided opportunity for behavioral change through “reflective” drivers of behavior such as emotions (“Fear”) and knowledge (“High infection rate”). Understanding the motivations behind current increased HH compliance and riding on the increased initial uptake of behavior may help convert HH into a habitual action and not just a reaction to the pandemic.
