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Background: Previous studies have not explored the relationship between a single gene and a single disease. Our study aims to investigate the association of multiple genotypes with blood lead levels and bone matrix density (BMD) by using genetic algorithms.Methods: Our research focused on 506 employees (245 males and 261 females) of a lead battery factory in Taiwan. We collected data on their BMD, blood lead level, and 6 SNPs (ACE, alpha-adducin, Bsm, Tag, Apa, and ALAD); these factors were analyzed using discrete binary particle swarm optimization (DBPSO) and logistic regression analysis.Results: We found no association between blood lead level and bone density, which may be due to the relatively young age of this population (mean age = 45.1 years). However, the genotype that contained both Bsm type bb and ALAD type 1-1 may play an important role in protecting against lower bone density among these employees.Conclusions: In conclusion, this study found that the Bsm and ALAD genes influence bone density among lead workers. However, the mechanism and exact relationship between these two genes and bone density require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to determine whether there was an association between air pollutant levels and hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Taipei, Taiwan. Hospital admissions for COPD and ambient air pollution data for Taipei were obtained for the period 1996-2003. The relative risk of hospital admission was estimated using a case-crossover approach, controlling for weather variables, day of the week, seasonality, and long-term time trends. In the single-pollutant model, on warm days (≥20°C) statistically significant positive associations were found in all pollutants except sulphur dioxide (SO2). However, statistically significant effects for COPD admissions on cool days (<20°C) were observed only for SO2 levels. For the two-pollutant model, NO2 and O3 were significant in combination with each of the other four pollutants on warm days. This study provides evidence that higher levels of ambient air pollutants increases the risk of hospital admissions for COPD in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lay Abstract: Self-determination encompasses various components, including decision-making and independence, making it a complex process. While the importance of self-determination for individuals with autism spectrum disorder has been explored in previous studies, there is limited research focusing on individuals with moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder. Evidence-based practices such as visual activity schedules and video modeling have shown effectiveness in promoting independence among individuals with autism spectrum disorder. To address the need for independence and choice-making among individuals with moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder, this study developed a visual support package incorporating visual activity schedules, video modeling, preference assessments, and prompt procedures. By investigating the intervention's effectiveness in three participants, this study contributes to the existing literature on the use of a visual activity schedule and video modeling in enhancing choice-making and independent leisure engagement. Following the intervention, all participants were able to select three leisure activities, develop their own visual schedules, and complete them. Notably, this study conducted preference assessments to determine participants' preferred leisure activities and did not provide additional reinforcement. Practical implications of this research include incorporating video prompting as needed and adjusting activity engagement time. Future research should explore the long-term effectiveness of the visual support package and its application in developing novel skills or vocational activities for individuals with moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder. This study fills a critical gap in the literature, providing important insights for practices and research in the field of autism spectrum disorder interventions., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.