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Case method teaching is a method of instruction that can improve the cognitive learning process. This method is used extensively in face-to-face classes. However, when it is applied to a distance education class in an online asynchronous environment, learning outcomes may differ. This article reports on a study that compares the use of case method teaching in face-to-face and online asynchronous environments. Four hypotheses on student performance were proposed. Correlation analysis supported all of the hypotheses. Other interesting findings regarding online learning also were reported as a result of the data analysis. Overall, an online asynchronous environment can promote students' participation in certain cases; however, cognitive learning gains do not seem to be as high as in the face-to-face environment. With distance education becoming more prevalent, this is a rich area for future research.

Purpose: To assess the association between serum testosterone (T) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in different age groups in Taiwanese men. Materials and Methods: Male participants, regardless of age or any underlying disease, were identified from MJ Health Screening Center in Taiwan from 2007 to 2016 for this cross-sectional study. They were divided into three groups according to age, and further classified according to MS diagnosis. Basic patient characteristics with relevant parameters were obtained. One-way ANOVA of mean T values between different numbers of measures that exceeds the cut-off values of MS components was performed to assess the relationship of T and MS. Logistic regression analysis was also used to estimate the risk for MS with each increment in T, age, and BMI. Results: A total of 4,931 men were included. The MS group had significantly lower serum T levels compared to the non-MS group in each age group. The one-way ANOVA found the mean value of T was significantly higher in patients without MS component (6.19± 2.12 ng/mL) than those with 1– 5 MS components (with one MS component: 5.48± 2.13 ng/mL, two MS components: 4.93± 2.03 ng/mL, three MS components: 4.37± 1.60 ng/mL, four MS components: 4.13± 2.89 ng/mL, five MS components: 3.74± 1.27 ng/mL, and P< 0.001). There was no significant difference between the patients with three components and the patients with four or five components. Logistic regression models with age stratification showed T with lower odds ratio (OR) for MS after adjusting for BMI in those ≥ 65 years old (OR=0.693; 95% CI=0.559– 0.858; P< 0.001); 50– 64 years old (OR=0.868; 95% CI=0.802– 0.940; P< 0.001) and < 50 years old (OR=0.810; 95% CI=0.758– 0.865; P< 0.001). Conclusion: Lower serum T was strongly associated with MS, with the predictive value increasing with age in Taiwanese men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the Internet can aggregate and distribute a large amount of information to users, providing numerous products for consumers has been recognised as a major advantage of electronic commerce. As a result of information overload, however, consumers facing many alternatives in online shops may have difficulty deciding which one they prefer. Based on the theory of decision style and prospect theory, this study explores whether too many products sold in online shops reduces consumers' subjective statuses towards their buying decision. A 3 × 3 between subjects experiment was conducted and showed that the buyers' decision styles, the quantity of alternative products and the information about it affect consumers' subjective statuses. These results suggest that we should consider the role of electronic intermediaries more carefully, and further examine the theory of information overload and the need for appropriate information literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Background: Reciprocal translocation is the most common type of translocation; however, there are only a few studies that address the indications for reciprocal translocation in amniocentesis. Here we share our data, based on 30 years'' experience in a single tertiary center, to investigate the rates and indications for amniocentesis in cases of reciprocal translocations. Methods: A retrospective review of 16,749 pregnant women, who underwent midtrimester amniocentesis between January 1981 and December 2010, was conducted. Seventy-four cases of reciprocal translocation were identified. Results: The percentage of reciprocal translocations in all amniocentesis cases was 0.44% (74/16,749); of these 74 cases, 56 were balanced and 18 unbalanced. De novo abnormality occurred in 23 cases, which constituted 31.1% of all reciprocal translocations. The three major indications for amniocentesis with a diagnosis of reciprocal translocation included advanced maternal age (AMA, 52.7%), a parent with an abnormal karyotype (17.6%), and abnormal biochemical markers in the maternal serum (12.2%). For individual types of reciprocal translocations (balanced and unbalanced), except for the presence of abnormal biochemical markers in maternal serum, both AMA and a parent with an abnormal karyotype were primary indications for amniocentesis. However, the highest percentage of reciprocal translocations in all amniocentesis cases was found in cases involving a parent with an abnormal karyotype (5.16%, 13/252). Conclusion: Patients with a parent who carries an abnormal karyotype should be encouraged to undergo amniocentesis in prenatal consultation, since the risk of a diagnosis of reciprocal translocation can be particularly high. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]