Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Sharing using Social Media in the Workplace

Knowledge sharing is of vital importance for the success of organizations. People are not always successful in locating information and experts, exchanging knowledge with others outside their close circle, and sharing information that is tacit and difficult to communicate. Organizations tried building IT-systems and offering rewards to improve knowledge sharing, which was mostly in vain. In this thesis it is proposed that social media use might provide answers. Research was done within an institute for higher education in the Netherlands. The participants filled in a survey electronically. The results have showed that people weigh out costs and benefits when they decide to engage in social media use or not. The contacts with co-workers and updates in their professional social network provided a bridge to find experts and information. Social media contacts with professionals outside the organization were useful when sharing knowledge with weak ties that can provide new ideas. Sharing professional content on social media turned out to be related to sharing tacit knowledge. This, in turn, related to a better performance as a knowledge worker; just like finding information and experts did. The " digital natives " were the better social media users, while the " Babyboomers " excelled as knowledge workers. In the practical implications it is advised that organizations let the generation groups learn from each other. PREFACE Working on the topics of knowledge sharing and social media use has been very interesting to do. In my work as a communication teacher in an institute for higher education I deal with both topics daily, and I will definitely continue doing so within Inholland and beyond. I would like to thank my supporters that made it possible for me to finish this thesis. First of all I thank our government, which funded me through a Teachers Grant. Hogeschool Inholland provided me with the flexibility to work my study around my job-tasks. Dr. Sonja Utz, my academic supervisor, inspired me about the topic, pointed me to interesting sources, and supported me when I was confused about the next steps in my thesis project. Meanwhile my co-workers embraced the research, and not only participated in the survey but also shared their insights and new sources with me. Finally the personal support from friends and family greatly encouraged me. Especially my husband Harry Richards' support has meant a lot to me; he warmly welcomed me into the academic world. It is …
The rs5934505 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is associated with low testosterone and late‐onset hypogonadism, but the rs10822184 SNP is associated with overweight and obesity in a Chinese Han population: a case–control study

Low testosterone is associated with late‐onset hypogonadism (LOH) and obesity. Recently, studies have shown that four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs12150660, rs727428, rs5934505, and rs10822184, are associated with testosterone levels in populations of European descent. Therefore, we investigated whether the SNP loci are related to low testosterone, LOH, or obesity in a Chinese Han population. Ruling out co‐morbidities, DNA was prepared from 409 men (aged 40–65 years) with low serum testosterone (defined as total testosterone <11.6 nmol/L) and 1 : 1 normal controls (matched age, body mass index (BMI), and the same living area) who were selected from 6898 males. According to the same standards, 310 men with LOH and 1 : 1 normal controls were selected from 6898 males. Excluding the cases with an unreliable sequencing result, genetic analyses were performed. The minor allele frequencies of the SNP loci rs12150660, rs727428, rs5934505, and rs10822184 were 0.1%, 44.6%, 18.7%, and 38.9%, respectively. rs5934505 was associated with the serum total testosterone and calculated free testosterone (CFT) levels (p = 0.045 and p = 0.021). rs5934505 (C>T) was associated with an increased risk of low total testosterone, low CFT, and LOH and adjusted for other factors, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.01 (1.34–3.01), 2.14 (1.42–3.20), and 1.64 (1.04–2.58). rs10822184 was significantly correlated with weight and BMI (p = 0.035 and p = 0.027). rs10822184 (T>C) was associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity. We adjusted for other factors, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.94 (1.36–2.78) and 1.56 (1.00–2.43). In summary, our study provided convincing evidence that rs5934505 (C>T) was associated with the risk of low testosterone and LOH in Chinese populations. We were the first to find that rs10822184 (T>C) was significantly correlated with the risk of overweight and obesity in Chinese populations. However, further large and functional studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
Functional genetic variant of WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma risk

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Human WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene in multiple cancers. We hypothesize that genetic variations in WWOX are associated with HCC risk. Methodology/Principal findings Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the WWOX gene were evaluated from 708 normal controls and 354 patients with HCC. We identified a significant association between a WWOX single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs73569323, and decreased risk of HCC. After adjustment for potential confounders, patients with at least one T allele at rs11545028 of WWOX may have a significantly smaller tumor size, reduced levels of α-fetoprotein and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Moreover, the A allele at SNP rs12918952 in WWOX conferred higher risk of vascular invasion. Additional in silico analysis also suggests that WWOX rs12918952 polymorphism tends to affect WWOX expression, which in turn contributes to tumor vascular invasion. Conclusions In conclusion, genetic variations in WWOX may be a significant predictor of early HCC occurrence and a reliable biomarker for disease progression.
Preanalytical errors in primary healthcare: a questionnaire study of information search procedures, test request management and test tube labelling

Abstract Background: Most errors in laboratory medicine occur in the preanalytical phase and are the result of human mistakes. This study investigated information search procedures, test request management and test tube labelling in primary healthcare compared to the same procedures amongst clinical laboratory staff. Methods: A questionnaire was completed by 317 venous blood sampling staff in 70 primary healthcare centres and in two clinical laboratories (response rate = 94%). Results: Correct procedures were not always followed. Only 60% of the primary healthcare staff reported that they always sought information in the updated, online laboratory manual. Only 12% reported that they always labelled the test tubes prior to drawing blood samples. No major differences between primary healthcare centres and clinical laboratories were found, except for test tube labelling, whereby the laboratory staff reported better practices. Re-education and access to documented routines were not clearly associated with better practices. Conclusions: The preanalytical procedure in the surveyed primary healthcare centres was associated with a risk of errors which could affect patient safety. To improve patient safety in laboratory testing, all healthcare providers should survey their preanalytical procedures and improve the total testing process with a systems perspective. Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:195–201.
The impact of organized mammography service screening on breast carcinoma mortality in seven Swedish counties

The evaluation of organized mammographic service screening programs is a major challenge in public health. In particular, there is a need to evaluate the effect of the screening program on the mortality of breast carcinoma, uncontaminated in the screening epoch by mortality from 1) cases diagnosed in the prescreening period and 2) cases diagnosed among unscreened women (i.e., nonattenders) after the initiation of organized screening.
Consistency of food intake factors by different dietary assessment methods and population groups

Several studies have used factor analysis to identify food intake patterns in epidemiological studies as an alternative to nutrient-based analyses, but few have validated the factors in a larger population. Our present objectives were: to compare the factor scores based on a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with scores based on a 7 d diet record; to examine the consistency of the factor score correlations across strata of age, BMI, energy intake, education, physical activity and smoking and to compare factors identified in two sub-populations. In 879 men and 927 women, of the total population sample of 3785, scores on food intake factors, three for men (‘green’, sweet’ and ‘traditional’) and two for women (‘green’ and ‘sweet–traditional’), identified in data from the FFQ and the diet record, were compared. The loadings of foods on the factors were very similar and the correlations between the corresponding factor scores, based on the two dietary assessment methods, were: for men ‘green’ 0·61, ‘sweet’ 0·55, ‘traditional’ 0·34; for women, ‘green’ 0·61, ‘sweet–traditional’ 0·57. Stratification did not significantly modify the correlations, with a few inconsistent exceptions. Factors obtained in a different subsample of the population, for which there was only data from the FFQ, were almost identical to the factors found in the subsample, who provided both FFQ and diet record information with regard to food loadings and model fit. In conclusion, the food intake factors identified were reproducible using two different dietary assessment methods and, furthermore, independent of stratification.
Multicenter review of preoperative risk factors for endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The benefit of carotid endarterectomy is highly dependent on surgical risk. However, little data are available concerning factors affecting the risk of endarterectomy performed for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis outside the setting of a randomized controlled trial. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of potential preoperative risk factors on the frequency of postoperative complications in patients undergoing the operation for asymptomatic disease in academic medical centers. METHODS Data regarding postoperative complications were systematically abstracted from the medical records of a random sample of patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy at 12 academic medical centers. RESULTS Of 1160 procedures reviewed, 463 (40%) were performed for asymptomatic disease. Postoperative stroke or death occurred in 13 (2.8%), and myocardial infarction occurred in 8 (1.7%). The rate of postoperative stroke or death was lower in asymptomatic patients than in those with a history of cerebrovascular symptoms in a different vascular distribution, but the difference was not significant (1.8% versus 4.2%; P=.21). There were no significant differences in these rates based on race, a history of angina, recent myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, the degree of stenosis of the contralateral or ipsilateral carotid artery, or the presence of angiographically recognized ulceration, intraluminal thrombus, or siphon stenosis in the ipsilateral vessel (chi(2); P>. 05). Postoperative stroke or death was more frequent in women (5.3% versus 1.6% in men; P=.02), in those aged 75 years or older (7.8% versus 1.8% in those younger than 75 years; P=.01), and in those with a history of congestive heart failure (8.6% versus 2.3% in those without a history of congestive heart failure; P=.03). The risk of stroke or death was higher in the 16 patients who had carotid endarterectomy performed in combination with coronary artery bypass surgery than in those who had only endarterectomy (18.7% versus 2.1%; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS The overall risk of postoperative stroke or death was nearly twice that reported by Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study (ACAS) investigators in the setting of a clinical trial but was within acceptable guidelines. Women were at higher postoperative risk than men, which supported ACAS findings. Additional high-risk groups were those aged 75 years or older, those with a history of congestive heart failure, and those undergoing prophylactic endarterectomy for asymptomatic stenosis in combination with coronary surgery. Knowledge of these rates may help to better assess an individual's postoperative risk and therefore the anticipated benefit of surgery.
[Intake of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 and its effect on gut flora].

OBJECTIVE To study the gut flora in infants who received fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei and Streptococcus termophilus and its effect on secretory immunoglobulin levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS An experimental, randomized, prospective, parallel group study was carried out. Thirty-five infants were included (18 in the treatment group and 17 in the control group) with a mean age of 2 years (SD: 0.6 years; range: 1-3 years). The experimental group received both fermented milk (0.5 l/day) containing L. casei and S. termophilus for 6 weeks and standard cow's milk for the following 6 weeks. The control group received standard cow's milk (0.5 l/day) for 12 weeks. Secretory IgA levels in saliva were evaluated in the experimental group at the start of the study (baseline levels) and 6 weeks later. In both groups, stools were collected to study gut flora at 0, 6 and 12 week. RESULTS Secretory IgA levels significantly increased (p =0.0063) from a mean baseline value of 2.5 mg/dl to a mean of 3.4 mg/dl at 6 weeks. Gram-negative aerobic flora were decreased in the experimental group after 6 weeks compared with the control group (p =0.0203). The number of infants with Lactobacillus spp in their gut flora was greater in the experimental group than in the control group at week 6 and this difference was statistically significant (p =0.028) at week 12. Conclusion The present study provides evidence of L. casei survival in the gastrointestinal tract and of its effect of increasing secretory IgA.
K+-Cl- Cotransporter-3a Up-regulates Na+,K+-ATPase in Lipid Rafts of Gastric Luminal Parietal Cells*

Gastric parietal cells migrate from the luminal to the basal region of the gland, and they gradually lose acid secretory activity. So far, distribution and function of K+-Cl- cotransporters (KCCs) in gastric parietal cells have not been reported. We found that KCC3a but not KCC3b mRNA was highly expressed, and KCC3a protein was predominantly expressed in the basolateral membrane of rat gastric parietal cells located in the luminal region of the glands. KCC3a and the Na+,K+-ATPase α1-subunit (α1NaK) were coimmunoprecipitated, and both of them were highly localized in a lipid raft fraction. The ouabain-sensitive K+-dependent ATP-hydrolyzing activity (Na+,K+-ATPase activity) was significantly inhibited by a KCC inhibitor (R-(+)-[(2-n-butyl-6,7-dichloro-2-cyclopentyl-2,3-dihydro-1-oxo-1H-inden-5-yl)oxy]acetic acid (DIOA)). The stable exogenous expression of KCC3a in LLC-PK1 cells resulted in association of KCC3a with endogenous α1NaK, and it recruited α1NaK in lipid rafts, accompanying increases of Na+,K+-ATPase activity and ouabain-sensitive Na+ transport activity that were suppressed by DIOA, whereas the total expression level of α1NaK in the cells was not significantly altered. On the other hand, the expression of KCC4 induced no association with α1NaK. In conclusion, KCC3a forms a functional complex with α1NaK in the basolateral membrane of luminal parietal cells, and it up-regulates α1NaK in lipid rafts, whereas KCC3a is absent in basal parietal cells.
High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Reference Intervals in the Elderly

Abstract High sensitivity C-reactive protein is a useful marker in clinical practice; however, reference intervals are not available for all age groups. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine reference intervals for elderly people. The non-parametric reference limits were calculated for the two genders, subdivided into two age classes (50–64 and 65–91 years). In our selected sample population, we did not observe significant gender differences.
Does cytomegalovirus play a causative role in the development of various inflammatory diseases and cancer?

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpes virus that infects and is carried by 70–100% of the world's population. During its evolution, this virus has developed mechanisms that allow it to survive in an immunocompetent host. For many years, HCMV was not considered to be a major human pathogen, as it appeared to cause only rare cases of HCMV inclusion disease in neonates. However, HCMV is poorly adapted for survival in the immunosuppressed host and has emerged as an important human pathogen in AIDS patients and in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy following organ or bone marrow transplantation. HCMV‐mediated disease in such patients has highlighted the possible role of this virus in the development of other diseases, in particular inflammatory diseases such as vascular diseases, autoimmune diseases and, more recently, with certain forms of cancers. Current research is focused on determining whether HCMV plays a causative role in these diseases or is merely an epiphenomenon of inflammation. Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of HCMV. This virus has developed a number of mechanisms that enable it to hide from the cells of the immune system and, at the same time, reactivation of a latent infection requires immune activation. Numerous products of the HCMV genome are devoted to control central functions of the innate and adaptive immune responses. By influencing the regulation of various cellular processes including the cell cycle, apoptosis and migration as well as tumour invasiveness and angiogenesis, HCMV may participate in disease development. Thus, the various drugs now available for treatment of HCMV disease (e.g. ganciclovir, acyclovir and foscarnet), may also prove to be useful in the treatment of other, more widespread diseases.
The short-term infusion of ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone does not alter luteinizing hormone concentrations in young adult men.

Chronic stress leads to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis with decreased plasma LH concentrations. This is believed to be due to the influence of elevated levels of endogenous CRH mediated via the endogenous opiate peptide receptor. Efforts to reproduce this phenomenon with exogenous CRH have produced varied results depending on the dose and route of administration of CRH as well as on the species, gonadal state, and endogenous opiate peptide system tone of the experimental subjects. In humans, conflicting results for CRH-induced suppression of the HPG axis exist for women, and the issue has not been addressed sufficiently in men. We, therefore, studied the effects of a 4-h infusion of ovine CRH (oCRH) on LH secretion in 11 healthy, nonobese young adult men (age range, 20-33 yr). Subjects were admitted to the General Clinical Research Center on 4 occasions in randomized order. They underwent blood sampling for LH at 10-min intervals from 1800-0600 h. From 2200-0200 h, subjects received one of the following iv infusion protocols in blinded fashion: a normal saline (NS) bolus and NS infusion, a naloxone (NAL) bolus (4 mg) and NAL infusion (2 mg/h), a NS bolus and oCRH infusion (1 microgram/kg.h; maximum, 75 micrograms/h), and a NAL bolus and both NAL and oCRH infusions, using the above-mentioned doses. For each time point, serum LH values from the four experimental conditions were compared by one-way ANOVA with repeated measures; the paired t test was applied post-hoc. This experimental model is predicted to have a beta-error of less than 0.10 for identifying a 1.0 U/L change in LH levels. As expected, NAL was associated with a transient, but significant, rise in serum LH concentrations compared to those in the NS control. On the other hand, oCRH administration did not result in any significant alteration in either basal or NAL-stimulated LH levels. We conclude that exogenous oCRH administration does not significantly alter pituitary secretion of LH in healthy men. We speculate that any suppressive effect of CRH on the HPG axis occurs at the level of the hypothalamus.
Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine Metabolism in Maternal and Fetal Sheep

Extract: Kinetic studies of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) and measurements of hormone turnover were conducted in chronically catheterized maternal and fetal sheep during the last trimester of gestation. Mean serum total T4 and free T4 (FT4) concentrations were higher in fetal than in maternal serum (7.5 versus 5.4 $mUg/100 ml and 5.1 versus 2.4 ng/100 ml, respectively), whereas total T3 and free T3 (FT3) concentrations were higher in maternal than in fetal serum (74 versus <18 ng/100 ml and 176 versus <90 pg/100 ml, respectively). Mean maximal thy-roxine-binding globulin (TBG) binding capacity was higher in maternal than in fetal blood (16.5 versus 8.1 $mUg T4/100 ml, respectively). Fetal serum was observed to contain a T4-binding α-1-globulin, which probably is identical with fetuin, a glycoprotein unique to sera of fetuses and neonates of several species including the calf, foal, sheep, pig, and chick. Mean T4 clearance values were 0.614 and 0.107 liters/kg/24 hr, respectively, in fetal and maternal sheep and mean T3 clearance values were 8.52 versus 1.66 liters/kg/24 hr, respectively. Mean T4 turnover values were 46.1 and 5.59 $mUg/kg/24 hr, and mean T3 turnover values were < 1.50 and 1.22 $mUg/kg/24 hr in fetal and maternal sheep, respectively. No placental transfer of T4 occurred and net maternal to fetal transfer of T3 amounted to only about 1% of total turnover of fetal thyronine.These data confirm the autonomy of the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and they indicate that hormone utilization is much higher in fetal sheep (per kilogram body weight) than in maternal sheep. In addition, the higher T4/T3 serum concentration ratio and T4/T3 turnover ratios in the fetus (>471/1 versus 74/1 and >31/1 versus 4.6/1) indicate that the relative rates of T3 secretion and/or T3 conversion from T4 in peripheral tissues are less in fetal than in maternal sheep. Finally, the data indicate a poor correlation between free hormone concentrations and either hormone clearance or hormone turnover rates, which suggests tissue binding and/or metabolism are important determinants of thyroid hormone turnover in the fetus.Speculation: The present data regarding thyroid hormone metabolism in fetal sheep are consistent with present evidence about thyroid hormone metabolism in the human fetus and suggest that the sheep can serve as a useful model for the human system. Furthermore, data in both species support the concept of autonomy of fetal thyroid function. The ob-