University of Auckland

About: University of Auckland is a education organization based out in Auckland, New Zealand. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 28049 authors who have published 77706 publications receiving 2689366 citations. The organization is also known as: The University of Auckland & Auckland University College.

Genome-wide association study identifies new multiple sclerosis susceptibility loci on chromosomes 12 and 20

Abstract: To identify multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility loci, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 1,618 cases and used shared data for 3,413 controls. We performed replication in an independent set of 2,256 cases and 2,310 controls, for a total of 3,874 cases and 5,723 controls. We identified risk-associated SNPs on chromosome 12q13-14 (rs703842, P = 5.4 x 10(-11); rs10876994, P = 2.7 x 10(-10); rs12368653, P = 1.0 x 10(-7)) and upstream of CD40 on chromosome 20q13 (rs6074022, P = 1.3 x 10(-7); rs1569723, P = 2.9 x 10(-7)). Both loci are also associated with other autoimmune diseases. We also replicated several known MS associations (HLA-DR15, P = 7.0 x 10(-184); CD58, P = 9.6 x 10(-8); EVI5-RPL5, P = 2.5 x 10(-6); IL2RA, P = 7.4 x 10(-6); CLEC16A, P = 1.1 x 10(-4); IL7R, P = 1.3 x 10(-3); TYK2, P = 3.5 x 10(-3)) and observed a statistical interaction between SNPs in EVI5-RPL5 and HLA-DR15 (P = 0.001).

Integration from proteins to organs: the Physiome Project.

Abstract: The Physiome Project will provide a framework for modelling the human body, using computational methods that incorporate biochemical, biophysical and anatomical information on cells, tissues and organs. The main project goals are to use computational modelling to analyse integrative biological function and to provide a system for hypothesis testing.

Horizontal violence: experiences of Registered Nurses in their first year of practice

Abstract: Background. Interpersonal conflict among nurses (traditionally called ‘horizontal violence’ or ‘bullying’) is a significant issue confronting the nursing profession. However, there is a dearth of research focusing on horizontal violence experienced by new graduate nurses. Aims. In order to assess the priority for preventive intervention programmes, the aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of horizontal violence experienced by nurses in their first year of practice; to describe the characteristics of the most distressing incidents experienced; to determine the consequences, and measure the psychological impact, of such events; and to determine the adequacy of training received to manage horizontal violence. Method. An anonymous survey was mailed to nurses in New Zealand who had registered in the year prior to November 2000 (n = 1169) and 551 completed questionnaires were returned (response rate 47%). Information was requested on the type and frequency of interpersonal conflict; a description of the most distressing event experienced; the consequences of the behaviour; and training to manage such events. The Impact of Event Scale was used to measure the level of distress experienced. Results. Many new graduates experienced horizontal violence across all clinical settings. Absenteeism from work, the high number of respondents who considered leaving nursing, and scores on the Impact of Event Scale all indicated the serious impact of interpersonal conflict. Nearly half of the events described were not reported, only 12% of those who described a distressing incident received formal debriefing, and the majority of respondents had no training to manage the behaviour. Conclusions. First year of practice is an important confidence-building phase for nurses and yet many new graduates are exposed to horizontal violence, which may negatively impact on this process. The findings underscore a priority for the development of effective prevention programmes. Adequate reporting mechanisms and supportive services should also be readily available for those exposed to the behaviour.

Global burden of asthma among children.

Abstract: About 334 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, and this figure may be an underestimation. It is the most common chronic disease in children. Asthma is among the top 20 chronic conditions for global ranking of disability-adjusted life years in children; in the mid-childhood ages 5-14 years it is among the top 10 causes. Death rates from asthma in children globally range from 0.0 to 0.7 per 100 000. There are striking global variations in the prevalence of asthma symptoms (wheeze in the past 12 months) in children, with up to 13-fold differences between countries. Although asthma symptoms are more common in many high-income countries (HICs), some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) also have high levels of asthma symptom prevalence. The highest prevalence of symptoms of severe asthma among children with wheeze in the past 12 months is found in LMICs and not HICs. From the 1990s to the 2000s, asthma symptoms became more common in some high-prevalence centres in HICs; in many cases, the prevalence stayed the same or even decreased. At the same time, many LMICs with large populations showed increases in prevalence, suggesting that the overall world burden is increasing, and that therefore global disparities in asthma prevalence are decreasing. The costs of asthma, where they have been estimated, are relatively high. The global burden of asthma in children, including costs, needs ongoing monitoring using standardised methods.