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Bradley DT, Murphy S, McWilliams P, Arnold S, Lavery S, Murphy J, de Lusignan S, Hobbs R, Tsang RSM, Akbari A, Torabi F, Beggs J, Chuter A, Shi T, Vasileiou E, Robertson C, Sheikh A, Reid H, O'Reilly D. Investigating the association between COVID-19 vaccination and care home outbreak frequency and duration. Public Health 2022; 203:110-115. [PMID: 35038629 PMCID: PMC8683272 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES At the end of 2020, many countries commenced a vaccination programme against SARS-CoV-2. Public health authorities aim to prevent and interrupt outbreaks of infectious disease in social care settings. We aimed to investigate the association between the introduction of the vaccination programme and the frequency and duration of COVID-19 outbreaks in Northern Ireland (NI). STUDY DESIGN We undertook an ecological study using routinely available national data. METHODS We used Poisson regression to measure the relationship between the number of RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks in care homes, and as a measure of community COVID-19 prevalence, the Office for National Statistics COVID-19 Infection Survey estimated the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in NI. We estimated the change in this relationship and estimated the expected number of care home outbreaks in the absence of the vaccination programme. A Cox proportional hazards model estimated the hazard ratio of a confirmed COVID-19 care home outbreak closure. RESULTS Care home outbreaks reduced by two-thirds compared to expected following the introduction of the vaccination programme, from a projected 1625 COVID-19 outbreaks (95% prediction interval 1553-1694) between 7 December 2020 and 28 October 2021 to an observed 501. We estimated an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.53 of the outbreak closure assuming a 21-day lag for immunity. CONCLUSIONS These findings describe the association of the vaccination with a reduction in outbreak frequency and duration across NI care homes. This indicates probable reduced harm and disruption from COVID-19 in social care settings following vaccination. Future research using individual level data from care home residents will be needed to investigate the effectiveness of the vaccines and the duration of their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- D T Bradley
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK; Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - S Murphy
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | | | - S Arnold
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK
| | - S Lavery
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK
| | - J Murphy
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK
| | - S de Lusignan
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - R Hobbs
- Nuffield Department of Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - R S M Tsang
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - A Akbari
- Population Data Science and Health Data Research UK, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - F Torabi
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, UK
| | - J Beggs
- BREATHE- The Health Data Research Hub For Respiratory Health, UK
| | - A Chuter
- BREATHE- The Health Data Research Hub For Respiratory Health, UK
| | - T Shi
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E Vasileiou
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - C Robertson
- Public Health Scotland, UK; University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Sheikh
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; BREATHE- The Health Data Research Hub For Respiratory Health, UK
| | - H Reid
- Public Health Agency, Belfast, UK
| | - D O'Reilly
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Simpson CR, Shi T, Vasileiou E, Katikireddi SV, Kerr S, Moore E, McCowan C, Agrawal U, Shah SA, Ritchie LD, Murray J, Pan J, Bradley DT, Stock SJ, Wood R, Chuter A, Beggs J, Stagg HR, Joy M, Tsang RSM, de Lusignan S, Hobbs R, Lyons RA, Torabi F, Bedston S, O’Leary M, Akbari A, McMenamin J, Robertson C, Sheikh A. First-dose ChAdOx1 and BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccines and thrombocytopenic, thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events in Scotland. Nat Med 2021; 27:1290-1297. [PMID: 34108714 PMCID: PMC8282499 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01408-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Reports of ChAdOx1 vaccine-associated thrombocytopenia and vascular adverse events have led to some countries restricting its use. Using a national prospective cohort, we estimated associations between exposure to first-dose ChAdOx1 or BNT162b2 vaccination and hematological and vascular adverse events using a nested incident-matched case-control study and a confirmatory self-controlled case series (SCCS) analysis. An association was found between ChAdOx1 vaccination and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) (0-27 d after vaccination; adjusted rate ratio (aRR) = 5.77, 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.41-13.83), with an estimated incidence of 1.13 (0.62-1.63) cases per 100,000 doses. An SCCS analysis confirmed that this was unlikely due to bias (RR = 1.98 (1.29-3.02)). There was also an increased risk for arterial thromboembolic events (aRR = 1.22, 1.12-1.34) 0-27 d after vaccination, with an SCCS RR of 0.97 (0.93-1.02). For hemorrhagic events 0-27 d after vaccination, the aRR was 1.48 (1.12-1.96), with an SCCS RR of 0.95 (0.82-1.11). A first dose of ChAdOx1 was found to be associated with small increased risks of ITP, with suggestive evidence of an increased risk of arterial thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events. The attenuation of effect found in the SCCS analysis means that there is the potential for overestimation of the reported results, which might indicate the presence of some residual confounding or confounding by indication. Public health authorities should inform their jurisdictions of these relatively small increased risks associated with ChAdOx1. No positive associations were seen between BNT162b2 and thrombocytopenic, thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. R. Simpson
- grid.267827.e0000 0001 2292 3111School of Health, Wellington Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - T. Shi
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E. Vasileiou
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S. V. Katikireddi
- grid.8756.c0000 0001 2193 314XMRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - S. Kerr
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E. Moore
- grid.508718.3Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - C. McCowan
- grid.11914.3c0000 0001 0721 1626School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - U. Agrawal
- grid.11914.3c0000 0001 0721 1626School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - S. A. Shah
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - L. D. Ritchie
- grid.7107.10000 0004 1936 7291Centre of Academic Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - J. Murray
- grid.508718.3Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - J. Pan
- grid.11984.350000000121138138Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - D. T. Bradley
- grid.4777.30000 0004 0374 7521Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK ,grid.454053.30000 0004 0494 5490Public Health Agency, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - S. J. Stock
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - R. Wood
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK ,grid.508718.3Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - A. Chuter
- grid.507332.0Health Data Research UK, BREATHE Hub, Edinburgh, UK
| | - J. Beggs
- grid.507332.0Health Data Research UK, BREATHE Hub, Edinburgh, UK
| | - H. R. Stagg
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M. Joy
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - R. S. M. Tsang
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - S. de Lusignan
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - R. Hobbs
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - R. A. Lyons
- grid.4827.90000 0001 0658 8800Population Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - F. Torabi
- grid.4827.90000 0001 0658 8800Population Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - S. Bedston
- grid.4827.90000 0001 0658 8800Population Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - M. O’Leary
- grid.508718.3Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - A. Akbari
- grid.4827.90000 0001 0658 8800Population Data Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - J. McMenamin
- grid.508718.3Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - C. Robertson
- grid.508718.3Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland ,grid.11984.350000000121138138Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - A. Sheikh
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK ,grid.507332.0Health Data Research UK, BREATHE Hub, Edinburgh, UK
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Beggs J, Jordan S, Ericson AC, Blomqvist A, Craig AD. Synaptology of trigemino- and spinothalamic lamina I terminations in the posterior ventral medial nucleus of the macaque. J Comp Neurol 2003; 459:334-54. [PMID: 12687703 DOI: 10.1002/cne.10613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We used the electron microscope to examine lamina I trigemino- and spinothalamic (TSTT) terminations in the posterior part of the ventral medial nucleus (VMpo) of the macaque thalamus. Lamina I terminations were identified by anterograde labeling with biotinylated dextran, and 109 boutons on 38 terminal fibers were closely studied in series of ultrathin sections. Five unlabeled terminal boutons of similar appearance were also examined in detail. Three-dimensional, volume-rendered computer models were reconstructed from complete series of serial sections for 29 boutons on 10 labeled terminal fibers and one unlabeled terminal fiber. In addition, postembedding immunogold staining for GABA was obtained in alternate sections through 23 boutons. Lamina I TSTT terminations in VMpo generally have several large boutons (mean length = 2.16 microm, mean width = 1.29 microm) that are densely packed with vesicles and make asymmetric synaptic contacts on low-order dendrites of VMpo neurons (mean diameter 1.45 microm). They are closely associated with GABAergic presynaptic dendrites (PSDs), and nearly all form classic triadic arrangements (28 of 29 reconstructed boutons). Consecutive boutons on individual terminal fibers make multiple contacts with a single postsynaptic dendrite and can show evidence of progressive complexity. Dendritic appendages that enwrap and invaginate the terminal bouton constitute additional anatomic evidence for secure, high-fidelity synaptic transfer. These observations provide direct ultrastructural evidence supporting the hypothesis that VMpo is a lamina I TSTT thalamocortical relay nucleus in primates that subserves pain, temperature, itch, and other sensations related to the physiological condition of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Beggs
- Atkinson Pain Research Laboratory, Division of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, USA
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Abstract
Transperineurial and epineurial vessels are innervated by plexuses of unmyelinated axons. Human sural nerve biopsies were examined ultrastructurally and immunocytochemically with an antibody which recognizes a neuronal and neuroendocrine protein, PGP 9.5, to characterize perivascular axons of these plexuses. Diabetics exhibited a greater degree of abnormal innervation of the vasa nervorum than nondiabetics with and without neuropathy. Abnormal innervation included: a reduction in the percentage of vessels exhibiting perivascular axons and a concomitant increase in the percentage of vessels having denervated Schwann cell units, particularly around vessels confined to perineurial compartments, and remaining axons in nerves from diabetics exhibited fewer varicosities. Denervated arterioles of diabetics also displayed structural changes indicating injury. The arteriolar structural defects and loss of neurogenic control of neural blood flow may lead to or aggravate endoneurial ischemia or hypoxia. The patchy, focal endoneurial fiber loss that is prominent in proximal nerves and associated with the distal myelinated fiber loss of some diabetic patients may be due in part to perivascular denervation of the vasa nervorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Beggs
- Division of Neuropathology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013
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Abstract
The perineurial sheath of nerve fascicles is a protective cellular layer that separates the endoneurium from the epineurium. Transperineurial arterioles (TPA) connect the endoneurial capillary plexuses to the epineurial arterial nutrient supply. Transperineurial arterioles are defined as any arteriole that is confined to a perineurial cell compartment, which would include all arterioles within the perineurium proper or within perineurial sleeves in the epi- or endoneurium. In this study of biopsied human sural nerves, three-dimensional reconstruction of one micron sections and ultrastructural analysis of step serials, we find that TPA are confined in open-ended perineurial sleeves by which they pass from the epineurium through the perineurial sheath proper into the endoneurium. Most TPA are terminal arterioles as evidenced by size (10-25 microns), morphological characteristics, and the fact that they connect with capillaries. Transperineurial arterioles gradually lose their continuous muscle coat and become post-arteriolar capillaries (PAC). Vascular segments that emerge into the endoneurium from the perineurial sleeves are generally of the PAC variety. Transperineurial arterioles and post-arteriolar capillaries are often associated with a plexus of unmyelinated nerve fibers. Axon varicosities exhibit a variety of morphologically distinct vesicles including dense-cored and a diversity of agranular vesicles. These findings suggest that TPA play a role in the neurogenic control of endoneurial blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Beggs
- Division of Neuropathology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85013
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Moenne A, Camier S, Anderson G, Margottin F, Beggs J, Sentenac A. The U6 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is transcribed by RNA polymerase C (III) in vivo and in vitro. EMBO J 1990; 9:271-7. [PMID: 2403927 DOI: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1990.tb08105.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike the majority of genes encoding small nuclear RNAs, which are transcribed by RNA polymerase B, the U6 gene contains features found in both class B and class C genes, indicating the involvement of a combination of transcription factors normally specific to each class of genes. We present direct genetic and biochemical evidence that the U6 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is transcribed by RNA polymerase C in vivo as well as in vitro. A mutant strain with a temperature-sensitive defect in the large subunit of RNA polymerase C that results in defective transcription of tRNA and 5S RNA genes shows a corresponding defect in U6 RNA levels. Also, purified RNA polymerase C transcribes the U6 gene when supplemented with partially purified TFIIIB. The other class C transcription factors, TFIIIA and Tau (TFIIIC), are not required in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Moenne
- Département de Biologie, CEN de Saclay, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Gif sur Yvette, France
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