Spread of Gamma (P.1) Sub-Lineages Carrying Spike Mutations Close to the Furin Cleavage Site and Deletions in the N-Terminal Domain Drives Ongoing Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Amazonas, Brazil.

The Amazonas was one of the most heavily affected Brazilian states by the COVID-19 epidemic. Despite a large number of infected people, particularly during the second wave associated with the spread of the Variant of Concern (VOC) Gamma (lineage P.1), SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate in the Amazonas. To understand how SARS-CoV-2 persisted in a human population with a high immunity barrier, we generated 1,188 SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences from individuals diagnosed in the Amazonas state from 1st January to 6th July 2021, of which 38 were vaccine breakthrough infections. Our study reveals a sharp increase in the relative prevalence of Gamma plus (P.1+) variants, designated Pango Lineages P.1.3 to P.1.6, harboring two types of additional Spike changes: deletions in the N-terminal (NTD) domain (particularly Δ144 or Δ141-144) associated with resistance to anti-NTD neutralizing antibodies or mutations at the S1/S2 junction (N679K or P681H) that probably enhance the binding affinity to the furin cleavage site, as suggested by our molecular dynamics simulations. As lineages P.1.4 (S:N679K) and P.1.6 (S:P681H) expanded (Re > 1) from March to July 2021, the lineage P.1 declined (Re < 1) and the median Ct value of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases in Amazonas significantly decreases. Still, we did not find an increased incidence of P.1+ variants among breakthrough cases of fully vaccinated patients (71%) in comparison to unvaccinated individuals (93%). This evidence supports that the ongoing endemic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Amazonas is driven by the spread of new local Gamma/P.1 sublineages that are more transmissible, although not more efficient to evade vaccine-elicited immunity than the parental VOC. Finally, as SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread in human populations with a declining density of susceptible hosts, the risk of selecting more infectious variants or antibody evasion mutations is expected to increase. IMPORTANCE The continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 is an expected phenomenon that will continue to happen due to the high number of cases worldwide. The present study analyzed how a Variant of Concern (VOC) could still circulate in a population hardly affected by two COVID-19 waves and with vaccination in progress. Our results showed that the answer behind that was a new generation of Gamma-like viruses, which emerged locally carrying mutations that made it more transmissible and more capable of spreading, partially evading prior immunity triggered by natural infections or vaccines. With thousands of new cases daily, the current pandemics scenario suggests that SARS-CoV-2 will continue to evolve and efforts to reduce the number of infected subjects, including global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, are mandatory. Thus, until the end of pandemics, the SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance will be an essential tool to better understand the drivers of the viral evolutionary process.

The influence of final endodontic irrigation techniques and irrigants on the push-out resistance of glass fiber posts.

This study evaluated the influence of different combinations of 3 final endodontic irrigation techniques (positive-pressure irrigation [PPI], passive ultrasonic irrigation [PUI], and continuous ultrasonic irrigation [CUI]) and 2 irrigants (5.25% sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl] and 2% chlorhexidine [CHX]) on the push-out resistance of glass fiber posts. Ninety bovine roots were prepared and divided into 6 groups (n = 15): PPIN, PPI with 5.25% NaOCl; PUIN, PUI with 5.25% NaOCl; CUIN, CUI with 5.25% NaOCl; PPIC, PPI with 2% CHX; PUIC, PUI with 2% CHX; and CUIC, CUI with 2% CHX. In the PPI groups, a 30-gauge needle was used to deliver the irrigating solution. In the PUI groups, a 30-gauge needle was used to deliver the irrigating solution, which was activated for 10 seconds by means of a stainless steel file mounted on an ultrasonic unit. In the CUI groups, delivery and continuous agitation of the irrigating solution for 10 seconds were performed using a stainless steel file mounted on the ultrasonic unit. After canal preparation was completed, glass fiber posts were cemented with a dual-cure resin cement. The roots were sectioned into 1-mm-thick slices (coronal, middle, and apical thirds). After 7 days' storage in distilled water, the slices were submitted to a push-out test. The mean bond strength values were compared using 2-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test (P < 0.05). The mean (SD) overall bond strength values of the specimens were as follows: PPIN, 4.46 (1.43) MPa; PUIN, 6.13 (2.35) MPa; CUIN, 7.41 (1.83) MPa; PPIC, 3.59 (1.70) MPa; PUIC, 5.49 (1.41) MPa; and CUIC, 6.0 (1.63) MPa. Irrespective of the irrigating solution, continuous ultrasonic irrigation achieved significantly greater push-out bond strengths for glass fiber posts, mainly at the apical third of the root specimens (P < 0.05).

Noninvasive esthetic treatment for hypomaturation amelogenesis imperfecta: a case report.

Enamel alterations, such as amelogenesis imperfecta, can compromise the harmony of the smile and the patient's self-esteem and may cause tooth sensitivity. A simple and effective treatment approach uses the natural stratification of composite resins to mask deficient enamel formation and mimic the natural appearance of the substrate. The operative steps and principles for restorative success are described in this case report with 36-month follow-up.