Species-barrier on the cross-species oral transmission of bovine AA amyloidosis in mice

AA amyloidosis in vertebrates: epidemiology, pathology and molecular aspects

AA amyloidosis is a prototypic example of systemic amyloidosis: it results from the prolonged overproduction of SAA protein produced in response to chronic inflammation. AA amyloidosis primarily affects the kidneys, liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, leading to a variety of symptoms. First, this review examines AA amyloidosis in humans, focusing on pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnosis and then in animals. In fact AA amyloidosis is the only systemic amyloidosis that has been largely documented in a remarkable number of vertebrate species: mammals, birds, and fishes, especially in individuals with comorbidities, chronic stress, or held in captivity. Secondly, here, we summarise independent sets of evidence obtained on different animal species, exploring the possible transmissibility of AA amyloidosis especially in crowded or confined populations. Finally, biochemical and structural data on native SAA and on AA amyloid fibrils from human, murine, and cat ex vivo samples are discussed. The available structural data depict a complex scenario, where SAA can misfold forming highly different amyloid assemblies. This review highlights the complexity of AA amyloidosis, emphasising the need for further research into its spread in the animal kingdom, its structural aspects, and pathogenetic mechanisms to evaluate its impact on human and animal health.

Photocatalytic Inactivation of Viruses and Prions: Multilevel Approach with Other Disinfectants

Ag, Cu, Zn, Ti, and Au nanoparticles show enhanced photocatalytic properties. Efficient indoor disinfection strategies are imperative to manage the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Virucidal agents, such as ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, 222-nm UV light, and electrolyzed water inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in indoor environments. Tungsten trioxide (WO3) photocatalyst and visible light disinfect abiotic surfaces against SARS-CoV-2. The titanium dioxide (TiO2)/UV system inactivates SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols and on deliberately contaminated TiO2-coated glass slide surfaces in photocatalytic chambers, wherein 405-nm UV light treatment for 20 min sterilizes the environment and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that inactivate the virus by targeting S and envelope proteins and viral RNA. Mesoscopic calcium bicarbonate solution (CAC-717) inactivates pathogens, such as prions, influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, and noroviruses, in fluids; it presumably acts similarly on human and animal skin. The molecular complexity of cementitious materials promotes the photocatalysis of microorganisms. In combination, the two methods can reduce the pathogen load in the environment. As photocatalysts and CAC-717 are potent disinfectants for prions, disinfectants against prionoids could be developed by combining photocatalysis, gas plasma methodology, and CAC-717 treatment, especially for surgical devices and instruments.