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Li W, Yin Y, Li T, Wang Y, Shi W. Licochalcone A Protects Vaginal Epithelial Cells Against Candida albicans Infection Via the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. J Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s12275-024-00134-z. [PMID: 38819759 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-024-00134-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of women worldwide. Licochalcone A (LA), a natural compound with diverse biological activities, holds promise as a protective agent against Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection. This study aims to investigate the potential of LA to safeguard vaginal epithelial cells (VECs) from C. albicans infection and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. To simulate VVC in vitro, VK2-E6E7 cells were infected with C. albicans. Candida albicans biofilm formation, C. albicans adhesion to VK2-E6E7 cells, and C. albicans-induced cell damage and inflammatory responses were assessed by XTT reduction assay, fluorescence assay, LDH assay, and ELISA. CCK-8 assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of LA on VK2-E6E7 cells. Western blotting assay was performed to detect protein expression. LA dose-dependently hindered C. albicans biofilm formation and adhesion to VK2-E6E7 cells. Furthermore, LA mitigated cell damage, inhibited the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and attenuated the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in C. albicans-induced VK2-E6E7 cells. The investigation into LA's impact on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway revealed that LA downregulated TLR4 expression and inhibited NF-κB activation in C. albicans-infected VK2-E6E7 cells. Furthermore, TLR4 overexpression partially abated LA-mediated protection, further highlighting the role of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. LA holds the potential to safeguard VECs against C. albicans infection, potentially offering therapeutic avenues for VVC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujun Yin
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Taoqiong Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqun Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyin Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Jiaxing Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital, Jiaxing Women and Children's Hospital Wenzhou Medical University, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Paolillo I, Roscigno G, Innangi M, Zorrilla JG, Petraglia G, Russo MT, Carraturo F, Guida M, Pollice A, Cimmino A, Masi M, Calabrò V. Health-Promoting Properties of Natural Flavonol Glycosides Isolated from Staphylea pinnata L. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5582. [PMID: 38891769 PMCID: PMC11171919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylea, also called bladdernuts, is a genus of plants belonging to the family Staphyleaceae, widespread in tropical or temperate climates of America, Europe, and the Far East. Staphylea spp. produce bioactive metabolites with antioxidant properties, including polyphenols which have not been completely investigated for their phytotherapeutic potential, even though they have a long history of use for food. Here, we report the isolation of six flavonol glycosides from the hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Staphylea pinnata L., collected in Italy, using a solid-phase extraction technique. They were identified using spectroscopic, spectrometric, and optical methods as three quercetin and three isorhamnetin glycosides. Among the flavonol glycosides isolated, isoquercetin and quercetin malonyl glucoside showed powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound healing promoting activity and thus are valuable as antiaging ingredients for cosmeceutical applications and for therapeutic applications in skin wound repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Paolillo
- Department of Biology, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.C.); (M.G.); (A.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Giuseppina Roscigno
- Department of Biology, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.C.); (M.G.); (A.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Michele Innangi
- EnviXLab, Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy;
| | - Jesús G. Zorrilla
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (J.G.Z.); (G.P.); (M.T.R.); (A.C.)
- Allelopathy Group, Department of Organic Chemistry, Facultad de Ciencias, Institute of Biomolecules (INBIO), University of Cadiz, C/Avenida República Saharaui, s/n, 11510 Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Gianmarco Petraglia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (J.G.Z.); (G.P.); (M.T.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Maria Teresa Russo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (J.G.Z.); (G.P.); (M.T.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Federica Carraturo
- Department of Biology, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.C.); (M.G.); (A.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.C.); (M.G.); (A.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Alessandra Pollice
- Department of Biology, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.C.); (M.G.); (A.P.); (V.C.)
| | - Alessio Cimmino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (J.G.Z.); (G.P.); (M.T.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Marco Masi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (J.G.Z.); (G.P.); (M.T.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Viola Calabrò
- Department of Biology, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy; (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.C.); (M.G.); (A.P.); (V.C.)
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Laky M, Arslan M, Zhu X, Rausch-Fan X, Moritz A, Sculean A, Laky B, Ramseier CA, Stähli A, Eick S. Quercetin in the Prevention of Induced Periodontal Disease in Animal Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2024; 16:735. [PMID: 38474862 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition initiated by oral bacteria and is associated with several systemic diseases. Quercetin is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial poly-phenol present in various foods. The aim of this meta-analysis was the evaluation of the effects of quercetin administration in animal models of experimental periodontitis. METHODS A systematic search was performed in electronic databases using the following search terms: "periodontitis" or "periodontal disease" or "gingivitis" and "quercetin" or "cyanidanol" or "sophoretin" or "pentahydroxyflavone". In vivo preclinical animal models of experimental periodontal disease with a measurement of alveolar bone loss were included in the analysis. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the SYRCLE tool. RESULTS The systematic search yielded 335 results. Five studies were included, four of them qualified for a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that quercetin administration decreased alveolar bone loss (τ2 = 0.31, 1.88 mm 95%CI: 1.09, 2.67) in experimental periodontal disease animal models. However, the risk of bias assessment indicated that four SYRCLE domains had a high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS Quercetin diminishes periodontal bone loss and prevents disease progression in animal models of experimental periodontal disease. Quercetin might facilitate periodontal tissue hemostasis by reducing senescent cells, decreasing oxidative stress via SIRT1-induced autophagy, limiting inflammation, and fostering an oral bacterial microenvironment of symbiotic microbiota associated with oral health. Future research will show whether and how the promising preclinical results can be translated into the clinical treatment of periodontal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Laky
- Division of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Muazzez Arslan
- Division of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Xilei Zhu
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Xiaohui Rausch-Fan
- Division of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Center of Clinical Research, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Moritz
- Division of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton Sculean
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Brenda Laky
- Center of Clinical Research, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Research Group for Regenerative and Orthopedic Medicine (AURROM), 1050 Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Society of Regenerative Medicine, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph A Ramseier
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Stähli
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sigrun Eick
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Zhang J, Jiang X, Shi G, Zhang H, Hu K, Wu D, Shao J, Liu T, Wang T, Wang C. Effect of the Pulsatilla decoction n-butanol extract on vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida glabrata and on its virulence factors. Fitoterapia 2024; 173:105825. [PMID: 38219843 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) caused by Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) is more persistent and resistant to treatment than when caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans) and has been on the rise in recent years. The n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla Decoction (BEPD) has been shown to be effective in treating VVC caused by C. glabrata, but the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, the experimenter conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to explore the effects of BEPD on the virulence factors of C. glabrata, as well as its efficacy, with a focus on possible immunological mechanism in VVC caused by C. glabrata. The contents of Anemoside B4, Epiberberine, Berberine, Aesculin, Aesculetin, Phellodendrine and Jatrorrhizine in BEPD, detected by high-performance liquid chromatography, were 31,736.64, 13,529.66, 105,143.72, 19,406.20, 4952.67, 10,317.03, 2489.93 μg/g, respectively. In vitro experiments indicated that BEPD moderately inhibited the growth of C. glabrata, its adhesion, and biofilm formation, and affected the expression of efflux transporters in the biofilm state. In vivo experiments demonstrated that BEPD significantly reduced vaginal inflammatory manifestation and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and LDH in mice with VVC caused by C. glabrata. Moreover, it inhibited the Phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK, P38, P65, and C-Fos proteins. The results suggested that although BEPD moderately inhibits the growth and virulence factors of C. glabrata in vitro, it can significantly reduce vaginal inflammation by down-regulating the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway in mice with VVC infected by C. glabrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaping Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojuan Jiang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Gaoxiang Shi
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Kaifan Hu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Daqiang Wu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Shao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Tianming Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Changzhong Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine (College of Life Science), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China; Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
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Janeczko M, Kochanowicz E. Biochanin A Inhibits the Growth and Biofilm of Candida Species. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:89. [PMID: 38256922 PMCID: PMC10818846 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activity of biochanin A (BCA) against planktonic growth and biofilms of six Candida species, including C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. auris, and C. krusei. We applied various assays that determined (a) the antimicrobial effect on growth of Candida species, (b) the effect on formation of hyphae and biofilm, (c) the effect on the expression of genes related to hyphal growth and biofilm formation, (d) the influence on cell wall structure, and (e) the effect on cell membrane integrity and permeability. Moreover, disk diffusion tests were used to investigate the effect of a combination of BCA with fluconazole to assess their possible synergistic effect on drug-resistant C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. auris. Our results showed that the BCA MIC50 values against Candida species ranged between 125 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, and the MIC90 values were in a concentration range from 250 µg/mL to 1000 µg/mL. The treatment with BCA inhibited adhesion of cells, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), and biofilm formation and reduced hyphal growth in all the analyzed Candida species. Real-time qRT-PCR revealed that BCA down-regulated the expression of biofilm-specific genes in C. albicans. Furthermore, physical destruction of C. albicans cell membranes and cell walls as a result of the treatment with BCA was observed. The combination of BCA and fluconazole did not exert synergistic effects against fluconazole-resistant Candida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Janeczko
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów 1i, 20-708 Lublin, Poland;
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Mottola S, Iannone G, Giordano M, González-Garcinuño Á, Jiménez A, Tabernero A, Martín Del Valle E, De Marco I. Supercritical impregnation of starch aerogels with quercetin: Fungistatic effect and release modelling with a compartmental model. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127406. [PMID: 37832612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
This work proposes the use of supercritical CO2 to impregnate starch (potato and corn) aerogels with quercetin for a potential fungistatic application. Starch aerogels were successfully produced with supercritical drying, but different results were found depending on the amylose/amylopectin ratio. A higher amount of amylose increases aerogels' specific surface area (with a structure with nanofibrils and nodes) due to the linear and amorphous character of this polymer, whereas a higher amount of amylopectin decreases this property until values of only 25 m2·g-1, obtaining an aerogel with a rough surface. These results were explained with XRD, thermogravimetric, and rheological results (triple step with two temperature sweeps and a time sweep and steady state analysis) concerning hydrogel formation. In fact, retrogradation step plays a more important role in hydrogel formation for a starch source with a higher amount of amylopectin due to an increase in the different polymers' interactions. Supercritical impregnation of quercetin on the aerogels was successfully performed (a loading around 0.30 % with respect to the amount of polymer), and in vitro results indicated that the aerogels produced a fungistatic effect on different types of fungi, but only in the first 12 h because the microorganisms adapted to the surrounding environment. Finally, a compartmental model was used to fit the drug release, which is controlled by quercetin aqueous solubility, indicating the main mass transfer resistances (mass transfer through aerogels was always around 500 min-1 and dissolution process mass transfer from 5·10-3 to 1.65·10-3 s-1) and how an increase in the specific surface area of the aerogels (in the case of corn aerogel) provided a stronger initial burst (70-80 % in 20 min). In fact, this initial burst release was mathematically related to a parameter, that varies from 0.178 to 0.036 depending on the aerogel composition. This study shows that starch aerogels can be impregnated with a hydrophobic compound with fungistatic effect by using supercritical CO2, modifying in addition the drug release by changing the native starch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Mottola
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA 84084, Italy
| | - Giovanna Iannone
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA 84084, Italy
| | - Maria Giordano
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA 84084, Italy
| | - Álvaro González-Garcinuño
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Salamanca, Plaza de los Caídos s/n, Salamanca, SA 37008, Spain; Institute of Biomedical Research, Hospital Virgen de la Vega, Paseo San Vicente 58-182, Salamanca, SA 37007, Spain
| | - Alejandro Jiménez
- GIR - QUESCAT, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Salamanca, Plaza de los Caídos s/n, Salamanca, SA 37008, Spain
| | - Antonio Tabernero
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Salamanca, Plaza de los Caídos s/n, Salamanca, SA 37008, Spain; Institute of Biomedical Research, Hospital Virgen de la Vega, Paseo San Vicente 58-182, Salamanca, SA 37007, Spain.
| | - Eva Martín Del Valle
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Salamanca, Plaza de los Caídos s/n, Salamanca, SA 37008, Spain; Institute of Biomedical Research, Hospital Virgen de la Vega, Paseo San Vicente 58-182, Salamanca, SA 37007, Spain
| | - Iolanda De Marco
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA 84084, Italy; Research Centre for Biomaterials BIONAM, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, Fisciano, SA 84084, Italy.
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