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Adams AD, Ball R, Darilek S. Telegenetics to provide comprehensive prenatal diagnosis. Prenat Diagn 2024; 44:492-498. [PMID: 38175174 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Telehealth is an effective way to increase access to genetic services and can address several challenges, including geographic barriers, a shortage of interpreter services, and workforce issues, especially for prenatal diagnosis. The addition of prenatal telegenetics to current workflows shows promise in enhancing the delivery of genetic counseling and testing in prenatal care, providing accessibility, accuracy, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. Further research is needed to explore long-term patient outcomes and the evolving role of telehealth for prenatal diagnosis. Future studies should address the accuracy of diagnoses, the impact of receiving a diagnosis in a virtual setting, and patient outcomes in order to make informed decisions about the appropriate use of telemedicine in prenatal genetics service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- April D Adams
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert Ball
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sandra Darilek
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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2
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Coppola E, Sgrulletti M, Cortesi M, Romano R, Cirillo E, Giardino G, Dotta L, Cancrini C, Bruzzese D, Badolato R, Moschese V, Pignata C. The Inborn Errors of Immunity-Virtual Consultation System Platform in Service for the Italian Primary Immunodeficiency Network: Results from the Validation Phase. J Clin Immunol 2024; 44:47. [PMID: 38231401 PMCID: PMC10794402 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-023-01644-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) represent a heterogeneous group of rare genetically determined diseases. In some cases, patients present with complex or atypical phenotypes, not fulfilling the accepted diagnostic criteria for IEI and, thus, at high risk of misdiagnosis or diagnostic delay. This study aimed to validate a platform that, through the opinion of immunologist experts, improves the diagnostic process and the level of care of patients with atypical/complex IEI. METHODS Here, we describe the functioning of the IEI-Virtual Consultation System (VCS), an innovative platform created by the Italian Immunodeficiency Network (IPINet). RESULTS In the validation phase, from January 2020 to June 2021, 68 cases were entered on the IEI-VCS platform. A final diagnosis was achieved in 35/68 cases (51%, 95% CI 38.7 to 64.2). In 22 out of 35 solved cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by genetic analysis. In 3/35 cases, a diagnosis of secondary immunodeficiency was made. In the remaining 10 cases, an unequivocal clinical and immunological diagnosis was obtained, even though not substantiated by genetic analysis. CONCLUSION From our preliminary study, the VCS represents an innovative and useful system to improve the diagnostic process of patients with complex unsolved IEI disorders, with benefits both in terms of reduction of time of diagnosis and access to the required therapies. These results may help the functioning of other international platforms for the management of complex cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Coppola
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Via S. Pansini, 5-80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Mayla Sgrulletti
- Pediatric Immunopathology and Allergology Unit, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Cortesi
- Pediatrics Clinic and Institute for Molecular Medicine A. Nocivelli, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST- Spedali Civili of Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Romano
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Via S. Pansini, 5-80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Cirillo
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Via S. Pansini, 5-80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Giardino
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Via S. Pansini, 5-80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Dotta
- Pediatrics Clinic and Institute for Molecular Medicine A. Nocivelli, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST- Spedali Civili of Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Caterina Cancrini
- Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiency, IRCCS Bambin Gesù Children Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Bruzzese
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Badolato
- Pediatrics Clinic and Institute for Molecular Medicine A. Nocivelli, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST- Spedali Civili of Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Viviana Moschese
- Pediatric Immunopathology and Allergology Unit, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Pignata
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Via S. Pansini, 5-80131, Naples, Italy.
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Chung CCY, Hue SPY, Ng NYT, Doong PHL, Chu ATW, Chung BHY. Meta-analysis of the diagnostic and clinical utility of exome and genome sequencing in pediatric and adult patients with rare diseases across diverse populations. Genet Med 2023; 25:100896. [PMID: 37191093 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.100896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This meta-analysis aims to compare the diagnostic and clinical utility of exome sequencing (ES) vs genome sequencing (GS) in pediatric and adult patients with rare diseases across diverse populations. METHODS A meta-analysis was conducted to identify studies from 2011 to 2021. RESULTS One hundred sixty-one studies across 31 countries/regions were eligible, featuring 50,417 probands of diverse populations. Diagnostic rates of ES (0.38, 95% CI 0.36-0.40) and GS (0.34, 95% CI 0.30-0.38) were similar (P = .1). Within-cohort comparison illustrated 1.2-times odds of diagnosis by GS over ES (95% CI 0.79-1.83, P = .38). GS studies discovered a higher range of novel genes than ES studies; yet, the rate of variant of unknown significance did not differ (P = .78). Among high-quality studies, clinical utility of GS (0.77, 95% CI 0.64-0.90) was higher than that of ES (0.44, 95% CI 0.30-0.58) (P < .01). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis provides an important update to demonstrate the similar diagnostic rates between ES and GS and the higher clinical utility of GS over ES. With the newly published recommendations for clinical interpretation of variants found in noncoding regions of the genome and the trend of decreasing variant of unknown significance and GS cost, it is expected that GS will be more widely used in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shirley P Y Hue
- Hong Kong Genome Institute, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Nicole Y T Ng
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Phoenix H L Doong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Annie T W Chu
- Hong Kong Genome Institute, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Brian H Y Chung
- Hong Kong Genome Institute, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Tang S, You J, Liu L, Ouyang H, Jiang N, Duan J, Li C, Luo Y, Zhang W, Zhan M, Liu C, Lyu G, Zhang VW, Zhao H. Expanding the mutational spectrum of ZTTK syndrome: A de novo variant with global developmental delay and malnutrition in a Chinese patient. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2023; 11:e2188. [PMID: 37488749 PMCID: PMC10422072 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2188] [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: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim (ZTTK, OMIM 617140) syndrome is a severe multisystem developmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, cortical malformations, epilepsy, visual problems, musculoskeletal abnormalities, and congenital malformations. ZTTK syndrome is caused by a heterozygous pathogenic variant of the SON gene (NM_138927) at chromosome 21q22.1. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pathogenesis of a 6-month-old Chinese child who exhibited global developmental delay, muscle weakness, malnutrition, weight loss, and strabismus, brain abnormality, immunological system abnormalities. METHODS The little girl was tested for medical exome sequencing (MES) and mtDNA sequencing in trio. And, the mutation was validated by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS A novel de novo frameshift variant, c.1845_1870del26 (p.G616Sfs*61), in the SON gene was found in the proband. CONCLUSION We described a 6-month-old Chinese child with global developmental delay caused by pathogenic de novo mutation c.1845_1870del26 (p.G616Sfs*61) in the SON. Apart from a founder mutation, we reviewed the phenotypic abnormalities and genotypes in 79 individuals. The data showed that global developmental delay is accompanied by other system disorders. Our findings expanded the mutational spectrum of ZTTK syndrome and provide genetic counseling of baby with global developmental delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Tang
- Department of Digestive System DiseasesHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Jieyu You
- Department of Digestive System DiseasesHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Digestive System DiseasesHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Hongjuan Ouyang
- Department of Digestive System DiseasesHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Na Jiang
- Department of Digestive System DiseasesHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Jiaqi Duan
- Department of Digestive System DiseasesHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Canlin Li
- Department of Digestive System DiseasesHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Yanhong Luo
- Department of Digestive System DiseasesHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Wenting Zhang
- Department of Digestive System DiseasesHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Meizheng Zhan
- Department of Digestive System DiseasesHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Department of Digestive System DiseasesHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| | | | | | - Hongmei Zhao
- Department of Digestive System DiseasesHunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
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Mena R, Mendoza E, Mangano FT, Henrickson M, Scott M, DeFoor WR, Little KJ, Ruschman J, Prada CE. International Pediatric Multidisciplinary Management Using Telemedicine to Promote Equitable Care. Telemed J E Health 2022; 29:674-685. [PMID: 36112346 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the use of telemedicine as a collaboration tool between a pediatrician and subspecialists looking to address challenges, such as the lack of health care specialists, which are present in the Dominican Republic. Study design: During this 6-year study, 65 patients were evaluated by a medical team consisting of a local pediatrician and 17 subspecialists from a leading academic medical center in the Unites States. Patient's age ranged from 2 months to 16 years of age (mean 8 years old). The most common reasons for referral were masses or malignancies, vascular malformations, urogenital anomalies, stuttering, and cochlear implant programming. Results: A total of 39 out of 65 cases (60%) carried an initial diagnosis. Of the 65 cases, a change in medical management occurred in 92.31% of cases (60 cases). There was no change in medical diagnosis or treatment in 5 of 65 cases (8%). Conclusion: This protocol exhibited high patient satisfaction with the technology and platform and direct patient savings from transportation costs. It also demonstrated the importance of thorough diagnosis in providing appropriate treatment and solutions. Telemedicine use in comparable practices should be studied further to aid in the development of policies for the diagnosis and management of chronic illnesses that require referrals to subspecialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mena
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Centro de Obstetricia y Ginecologia, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Esperanza Mendoza
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Centro de Obstetricia y Ginecologia, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Francesco T. Mangano
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael Henrickson
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Rheumatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael Scott
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Audiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - William R. DeFoor
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Urology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kevin J. Little
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hand and Upper Extremity Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer Ruschman
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Teleheath, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Carlos E. Prada
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, Birth Defects & Metabolism, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Genetic diagnosis for rare diseases in the Dutch Caribbean: a qualitative study on the experiences and associated needs of parents. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:587-594. [PMID: 35087185 PMCID: PMC9091230 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01039-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on the perspectives of patients and parents regarding genetic testing and its implications has been performed mostly in Europe, Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, even though genetic testing is becoming increasingly available worldwide. We aimed to fill this knowledge gap by exploring the experiences and needs of parents in the Dutch Caribbean who received a genetic diagnosis for the rare disease of their child. We conducted 23 semi-structured interviews with 30 parents of children diagnosed with various rare genetic diseases in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (ABC-islands). Two researchers independently analyzed the interviews using a thematic approach. Main themes identified were: (1) getting a genetic diagnosis, (2) coping, support and perceived social stigma, (3) living on a small island, and (4) needs regarding genetic services. Our results indicate that, despite reported limitations regarding the availability of healthcare and support services, receiving a genetic diagnosis for their child was valuable for most participants. While some of the participants' experiences with and attitudes towards the genetic diagnosis of their child were similar to those reported in previous studies, we identified a number of aspects that are more specifically related to this Dutch Caribbean setting. These include coping through faith and religion, social stigma and being the only one on the island with a specific genetic disorder. The results of this study and the provided recommendations may be useful when developing genetic testing and counseling services in similar settings.
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Verberne EA, Westermann JM, de Vries TI, Ecury-Goossen GM, Lo-A-Njoe SM, Manshande ME, Faries S, Veenhuis HD, Philippi P, Falix FA, Rosina-Angelista I, Ponson-Wever M, Rafael-Croes L, Thorsen P, Arends E, de Vroomen M, Nagelkerke SQ, Tilanus M, van der Veken LT, Huijsdens-van Amsterdam K, van der Kevie-Kersemaekers AM, Alders M, Mannens MMAM, van Haelst MM. Genetic care in geographically isolated small island communities: 8 years of experience in the Dutch Caribbean. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:1777-1791. [PMID: 35253369 PMCID: PMC9314971 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, there are large inequalities in genetic service delivery. In 2011, we established a bi‐annual joint pediatric‐genetics clinic with a visiting clinical geneticist in the Dutch Caribbean. This retrospective study evaluates the yield of diagnostic testing and the clinical utility of a diagnosis for patients with rare diseases on these relatively isolated, resource‐limited islands. A total of 331 patients that were referred to the clinical geneticist between November 2011 and November 2019 and had genetic testing were included in this study. A total of 508 genetic tests were performed on these patients. Microarray, next‐generation sequencing gene panels, and single‐gene analyses were the most frequently performed genetic tests. A molecularly confirmed diagnosis was established in 33% of patients (n = 108). Most diagnosed patients had single nucleotide variants or small insertions and/or deletions (48%) or copy number variants (34%). Molecular diagnostic yield was highest in patients referred for seizures and developmental delay/intellectual disability. The genetic diagnosis had an impact on clinical management in 52% of patients. Referrals to other health professionals and changes in therapy were the most frequently reported clinical consequences. In conclusion, despite limited financial resources, our genetics service resulted in a reasonably high molecular diagnostic yield. Even in this resource‐limited setting, a genetic diagnosis had an impact on clinical management for the majority of patients. Our approach with a visiting clinical geneticist may be an example for others who are developing genetic services in similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline A Verberne
- Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction & Development research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jonne M Westermann
- Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction & Development research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tamar I de Vries
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Sonja Faries
- Department of Pediatrics, Curaçao Medical Center, Willemstad, Curaçao
| | - Hans D Veenhuis
- Department of Pediatrics, Curaçao Medical Center, Willemstad, Curaçao
| | - Patricia Philippi
- Department of Pediatrics, Curaçao Medical Center, Willemstad, Curaçao
| | - Farah A Falix
- Department of Pediatrics, Curaçao Medical Center, Willemstad, Curaçao
| | | | - Maria Ponson-Wever
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | | | - Patricia Thorsen
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Eric Arends
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital, Oranjestad, Aruba
| | - Maartje de Vroomen
- Department of Pediatrics, Fundashon Mariadal, Kralendijk, Bonaire, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sietse Q Nagelkerke
- Department of Pediatrics, Fundashon Mariadal, Kralendijk, Bonaire, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Tilanus
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Maarten Medical Center, Cay Hill, St. Maarten
| | - Lars T van der Veken
- Department of Genetics, Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Huijsdens-van Amsterdam
- Department of Genetics, Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie van der Kevie-Kersemaekers
- Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction & Development research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariëlle Alders
- Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction & Development research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel M A M Mannens
- Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction & Development research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mieke M van Haelst
- Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction & Development research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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