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Al Wattar BH, Teh JJ, Clarke S, Abbara A, Morman R, Wilcox A, Talaulikar V. Healthcare and research priorities for women with polycystic ovary syndrome in the UK National Health Service: A modified Delphi method. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2024; 100:459-465. [PMID: 38420872 DOI: 10.1111/cen.15038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic lifelong condition affecting up to 20% of women worldwide. There is limited input from affected women to guide the provision of healthcare services and future research needs. Our objective was to scope the healthcare and research priorities of women with PCOS in the United Kingdom. DESIGN A three-staged modified Delphi method, consisting of two questionnaires and a consensus meeting involving lay representatives and healthcare professionals. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS Lay patient representatives of women with PCOS. Participants were asked to identify and rank healthcare and research priorities for their importance. RESULTS Six hundred and twenty-four lay participants took part in our Delphi method. Over 98% were diagnosed with PCOS (614/624, 98.4%). More than half experienced difficulties to receive a PCOS diagnosis (375/624, 60%), and the majority found it difficult to access specialised PCOS health services in the NHS (594/624, 95%). The top two healthcare priorities included better education for health professionals on the diagnosis and management of PCOS (238/273, 87.1%) and the need to set up specialist PCOS services (234/273, 85.7%). The top two research priorities focused on identifying better treatments for irregular periods (233/273, 85.3%) followed by better tests for early PCOS diagnosis (230/273, 84.2%). CONCLUSIONS We identified 13 healthcare and 14 research priorities that reflect the current health needs of women with PCOS in the United Kingdom. Adopting these priorities in future healthcare and research planning will help to optimise the health of women with PCOS and increase patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassel H Al Wattar
- Beginnings Assisted Conception Unit, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals, London, UK
- Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit, Institute for Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jhia Jiat Teh
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sophie Clarke
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Vikram Talaulikar
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
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Percy C, Turner A, Orr C. Developing a Novel Web-Based Self-Management Support Intervention for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Mixed Methods Study With Patients and Health Care Professionals. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e52427. [PMID: 38451567 PMCID: PMC10958350 DOI: 10.2196/52427] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents a significant global health burden requiring urgent attention. This common chronic endocrine and cardiometabolic condition affects around 1 in 10 women and individuals assigned female at birth, with significant adverse effects on well-being, quality of life, and mental health, as well as serious and complex long-term health consequences. International guidelines for best health care practice recommend the provision of comprehensive cognitive behavioral interventions to support self-management and improve health outcomes for those living with PCOS. Web-based health interventions have the potential to meet this need in an accessible and scalable way. OBJECTIVE We aim to identify barriers to self-management and psychological well-being in women with PCOS and adapt a web-based self-management program to provide a prototype digital support intervention for them. METHODS We adapted an existing support program (HOPE) for PCOS using the antecedent target measure approach. We conducted qualitative interviews with 13 adult women living with PCOS, 3 trustees of a patients with PCOS advocacy charity, and 4 endocrinologists to identify "antecedents" (barriers) to self-management and psychological well-being. Framework analysis was used to identify potentially modifiable antecedents to be targeted by the novel intervention. At a national conference, 58 key stakeholders (patients and health professionals) voted for the antecedents they felt were most important to address. We used research evidence and relevant theory to design a prototype for the PCOS intervention. RESULTS Voting identified 32 potentially modifiable antecedents, relating to knowledge, understanding, emotions, motivation, and behaviors, as priorities to be targeted in the new intervention. A modular, web-based prototype HOPE PCOS intervention was developed to address these, covering six broad topic areas (instilling HOPE for PCOS; managing the stress of PCOS; feeding your mind and body well; body image, intimacy, and close relationships; staying healthy with PCOS; and keeping PCOS in its place). CONCLUSIONS We identified barriers to self-management and psychological well-being in women with PCOS and used these to adapt a web-based self-management program, tailoring it for PCOS, which is a comprehensive group intervention combining education, empowerment, lifestyle management, peer support with cognitive behavioral tools, and goal-setting (to be delivered by peers or codelivered with health care professionals). The modular structure offers flexibility to adapt the program further as new clinical recommendations emerge. The intervention has the potential to be delivered, evaluated for feasibility, and, if effective, integrated into health care services. Self-management interventions are not designed to replace clinical care; rather, they serve as an additional source of support. The HOPE PCOS program conveys this message in its content and activities. Future research should evaluate the prototype intervention using primary outcomes such as measures of psychological well-being, self-management self-efficacy, depression, anxiety, and PCOS-related quality of life. They should also assess the intervention's acceptability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Percy
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Turner
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Charys Orr
- Harris Church of England Academy, Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Convergence of the two pandemics: metabolic syndrome and COVID-19 over last two years has posed unprecedented challenges to individuals as well as healthcare systems. Epidemiological data suggest a close association between metabolic syndrome and COVID-19 while variety of possible pathogenic connections have been proposed while some have been proven. Despite the evidence of high risk for adverse COVID-19 outcomes in people with metabolic syndrome, little is known about the differences in efficacy and safety among people with metabolic syndrome and without. It is important to recognize that among people with metabolic syndrome This review summarizes the current knowledge and epidemiological evidence on the association between metabolic syndrome and adverse COVID-19 outcomes, pathogenic interrelationships, management considerations for acute COVID-19 and post-COVID sequalae and sustaining care of people living with metabolic syndrome with appraisal of evidence and gaps in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsha Dissanayake
- Diabetes Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka; Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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McGowan M, Lim S, O'Reilly SL, Harrison CL, Enticott J, Teede H, Cowan S, Moran LJ. Impact of COVID-19 Restriction on Weight, Physical Activity, Diet and Psychological Distress on People with PCOS. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112579. [PMID: 37299542 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112579] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher weight gain and psychological distress compared to those without PCOS. While COVID-19 restrictions led to population level adverse changes in lifestyle, weight gain and psychological distress, their impact on people with PCOS is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact the 2020 COVID-19 restrictions had on weight, physical activity, diet and psychological distress for Australians with PCOS. METHODS Australian reproductive-aged women participated in an online survey with assessment of weight, physical activity, diet and psychological distress. Multivariable logistic and linear regression were used to examine associations between PCOS and residential location with health outcomes. RESULTS On adjusted analysis, those with PCOS gained more weight (2.9%; 95% CI; 0.027-3.020; p = 0.046), were less likely to meet physical activity recommendations (OR 0.50; 95% CI; 0.32-0.79; p = 0.003) and had higher sugar-sweetened beverage intake (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.10-2.75; p = 0.019) but no differences in psychological distress compared to women without PCOS. CONCLUSIONS People with PCOS were more adversely affected by COVID-19 restrictions, which may worsen their clinical features and disease burden. Additional health care support may be necessary to assist people with PCOS to meet dietary and physical activity recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret McGowan
- Monash Centre Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Siew Lim
- Monash Centre Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Clayton 3168, Australia
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill 3128, Australia
| | - Sharleen L O'Reilly
- UCD Institute of Food and Health, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cheryce L Harrison
- Monash Centre Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Joanne Enticott
- Monash Centre Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Helena Teede
- Monash Centre Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Clayton 3168, Australia
- Diabetes Unit Monash Health, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Stephanie Cowan
- Monash Centre Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Lisa J Moran
- Monash Centre Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Clayton 3168, Australia
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Wang J, Yin T, Liu S. Dysregulation of immune response in PCOS organ system. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1169232. [PMID: 37215125 PMCID: PMC10196194 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1169232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive endocrine disorder affecting women, which can lead to infertility. Infertility, obesity, hirsutism, acne, and irregular menstruation are just a few of the issues that PCOS can be linked to. PCOS has a complicated pathophysiology and a range of clinical symptoms. Chronic low-grade inflammation is one of the features of PCOS. The inflammatory environment involves immune and metabolic disturbances. Numerous organ systems across the body, in addition to the female reproductive system, have been affected by the pathogenic role of immunological dysregulation in PCOS in recent years. Insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism are associated with immune cell dysfunction and cytokine imbalance. More importantly, obesity is also involved in immune dysfunction in PCOS, leading to an inflammatory environment in women with PCOS. Hormone, obesity, and metabolic interactions contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS. Hormone imbalance may also contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize the pathophysiological role of immune dysregulation in various organ systems of PCOS patients and provide new ideas for systemic treatment of PCOS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Kite C, Atkinson L, McGregor G, Clark CCT, Randeva HS, Kyrou I. Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Identifying Constructs for Increasing Physical Activity Behaviours in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2309. [PMID: 36767676 PMCID: PMC9915314 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the commonest endocrinopathy in reproductive-aged women. Because increased adiposity is pivotal in the severity of PCOS-related symptoms, treatment usually incorporates increasing energy expenditure through physical activity (PA). This study aimed to understand the reasons why women with PCOS engage in PA/exercise, which could support the development of targeted behavioural interventions in this at-risk population. Validated questionnaires were administered for self-reported PA levels, quality of life, mental health, illness perception, sleep quality, and capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM) for PA. Using categorical PA data, outcomes were compared between groups; ordinal logistic regression (OLR) was used to identify whether COM could explain PA categorisation. A total of 333 participants were eligible; favourable differences were reported for body mass index, depression, mental wellbeing, self-rated health, illness perception, and insomnia severity for those reporting the highest PA levels. COM scores increased according to PA categorisation, whilst OLR identified conscious and automatic motivation as explaining the largest PA variance. The most active participants reported favourable data for most outcomes. However, determining whether health is protected by higher PA or ill health is a barrier to PA was not possible. These findings suggest that future behavioural interventions should be targeted at increasing patient motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Kite
- School of Public Health Studies, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Lou Atkinson
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- EXI, People’s Mission Hall, 20-30 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1EW, UK
| | - Gordon McGregor
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Centre for Exercise & Health, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Cain C. T. Clark
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Harpal S. Randeva
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Laboratory of Dietetics & Quality of Life, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food & Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
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Pokora K, Kowalczyk K, Wikarek A, Rodak M, Pędrys K, Wójtowicz M, Wyskida K, Jonderko M. Depressive Symptoms and Control of Emotions among Polish Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16871. [PMID: 36554751 PMCID: PMC9779637 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that substantially affects women's health. It is particularly diagnosed in young patients. Women with PCOS are burdened with excessive weight gain, overweight and obesity (74%) compared to a healthy female population. Excessive weight influences psychological state and emotional well-being, whereas in the meantime, psychological and behavioral dysfunction is increasingly being diagnosed among patients with PCOS. AIM To assess depressive symptoms and emotional control among women with PCOS in relation to BMI. METHODS The study was conducted among 671 self-reported PCOS women. The standardized Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess depressive disorders. Emotion control was assessed using the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS). RESULTS Moderate and severe depressive symptoms were more common in PCOS women with abnormal BMI compared to normal BMI subjects (p < 0.01). In total, 27.1% of obese women had moderate depression and 28.8% had severe depression. Among overweight women, 19.9% suffered from moderate and 25% from severe depressive symptoms. Underweight women also reported moderate (25.6%) and severe (33.3%) depressive signs. There were no statistically significant differences between the body weight of the women studied and the CECS scores. CONCLUSIONS Depressive symptoms are more common in women with PCOS and abnormal BMI than in women with PCOS and proper BMI. The severity of depressive symptoms increases with BMI, but underweight women with PCOS are also at risk of depressive disorders. The level of suppression of negative emotions is independent of BMI in women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pokora
- Department of Endocrinological Gynecology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Karolina Kowalczyk
- Department of Endocrinological Gynecology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wikarek
- Department of Endocrinological Gynecology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
- Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Rodak
- Department of Endocrinological Gynecology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Karolina Pędrys
- Department of Endocrinological Gynecology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Mariusz Wójtowicz
- Department of Gynecological and Obstetrics Women’s and Child Health Center, Medical University of Silesia, 41-803 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wyskida
- Health Promotion and Obesity Management Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncological Chemotherapy, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-029 Katowice, Poland
| | - Mariola Jonderko
- Department of Endocrinological Gynecology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
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Gavrilescu O, Prelipcean CC, Dranga M, Popa IV, Mihai C. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Quality of Life of IBD Patients. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58050562. [PMID: 35629979 PMCID: PMC9146780 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58050562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients by limiting their access to medical services due to restrictions and the reorganization of the healthcare systems, which affects their quality of life (QoL). We aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the QoL of patients with IBD. Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive observational study, which included 90 adult patients diagnosed with IBD. The study sample consisted of two subgroups: a retrospective-pre-pandemic group (group A) and a prospective-pandemic group (group B). Group A included 45 IBD patients who were evaluated in 2018. Group B included 45 patients with confirmed diagnosis of IBD, evaluated between June and December 2021—the period of the COVID-19 pandemic (prospective), consecutively recruited. All the patients filled in a QoL assessment questionnaire—IBDQ-32. Subsequently, the two samples were comparatively assessed. Results: The average values of the IBDQ scores were significantly lower in 2021 compared to those recorded in 2018: 145.56 vs. 128.3 (p < 0.05). We also we found significant differences between the subscores: IBDQ1 (p = 0.043), IBDQ2 (p = 0.034), IBDQ3 (p = 0.045), IBDQ4 (p = 0.025). Conclusions: IBDQ scores were significantly lower in 2021 compared to 2018 (p < 0.05), showing that during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with IBD had a more influenced QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otilia Gavrilescu
- Medicale I Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (O.G.); (C.M.)
| | | | - Mihaela Dranga
- Medicale I Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (O.G.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Iolanda Valentina Popa
- Medicale II Department “Grigore T. Popa”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Cătălina Mihai
- Medicale I Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (O.G.); (C.M.)
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