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Ellis K, Wood R. Research priorities of endometriosis patients and supporters in Aotearoa New Zealand. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2024. [PMID: 38706178 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13831] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In New Zealand, an estimated 10% of women and people presumed female at birth have endometriosis, a disease characterised by the presence of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, outside of the uterus. AIMS The purpose of this study was to characterise the research priorities of New Zealand endometriosis patients and their support networks in alignment with an Australian study. This will allow researchers to be able to ensure their research aligns with closing research gaps prioritised by those who directly experience the impacts of the disease. METHODS AND MATERIALS There were 1262 responses to an online Qualtrics survey advertised through Endometriosis New Zealand's social media accounts and mailing list to reach endometriosis patients and their support networks. RESULTS Overall, the highest research priorities for surgically or radiologically confirmed endometriosis patients, clinically suspected endometriosis patients, chronic pelvic pain patients, and their parents, partners, family members and friends were the management and treatment of endometriosis, followed by understanding endometriosis' cause, and improved capacity to diagnose endometriosis earlier. The key differences between the priorities of symptomatic participants and supporters were that symptomatic participants placed a significantly higher priority on understanding the cause of endometriosis, and supporters placed a significantly higher priority on improving the diagnosis of endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS There is alignment between the ranking of general research priority areas for endometriosis in Australasia, allowing for clear priorities for future research teams to structure their work around patient-centredness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Ellis
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Endometriosis New Zealand, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Rachael Wood
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Giese N, Gilbert E, Hawkey A, Armour M. Unmet Needs of Australians in Endometriosis Research: A Qualitative Study of Research Priorities, Drivers, and Barriers to Participation in People with Endometriosis. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1655. [PMID: 37763774 PMCID: PMC10536628 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091655] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Endometriosis causes significant personal and societal burden. Despite this, research funding lags behind other chronic conditions. Determining where to prioritise these limited funds is therefore vital. Research priorities may also differ between individuals with endometriosis and clinicians/researchers. The aim of this research project is to explore research priorities and factors shaping participation in endometriosis research from the perspective of people with endometriosis in Australia. Materials and Methods: Four focus groups involving 30 people with endometriosis were conducted and analysed using qualitative inductive content analysis. Results: Two categories were developed from the data: unmet research needs and motivators and barriers to participation in endometriosis research. Participants expressed interest in developing non-invasive diagnostic tools and a more multidisciplinary or holistic approach to treatment. Participants urgently desired research on treatment options for symptom management, with many prioritising non-hormonal treatments, including medicinal cannabis and complementary medicine. Others prioritised research on the causes of endometriosis over research on treatments to assist with prevention and eventual cure of the disease. The main drivers for participating in endometriosis research were hope for symptom improvement and a reduction in time to diagnosis. Research design features that were important in supporting participation included ease of access to testing centres (e.g., for blood tests) and sharing test results and automated data collection reminders, with simple stra-tegies to record data measurements. Research incentives for younger people with endometriosis and a broad dissemination of information about research projects was considered likely to increase participant numbers. Barriers included time commitments, a lack of flexibility around research appointments for data collection, travel or work commitments, concerns about the safety of some products, and trying to conceive a child. Conclusions: People with endometriosis were open to participating in research they felt aligned with their needs, with a significant focus on diagnostic tools and symptom relief. However, researchers must co-design approaches to ensure convenience and flexibility for research participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Giese
- Praxis für Chinesische Medizin, 53113 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Emilee Gilbert
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia;
| | - Alexandra Hawkey
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia;
| | - Mike Armour
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia;
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ), Wellington 6021, New Zealand
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Goel R, Modhukur V, Täär K, Salumets A, Sharma R, Peters M. Users' Concerns About Endometriosis on Social Media: Sentiment Analysis and Topic Modeling Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45381. [PMID: 37581905 PMCID: PMC10466158 DOI: 10.2196/45381] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a debilitating and difficult-to-diagnose gynecological disease. Owing to limited information and awareness, women often rely on social media platforms as a support system to engage in discussions regarding their disease-related concerns. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to apply computational techniques to social media posts to identify discussion topics about endometriosis and to identify themes that require more attention from health care professionals and researchers. We also aimed to explore whether, amid the challenging nature of the disease, there are themes within the endometriosis community that gather posts with positive sentiments. METHODS We retrospectively extracted posts from the subreddits r/Endo and r/endometriosis from January 2011 to April 2022. We analyzed 45,693 Reddit posts using sentiment analysis and topic modeling-based methods in machine learning. RESULTS Since 2011, the number of posts and comments has increased steadily. The posts were categorized into 11 categories, and the highest number of posts were related to either asking for information (Question); sharing the experiences (Rant/Vent); or diagnosing and treating endometriosis, especially surgery (Surgery related). Sentiment analysis revealed that 92.09% (42,077/45,693) of posts were associated with negative sentiments, only 2.3% (1053/45,693) expressed positive feelings, and there were no categories with more positive than negative posts. Topic modeling revealed 27 major topics, and the most popular topics were Surgery, Questions/Advice, Diagnosis, and Pain. The Survey/Research topic, which brought together most research-related posts, was the last in terms of posts. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that posts on social media platforms can provide insights into the concerns of women with endometriosis symptoms. The analysis of the posts confirmed that women with endometriosis have to face negative emotions and pain daily. The large number of posts related to asking questions shows that women do not receive sufficient information from physicians and need community support to cope with the disease. Health care professionals should pay more attention to the symptoms and diagnosis of endometriosis, discuss these topics with patients to reduce their dissatisfaction with doctors, and contribute more to the overall well-being of women with endometriosis. Researchers should also become more involved in social media and share new science-based knowledge regarding endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Goel
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Vijayachitra Modhukur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Katrin Täär
- Women's Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rajesh Sharma
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maire Peters
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
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Armour M, Ciccia D, Yazdani A, Rombauts L, Niekerk LV, Schubert R, Abbott J. Endometriosis research priorities in Australia. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 63:594-598. [PMID: 37226362 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13699] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In Australia, endometriosis affects one in nine women and those assigned female at birth. Although endometriosis is more common than conditions such as diabetes, research funding for endometriosis research has historically been low in comparison. The National Action Plan for Endometriosis is an Australian Federal Government initiative designed to redress this imbalance, with a focus on research funding. Identification of research priorities, and subsequent funding allocation that is determined by consumer input is vital. An online survey focusing on Australia and New Zealand found that the highest general priorities were the treatment and management of endometriosis and its cause(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Armour
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ), Wellington, New Zealand
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Donna Ciccia
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- Endometriosis Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anusch Yazdani
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luk Rombauts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leesa Van Niekerk
- Senior Lecturer/Clinical Psychologist, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ruth Schubert
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Abbott
- School of Clinical Medicine, Health and Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Gynaecological Research and Clinical Evaluation (GRACE) Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Prince of Wales Private Hospital, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Teworte S, Luciani P. Endometriosis, the Silent Disease: Molecular Targets, Active Principles, and Drug Delivery Systems. Helv Chim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/hlca.202200132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Teworte
- Department of Chemistry Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Bern Freiestrasse 3 CH-3012 Bern Switzerland
| | - Paola Luciani
- Department of Chemistry Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Bern Freiestrasse 3 CH-3012 Bern Switzerland
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Bendifallah S, Puchar A, Suisse S, Delbos L, Poilblanc M, Descamps P, Golfier F, Touboul C, Dabi Y, Daraï E. Machine learning algorithms as new screening approach for patients with endometriosis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:639. [PMID: 35022502 PMCID: PMC8755739 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04637-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis-a systemic and chronic condition occurring in women of childbearing age-is a highly enigmatic disease with unresolved questions. While multiple biomarkers, genomic analysis, questionnaires, and imaging techniques have been advocated as screening and triage tests for endometriosis to replace diagnostic laparoscopy, none have been implemented routinely in clinical practice. We investigated the use of machine learning algorithms (MLA) in the diagnosis and screening of endometriosis based on 16 key clinical and patient-based symptom features. The sensitivity, specificity, F1-score and AUCs of the MLA to diagnose endometriosis in the training and validation sets varied from 0.82 to 1, 0-0.8, 0-0.88, 0.5-0.89, and from 0.91 to 0.95, 0.66-0.92, 0.77-0.92, respectively. Our data suggest that MLA could be a promising screening test for general practitioners, gynecologists, and other front-line health care providers. Introducing MLA in this setting represents a paradigm change in clinical practice as it could replace diagnostic laparoscopy. Furthermore, this patient-based screening tool empowers patients with endometriosis to self-identify potential symptoms and initiate dialogue with physicians about diagnosis and treatment, and hence contribute to shared decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofiane Bendifallah
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France.
- Clinical Research Group (GRC) Paris 6: Centre Expert Endométriose (C3E), Sorbonne University (GRC6 C3E SU), Paris, France.
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Tenon University Hospital, 4 Rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France.
| | - Anne Puchar
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France
- Clinical Research Group (GRC) Paris 6: Centre Expert Endométriose (C3E), Sorbonne University (GRC6 C3E SU), Paris, France
| | | | - Léa Delbos
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine-CHU d'Angers, Angers, France
- Endometriosis Expert Center-Pays de la Loire, La Réunion, France
| | - Mathieu Poilblanc
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Lyon South University Hospital, Lyon Civil Hospices, Bron, France
- Endometriosis Expert Center-Steering Center of the EndAURA Network, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Descamps
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine-CHU d'Angers, Angers, France
- Endometriosis Expert Center-Pays de la Loire, La Réunion, France
| | - Francois Golfier
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Lyon South University Hospital, Lyon Civil Hospices, Bron, France
- Endometriosis Expert Center-Steering Center of the EndAURA Network, Paris, France
| | - Cyril Touboul
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France
- Clinical Research Group (GRC) Paris 6: Centre Expert Endométriose (C3E), Sorbonne University (GRC6 C3E SU), Paris, France
| | - Yohann Dabi
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France
- Clinical Research Group (GRC) Paris 6: Centre Expert Endométriose (C3E), Sorbonne University (GRC6 C3E SU), Paris, France
| | - Emile Daraï
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France
- Clinical Research Group (GRC) Paris 6: Centre Expert Endométriose (C3E), Sorbonne University (GRC6 C3E SU), Paris, France
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Iqbal H, McEachan RRC, West J, Haith-Cooper M. Research priority setting in obesity: a systematic review. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 31:1-17. [PMID: 34877248 PMCID: PMC8641289 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-021-01679-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM Obesity research priority setting, if conducted to a high standard, can help promote policy-relevant and efficient research. Therefore, there is a need to identify existing research priority setting studies conducted in the topic area of obesity and to determine the extent to which they followed good practice principles for research priority setting. METHOD Studies examining research priority setting in obesity were identified through searching the MEDLINE, PBSC, CINAHL, PsycINFO databases and the grey literature. The nine common themes of good practice in research priority setting were used as a methodological framework to evaluate the processes of the included studies. These were context, use of a comprehensive approach, inclusiveness, information gathering, planning for implementation, criteria, methods for deciding on priorities, evaluation and transparency. RESULTS Thirteen articles reporting research prioritisation exercises conducted in different areas of obesity research were included. All studies reported engaging with various stakeholders such as policy makers, researchers and healthcare professionals. Public involvement was included in six studies. Methods of research prioritisation commonly included both Delphi and nominal group techniques and surveys. None of the 13 studies fulfilled all nine of the good practice criteria for research priority setting, with the most common limitations including not using a comprehensive approach and lack of inclusivity and evaluating on their processes. CONCLUSION There is a need for research priority setting studies in obesity to involve the public and to evaluate their exercises to ensure they are of high quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halima Iqbal
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP UK
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Rosemary R. C. McEachan
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Jane West
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Melanie Haith-Cooper
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP UK
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Nunez-Badinez P, De Leo B, Laux-Biehlmann A, Hoffmann A, Zollner TM, Saunders PT, Simitsidellis I, Charrua A, Cruz F, Gomez R, Tejada MA, McMahon SB, Lo Re L, Barthas F, Vincent K, Birch J, Meijlink J, Hummelshoj L, Sweeney PJ, Armstrong JD, Treede RD, Nagel J. Preclinical models of endometriosis and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: an Innovative Medicines Initiative-PainCare initiative to improve their value for translational research in pelvic pain. Pain 2021; 162:2349-2365. [PMID: 34448751 PMCID: PMC8374713 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Endometriosis (ENDO) and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) are chronic pain conditions for which better treatments are urgently needed. Development of new therapies with proven clinical benefit has been slow. We have conducted a review of existing preclinical in vivo models for ENDO and IC/BPS in rodents, discussed to what extent they replicate the phenotype and pain experience of patients, as well as their relevance for translational research. In 1009 publications detailing ENDO models, 41% used autologous, 26% syngeneic, 18% xenograft, and 11% allogeneic tissue in transplantation models. Intraperitoneal injection of endometrial tissue was the subcategory with the highest construct validity score for translational research. From 1055 IC/BPS publications, most interventions were bladder centric (85%), followed by complex mechanisms (8%) and stress-induced models (7%). Within these categories, the most frequently used models were instillation of irritants (92%), autoimmune (43%), and water avoidance stress (39%), respectively. Notably, although pelvic pain is a hallmark of both conditions and a key endpoint for development of novel therapies, only a small proportion of the studies (models of ENDO: 0.5%-12% and models of IC/BPS: 20%-44%) examined endpoints associated with pain. Moreover, only 2% and 3% of publications using models of ENDO and IC/BPS investigated nonevoked pain endpoints. This analysis highlights the wide variety of models used, limiting reproducibility and translation of results. We recommend refining models so that they better reflect clinical reality, sharing protocols, and using standardized endpoints to improve reproducibility. We are addressing this in our project Innovative Medicines Initiative-PainCare/Translational Research in Pelvic Pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bianca De Leo
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Anja Hoffmann
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Philippa T.K. Saunders
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis Simitsidellis
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Charrua
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, and Faculty of Medicine of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Cruz
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, and Faculty of Medicine of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raul Gomez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Stephen B. McMahon
- Neurorestoration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laure Lo Re
- Neurorestoration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Katy Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Judy Birch
- Pelvic Pain Support Network, Poole, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Meijlink
- International Painful Bladder Foundation, Naarden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - J. Douglas Armstrong
- Actual Analytics, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rolf-Detlef Treede
- Department of Neurophysiology, Centre for Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jens Nagel
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
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Wahl KJ, Yong PJ, Bridge-Cook P, Allaire C. Endometriosis in Canada: It Is Time for Collaboration to Advance Patient-Oriented, Evidence-Based Policy, Care, and Research. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2021; 43:88-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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