Participants
The flow diagram demonstrates the flow of participant screening, allocation, and follow-up (Fig. 
Study flow diagramWritten informed consent was obtained from each patient after providing detailed information regarding the study’s objectives and duration. Of the 504 patients screened, 240 were enrolled initially, 208 showed up on the 1st follow-up visit, 193 on the 2nd, and 188 visited for the 3rd follow-up.