Objective: To estimate the pooled odds ratio of endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome, and to estimate the pooled prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in patients with endometriosis.Data sources: Using Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Science Direct, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science, and CINAHL, we conducted a systematic literature search through October 2021, using the key terms “endometriosis” and “irritable bowel syndrome.” Articles had to be published in English or Spanish. No restriction on geographical location was applied.Methods of study selection: The following eligibility criteria were applied: full-text original articles; human studies; studies that investigated the association between endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome. Two investigators screened and reviewed the studies. A total of 1,776 studies were identified in 6 separate databases. After screening and applying the eligibility criteria, a total of 17 studies were included for analyses. The meta-analysis of association between endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome included 11 studies, and the meta-analysis on the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in endometriosis included 6 studies.Tabulation, integration, and results: Overall 96,119 subjects were included in the main meta-analysis (11 studies) for endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome, with 18,887 endometriosis patients and 77,171 controls. The odds of irritable bowel syndrome were approximately 3 times higher among patients with endometriosis compared with healthy controls (odds ratio 2.97; 95% confidence interval, 2.17 – 4.06). Similar results were obtained after subgroup analyses by endometriosis diagnosis, irritable bowel syndrome diagnostic criteria, and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scores. Six studies reported prevalence rates of irritable bowel syndrome in women with endometriosis, ranging from 10.6 to 52%. The pooled prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in women with endometriosis was 23.4% (95% confidence interval, 9.7 – 37.2).Conclusion: Patients with endometriosis have an approximately threefold increased risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome. Development and recent update of Rome criteria has evolved the diagnosis of IBS, potential bias should still be considered as there are no specific tests available for diagnosis.Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/displa y_record.php?ID=CRD42018080611], identifier [CRD42018080611].

Background: Self-Directed Learning (SDL) is a theory of andragogy in which adult learners take their own initiative to identify and tailor their individual learning process and outcomes. In undergraduate medical education, SDL aims to develop medical students into lifelong learners. This study aims to estimate the overall effectiveness of self-directed learning compared to traditional didactic learning (TDL). Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA statement. A systematic search was used across PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed articles spanning from January 1, 2014, to May 30, 2024. Key words used were “self-directed learning” AND “undergraduate medical education.” Forest plots were generated with the Open Meta-analyst Software, comparing SDL and TDL. Results: A total of 2,955 titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility, of which 95 articles met the eligibility criteria for full-text review. Following a more detailed screening, 19 articles met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review and 14 articles met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The systematic review included 2,098 students while the meta-analysis included 1,792 students. The overall mean difference for all studies was 2.399, 95% CI [0.121–4.678], and I² = 98.56%. Conclusion: Self-directed learning compared to traditional didactic learning is an effective learning strategy in medical undergraduate education and has the potential to aid in students’ learning and improve their cognitive performance. Moreover, SDL nurtures qualities such as autonomy, curiosity, and self-regulation, which are essential for success in the ever-evolving field of medicine.

Endometriosis is defined as ectopic endometrial tissues dispersed outside the endometrium. This can cause disruption in hormonal and immunological processes, which may increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Worsening of endometriosis symptoms may occur as a result of this infection. The aim of our review was to estimate the pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in endometriosis patients. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched, using the keywords: (endometriosis) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2). Forest plots and pooled estimates were created using the Open Meta Analyst software. After screening 474 articles, 19 studies met the eligibility criteria for the systematic review, and 15 studies were included in the meta-analyses. A total of 17,799 patients were analyzed. The pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in endometriosis patients was 7.5%. Pooled estimates for the health impacts were 47.2% for decreased access to medical care, 49.3% increase in dysmenorrhea, 75% increase in anxiety, 59.4% increase in depression, and 68.9% increase in fatigue. Endometriosis patients were undeniably impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the worsening of symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine if circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Our objective was to pool the overall mean differences in biomarkers of CRD (including melatonin levels, morning and evening cortisol levels, and sleep efficiency) between PCOS patients and controls. We hypothesized that CRD will be more prominent in patients with PCOS. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ClinicalTrials.Gov, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted from inception until 2024 using the following MeSH terms “circadian rhythm” OR “sleep disturbance” OR “melatonin” AND “polycystic ovary syndrome.” Citation search supplemented the systematic database search. Inclusion criteria were women with PCOS, original case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies that identify parameters of CRD (melatonin, cortisol, and sleep disturbance). Exclusion criteria were women with endocrine and metabolic co-morbidities, menopausal women, case reports, review studies, animal studies, abstracts, and conference presentations. There was no time restriction for year of publication. Two investigators (T.H. and P.R.) assessed the quality of the studies included using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Forest plots were created using the Open Meta Analyst software. Publication bias was assessed in Egger's and Begg's tests. A total of 16 studies were included in the systematic review and 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis (N=1,100 women [531 PCOS patients and 569 controls]). Pooled analysis showed that the mean difference in melatonin levels between PCOS patients and controls was 14.294 pg/mL, 95% CI [6.895, 21.693]. The overall mean difference in morning and evening cortisol between PCOS patients and controls was 1.103 pg/mL, 95% CI [−1.058, 3.265], and 3.574 pg/mL, 95% CI [1.741, 5.407], respectively. Pooled difference in mean sleep efficiency scores between PCOS patients and controls was –4.059, 95% CI [−6.752, −1.366]. Risk of bias assessment showed that NOS scores ranged from 7 to 9. Our meta-analysis provides evidence that circadian rhythm disruption is positively associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. This is substantiated by differences in parameters indicative of circadian rhythm disruption, including melatonin levels, evening cortisol, and sleep efficiency.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health challenge characterized by progressive beta cell dysfunction. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have emerged as promising therapies, enhancing insulin secretion while potentially preserving beta cell mass by inhibiting apoptosis. However, concerns persist regarding long-term beta cell adaptation and functional exhaustion. This meta-analysis synthesizes preclinical evidence to evaluate the effects of GLP-1RAs on beta cell apoptosis in DM.Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar for preclinical studies assessing GLP-1RAs effects on human beta cell apoptosis. Five studies met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Data were extracted on apoptotic rates, and risk of bias was assessed using the OHAT tool. A random-effects model calculated pooled mean differences (MDs) in apoptosis, with sensitivity analyses and funnel plots evaluating robustness and publication bias.Results: GLP-1RAs significantly reduced beta cell apoptosis (pooled MD: −0.10; 95% CI: −0.15 to −0.05, p = 0.0003), with high heterogeneity (I² = 100%). Sensitivity analyses confirmed consistency, with effect estimates ranging from −0.077 to −0.118 upon sequential study exclusion. Funnel plot and Egger’s test (p = 0.80) indicated no significant publication bias, though limited study numbers constrain power.Conclusions: GLP-1RAs demonstrate a robust anti-apoptotic effect on pancreatic beta cells in preclinical models, supporting their role in preserving beta cell mass. However, extreme heterogeneity and unresolved questions about long-term functional exhaustion warrant cautious interpretation. Future research should prioritize longitudinal human studies to assess clinical relevance and optimize therapeutic strategies. IntroductionSystem review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024516313, identifier CRD42024516313.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine–metabolic disorder affecting 5.5–11.5% of women of reproductive age. While reduced adiponectin levels have been consistently demonstrated in adult women with PCOS, findings in adolescents remain less clearly defined. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to 31 October 2025. Observational studies comparing adiponectin levels in post-pubertal adolescents with PCOS and controls were included. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis in RStudio, with subgroup, sensitivity, heterogeneity, and publication bias analyses conducted. Eighteen studies comprising 1590 participants were analyzed. The pooled analysis demonstrated significantly lower adiponectin levels in adolescents with PCOS compared to controls (mean difference [MD]: −3.19 µg/mL; 95% CI: −4.90 to −1.49; p = 0.0010), with substantial heterogeneity (I² > 90%). Subgroup analyses by diagnostic criteria, geographic region, study design, and weight status consistently showed reduced adiponectin levels in PCOS, with no significant subgroup differences. In conclusion, adolescents with PCOS exhibit significantly lower adiponectin levels, consistent with findings in adult populations. These results support an early association between adiponectin dysregulation and PCOS, although further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify clinical utility.