Background: Rapid advances in dental medicine necessitate a shift from traditional educational paradigms to competency-based education (CBE), which emphasizes the acquisition of specific clinical and professional skills. Aim: This study examines the implementation and effectiveness of CBE in Sudanese dental schools by comparing four curriculum models—discipline-based, hybrid, integrated, and community-based. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-method design was employed to collect quantitative data through structured surveys and qualitative data via semi-structured interviews with students, faculty, and dental practitioners. Descriptive statistical analyses and thematic analyses were used to assess competency achievement across eight domains and to evaluate stakeholder perceptions. Results: Quantitative findings revealed robust competency attainment in the knowledge base domain, while practice management skills were significantly lacking across several models. Notably, the integrated curriculum at Ribat University achieved high scores in both communication and practice management, contrasting with gaps observed in discipline-based and hybrid models. Qualitative insights underscored the need for improved management training and stronger interdisciplinary integration. Conclusions: CBE frameworks in Sudanese dental education effectively foster essential competencies; however, targeted curricular enhancements—particularly in practice management—are required to better prepare graduates for contemporary dental practice.

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors regulate cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathways, which influence neurodevelopment, cardiovascular function, and immune responses. Multiple PDE families exist, classified as dual-substrate (PDE1, PDE2, PDE3, PDE10, PDE11) or non-dual-substrate (PDE4, PDE5, PDE6, PDE7, PDE8, PDE9), each with distinct biological roles. This review summarizes the therapeutic applications of PDE inhibitors, evaluates evidence across different disease domains, and highlights challenges and future research priorities. A narrative review of published studies and clinical trial data was conducted, focusing on pharmacological properties, therapeutic relevance, and safety profiles of PDE inhibitors. Sources included PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and regulatory reports. Dual-substrate PDEs demonstrate therapeutic potential in Alzheimer disease (PDE1), anxiety and memory enhancement (PDE2), and heart failure (PDE3), although chronic PDE3 inhibition may increase risks. Non-dual-substrate PDEs, such as PDE4 and PDE5, are clinically established for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, psoriasis, erectile dysfunction, and pulmonary hypertension. Advances in structure–activity relationship studies have produced more selective and potent inhibitors. However, adverse effects, such as nausea (PDE4 inhibitors) and cardiovascular risks (long-term PDE3 inhibitors), remain limiting factors. PDE inhibitors represent a rapidly evolving therapeutic class with broad clinical applications. Their further development requires strategies to minimize adverse effects, improve selectivity, and better define disease-specific roles. Future research should focus on precision medicine approaches to fully harness their therapeutic potential.

Introduction: Research is a vital component of surgical training, enhancing academic skills and career opportunities. This study aimed to assess the research involvement of surgical residents in Saudi Arabia and identify key predictors, barriers, and motivations. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 297 surgical residents between December 2021 and September 2023 using a structured online questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS. Results: Overall, 51.2% of residents published at least one paper during residency. Prior research experience in medical school significantly predicted publication during residency (P = 0.012). In logistic regression, residents in gynecology had lower odds of publication compared to general surgery (OR 0.58, P < 0.05). The main motivation for research was fellowship acquisition (63.3%). The leading barriers were lack of time (67.0%) and work-related stress (50.0%). Conclusion: Early research engagement in medical school strongly predicts future productivity during residency, while time constraints and stress remain major obstacles. Our findings suggest that residency programs could enhance research output by providing structured mentorship, allocating protected research time, and encouraging early exposure to research activities.

Background/Objectives: High-risk prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy remain at significant risk of biochemical recurrence and metastasis. Immediate adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) has been proposed to improve outcomes, but its role compared to observation remains debated due to potential toxicity and uncertain overall survival benefit. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immediate adjuvant EBRT versus observation following radical prostatectomy in men with high-risk prostate cancer. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. We sought to include both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies published between 2005 and 2025; however, no observational studies meeting the predefined criteria were identified. Therefore, only RCTs comparing immediate adjuvant EBRT with observation in patients with adverse pathological features and undetectable postoperative PSA were included. Primary outcomes were biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCR-FS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), and overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included toxicity and quality of life (QoL). Data were pooled using Mantel–Haenszel and inverse variance methods, and heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics. Results: Four RCTs (n = 1987) met the inclusion criteria. Adjuvant EBRT significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.20–0.74; p = 0.004) and metastasis-free survival (HR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.54–0.92; p = 0.01). However, OS benefit was not statistically significant (HR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.59–1.32; p = 0.55). Heterogeneity was substantial for some outcomes (I² up to 71%). Adjuvant EBRT was associated with higher genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity compared to observation. Conclusions: Immediate adjuvant EBRT after radical prostatectomy improves PFS and MFS in high-risk prostate cancer but does not confer a clear OS advantage. Treatment decisions should be individualized, balancing disease-control benefits against toxicity risks. Observation with early salvage RT remains a reasonable alternative in selected patients.