Bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Santos Bay (Brazil) and its adjacent continental shelf

This study evaluated the bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Santos Bay (SB) and theadjacent Santos Continental Shelf (SCS) in Brazil. Biliary metabolites were measured in several fish species toestablish a baseline for future monitoring programs. Bile samples from different species of fish were collected monthlyfrom July to December 2005 in SB, and in August 2005 and February 2006 on SCS. Metabolite concentrationswere determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detectors. Naphthalene,phenanthrene, and benzo[a]pyrene metabolite concentrations ranged from 24 to 810 µg g-1 of bile, 1.8 to 68 µg g-1of bile, and below the limit of quantitation to 1.3 µg g-1 of bile, respectively. Despite its high concentrations, the levelsof naphthalene metabolites were in regions of low-contamination, while benzo[a]pyrene metabolite were in thesame range as those reported in moderately contaminated areas, which may indicate pyrolytic contaminationby PAHs. No significant differences in the metabolite concentrations were found between the SB and the SCSsamples or during the periods of collection. Future studies with a single biomonitoring species should be conducted,considering age, sex, and feeding condition of the individuals. The metabolite data presented in this study is animportant baseline information for this urbanized region, which hosts several sources of contaminants

Global disparities in surgeons’ workloads, academic engagement and rest periods: the on-calL shIft fOr geNEral SurgeonS (LIONESS) study

: The workload of general surgeons is multifaceted, encompassing not only surgical procedures but also a myriad of other responsibilities. From April to May 2023, we conducted a CHERRIES-compliant internet-based survey analyzing clinical practice, academic engagement, and post-on-call rest. The questionnaire featured six sections with 35 questions. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (SPSS® v. 28). The survey received a total of 1.046 responses (65.4%). Over 78.0% of responders came from Europe, 65.1% came from a general surgery unit; 92.8% of European and 87.5% of North American respondents were involved in research, compared to 71.7% in Africa. Europe led in publishing research studies (6.6 ± 8.6 yearly). Teaching involvement was high in North America (100%) and Africa (91.7%). Surgeons reported an average of 6.7 ± 4.9 on-call shifts per month, with European and North American surgeons experiencing 6.5 ± 4.9 and 7.8 ± 4.1 on-calls monthly, respectively. African surgeons had the highest on-call frequency (8.7 ± 6.1). Post-on-call, only 35.1% of respondents received a day off. Europeans were most likely (40%) to have a day off, while African surgeons were least likely (6.7%). On the adjusted multivariable analysis HDI (Human Development Index) (aOR 1.993) hospital capacity > 400 beds (aOR 2.423), working in a specialty surgery unit (aOR 2.087), and making the on-call in-house (aOR 5.446), significantly predicted the likelihood of having a day off after an on-call shift. Our study revealed critical insights into the disparities in workload, access to research, and professional opportunities for surgeons across different continents, underscored by the HDI