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The Eastern Tropical and South-Eastern Pacific region is of global biodiversity importance. At COP26, the governments of Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador committed to the expansion of existing MPAs to create a new Mega MPA, safeguarding the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor. It offers a profound step forward in conservation efforts but is not specifically designed to protect against the more diffuse anthropogenic threats, such as plastic pollution. We combine published data with our own unpublished records to assess the abundance and distribution of plastic pollution in the region. Macro- and microplastic concentrations varied markedly and were not significantly different when comparing areas inside and outside existing MPA boundaries. These findings highlight the diffuse and complex nature of plastic pollution and its ubiquitous presence across MPA boundaries. Understanding the sources and drivers of plastic pollution in the region is key to developing effective solutions. • Analysis of 430 sites to assess plastic pollution in ET/SE Pacific. • No significant difference in plastic levels inside/outside of Marine Protected Areas. • New Mega MPA will not protect against ingress by plastic pollution. • Imperative to clearly establish sources and drivers of plastic pollution in region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Panama is currently developing a national examination system that will be used to license graduates to practice medicine in that country, as well as to undertake postgraduate medical training. As part of these efforts, a preliminary project was undertaken between the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Panama to develop a Residency Selection Process Examination (RSPE).Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of RSPE scores for a sample of candidates who wished to obtain a residency slot in Panama.Methods: The RSPE, composed of 200 basic and clinical sciences multiple-choice items, was administered to 261 residency applicants at the University of Panama.Results: The reliability estimate computed was comparable with that reported with other high-stakes examinations (Cronbach'sα = 0.89). Also, a Rasch examinee proficiency item difficulty plot showed that the RSPE was well targeted to the proficiency levels of candidates. Finally, a moderate correlation was noted between local grade point averages and RSPE scores for University of Panama students (r = 0.38).Conclusions: Findings suggest that it is possible to translate and adapt test materials for use in other contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]