Incorporación de la ecografía y la punción de tiroides a la actividad de endocrinología en una consulta de alta resolución

IntroductionFine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is considered the reference diagnostic procedure for thyroid nodules.Materials and methodsRoutine performance of thyroid ultrasound and ultrasound-guided FNAB by endocrinologists allows a more efficient approach in the setting of a high-resolution practice, thus reducing costs and the time elapsed until diagnosis.ResultsWe present our initial results of this procedure 2 years after its introduction, with a total of 286 biopsies performed. After a progressive learning curve over time and according to the endocrinologists’ previous experience, 72.72% samples were considered satisfactory for diagnosis. Greater difficulty was observed in obtaining optimal cytological specimens in smaller nodules. In conclusion, we have successfully incorporated thyroid ultrasound and ultrasound-guided FNAB into routine endocrine practice.ConclusionRoutine performance of thyroid ultrasound in endocrine practice will considerably aid the management of nodular thyroid disease.     

Duelo pre-muerte en cuidadores de enfermos de Alzheimer. Validación de una guía

IntroductionThe pre-death grief in family caregivers (FC) of people with Alzheimer's disease has not been sufficiently treated in studies on this group. Thus, the design and validation of informative printed materials is relevant due to its important implications for the well-being of these FCs and their training in the proper performance of their role. The objective was to design and validate a booklet aimed at informing FCs about this topic, as well as the procedure for its dissemination and use.Materials and methodsAfter a review of the literature, a booklet and a questionnaire were designed to determine the acceptability and dissemination procedure and use of the booklet by 73 professionals working with FCs. With the suggestions made, modifications were made to both the content and format of the booklet.ResultsThe questionnaire used presented adequate content validity and reliability in its different sections (α = 0.793 and α = 0.888). The level of acceptability of the booklet was high by professionals (83.85% of total score). Its dissemination was especially valued in the initial stages of the disease, and its use in therapeutic and supportive group contexts, with professional advice.ConclusionsThe study made it possible to verify the relevance and acceptability of a booklet as a training resource for FCs about pre-death grief, making it a useful tool for professionals that work in this area of great relevance.     

Análisis ecológico de las comunidades liquénicas de la Catedral de León (España)

Ecological analysis of Leon Cathedral lichen communities (Spain).A study of the lichen communities present on Leon Cathedral showed there to be 39 species present, mainly crustose forms of the Teloschistaceae and Lecanoraceae. Two lichen communities were found on calcareous stonework and on highly nitrified habitats. Species distribution depends mainly on nitrophytism, hygrophytism, photophytism and pH indexes, and to a lesser extent on angle of inclination, exposure and substrate type.     

Fisionomía y sociología de los bosques de Nothofagus dombeyi en la región de Nahuel Huapi

Summary In the mountains around Lake Nahuel Huapi three belts of vegetation can be observed: the evergreen forests of Nothofagus dombeyi between surface level of the lake (ca. 770 m a.s.l.) and 1100–1200 m; the deciduous forests of Nothofagus pumilio; and the Andean-antarctic meadows and other communities above the timberline (±1600 m).A physiognomical study of the evergreen beech forests shows three main types of structure, one of which coincides with a quite different floristical composition.Detailed phytosociological work following the method of Braun-Blanquet is proving the floristical relationship between the deciduous forests of Nothofagus pumilio or N. antarctica and the main part of the evergreen patagonical forests of Nothofagus dombeyi, especially when austrocedrus chilensis is present. Besides other units, there has therefore been established a new alliance, Austrocedro-Nothofagion, belonging to the Nothofagetalia pumilionis-dombeyi as an order of the Nothofagetea pumilionis-antarcticae Oberd. 1960.Only a few stands in the extreme West of Argentine territory present the characteristics of the Nothofago-Winterion Oberd., which is an alliance of the Wintero-Nothofagetea Oberd., and corresponds to the forêt valdivienne of phytogeographical literature.Comment has been made on the theoretical bases of systematics, considering that in certain cases the forest communities studied demonstrate what some ecologists think to be a continuum of vegetation.