Evaluation of the thyroid nodule with high-resolution ultrasonography and elastography without fine needle aspiration biopsy.

Introduction: Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the gold standard screening technique used in the diagnostic protocol for thyroid nodules. However, it is not free of complications.

Objective: To identify thyroid nodules in which FNAB could be avoided during the diagnostic process by means of the use of a high-resolution ultrasonography or elastography.

Efficiency of a protected-area network in a Mediterranean region: a multispecies assessment with raptors.

Three different systems of designating protected areas in a Mediterranean region in southeastern Spain were studied, referring to their effectiveness and efficiency for protecting both the breeding territories and the suitable habitat of a set of ten raptor species. Taking into consideration the varying degrees of endangerment of these species, a map of multispecies conservation values was also drawn up and superimposed on the three protected-area systems studied. In order to compare the levels of protection afforded by the three systems, we considered two indices that measured their relative effectiveness and efficiency.