Assessment of the invasion process of the common raccoon Procyon lotor (Carnivora: Procyonidae) on a Mediterranean island a decade after its introduction

The common raccoon, Procyon lotor was introduced at the Balearic Islands (Spain) in 2006. Since then, a colonization process has been carried out, with captures of specimens in 24.30% of the surface of the whole Mallorca Island. For the first time, information has been provided on the invasive process of P. lotor in an insular ecosystem. 257 specimens of P. lotor were captured during the period 2007-2018, of them 104 were analysed to estimate population parameters. Demographic data showed that the population had a sex ratio of 1.00:1.21 (males:females), high BMI values and up to 40% of females were lactating when captured. Related to diet data, the composition was mainly the same as previous studies around its natural and introduced distribution area. Plant residues represented the 53.25 ± 38.66% followed by invertebrates with 12.22 ± 22.54%, inorganic remains with 11.9 ± 22.07% and finally the vertebrates with 4.94 ± 18.27%. Thus, it is shown how an opportunistic omnivorous species has adapted to the resources provided by the island. Cultivated plants' remains and plastic content in diet evidence that P. lotor is entering in contact with human settlements and agricultural areas. As occurred in other islands where P. lotor was introduced, it is expected that it could become a future problem for the conservation biodiversity in insular ecosystems, as well as for agriculture and human activity. Due to the potential impact on native biodiversity it is necessary to reinforce the implementation of control actions and prevent its expansion to the rest of the island.

Anatomical relationship between the position of the sigmoid sinus, tympanic membrane and digastric ridge with the mastoid segment of the facial nerve

Our study was carried out to examine the relationships of the sigmoid sinus, tympanic membrane and digastric ridge with the mastoid segment of the facial nerve. We studied 33 adult temporal bones. The distances among these structures were evaluated according specific landmarks that can be repeated in a simple manner. We found a good relation, in a proportional and lineal order, between these three structures and the facial nerve. This study indicated a correlation between the position of these three structures and the mastoid segment of the facial nerve through a simple morphometric method.

[Front chest pain and paresis of recurrent nerve: sapho syndrome]

The AA. present a rarely encountered case combining a left recurrent palsy due to an sclerosis and hyperostosis of the first costoesternal joint, which improved after an antiinflammatory treatment.

[Second primary tumors in patients with laryngeal neoplasms]

A cohort epidemiologic study of second primary tumours appeared in patients diagnosed of laryngeal neoplasms, between years 1988 and 1990, and a follow-up term of 5 years, is presented. An statistical analysis of several data to define a possible high risk group for developing primary tumours was performed for all patients.

[Efficacy and safety of dotarizine vs. cinnarizine in the symptomatic treatment of acute balance disorders (common vertigo)]

One hundred and ten adult patients suffering from peripheral vertigo were treated in a multifactorial double-blind randomized clinical trial with dotarizine (50 mg b.i.d.) or cinnarizine (75 mg b.i.d.). There was a 60 days clinical follow-up. Results showed that dotarizine was significantly active against the vertigo attacks and its associated symptoms (mainly neurovegetative). The global superiority of dotarizine was confirmed by statistically significant differences between treatments in the improvement of the severity of vertigo, hearing loss in audiometries, global relief of symptoms, disability produced by crises and global assessment by the investigators themselves. No clinically significant unwanted effects were seen in either group on blood pressure, heart rate or analytical parameters. No serious adverse effects to dotarizine were reported. This study confirms the value of dotarizine in the treatment of peripheral vertigo.

[Microbiological and auditory analysis before and after topical treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media without cholesteatoma]

The AA. present a study microbiologic and auditive as well about chronic, suppurative otitis media non cholesteatomatous, before and after topical treatment. They contemplate 178 samples of chronic discharging ears which were treated with gentamycin 0.3 %, instillation 5 drops every 8 hours, during 10 days. Twelve days later were newly assessed both the otorrhea and the cochleovestibular picture. Germs most frequently detected: Gram-negative 61.6 %, Gram-positive 19.8 %, associated flora 6.4 % and mycosis 2.2 %, among other. Clinic healing accounted for 97.29 % and not significative differences scored pre--and post-treatment.

[Mucoceles. Review of reported cases in the last 15 years]

The AA. present a retrospective study of all instances diagnosed as mucoceles in the last 15 years (1978-1993) at General University Hospital, Valle de Hebrón. Age of occurrence and sex, foregoing pathologic history, clinical picture, diagnostic tests, treatment and subsequent course of the condition are duly considered and appraised. Our attempt has been to stablish a diagnostic clinical pattern of these conditions, which generally are uncovered through its complications.

[Effectiveness of the partial velopalatine++ resection in obstructive apnea syndrome during sleep. Experience with 57 patients]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the result of partial resection of the soft palate (SPR) as a treatment of the obstructive apnea syndrome during sleep (OASS).

METHODS

Fifty-seven patients diagnosed of OASS treated with SPR were studied. The clinical and polysomnographic results prior to surgery and after 6 months were compared.

RESULTS

Prior to SPR the 57 patients had a mean index of apnea plus hypopnea per hour of 57 (IAH) and following surgery the same was of 19.2 (p < 0.0001). IAH improved more than 50% in 42 patients (74%), 30 of whom were cured (IAH < or = 10). Daily hypersomnia and snoring disappeared in 58% of the patients and decreased in intensity in most of the remaining cases. The secondary effects observed following SPR were: rhinolalia, nasal fluid reflux, and oropharyngeal disturbances, being present in 32 patients (56%) and permanent, although slight, in only 13 (23%).

CONCLUSIONS

Soft palate resection is a good surgical procedure for therapy of obstructive apnea during sleep, with only slight secondary effects.

Eosinophilic granuloma of the temporal bone

Involvement of the temporal bone by eosinophilic granuloma is rare. Two cases are presented and their clinical manifestations, histopathological findings and treatment procedures discussed.