Plant structure predicts leaf litter capture in the tropical montane bromeliad Tillandsia turneri / A estrutura da planta determina a folhagem interceptada pela bromelia Tillandsiaturneri

Abstract Leaves intercepted by bromeliads become an important energy and matter resource for invertebrate communities, bacteria, fungi, and the plant itself. The relationship between bromeliad structure, defined as its size and complexity, and accumulated leaf litter was studied in 55 bromeliads of Tillandsia turneri through multiple regression and the Akaike information criterion. Leaf litter accumulation in bromeliads was best explained by size and complexity variables such as plant cover, sheath length, and leaf number. In conclusion, plant structure determines the amount of litter that enters bromeliads, and changes in its structure could affect important processes within ecosystem functioning or species richness.

Resumo As folhagens interceptadas pelas bromélias é um importante recurso para a comunidade de invertebrados, bactérias, fungos e para a própria planta. Estudou-se a relação entre a estrutura de 55 bromélias de Tillandsia tumeri, definida como o tamanho, a complexidade da planta, a folhagem acumulada por meio de regressão múltipla e o critério de informação de Akaike. Encontrou-se que as variáveis de tamanho, cobertura, comprimento da bainha e a variável de complexidade do número de folhas explicam a acumulação de folhas nas bromélias. Em conclusão, a estrutura do planta determina a quantidade de folhas armazenada na bromélia e os câmbios da estrutura da bromélia poderiam afetar importantes processos de funcionamento do ecossistema ou a riqueza de espécies.

Functional cast bracing as a treatment for humeral shaft fractures

Sixty-eight fractures of the shaft of the humerus were treated with a function cast brace consisting of a plaster of Paris individually-molded. A good alignment of fracture fragments is maintained and permitted rapid and uninterrupted osteogenesis. The early presumption of functional activity to the entire extremity resulted in condition conclusive to fracture healing and the prevention of contractures and joint stiffness secondary to prolonged immobilization which is fairly common in other forms of treatmentThere are no non-unions encountered, and morbidity is minimum.(Summary)