Remnant Pachira quinata pasture trees have greater opportunities to self and suffer reduced reproductive success due to inbreeding depression.

Habitat fragmentation is extensive throughout the world, converting natural ecosystems into fragments of varying size, density and connectivity. The potential value of remnant trees in agricultural landscapes as seed sources and in connecting fragments has formed a fertile area of debate. This study contrasted the mating patterns of bat-pollinated Pachira quinata trees in a continuous forest to those in pasture through microsatellite-based paternity analysis of progeny. The breeding system was determined by analysis of pollen tube growth and seed production from controlled pollinations. Fitness of selfed and outcrossed seed was compared by germination and seedling growth. There was more inbreeding within pasture trees (outcrossing=0.828±0.015) compared with forest trees (0.926±0.005). Pasture trees had fewer sires contributing to mating events, but pollen dispersal distances were greater than those in the forest. Paternity analysis showed variation in outcrossing rates among pasture trees with high proportions of external and self pollen sources detected. A leaky self-incompatibility system was found, with self pollen having reduced germination on stigmas and slower growth rate through the style. Controlled pollinations also showed a varied ability to self among trees, which was reflected in the selfing rates among pasture trees shown by the paternity analysis (0-80% selfing). Self pollination resulted in lower seed set, germination and seedling growth compared with outcrossing. While remnant trees in agricultural landscapes are involved in broader mating patterns, they show increased but varied levels of inbreeding, which result in reduced fitness.

[Pedicle bone grafting in treatment of bone union disorders after femoral neck fracture]. / Uszypulowany przeszczep kostny w leczeniu zaburzen zrostu zlaman szyjki kosci udowej.

Clinical and radiological assessment of 8 patients operated because of femoral neck pseudoarthrosis or delayed union proved the pedicle bone grafting to be very useful method, especially in young patients. Surgical reconstruction of femoral neck with the use of pedicular graft (Judet--Chacha) resulted in all the patients in absence of pain; satisfactory range of movement has been restored in operated hip. Bone union has been achieved in 7 from the 8 operated patients that is in all the cases of posttraumatic union disorders. However, we failed in total reconstruction of anatomy and the radiographs revealed osteoarthritis of the joint.