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In this work we analytically investigate the alignment mechanism of self-propelled ellipse-shaped cells in two spatial dimensions interacting via overlap avoidance. By considering a two-cell system and imposing certain symmetries, we obtain an analytically tractable dynamical system, which we mathematically analyse in detail. We find that for elongated cells there is a half-stable steady state corresponding to perfect alignment between the cells. Whether cells move towards this state (i.e., become perfectly aligned) or not is determined by where in state space the initial condition lies. We find that a separatrix splits the state space into two regions, which characterise these two different outcomes. We find that some self-propulsion is necessary to achieve perfect alignment, however too much self-propulsion hinders alignment. Analysing the effect of small amounts of self-propulsion offers an insight into the timescales at play when a trajectory is moving towards the point of perfect alignment. We find that the two cells initially move apart to avoid overlap over a fast timescale, and then the presence of self-propulsion causes them to move towards a configuration of perfect alignment over a much slower timescale. Overall, our analysis highlights how the interaction between self-propulsion and overlap avoidance is sufficient to generate alignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of predators influences the selection of oviposition sites, with females often choosing locations that minimize the risk of predation. Bitterlings, freshwater fish that deposit their eggs into the gills of mussels, face the threat of predation from mussel-associated leeches Hemiclepsis kasmiana, which feed on bitterling embryos. In this study, we investigated the host preferences of two species of spring-spawning bitterlings, Tanakia limbata and T. lanceolata, based on the parasitic density of mussel-associated leeches. Our methodology involved observing female bitterling spawning behavior and dissecting mussels to locate bitterling embryos. Our results revealed a preference of female T. limbata for spawning on uninfested mussels or those with lower leech infestation densities, supported by both spawning observations and mussel dissections. Female T. lanceolata exhibited a tendency to avoid mussels with higher leech infestation densities, supported by only mussel dissections, although this avoidance is not statistically significant. The difference in host preference between the two spring-spawning bitterling species may be due to their contrasting reproductive strategies aimed at minimizing the total risk of predation and host mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We continue our study of cyclic orbifolds of lattice vertex operator algebras and their full automorphism groups. We consider some special isometry g ∈ O (L) such that g i is fixed point free on L for any 1 ≤ i ≤ | g | − 1. We show that when L (2) = ∅ and g i is fixed point free on L for any 1 ≤ i ≤ | g | − 1 , V L g ˆ has extra automorphisms implies either (1) the order of g is a prime or (2) L is isometric to the Leech lattice or some coinvariant sublattices of the Leech lattice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the medicinal leech is vital for treatments to promote blood circulation and eliminate blood stasis. However, the prevalence of counterfeit leech products in the market undermines the quality and efficacy of these remedies. Traditional DNA barcoding techniques, such as the COI barcode, have been limited in their application due to amplification challenges. This study identified high variability in the 16 S rRNA gene within the mitochondrial genome across five leech species, leading to the development of a novel 219 bp mini-barcode. Compared with the traditional COI barcode, our mini-barcode showed remarkable identification efficiency, classifying 142 out of 147 leech samples from fresh and processed materials. In contrast, the COI barcode could only successfully identify 79 out of the 147 samples. In the case of seven batches of leech decoction pieces, the mini-barcode identified six, whereas the COI barcode only recognized one. Additionally, the mini-barcode effectively discerned five leech species within Chinese patent medicines when combined with metabarcoding technology. These results confirm the mini-barcode's potential as a reliable tool for rapidly and precisely identifying leech species in TCM products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusion Microsurgical nasal replantation is a rare yet important procedure in order to regain the respiratory, olfactory, and aesthetic features of the nose. However, due to the traumatic nature of most nasal amputations, appropriate veins for anastomosis are difficult to find‐ complicating replantation. This is the first systematic review that compares peri operative and post‐operative outcomes in arterial only versus arterial and venous anastomosis for nasal replantation.A comprehensive search of Medline, SCOPUS, and Embase databases up to 30th November 2023 was undertaken. Inclusion criteria included studies reporting on nasal replantation. Reports were then split into venous anastomosis and arterial only anastomosis and compared against one another. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports tool was used for bias assessment. Comparative analysis was undertaken using Microsoft Excel software utilizing chi squared tests and t‐tests where necessary.A total of 27 papers with a sample size of 29 were found. Risk of bias for the included studies was generally low. Demographics between the two groups were similar. Arterial only anastomosis was on average 2 h and 32 min faster. Arterial only anastomosis utilized Hirudotherapy (medicinal leeching) more often than venous anastomosis (P = 0.01) whereas venous anastomosis used heparin more frequently (P = 0.01). Otherwise, complications, tissue preservation, hospital stay and follow up outcomes were similar between the two groups.The evidence to date suggests that arterial only anastomosis is a safe and viable method for nasal replantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classification and phylogenetic position of Haplotaxidae, an enigmatic family of clitellate worms, have long been discussed. We estimate the phylogeny for Clitellata as a whole, using a taxon sample adhering to current definitions of Haplotaxidae and including species attributable to Haplotaxis , plus a representation of other clitellates. Sequences of five markers, 4087 bp in total, were analysed by Bayesian Inference. A well-supported tree shows that Haplotaxidae is polyphyletic, consisting of at least five separate clades scattered among other clitellate lineages. We redefine Haplotaxidae s.s. to only include Haplotaxis , and erect four new families: Pelodrilidae Martin et al. fam. nov. for Pelodrilus , Hologynus , and Delaya ; Haplotaxoididae Martin et al. fam. nov. for Haplotaxoides Fend gen. nov. with Haplotaxoides decipiens Fend sp. nov. and Haplotaxoides tehama Fend sp. nov. ; Limpluvidae Martin et al. fam. nov. for Limpluvia setoensis Fend & Torii gen. et sp. nov. ; and Ohtakianidae Martin et al. fam. nov. for Ohtakiana kakidaensis Fend & Torii gen. et sp. nov. To adhere to standard classification systems, we assign all five families to separate orders, Pelodrilida ord. nov. , Haplotaxoidida ord. nov. , Othakianida ord. nov. , Limpluvida ord. nov. , and Haplotaxida. Haplotaxidae s.s. and Pelodrilidae seem to belong to an incompletely resolved group also including lumbriculids, leeches, and earthworms. Moreover, a close relationship between Limpluvia , Ohtakiana , and the lumbriculid-hirudinean clade (i.e. taxon Lumbriculata) is strongly supported, whereas Haplotaxoididae are placed more basally in the clitellate phylogeny than the other haplotaxids s.l. , their exact position remaining unresolved. The analysed Holarctic Haplotaxis populations (representing up to 10 species) appear separated more by geography than by obvious morphological characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, medicinal leeches of the genus Hirudo have experienced a sharp decline throughout their distribution range due to their overexploitation for medical use and habitat alteration. Such a phenomenon is not fully understood because of the complex taxonomy of the genus, which remained unsettled until the beginning of the XXI century, when the implementation of DNA taxonomy allowed for a better understanding of the diversity of the genus and the distribution ranges of Hirudo species. Only the Mediterranean medicinal leech Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820 is currently reported to occur in Italy and its major islands, although records of other Hirudo species have been reported in the literature. In this study, we report the occurrence of the Dragon leech Hirudo troctina Johnson, 1816 in Sardinia and provide its molecular characterization. In addition, based on a review of the existing literature and museum collections, we provide an ample synopsis of the available evidence regarding the occurrence of the species on the island. Hirudo troctina proved to be widespread and abundant in Sardinia during the XIX century but became rarer and rarer in the XX and XXI centuries possibly due to its overexploitation for medicinal use and export in mainland Europe, the abandonment of traditional grazing practices, and the decline of wetland habitats and amphibian populations. Currently, the only recently validated occurrence sites of the species are the water bodies of the "Giara di Gesturi", a basaltic plateau in central-southern Sardinia. No corroborated evidence of the possible occurrence of other Hirudo species on the island was found. A better understanding of Hirudo troctina distribution in Sardinia will allow the amelioration of its protection and management practices, also under the provisions of the European "Habitats Directive", where the H. medicinalis species complex is listed in Annex V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freshwater leech genus Orientobdelloides Bolotov, Eliseeva & Kondakov, 2022, is reported for the first time in Indonesia. Morphological and mitochondrial DNA sequence data identified the specimens as Orientobdelloides tridens (Chiangkul, Trivalairat, Kunya & Purivirojkul, 2021), a species previously known only from Thailand. The external and internal morphological features of the Indonesian O. tridens are provided in detail here, and the species diagnosis is amended based on our observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined the metazoan ectoparasites of the Critically Endangered giant shovelnose ray, Glaucostegus typus, in the eastern Indian Ocean. Methods: We screened 186 G. typus for ectoparasites in four coastal regions of Western Australia between 2020 and 2022: the Pilbara Region, Exmouth Gulf, Ningaloo Coast and Shark Bay. Results: Five parasite taxa were encountered on 186 G. typus: Caligus furcisetifer (Copepoda: Caligidae), Dermopristis cairae (Monopisthocotyla: Microbothriidae), Branchellion plicobranchus and Stibarobdella macrothela (Hirudinida: Piscicolidae), and praniza larvae of unidentified gnathiid isopod/s (Isopoda: Gnathiidae). Two of these species, B. plicobranchus and S. macrothela, are reported for the first time on G. typus. Only C. furcisetifer and S. macrothela were relatively common, encountered on 31% and 40% of G. typus, respectively. Gnathiids were observed infrequently, encountered on 13% of G. typus, and D. cairae and B. plicobranchus were scarce, encountered on 1% and 2% of G. typus, respectively. Intensity of infection for C. furcisetifer and gnathiids increased with host length. Likelihood of infection varied seasonally for C. furcisetifer, being considerably lower in summer, and regionally for gnathiids, being greatest at Shark Bay. Intensity and likelihood of infection for S. macrothela increased with host length and varied regionally, being greatest at Shark Bay. Conclusion: These findings improve our understanding of the downstream impacts for dependent parasites that might arise should populations of G. typus continue to decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glossiphoniidae is a family of freshwater leeches, notable for their unique behaviour of parental care. After hatching, juveniles remain on the ventral side of their parent, where they receive protection and grow until they are ready to depart from the parent leech. The detachment of juveniles is a crucial stage for their development and independence from their parents, potentially influenced by various factors. To investigate these factors, ten parental individuals of Orientobdelloides siamensis were studied in the laboratory. Three to five days after copulation, all parental leeches deposited approximately 361.6±37.79 eggs on the substrate, which were covered until the end of the brooding period. Incubation of their single-egg cocoons took 7–9 days. Subsequently, the newborns attached to the ventral annulus of the parent by their caudal sucker. Seven to eleven days after hatching, the caudal sucker of juveniles expanded over the parent's annulus, indicating readiness to depart. The young leeches detached from the parental venter, moved to the substrate, and continued living under the ventral side of their parent. Finally, to determine the timing of juvenile detachment, the space availability beneath the parental venter and yolk depletion after hatching were analyzed. By observing morphological characteristics and behaviors, this study was able to investigate the interaction between these factors, and their correlation with juvenile detachment in O. siamensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater-fed helocrene springs constitute hydrologically heterogeneous environment, vulnerable to human and climate-induced changes. Using quantitative samples of clitellate assemblages, we investigated whether hydrologically stable nearby streams can serve as refugia for species inhabiting helocrenes, prone to seasonal desiccation. As water conductivity constitutes the main environmental gradient of helocrene springs, we categorized them as low or high-conductivity sites and compared their assemblage diversity. We hypothesized that the spring–stream association can change along this gradient, expecting assemblage homogenization is promoted by high tufa precipitation, creating differences with tufa-free nearby streams. Contrary to this prediction, the assemblages of low-conductivity helocrenes were more homogeneous, being also significantly different from those in the streams. This result is related to the apparently more favorable tufa-free substrate at low-conductivity fens, as shown by the high taxa richness and the number of indicator species. Contrary to the other invertebrates, the clitellates differed between spring fens and streams only under acidic conditions. It seems that small adjacent streams can only serve as potential refugia for spring fen biota at sites with high conductivity, while at sites with low conductivity, clitellate assemblages differ more from those in adjacent streams and thus are more susceptible to disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leeches are famous for their high medical value and wide environmental adaptability. Among them, cave leeches are a very fascinating and rare group, which is an important component in the study of adaptive evolution of leeches. However, no study has yet reported a reference genome for this group. In this study, we assembled a high-quality chromosome-level genome of the cave terrestrial leech Sinospelaeobdella cavatuses, through Illumina and PacBio sequencing, alongside chromosome conformation capture techniques. The resulting genome spans 153.67 Mb across 9 pseudochromosomes(range: 11.33 to 23.53 Mb), with a mounting rate of up to 95.37% and features an N50 length of 17.15 Mb. This genome is composed of 35.16% repetitive elements and contains 21180 predicted protein-coding genes. Decoding the S. cavatuses genome not only promotes future studies on study of its phylogeny, evolution, and behavior, but also provides valuable resources for in-depth investigation on adaptive evolution of leech. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discourse presentation in the history of English has recently caught the attention of a number of studies. This paper aims to contribute to this area of research by making the case of the Reaction Object Construction or ROC (e.g. He shouted his excitement to come back) as another option used by narrators to frame and evaluate the speech/thought they represent in nineteenth-century sentimental novels. On the basis of data from the British Sentimental Novel Corpus, it will be argued that the ROC constitutes an emerging fully fledged subcategory within the Leech and Short’s model of discourse presentation constructions. The ROC fits in within their category Narrative Report of Speech/Thought Acts (NRS/TAs); the difference between the ROC and a prototypical NRS/TA is that the ROC is closer to the original act of communication that is being reported as it always conveys via a descriptive verb and an emotional object the illocutionary force (attitude) of the speaker’s utterance. The more than 500 ROC examples attested also confirm the tight connection between the ROC and the British sentimental novel, and reveal an array of meaningful stylistic, and socio-pragmatic motivations in the use of the nineteenth-century ROC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate how the Helobdella sp. freshwater leeches capture and consume Lumbriculus variegatus blackworms despite the blackworm's ultrafast helical swimming escape reflex and ability to form large tangled "blobs." We describe a spiral "entombment" predation strategy, where Helobdellid leeches latch onto blackworms with their anterior sucker and envelop them in a spiral cocoon. Quantitative analysis shows that larger leeches succeed more often in entombing prey, while longer worms tend to escape. The rate of spiral contraction correlates with entombment outcomes, with slower rates associated with success. These insights highlight the complex interactions between predator and prey in freshwater ecosystems, providing new perspectives on ecological adaptability and predator-prey dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An updated checklist of leeches and oligochaetes (Annelida: Clitellata) that parasitize or prey upon wild North American amphibians and reptiles is presented: A total of 25 species grouped in 6 genera, 5 families, and 2 orders, are registered; these infect a total of 39 species of reptiles and 39 species of amphibians in the region. An illustrated identification key for the families and genera listed is proposed. Finally, a new record is made for Mexico: the leech Placobdella parasitica (Say, 1824) (Glossiphoniidae) parasitizing the Mesoamerican slider Trachemys venusta (Gray, 1856) (Emydidae) in the state of Tamaulipas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics are ubiquitous in our ecosystems, and microplastic accumulation in the environment is an emerging global health concern. Since available recycling technologies are not economically competitive with primary plastic production, global use is expected to reach 1231 megatons by 2060, with 493 megatons leeching into the environment each year. To identify new nylon‐recycling biotechnologies, targeted genome mining was used to identify thermostable enzymes capable of degrading polyamides. Here, we describe the characterization of a novel protein sourced from Thermovenabulum gondwanense: TvgC. TvgC is extremely stable, exhibiting a melting temperature of 93 °C and no detectable losses in hydrolytic activity after one week at 60 °C. While nylonases primarily process nylon‐6, TvgC catalysed the degradation of both nylon‐6 and nylon‐6,6 films, which are considerably more difficult to degrade. Finally, conversion experiments demonstrate that TvgC achieves a 1.2 wt % conversion of nylon‐6 film, comparable to that of the most highly engineered nylonases. This novel hyperthermostable protein represents an excellent starting point for future engineering of increasingly efficient nylonases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While leeches as intranasal foreign bodies are not frequently encountered, they can be one of the causes of epistaxis. The aim of the study is to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the possibility of patients from leech endemic regions presenting with epistaxis. Case presentation: We present a series of epistaxis cases due to intranasal leech infestation. In our series of 10 cases, there were 7 male and 3 female patients, aged between 2 and 53 years old. The duration of the complaint ranged from 1 to 5 weeks. All patients experienced with blood-stain nasal discharge or frank nasal bleeding at some point and most of them have a history of leech infestation from spring water as a local source. This article presents our approach to managing nasal leech infestation as epistaxis and outlines the precautionary measures taken for the retrieval of this living foreign body. Conclusion: Details of the history must be taken before concluding the diagnosis. Maintain a high index of suspicion of leech infestation as a hidden cause of epistaxis especially in patients coming from endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leech bites have long been a persistent problem for individuals engaged in outdoor activities, particularly in environments such as moors, jungles, and grasslands. Methods to prevent leech bites are anecdotal and individual, highlighting the need for the development of universal and effective repellent formulations. This study developed a novel approach for repelling leeches using combined repellent agents and a film-forming material (polyvinyl butyral), to enhance efficiency in multi-scenario applications. Material and methods: This study demonstrates that citronellal, icaridin and DDAC (didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) showcasing active avoidance and contact toxicity on leeches. the optimized repellent formulation (MSRS, containing citronellal, icaridin and DDAC as repellent agents) enables specific sustained release properties of constituents in both air and water conditions. Results: MSRS could effectively achieve the purposes of "proactive repelling", "contact repelling", and "bite detaching". The effectiveness could last for several hours. Additionally, the hydrophobic polyvinyl butyral membrane reduced the transdermal absorption of repellent agents. Moreover, the formulation is biocompatible and environmentally friendly. Conclusions: This study provides a new feasible strategy for the prevention and removal of leech bites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the impact of light on the reproductive performance of leeches for the first time using the Mediterranean medicinal leech Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820, which is important in medicinal leech aquaculture. Gravid leeches were subjected to three different light conditions: 24-h Light, 24-h Dark, and Daylight (14-h light and 10-h dark) for 11 weeks. Gravidity ended at the 8th week for the Dark (5.33 ± 0.38 weeks) and Daylight (5.41 ± 0.29 weeks) groups, whereas it persisted for 11 weeks in the Light group (6.75 ± 0.51 weeks) (p = 0.031). In comparison to the Daylight group (cocoons: 40, offspring: 538), the Light (cocoons: 50, offspring: 723) and Dark (cocoons: 45, offspring: 576) groups achieved a greater yield of cocoons (p = 0.312) and offspring (p = 0.323). We invite discussion on the notion that the enhanced reproductive capacity of leeches in full light and full dark conditions, as opposed to daylight, may be attributed to the disturbance of their circadian rhythms. Impact statement: Effects of light on reproductive performance of leeches were investigated for the first time. Gravidity lasted 3 weeks longer in the 24-hour light group. Cocoon and offspring were more abundant in 24-h light and 24-h dark groups. Findings are thought to be due to the disruption of the circadian rhythms of the leeches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on analyzing face attacks in the conflict discourse of cross-linguistic online chats on the instant message application WeChat among a group of international students at a prestigious university in China. Drawing on the previous impoliteness theory of Leech and Culpeper, this article selectively combines these two theories and proposes that in face-attack studies, especially with respect to online discourses, impolite multimodal discourse should be considered and subsumed in the theoretical framework. It is found that a wide array of face attacks in conflict discourse manifest themselves both in verbal discourse as well as in multimodal counterparts. The present study might shed light on online impoliteness research that is beyond monolingual and single-mode contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vivid imagery and intricate tapestry of linguistic features are essential to grasp literary significance and appreciation in Dylan Thomas' poems. This study focuses on one of his most significant poems, Before I Knocked for an in-depth investigation. The study is significant in because combining both the theory of foregrounding and the checklist is unique in this type of study. Therefore, the study aims to analyze Thomas' selected poem and demonstrate how and why various linguistic elements are systematically utilized to create value and quality in the poem. Concerning this, the study utilises qualitative descriptive analysis relying on stylistic analysis within which the theory of foregrounding supplemented by Leech and Short's checklist, is applied. Ultimately, the study finds that Thomas has employed linguistic features and foregrounding aspects systematically and coherently to carry meaning and theme and relate the form and the content of his work. The study also recommends integrating linguistic features in literary stylistic analysis is essential for learners and pedagogical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The document titled "List of Reviewers" from the Journal of Medical Imaging & Radiation Oncology acknowledges and thanks the peer reviewers who volunteered their time and expertise in 2024. The list includes reviewers who contributed multiple reviews, ranging from five or more to one review. The document recognizes the valuable contributions of a diverse group of reviewers from various backgrounds and expertise in the field of medical imaging and radiation oncology. [Extracted from the article]

Dal Lake supports a diverse group of fauna, including fishes, aquatic birds, zooplankton, and macrobenthic invertebrates. This study is the first taxonomic documentation of the leech fauna of Dal Lake. A total of nine leech taxa belonging to four families were identified and described: Glossiphoniidae - Alboglossiphonia weberi, A. heteroclita, Glossiphonia complanata, Helobdella stagnalis, Hemiclepsis marginata asiatica, and Theromyzon sp.; Erpobdellidae - Erpobdella octoculata; Hirudinidae - Poecilobdella granulosa; and Haemopidae - Haemopis indicus. Leeches play key roles in prey-predator dynamics and host-parasite relationships in freshwater ecosystems and as bioindicators of water pollution. This study provides essential data for taxonomic accounts and the diversity of leech fauna in Dal Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper traces the temporal tactics of continually renewed coloniality—where some impasses are made to appear insurmountable while others demand swift solutions—in relation to housing and mining at Borroloola in Australia's Northern Territory. Distinct policy and regulatory regimes encourage analyses that set housing and mining apart. Yet together they signal the settler state's simultaneous remedial and extractive orientations to remote Aboriginal communities. Mining leeches into housing, and housing is a promise extracted from late liberal recognition, for community members forced to wait for promised amenities while fighting for long‐term environmental protections. The analysis demonstrates the central significance of temporal control to settler colonialism: by selectively deferring action; by producing the appearance of actions that are not actually taken; and by intervening to expedite processes that serve the interests of extractive capital. We argue that the confection of intermittent urgency to intervene is a key feature of the deferrals enacted by Australian settler governance, as it rations remedial solutions and displaces harms into mortgaged futures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During captivity, round stingrays, Urobatis halleri, became infected with the marine leech Branchellion lobata. When adult leeches were deprived of blood meal, they experienced a rapid decrease in body mass and did not survive beyond 25 days. If kept in aquaria with host rays, B. lobata fed frequently and soon produced cocoons, which were discovered adhered to sand grains. A single leech emerged from each cocoon (at ~ 21 days), and was either preserved for histology or molecular analysis, or monitored for development by introduction to new hosts in aquaria. Over a 74-day observation period, leeches grew from ~ 2 to 8 mm without becoming mature. Newly hatched leeches differed from adults in lacking branchiae and apparent pulsatile vesicles. The microbiome of the hatchlings was dominated by a specific, but undescribed, member of the gammaproteobacteria, also recovered previously from the adult leech microbiome. Raising B. lobata in captivity provided an opportunity to examine their reproductive strategy and early developmental process, adding to our limited knowledge of this common group of parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses how the concept of norms of speech and thought presentation relates to speech and thought presentation in actual texts with reference to the examination of two corpora, Semino and Short's discourse presentation corpus, and a corpus of contemporary present-tense fiction. Through this approach, we review the meanings of the norms in each kind of discourse presentation. Leech and Short suggest that the norm of speech presentation is direct speech (DS) and the norm of thought presentation is indirect thought (IT). Examining their claim quantitatively and qualitatively, we will discuss how forms of speech and thought presentation are chosen in different socio-lingual contexts. Our examination strongly indicates that DS predominantly serves as the norm for speech presentation. However, thought presentation exhibits a higher degree of variability, influenced by genre, text type, and narrative tense and mode, and thus our investigation did not ascertain a singular category that consistently prevails quantitatively over others in thought presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In general practice, venous ulcers (stasis ulcers) are the most common and recurrent leg ulcers. Ignorance of it can have a severe detrimental effect on one's quality of life, cause gangrene, and even the limb amputation. Venous ulcers are the most dangerous and disabling side effect of chronic venous insufficiency. Leech therapy seems to be effective for the treatment of varicose ulcers due to its salivary secretions which it injects during bloodsucking. The saliva of leeches contains certain biochemical with vaso-dilating, anticoagulant, anesthetic, thrombolytic, antibiotic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, Irsal-e-Alaq (Hirudotherapy), one of the Unani regimens, can effectively control it. Objective: The purpose of this case report is to provide insight into the effects of Irsal-e-Alaq (Hirudotherapy) on venous ulcers. Intervention: A 60-year-old male has a complaintof ulceration in his left lower leg near the medial malleolus with swelling, pain, discharge, and darkening of the skin of the left lower limb. Four leeches were applied once every week for 2 months. Efficacy of leech therapy was assessed on every 15th day by pain /leg discomfort on 4 point scale ranging from 0-3, limb girth at calf, ankle & foot, pigmentation color on 4 point scale, pigmentation area, pain in ulcer on 4 point scale from 0-3, ulcer depth, PUSH Score. Hb% was assessed every 15th day to check anemia, colour flow Doppler was done to assess any change in vein anatomy. Result: In this case report, the ulcers were completely healed, and also showed remarkable improvement in other variables. Conclusion: Irsal-e-Alaq has been proven beneficial in treating venous ulcers and enhancing patient’s quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are three therapeutic modalities in the Unani medical system: Ilaj bit Tadbeer (Regimenal Therapy), Ilaj bid Dawa (pharmacotherapy), and Ilaj bil Yad (surgery). Ilaj bit Tadbeer includes several regimenal therapies such as Hijāma (Cupping Therapy), Ta'līq or Irsal-e-'Alaq (Leech Therapy), Fasd (Venesection), Dalk (Massage), Nutūl (Therapeutic Irrigation), Qai (Emesis), Idrār-i-Bawl (Diuresis), Tariq (Diaphoresis), Mundij wa Mu'shil therapy (Concoction and purgation), Bukhoor (Medicated Steam), Kaiyy (Cauterization), Huqna (Enema) etc. Since ancient times, these therapies have been widely used for their preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative effects. One of the most significant regimenal therapies, Irsal-e-Alaq (Leech therapy), is still in use. Renowned Unani physicians Razi, Majoosi, Zahrawi, and Ibne Sina have discussed and recommended the use of non-poisonous (or medicinal) leeches in the prevention and treatment of a variety of illnesses, including joint disorders, chronic non-healing ulcers, and numerous skin disorders like eczema, p [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health professionals working in rural areas where leech infestation is common should be aware that people are at risk for leech bites. The bite develops infected and wounds or ulcers may cause a reaction to an allergen. The experimental plant Lagerstroemia speciosa is commonly called Queen crape myrtle. Medicinal plants as effective and affordable treatments for cutaneous wounds. The objective of the present study was to investigate the wound healing effect of acetone flower extract of L. speciosa against Haemadipsa sylvestris bite. Group I control. They didn’t receive any drug treatment. Group II and III received commercial ointment, betadine and herbal ointment, respectively. Group IV and V are the topical application of LAFE 1 and 2% formulated ointments. The results revealed that the topically applied herbal ointment-treated groups had a rate of wound contraction of 94.4%. The topically applied LAFE 1% and LAFE 2% treated groups had rates of wound contraction of 94.5 and 95.3% (p <0.05), respectively at day 21. The present research finds the LAFE1% treated group has equal contraction to the herbal ointment applied group and the LAFE2% treated group has the highest contraction rate compared to the control. The study revealed that the acetone flower extract of L. speciosa was capable of promoting wound healing and functional recovery in a dose-dependent way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leeches of the predatory genus Whitmania Blanchard, 1888 were collected from Yonaguni Island in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, and are identified as W. laevis (Baird, 1869). This represents the first record of this species from the Ryukyu Islands. Molecular phylogenetic analyses, which were performed using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, tRNACys, tRNAMet, 12S rRNA, tRNAVal, and 16S rRNA markers, reveal that the Yonaguni population of W. laevis is genetically close to the Taiwanese populations. The mitochondrial phylogeny also shows that W. laevis is a sister species of W. edentula (Whitman, 1886), which is indigenous to the Japanese Archipelago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compilation of scientific papers dealing with marine annelids (including Sipuncula) along the coasts of Türkiye (Black Sea, Sea of Marmara, Aegean Sea, and Levantine Sea) together with the new records of polychaete species (21 species) presented in this study resulted in a list of 827 species belonging to 63 families. Polychaeta were represented by 782 species, Sipuncula by 21 species, Oligochaeta by 18 species, Hirudinea by 5 species, and Echiura by 1 species. Syllidae (127 species), Spionidae (57 species), and Serpulidae (56 species) were the most species-rich families and their numbers varied among the seas. Most annelid species were benthic (808 species), 14 species were pelagic, and 5 species (leeches) were parasitic. The Aegean Sea had the highest number of species (634 species), followed by the Levantine Sea (566 species) and the Sea of Marmara (479 species). A total of 72 alien annelid species were reported from the region, with the highest number of alien species (64 species) being found in the Levantine Sea and the lowest number of alien species (3 species) in the Black Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Biotropica is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Hirudo nipponia is an important medicinal animal in China. Its salivary gland secretions contain a variety of protein bioactive substances. Investigations of its salivary glands are of great significance in the study of the medicinal value and mechanism of leech secretions. Illumina RNA-Seq technology was used to perform transcriptome sequencing of salivary gland tissue of H. nipponia under starvation (D30) and fed (D0) states. A total of 2,650 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. Using the label-free protein quantification technique and bioinformatics analysis, the expression of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the salivary gland tissue of H. nipponia was compared. A total of 2,021 proteins were identified, among which 181 proteins were differentially expressed between the starvation and fed states, with 72 significantly upregulated and 109 significantly downregulated. The salivary glands of H. nipponia synthesized protein-based active substances after 30 days of starvation and adapted to the starvation environment by weakening respiratory activity and reducing metabolic activity to reduce energy expenditure. Energy was produced by glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle for the synthesis of substances such as antibiotics. This study combined transcriptome and proteome sequencing data to provide a data reference for an in-depth study of the regulatory mechanism of salivary gland secretions of H. nipponia under starvation stress by analyzing DEGs and DEPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of Hirudinea species infesting elasmobranchs are scarce and scattered worldwide and they are inexistent off the Tunisian waters. In this work, we aimed to assess the occurrence of these parasites on two ray species in the Gulf of Tunis (Tunisia). Between 2017 and 2021, 254 fish specimens belonging to two Torpedinidae species (marbled electric ray, Torpedo marmorata Risso, 1810, and common torpedo, Torpedo torpedo (Linnaeus, 1758)) were examined for leech infestation. Morphological and molecular characterizations based on 18S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase (COI) sequences allowed us to identify two leech species: Pontobdella muricata (Linnaeus, 1758) and a new Branchellion Savigny, 1822 species Branchellion tunisensis sp. n. This new species (B. tunisensis) exhibited distinctive traits unlike other Branchellion, including a transparent body marred with dark green along the abdomen and neck, long trachelosome (about 1/3 of the length of the body), distinctive two eye spots, the presence of a pair of lateral branchiae per somite except for the last 2 somites and cup-shaped posterior sucker. Molecular analysis of the 18S rDNA and COI gene fragments shows more than 10% divergence of B. tunisensis from other Branchellion spp. and high identity score of P. muricata with other sequenced isolates. This work allowed us to report the presence of P. muricata for the first time off the Tunisian coasts and to identify a new marine leech species parasitizing electric rays in the Gulf of Tunis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of Haemogregarina are blood parasites known to parasitise vertebrate hosts, including fishes (Haemogregarina sensu lato) and freshwater turtles (Haemogregarina sensu stricto). Their vectors, include gnathiid isopods and leeches, respectively. In turtles, Haemogregarina balli has the best-characterized life cycle in the genus. However, no studies in Brazil have suggested a possible vector for any species of Haemogregarina from freshwater turtles. Therefore, in the present study, we provide insights into a leech vector based on specimens found feeding on two species of freshwater turtles, Podocnemis unifilis and Podocnemis expansa, using morphological and molecular data. In 2017 and 2019, freshwater turtles were collected in Goiás State, Brazil. Hosts were inspected for ectoparasites and leeches were collected from two specimens of P. expansa and nine specimens of P. unifilis. Leeches were subsequently identified as members of the genus Unoculubranchiobdella. Leech histological slides revealed haemogregarine-like structures, similar to post-sporogonic merogony, found near the gills and within the posterior sucker. Molecular analysis of the haemeogregarines resulted in the identification of three species of Haemogregarina: Haemogregarina embaubali, Haemogregarina goianensis, and Haemogregarina brasiliana. Therefore, our findings, based on morphology and DNA data suggest leeches of the genus Unoculubranchiondella as vectors for at least three species of Haemogregarina from Brazilian turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of medicinal leeches in clinical therapy has been employed for a long time, as it was originally recognized for exerting antithrombin effects. These effects were due to the ability of the leech to continuously suck blood while attached to human skin. According to Chinese Pharmacopoei, leeches used in traditional Chinese medicine mainly consist of Whitmania pigra Whitman, Hirudo nipponia Whitman, and Whitmania acranulata, but the latter two species are relatively scarce. The main constituents of leeches are protein and peptide macromolecules. They can be categorized into two categories based on their pharmacological effects. One group consists of active ingredients that directly target the coagulation system, such as hirudin, heparin, and histamine, which are widely known. The other group comprises protease inhibitor components like Decorsin and Hementin. Among these, hirudin secreted by the salivary glands of the leech is the most potent thrombin inhibitor and served as the sole remedy for preventing blood clotting until the discovery of heparin. Additionally, leeches play a significant role in various traditional Chinese medicine formulations. In recent decades, medicinal leeches have been applied in fields including anti-inflammatory treatment, cardiovascular disease management, antitumor treatment, and many other medical conditions. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the historical journey and medicinal applications of leeches in various medical conditions, emphasizing their pharmaceutical significance within traditional Chinese medicine. This review offers valuable insights for exploring additional therapeutic opportunities involving the use of leeches in various diseases and elucidating their underlying mechanisms for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several strategies for the management of venous congestion of the nipple–areola complex (NAC) after reduction mammaplasty have been proposed. Among these, hirudotherapy represents an ancient but still effective method, even though the risk of infections related to leeches should be considered. We report a peculiar case of breast infection and sepsis after leech therapy in a patient who underwent a reduction mammaplasty. A prompt surgical debridement of the wounds and necrotic tissues associated with targeted antibiotic therapy led to a fast improvement of clinical conditions, and partial preservation of the NAC was obtained. Accurate knowledge of the clinical presentation of soft tissue infections related to leeching allows for an early diagnosis and would serve as a warning for surgeons who approach such breast cosmetic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Barbronia, a genus of freshwater macrophagous leeches, belongs to Erpobdelliformes (Salifidae: Clitellata: Annelida), and B. weberi, a well-known leech within this genus, has a worldwide distribution. However, the systematics of Barbronia have not yet been adequately investigated, primarily due to a few molecular markers, and only 20 Barbronia sequences available in the GenBank database. This gap significantly limits our understanding of the Barbronia species identification, as well as the phylogenetic placement of the genus Barbronia within Salifidae. Methods: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to simultaneously capture the entire mitochondrial genome and the full-length 18S/28S rDNA sequences. The species boundary of Barbronia species was estimated using bGMYC and bPTP methods, based on all available Barbronia COI sequences. Uncorrected COI p-distance was calculated in MEGA. A molecular data matrix consisting of four loci (COI, 12S, 18S, and 28S rDNA) for outgroups (three Haemopis leeches) and 49 erpobdellid leeches, representing eight genera within the Suborder Erpobdelliformes was aligned using MAFFT and LocARNA. This matrix was used to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationship of Barbronia via Bayesian inference (BI) and the maximum likelihood (ML) method. Results: The full lengths of the mitochondrial genome, 18S and 28S rDNAs of B. cf. gwalagwalensis, are 14847 bp, 1876 bp 1876 bp, and 2863 bp, respectively. Both bGMYC and bPTP results based on COI data are generally congruent, suggesting that the previously proposed taxa (B. arcana, B. weberi formosana, and B. wuttkei or Erpobdella wuttkei) are synonyms of B. weberi. The specimens listed in the B. gwalagwalensis group, however, are split into at least two Primary Species Hypotheses (PSHs). The p-distance of the first PSH is less than 1.3% but increased to 4.5% when including the secondary PSH (i.e., B. cf. gwalagwalensis). In comparison, the interspecific p-distance between the B. weberi group and the B. gwalagwalensis group ranged from 6.4% to 8.7%, and the intraspecific p-distance within the B. weberi group is less than 0.8%. Considering the species delimitation results and the sufficient large p-distance, the specimen sampled in China is treated as B. cf. gwalagwalensis. The monophyly of the four Erpobdelliformes families Salifidae, Orobdellidae, Gastrostomobdellidae sensu stricto and Erpobdellidae is well supported in ML and BI analysis based on a data of four markers. Within the Salifidae, a well-supported Barbronia is closely related to a clade containing Odontobdella and Mimobdella, and these three genera are sister to a clade consisted of Salifa and Linta. According to the results of this study, the strategy of simultaneous obtaining both whole mitochondria and nuclear markers from extensively sampled Salifids species using NGS is expected to fathom both the species diversity of B. gwalagwalensis and the evolutionary relationship of Salifidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Baikal is one of the largest and oldest freshwater reservoirs on the planet with a huge endemic diversity of amphipods (Amphipoda, Crustacea). These crustaceans have various symbiotic relationships, including the rarely described phenomenon of leech parasitism on amphipods. It is known that leeches feeding on hemolymph of crustacean hosts can influence their physiology, especially under stressful conditions. Here we show that leeches Baicalobdella torquata (Grube, 1871) found on gills of Eulimnogammarus verrucosus (Gerstfeldt, 1858), one of the most abundant amphipods in the Baikal littoral zone, indeed feed on the hemolymph of their host. However, the leech infection had no effect on immune parameters such as hemocyte concentration or phenoloxidase activity and also did not affect glycogen content. The intensity of hemocyte reaction to foreign bodies in a primary culture was identical between leech-free and leech-infected animals. Artificial infection with leeches also had only a subtle effect on the course of a model microbial infection in terms of hemocyte concentration and composition. Despite we cannot fully exclude deleterious effects of the parasites, our study indicates a low influence of a few leeches on E. verrucosus and shows that leech-infected amphipods can be used at least for some types of ecophysiological experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leech specimens of the genus Pontobdella (Hirudinida: Piscicolidae) were found off the coast of the state of Oaxaca (Pacific) as well as in Veracruz and Tabasco (Gulf of Mexico), Mexico. Based on the specimens collected in Oaxaca, a redescription of Pontobdella californiana is provided, with emphasis on the differences in the reproductive organs with the original description of the species. In addition, leech cocoons assigned to P. californiana were found attached to items hauled by gillnets and studied using scanning electron microscopy and molecular approaches. Samples of Pontobdella macrothela were found in both Pacific and Atlantic oceans, representing new geographic records. The phylogenetic position of P. californiana is investigated for the first time, and with the addition of Mexican samples of both species, the phylogenetic relationships within Pontobdella are reinvestigated. Parsimony and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis were based on mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase subunit I [COI] and 12S rRNA) and nuclear (18S rRNA and 28S rRNA) DNA sequences. Based on our results, we confirm the monophyly of Pontobdella and the pantropical distribution of P. macrothela with a new record in the Tropical Eastern Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leeches therapy, also known as hirudotherapy, is one of the oldest methods used in medicine. Hirudotherapy treatments are increasingly used as a useful therapeutic method in the treatment of various diseases as an independent and complementary therapy. The method is used, among others, to treat pain, circulatory system diseases, diabetic complications, and arthritis. It is also effectively used by surgeons to treat venous diseases, hematomas, and wounds. Aim of the study: This article aimed to review the literature on hirudotherapy and its impact on eliminating pain. Material and methods: The analysis included articles from the pubMed and Google Scholar databases, including publications from 2010 to 2024. The keywords used were: leeches medicinal, hirudotherapy, pain. Results: A total of 15 out of 29 articles were qualified for the review. The search resulted in four randomized controlled trials, five case reports, two case series, two systematic reviews, and two meta-analyses. The research shows that the use of hirudotherapy can be an effective method in the treatment of pain in various clinical conditions. Both clinical studies and case reports confirm the effectiveness of this method for relieving pain. Conclusions: At this stage, it can be concluded that hirudotherapy can be an independent or supportive therapy in the treatment of pain in various diseases. Studies have differed regarding the use of leeches to treat pain. An important issue is determining the appropriate leech use regimen, including the number of leeches, frequency, and duration of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leeches are distributed worldwide and are found in aquatic and humid terrestrial environments. They play important roles in trophic systems as parasites, predators and prey and, in determining water quality and biodiversity of aquatic and wetland ecosystems. This study was carried out to determine the species composition and effects of physico-chemical parameters on the distribution of leeches in Zaria located within the northern guinea savanna zone of Nigeria. Leeches were collected from August - October 2019 in rice farms and the banks of a stream and a pond with the aid of forceps. The pH, temperature, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids of each sampled location were taken in-situ using a Hanna Instrument. The average of each physicochemical parameter was recorded as mean ± Standard Error. A total of 12 leeches belonging to 3 families were collected (Erpobdellidea: Erpobdella octoculata, Glossiphoniidae: Placobdella costata and Hirudinidae: Hirudo species). The species composition (3) which constitutes 25% and abundance (9) constitutes 75% of leeches were highest in the rice farm. Temperature, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were relatively higher in the rice farm as compared with the stream and pond. However, the physico-chemical parameter did not affect the distribution and abundance of Erpobdella octoculata which was collected in all sampled locations. Species composition of leeches in Zaria was generally low due to reduced precipitation and vegetation type in the study area. Temperature, electrical conductivity, pH and total dissolved solids have effects on the distribution and abundance of Placobdella costata and Hirudo species. Intense survey of Leeches species composition is recommended in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional taxonomy of freshwater invertebrates is a labor-intensive process requiring extensive knowledge and experience. In addition, this science is largely subjective, which makes its digitalization difficult. However, accurate species attribution is becoming increasingly important for environmental surveys and conservation efforts. In the 21st century, molecular biology methods have proven to be a successful tool for objectively determining biodiversity. Achieving objectivity in identifying the taxa of non-parasitic leeches of the family Erpobdellidae was the main goal of this study. To this end, various bioinformatic approaches to DNA sequence analysis have been tested. As a result, the phylogenetic diversity amounted to 47 species versus 29 morphospecies defined traditionally. The use of molecular species delimitation methods made it possible to identify seven complexes of morphologically hidden (cryptic) species and some morphological misidentifications, as well as to discover a new species from Eastern Siberia (Erpobdella sibirica) with a unique molecular diagnosis (DNA barcode). A pioneering attempt to apply the same approach to higher taxa showed that Erpobdellidae probably consists of seven genera, including the unambiguous elimination of the genus Motobdella. Obtaining quantitative and, therefore, objective data is an advantage of the molecular approach, which has proven to be effective in recognizing species and genera, at least in leeches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leeches, classified under Hirudinea within the phylum Annelida, hold a crucial position within the aquatic ecosystem due to their substantial contribution to the intricate food web. As a result of some morphological and phylogenetic uncertainties in the classification, molecular studies have been implemented in leech taxonomy. We investigated the leech fauna in 14 wetlands in the province of Ankara in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey between 2017 and 2019. A total of 38 specimens were collected from wetlands, representing two families, four genera, and five species (Glossiphonia complanata, Glossiphonia concolor, Helobdella stagnalis, Hirudo verbana, Limnatis paluda). Morphological characters were identified following examination under a stereomicroscope, and maximum likelihood (ML), neighbour-joining (NJ) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses were employed to resolve the phylogenetic relationships using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). The haplotype analysis of the obtained COI region on 15 sequences revealed 11 haplotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 194 specimens of the predatory leech Helobdella stagnalis were collected from Sarchnar Stream, in Sulaimaniyah City along year of 2022 from January to the end of December. The seasonal distribution and occurrence, time of egg laying and hatching in relation with some physico-chemical factors were studied, including air and water temperatures, dissolved oxygen, pH, FCO2, HCO3-, Cl-, Ca+2 and Mg+. The temperature and dissolved oxygen were the most effective factors on leech's population density as well as time of egg lying and juvenile hatching. The highest density was in Autumn, while the lowest was recorded during Summer. Cocoons were seen to laid in late winter and maximum juvenile numbers were recorded during Spring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prove explicit stability estimates for the sphere packing problem in dimensions 8 and 24, showing that, in the lattice case, if a lattice is ∼ ε close to satisfying the optimal density, then it is, in a suitable sense, close to the E 8 and Leech lattices, respectively. In the periodic setting, we prove that, under the same assumptions, we may take a large "frame" through which our packing locally looks like E 8 or Λ 24 . Our methods make explicit use of the magic functions constructed in [M. S. Viazovska, The sphere packing problem in dimension 8, Ann. of Math. (2) 185 2017, 3, 991–1015] in dimension 8 and in [H. Cohn, A. Kumar, S. D. Miller, D. Radchenko and M. Viazovska, The sphere packing problem in dimension 24, Ann. of Math. (2) 185 2017, 3, 1017–1033] in dimension 24, together with results of independent interest on the abstract stability of the lattices E 8 and Λ 24 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]