Monocyte/macrophage response to β2-microglobulin modified with advanced glycation end products

Monocyte/macrophage response to β2-microglobulin modified with advanced glycation end products. We recently found that acidic β2-microglobulin (β2m), a major isoform of β2m in amyloid fibrils of patients with dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA), contained early Amadori products and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formed nonenzymatically between sugar and protein. Further analysis revealed that acidic β2m induces monocyte chemotaxis and macrophage secretion of bone-resorbing cytokines, suggesting the involvement of acidic β2m in the pathogenesis of DRA. Acidic β2m, however, is a mixture of heterogeneous molecular adducts due to various types of modification. In the present study, we investigated the modification responsible for the biological activity of acidic β2m toward monocytes/macrophages. The presence of a fair amount of β2m species with deamidation was detected in acidic β2m isolated from urine of non-diabetic long-term hemodialysis patients, but deamidated β2m had no biological activity. In contrast, normal β2m acquired the activity upon incubation with glucose in vitro. Among the glycated β2m, the pigmented and fluorescent β2m that formed after a long incubation period, that is, AGE-modified β2m, exhibited biological activity, whereas β2m modified with Amadori products, major Maillard products in acidic β2m, had no such activity. These findings suggest that AGEs, although only a minor constituent of acidic β2m, are responsible for monocyte chemotaxis and macrophage secretion of cytokines, implicating the contribution of AGEs to bone and joint destruction in DRA

Jiadifenolide induces the expression of cellular communication network factor (CCN) genes, and CCN2 exhibits neurotrophic activity in neuronal precursor cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells

Jiadifenolide has been reported to have neurotrophin-like activity in primary rat cortical neurons, and also possesses neurotrophic effects in neuronal precursor cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), as we have previously reported. However, the molecular mechanisms by which jiadifenolide exerts its neurotrophic effects in rat and human neurons are unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms and pathways by which jiadifenolide promotes neurotrophic effects. Here, we found that jiadifenolide activated cellular communication network factor (CCN) signaling pathways by up-regulating mRNA level expression of CCN genes in human neuronal cells. We also found that CCN2 (also known as connective tissue growth factor, CTGF) protein promotes neurotrophic effects through activation of the p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. This is the first discovery which links neurotrophic activity with CCN signaling

Truncated KCNQ1 mutant, A178fs/105, forms hetero-multimer channel with wild-type causing a dominant-negative suppression due to trafficking defect

AbstractWe identified a novel mutation Ala178fs/105 missing S3–S6 and C-terminus portions of KCNQ1 channel. Ala178fs/105-KCNQ1 expressed in COS-7 cells demonstrated no current expression. Co-expression with wild-type (WT) revealed a dominant-negative effect, which suggests the formation of hetero-multimer by mutant and WT. Confocal laser microscopy displayed intracellular retention of Ala178fs/105-KCNQ1 protein. Co-expression of the mutant and WT also increased intracellular retention of channel protein compared to WT alone. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism for LQT1 that the truncated S1–S2 KCNQ1 mutant forms hetero-multimer and cause a dominant-negative effect due to trafficking defect

Effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors on ultrafiltration in patients with peritoneal dialysis: a protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial (EMPOWERED)

The version of record of this article, first published in Clinical and Experimental Nephrology, is available online at Publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10157-024-02467-w.Background: Volume overload is common and associated with high mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Traditional strategies including diuretics, water/salt restriction, and icodextrin-based solutions cannot always fully correct this condition, necessitating novel alternative strategies. Recent studies confirmed the expression of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) in the human peritoneum. Experimental data suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors decrease glucose absorption from the PD solution, thereby increasing the ultrafiltration volume. This trial aims to assess whether SGLT2 inhibitors increase the ultrafiltration volume in patients on PD. Methods: The EMPOWERED trial (trial registration: jRCTs051230081) is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Patients with clinically diagnosed chronic heart failure are eligible regardless of the presence of diabetes if they use at least 3 L/day glucose-based PD solutions. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive empagliflozin 10 mg once daily and then placebo or vice versa. Each treatment period will last 8 weeks with a 4-week washout period. This study will recruit at least 36 randomized participants. The primary endpoint is the change in the daily ultrafiltration volume from baseline to week 8 in each intervention period. The key secondary endpoints include changes in the biomarkers of drained PD solutions, renal residual function, and anemia-related parameters. Conclusions: This trial aims to assess the benefit of SGLT2 inhibitors in fluid management with a novel mechanism of action in patients on PD. It will also provide insights into the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on solute transport across the peritoneal membrane and residual renal function

Quantification of image quality of intra-fractional cone-beam computed tomography for arc irradiation with various imaging condition

BACKGROUND: 3-dimensional intra-cone beam computed tomography (intra-CBCT) could be a potentially powerful tool for use with arc irradiation such as volumetric modulated arc therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the image quality of intra-cone beam computed tomography (intra-CBCT) for arc irradiation with various imaging condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two types of intra-CBCT imaging techniques were evaluated — intra-fractional CBCT with flattening filtered (FF) beam (intra-FF CBCT) and that with flattening filter free (FFF) beam (intra-FFF CBCT). For the intra-MV beams, four different field sizes (2 cm x 2 cm, 5 cm x 5 cm, 10 cm x 10 cm, and 20 cm x 20 cm) were used with dose rates of 500 MU/min and 1600 MU/min, for 6 MV FF and 6 MV FFF, respectively. For all image acquisitions, two rotation angles (full-arc and half-arc) were investigated. Thereafter, the linearity, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and uniformity index (UI) of intra-CBCT image were compared with those of conventional CBCT image. RESULTS: All acquisition conditions had good linearity of the CT value (R2 > 0.99). For CNR, the change rates from conventional CBCT ranged from 0.6–33.7% for a 2 cm x 2 cm beam, whereas that for a 20 cm x 20 cm beam ranged from 62.7–82.3%. Similarly, the UI increased from 1.5% to 7.0% as the field size increased. CONCLUSION: Quality of intra-CBCT image was affected by the field size and acquisition angle. Image quality of intra-CBCT was worse than that of conventional CBCT, but it was better under a smaller field and wider correction angle and would be acceptable for clinical use.

Complement Factor H Mutation W1206R Causes Retinal Thrombosis and Ischemic Retinopathy in Mice

© 2019 American Society for Investigative Pathology Single-nucleotide polymorphisms and rare mutations in factor H (FH; official name, CFH) are associated with age-related macular degeneration and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, a form of thrombotic microangiopathy. Mice with the FH W1206R mutation (FH R/R ) share features with human atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Herein, we report that FH R/R mice exhibited retinal vascular occlusion and ischemia. Retinal fluorescein angiography demonstrated delayed perfusion and vascular leakage in FH R/R mice. Optical coherence tomography imaging of FH R/R mice showed retinal degeneration, edema, and detachment. Histologic analysis of FH R/R mice revealed retinal thinning, vessel occlusion, as well as degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. Immunofluorescence showed albumin leakage from blood vessels into the neural retina, and electron microscopy demonstrated vascular endothelial cell irregularity with narrowing of retinal and choroidal vessels. Knockout of C6, a component of the membrane attack complex, prevented the aforementioned retinal phenotype in FH R/R mice, consistent with membrane attack complex–mediated pathogenesis. Pharmacologic blockade of C5 also rescued retinas of FH R/R mice. This FH R/R mouse strain represents a model for retinal vascular occlusive disorders and ischemic retinopathy. The results suggest complement dysregulation can contribute to retinal vascular occlusion and that an anti-C5 antibody might be helpful for C5-mediated thrombotic retinal diseases

Development of unit for elective subject from fifth to ninth grade to improve cooperative creation (3)

本研究は, 「21世紀型の教科学力」の新たな観点としての「協同的創造力」の育成をめざして, 自分たちで新たな文化を創造する子どもを育てる協同的創造学習のあり方について実証的に研究を進め, 単元モデルと評価方法を開発することを目的としている。そこで, 教科学習を「協同的創造学習」としてとらえ直すとともに, 中学校での従来の選択教科の時間に加えて, 小学校第5・6学年合同の選択教科の時間を新設して「協同的創造力」を特化して育むことにし, 本年度は, 選択教科の単元モデルの充実・改善と評価方法の確立に取り組んだ。その結果, 選択教科において, これまで開発した単元モデルをより充実させたり, 新たな単元モデルを開発したりすることができた。また, 評価の観点を整理し, 子どもの意識調査やカリキュラム評価に継続して取り組むことによって, 子どもの思いを汲み取り単元を見直していくことができた。今後も必修教科と選択教科のつながりや関連性, 各学年の系統性を整理するとともに, 協同的創造力育成の手だてを整理し, 来年度に向けて, これまで培ったものを生かす新たな学習開発を模索していきたいと考えている

The Creation of School Education Bringing up a Student Carrying Tomorrow (3) : The Valuation of "Compulsory Subjects", "Optional Subjects", and "Integrated Subjects"

The purpose of this study is to show the valuation of "Compulsory Subjects", "Optional Subjects", and "Integrated Subjects", to show the relationship between each subjects and "three abilities", "the ability of recognizing othere senses of value", "the ability of self-expression and communication" and "the ability of decision-making" which defined by the project members. The main result of this study is that we should make up the standards which teachers, students and parents recognize as important abilities

Probiotic Bifidobacterium breve Induces IL-10-Producing Tr1 Cells in the Colon

Specific intestinal microbiota has been shown to induce Foxp3+ regulatory T cell development. However, it remains unclear how development of another regulatory T cell subset, Tr1 cells, is regulated in the intestine. Here, we analyzed the role of two probiotic strains of intestinal bacteria, Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium breve in T cell development in the intestine. B. breve, but not L. casei, induced development of IL-10-producing Tr1 cells that express cMaf, IL-21, and Ahr in the large intestine. Intestinal CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) mediated B. breve-induced development of IL-10-producing T cells. CD103+ DCs from Il10−/−, Tlr2−/−, and Myd88−/− mice showed defective B. breve-induced Tr1 cell development. B. breve-treated CD103+ DCs failed to induce IL-10 production from co-cultured Il27ra−/− T cells. B. breve treatment of Tlr2−/− mice did not increase IL-10-producing T cells in the colonic lamina propria. Thus, B. breve activates intestinal CD103+ DCs to produce IL-10 and IL-27 via the TLR2/MyD88 pathway thereby inducing IL-10-producing Tr1 cells in the large intestine. Oral B. breve administration ameliorated colitis in immunocompromised mice given naïve CD4+ T cells from wild-type mice, but not Il10−/− mice. These findings demonstrate that B. breve prevents intestinal inflammation through the induction of intestinal IL-10-producing Tr1 cells

Aleurocanthus camelliae Kanmiya & Kasai, sp. nov.

<i>Aleurocanthus camelliae</i> Kanmiya & Kasai, sp. nov. <p> <b>Puparium.</b> (Figs. 1F, H, I, 3E, 6A) Length: (female) 1084.8 ± 51.1 µm (mean ± SD), range: 988–1237 µm (n = 42); (male) 796.3 ± 23.2 µm, range: 650–858 (n = 41); width: (female) 751.5 ± 45.9 µm, range: 624–858 µm; (male) 491.3 ± 29.5 µm, range: 390–572 µm. Dorsum highly sclerotised, oval-shaped, convex on submedian areas of cephalothorax and abdomen; middle length of puparium located at abdominal segments II (75%) or III (25%) in the female and abdominal segments I (71%) or II (29%) in the male. Length/width ratio of puparium: (female) 1.45 ± 0.1 µm (n = 18); (male) 1.62 ± 0.1 µm (n = 24). Cephalic eyespot ovoid, clearly defined with a distinct rim, located laterally and close to base of 3rd submarginal spine. Dorsal abdominal sutures distinct on segments III/VIII, especially depressed as a deep suture on VII/VIII. Tergite VIII 49.0 ± 6.9 µm long and 0.74 ± 0.11 times as long as the width of the vasiform orifice (female, n = 10). Vasiform orifice distinctly elevated, obtuse, 1.28 ± 0.08 times longer than wide, 84.3 ± 4.1 µm long, 65.9 ± 2.3 µm wide (female, n = 10), inset from posterior puparial margin by its own width, fully occupied by the operculum, which obscures lingula unless operculum is raised. Operculum in dorsal view 58.9 ± 8.9 µm long, 56.1 ± 6.4 µm wide (female, n = 10), with posterior margin roundly depressed and fringed by thick, microscopic hairs. Lingula usually not visible in the final pupal stage, but always prominent in 4th nymphal stage, seemingly bi-segmented, with dense microscopic hairs and a pair of long setae apically (Fig. 4B); its length subequal to length of operculum when protruding to excrete.</p> <p> <b>Margin.</b> Outline oblong, widest across abdominal segment II/III in the female, and across abdominal segments I/II in the male; marginal crenulation rather tightly arranged with 1.1–1.3-µm gap between the teeth (Fig. 5 E): each tooth 20–22 µm long, 12.5–14 µm wide, total number of marginal crenulations 174.6 ± 10 (n = 21) in female; number of teeth within 0.1 mm: 6–8 in female, 7–10 in male. Microscopic submarginal papillae present roughly in a row outside of submarginal spines that are approximately 2 μm long, 3–5 in number between spines (Figs. 1H, 4D).</p> <p>Nymphal chaetotaxy</p> <p>1st instar 2nd instar 3rd instar 4th instar</p> <p>Anterior marginal setae 4 0 0 0</p> <p>Cephalic setae 0 1 1 1</p> <p>Cephalo-thoratic spines 2 6 7 9</p> <p>Abdominal spines Submedian 0 0 1 3 Subdorsal 0 4 6 7</p> <p>Submarginal spines Cephalothorax 0 0 0 5</p> <p>Abdominal 0 0 0 6 (5)</p> <p>8th abdominal setae 1 1 1 1</p> <p>Caudal setae 1 1 1 1</p> <p>Posterior marginal setae 1 0 0 0 Total setae 7 3 3 3 Total spines 2 10 14 30 (29) In total 9 13 17 33 (32)</p> <p>Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of males.</p> <p> <b>FIGURE 1.</b> (A–F): Photomicrographs of slide-mounted <i>Aleurocanthus camelliae</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> (A) 1st -instar nymph, dorsal view; (B) 1st -instar nymph, lateral view; (C) 2nd -instar nymph, dorsal; (D) 2nd -instar nymph, lateral; (E) 3rd -instar nymph, dorsal; (F) 4th -instar nymph, dorsal; (G) <i>A. spiniferus</i>, puparial submarginal area, dorsal; (H, I) <i>A. camelliae</i>, puparium; (H) submarginal area; (I) abdominal tergites III–VII, showing spines and paired pores; (J) <i>A. spiniferus</i>, showing subdorsal spines, single pores, submarginal spines and porettes. Scale bars show 100 µm.</p> <p> <b>Chaetotaxy.</b> Dorsal surface with 11 (female) or 10 (male) submarginal glandular spines (Figs. 1F, 3E, Table 3) that are about 90–110 µm long. Cephalic setae and 8th abdominal seta subequal in length, about 82 µm; caudal seta much longer, about 134 µm; abdominal submedian spines 3 pairs, located on abdominal tergites I/III, of which the anteriormost is shortest, about 30 µm long, middle is longest, about 130 µm; abdominal subdorsal spines 7 pairs, of which the stout 4th spine is longest and the loci among bases of the 2nd to 5th setae placed roughly linearly. Paired, very closely placed, black microscopic pores present near outside of submedian abdominal spines in vivid puparium (Fig. 1I).</p> <p> <b>Venter.</b> (Fig. 4A): Surface rather smooth; wool-fibre-like, waxy bundle flowing between 1st and 2nd legs, indicating tracheal fold, but no pore and comb observed in the tip; caudal fold absent; antennae often retreated behind foreleg. Rostrum seemingly 3-segmented, 128 µm long in all, basal 1/3 thickened, with 42-µm basal width, distally narrowed, with a needlelike stylet bundle nearly 56 µm long. Pair of fine ventral abdominal setae 20–23 μm long; spinules scattered around the area of setae. Row of waxy projections produced along inner side of marginal teeth, which line up at slightly wider intervals than marginal teeth, comprising approximately 70% of total marginal teeth; each projection 20–30 µm long, mushroom-like, with basal stalk and flat top, which may serve as larval adhesive to leaf surface.</p> <p> <b>FIGURE 2.</b> Habitus photographs. (A–H, K, L) <i>A. camelliae</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> (A) ovum, lateral view; (B) 1st -instar nymph; (C) 2nd -instar nymph; (D) 3rd -instar nymph; (E) 4th -instar nymph; (F) adult emerging; (G) puparium (Osaka, Daito City, reared from <i>Ca. japonica</i>); (H) puparium (Kyoto, Uji City, reared from <i>Ca. sinensis</i>); (I, J) <i>A. spiniferus</i>; (I) puparium (Fukuoka, Kurume City, reared from <i>Ci. natsudaidai</i>); (J) puparium (Shizuoka, Shimada City, reared from <i>Ci. unshiu</i>); (K) female forewing; (L) female, hind wing (both Shimane, Ohchi-gun, reared from <i>Ca. sinensis</i>). Scale bars show 100 µm.</p> <p> <b>Adult (female).</b> Body length 1.25–1.40 mm. Head in dorsal view 244–272 µm wide, 2.25–2.3 times wider than frons; frons 100–110 µm long, 105–132 µm wide, weakly protruded from eye margin; eye 74–84 µm wide in dorsal view, upper and lower compound eyes connected by 3 ommatidia (Fig. 5 A). Antennae (Fig. 6 B) 260–320 µm in total length, two basal segments greyish-brown, distal 5 segments yellowish-white, two basal segments thickened, the 2nd nearly 3 times longer than the 1st, the 3rd segment longest, 86.2 ± 4.9 µm long (n = 6), with subapical sensoria and a cone at distal 3/5 of its length, the 7th segment also with a sensorial cone deriving at mid-length.</p> <p>Rostrum 136–155 µm total length, seemingly 3-segmented, basal segments 92 µm long, 44 µm wide, distal segments 66 µm long, 24 µm wide, apically browned. Forewing (Figs. 2K, 3A, D): 1.1–1.2 mm long, 413–550 µm wide at widest width (across Fig. 3 A,) and 320–450 µm wide at middle of wing (across Fig. 3 A,), with 9 greyish-white maculae (Figs. 2K, 3A), their maculation most distinct soon after emergence (Fig. 3 D), then turning largely brownish-green or brownish-blue, with maculae somewhat obscured by waxy powders. Hind wing (Figs. 2L, 3A) 0.95–1.02 mm long, 0.41– 0.4 mm wide, evenly greyish-white, or with several blurred maculae depending on age. Abdomen with two ventral wax plates.</p> <p> <b>Adult (male).</b> Body length 0.90–1.10 mm. Wing maculation almost identical to that of female. In dorsal view, tergal sclerite I vestigial, II invisible, III/VIII and subgenital plate distinct (Fig. 6 E), highly darkened on tergites VI/ VII, subgenital plate and claspers; each III/V tergite subequal in length, about 44 µm; tergite VI longest, 64 µm long; tergite VII reduced, 15 µm long, laterally extended and enclosing 7th spiracle; tergite VIII a small square, distally leaning on subgenital plate. Forewing 0.84–0.9 mm long, about 0.37 mm wide. Vasiform orifice in dorsal view about 45–59 µm long, nearly 1.2–1.3 times longer than wide; operculum rounded with distal incision, 23–35 µm long and wide; lingual 23–28 µm long, 8–11 µm wide. In lateral view, subgenital plate about 85–100 µm deep and 77–85 µm long, widely concave on anterior margin and gently depressed on ventral margin. Four distinct ventral abdominal wax plates (Fig. 6 F).</p> <p> <b>Genitalia.</b> (Figs. 4E, F, 6C) Aedeagus 108–120 µm long, gradually broadened basally to 23–27-µm basal width, upcurved toward apex and with slender distal half, apex extending near distal 3/4 length of clasper; clasper in dorsal view 108–123 µm long, weakly incurved and narrowed distally, angulate on outer subbasal corners, with a thin inflatable sac and apical spine.</p> <p> <b>Ovum.</b> (Fig. 2A) Elliptical, the lower surface convex and the upper surface slightly concave, similar to a short banana shape; 219.7 ± 13.2 µm long (n = 11), 95.2 ± 16.5 µm wide (n = 11); stalk 49.4 ± 3.9 µm long (n = 9).</p> <p> <b>First-instar nymph.</b> (Figs. 1A, B, 2B) (male and female): Elongate-oval, normally widest at posterior 3/5 length; 297 ± 18.9 µm long (n = 15), 132.8 ± 17.3 µm wide (n = 10), 93.9 ± 9.9 µm high (n = 9); ratio of length/ width 2.12 ± 0.12 (n = 5). Vertex conical, gradually widening posteriorly, suddenly recessed near laterobasal margins of vasiform orifice; prominent protuberance developed at mesial cephalad region and around vasiform orifice; pair of elongate arcing spines behind cephalic protuberance and posterior thoracic margin, with anterior spine 196 ± 25 µm long (n = 15), posterior spine 114 ± 12 µm long (n = 11). Four pairs of fine anterior marginal setae and one pair of fine posterior marginal setae present.</p> <p> <b>Second-instar nymph.</b> (Figs. 1C, D, 2C) More ovate, normally widest at anterior 1/3 length; 442.8 ± 71.2 µm long (n = 10), 277.2 ± 53.5 µm wide (n = 8), about 141–144 µm high; ratio of length/width 1.62 ± 0.08 (n = 8); 6 pairs of cephalothoracic and 4 pairs of abdominal subdorsal spines well developed, of which mesial 2 thoracic spines longest, 175–223 µm.</p> <p> <b>Third-instar nymph.</b> (Figs. 1E, 2D) Elliptical, normally widest at anterior 1/3 length; 611.3 ± 71.6 µm long (n = 10), 403.5 ± 47.4 µm wide (n = 10), ratio of length/width 1.58 ± 0.08 (n = 10); 7 pairs of cephalothoracic and 7 pairs (1 submedian and 6 subdorsal) of abdominal spines present.</p> <p> <b>Habitus. Puparium.</b> Metallic black, medially and peripherally surrounded by white marginal waxy fringe (Fig. 2G, H), width of which (female) 90–160 µm (11–16% width of puparium), (male) 66–150 µm (6–12% width of puparium). Tips of cephalothoracic and abdominal submarginal spines extending to outer edge of white marginal fringe or slightly protruding beyond it. Exuviae of earlier instars (usually 2nd and 3rd) often remain stacked up on median area of immature insect (Fig. 2E).</p> <p> <b>Adults.</b> After emergence, eye, thorax and abdomen predominantly reddish-yellow (pinkish), except frons, antennae and legs light yellow, then turning orange to light brown to dark brown, covered by wax powder coating except ruby eye. Wing also pale brown ground colour, with clear white original maculae (Fig. 3 D), then totally turning purple–brown to greenish-brown and the maculation somewhat obscured by white waxy powder; forewings bearing 9 white maculae as in Figures 2K and 3A; hind wing pale brown or greyish, without prominent maculae. Ocellus light brown; rostrum darkened at apex. Body and wing surfaces appear white, owing to wax secretions produced from abdominal waxy plates shortly after emergence by manipulating hind legs against glandular pores.</p> <p> <b>Ova and nymphs.</b> Newly deposited eggs pale yellow, then turning brown to darker before hatching; newly emerged nymphs transparent, appearing rather greenish by reflecting colour of leaves, then gradually darkening, finally becoming metallic black; 1st -instar nymph starts producing white waxy fringes marginally (Fig. 2B) soon after sessile state. Width of marginal waxy fringe: 1st -instar nymph (16 ± 3 µm wide, range 12–21 µm) (n = 13); 2nd - instar nymph 29 ± 4.3 µm wide, range 23–48 µm) (n = 5); 3rd -instar nymph 56 ± 7.2 µm wide, range 4–84 µm (n = 6).</p> <p> <b>FIGURE 4.</b> (A–F): <i>Aleurocanthus camelliae</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> (Kyoto, Uji City, reared from <i>Ca. sinensis</i>). (G, H) <i>A. spiniferus</i>. (A) SEM of 4th -instar nymph; (B) SEM of 4th -instar nymph, vasiform orifice; (C) SEM of 4th -instar nymph, with 2nd–3rd exuvia in dorsal; (D) SEM of 4th -instar nymph, marginal teeth and submarginal spines and porettes. (E–H) SEM of male aedeagus (E, Kyoto, Uji City, reared from <i>Ca. sinensis</i>; F, Kyoto, Kyoto City, reared from <i>Ca. sasanqua</i>; G, Ehime, Seiyo City, H, Shizuoka, Shimizu City, both reared from <i>Ci. unshiu</i>).</p> <p> <b>Host plants.</b> Theaceous genera <i>Camellia</i>, <i>Eurya</i> and <i>Cleyera</i> species: <i>Camellia sinensis</i>, <i>Ca. sasanqua</i>, <i>Ca. japonica</i>, <i>Eurya japonica</i> and <i>Cleyera japonica</i>.</p> <p> <b>Material examined.</b> Holotype puparium (female), Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, on tea, <i>Camellia sinensis</i>, 19.iii.2010, A. Kasai leg., deposited in Insect Museum, National Institutes for Agro-Environmental Science, Tsukuba, Japan. Paratypes: 20 puparia, same data as holotype; 16 puparia on tea plants, same locality as holotype, 18.v.2009, K. Kanmiya leg.; 20 puparia on tea plants, same locality as holotype, 10.i.2010, K. Yamashita leg.; 18 puparia on tea plants, Sayama, Saitama Pref., on tea plants, 9.x.2009, Y.Sato leg.; 15 puparia on tea plants, Kamiishizu-cho, Ohgaki, Gifu Pref., 13.x.2009, Y. Sato leg.; 18 puparia on tea plants, 3.iii.2009, Kameyama, Mie Pref., K. Kanmiya leg.; 15 puparia on tea plants, Tanba, Kyoto Pref., 15.ix.2008. Y. Yoshiyasu leg.; 20 puparia on <i>Ca. sasanqua</i>, Nishigyo, Kyoto Pref., 4.iv.2010, Y. Yoshiyasu leg.; 20 puparia on tea plants, Asamiya, Shiga Pref., 4.iv.2009, K. Kanmiya leg.; 20 puparia on tea plants, Asamiya, Shiga Pref., 2.x.2010, A. Kasai leg.; 12 puparia on tea plants, Yagyu, Nara Pref., 4.iv.2009, K. Kanmiya leg.; 10 puparia on <i>Ca. sasanqua</i>, Tsukigase, Nara Pref., 4.iv.2009, K. Kanmiya leg.; 7 puparia on tea plants, Kamishinden, Toyonaka, Osaka Pref., 5.v.2009, K. Kanmiya leg.; 20 puparia on tea plants, Ajimaoku, Sasayama, Hyogo Pref., 9.ix.2010, J. Yase leg.; 16 puparia on tea plants, Okayama, Okayama Pref., 7.vii.2010, Y. Sato leg.; 15 puparia on tea plants, 14.vii.2009, Ohchi-gun, Shimane Pref., Y. Sato leg.; 15 puparia on tea plants, 26.xii.2009, Kitsuki, Oita Pref., Y. Sato leg.</p> <p> <b>Specimens depository.</b> Some paratypes of <i>A. camelliae</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> will be deposited in the following institutions: The Natural History Museum, London; US National Museum of Natural History, Washington DC; National Taiwan University, Taipei; Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing; Yokohama Plant Protection Station, Kanagawa.</p> <p>Structure Character Discernible points</p> <p> <b>Comments.</b> Despite the almost identical features of the adult and nymphal stages of <i>A. camellinae</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> and <i>A. spiniferus</i> (Q.), we recognised very few, but clearly distinct, morphological differences in the puparial and adult stages, as listed in Table 4. This new species is rather similar to <i>Aleurocanthus hibisci</i> Corbett, 1935 distributed in Malaysia, Singapore and Reunion Islands, but its pronounced length of cephalothoracic spines and closely arranged 9th and 10th submarginal spines will be well differentiated from the present new species. <i>Aleurocanthus gordoniae</i> Takahashi, 1942 known from Hong Kong is also peculiar in its theaceous host plant, <i>Gordonia</i> sp., but is distinguished from the present new species in having vasiform orifice perfectly circular and puparium with reduced spine-chaetotaxy of 8 abdominal pairs (2 submedian + 6 subdorsal), not 10 pairs.</p>Published as part of <i>Kanmiya, Kenkichi, Ueda, Shigenori, Kasai, Atsushi, Yamashita, Koji, Sato, Yasushi & Yoshiyasu, Yutaka, 2011, Proposal of new specific status for tea-infesting populations of the nominal citrus spiny whitefly Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), pp. 25-44 in Zootaxa 2797</i> on pages 28-37, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/205633">10.5281/zenodo.205633</a&gt