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Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with two different probes, the canonical insect telomeric sequence (TTAGG) n and the sequence (TTAGGGATGG) n , was performed on meiotic chromosomes of two members of the true bug family Cimicidae (Cimicomorpha), the common bed bug Cimex lectularius Linnaeus, 1758 and the tropical bed bug C . hemipterus (Fabricius, 1803), whose telomeric motifs were not known. In both species, there were no hybridization signals with the first probe, but strong signals at chromosomal ends were observed with the second probe, indicating the presence of a telomeric motif (TTAGGGATGG) n . This study represents the first FISH confirmation of the presence of a non-canonical telomeric motif not only for the infraorder Cimicomorpha but also for the suborder Heteroptera (Hemiptera) as a whole. The present finding is of key significance for unraveling the evolutionary shifts in the telomeric sequences in this suborder.

We studied the karyotype and chromosomal distribution of 18S rDNA clustered in nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) in Nysiusgraminicola (Kolenati, 1845), belonging to the subfamily Orsillinae (Lygaeidae). It is shown that this species has a karyotype with 2n = 22(18+mm+XY), previously known in only one of 24 studied species of the genus Nysius Dallas, 1852, characterized by a similar karyotype, 2n = 14(12+mm+XY). In N.graminicola , 18S loci are located on sex chromosomes, which is a previously unknown trait for this genus. Our results in a compilation with previous data revealed dynamic evolution of rDNA distribution in Nysius . It is concluded that molecular chromosomal markers detected by FISH contribute to a better understanding of the structure and evolution of the taxonomically complex genus Nysius ., (Natalia V. Golub, Boris A. Anokhin, Valentina G. Kuznetsova.)

The Lygaeoidea comprise about 4660 species in 790 genera and 16 families. Using standard chromosome staining and FISH with 18S rDNA and telomeric (TTAGG) n probes, we studied male karyotypes and meiosis in 10 species of Lygaeoidea belonging to eight genera of the families Blissidae, Cymidae, Heterogastridae, Lygaeidae, and Rhyparochromidae. Chromosome numbers were shown to range from 12 to 28, with 2n = 14 being predominant. All species have an XY system and all but one have a pair of m-chromosomes. The exception is Spilostethus saxatilis (Lygaeidae: Lygaeinae); in another species of Lygaeinae, Thunbergia floridulus , m-chromosomes were present, which represents the first finding for this subfamily. All species have an inverted sequence of sex chromosome divisions ("post-reduction"). The 18S rDNA loci were observed on one or both sex chromosomes in Kleidocerys resedae and Th. floridulus , respectively (Lygaeidae), while on an autosomal bivalent in all other species. The rDNA loci tended to be close to the end of the chromosome. Using (TTAGG) n -FISH, we were able to show for the first time that the Lygaeoidea lack the canonical "insect" telomere motif (TTAGG) n . We speculate that this ancestral motif is absent from the entire infraorder Pentatomomorpha being replaced by some other telomere repeat motif sequences.

The lace bug family Tingidae comprises more than 2600 described species in 318 genera that are classified into the subfamilies Tinginae (about 2500 species and 300 genera), Cantacaderinae, and Vianadinae. We provide data on karyotypes of 16 species belonging to 10 genera of the tribes Tingini and Acalyptaini (Tinginae) studied using conventional chromosome staining and FISH. The species of Tingini possess 2n = 12A + XY, whereas those of Acalyptaini have 2n = 12A + X(0). FISH for 18S rDNA revealed hybridization signals on one of the medium-sized bivalents in species of both tribes. FISH with a telomeric probe TTAGG produced no signals in any species. In addition, we provide a list of all data obtained to date on Tingidae karyotypes, which includes 60 species from 22 genera of Tinginae. The subfamily is highly conservative in relation to the number and size of autosomes, whereas it shows diversity in the number and chromosomal distribution of the rDNA arrays, which may be located either on a pair of autosomes (the predominant and supposedly ancestral pattern), on one or both sex chromosomes, or on an autosome pair and the X. The absence of the "insect" telomeric sequence TTAGG in all species implies that Tinginae have some other, yet unknown, telomere organization.

This article is part (the 4 th article) of the themed issue (a monograph) "Aberrant cytogenetic and reproductive patterns in the evolution of Paraneoptera". The purpose of this article is to consider chromosome structure and evolution, chromosome numbers and sex chromosome systems, which all together constitute the chromosomal basis of reproduction and are essential for reproductive success. We are based on our own observations and literature data available for all major lineages of Paraneoptera including Zoraptera (angel insects), Copeognatha (=Psocoptera; bark lice), Parasita (=Phthiraptera s. str; true lice), Thysanoptera (thrips), Homoptera (scale insects, aphids, jumping plant-lice, whiteflies, and true hoppers), Heteroptera (true bugs), and Coleorrhyncha (moss bugs). Terminology, nomenclature, classification, and the study methods are given in the first paper of the issue (Gavrilov-Zimin et al. 2021)., (Valentina G. Kuznetsova, Ilya A. Gavrilov-Zimin, Snejana M. Grozeva, Natalia V. Golub.)

Carboxylated bacterial cellulose (OBC) was fabricated by oxidation with nitrogen dioxide in chloroform/cyclohexane and employed as a carrier for sustained release of antitumor substance cisplatin (CDDP). The influence of removing water method, solvent used in the synthesis, concentration of N 2 O 4 , and duration of the oxidation on content of carboxyl groups in reaction products was established. Due to the possibility of nitrogen dioxide to penetrate into cellulose crystallites, the carboxyl group content of the OBC reaches high values up to 4 mmol/g. In vitro degradation of OBC was determined under simulated physiological conditions. The immobilization of CDDP on OBC was studied in detail. The initial burst release of the drug from the polymer was depressed. The cytotoxicity of CDDP-loaded OBC was evaluated with HeLa cells. The unique structure and properties of OBC make it a great candidate as drug delivery carrier., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The ancient insect order Odonata is divided into three suborders: Anisoptera and Zygoptera with approximately 3000 species worldwide each, and Anisozygoptera with only four extant species in the relict family Epiophlebiidae. An updated list of Odonata species studied regarding chromosome number, sex chromosome mechanism and the occurrence of m-chromosomes (= microchromosomes) is given. Karyotypes of 607 species (198 genera, 23 families), covering approximately 10% of described species, are reported: 423 species (125 genera, 8 families) of the Anisoptera, 184 species (72 genera, 14 families) of the Zygoptera, and one species of the Anisozygoptera. Among the Odonata, sex determination mechanisms in males can be of X(0), XY and X 1 X 2 Y types, and diploid chromosome numbers can vary from 6 to 41, with a clear mode at 2n = 25(60%) and two more local modes at 2n = 27(21%) and 2n = 23(13%). The karyotype 2n = 25(24A + X) is found in each of the three suborders and is the most typical (modal) in many families, including the best-covered Libellulidae, Corduliidae (Anisoptera), Lestidae, Calopterygidae, and Platycnemididae (Zygoptera). This chromosome set is considered ancestral for the Odonata in general. Chromosome rearrangements, among which fusions and fissions most likely predominated, led to independent origins of similar karyotypes within different phylogenetic lineages of the order. The karyotype 2n = 27(26A + X) prevails in Aeshnidae and Coenagrionidae, whereas the karyotype 2n = 23(22A + X) is modal in Gomphidae and Chlorocyphidae, in both pairs of families one being from the Anisoptera while the other from the Zygoptera., (Valentina G. Kuznetsova, Natalia V. Golub.)

The paper focuses on the development of drug delivery systems based on hydrogels of dextran phosphate (DP) for local cancer therapy. The hydrogels were characterized by physicochemical properties including functional group content, morphology, gel fraction, pH-responsive swelling. The desirable pH-sensitive drug release behavior of these hydrogels was demonstrated by a drug release test with Prospidine-loaded hydrogels (DP-Pr hydrogels) at different pH values. In vitro degradation of the DP-Pr hydrogels was determined under simulated physiological conditions. The cytotoxicity of the blank DP hydrogels and DP-Pr hydrogels with different Pr concentrations was evaluated with HeLa and HЕр-2 cells. Investigations of antitumor efficiency in vivo showed that administration of DP-Pr hydrogels in comparison with an aqueous solution of Pr results in the increase of antitumor activity, prolongation of therapeutic action and growth of a number of animals cured. Therefore, such pH-responsive DP hydrogels could be promising candidates as drug delivery carriers., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The karyotypes of 10 species from 9 genera of the family Tingidae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Cimicomorpha) are described and illustrated for the first time. These species are: Agrammaatricapillum (Spinola, 1837), Catoplatuscarthusianus (Goeze, 1778), Dictylaplatyoma (Fieber, 1861), Lasiacanthahermani Vásárhelyi, 1977, Oncochilasimplex (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1830), Tingis (Neolasiotropis) pilosa Hummel, 1825, and T. (Tropidocheila) reticulata Herrich-Schaeffer, 1835, all with 2n = 12A + XY, as well as Acalyptamarginata (Wolff, 1804), Derephysia (Paraderephysia) longispina Golub, 1974, and Dictyonotastrichnocera Fieber, 1844, all with 2n = 12A + X(0). Moreover, genera Catoplatus Spinola, 1837, Derephysia Spinola, 1837, and Oncochila (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1830) were explored cytogenetically for the first time. Much as all other hitherto studied lace bugs, the species studied here have 12 autosomes but differ in their sex chromosome systems. The ribosomal clusters were localized on male meiotic cells of all ten species already mentioned and, additionally, in Acalyptacarinata Panzer, 1806 known to have 2n = 12A + X (Grozeva and Nokkala 2001) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using a PCR amplified 18S rDNA fragment as a probe. In all cases, rDNA loci were located interstitially on a pair of autosomes. Furthermore, two species possessed some additional rDNA clusters. Thus, Acalyptamarginata showed clearly defined interstitial clusters on one more pair of autosomes, whereas Derephysialongispina had a terminal cluster on the X-chromosome. FISH performed with the telomeric (TTAGG) n probe did not reveal labelling in chromosomes of any species studied. Hence, the results obtained provide additional evidence for the karyotype conservatism, at least regarding the number of autosomes, for variation in chromosomal distribution of rDNA loci between species and for the lack of the ancestral insect telomeric sequence TTAGG in lace bugs. Preliminary taxonomic comments are made basing on some cytogenetic evidence.

As of now, within the lace bug family Tingidae (Cimicomorpha), only 1.5% of the species described have been cytogenetically studied. In this paper, male karyotypes of Stephanitis caucasica , Stephanitis pyri , Physatocheila confinis , Lasiacantha capucina , Dictyla rotundata and Dictyla echii were studied using FISH mapping with an 18S rDNA marker. The results show variability: the major rDNA sites are predominantly located on a pair of autosomes but occasionally on the X and Y chromosomes. All currently available data on the distribution of the major rDNA in the Tingidae karyotypes are summarized and shortly discussed. Our main concern is to clarify whether the chromosomal position of rDNA loci can contribute to resolving the phylogenetic relationships among the Tingidae taxa.

Male karyotypes of Elasmotropis testacea (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1835), Tingis cardui (Linnaeus, 1758), Tingis crispata (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1838), and Agramma femorale Thomson, 1871 (Heteroptera, Cimicomorpha, Tingidae) were analyzed using conventional chromosome staining and FISH with 18S rDNA and (TTAGG) n telomeric probes. The FISH technique was applied for the first time in the Tingidae. In spite of the fact that all species showed the same chromosome number (2n = 12 + XY), they have significant differences in the number and position of rDNA loci. FISH with the classical insect (TTAGG) n probe produced no signals on chromosomes suggesting telomeres in lace bugs to be of some other molecular composition. Tingidae share absence of the (TTAGG) n telomeric sequence with all so far studied taxa of the advanced true bug infraorders Cimicomorpha and Pentatomomorpha.

In the first cytogenetic study of the recently proposed family Myerslopiidae the male karyotype of Mapucheachilensis (Nielson, 1996) was analyzed using conventional chromosome staining, AgNOR- and C-bandings, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with 18S rDNA and (TTAGG) n telomeric probes. A karyotype of 2n = 16 + XY, NOR on a medium-sized pair of autosomes, subterminal location of C-heterochromatin, and presence of (TTAGG) n telomeric sequence were determined. Additionally, the male internal reproductive system was studied.

In this work 13 populations of the leafhopper species Alebra albostriella (Fallén, 1826) (6 populations) and A. wahlbergi (Boheman, 1845) (7 populations) (Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from Greece were studied cytogenetically. We examined chromosomal complements and meiosis in 41 males of A. albostriella sampled from Castanea sativa, Fagus sylvatica and Quercus cerris and in 21 males of A. wahlbergi sampled from C. sativa, Acer opalus and Ulmus sp. The species were shown to share 2n = 22 + X(0) and male meiosis of the chiasmate preductional type typical for Auchenorrhyncha. In all populations of A. albostriella and in all but two populations of A. wahlbergi B chromosomes and/or different meiotic abnormalities including the end-to-end non-homologous chromosomal associations, translocation chains, univalents, anaphasic laggards besides aberrant sperms were encountered. This study represents the first chromosomal record for the genus Alebra and one of the few population-cytogenetic studies in the Auchenorrhyncha.

The karyotype and male reproductive system, with special reference to the number of testicular follicles and shape of seminal vesicles, were studied in Dorypteryx domestica (Smithers, 1958) (Psocoptera: Trogiomorpha: Psyllipsocidae). This species displays 2n = 29 (28+X), a single nucleolus connected with one of the largest autosome pairs, and paired testes, each consisting of a single, large seminal follicle and a long, slightly coiled seminal vesicle.

Karyotypes and meiosis patterns in three obligatory thelytokous Psocoptera species have been studied for the first time. Females of Aaroniella badonneli (Danks) display 9 chiasmatic bivalents in oocyte metaphase I (2n = 18), hence meiosis is of the automictic type. Females of Ectopsocus meridionalis Ribaga and Valenzuela sp. display 3n = 27, and 27 univalent chromosomes are present in oocyte metaphase I. Thus, meiosis in these species is of the apomictic type.

The pattern of nucleolus attachment and C-heterochromatin distribution and molecular composition in the karyotypes of psocid species Psococerastis gibbosa (2n = 16+X), Blaste conspurcata (2n = 16+X) and Amphipsocus japonicus (2n = 14+neo-XY) were studied by C-banding, silver impregnation and sequence specific fluorochromes CMA3 and DAPI. Every species was found to have a single nucleolus in male meiosis. In P. gibbosa the nucleolus is attached to an autosomal bivalent; in B. conspurcata to the X-chromosome; in A. japonicus to the neo-XY bivalent. The species show a rather small amount of constitutive heterochromatin, C-blocks demonstrating telomeric localization with rare exceptions. P. gibbosa is characterized by a polymorphism for C-blocks occurrence and distribution. In the autosomes of this species, C-heterochromatin consists of AT-rich DNA except for the nucleolus organizing region, which is also GC-rich; the X-chromosome shows both AT- and GC-rich clusters. In A. japonicus and B. conspurcata, C-heterochromatin of the autosomes and sex chromosomes consists of both GC-rich and AT-rich DNA clusters, which are largely co-localized.