Many planthoppers of the family Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) host three bacteriome-inhabiting bacteria: a gammaproteobacterium: 'Ca.Purcelliella pentastirinorum', a betaproteobacterium: 'Ca. Vidania fulgoroidea', and a member of the bacteroidetes: 'Ca.Sulcia muelleri'. Through light microscopy observations, DGGE PCR and FISH analysis, we examined the morphology and localization of these three endosymbionts within the abdomens of females of the planthopper Oliarus filicicola. Our results indicate a complex distribution and variation in bacterial morphologies. 'Ca. Sulcia muelleri' singularly colonize one pair of bacteriomes and have cells of irregular shape with an average diameter of approximately 4-5 μm. 'Ca.Purcelliella pentastirinorum' bacteria are roughly globular and have an average diameter of approximately 1.5-2 μm in a pair of bacteriomes located near the posterior end of the abdomen, which are surrounded by giant and highly degenerated cells of 'Ca.Vidania fulgoroidea'. In addition, 'Ca.Vidania fulgoroidea' colonizes the 'rectal organ' (sensu Buchner) and the bacterial cells appear as a small, roughly globular with an average diameter of 3 μm; whereas, 'Ca.Purcelliella pentastirinorum' infects an additional two bacteriomes and the bacterial cells appear tightly packed and highly degenerated. All three endosymbionts colocalize in the forming eggs inside the host's ovaries. Based on the abdominal distribution of bacteriomes and bacterial morphologies, we suggest that 'Ca.Vidania fulgoroidea' and 'Ca.Purcelliella pentastirinorum' correspond to the symbionts described by Buchner as the 'x-' and the 'c + d symbiont' respectively.
BackgroundChronic conditions contribute to over 70 % of Australia’s total disease burden, and this is set to increase to 80 % by 2020. Women’s greater longevity means that they are more likely than men to live with disability and have unique health concerns related to their gender based roles in society. Cultural and social issues can impact on women's health and are important to consider in health services planning and research. In this study, we aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to providing a gender-based approach to chronic conditions and women's health in an eastern metropolitan region of Australia.MethodsFocus groups were used to engage both community-dwelling women who had chronic conditions and relevant professional stakeholders in the target area. Recorded proceedings underwent thematic analysis.ResultsFive focus groups were conducted with professional stakeholders and women community members in February and March 2014. Resultant themes included: women’s disempowerment through interactions with health systems; social and economic constraints and caregiving roles act to exclude women from participating in self-care and society; and empowerment can be achieved through integrated models of care that facilitate voice and enable communication and engagement.ConclusionsThis study underscores the importance of including perspectives of sex and gender in health care services planning. Tailoring services to socio-demographic and cultural groups is critical in promoting access to health care services. Unique epidemiological trends, particularly the ageing of women and new migrant groups, require particular attention.
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