The assessment of a novel lower body resistance garment as a mechanism to increase the training stimulus during running: a randomised cross-over study

Abstract Background This study examined the physiological and perceived impact of wearing a novel lower body resistance garment during exercise and recovery. Methods Using a randomised cross-over design, 15 recreationally-active males performed 2 × 10-min steady-state runs followed by a 10-min passive recovery with concomitant monitoring of oxygen consumption (V̇O2), heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE; exercise portion only), wearing either the resistance garment (experimental) or running shorts (control). Results During exercise, there was a trend for V̇O2 and RPE to be higher (4.5% and 7.7% respectively) in experimental than control (V̇O2: r = 0.24, p &gt; 0.05; RPE: r = 0.32, p &gt; 0.05) and for HR to be lower (− 0.4%, r = − 0.05, p &gt; 0.05). During recovery, V̇O2 and HR tended to be lower (4.7% and 4.3% respectively) in experimental than control (V̇O2: r = − 0.32, p &gt; 0.05; HR: r = − 0.27, p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions Though effects were trivial to small, and not statistically significant, these findings provide proof of concept and suggest that this garment design may increase the training stimulus during running and aid post-exercise recovery. </jats:sec

Barriers and facilitators to access mental health services among refugee women in high-income countries: a systematic review

Abstract Background Based on the Global Trends report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee, in high-income countries, there are 2.7 refuges per 1000 national population, girls and women account for nearly 50% of this refuge population. In these high-income countries, compared with the general population refuge women have higher prevalence of mental illness. Thus, this review was conducted to examine the barriers to and facilitators of access to mental health services for refugee women in high-income countries for refugee resettlement. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases for research articles written in English with qualitative component. The last search date was on March 14, 2020. A narrative synthesis was conducted to gather key synthesis evidence. Refugee women (aged 18 and older) that could receive mental health services were included. Men and women under non-refugee migrant legal status were excluded. Studies were evaluated studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist. Results Of the four databases searched, 1258 studies were identified with 12 meeting the inclusion criteria. Three studies were cross-sectional by design, eight studies used a qualitative approach and one studies used mixed approach. The major barriers identified were language barriers, stigmatization, and the need for culturally sensitive practices to encourage accessing mental health care within a religious and cultural context. There were several studies that indicated how gender roles and biological factors played a role in challenges relating to accessing mental health services. The major facilitators identified were service availability and awareness in resettlement countries, social support, and the resilience of refugee women to gain access to mental health services. Conclusion This review revealed that socio-economic factors contributed to barriers and facilitators to accessing mental health among women refugees and asylum seekers. Addressing those social determinants of health can reduce barriers and enhance facilitators of access to mental health care for vulnerable populations like refugee women. A key limitation of the evidence in this review is that some data may be underreported or misreported due to the sensitive and highly stigmatizing nature of mental health issues among refugee populations. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020180369 </jats:sec

Spawning sources of a coastal fishery species inferred from otolith chemistry and microstructure: implications for management

Spawning sources of King George whiting Sillaginodes punctatus populations in the states of South Australia and Victoria (south-eastern Australia) were analysed using otolith chemistry and microstructure from post-larvae sampled from 3 nursery areas in each state in the spring of 2011 and 2012. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the chemistry of the core region of otoliths showed differences between states, particularly for the 2011 cohort, primarily related to higher Mg in South Australian samples, while differences in Sr and Zn also made a contribution. Even though spawning times overlapped, early larval growth rates were higher for post-larvae from South Australia than Victoria. Differences in microchemistry were most evident for elements influenced by physiological processes and were potentially influenced by the different larval growth rates. Overall, otolith chemical and microstructure analyses for post-larvae in Victoria and South Australia indicated that spawning sources for the 2 states were different, qualified by results from otolith microchemistry that were less clear for the 2012 cohort. Even though genetic analyses do not indicate genetic differentiation across the 2 states, and therefore would support crossjurisdictional management, the results of this study give qualified support to the current arrangement wherein the S. punctatus fishery is managed separately by the individual jurisdictions, subject to further information on stock structure coming to light in the future