title: Non-South East Asians have a better running economy and different anthropometrics and biomechanics than South East Asians

authors: Patoz, Aurélien

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Running biomechanics and ethnicity can influence running economy (RE), which is a critical factor of running performance. Our aim was to compare RE of South East Asian (SEA) and non‑South East Asian (non‑SEA) runners at several endurance running speeds (10–14 km/h) matched for on‑road racing performance and sex. Secondly, we explored anthropometric characteristics and relationships between RE and anthropometric and biomechanical variables. SEA were 6% less economical (p = 0.04) than non‑SEA. SEA were lighter and shorter than non‑SEA, and had lower body mass indexes and leg lengths (p ≤ 0.01). In terms of biomechanics, a higher prevalence of forefoot strikers in SEA than non‑SEA was seen at each speed tested (p ≤ 0.04). Furthermore, SEA had a significantly higher step frequency (p = 0.02), shorter contact time (p = 0.04), smaller footstrike angle (p < 0.001), and less knee extension at toe‑off (p = 0.03) than non‑SEA. Amongst these variables, only mass was positively correlated to RE for both SEA (12 km/h) and non‑SEA (all speeds); step frequency, negatively correlated to RE for both SEA (10 km/h) and non‑SEA (12 km/h); and contact time, positively correlated to RE for SEA (12 km/h). Despite the observed anthropometric and biomechanical differences between cohorts, these data were limited in underpinning the observed RE differences at a group level. This exploratory study provides preliminary indications of potential differences between SEA and non‑SEA runners warranting further consideration. Altogether, these findings suggest caution when generalizing from non‑SEA running studies to SEA runners.

text: Non-South East Asians have a better running economy and different anthropometrics and biomechanics than South East Asians Running biomechanics and ethnicity can influence running economy (RE), which is a critical factor of running performance. Our aim was to compare RE of South East Asian (SEA) and non‑South East Asian (non‑SEA) runners at several endurance running speeds (10–14 km/h) matched for on‑road racing performance and sex. Secondly, we explored anthropometric characteristics and relationships between RE and anthropometric and biomechanical variables. SEA were 6% less economical (p = 0.04) than non‑SEA. SEA were lighter and shorter than non‑SEA, and had lower body mass indexes and leg lengths (p ≤ 0.01). In terms of biomechanics, a higher prevalence of forefoot strikers in SEA than non‑SEA was seen at each speed tested (p ≤ 0.04). Furthermore, SEA had a significantly higher step frequency (p = 0.02), shorter contact time (p = 0.04), smaller footstrike angle (p < 0.001), and less knee extension at toe‑off (p = 0.03) than non‑SEA. Amongst these variables, only mass was positively correlated to RE for both SEA (12 km/h) and non‑SEA (all speeds); step frequency, negatively correlated to RE for both SEA (10 km/h) and non‑SEA (12 km/h); and contact time, positively correlated to RE for SEA (12 km/h). Despite the observed anthropometric and biomechanical differences between cohorts, these data were limited in underpinning the observed RE differences at a group level. This exploratory study provides preliminary indications of potential differences between SEA and non‑SEA runners warranting further consideration. Altogether, these findings suggest caution when generalizing from non‑SEA running studies to SEA runners.

year: 2022-04-15

title: The Assessment of Vitamin D, Antimicrobial Peptides and Procalcitonin in Bronchiectasis

authors: Gartner, Sarah Nicole

subjects: vitamin D

abstract: My research investigated the distribution of antimicrobial peptides (cathelicidin and β-defensin 2), vitamin D and the inflammatory marker procalcitonin, between systemic and localised respiratory levels in stable bronchiectasis patients. Bronchiectasis is a localised chronic lung disease that is characterised by acute reoccurring lower tract respiratory infections. Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patient serum and sputum samples were collected as part of an ongoing clinical trial. This trial is investigating the usefulness of Tiotropium for the treatment of bronchiectasis. 

Antimicrobial peptides are a fundamental component of the innate immune system. The innate immune system is vital in providing the first line of defence against pathogens. At epithelia sites this is more so, as cells are often in direct contact with the environment. Both cathelicidin and β-defensin 2 expression has been found to be upregulated by the active vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. This research also aimed to determine if vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in bronchiectasis, and how these levels correspond with cathelicidin and hBD-2. Lastly, whether procalcitonin, a known inflammatory marker of bacterial infections is a suitable biomarker for bronchiectasis. Other inflammatory markers have been shown to be consistently elevated in stable bronchiectasis patients. 

The use of commercial ELISA kits demonstrated the notion of systemic levels not being representative of localised levels. Both of the antimicrobial peptides, cathelicidin and β-defensin 2, show elevated sputum levels consistent with bronchiectasis being a localised condition. Contrastingly, vitamin D metabolites are found to be lower in the airways. This is predicted to be due to the majority of vitamin D metabolites being protein bound in circulation, thereby affecting their tissue distribution. Stable bronchiectasis patients do not have persistently elevated serum procalcitonin levels but procalcitonin levels are significantly higher in the sputum.  

Our findings report that suboptimal vitamin D levels, but not vitamin D deficiency, were prevalent in stable bronchiectasis patients. No correlations were found between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and antimicrobial peptide concentrations, consistent with other studies findings. However, localised levels of the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, were correlated with localised cathelicidin (CAMP) levels but not β-defensin 2. 

Future work should focus on the hormonal form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, if an in vivo association with antimicrobial peptides is to be found. A number of factors can influence vitamin D bioavailability, including, known single nucleotide polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor and vitamin D binding protein.

text: The Assessment of Vitamin D, Antimicrobial Peptides and Procalcitonin in Bronchiectasis My research investigated the distribution of antimicrobial peptides (cathelicidin and β-defensin 2), vitamin D and the inflammatory marker procalcitonin, between systemic and localised respiratory levels in stable bronchiectasis patients. Bronchiectasis is a localised chronic lung disease that is characterised by acute reoccurring lower tract respiratory infections. Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patient serum and sputum samples were collected as part of an ongoing clinical trial. This trial is investigating the usefulness of Tiotropium for the treatment of bronchiectasis. 

Antimicrobial peptides are a fundamental component of the innate immune system. The innate immune system is vital in providing the first line of defence against pathogens. At epithelia sites this is more so, as cells are often in direct contact with the environment. Both cathelicidin and β-defensin 2 expression has been found to be upregulated by the active vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. This research also aimed to determine if vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in bronchiectasis, and how these levels correspond with cathelicidin and hBD-2. Lastly, whether procalcitonin, a known inflammatory marker of bacterial infections is a suitable biomarker for bronchiectasis. Other inflammatory markers have been shown to be consistently elevated in stable bronchiectasis patients. 

The use of commercial ELISA kits demonstrated the notion of systemic levels not being representative of localised levels. Both of the antimicrobial peptides, cathelicidin and β-defensin 2, show elevated sputum levels consistent with bronchiectasis being a localised condition. Contrastingly, vitamin D metabolites are found to be lower in the airways. This is predicted to be due to the majority of vitamin D metabolites being protein bound in circulation, thereby affecting their tissue distribution. Stable bronchiectasis patients do not have persistently elevated serum procalcitonin levels but procalcitonin levels are significantly higher in the sputum.  

Our findings report that suboptimal vitamin D levels, but not vitamin D deficiency, were prevalent in stable bronchiectasis patients. No correlations were found between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and antimicrobial peptide concentrations, consistent with other studies findings. However, localised levels of the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, were correlated with localised cathelicidin (CAMP) levels but not β-defensin 2. 

Future work should focus on the hormonal form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, if an in vivo association with antimicrobial peptides is to be found. A number of factors can influence vitamin D bioavailability, including, known single nucleotide polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor and vitamin D binding protein.

year: 2014

title: Te reo Maori, philosophy and colonialism: A conversation with Maori philosopher Carl Mika

authors: Peters, Michael A.

abstract: Kia ora Carl
Some advice if you have the time... I have been asked to give a paper at Uppsala on philosophy of language and autonomy. I want to focus on colonialism and use some examples from the colonial history concerning te reo Maori. I did a little research at the time of the Royal Commission in 1988 but have lost touch with the literature. Are there a couple of strategic texts you would recommend?
Nga Mihi

Kia ora Michael
You tend to get two types of writing about the language: its revitalisation; and its link to the natural or spiritual worlds – which is to do with philosophy in a particular sense, but in my view doesn’t have an eye towards the “autonomy” part you raise (i.e. isn’t cognisant enough of colonialism). The latter writing theorises around the traditional place of language, or describes it as a traditional phenomenon. I’ve been considering writing something for some time on it, but just haven’t gotten around to it.
You could discuss it in terms of how current uses of it in government policy etc. force the Maori language to become no more or no less than its English counterpart. So, for instance, language is an arbitrary (Saussure) thing that has very little in the way of “essence” in its own (autonomous) right. Terms like “whakapapa” equate precisely with “genealogy” but their interconnecting sense is lost in that translation. From a Maori belief, it could be argued that everything contains an essence, including words, and this essence precedes our interaction with language. In a way, language very much opens up a worldview, including the autonomy or essence of things in the world and their interconnectedness. pp. 101–110

text: Te reo Maori, philosophy and colonialism: A conversation with Maori philosopher Carl Mika Kia ora Carl
Some advice if you have the time... I have been asked to give a paper at Uppsala on philosophy of language and autonomy. I want to focus on colonialism and use some examples from the colonial history concerning te reo Maori. I did a little research at the time of the Royal Commission in 1988 but have lost touch with the literature. Are there a couple of strategic texts you would recommend?
Nga Mihi

Kia ora Michael
You tend to get two types of writing about the language: its revitalisation; and its link to the natural or spiritual worlds – which is to do with philosophy in a particular sense, but in my view doesn’t have an eye towards the “autonomy” part you raise (i.e. isn’t cognisant enough of colonialism). The latter writing theorises around the traditional place of language, or describes it as a traditional phenomenon. I’ve been considering writing something for some time on it, but just haven’t gotten around to it.
You could discuss it in terms of how current uses of it in government policy etc. force the Maori language to become no more or no less than its English counterpart. So, for instance, language is an arbitrary (Saussure) thing that has very little in the way of “essence” in its own (autonomous) right. Terms like “whakapapa” equate precisely with “genealogy” but their interconnecting sense is lost in that translation. From a Maori belief, it could be argued that everything contains an essence, including words, and this essence precedes our interaction with language. In a way, language very much opens up a worldview, including the autonomy or essence of things in the world and their interconnectedness. pp. 101–110

year: 2015