Abstract:The apelin peptide was recently discovered and demonstrated to be the endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor, APJ. A search of the GenBank databases retrieved a rat expressed sequence tag partially encoding the preproapelin sequence. The GenBank search also revealed a human sequence on chromosome Xq25-26.1, containing the gene encoding preproapelin. We have used the rat sequence to screen a rat brain cDNA library to obtain a cDNA encoding the full-length open reading frame of rat preproapelin. This cDNA encoded a protein of 77 amino acids, sharing an identity of 82% with human preproapelin. Northern and in situ hybridization analyses revealed both human and rat apelin and APJ to be expressed in the brain and periphery. Both sequence and mRNA expression distribution analyses revealed similarities between apelin and angiotensin II, suggesting they that share related physiological roles. A synthetic apelin peptide was injected intravenously into male Wistar rats, resulting in immediate lowering of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which persisted for several minutes. Intraperitoneal apelin injections induced an increase in drinking behavior within the first 30 min after injection, with a return to baseline within 1 h.

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Objective To compare health and skill related physical fitness profiles between healthy, male, basketball and football players of Sri Lankan national teams. Results Thirty basketball players (mean age 24 ± 4.5 years) and 30 football players (mean age 23 ± 4.3 years) were evaluated for health related fitness characteristics (body fat percentage, cardio-respiratory fitness, isometric hand grip strength, lower body and upper body muscular strength, abdominal and upper body muscular endurance, and flexibility) and skill related fitness characteristics (agility, speed, explosive throwing power, jumping power, reaction time, coordination, static balance). Fat percentage, upper body endurance, grip strength, running speed, explosive power, jumping power, balance and coordination were significantly higher in basketball players than in footballers. Football players had better upper body strength, flexibility, reaction time and agility than those of basketball players. The latter two were statistically significant. Basketball players had better mean lower body strength, although not significant. Fitness characteristics were different between basketball and football players. The results have implications in tailoring training activities to improve relevant fitness characteristics.

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ObjectiveRowing is one of the most physically demanding endurance sports requiring high levels of ventilation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RMT on ventilatory parameters, aerobic fitness and rowing ergometer performance among 20 professional rowers (experimental (n = 11) and control (n = 9) aged 20–35 years in Sri Lanka.ResultsRowers in the experimental group were prescribed a RMT program comprising of breathing exercises while control group was prescribed a general exercise program for a 12 weeks. There were significant improvements in PIF, FVC, and VO2maxin the experimental group after 12-weeks (p < 0.05) while only VO2 max improved non-significantly in the control group (p > 0.05).Compared to the control, PIF improved significantly in the experimental group (p < 0.05). The rowers in the experimental group with higher PIF and VO2max performed better at 2000 m and 5000 m ergometer whereas in the control group, only VO2max was associated with better performance in 5000 m ergometer. This suggests that the RMT program had a significant effect in improving some ventilatory parameters and VO2max of the rowers resulting in better performance.Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials UMIN000040345, 08/05/2020. “Retrospectively registered”

In normal people there are considerable inequalities of the ventilation and perfusion in the lung which can be further changed by position. Thus different V/Q mismatches will ultimately have an impact on arterial oxygenation. This study was designed to detect whether the lung functions are changed by adopting the patient's normal sleeping posture and the arm position during sleep.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of RMT on ventilatory parameters, aerobic fitness and rowing ergometer performance among professional rowers in Sri Lanka. Twenty national male rowers, aged 20-35 years were grouped randomly into an experimental (n=11) and a control (n=9) group. Prior to the study, baseline measurements of ventilatory functions, aerobic fitness (VO2max) and rowing performance were assessed by a portable spirometer, 2000m and 5000m rowing ergometer and Monark cycle ergometer respectively. Subsequently, rowers in the experimental group were prescribed a RMT program comprising of breathing exercises while control group was prescribed a general exercise program for a 12 weeks after which all the above parameters were assessed again. The association of rowing ergometer performance with the ventilatory functions and aerobic fitness was assessed by pearson correlation. There were significant improvements in PIF, FVC, and VO2max in the experimental group after 12-weeks (p<0.05) while only VO2 max improved non-significantly in the control group (p>0.05). Compared to the control, PIF improved significantly in the experimental group (p<0.05). The rowers in the experimental group with higher PIF and VO2max performed better at 2000m and 5000m ergometer whereas in the control group, only VO2max was associated with better performance in 5000m ergometer. This suggests that the RMT program had a significant effect in improving some ventilatory parameters and VO2max of the rowers resulting in better performance.