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Contemporary meta-analyses have generally demonstrated a positive effect of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3) supplementation on exercise performance. However, despite these claims, there is limited data on contrasting individualized and standardized timing of NaHCO 3 ingestion prior to exercise to further enhance performance outcomes. Purpose: To determine whether NaHCO 3 ingestion timing impacts 2,000-m rowing time-trial (TT) performance in elite-level rowers (Senior National team including Olympic/World Championships level) adhering to their own individualized pre-race strategies (e.g. nutrition, warm-up, etc.). Methods: Twenty three (n = 23) rowers across two research centers (using the exact same methods/protocols) completed three trials: NaHCO 3 loading profile at rest to determine the individual's time-to-peak bicarbonate concentration [HCO − 3 ], followed by two randomized 0.3 g•kgBM −1 NaHCO 3 supplementation experimental trials conducted at different time points [consensus timing (CON): TT performed 60 min post-NaHCO 3 ingestion; and individualized peak (IP): TT performed at the rower's individual peak [HCO − 3 ] determined from the profiling trial post-NaHCO 3 ingestion]. Results: There was a significant mean difference of +2.9 [± 0.4 mmol•L −1 HCO − 3 for IP vs. CON (95% CI 2.0 to 3.8 mmol•L −1); p = 0.02; d = 1.08] at pre warm-up, but not immediately prior to the TT (post warm-up). Performance times were significantly different between IP (367.0 ± 10.5 s) vs. CON (369.0 ± 10.3 s); p = 0.007; d = 0.15). Conclusions: The present study demonstrated a small but significant performance effect of an individualized NaHCO 3 ingestion strategy. Similarities after warm-up between pre-TT sHCO − 3 values (CON ∼ + 5.5 mmol•L −1 ; IP ∼ + 6 mmol•L −1), however, would suggest this effect was not a result of any meaningful differences in blood alkalinity.

Introduction: Nerve sparing during robotic radical prostatectomy (RRP) considerably improves post-operative potency and urinary continence as long as it does not compromise oncological outcome. Excision of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) is often performed in patients with intermediate and high risk prostate cancer to reduce the risk of positive surgical margin raising the risk of urinary incontinence and impotence. We present the first UK series outcomes of such patients who underwent an intra-operative frozen section (IOFS) analysis of the prostate during RRP allowing nerve sparing. Patients and Methods: We prospectively analysed the data of 40 patients who underwent an IOFS during RRP at our centre from November 2012 until November 2014. Our IOFS technique involved whole lateral circumferential analysis of the prostate during RRP with the corresponding neurovascular tissue. An intrafascial nerve spare was performed and the specimen was removed intra-operatively via an extension of the 12 mm Autosuture™ camera port without undocking robotic arms. It was then painted by the surgeon and sprayed with “Ink Aid” prior to frozen section analysis. The corresponding NVB was excised if the histopathologist found a positive surgical margin on frozen section. Results: Median time to extract the specimen, wound closure and re-establishment of pneumoperitoneum increased the operative time by 8 min. Median blood loss for IOFS was 130 ± 97 ml vs. 90 ± 72 ml (p = NS). IOFS was not associated with major complications or with blood transfusion. PSM decreased significantly from non-IOFS RRP series of 28.7 to 7.8% (p < 0.05). Intra-operative PSM on the prostate specimen was seen in 8/40 margin analysis (20%) leading to an excision of the contra-lateral nerve bundle. On analysis of the nerve bundle on a paraffin embedded block, 6 nerve bundle matched tumor on the specimen whereas 2 NVB were retrospectively removed unnecessarily in our series. All 40 patients have undetectable PSA at a mean follow up of 21.2 months (SD 7.79). Functional data at 18 months confirms a reduction in the urinary incontinence from 37% in the IOFS group vs 57% in the non-IOFS group (p = NS). IOFS technique has resulted in a significant increase in intravesical nerve sparing in both T2/T3 patients with intermediate and high risk prostate cancer when appropriately counselled and selected (T2 from 100% in the IOFS group versus 67% and T3 from 100% in the IOFS group to 42%) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Introduction of the IOFS analysis during intrafascial nerve spare RRP has reduced PSM and the rate of urinary incontinence.

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