Biological sex does not influence the peak cardiac output response to twelve weeks of sprint interval training.

Sprint interval training (SIT) increases peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) but the mechanistic basis is unclear. We have reported that 12 wk of SIT increased V̇O2peak and peak cardiac output (Q̇peak) and the changes in these variables were correlated. An exploratory analysis suggested that Q̇peak increased in males but not females. The present study incorporated best practices to examine the potential influence of biological sex on the Q̇peak response to SIT. Male and female participants (n = 10 each; 21 ± 4 y) performed 33 ± 2 sessions of SIT over 12 wk. Each 10-min session involved 3 × 20-s 'all-out' sprints on an ergometer. V̇O2peak increased after SIT (3.16 ± 1.0 vs. 2.89 ± 1.0 L/min, η2p = 0.53, p < 0.001) with no sex × time interaction (p = 0.61). Q̇peak was unchanged after training (15.2 ± 3.3 vs. 15.1 ± 3.0 L/min, p = 0.85), in contrast to our previous study. The peak estimated arteriovenous oxygen difference increased after training (204 ± 30 vs. 187 ± 36 ml/L, p = 0.006). There was no effect of training or sex on measures of endothelial function. We conclude that 12 wk of SIT increases V̇O2peak but the mechanistic basis remains unclear. The capacity of inert gas rebreathing to assess changes in Q̇peak may be limited and invasive studies that use more direct measures are needed.

Considering hormones as sex- and gender-related factors in biomedical research: Challenging false dichotomies and embracing complexity.

The inclusion of sex and gender considerations in biomedicine has been increasing in light of calls from research and funding agencies, governmental bodies, and advocacy groups to direct research attention to these issues. Although the inclusion of both female and male participants is often an important element, overreliance on a female-male binary tends to oversimplify the interactions between sex- and gender-related factors and health, and runs a risk of being influenced by cultural stereotypes about sex and gender. When biomedical researchers are examining how hormones associated with gender and sex may influence pathways of interest, it is of crucial importance to approach this work with a critical lens on the rhetoric used, and in ways that acknowledge the complexity of hormone physiology. Here, we document the ways in which discourses around sex, gender and hormones shape our scientific thinking and practice in biomedical research, and review how the existing scientific knowledge about hormones reflects a complex and dynamic reality that is often not reflected outside of specialist niches of hormone biology. Where biomedical scientists take up sex- and gender-associated hormones as a way of addressing sex and gender considerations, it is valuable for us to bring a critical lens to the rhetoric and discourses used, to employ a sex contextualist approach in designing experimentation, and be rigorous and reflexive about the approaches used in analysis and interpretation of data. These strategies will allow us to design experimentation that goes beyond binaries, and grapples more directly with the material intricacies of sex, gender, and hormones.

Menstrual cycle hormones and oral contraceptives: a multimethod systems physiology-based review of their impact on key aspects of female physiology.

Hormonal changes around ovulation divide the menstrual cycle (MC) into the follicular and luteal phases. In addition, oral contraceptives (OCs) have active (higher hormone) and placebo phases. Although there are some MC-based effects on various physiological outcomes, we found these differences relatively subtle and difficult to attribute to specific hormones, as estrogen and progesterone fluctuate rather than operating in a complete on/off pattern as observed in cellular or preclinical models often used to substantiate human data. A broad review reveals that the differences between the follicular and luteal phases and between OC active and placebo phases are not associated with marked differences in exercise performance and appear unlikely to influence muscular hypertrophy in response to resistance exercise training. A systematic review and meta-analysis of substrate oxidation between MC phases revealed no difference between phases in the relative carbohydrate and fat oxidation at rest and during acute aerobic exercise. Vascular differences between MC phases are also relatively small or nonexistent. Although OCs can vary in composition and androgenicity, we acknowledge that much more work remains to be done in this area; however, based on what little evidence is currently available, we do not find compelling support for the notion that OC use significantly influences exercise performance, substrate oxidation, or hypertrophy. It is important to note that the study of females requires better methodological control in many areas. Previous studies lacking such rigor have contributed to premature or incorrect conclusions regarding the effects of the MC and systemic hormones on outcomes. While we acknowledge that the evidence in certain research areas is limited, the consensus view is that the impact of the MC and OC use on various aspects of physiology is small or nonexistent.

Oral inflammatory load predicts vascular function in a young adult population: a pilot study.

Background: The periodontium is a highly vascularized area of the mouth, and periodontitis initiates negative functional and structural changes in the vasculature. However, mild oral inflammation, including levels experienced by many apparently healthy individuals, has an unclear impact on cardiovascular function. The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the effects of objectively measured whole mouth oral inflammatory load (OIL) on vascular function in apparently healthy individuals. Methods: In this cross-sectional and correlational analysis, we recruited 28 young (18-30 years) and systemically healthy participants (16 male, 12 female). Using oral neutrophil counts, a validated measure for OIL, we collected participant's mouth rinse samples and quantified OIL. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness (pulse-wave velocity) and endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) were also measured. Results: Only oral neutrophil count significantly predicted flow-mediated dilation % (p = 0.04; R2 = 0.16, ß = - 1.05) and those with OIL levels associated with >2.5 × 105 neutrophil counts (n = 8) had a lower flow-mediated dilation % (6.0 ± 2.3%) than those with counts associated with gingival health with less than 2.5 × 105 neutrophil counts (10.0 ± 5.2%, p = 0.05). There were no significant predictors for arterial stiffness. Conclusion: We found that OIL was a predictor of reduced flow-mediated dilation. An impairment in flow-mediated dilation is an indicator of future possible risk of cardiovascular disease-one of the leading causes of death in North America. Therefore, this study provides evidence for the importance of oral health and that OIL may impact endothelial function.

The impact of natural menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive pill phase on substrate oxidation during rest and acute submaximal aerobic exercise.

Previous research has identified sex differences in substrate oxidation during submaximal aerobic exercise including a lower respiratory exchange ratio (RER) in females compared with males. These differences may be related to differences in sex hormones. Our purpose was to examine the impact of the natural menstrual cycle (NAT) and second- and third-generation oral contraceptive pill (OCP2 and OCP3) cycle phases on substrate oxidation during rest and submaximal aerobic exercise. Fifty female participants (18 NAT, 17 OCP2, and 15 OCP3) performed two experimental trials that coincided with the low (i.e., nonactive pill/early follicular) and the high hormone (i.e., active pill/midluteal) phase of their cycle. RER and carbohydrate and lipid oxidation rates were determined from gas exchange measurements performed during 10 min of supine rest, 5 min of seated rest, and two 8-min bouts of submaximal cycling exercise at ∼40% and ∼65% of peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak). For all groups, there were no differences in RER between the low and high hormone phases during supine rest (0.73 ± 0.05 vs. 0.74 ± 0.05), seated rest (0.72 ± 0.04 vs. 0.72 ± 0.04), exercise at 40% (0.77 ± 0.04 vs. 0.78 ± 0.04), and 65% V̇o2peak (0.85 ± 0.04 vs. 0.86 ± 0.03; P > 0.19 for all). Similarly, carbohydrate and lipid oxidation rates remained largely unchanged across phases during both rest and exercise, apart from higher carbohydrate oxidation in NAT vs. OCP2 at 40% V̇o2peak (P = 0.019) and 65% V̇o2peak (P = 0.001). NAT and OCPs do not appear to largely influence substrate oxidation at rest and during acute submaximal aerobic exercise.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study was the first to examine the influence of NAT and two generations of OCPs on substrate oxidation during rest and acute submaximal aerobic exercise. We reported no differences across cycle phases or groups on RER, and minimal impact on carbohydrate or lipid oxidation apart from an increase in carbohydrate oxidation in NAT compared with OCP2 during exercise. Based on these findings, NAT/OCP phase controls may not be necessary in studies investigating substrate oxidation.

No acute hyperglycemia induced impairment in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation before or after aerobic exercise training in young recreationally active males.

There is some evidence that transient endothelial dysfunction induced by acute hyperglycemia may be attenuated by a single bout of aerobic exercise. However, the impact of aerobic exercise training on acute hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction has not been explored. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of aerobic exercise training on the endothelial function response to acute hyperglycemia. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was assessed in 24 healthy males (21 ± 1 years) pre-, 60 and 90 min post ingestion of 75 g of glucose. Participants completed a four-week control (CON; n = 13) or exercise training (EX; n = 11) intervention. The EX group completed four weeks of cycling exercise (30 min, 4×/week at 65% work rate peak). Cardiorespiratory fitness ([Formula: see text]O2peak) increased and resting HR decreased in EX, but not CON post-intervention (p < 0.001). Glucose and insulin increased (p < 0.001) following glucose ingestion, with no significant difference pre- and post-intervention. In contrast to previous research, FMD was unaffected by glucose-ingestion, pre- and post-intervention in both groups. In conclusion, acute hyperglycemia did not impair endothelial function, before or after exercise training. Relatively high baseline fitness ([Formula: see text]O2peak ~ 46 mL/kg/min) and young age may have contributed to the lack of impairment observed. Further research is needed to examine the impact of exercise training on hyperglycemia-induced impairments in endothelial function in sedentary males and females.

Roles of Hormone Replacement Therapy and Menopause on Osteoarthritis and Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes: A Narrative Review.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent condition characterized by degradation of the joints. OA and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are leading contributors to disease burden worldwide, with a high level of overlap between the risk factors and occurrence of both conditions. Chief among the risk factors that contribute to OA and CVD are sex and age, which are both independent and interacting traits. Specifically, the prevalence of both conditions is higher in older women, which may be mediated by the occurrence of menopause. Menopause represents a significant transition in a women's life, and the rapid decline in circulating sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, leads to complex physiological changes. Declines in hormone levels may partially explain the increase in prevalence of OA and CVD in post-menopausal women. In theory, the use of hormone therapy (HT) may buffer adverse effects of menopause; however, it is unclear whether HT offers protective effects for the onset or progression of these diseases. Studies have shown mixed results when describing the influence of HT on disease risk among post-menopausal women, which warrants further exploration. The roles that increasing age, female sex, HT, and CVD play in OA risk demonstrate that OA is a multifaceted condition. This review provides a timely consolidation of current literature and suggests aims for future research directions to bridge gaps in the understanding of how OA, CVD, and HT interact in post-menopausal women.

Examination of Sex-Specific Participant Inclusion in Exercise Physiology Endothelial Function Research: A Systematic Review.

Background: To combat historical underrepresentation of female participants in research, guidelines have been established to motivate equal participation by both sexes. However, the pervasiveness of female exclusion has not been examined in vascular exercise physiology research. The purpose of this study was to systematically quantify the sex-specific prevalence of human participants and identify the rationales for sex-specific inclusion/exclusion in research examining the impact of exercise on vascular endothelial function. Methods: A systematic search was conducted examining exercise/physical activity and vascular endothelial function, assessed via flow mediated dilation. Studies were categorized by sex: male-only, female-only, or mixed sex, including examination of the sample size of males and females. Analysis was performed examining sex-inclusion criteria in study design and reporting and rationale for inclusion/exclusion of participants on the basis of sex. Changes in proportion of female participants included in studies were examined over time in 5 year cohorts. Results: A total of 514 studies were identified, spanning 26 years (1996-2021). Of the total participants, 64% were male and 36% were female, and a male bias was identified (32% male-only vs. 12% female-only studies). Proportions of female participants in studies remained relatively constant in the last 20 years. Male-only studies were less likely to report sex in the title compared to female-only studies (27 vs. 78%, p < 0.001), report sex in the abstract (72 vs. 98%, p < 0.001) and justify exclusion on the basis of sex (15 vs. 55%, p < 0.001). Further, male-only studies were more likely to be conducted in healthy populations compared to female-only studies (p = 0.002). Qualitative analysis of justifications identified four themes: sex-specific rationale or gap in the literature, exclusion of females based on the hormonal cycle or sex-differences, maintaining congruence with the male norm, and challenges with recruitment, retention and resources. Conclusions: This systematic review provides the first analysis of sex-based inclusion/exclusion and rationale for sex-based decisions in human vascular exercise physiology research. These findings contribute to identifying the impact of research guidelines regarding inclusion of males and females and the perceived barriers to designing studies with equal sex participation, in an effort to increase female representation in vascular exercise physiology research. Systematic Review Registration: CRD42022300388.

nGauge: Integrated and Extensible Neuron Morphology Analysis in Python.

The study of neuron morphology requires robust and comprehensive methods to quantify the differences between neurons of different subtypes and animal species. Several software packages have been developed for the analysis of neuron tracing results stored in the standard SWC format. The packages, however, provide relatively simple quantifications and their non-extendable architecture prohibit their use for advanced data analysis and visualization. We developed nGauge, a Python toolkit to support the parsing and analysis of neuron morphology data. As an application programming interface (API), nGauge can be referenced by other popular open-source software to create custom informatics analysis pipelines and advanced visualizations. nGauge defines an extendable data structure that handles volumetric constructions (e.g. soma), in addition to the SWC linear reconstructions, while remaining lightweight. This greatly extends nGauge's data compatibility.

The impact of repeated, local heating-induced increases in blood flow on lower limb endothelial function in young, healthy females.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of repeated, single leg heating on lower limb endothelial function. METHODS: Macrovascular function was assessed with superficial femoral artery (SFA) reactive hyperemia flow-mediated dilation (RH-FMD) and sustained stimulus FMD (SS-FMD). Calf microvascular function was assessed as the peak and area under the curve of SFA reactive hyperemia (RH). Participants (n = 13 females, 23 ± 2 yrs) had one leg randomized to the single leg heating intervention (EXP; other leg: control (CON)). The EXP leg underwent 8 weeks of single leg heating via immersion in 42.5 â„ƒ water for five 35-min sessions/week. At weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8, SFA RH-FMD, SS-FMD (shear stress increased via plantar flexion exercise), and SFA RH flow were measured. RESULTS: None of the variables changed with repeated, single leg heating (interaction week*limb RH-FMD: p = 0.076; SS-FMD: p = 0.958; RH flow p = 0.955). Covariation for the shear stress stimulus did not alter the FMD results. CONCLUSION: Eight weeks of single leg heating did not change SFA endothelial or calf microvascular function. These results are in contrast with previous findings that limb heating improves upper limb endothelial function.

Improvements in vascular function in response to acute lower limb heating in young healthy males and females.

Regular exposure to passive heat stress improves vascular function, but the optimal heating prescription remains undefined. Local limb heating is more feasible than whole body heating, but the evidence demonstrating its efficacy is lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine whether acute improvements in vascular function can be achieved with lower limb heating in 16 young healthy individuals (8 female, 8 male). In separate visits, participants underwent 45 min of ankle- and knee-level hot water immersion (45°C). A subset of seven participants also participated in a time-control visit. Endothelial function was assessed through simultaneous brachial and superficial femoral artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) tests. Macrovascular function was quantified by %FMD, whereas microvascular function was quantified by vascular conductance during reactive hyperemia. Arterial stiffness was assessed through carotid-femoral and femoral-foot pulse wave velocity (PWV). Plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 and extracellular heat shock protein-72 (eHSP72) were used as indicators of inflammation. Our findings showed that 45 min of lower limb heating-regardless of condition-acutely improved upper limb macrovascular endothelial function (i.e., brachial %FMD; Pre: 4.6 ± 1.7 vs. Post: 5.4 ± 2.0%; P = 0.004) and lower limb arterial stiffness (i.e., femoral-foot PWV; Pre: 8.4 ± 1.2 vs. Post: 7.7 ± 1.1 m/s; P = 0.011). However, only knee-level heating increased upper limb microvascular function (i.e., brachial peak vascular conductance; Pre: 6.3 ± 2.7 vs. Post: 7.8 ± 3.5 mL/min â‹… mmHg; P ≤ 0.050) and plasma eHSP72 concentration (Pre: 12.4 ± 9.4 vs. Post: 14.8 ± 9.8 ng/mL; P ≤ 0.050). These findings show that local lower limb heating acutely improves vascular function in younger individuals, with knee-level heating improving more outcome measures.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that lower limb hot water immersion is an effective strategy for acutely improving vascular function in young, healthy males and females, thereby encouraging the development of accessible modes of heat therapy for vascular health.

The impact of the 24-h movement spectrum on vascular remodeling in older men and women: a review.

Aging is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, which are preceded by early, negative remodeling of the vasculature. Low physical activity is a well-established risk factor associated with the incidence and development of disease. However, recent physical activity literature indicates the importance of considering the 24-h movement spectrum. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to examine the impact of the 24-h movement spectrum, specifically physical activity (aerobic and resistance training), sedentary behavior, and sleep, on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes in older adults, with a focus on recent evidence (<10 yr) and sex-based considerations. The review identifies that both aerobic training and being physically active (compared with sedentary) are associated with improvements in endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and cerebrovascular function. Additionally, there is evidence of sex-based differences in endothelial function: a blunted improvement in aerobic training in postmenopausal women compared with men. While minimal research has been conducted in older adults, resistance training does not appear to influence arterial stiffness. Poor sleep quantity or quality are associated with both impaired endothelial function and increased arterial stiffness. Finally, the review highlights mechanistic pathways involved in the regulation of vascular and cerebrovascular function, specifically the balance between pro- and antiatherogenic factors, which mediate the relationship between the 24-h movement spectrum and vascular outcomes. Finally, this review proposes future research directions: examining the role of duration and intensity of training, combining aerobic and resistance training, and exploration of sex-based differences in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes.

Sleep deprivation and endothelial function: reconciling seminal evidence with recent perspectives.

Sleep is critical for the maintenance of physiological homeostasis and, as such, inadequate sleep beckons a myriad of pathologies. Sleep deprivation is a growing health concern in contemporary society since short sleep durations are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk and atherosclerotic plaque development. Vascular endothelial dysfunction is an antecedent to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Herein, we review seminal literature indicating that short sleep durations attenuate endothelial function and explore more recent evidence indicating that sleep deprivation perturbs autonomic balance and the circadian rhythmicity of peripheral vascular clock components. We further examine literature that indicates a mechanistic link between short sleep duration and endothelial dysfunction and subsequent morbidity. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate endothelial function in the context of sleep deprivation facilitates the development and optimization of interventions, such as exercise, that mitigate the ramifications of inadequate sleep on vascular function and cardiovascular health.Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/sleep-deprivation-and-endothelial-function/.

Influence of hormonal contraceptives on peripheral vascular function and structure in premenopausal females: a review.

Hormonal contraceptives are one of the most widely used prescriptions for premenopausal women worldwide. Although the risk of venous and arterial cardiovascular events (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, arterial clotting) with hormonal contraceptives, specifically oral contraceptive pills, has been established, the literature on early risk indicators, such as peripheral vascular structure and function has yet to be consolidated. The purpose of this review is to summarize literature examining the impact of different hormonal contraceptives on vascular function and structure, including consideration of phasic differences within a contraceptive cycle, and to propose future directions for research. It is evident that hormonal contraceptive use appears to impact both macrovascular and microvascular endothelial function, with phasic differences in some contraceptive types dependent on progestin type, the ratio of ethinyl estradiol-to-progestin, and route of administration. However, hormonal contraceptives do not appear to impact smooth muscle function in the macrovasculature or microvasculature, arterial stiffness, or vascular structure. Underlying mechanisms for observed impacts and areas of future research are discussed. This review provides timely consolidation of research examining hormonal contraceptives and peripheral vascular function and structure and provides guidance on considerations for hormonal contraceptive use in study design.

Impact of the menstrual cycle on peripheral vascular function in premenopausal women: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Fluctuations in endogenous hormones estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle may offer vasoprotection for endothelial and smooth muscle (VSM) function. While numerous studies have been published, the results are conflicting, leaving our understanding of the impact of the menstrual cycle on vascular function unclear. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to consolidate available research exploring the role of the menstrual cycle on peripheral vascular function. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE was performed for articles evaluating peripheral endothelial and VSM function across the natural menstrual cycle: early follicular (EF) phase versus late follicular (LF), early luteal, mid luteal, or late luteal. A meta-analysis examined the effect of the menstrual cycle on the standardized mean difference (SMD) of the outcome measures. Analysis from 30 studies (n = 1,363 women) observed a "very low" certainty of evidence that endothelial function increased in the LF phase (SMD: 0.45, P = 0.0001), with differences observed in the macrovasculature but not in the microvasculature (SMD: 0.57, P = 0.0003, I2 = 84%; SMD: 0.21, P = 0.17, I2 = 34%, respectively). However, these results are partially explained by differences in flow-mediated dilation [e.g., discrete (SMD: 0.86, P = 0.001) vs. continuous peak diameter assessment (SMD: 0.25, P = 0.30)] and/or menstrual cycle phase methodologies. There was a "very low" certainty that endothelial function was largely unchanged in the luteal phases, and VSM was unchanged across the cycle. The menstrual cycle appears to have a small effect on macrovascular endothelial function but not on microvascular or VSM function; however, these results can be partially attributed to methodological differences.

No impact of acute hyperglycaemia on arterial stiffness in the early and late follicular phases of the menstrual cycle in young females.

NEW FINDINGS: • What is the central question of this study? This is the first study to examine the impact of acute hyperglycaemia on arterial stiffness across the early and late follicular phases of the menstrual cycle. • What is the main finding and its importance? Central and peripheral arterial stiffness were not impacted by acute hyperglycaemia. This indicates that premenopausal women might experience protection against deleterious effects of acute hyperglycaemia, regardless of menstrual cycle phase. This research furthers our understanding of the interaction between nutrient intake, hormonal fluctuation and vascular function in premenopausal women. ABSTRACT: Acute hyperglycaemia may result in transient increases in arterial stiffness. However, research in healthy premenopausal women is lacking, and the impact of menstrual phase [early follicular (EF; low oestrogen) and late follicular (LF; high oestrogen)] on vulnerability to acute hyperglycaemia-induced changes in arterial stiffness is unknown. We hypothesized that an acute hyperglycaemia-induced increase in arterial stiffness in the EF phase would be attenuated in the LF phase. Seventeen healthy, naturally menstruating women [21 ± 1 years of age (mean ± SD)] participated in three experimental visits. During two visits, in the EF and LF phase, arterial stiffness was assessed via central and peripheral (arm and leg) pulse wave velocity (PWV) before and 15, 45, 75 and 105 min after consuming an oral glucose challenge (75 g glucose in 300 ml of solution). Blood samples were taken to assess glucose, insulin, oestrogen and progesterone concentrations. During a third visit in the EF phase, participants ingested 300 ml of water as a time control for PWV. Despite significant increases in blood glucose and insulin (P < 0.001), both central and peripheral arm PWV remained unchanged across time and phase, indicating that neither acute hyperglycaemia nor menstrual phase had an impact on central or peripheral arm arterial stiffness. There was a small effect of phase for peripheral leg PWV, where PWV was lower in the LF phase (P = 0.04, Cohen's d = 0.39); however, and in contrast to recent results in young men, peripheral leg PWV was unaffected by hyperglycaemia. These results suggest that premenopausal women might experience protection from acute hyperglycaemia-induced increases in arterial stiffness.

Impact of Pharmacy School Characteristics on NAPLEX First-time Pass Rates.

Objective. To assess the impact of pharmacy school characteristics on the pass rates of students taking the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) for the first time. Methods. A retrospective review of NAPLEX first-time pass rates, pharmacy school characteristics and percent of total graduating class who matched for a first postgraduate year (PGY1) residency was performed for 2014, 2015, and 2016. All US colleges of pharmacy accredited as of July 2017 were included. Independent samples t tests, paired samples t tests, correlational analysis, and multiple linear regression were conducted. Results. The first-time pass rates on the NAPLEX were significantly higher for the following: schools located within an academic health center; schools established before 2000, and public schools. The 2016 NAPLEX first-time pass rate was significantly higher for schools with a traditional four-year program structure versus an accelerated three-year structure. Also, a school's first-time pass rate on the NAPLEX was positively, significantly correlated with percentage of fourth-year students who matched for a PGY1 residency and being located within an academic health center. The NAPLEX first-time pass rate for the previous year and percent of the total graduating class that matched for a PGY1 residency were significant predictors in the final regression models for 2015 and 2016 NAPLEX first-time pass rates. Conclusion. While differences in certain program characteristics was coorelated with NAPLEX pass rate, many of these factors are not modifiable. Programs can proactively and critically evaluate their educational programs and the readiness of their students to sit for the NAPLEX.

Examining the Association of GPA and PCAT Scores on Objective Structured Clinical Examination Scores.

Objective. To examine the association between certain demographic and admission measures and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) performance in a cohort of pharmacy students. Methods. A retrospective review of demographic characteristics, admissions data [cumulative and science admission Grade Point Average (GPA), Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) scores], and OSCE scores was performed for the Class of 2017 at the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy. Results. Female students scored significantly higher than male students on the Warfarin OSCE - Standardized Patient (SP) rated General Communication Skills and on the Warfarin OSCE - Faculty rated Patient Interviewing Skills. Age was significantly, inversely correlated with Warfarin OSCE - Faculty rated Therapeutic Knowledge score. Warfarin OSCE - SP rated General Communication Skills score was significantly, positively related to PCAT composite score and PCAT reading comprehension score. PCAT composite score was significantly, inversely correlated to Warfarin OSCE - Faculty rated Patient Interviewing Skills score. Warfarin OSCE - Faculty rated General Communication Skills score was significantly, positively related to cumulative admission GPA and admission science GPA. Conclusion. Eight statistically significant correlations were found between demographic and admissions measures and specific OSCE scores. Regression models were significant but explained a low percentage of the variance in OSCE scores, suggesting other factors not included in the study have a greater effect on scores. Such factors may include knowledge acquired in pharmacy school courses such as the therapeutics course series.

Examination of Factors Relating to Student Performance on the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment.

Objective. To examine relationships between students' demographic and academic performance factors and their scores on the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA). Methods. Students' PCOA scores and demographics (eg, age, race/ethnicity, sex), preadmission data [eg, cumulative and science grade point average (GPA), Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)], and academic performance variables (eg, pharmacy GPA, academic standing) were analyzed for one class of third-year pharmacy students (N=159). Independent t-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to compare scores by demographic variables. Pearson's r correlations were used to assess relationships between PCOA scores and age, PCAT scores, and GPA. Stepwise linear regression was conducted to determine the predictive ability of variables with significant correlations to PCOA performance. Results. Significant correlations were found between sex and PCOA scores with males scoring higher than females. Significant correlations with PCOA scores were also found for PCAT scores, pre-pharmacy science GPA, and pharmacy didactic GPA. Significant differences were found by academic standing, where students in academic difficulty who were allowed to proceed without repeating curricular content scored significantly lower on the PCOA than those who did not experience academic difficulty. Conversely, there were no statistical differences between those who repeated courses and those who never experienced academic difficulty. PCOA performance predictors in the final regression model included PCAT composite score, pharmacy GPA and sex. Conclusion. New findings included differences in PCOA scores by sex and by academic standing, a variable not previously explored in published studies. Findings have implications for remediation decisions in pharmacy curricula.