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Question 1
Correct
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Which mechanism of action do Quinolones use?
Your Answer: Inhibit DNA gyrase
Explanation:The quinolones are a family of synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs. Quinolones exert their antibacterial effect by preventing bacterial DNA from unwinding and duplicating.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
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Question 2
Correct
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Number of cases that are infected at a specific point in time
Your Answer: Prevalence
Explanation:Prevalence in epidemiology is the proportion of a population found to have a condition (typically a disease or a risk factor such as smoking or seat-belt use). It is arrived at by comparing the number of people found to have the condition with the total number of people studied, and is usually expressed as a fraction, as a percentage or as the number of cases per 10,000 or 100,000 people. Point prevalence is the proportion of a population that has the condition at a specific point in time. Period prevalence is the proportion of a population that has the condition at some time during a given period (e.g., 12 month prevalence), and includes people who already have the condition at the start of the study period as well as those who acquire it during that period. Lifetime prevalence (LTP) is the proportion of a population that at some point in their life (up to the time of assessment) have experienced the condition
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
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Question 3
Incorrect
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Which statement is incorrect regarding nociceptor C fibers…
Your Answer: Vr1 has been isolated from this fiber
Correct Answer: They are thinly myelinated
Explanation:Group C nerve fibers are unmyelinated and have a small diameter, which means they conduct impulses at a low velocity. They carry sensory information and nociception.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 4
Incorrect
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The following are synthesized in the liver EXCEPT?
Your Answer: Angiotensinogen
Correct Answer: Cholecystokinin
Explanation:The liver is responsible for the mainstay of protein metabolism, synthesis as well as degradation. It is also responsible for a large part of amino acid synthesis. The liver plays a role in the production of clotting factors as well as red blood cell production. Some of the proteins synthesized by the liver include coagulation factors I (fibrinogen), II (prothrombin), V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XIII, as well as protein C, protein S and antithrombin. The liver is a major site of production for thrombopoietin, a glycoprotein hormone that regulates the production of platelets by the bone marrow. The liver also produces albumin, the most abundant protein in blood serum and angiotensinogen. Cholecystokinin, previously called pancreozymin, is synthesized and secreted by enteroendocrine cells in the duodenum
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 5
Incorrect
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Regarding the innervation of the cerebral blood vessels, postganglionic sympathetic neurons have their cell bodies in the:
Your Answer: Sphenopalatine ganglia
Correct Answer: Superior cervical ganglia
Explanation:The superior cervical ganglion (SCG) is a part of autonomic system which plays a major role in maintaining homeostasis of the body. This ganglion innervates structures in the head and neck and is the largest and the most superiorly located ganglion. The SCG provides sympathetic innervation to structures within the head, including the pineal gland, the blood vessels in the cranial muscles and the brain, the choroid plexus, the eyes, the lacrimal glands, the carotid body, the salivary glands, and the thyroid gland. The postganglionic axons of the SCG innervate the internal carotid artery and form the internal carotid plexus. The internal carotid plexus carries the postganglionic axons of the SCG to the eye, lacrimal gland, mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and pharynx, and numerous blood-vessels in the head.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 6
Incorrect
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The chromosomes that principally encode for proteins or RNA molecules involved in mitochondrial function are found:
Your Answer: In the nucleolus of each diploid cell
Correct Answer: In the nucleus of each diploid cell
Explanation:While mitochondria have their own small circular DNA (mtDNA) that encodes some of the proteins and RNAs required for mitochondrial function, the majority of proteins involved in mitochondrial function are encoded by nuclear DNA. These nuclear genes are transcribed in the nucleus and then translated into proteins in the cytoplasm. The proteins are subsequently imported into the mitochondria.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
- In the nucleus of each diploid cell
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 7
Incorrect
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Glucose is typically removed from the urine by…?
Your Answer: Primary active transport
Correct Answer: Secondary active transport
Explanation:Glucose, amino acids, inorganic phosphate, and some other solutes are resorbed via secondary active transport through co-transporters driven by the sodium gradient out of the nephron.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Renal
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Question 8
Incorrect
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Salty taste is triggered by:
Your Answer: Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide gated cation channel
Correct Answer: Amiloride-sensitive sodium channel
Explanation:Amiloride-sensitive sodium channels also known as epithelial Na channels is a membrane bound ion channel that is selectively permeable to Na+ ions. These channels are located throughout different epithelial membranes in the body. It is found in taste receptor cells, where it plays an important role in salt taste perception. They are also located in the kidney, the lung and the colon. Hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) voltage-gated ion channels are widely seen in the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and brain regions that underlie the generation of both focal and generalized-onset seizures. The metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluRs) perform a variety of functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems. They are involved in learning, memory, anxiety, and the perception of pain. Gustducin is a G protein associated with taste and gustatory system. It plays a major role in sensation of bitter, sweet and umami stimuli.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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A 20-year-old female has been admitted with an acute infection. She gives a history suggestive of hypersensitivity to amoxicillin. After consultation with the allergy specialist, she has now been diagnosed with an IgE mediated penicillin allergy. Which of the following drugs should be avoided in this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Cefalexin
Explanation:Cefalexin should be avoided in this patient.This patient is known to have a severe penicillin allergy. None of the above antibiotics are penicillin based. However, 0.5 – 6.5% of patients who are proven to have an IgE mediated penicillin allergy will also be allergic to cephalosporins, including cefalexin. Penicillin, cephalosporins, and carbapenems are all members of the beta-lactam group of antibiotics and share a common beta-lactam ring. There is, therefore, a small risk of allergy cross-over between all these antibiotics. The rates of allergy cross-over are lower with second and third-generation cephalosporins than first-generation cephalosporins such as cefalexin.It is important to question the patient carefully to ascertain what symptoms they had on exposure to penicillin. Symptoms such as an urticarial rash or itching make it more likely that they have an IgE mediated allergy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 10
Incorrect
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An 82 year old man arrives at the clinic with painful right upper arm that he has been experiencing for the last few months. The pain is gradually worsening and often wakes him up at night. He is a known case of Paget's disease involving his lumbar spine and pelvis and is currently taking oral bisphosphonates. On examination, shoulder movements are intact. Which of the following is the most likely cause of his arm pain?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Osteosarcoma
Explanation:Paget’s accelerates the remodelling process with old bone breaking down more quickly which disrupts the normal growth process. New bone development eventually adjusts to the faster pace and speeds up on its own. The pace is too fast for healthy bone growth, and the regrowth ends up softer and weaker than normal. The effect of this accelerated process causes bone pain, fractures, and deformities. Since osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer linked to abnormal bone growth, this makes it a rare but possible complication of Paget’s disease although the chances of developing osteosarcoma are minimal. Fractures are painful and restrict movement whereas this patients pain is gradually developing. Pain associated with osteoarthritis is usually mild to moderate and worsens as the day progresses.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 11
Incorrect
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A 75 year old man was brought to the clinic by his wife because lately he has lost interest in activities he previously enjoyed. His wife is worried and claims he's generally withdrawn. What would exclude depression in favour of dementia?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Urinary incontinence
Explanation:Urinary incontinence is not a usual symptom of depression. A depressed patient is usually capable of maintaining control of his body sphincters. In dementia, however, urinary incontinence is an important and late symptom of the disease, non-related to any urinary tract pathology. It is rather related to the cognitive impairment caused by dementia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Geriatrics
- Medicine
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Question 12
Incorrect
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The structure of haemoglobin A in adults includes
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Haem, globin polypeptide chains α and β
Explanation:Haemoglobin A (HbA), also known as adult haemoglobin or α2β2, is the most common human haemoglobin tetramer, comprising over 97% of the total red blood cell haemoglobin. It consists of two alpha chains and two beta chains.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 13
Incorrect
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Organophosphates, such as Sarin, have been used as chemical-warfare agents by terrorists. Which of the following statements is true concerning organophosphate poisoning?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Atropine is useful in the management of organophosphate poisoning
Explanation:The principal action of organophosphates is the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase’s, therefore leading to the accumulation of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors (miosis, hypersalivation, sweating, diarrhoea, excessive bronchial secretions), nicotinic receptors (muscle fasciculations and tremor) and in the central nervous system (anxiety, loss of memory, headache, coma). Removal from the source of the organophosphate, adequate decontamination, supplemental oxygen and atropine are the initial treatment measures. Pralidoxime, an activator of cholinesterase, should be given to all symptomatic patients.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 14
Incorrect
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Endothelial cells are attached to adjacent cells by adherent junctions via:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Cadherins
Explanation:Cadherins are calcium dependant molecules that mediate cell to cell adhesions in epithelial and endothelial cells among others.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 15
Incorrect
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The nucleus ambiguus:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Regulates swallowing, phonation and parasympathetic supply to the heart via CN IX, X and XI
Explanation:Nucleus Ambiguus is a group of large motor neurons found deep in the medullary reticular formation. It contains cell bodies of nerves that are responsible for the innervation of muscles of speech and swallowing which are located in the soft palate, pharynx and larynx. Additionally, it contains cholinergic preganglionic parasympathetic neurons of the heart via CN X, IX and XI
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 16
Incorrect
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Which of the following statements is not true about mitochondrial chromosomes?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Mitochondrial chromosomes play no role in the transmission of disease from generation to generation.
Explanation:All the above mentioned statements are true except that mitochondrial DNA is passed from the mother to the child. If the child inherits the defective mitochondrial gene it will manifest some form of the disease. Commonly inherited diseases related to mitochondrial abnormality are Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers (MERRF).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Which of the following cells release histamines when they are activated by binding of specific antigens to cell fixed IgE molecules?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Basophils
Explanation:Mast cells and basophils both contain granules of vasoactive histamine in their cytosol. Both of them express IgE receptors on their cell surface and upon binding with a specific antigen they release their cytokines including histamine.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
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Question 18
Incorrect
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Using the Cockcroft-Gault formula, what will the estimated creatinine clearance be of a 55 year old male who weighs 75kg and has a serum creatinine of 150mg/dL?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 0.59ml/min
Explanation:A commonly used surrogate marker for estimate of creatinine clearance is the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) formula, which in turn estimates GFR in ml/min:CCr = [(140-age) x Mass(kg)]/[72 x serum creatinine (mg/dL)](multiply by 0.85 for women)Therefore CCr = (85 x 75)/(72 x 150) = 0.59
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Renal
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Question 19
Incorrect
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An 81-year-old male presented to the emergency department following a fall at home. He was diagnosed with osteoporosis about five years ago. He presently complains of significant low back pain. A lumbar spine X-ray was suggestive of a fractured lumbar vertebra. A subsequent MRI scan of the lumbosacral spine revealed a new L3 burst fracture with no evidence of cord compression. A neurosurgical consult was sought and conservative management was planned accordingly in the form of pain control, physiotherapy, and mobilization (as allowed by the pain). He also has been diagnosed with chronic renal disease (stage IV) with a creatinine clearance of 21ml/min, he was started on a Buprenorphine patch. Which of the following opioids would be safest to use for his breakthrough pain?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Oxycodone
Explanation:Oxycodone is a safer opioid to use in patients with moderate to end-stage renal failure.Active metabolites of morphine accumulate in renal failure which means that long-term use is contraindicated in patients with moderate/severe renal failure. These toxic metabolites can accumulate causing toxicity and risk overdose. Oxycodone is mainly metabolised in the liver and thus safer to use in patients with moderate to end-stage renal failure with dose reductions.Adverse effects:Constipation is the most common overall side effect. Others include: asthenia, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, pruritus, etc. Medications in renal failure:Drugs to be avoided in patients with renal failureAntibiotics: tetracycline, nitrofurantoinNSAIDsLithiumMetforminDrugs that require dose adjustment:Most antibiotics including penicillin, cephalosporins, vancomycin, gentamicin, streptomycinDigoxin, atenololMethotrexateSulphonylureasFurosemideOpioidsRelatively safe drugs:Antibiotics: erythromycin, rifampicinDiazepamWarfarin
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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A 33 year old female presents with dyspnoea, myalgia, arthralgia and a skin rash. The presence of which of the following antibodies would be the most specific for SLE?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Anti-Sm
Explanation:Anti-Sm antibodies are essential for diagnosis of SLE, especially in anti-dsDNA-negative patients. ANA are also found in 95% of the patients with SLE but they may also occur with other conditions like Juvenile inflammatory arthritis, chronic activity hepatitis, and Sjogren’s syndrome. Anti-Ro, although also found with SLE are more characteristic of Sjogren Syndrome. RF is usually associated with rheumatoid arthritis and cANCA with Wegener’s granulomatosis, Churg Strauss, and microscopic polyangiitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Which one of the following statements best describes a type II statistical error?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: The null hypothesis is accepted when it is false
Explanation:In statistical hypothesis testing there are 2 types of errors:- type I: the null hypothesis is rejected when it is true – i.e. Showing a difference between two groups when it doesn’t exist, a false positive. – type II: the null hypothesis is accepted when it is false – i.e. Failing to spot a difference when one really exists, a false negative.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Research Skills
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Question 22
Incorrect
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Which of the following is an example of a ketone body?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Acetoacetate
Explanation:Ketone bodies are three water-soluble molecules (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and their spontaneous breakdown product, acetone) that are produced by the liver from fatty acids during periods of low food intake (fasting), carbohydrate restrictive diets, starvation, prolonged intense exercise, alcoholism or in untreated (or inadequately treated) type 1 diabetes mellitus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Metabolism
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Question 23
Incorrect
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Which dorsal (sensory) root is responsible for umbilical area sensation?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: T10
Explanation:The area of skin supplied by one nerve is called a dermatome. T10 supplies sensory neurons to the area of the umbilicus. C3 and C4 supply the neck and the shoulder, T4 supplies the dermatome at the level of the nipple, S3 supplies the inguinal region and L5 supplies the lateral aspect of the leg and the medical aspect of the dorsum of the feet plus the first 3 toes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Question 25
Incorrect
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Blood flow to the subendocardial portions of the left ventricular muscle occurs mainly during:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Diastole
Explanation:The sub endocardium receives the least amount of blood from the coronary arteries. During systole the coronary arteries collapse as a result of the pressure from contraction that is exerted on them. During diastole the heart muscle relaxes and the pressure on the coronary vessels is relieved allowing blood to flow through them to the sub endocardium.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 26
Incorrect
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A 82-year-old woman admitted following a fractured neck of femur has been discharged. On review, she is making good progress but consideration is given to secondary prevention of further fractures. What is the most appropriate step in the prevention of further fractures?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Start oral bisphosphonate
Explanation:In such a clinical scenario, NICE guidelines support initiating treatment with bisphosphonates without waiting for a DEXA scan.Osteoporosis is defined as low bone mineral density caused by altered bone microstructure ultimately predisposing patients to low-impact, fragility fractures.Management:Vitamin D and calcium supplementation should be offered to all women unless the clinician is confident they have adequate calcium intake and are vitamin D repleteAlendronate is the first-line treatment. Around 25% of patients cannot tolerate alendronate, usually due to upper gastrointestinal problems. These patients should be offered risedronate or etidronate.Strontium ranelate and raloxifene are recommended if patients cannot tolerate bisphosphonates.Other medications that are useful in the treatment of osteoporosis are denosumab, teriparatide, raloxifene, etc.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 27
Incorrect
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The conversion of haem to bilirubin is catalysed by which of these enzymes?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Biliverdin reductase
Explanation:Bilirubin is created by the activity of biliverdin reductase on biliverdin, a green tetrapyrrolic bile pigment that is also a product of haem catabolism.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary
- Medicine
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Question 28
Incorrect
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Where is angiotensinogen produced?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Liver
Explanation:Angiotensin is a peptide hormone that causes vasoconstriction and a subsequent increase in blood pressure. Angiotensin also stimulates the release of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone promotes sodium retention in the distal nephron, in the kidney, which also drives blood pressure up. It is derived from the precursor molecule angiotensinogen, a serum globulin produced in the liver.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Renal
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Question 29
Incorrect
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In meiosis, the period of prophase 1 involves:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Replicated DNA condensing to form visible chromosomes
Explanation:Prophase 1 has been divided into five different stages (laptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene and diakinesis). In prophase 1, chromosomes are going to condense to become visible, each chromosome will contain two chromatids that are joined at the centromere.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 30
Incorrect
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What is the mechanism of action of sildenafil citrate?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Inhibition of phosphodiesterase V
Explanation:Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is the first oral drug to be widely approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is a potent and selective inhibitor of type-V phosphodiesterase, the primary form of the enzyme found in human penile erectile tissue, thereby preventing the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), the intracellular second messenger of nitric oxide.Uses:It is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, premature ejaculation, high altitude illness, penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy, angina pectoris, and lower urinary tract symptoms.Adverse effects:Mild headache, flushing, dyspepsia, cyanopsia, back pain, and myalgias – due to a high concentration of PDE11 enzyme in skeletal muscle, which shows significant cross-reactivity with the use of tadalafil.It can also cause hypotension, dizziness, and rhinitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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