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Question 1
Correct
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The initial rapid depolarization in the action potential of cardiac muscle cells is due to:
Your Answer: Opening of voltage-gated Na+ channels
Explanation:The initial depolarization of the action potential in a cardiac muscle cell is due to the sodium current generated by opening of the voltage gated sodium channels leading to an influx of sodium ions into the cell and raising the membrane potential towards threshold.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 2
Correct
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A 31 year old female complains of bilateral proximal muscle weakness. There is marked blanching of fingers especially in response to cold weather. Lab results are as follows: Anti Jo-1: positive ANA: positiveCK: 2000 U/LESR: 60mm/hrEMG: myopathic changesPresence of which of the following signifies the worst prognosis?
Your Answer: Interstitial lung disease
Explanation:Polymyositis is an inflammatory disorder causing symmetrical, proximal muscle weakness. It is thought to be a T-cell mediated cytotoxic process directed against muscle fibres. It may be idiopathic or associated with connective tissue disorders. It may also be associated with malignancy for example small cell lung carcinoma.Dermatomyositis is a variant of the disease where skin manifestations are prominent, for example a purple (heliotrope) rash on the cheeks and eyelids.It typically affects middle-aged, female: male 3:1. Features include proximal muscle weakness +/- tenderness, Raynaud’s phenomenon, respiratory muscle weakness, interstitial lung disease: e.g. fibrosing alveolitis or organising pneumonia, dysphagia, dysphonia. Investigations: elevated creatine kinase, other muscle enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase (LD), aldolase, AST and ALT) are also elevated in 85-95% of patients, EMG, muscle biopsy. Anti-Jo-1 antibodies are seen in pattern of disease associated with lung involvement, Raynaud’s and fever. Interstitial lung disease plays a major role in morbidity and mortality in patients with polymyositis and is considered a major risk factor for premature death in patients with myositis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 3
Correct
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A 32 year old male who has recently returned from a trip to Thailand presents with congestion of eyes and swelling of the knee joint. He completed a course of antibiotics for dysentery 4 weeks back. He experiences no dysuria and urine examination is normal. Which further information would be most useful in establishing a diagnosis?
Your Answer: History and physical examination
Explanation:The patient most likely has reactive arthritis which is usually diagnosed on history and clinical examination. The classic triad of symptoms include conjunctivitis, urethritis and arthritis. Arthritis and conjunctivitis may occur 4-6 weeks after a gastrointestinal or genitourinary infection. Arthritis usually occurs acutely, mostly involving the lower limb and is asymmetrical. Blood culture, urine culture and arthrocentesis (joint aspiration) will not yield positive results.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 4
Correct
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What is the correct formula to calculate the positive predictive value?(TP = true positive; FP = false positive; TN = true negative; FN = false negative)
Your Answer: TP / (TP + FP)
Explanation:Positive predictive value is the probability that subjects with a positive screening test truly have the disease.Positive predictive value = true positive / ( true positive + false positive)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Research Skills
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Question 5
Correct
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Which statement is incorrect?
Your Answer: Translation begins when the triplet (UGA) encoding for methionine is encountered.
Explanation:Translation being when the codon for methionine is encountered which is AUG not UGA. This process is known as initiation. All the other options are correct.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 6
Correct
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Which of the following skin conditions is not associated with diabetes mellitus?
Your Answer: Sweet's syndrome
Explanation:Diabetic dermadromes constitute a group of cutaneous conditions commonly seen in people with diabetes with longstanding disease. Conditions included in this group are:- Acral dry gangrene- Carotenosis- Diabetic dermopathy- Diabetic bulla- Diabetic cheiroarthropathy- Malum perforans- Necrobiosis lipoidica- Limited joint mobility- Scleroderma- Waxy skin is observed in roughly 50%. Sweet’s syndrome is also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis has a strong association with acute myeloid leukaemia. It is not associated with diabetes mellitus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
- Medicine
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Question 7
Correct
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What is pendrin?
Your Answer: Cl-/i- antiporter
Explanation:Pendrin is an anion exchange transporter; it is a sodium-independent chloride-iodine exchanger which also accepts formate and bicarbonate. It is present in many different types of cells in the body, particularly the inner ear, thyroid, and kidney. Mutations in pendrin are associated with Pendred syndrome, which causes syndromic deafness and thyroid disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 8
Correct
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Which of the following statements is true regarding herpes simplex virus type I:
Your Answer: More than half of the population is infected.
Explanation:HSV-1 is often acquired orally during childhood. It may also be sexually transmitted, including contact with saliva, such as kissing and mouth-to-genital contact (oral sex). HSV-2 is primarily a sexually transmitted infection, but rates of HSV-1 genital infections are increasing. HSVs may persist in a quiescent but persistent form known as latent infection, notably in neural ganglia. HSV-1 tends to reside in the trigeminal ganglia, while HSV-2 tends to reside in the sacral ganglia, but these are tendencies only, not fixed behaviour. The virus can be reactivated by illnesses such as colds and influenza, eczema, emotional and physical stress, gastric upset, fatigue or injury, by menstruation and possibly exposure to bright sunlight. Genital Herpes may be reactivated by friction. Shingles is due to a reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
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Question 9
Correct
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In blistering dermatological disorders e.g.. Pemphigus, which junctions are attacked by autoantibodies?
Your Answer: Desmosomes
Explanation:Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease caused by antibodies directed against both desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3 present in desmosomes. Loss of desmosomes results in loss of cohesion between keratinocytes in the epidermis, and a disruption of the barrier function served by intact skin. The process is classified as a type II hypersensitivity reaction
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 10
Incorrect
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The ATPase of parietal cells moves:
Your Answer: H+ into the gastric lumen in exchange for a Na+
Correct Answer: H+ into the gastric lumen in exchange for a k+
Explanation:ATPase of the parietal cell is also known as the proton pump, which moves H+ ions into the gastric lumen in exchange for K+ ions into the cell.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 11
Incorrect
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A 24 year old male, known case of hereditary angioneurotic oedema presents with recurrent fever and arthralgia which is accompanied by a rash on face and upper chest. These attacks have been refractory to treatment and have occurred recurrently requiring adrenaline on several occasions. Lab results reveal persistently reduced C4 levels. Which of the following is most likely causing his current symptoms?
Your Answer: Viral illness
Correct Answer: Systemic lupus erythematosus
Explanation:Angioedema secondary to C1 inhibitor deficiency has been rarely reported to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. A genetic defect of C1 inhibitor produces hereditary angioedema, which is usually presented with cutaneous painless oedema, but oedema of the genital area, gastrointestinal and laryngeal tracts have also been reported. In lupus patients, angioedema may be the result of an acquired type of C1 inhibitor deficiency, most probably due to antibody formation directed against the C1 inhibitor molecule.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 12
Incorrect
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A 30-year-old agitated male was brought to the emergency department by his friend. Though there is little previous history, the friend believes that he has been suffering from depression for several years, and his medications have been changed by his general practitioner quite recently.On examination the patient is agitated and confused, his pupils are dilated. He also has tremors, excessive sweating, and grinding of teeth. His heart rate is 118 beats/min, which is regular, and is febrile with a temperature of 38.5°C.What is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Malignant hyperthermia
Correct Answer: Serotonin syndrome
Explanation:The most probable diagnosis in this patient is serotonin syndrome.The serotonin syndrome is a cluster of symptoms and signs (range from barely perceptible tremor to life-threatening hyperthermia and shock). It may occur when SSRIs such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline that impair the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft into the presynaptic neuron are taken in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants. It has also been reported following an overdose of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) alone.Treatment:Most cases of serotonin syndrome are mild and will resolve with removal of the offending drug alone. After stopping all serotonergic drugs, management is largely supportive and aimed at preventing complications. Patients frequently require sedation, which is best facilitated with benzodiazepines.Antipsychotics should be avoided because of their anticholinergic properties, which may inhibit sweating and heat dissipation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 13
Incorrect
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Where in the gastrointestinal tract are valvulae conniventes?
Your Answer: Colon
Correct Answer: Jejunum
Explanation:The circular folds (valves of Kerckring or valvulae conniventes) are large valvular flaps projecting into the lumen of the small intestine.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 14
Correct
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A 28 year old female presents to the rheumatology clinic for review. She has a history of adult onset Still's disease and complains of joint pains and persistent skin rash despite undergoing treatment with methotrexate and etanercept. On examination, an erythematous macular rash and active synovitis is noted. CRP is high (95 mg/dl). Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate?
Your Answer: Anakinra
Explanation:Adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is an uncommon systemic inflammatory disease on the clinical spectrum of autoinflammatory disorders. Its presentation and clinical course may result in several well-differentiated phenotypes: from a systemic and highly symptomatic pattern to a chronic articular pattern. Overproduction of numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines is observed in AOSD. Anakinra, a human interleukin (IL)-1R antagonist, has recently been approved in the treatment of AOSD. Denosumab is a RANK ligand inhibitor used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Mepolizumab is used in the treatment of severe asthma with elevated eosinophils. There is some evidence to support the use of tocilizumab, an anti-IL6 monoclonal antibody in adult onset Still’s, but there is stronger data favouring the use of tocilizumab in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Rituximab is usually reserved for patients who are unresponsive to anakinra.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 15
Correct
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Which factor produced by the endothelium is responsible for the regulation of vascular cell growth?
Your Answer: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
Explanation:VEGF is produced by the endothelial cells and is the major growth factor responsible for causing vasculogenesis. Some isoforms of this growth factor also have a prominent role in formation of lymphatic vessels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 16
Correct
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Factors influencing cardiac output include which of the following?
Your Answer: All of the above
Explanation:There is a correlation between resting CO and body surface area. The output per min per square meter of body surface (the cardiac index) averages 3.2l.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 17
Correct
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Question 18
Incorrect
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How are the long chain fatty acids (more than 10 to 12 carbon atoms) absorbed?
Your Answer: Re-esterified to triglycerides and enter capillaries as low density lipoproteins
Correct Answer: Re-esterified to triglycerides and enter the lymphatics as chylomicrons
Explanation:Short and medium chain fatty acids are absorbed into the blood via intestinal capillaries and travel through the portal vein. Long chain fatty acids are not directly released into the intestinal capillaries. They are re-esterified to triglycerides and are coated with cholesterol and protein, forming chylomicrons. Chylomicrons are released in the lymphatic system.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 19
Incorrect
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The length of DNA is generally measured in terms of number of:
Your Answer: Nucleotides
Correct Answer: Base pairs
Explanation:As DNA is made up of nucleotides, its length is measured by the number of base pairs in the DNA molecules.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 20
Correct
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Which glucose transporter is responsible for the uptake of glucose in ß cells?
Your Answer: GLUT 2
Explanation:Glucose transporter 2, also known as GLUT2 is a transmembrane carrier protein which is not insulin dependent. It is found in the liver and the pancreatic islet ß cells, where it functions as the primary glucose transporter that allows the transfer of glucose between these organs and blood.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 21
Incorrect
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In a patient with prostate cancer, what is the mechanism by which goserelin acts?
Your Answer: Androgen receptor antagonist
Correct Answer: GnRH agonist
Explanation:Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer:Goserelin (Zoladex) is a synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue; chronic stimulation of goserelin results in suppression of LH, FSH serum levels thereby preventing a rise in testosterone.Dosage form: 3.6 mg/10.8mg implants.Adverse effects include flushing, sweating, diarrhoea, erectile dysfunction, less commonly, rash, depression, hypersensitivity, etc.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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The structure of haemoglobin A in adults includes
Your Answer: Haem, globin polypeptide chains β and υ
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 23
Correct
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The ependyma fuse with which of the following to from the choroid plexus?
Your Answer: Tela choroidea
Explanation:The choroid plexus produces the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. It consists of modified ependymal cells. Tela choroidea is a region of pia mater of the meninges and underlying ependyma that’s a part of the choroid plexus. It is a very thin layer of the connective tissue of pia mater that overlies and covers the ependyma.
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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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Regarding the innervation of cerebral blood vessels, which of the following triggers a vasoconstrictor effect?
Your Answer: VIP
Correct Answer: Neuropeptide-Y
Explanation:Substance P is a potent vasodilator, VIP or vasoactive intestinal peptide has vasodilator properties in the intestines. PHM 27 is a potent calcitonin receptor agonist; endogenous analogue of human VIP. CGRP or Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide is a vasodilator which is found to play an important role in migraines. Neuropeptide Y is a strong vasoconstrictor.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 25
Incorrect
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The Cellular Theory of Ageing involves?
Your Answer: Somatic mutation
Correct Answer: Loss of telomeres
Explanation:Cellular theories of aging propose that human aging is the result of cellular aging, whereby an increasing proportion of cells reach senescence, a terminal stage at which cells will cease to divide. This will limit the body’s ability to regenerate and to respond to injury or stress. Telomeres are bits of DNA on the ends of chromosomes that protect chromosomes from sticking to each other or tangling, which could cause DNA to abnormally function. As cells replicate, telomeres shorten at the end of chromosomes, and this process correlates to senescence or cellular aging.
Other theories include:
- The Free Radical Theory: Implicates the gradual accumulation of oxidative cellular damage as a fundamental driver of cellular aging. This theory has evolved over time to emphasize the role of free radical induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and the accumulation of mtDNA deletions. Given the proximity of mtDNA to the electron transport chain, a primary producer of free radicals, it postulates that the mutations would promote mitochondrial dysfunction and concomitantly increase free radical production in a positive feedback loop. It is known that diet, lifestyle, drugs (e.g. tobacco and alcohol) and radiation etc., are all accelerators of free radical production within the body.
- Error theory: based on the idea that errors can occur in the transcription of the synthesis of DNA. These errors are perpetuated and eventually lead to systems that do not function at the optimum level. The organism’s aging and death are attributable to these events (Sonneborn, 1979).
- The Cross-Linking Theory: also referred to as the Glycosylation Theory of Aging. In this theory it is the binding of glucose (simple sugars) to protein, (a process that occurs under the presence of oxygen) that causes various problems. Once this binding has occurred the protein becomes impaired and is unable to perform as efficiently. Living a longer life is going to lead to the increased possibility of oxygen meeting glucose and protein and known cross-linking disorders include senile cataract and the appearance of tough, leathery and yellow skin.
- The Neuroendocrine Theory First proposed by Professor Vladimir Dilman and Ward Dean MD, this theory elaborates on wear and tear by focusing on the neuroendocrine system. This system is a complicated network of biochemicals that govern the release of hormones which are altered by the walnut sized gland called the hypothalamus located in the brain. The hypothalamus controls various chain-reactions to instruct other organs and glands to release their hormones etc. The hypothalamus also responds to the body hormone levels as a guide to the overall hormonal activity. But as we grow older the hypothalamus loses it precision regulatory ability and the receptors which uptake individual hormones become less sensitive to them. Accordingly, as we age the secretion of many hormones declines and their effectiveness (compared unit to unit) is also reduced due to the receptors down-grading
- The Membrane Theory of Aging:Â According to this theory it is the age-related changes of the cell’s ability to transfer chemicals, heat and electrical processes that impair it. As we grow older the cell membrane becomes less lipid (less watery and more solid). This impedes its efficiency to conduct normal function and in particular there is a toxic accumulation
- The Decline Theory: The mitochondria are the power producing organelles found in every cell of every organ. Their primary job is to create Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and they do so in the various energy cycles that involve nutrients such as Acetyl-L-Carnitine, CoQ10 (Idebenone), NADH and some B vitamins etc. Enhancement and protection of the mitochondria is an essential part of preventing and slowing aging. Enhancement can be achieved with the above mention nutrients, as well as ATP supplements themselves.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Which immunological cells are predominant in the lymph node (almost 98 % residence)?
Your Answer: Neutrophils
Correct Answer: Lymphocytes
Explanation:Lymph nodes are a lymphoid organ mostly consisting of lymphocytes: B cells in the cortex from where they mature and proliferate and T cells in the paracortex. The medulla is also composed of lymphocytes and macrophages.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
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Question 27
Correct
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Cranial nerves VI, VII, VIII enter/exit the base of the brain at the:
Your Answer: Ponto-medullary junction
Explanation:Cranial nerves III, IV and V exit from the pons, VI, VII, VIII exit from the pontomedullary junction and cranial nerve IX, X, XI, XII exit from the medulla.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 28
Correct
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A 35-year-old male was brought to you in a confused state. Although not your patient, you can make out that the man has a history of schizophrenia, and has recently had his medications altered. Clinically, you find evidence of a lower respiratory tract infection, and blood investigations indicate a neutropenic picture.What is the most likely drug causing the neutropenia?
Your Answer: Clozapine
Explanation:Clozapine can cause neutropenia or agranulocytosis.Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic used in the treatment of schizophrenia, and in patients who are intolerant to, or unresponsive to other antipsychotics. It is a weak D2-receptor and D1-receptor blocking activity, with noradrenolytic, anticholinergic, and antihistaminic properties.Many antipsychotic drugs can occasionally cause bone marrow depression, but agranulocytosis is particularly associated with clozapine.Other side effects include:Hypotension, tachycardiaFever, sedation, seizures (with high doses)Appetite increaseConstipationHeartburnWeight gainExtrapyramidal symptomsAgranulocytosisNeuroleptic malignant syndrome
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 29
Incorrect
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Which of the following limits the duration of inspiration and increases respiratory rate?
Your Answer: Nucleus of the tractus solitaries
Correct Answer: Pneumotaxic centre
Explanation:The mechanism of control of ventilation is an interplay of multiple regions in the brain. The medullary respiratory centre sets the basic rhythm of breathing and the pons modifies the output of the medullary centres. There are two pontine centres: apneustic and pneumotaxic.
The pnuemotaxic centre controls inspiratory time. Increased signals to this area increases respiratory rate. The dorsal respiratory group (DRG) integrates input from the stretch receptors and the chemoreceptors in the periphery and is composed mainly of inspiratory neurons. The DRG controls the basic rhythm of breathing by triggering inspiratory impulses. The ventral respiratory group (VRG) generates breathing rhythm and integrates data coming into the medulla and contains both inspiratory and expiratory neurons. They are primarily active in exercise and stress.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Respiratory
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Question 30
Incorrect
SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
