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Question 1
Correct
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Which of the following is responsible for converting inactive cortisone to active cortisol in the adrenal gland?
Your Answer: 11βHSD type 1
Explanation:11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, also known as HSD-11β or 11β-HSD, is a group of enzymes which catalyse the interconversion of active cortisol and corticosterone with inert cortisone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 2
Incorrect
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Which one of the following features is least associated with primary hyperparathyroidism?
Your Answer: Depression
Correct Answer: Sensory loss
Explanation:The signs and symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism are those of hypercalcemia. They are classically summarized by stones, bones, abdominal groans, thrones and psychiatric overtones.
Stones refers to kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, and diabetes insipidus (polyuria and polydipsia). These can ultimately lead to renal failure.
Bones refers to bone-related complications: osteitis fibrosa cystica, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and arthritis.
Abdominal groans refers to gastrointestinal symptoms of constipation, indigestion, nausea and vomiting. Hypercalcemia can lead to peptic ulcers and acute pancreatitis.
Thrones refers to polyuria and constipation
Psychiatric overtones refers to effects on the central nervous system. Symptoms include lethargy, fatigue, depression, memory loss, psychosis, ataxia, delirium, and coma.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 3
Incorrect
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An important hormone controlling the differentiation of monocytes to osteoclasts, by inhibiting the RANKL/ RANK interaction is called?
Your Answer: Osteoprotectin
Correct Answer: Osteoprotegerin
Explanation:Osteoprotegerin, also known as osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF) is a glycoprotein that acts as a cytokine receptor. It works as a decoy receptor for the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL)/osteoclast differentiation factor, thus inhibiting the differentiation of osteoclasts, which are capable of resorbing bone. Osteoprotegerin has been proposed as a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 4
Correct
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Where does the pituitary gland lie?
Your Answer: In a pocket of the sphenoid bone at the base of the brain
Explanation:The pituitary lies in a small depression in the sphenoid bone, known as the sella turcica or Turkish saddle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 5
Correct
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Which one of the following is not part of the WHO diagnostic criteria for the metabolic syndrome?
Your Answer: High LDL
Explanation:The World Health Organization 1999 criteria require the presence of any one of diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose or insulin resistance, AND two of the following:
- Blood pressure: ≥ 140/90 mmHg
- Dyslipidaemia: triglycerides (TG): ≥ 1.695 mmol/L and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ≤ 0.9 mmol/L (male), ≤ 1.0 mmol/L (female)
- Central obesity: waist: hip ratio > 0.90 (male); > 0.85 (female), or body mass index > 30 kg/m2
- Microalbuminuria: urinary albumin excretion ratio ≥ 20 µg/min or albumin: creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 6
Correct
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Which of the following describes a principal action of insulin?
Your Answer: Inhibition of phosphorylase and gluconeogenic enzymes
Explanation:Insulin stimulates glycolysis and lipogenesis, but inhibits gluconeogenesis. Insulin promotes the dephosphorylating of glycogen phosphorylase, therefore suppressing glycogenolysis. Insulin also inhibits FOX3, FOX4, and FOX6 and their ability to promote hepatic gluconeogenesis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 7
Correct
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Which are the main hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary gland.
Your Answer: Oxytocin and vasopressin
Explanation:The posterior pituitary gland secretes oxytocin and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone). These hormones are stored in Herring bodies before being secreted into the bloodstream.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 8
Incorrect
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The febrile response to PGE2 will be impaired with the knockout of which one of the following prostaglandin receptors?
Your Answer: Ep5
Correct Answer: Ep3
Explanation:Prostaglandin EP3 receptor is a receptor for prostaglandin E2. Fever occurs as a result of the action of prostaglandin E2 and requires EP3 receptors in the preoptic area. Therefore, if there is an absence of EP3 receptors, fever caused by prostaglandin E2 will not occur.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 9
Correct
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With regards to the deiodinases, where would you find D1?
Your Answer: Liver
Explanation:The liver produces an important amount of T3 by outer ring deiodination thanks to its elevated concentration of type I deiodinase. It can also be found in the kidney.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 10
Correct
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Which enzyme is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone?
Your Answer: 5α-reductase
Explanation:The enzyme 5α-reductase synthesizes DHT from testosterone in the prostate, testes, hair follicles, and adrenal glands. This enzyme reduces the 4,5 double-bond of the testosterone. Relative to testosterone, DHT is much more potent as an agonist of the androgen receptor.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 11
Correct
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Select the correct statement regarding the macro anatomy of the thyroid gland.
Your Answer: It surrounds the trachea at the front of the neck.
Explanation:The thyroid is located around the trachea, in the anterior portion of the neck. It is formed by two lobes which are connected by an isthmus. The presence of a pyramidal lobe, or third lobe, is considered to be a normal anatomical variant. It originates from the primitive pharynx and the neural crest and has a rich vascular supply.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 12
Incorrect
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Which of the following is correctly paired?
Your Answer: I cells : IgF – i
Correct Answer: F cells : pancreatic polypeptide
Explanation:Pancreatic polypeptide is secreted by F-cells, which represent the smallest proportion of islet cells in the pancreas. These cells establish the embryological origin of the pancreas. Pancreatic polypeptide regulates endocrine and exocrine activities by the pancreas.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 13
Correct
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Which of the following values of bone mineral density measured by DEXA would signify osteopenia?
Your Answer: T score of -2.2
Explanation:DEXA T Scores:Normal T-score ≥ −1.0Osteopenia −2.5 < T-score < −1.0Osteoporosis T-score ≤ −2.5Severe osteoporosis T-score ≤ −2.5 with fragility fracture
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 14
Incorrect
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Where is the melanocortin system located?
Your Answer: Pituitary
Correct Answer: Hypothalamus
Explanation:The melanocortin system is a group of hormones which include hormones from the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing neurons, the neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-co-expressing neurons. This system is located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus; it also includes the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R)-expressing neurons located in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. The system regulates energy expenditure and food intake.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 15
Correct
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Calcium is transported over the brush border in the gut, via which transporter / channel?
Your Answer: TRPV 6
Explanation:Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 6 or TRPV 6 is a calcium channel located in the cell membrane which is present in a variety of organs, including small intestine, oesophagus, stomach, colon, placenta, kidney, and uterus. In the intestine, it is located in the apical brush-border membrane of the enterocyte, regulating the entry of calcium into the cell.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 16
Correct
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A 14-year-old girl presents with short stature, webbed neck and primary amenorrhoea.Given the likely clinical diagnosis, which hormone replacement is most crucial over the longer term?
Your Answer: Oestrogen
Explanation:This girl most likely has Turner syndrome (TS) also known as 45,X, a condition in which a female is partly or completely missing an X chromosome. Signs and symptoms vary among those affected. Often, a short and webbed neck, low-set ears, low hairline at the back of the neck, short stature, and swollen hands and feet are seen at birth. Typically, they are without menstrual periods, do not develop breasts, and are unable to have children. Heart defects, diabetes, and low thyroid hormone occur more frequently. Most people with TS have normal intelligence. Many, however, have troubles with spatial visualization such as that needed for mathematics. Vision and hearing problems occur more often. Turner syndrome is not usually inherited from a person’s parents. No environmental risks are known and the mother’s age does not play a role. As a chromosomal condition, there is no cure for Turner syndrome. However, much can be done to minimize the symptoms including prescribing growth hormone, either alone or with a low dose of androgen, and oestrogen replacement therapy which is crucial long term for maintaining good bone integrity, cardiovascular health and tissue health
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 17
Correct
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What is the most common cause of primary hyperaldosteronism?
Your Answer: Bilateral idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia
Explanation:Primary aldosteronism, also known as primary hyperaldosteronism or Conn’s syndrome, is excess production of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands resulting in low renin levels. Primary hyperaldosteronism has a number of causes. About 66% of cases are due to enlargement of both adrenal glands and 33% of cases are due to an adrenal adenoma that produces aldosterone. Other uncommon causes include adrenal cancer and an inherited disorder called familial hyperaldosteronism
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 18
Incorrect
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Within the hypothalamus, the dopamine-secreting neurones of the intrahypothalamic system have their cell bodies in which nuclei?
Your Answer: Raphe
Correct Answer: Arcuate
Explanation:Arcuate nucleus dopaminergic neurons consist of a single group of neurons that project to the median eminence where they release dopamine into the hypophyseal portal circulation to inhibit pituitary prolactin secretion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 19
Correct
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Which one of the following leads to decreased prolactin levels?
Your Answer: Dopamine
Explanation:Dopamine has an important effect on the regulation of prolactin secretion. Dopamine binds to type-2 dopamine receptors of the lactotroph cells that are functionally linked to membrane channels and G proteins and suppresses the high secretory activity of the pituitary lactotrophs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 20
Correct
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Periodic fevers occur in humans with mutations in the gene for pyrin. Pyrin is a protein found in which one of the following cells?
Your Answer: Neutrophils
Explanation:Pyrin, also known as marenostrin or TRIM20, is a protein encoded by the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene, causing the autoinflammatory disease familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Pyrin produces an increased sensitivity to intracellular signals. It is produced mainly in neutrophils, which display an increased ratio of cells entering apoptosis when exposed to pyrin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 21
Correct
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In terms of relative steroid potency, how much prednisone is equivalent to 100mg hydrocortisone?
Your Answer: 25mg
Explanation:Different corticosteroids have varying degrees of potency. 1 mg of prednisone is equivalent to 4 mg of hydrocortisone. Therefore, 25 mg of prednisone are equivalent to 100 mg of hydrocortisone.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 22
Incorrect
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Which cell secretes parathyroid hormone?
Your Answer: Parafollicular cells
Correct Answer: Chief cells
Explanation:Parathyroid chief cells, also known as parathyroid principal cells or parathyroid cells, are the most prevalent type of cell in the parathyroid gland and the only ones present at birth. They secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 23
Correct
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Select the correct statement about the microanatomy of the thyroid gland.
Your Answer: The capillaries adjacent to thyroid cells have a fenestrated endothelium.
Explanation:Fenestrated capillaries have a very thin endothelium, which is perforated by numerous fenestrations or pores. Hormones are usually released into these capillaries, reaching their target cells through the circulatory system.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 24
Correct
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Which of the following increase insulin secretion?
Your Answer: Sulfonylureas
Explanation:Sulfonylureas are a type of antidiabetic drug used to treat diabetes mellitus type 2. Their main mechanism of action is producing a rise in plasma insulin levels, through stimulation of insulin secretion and a decrease in hepatic clearance of insulin. Sulfonylureas include gliclazide, glipizide, glibenclamide and glimepiride.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 25
Incorrect
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In the microanatomy of the pituitary gland, the pituicytes present are in fact modified forms of which cells?
Your Answer: Fibroblasts
Correct Answer: Astrocytes
Explanation:Pituicytes are glial cells present in the pars nervosa, the posterior pituitary gland. Their irregular shape resembles that of astrocytes, and their cytoplasm also has intermediate filaments. They differ from astrocytes in that they have large cytoplasmic lipid droplets.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Which of the following forms one of the characteristic and functional cells making up the anterior pituitary gland?
Your Answer: Astrocyte
Correct Answer: Corticotrope
Explanation:The anterior pituitary, also known as adenohypophysis or pars anterior contains the following types of cells: – acidophil cells: somatotroph cells, which produce growth hormone; and lactotrophs, which produce prolactin- basophil cells: corticotropes, which produce adrenocorticotropic hormone; thyrotropes, which produce thyroid stimulating hormone; and – gonadotrophs, which produce luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 27
Correct
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Which of the following hormones cause negative feedback on the CRH/ACTH axis?
Your Answer: Cortisol
Explanation:The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, also known as HPA axis is a set of interactions that regulate the secretion of several hormones through negative feedback. Cortisol, for example, is produced by the adrenal cortex, binds to its receptors in the hypothalamus and adenohypophysis and inhibits secretion of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The drop in CRH secretion leads to a decrease in ACTH secretion, which in turn causes less cortisol to be secreted.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 28
Incorrect
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Which is primarily responsible for the conversion of T4 to T3 in the periphery?
Your Answer: Deiodinase 2
Correct Answer: Deiodinase 1
Explanation:Type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase, also known simply as deiodinase 1, is an enzyme which can produce both triiodothyronine (active form) or inactivate metabolites from T4. It is responsible for almost 80% of the conversion of peripheral T4 to T3. Iodothyronine deiodinases are not to be confused with iodotyrosine deiodinases, which are also part of the deiodinase enzymes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 29
Correct
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What is the most abundant hormone release by the thyroid?
Your Answer: T4
Explanation:T3 and T4 are the two tyrosine-based hormones produced and secreted by the thyroid gland. Although T3 is the active form of the hormone, and thus, it is much more potent; T4 is the most abundant hormone secreted by the thyroid (93% of the total thyroid secretion) and it also has a longer half life since it binds to proteins much more strongly.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 30
Correct
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Which of the following stimulates glucagon release?
Your Answer: Exercise
Explanation:Studies have shown a small increase in glucagon levels during stress tests and exercise. This occurs in response to the reduction of blood glucose levels during physical activity; epinephrine levels are also a stimulus for the release of glucagon during exercise, since it suppresses insulin, which accounts for its stimulatory effects on glucagon. The use of stored fats for energy during exercise also stimulates the release of glucagon.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
