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Question 1
Correct
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The parietal cells of the stomach secrete which of the following?
Your Answer: Hydrochloric acid
Explanation:Parietal cells are the epithelial cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor. These cells are located in the gastric glands found in the lining of the fundus and in the body of the stomach.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 2
Correct
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One function of the liver is synthesis and storage of protein. Which of the following will result in hypoalbuminemia?
Your Answer: All of the above
Explanation:Both trauma and sepsis cause an acute inflammatory response causing plasma leakage of albumin. Nephropathy causes leakage of albumin from glomeruli and excretion of albumin in urine known as albuminuria. A hypercatabolic state is characterized by increased circulating catabolic hormones and increase break down of proteins.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 3
Incorrect
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What is the isolated effect of B2 stimulation on the coronaries?
Your Answer: Vasoconstriction
Correct Answer: Vasodilatation
Explanation:Norepinephrine and epinephrine are agonists for all adrenergic receptor subtypes, although with varying affinities. Based on their physiology and pharmacology, adrenergic receptors have been divided into two principal types: alpha and beta. These types have been further differentiated into alpha-1, alpha-2, b1, and b2 receptors.
Alpha-1 Receptors are located on postsynaptic cells in smooth muscle and elicit vasoconstriction.
Alpha-2 receptors are localized on presynaptic membranes of postganglionic nerve terminals that synthesize norepinephrine. When activated by catecholamines, alpha-2 receptors act as negative feedback controllers, inhibiting further norepinephrine release.
Activation of myocardial b1 receptors stimulates the rate and strength of cardiac contraction, and consequently increases cardiac output. b1 Receptor activation also stimulates renin release from the kidney. Another class of antihypertensive agents acts by inhibiting b1 receptors.
Activation of b2 receptors by epinephrine relaxes vascular smooth muscle and results in vasodilation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 4
Incorrect
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Calcium needed for cardiac muscle contraction is made available during which phase of the action potential?
Your Answer: 0
Correct Answer: 2
Explanation:It is made available during the plateau phase of the action potential i.e. phase 2. During the plateau phase of the action potential, Calcium from the extracellular fluid enters through the L type of calcium channels. This entry triggers the release of more calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum via the ryanodine receptors.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 5
Correct
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The process whereby DNA fragments are separated by size and charge is called:
Your Answer: Gel electrophoresis
Explanation:Fragments of DNA of varying length can be separated on the basis of their charge and their size by a process called gel electrophoresis. Because DNA contains negatively charged phosphate groups, it will migrate in an electric field toward the positive electrode. Shorter chains migrate more rapidly through the pores of the gel, and thus separation depends on length. DNA bands in the gel can be visualized by various techniques including staining with dyes and autoradiography.
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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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Salty taste is triggered by:
Your 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 7
Correct
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Question 8
Correct
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What is the function of the acute phase protein, C-reactive protein?
Your Answer: Opsonises bacteria
Explanation:There are various immune reactions that become activated once the barrier between the body and environment has been compromised. There are certain opsonins that bind to the bacteria and facilitate phagocytosis. One of them is the acute phase protein: C protein. others include antibodies and complement.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
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Question 9
Incorrect
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A 26 year old male presents with right sided elbow and wrist pain and left sided knee and ankle pain that has persisted for about two weeks. He recently returned from a trip to Thailand that last for two weeks. The patient admits to having unprotected sex while on holiday. Examination reveals swelling and tenderness of tendons around joints but no inflammation of the joints. A vesiculopustular skin rash is also observed. What is the most likely cause?
Your Answer: Reactive arthritis
Correct Answer: Gonococcal arthritis
Explanation:Patients with disseminated gonococcal arthritis may present with dermatitis-arthritis syndrome (60%) of with localized septic arthritis. (40%). Arthritis-dermatitis syndrome includes the classic triad of dermatitis, tenosynovitis, and migratory polyarthritis. Gout usually involves a singe joint and does not cause vesicopustular skin rash. Reactive arthritis has ocular symptoms (conjunctivitis), urethritis, and arthritis. Fungal arthritis occurs rarely and it may occur after a surgical infection or fungal spread hematogenously. it presents with tender, red, hot and swollen joint with loss of range of motion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 10
Incorrect
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The following play a role in regulation of intestinal iron absorption except:
Your Answer: Recent dietary intake of iron
Correct Answer: Urinary iron excretion rate
Explanation:The human body’s rate of iron absorption appears to respond to a variety of interdependent factors, including total iron stores, dietary intake, the extent to which the bone marrow is producing new red blood cells, the concentration of haemoglobin in the blood, and the oxygen content of the blood. Classic examples of genetic iron overload includes hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) and the more severe disease juvenile hemochromatosis (JH).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 11
Correct
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Which one of the following diuretics is associated with metabolic acidosis?
Your Answer: Acetazolamide
Explanation:Acetazolamide is in the diuretic and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor families of medication. It works by decreasing the amount of hydrogen ions and bicarbonate in the body and can thus cause metabolic acidosis and electrolyte changes (hypokalaemia, hyponatremia).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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Carcinogens found in cigarette smoke can transform proto-oncogenes to oncogenes through:
Your Answer: Inhibiting tumour suppressor genes.
Correct Answer: Point mutations in genomic DNA
Explanation:80% of the pancreatic cancers are environmentally influenced by smoking which increases the risk by 50%. Mutation can occur in the KRAS, p16, SMAD4, and TP53 genes among other tumour suppression genes. Smoking can be implicated in transformation of all these genes. Apart from KRAS all the genes are inactivated in pancreatic cancer. As KRAS is the most commonly altered gene, mutation occurs as point mutation. As smoking is the most common aetiology in pancreatic cancer, and KRAS is the most important gene that is altered. Most commonly cigarette smoke causes point mutation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 13
Incorrect
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What is the structure of nucleosomes?
Your Answer: Strands of double strand DNA + introns + exons
Correct Answer: Strands of double strand DNA + histones
Explanation:DNA is packed and condensed by binding to histone proteins. The double stranded DNA forms a complex with histone proteins which is called a nucleosome. There are 8 histone proteins contained in one core of nucleosome.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 14
Correct
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The ability of the SA node cells to allow ionic flow through channels activated in a hyperpolarized state is known as:
Your Answer: Pace maker potential
Explanation:Rhythmically discharging cells have a membrane potential that, after each impulse, declines to the firing level. Thus this prepotential or Pacemaker potential triggers the next impulse. The inherent leakiness of the sinus nodal fibers to Na+ and Ca2+ causes their self excitation.
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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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A 60 year old male presents with one month history of generalized headache, fever and malaise. He also complains of scalp sensitivity while combing his hair. In order to confirm the diagnosis, which of the following would be the definite test?
Your Answer: MRI scan
Correct Answer: Temporal artery biopsy
Explanation:Temporal arteritis is a chronic large- and medium-sized vessel vasculitis that typically involves the temporal arteries. Classical symptoms include temporal headaches, jaw claudication, amaurosis fugax. Physical exam shows scalp tenderness, palpation of the temporal area may demonstrate an absent pulse, knot-like swelling, and vision loss. Lab results reveal an increased erythematous sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Temporal artery biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Management approach: high-dose systemic corticosteroids should be promptly administered even before the diagnosis is established. Temporal artery biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Inability to manage this or administer glucocorticoids might lead to development of blindness.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 16
Incorrect
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The breakdown of superoxide is catalysed by which enzyme?
Your Answer: Myeloperoxidase
Correct Answer: Superoxide dismutase
Explanation:As superoxide is toxic, nearly all organisms living in the presence of oxygen contain isoforms of the superoxide-scavenging enzyme superoxide dismutase, or SOD. SOD is an extremely efficient enzyme; it catalyses the neutralization of superoxide nearly as quickly as the two can diffuse together spontaneously in solution.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 17
Correct
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A 30-year-old male is brought to the emergency department following his collapse in a night club. His friends who accompanied him admit that, of recent, he has been using increasing amounts of cocaine. Which among the following is commonly associated with cocaine overdose?
Your Answer: Metabolic acidosis
Explanation:Metabolic acidosis is associated with cocaine overdose. In overdose, cocaine leads to agitation, tachycardia, hypertension, sweating, hallucinations, and finally convulsions. Metabolic acidosis, hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, and ventricular arrhythmias also occur.Chronic use may be associated with premature coronary artery disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and increased risk of cerebral haemorrhage.There are 3 stages for acute cocaine toxicity:Stage I: CNS symptoms of headache, vertigo, pseudo hallucinations, hyperthermia, hypertension. Stage II: increased deep tendon reflexes, tachypnoea, irregular breathing, hypertension.Stage III: Areflexia, coma, fixed and dilated pupils, hypotension, ventricular fibrillation, apnoea, and respiratory failure.Treatment:- Airway, breathing, and circulation to be secured. The patient’s fever should be managed, and one should rule out hypoglycaemia as a cause of the neuropsychiatric symptoms. – Cardiovascular toxicity and agitation are best-treated first-line with benzodiazepines to decrease CNS sympathetic outflow.- The mixed beta/alpha blocker labetalol is safe and effective for treating concomitant cocaine-induced hypertension and tachycardia.- Non-dihydropyridine calcium channels blockers such as diltiazem and verapamil have been shown to reduce hypertension reliably, but not tachycardia. – Dihydropyridine agents such as nifedipine should be avoided, as reflex tachycardia may occur. – The alpha-blocker phentolamine has been recommended but only treats alpha-mediated hypertension and not tachycardia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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The net effect of parathyroid hormone on calcium and phosphate homeostasis is?
Your Answer: Increase in Ca , increase in phosphate
Correct Answer: Increase in Ca, decrease in phosphate
Explanation:Parathyroid hormone’s main target organs are the kidneys, bone, and intestine. In the kidney, it decreases reabsorption of phosphate and increases calcium reabsorption. It also promotes absorption of calcium from bone. PTH release results in a small drop in serum phosphate concentrations.
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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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The process by which DNA fragments are separated by gel and transferred onto a membrane sheet is called:
Your Answer: Southern blotting
Explanation:A Southern blot is a method used in molecular biology for detection of a specific DNA sequence in DNA samples. Southern blotting combines transfer of electrophoresis-separated DNA fragments to a filter membrane and subsequent fragment detection by probe hybridization. The other forms of blotting involve the use of RNA and proteins.
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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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Empagliflozin was found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular deaths, non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke when added to standard treatment plans in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This information was shared in 2015 by The New England Journal of Medicine and the results were expressed per 1000 patient years. In fact, empagliflozin had an event rate of 37.3/1000 patient years and placebo an event rate of 43.9/1000 patient years. How many patients who are at high cardiovascular risk need to be treated with empagliflozin to prevent a cardiovascular death, a non-fatal myocardial infarction or a non-fatal stroke?
Your Answer: 150
Explanation:The number needed to treat (NNT) is an absolute effect measure that has been used to assess beneficial and harmful effects of medical interventions. In this case the NNT can be calculated as follows: NNT = 1/ Absolute risk reduction (ARR). ARR=(Control event rate expressed per 1000 patient years) – (Experimental event rate expressed per 1000 patient years) = 43.9-37.3 = 6.6/1000 patient yearsNNT=(Patient years)/ARR = 1000/ 6.6 = 151.5. The closest to 151.5 is 150, thus it is the correct answer.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Research Skills
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Question 21
Correct
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Neutrophils are key components of the innate immune system. They contain numerous primary and secondary granules involved in killing and digesting microorganisms. With regard to defensins, they are:
Your Answer: Naturally occurring cysteine-rich antibacterial and antifungal polypeptides
Explanation:Cationic antimicrobial peptides, including defensins, cathelicidins, and thrombocidins, provide important initial defences against invading microbes. These peptides bind the bacterial membrane and form pores, killing the bacterium by hypo-osmotic lysis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
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Question 22
Incorrect
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The pressure in the sinusoids is normally:
Your Answer: Higher than portal venous pressure
Correct Answer: Lower than portal venous pressure
Explanation:The direction of transport of nutrients in the portal vein occurs from the portal vein to the hepatic sinusoids. Thus, he pressure of sinusoids should be lower than the pressure of he portal vein.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 23
Correct
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Which of the following features is least commonly seen in Gitelman’s syndrome?
Your Answer: Hypertension
Explanation:Gitelman syndrome is an autosomal recessive kidney disorder characterized by hypokalaemia metabolic alkalosis with hypocalciuria, and hypomagnesemia. In contrast to patients with Gordon’s syndrome, those suffering from Gitelman’s syndrome are generally normotensive or hypotensive.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Osteopetrosis occurs as a result of a defect in:
Your Answer: PTH receptors
Correct Answer: Osteoclast function
Explanation:It is a metabolic bone disease caused by defective osteoclastic resorption of immature bone. Osteopetrosis is also known as marble bone disease. Osteoclasts are unable to adequately acidify bone matrix. Impaired bone resorption leads to overly dense bone that is more likely to fracture. It is usually treated with bone marrow transplant and high dose calcitriol.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 25
Correct
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The complete oxidation of 1 molecule of glucose to CO2 and H20 produces a total of __ATP.
Your Answer: 38
Explanation:Textbooks often state that 38 ATP molecules can be made per oxidised glucose molecule during cellular respiration (2 from glycolysis, 2 from the Krebs cycle, and about 34 from the electron transport system). However, this maximum yield is never quite reached because of losses due to leaky membranes as well as the cost of moving pyruvate and ADP into the mitochondrial matrix, and current estimates range around 29 to 30 ATP per glucose.
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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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An 86 year old woman accidentally inhaled her hearing aid due to her advanced Alzheimer's dementia. Upon clinical examination, her respiratory rate is found to be 35, and thus a bronchoscopy is recommended. According to which of the following would you obtain consent for this patient?
Your Answer: Relatives/next of kin will have to consent for the patient
Correct Answer: The procedure does not require a written consent
Explanation:This is an emergency case regarding a patient with impaired cognitive functioning. This is why the procedure does not require a written consent. In any other case where the patient has a normal mental capacity, the consent would be obtained as an informed written consent. In this case however, the suggested procedure is almost a matter of life and death, the doctor being required to act on behalf of the patient to her optimal advantage. Under English law no other person can consent to treatment on behalf of an adult, though it is desirable that next of kin are consulted before treating an adult without consent. Recent legislation gives legal authority to people appointed by the patient, or by the state, or a relative or carer, to consent (or refuse) on behalf of the patient. A mini-mental score may not adequately identify those unable to give consent.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Geriatrics
- Medicine
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Question 27
Correct
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One of the cells of the bone marrow that are responsible for forming the various forms of differentiated blood cells are called?
Your Answer: Hematopoietic stem cell
Explanation:Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or hemocytoblasts are the stem cells that give rise to all the other blood cells through the process of haematopoiesis. They are derived from mesoderm and located in the red bone marrow, which is contained in the core of most bones.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 28
Correct
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A 41 year old woman who has a history of SLE presents with a dry cough, dyspnoea and fever. She is being treated with a monthly dose of IV cyclophosphamide for Grade IV nephropathy. The last cyclophosphamide dose was 10 years ago. Lab investigations are as follows: WCC: 2.3 (lymphocyte count 0.7)Platelets: 81Hb: 10.5ESR: 56CRP: 43PO2: 7.2 kPa, PCO2: 3.6 kPa after walking out to the toilet.Chest X ray was unremarkable apart from some patchy pulmonary infiltration.What is the likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)
Explanation:Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, is an opportunistic fungal lung infection occurring almost exclusively in immunocompromised individuals. In 50% of cases, PCP is the first manifestation of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), but it may be caused by other immunodeficiency disorders. PCP should be suspected in patients with a history of progressive dyspnoea and a dry cough with resistance to standard antibiotic treatment. Signs that support this diagnosis include a CD4 count < 200/μL, an increased beta-D-glucan level, and diffuse bilateral infiltrates on chest x-ray. Management of PCP includes high-dose trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), treatment of the underlying immunodeficiency disorder, and steroids in the case of severe respiratory insufficiency. TB is less likely to be present in this case as ESR is relatively low and chest x-ray appeared normal.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 29
Incorrect
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Protein digestion starts in the stomach by which enzyme?
Your Answer: Chymotrypsin
Correct Answer: Pepsin
Explanation:Pepsinogen is the inactive form of pepsin which is secreted by gastric chief cells and is converted to pepsin, in the presence of gastric HCL. Pepsin is a peptidase that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 30
Correct
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The posterior aspect of the interventricular septum is supplied by:
Your Answer: A branch of the right coronary artery
Explanation:The posterior aspect of the heart is supplied by the posterior interventricular artery which is a branch of the right coronary artery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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