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Question 1
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A 30-year-old male with a history of premature cardiovascular disease in the family has come for review of his lab investigations. His fasting cholesterol is 8.4 mmol/l with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) of 1.6 mmol/l. You elect to commence him on atorvastatin 20 mg PO daily.Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of the statins?
Your Answer: They inhibit HMG CoA reductase
Explanation:Statins are a selective, competitive inhibitor of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, which is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate in the cholesterol synthesis pathway.Statins are usually well tolerated with myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, hepatotoxicity, and diabetes mellitus being the most common adverse reactions. This is the rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis, that leads to increased hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors and reduced hepatic VLDL synthesis coupled with increased very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) clearance.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 2
Incorrect
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The cerebellum consists of which three cell layers?
Your Answer: Purkinje, stellate, basket
Correct Answer: Granular, purkinje, molecular
Explanation:The cerebellar cortex consist of 3 layers; the molecular layer, the granular cell layer and the Purkinje cell layer in the middle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 3
Correct
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Question 4
Correct
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Which among the following antihypertensives is centrally acting?
Your Answer: Moxonidine
Explanation:Moxonidine and alpha-methyl dopa are centrally acting antihypertensives and modify blood pressure through modifying sympathetic activity.Other options:Verapamil is a calcium antagonist.Minoxidil and hydralazine are both vasodilators.Phenoxybenzamine is an alpha-blocker.Adverse effects:Dry mouth and somnolence were the most frequently reported adverse events, followed by headache, dizziness, nausea and allergic skin reactions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 5
Correct
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With regard to cell membrane proteins:
Your Answer: Carriers are involved in facilitated diffusion
Explanation:Pumps use a source of free energy such as ATP to transport ions against a gradient and is an example of active transport. Unlike channel proteins which only transport substances through membranes passively, carrier proteins can transport ions and molecules either passively through facilitated diffusion, or via secondary active transport. Channels are either in open state or closed state. When a channel is opened, it is open to both extracellular and intracellular. Pores are continuously open to both environments, because they do not undergo conformational changes. They are always open and active.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 6
Correct
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Where does control of self-reactive T cells (self-tolerance) initially occur?
Your Answer: Thymus
Explanation:The thymus provides an inductive environment for development of T cells from hematopoietic progenitor cells. In addition, thymic stromal cells allow for the selection of a functional and self-tolerant T cell repertoire. Therefore, one of the most important roles of the thymus is the induction of central tolerance.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
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Question 7
Incorrect
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Relaxation of the cardiac muscle at the actin-myosin cross bridges is initiated by binding of which molecule to the exposed site on the myosin.
Your Answer: Calcium
Correct Answer: ATP
Explanation:A crossbridge is a myosin projection, consisting of two myosin heads, that extends from the thick filaments. Each myosin head has two binding sites: one for ATP and another for actin. The binding of ATP to a myosin head detaches myosin from actin, thereby allowing myosin to bind to another actin molecule. Once attached, the ATP is hydrolysed by myosin, which uses the released energy to move into the cocked position whereby it binds weakly to a part of the actin binding site.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 8
Incorrect
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A 35-year-old female has been recently diagnosed with hypertension. She's sexually active and is not using any birth control other than barrier method. Which among the following antihypertensives is contraindicated in this patient?
Your Answer: Methyldopa
Correct Answer: Lisinopril
Explanation:Among the following hypertensives, lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor) is contraindicated in patients who are planning for pregnancy.Per the NICE guidelines, when treating the woman in question, she should be treated as if she were pregnant given the absence of effective contraception. ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril are known teratogens and most be avoided.Drugs contraindicated in pregnancy:AntibioticsTetracyclinesAminoglycosidesSulphonamides and trimethoprimQuinolonesOther drugs:ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonistsStatinsWarfarinSulfonylureasRetinoids (including topical)Cytotoxic agentsThe majority of antiepileptics including valproate, carbamazepine, and phenytoin are known to be potentially harmful.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 9
Correct
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Synthesis of haem for haemoglobin occurs in the?
Your Answer: Mitochondria of the red blood cells
Explanation:Haemoglobin (Hb) is synthesized in a complex series of steps. The haem part is synthesized in a series of steps in the mitochondria and the cytosol of immature red blood cells, while the globin protein parts are synthesized by ribosomes in the cytosol.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 10
Correct
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Question 11
Incorrect
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The areas of extensive series of sarcoplasmic folds known as intercalated discs always occur at what portion of the muscle fiber?
Your Answer: A band
Correct Answer: Z lines
Explanation:The muscle fibers of the heart branch and interdigitate, but one complete unit is surrounded by a cell membrane. The place where one muscle fiber abuts the other, the cell membrane of both the fibers run parallel to each other through a series of extensive folds. These areas always occur on the Z lines and are known as intercalated discs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 12
Incorrect
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Which of the following features do mast cells and basophils have in common:
Your Answer: Both degranulate in response to histamine release
Correct Answer: Are essential for immediate type-hypersensitivity reactions
Explanation:Anaphylaxis is a severe immediate allergic reaction of rapid onset affecting many body systems. It is due to the release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines from mast cells and basophils. Basophils are the least common of the granulocytes, representing about 0.5 to 1% of circulating white blood cells. However, they are the largest type of granulocyte. They are responsible for inflammatory reactions during immune response, as well as in the formation of acute and chronic allergic diseases, including anaphylaxis, asthma, atopic dermatitis and hay fever. They can perform phagocytosis (cell eating), produce histamine and serotonin that induce inflammation, and heparin that prevents blood clotting. Mast cells are similar in appearance and function. Both cell types store histamine, a chemical that is secreted by the cells when stimulated.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
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Question 13
Incorrect
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Anti-gastroesophageal reflux mechanisms include the following except:
Your Answer: The crural diaphragm
Correct Answer: Peristaltic movements of the oesophagus
Explanation:The lower oesophageal sphincter contracts preventing reflux of acid into the oesophagus. The sling muscles of the stomach, the crura of the diaphragm and the phreno-oesophageal ligament all play an important role in constricting the lower portion of the oesophagus and preventing reflux. Peristaltic movements do not stop the acid reflux.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 14
Incorrect
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Which is true of the composition of bile in the human hepatic duct?
Your Answer: The ratio of bile acids: phosphatidylcholine: cholesterol  is 1:3: 20
Correct Answer: Contains only actively secreted substances
Explanation:Hepatic bile is an isotonic fluid and its electrolyte composition resembles that of plasma. 97% of water is found in the gallbladder bile, not hepatic duct. Hepatic bile is alkaline. The ratio of bile acids: phosphatidylcholine: cholesterol is 20:1:3. Hepatic bile contai9ns only actively secreted substances.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary
- Medicine
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Question 15
Incorrect
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The proportion of individuals within a population affected by disease at a specific time point, based on positive testing for serum antibodies is known as:
Your Answer: Prevalence
Correct Answer: Sero-Prevalence
Explanation:In immunology, seroconversion is the time period during which a specific antibody develops and becomes detectable in the blood. After seroconversion has occurred, the disease can be detected in blood tests for the antibody. Sero-prevalence includes individuals who are antibody positive for a specific infection at a specific point in time.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
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Question 16
Incorrect
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A 32 year old man presents with blistering and hyperpigmentation on his face and hands, after a beach holiday with friends. Tests reveal high levels of uroporphyrinogen in the urine. The most likely diagnosis is:
Your Answer: Acute intermittent porphyria
Correct Answer: Porphyria cutanea tarda
Explanation:Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common of the porphyries. It is characterised by fragility and blistering of exposed skin. Typically, patients who are ultimately diagnosed with PCT first seek treatment following the development photosensitivities in the form of blisters and erosions on commonly exposed areas of the skin. This is usually observed in the face, hands, forearms, and lower legs. It heals slowly and with scarring. Though blisters are the most common skin manifestations of PCT, other skin manifestations like hyperpigmentation (as if they are getting a tan) and hypertrichosis (mainly on top of the cheeks) also occur. Risk factors for the development of PCT include alcohol and sun.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
- Medicine
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Question 17
Correct
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Which is the most common site for primary cardiac tumours to occur in adults?
Your Answer: Left atrium
Explanation:Myxomas are the most common type of primary heart tumour. The tumour is derived from multipotential mesenchymal cells and may cause a ball valve-type obstruction. About 75% of myxomas occur in the left atrium of the heart, usually beginning in the wall that divides the two upper chambers of the heart.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 18
Incorrect
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Activation of nitric oxide synthesis by endothelial cells is triggered by:
Your Answer: Shear stress
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation:Acetylcholine, histamine, bradykinin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and shear stress on the endothelial cells causing the release of NO. NO is formed from arginine and causes vasodilatation of the blood vessels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 19
Correct
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Which of the following is the smallest cell of the nervous system?
Your Answer: Microglia
Explanation:Microglia are the smallest of the neuroglial cells in the nervous system. They are scattered throughout the central nervous system and have phagocytic properties.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 20
Correct
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Question 21
Correct
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Which of the following forms the language areas of the cerebral cortex?
Your Answer: All of the above
Explanation:Broca’s area, Wernicke’s area, the submarginal sulcus and the angular gyrus all form the language areas of the cerebral cortex.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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In which organelle is the intrinsic apoptotic pathway initiated?
Your Answer: Nucleus
Correct Answer: Mitochondria
Explanation:Apoptosis is a programmed form of cell death involving the degradation of cellular constituents by a group of cysteine proteases called caspases. The caspases can be activated through either the intrinsic (mitochondrial mediated) or extrinsic (death receptor mediated) apoptotic pathways.
The intrinsic apoptotic pathway, also known as the mitochondrial pathway, is primarily initiated within the mitochondria. This pathway is activated in response to various internal stimuli, such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, and other cellular stresses.
When the intrinsic pathway is triggered, several events occur in the mitochondria:
- Release of cytochrome c: Cytochrome c is released from the mitochondrial intermembrane space into the cytoplasm.
- Formation of the apoptosome: Cytochrome c in the cytoplasm binds to apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1) and procaspase-9, forming a complex known as the apoptosome.
- Activation of caspase-9: The apoptosome activates caspase-9, an initiator caspase.
- Caspase cascade: Activated caspase-9 then activates executioner caspases, such as caspase-3, leading to the execution phase of apoptosis, which results in the orderly dismantling of the cell.
The mitochondria play a crucial role in this pathway by regulating the release of pro-apoptotic factors that are essential for the activation of downstream apoptotic processes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cell Biology
- Medicine
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Question 23
Incorrect
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In Starling’s law of the heart, the decrease in tension developed by muscle contraction at high degrees of stretch is due to:
Your Answer: A conformational change in the myosin head at high degrees of stretch.
Correct Answer: Disruption of myocardial fibers
Explanation:Starling law states that the force of contraction is directly proportional to the preload. When the heart muscle is stretched beyond its limit the tension that is developed decreases, this is not due to loss of formation of effective myosin and actin cross bridges. The heart muscles despite being fully stretched is never stretched to this point. The reason for this decreased tension is physical disruption of the myocardial fibers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 24
Incorrect
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B1 adrenergic stimulation produces:
Your Answer: Decrease in cAMP
Correct Answer: Increase in calcium cytosolic concentration
Explanation:Norepinephrine secreted by the sympathetic endings binds to B1 receptors, and the resulting increase in intracellular cAMP facilitates the opening of L channels, increasing Ica and the rapidity of the depolarization phase of the impulse and activates PKA which leads to phosphorylation of the voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, causing them to spend more time in the open state.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 25
Correct
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Regarding bronchial innervation which of the following is correct:
Your Answer: Alpha 1 receptors increase bronchial constriction
Explanation:Stimulation of β2 receptors results in smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation. α1 receptors cause smooth muscle contraction in the bronchioles although minor to the β2 effects.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Respiratory
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Question 26
Correct
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What is the mode of action of bisphosphonates?
Your Answer: Inhibit osteoclasts
Explanation:Bisphosphonates are analogues of pyrophosphate, a molecule which decreases demineralisation in bone. They inhibit osteoclasts by reducing recruitment and promoting apoptosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 27
Correct
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Which of the following is not true regarding mitochondrial chromosome disorders?
Your Answer: Because mitochondrial chromosomes have no introns in their genes, any point mutation has a low likelihood of having an effect.
Explanation:Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) does indeed lack introns, meaning that its genes are closely packed with coding sequences. This actually means that any point mutation in the mtDNA is more likely to have an effect, not less. The lack of introns means there are fewer non-coding regions where mutations can occur without affecting gene function. Thus, mutations in mtDNA often have significant consequences because they are more likely to alter essential coding sequences.
The other statements are true:
- Most mitochondrial diseases are myopathies and neuropathies with a maternal pattern of inheritance: This is correct because mtDNA is inherited maternally, and many mitochondrial disorders affect muscle and nerve function.
- Retinal degeneration, diabetes mellitus, and some forms of hearing loss are some of the other diseases attributed to mitochondrial chromosome defects: These are indeed conditions associated with mitochondrial defects.
- Mitochondrial chromosome defects are inherited from one’s mother: This is correct, as mtDNA is passed from mother to offspring.
- Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), the commonest cause of blindness in young men, is an example of a mitochondrial chromosome defect: This is true; LHON is a well-known mitochondrial disorder.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 28
Correct
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Which is primarily responsible for the conversion of T4 to T3 in the periphery?
Your 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
Incorrect
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Regarding cardiac output, an increased ejection fraction results from increases in which of the following?
Your Answer: Strength of contraction with increase in muscle fiber length
Correct Answer: Strength of contraction without increase in muscle fiber length
Explanation:When the strength of contraction increases without an increase in fiber length, the EF increases.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
