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Welcome to topgunberโ€™s page.
Contributor score: 68


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 +2  visit this page (free120#36)
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Hep C - RNA virus (not enveloped) (picorna family + ssRNA).

Viruses are intracellular- so their products are displayed on MHCI molecules (using tap1/tap2 to shuttle the viral proteins broken down by proteosome) and are shipped to the cell surface of infected cells. Since this is MHC I we know CD8+ t cells (cytotoxic T lymphocytes) are responsible for attacking the infected cells.

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helppls  Would the self peptides be an auto-immune response? (autoimmune can be cause by either CD8 or CD4 correct?) +

 +0  visit this page (nbme20#44)
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damn, i was way off. i put green leafy vegetables thinking the increased folate content can cause bacterial overgrowth. pretty sure i had a uworld question that said something like that.

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bgreen27  I was thinking the same thing! I was thinking the same thing! RYBG (a type of gastric bypass) can cause small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) increased growth in the blind pouch segment.  SIBO results in deficiency of most vitamins (B12, A, D, and E) and iron, BUT increased production of folic acid and vitamin K. -Uworld +1
bfinard1  Any idea why this isnt the case? +

 +2  visit this page (nbme20#3)
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Restriction enzymes cut at palindromic sequences... i knew this would bite me in the ass someday.+ We are testing two pieces of DNA- one with a mutation, one without.+ We need to use a restriction enzyme to cut exactly where the mutation is in order to see which piece of DNA has the sequence of interest (the restriction enzyme site). I chose 5' ACCG, which would cut the mutated strand and not the wild type. Why is this wrong? because when you write the complementary strand you get TGGC, which is not a mirror image of ACCG. + Correct answer 5' CCGG, the complementary strand: GGCC. This is a palindromic sequence (1), would cut the mutated strand of DNA and not the wild type (2), which when using gel electrophoresis the mutated strand would show 2 bands small bands, while the non mutated strand would show one large band (3)

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topgunber  sorry bout the format on this +
utap2001  The definition of palindrome is "mirror sequence". The inverse of complementary strand is the same with main strand. https://socratic.org/questions/why-do-most-restriction-enzyme-cuts-at-palindromic-sequence +
drdoom  palindromemordnilap +

 +0  visit this page (nbme20#23)
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decreased compliance of the vessels means you need to put more pressure in them to get flow. the stiffness/decreased compliance occurs with age- leading to an isolated increase in Systolic pressure.

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 +1  visit this page (nbme20#25)
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The disease is MELAS. Mitochondrial encoded tRNA leucine 1 is the mutation. Apparently associated with high tone deafness. It is apparent its mitochondrial with maternal transmission, though unfortunately the etiology is utter memorization / process of elimination. Maybe next time the stragy will focus more on mitochondiral diseases and see that this choice is the only mitochondiral answer choice.

  • Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy Lactic Acidosis Stroke like symptoms."MELAS is a rare mitochondrial disorder known to affect many parts of the body, especially the nervous system and the brain. Symptoms of MELAS include recurrent severe headaches, muscle weakness (myopathy), hearing loss, stroke-like episodes with a loss of consciousness, seizures, and other problems affecting the nervous system.[5]" Source :Wiki
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 +1  visit this page (nbme20#43)
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Rokitansky Kuser Hauser syndrome.

Hormones are normal as well as gonads.

INTERNAL GENITALIA are malformed (mainly uterus/tubes). Uterus can also be unicornate or there can be didelphysis or whatever that word is. though you don't need to know that long name by heart it helps with speed. Understand: Hormone profile is normal. If this patient had testes, the testosterone and estrogen would likely be opposite.

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topgunber  right theres a mayer somewhere in that disease name... ffs +1

 +0  visit this page (nbme20#7)
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MEN 1 - P P P . Parathyroid, pancreas(gastrin in this case), pituitary lesion. not key to answering this question.

pt comes with symptoms of hypercalcemia, moans, groans, thrones (peeing), psych overtones.

Look at pth and calcium. we see high ca and high pth. We know that high calcium would lower pth...this means the high caclium was due to the high pth (i.e. parathyroid adenoma)

Question is actually asking: what are the effects of PTH? a, c, opposite of PTH

D and E i believed aren't related to PTH

B-Sounds something like the pathogenesis of pseudohyperparathyoidism

F- we definitely know that PTH increases Ca , so by increasing osteoclast maturation/activity you liberate calcium into the blood. this is the best answer.

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 +2  visit this page (nbme20#1)
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hate this whole scramble thing: In one line: 2 * q * 80%.

This is for diseased individuals (two q alleles).I = 1/1600 = q^2 The frequency of q = 1/40

Now carriers is 2 p q. P is close to one assuming HW eqm (p+q=1). There's an additional step in this question due to the two different mutations.

so 2(q) = 1/20. 80% of these carriers are deletions so multiply 1/20 * 0.8 = 1/25

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 +0  visit this page (nbme16#4)
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costochondritis is inflammation of the joints of the rib cage.(An inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone). pain is reproducible with palpation, worse with movement and can be sharp in character. most importantly cardio / pulmonary findings will be negative.

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nikhilredd  mostly u should differentiate between a aortic aneurysm since the pain is radiating backwards but always remember that it is not affected by palpation which is dead giveaway for the costochondritis +

 +1  visit this page (nbme16#4)
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costochondritis is inflammation of the joints of the rib cage.(An inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone). pain is reproducible with palpation, worse with movement and can be sharp in character. most importantly cardio / pulmonary findings will be negative.

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 +1  visit this page (nbme16#48)
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hardest part for me was differentiating absence of schwann cells vs abnormal myeling sheaths. Schwann cells come from neural crest cells so we would expect to see other neural crest migration issues in my opinion. CMT disease has motor and sensory issues because PMP-22 peripheral myelinating protein is mutated. leads to abnormal myelination of the peripheral nerves. foot drop from sensory degradation, muscle atrophy from motoneuron involvement (also peripherally myelinated)

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topgunber  foot drop from motor degradation , high stepping gait from sensory degradation. also associated with hearing issues. +
proteinbound123  I think it should be: high stepping gait from foot drop from motor degradation from CMT neuropathy that can cause motor (like this) or sensory abnormalities. +

 +2  visit this page (nbme16#36)
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another way to remember this is NERD. NSAIDs-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD), when blocking COX there is shunting of the Arachadonic acid breakdown into the LOX (lipooxegenase pathway) which can cause build up of leukotrienes and cause an asthma-like condition.

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 +1  visit this page (nbme16#14)
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Genetics- The following is a helpful way to do all the allele frequency questions / carrier frequency questions.

  • AD : I = 2pq. The cases are in nearly all carriers (2pq). Most homozygotes die. (q^2)
  • AR : I = q^2 (the cases are ONLY shown in homozygotes). The carriers are 2pq

  • X linked : Boys : I = q . Boys carrying ONE allele are affected individuals. GIRL CARRIERS (heterozygous females) : I = 2PQ. This gets us to the answer. On the other hand AFFECTED GIRLS (incidence in girls) would be I= q^2 - extremely small (choice e)

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topgunber  By the way allele frequencies if asked are finding just q. Most of the time P is close to 1. In this case P would be 1-1/100,000 = 99,999/100000 which is why you can usually exclude it from equations +

 +1  visit this page (nbme16#17)
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Experiment is asking which would increase pulmonary lymph flow, which I interpreted as which of these increases blood flow/intravascular volume. Endothelin, phenylephrine, low o2 concentrations all cause vasoconstriction. Co2 unlike in other organs (i.e. brain, muscle) does not cause vasodilation in the lungs so i left this one to the side. IV saline will for sure increase intravascular volume and blood flow so I leaned more toward this. The other explanation made a good point about the albumin solution in that it may cause reabsorption due to a high oncotic pressure (i.e. with albumin)

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 +0  visit this page (nbme16#20)
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its an external hemorrhoid, pic is of an anus with a hematoma round the 7 o'clock position. there is pain and bleeding with wiping which points me toward an external hemorrhoid. with the other answer choices being infectious causes the only two left were venous htn and lymphatic obstruction. because increased straining and increased pressure on the inferior and middle rectal veins went with venous htn. (not to be confused with superior rectal vein which is linked to portal htn and internal/ painless hemorrhoids)

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Subcomments ...

submitted by syoung07(58), visit this page
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Is the correct answer Radon? If so, make sure you associate radon exposure to basements. Radon is in the soil and ya gotta dig up some soil to have a basement.

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topgunber  Yes. answer is radon. was back and forth with sawdust and radon. i was thinking sawdust - > pneumoconiosis. but I should have focused more on the risk factor associated with cancer. radon and basements as stated in pathoma +1
srmtn  FA 2019 pg 669 +
namesthegame22  Asbestosis is a chronic progressive pulmonary disorder associated with interstitial fibrosis and an increased risk for both primary bronchogenic carcinoma and malignant mesothelioma. Occupational risk factors for asbestos exposure include shipbuilding, roofing, and plumbing +


submitted by bwdc(697), visit this page
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p53 is an important tumor suppressor gene, particularly in its ability to cause a cell to undergo apoptosis in the event of damage. p53 protein activity also holds the cell at the G1/S regulation point (B), limiting DNA synthesis.

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topgunber  RB , when HYPOphosphorylated, does the same at g1/s. +1
vetafig692  p53 is an important tumor suppressor gene, particularly in its ability to cause a cell to undergo apoptosis in the event of damage. p53 activity also holds the cell at the G1/S regulation point (B), limiting DNA synthesis. +


submitted by lpp06(41), visit this page
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I think this is actually just a complication of a Meckel's Diverticulum - Acute Meckel's Diverticulitis - which would be consistent with his presentation of acute abdomen + tarry black stools + CT/gross findings. It can be described as a mimic of appendicitis (as seen here).

I think if they wanted us to think this was Crohn's + Meckel they would have given us a more classical Crohn's presentation (skip lesions, insidious onset, non bloody stool)

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cheesetouch  2 by 2xm bulge is a hint for meckels too (FA 'rule of 2's) +
topgunber  Antimesenteric border is a big sign of meckels because its a true diverticulum +
ih8payingfordis  I don't want to be that guy but rule of 2 in FA refers to 2 inches. Question stem is cm, which is a pretty significant difference. +


submitted by bwdc(697), visit this page
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Blood at the meatus is the red flag (see what I did there?) for urethral injury, which should be evaluated for with a retrograde urethrogram. The membranous the most commonly injured by fracture. In contrast, the spongy urethra is most likely to be injured during traumatic catheter insertion or in a straddle injury.

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canyon_run  Should we just assume that a pelvic fracture implies a membranous urethral injury? I was between membranous and spongy and I ended up choosing spongy because of the perineal bruising and fact that the patient was riding a motorcycle (and therefore susceptible to straddle injury). +1
bwdc  Yes. You should think of spongy as the penile urethra, hence the predisposition to catheter-related trauma. +8
topgunber  it says no trauma to the penis so we have to rule out spongy. To tear the prostatic urethra would mean the prostate also got affected, which when compared to the vulnerable membranous urethra would be unlikely. Both spongy/prostatic urethra are vulnerable to TURP or catheter related trauma as mentioned. As far as the bladder itself and the intra-mural urethra, i would think fractures of the symphysis and above would cause that. +1
an1  "fracture of the superior pubic ramus" suggests that the anterior urethra is more likely damaged (prostatic and membranous; but proststaic is well protected). Also, if it was spongy (AKA bulbar) {part of the posterior urethra}, I'd want to see something about a scrotum filled with blood +


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Why not superoxide dismutase? Its the step right in between NADPH (chronic granulomatous disease) and MPO

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ilikedmyfirstusername  I guess that could potentially manifest as an even worse phenotype in SCID? +1
thekneesofbees  Its because SOD forms H2O2, but H2O2 is broken down by catalase. Since Staph Aureus is catalase positive, it wouldn't be killed by it anyway. +7
minion7  @thekneesofbees ,,,,, so if patient has SOD DEFICIENCY, he cant generate H202,, so he is much more susceptible to get killed by organism?? +1
topgunber  The first thing to keep straight: reactions in WBCs are meant to increase R.O.S. while reactions in other cells are to get rid of R.O.S. superoxide is much stronger than h2o2 (and is what we're testing with the respiratory burst test for CGD-NADPH Oxidase deficiency). Side note: SOD deficiency would manifest as lou gehrig's disease (ALS) because superoxide is so toxic it damages the cells themselves.After SOD works on O, it makes H2O2. Myeloperoxidase takes H2O2 and turns it into bleach (HOCl-). The question is implying that BOTH candida and staph cannot be killed by this patient. They are both catalase positive- this means that if the patient can't turn H2O2 into the stronger HOCl- then the catalase positive organisms can just turn h2o2 into water and oxygen. hope that makes sense. +3


submitted by anu(2), visit this page
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what about the increase in pulmonary vascular resistance ? doesnt PCWP fall in hemorraghic shock

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ibestalkinyo  I think this may have something to do with hypoxic vasoconstriction? +2
medguru2295  PCWP falls because there is less blood going into the Lungs and therefore, less blood coming out (decreased preload). However RESISTANCE is a measure of how difficult it is for blood to flow. That essentially means constriction. As stated above, it is likely hypoxic vasoconstriction as well as just global sympathetic attempt to maintain BP. If it said pressure in pulmonary arteries, it would likely be decreased as the vasoconstriction cannot full compensate the blood loss! +2
medguru2295  PCWP falls because there is less blood going into the Lungs and therefore, less blood coming out (decreased preload). However RESISTANCE is a measure of how difficult it is for blood to flow. That essentially means constriction. As stated above, it is likely hypoxic vasoconstriction as well as just global sympathetic attempt to maintain BP. If it said pressure in pulmonary arteries, it would likely be decreased as the vasoconstriction cannot full compensate the blood loss! +1
sharpscontainer  Actually I don't think this is due to hypoxic vasoconstriction. The alveolar oxygen content of the lungs remains high, so there's still a good amount of oxygen getting into the pulmonary vessels, even if less of it can bind to Hb. I think instead it's that there's tons of sympathetic stimulation from hypovolemia, so alpha 1 in the pulmonary blood vessels is activated (which is separate from beta 2 bronchodilation which is a smooth muscle thing). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10378571 +11
avocadotoast  PVR = (PAP - PCWP) / CO. There is a decrease in cardiac output in hypovolemic shock. Given its inverse relationship with pulmonary vascular resistance, we should choose an increase in PVR for this question. +4
topgunber  in hypovolemic/hemorrhagic shock there is a decrease in systemic blood pressure , there is an Increase in TPR (it's a compensation) to maintain flow. I think it's safe to apply the same logic to the pulmonary circulation where there is decreased blood pressure there will be an increase in TPR to maintain flow. (due to the sympathetic activation from the baroreceptor reflex). As someone said, the PCWP will fall, the increase in TPR is a compensation just like in systemic circulation. There will be absorption - we wouldn't want to lose more intravascular volume when you've lost blood. I'm not 100% if its due to hemoconcentration or a severe decrease in hydrostatic pressure in the capillaries, though +1


submitted by bwdc(697), visit this page
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The left-sided system is much higher pressure than the right side, hence the aortic valve closing is usually louder than the pulmonic valve. A P2 louder than A2 means that the pulmonary arterial pressure is significantly elevated.

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topgunber  other answers choices such as peripheral edema and elevated JVP are nonspecific to right heart failure. Loud s3 (ken-tuck- EYYY) are more indicative of volume overload and pulmonary crackles/edema is usually due to a left sided heart defecT with backup of fluid into the lungs. +1


submitted by b1ackcoffee(115), visit this page
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from @melchior

From the UW ID 666 explanation, although type II pneumocytes normally differentiate into type I pneumocytes after proliferation, they do not differentiate in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis due to altered cell signals and altered basement membrane, which is why type II pneumocytes are increased.

explanation by @benwhite_dotcom is incorrect

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peridot  The UWorld example is talking about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, whereas benwhite_dotcom was talking about chronic inflammatory pneumonitis, which presents with increased type II pneumocytes (as indicated by the correct answer). +3
topgunber  either way destruction of basement membrane leads to type II hyperplasia. It may leads to fibrosis because of destruction of the basement membrane (the point of no return for lung parenchyma). Type I pneumoyctes will not rise in number because the destruction in the basement membrane (they are the vast majority of cells covering alveoli) +3


submitted by bwdc(697), visit this page
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Narcotic use for acutely painful conditions is both reasonable and important. Short-term use (immediately post-surgical) does not lead to long-term dependence (or so people have thoughtโ€ฆ). And yes, drugs addicts should also receive narcotics to control pain.

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drdoom  prefer โ€œpatients with hx of substance abuseโ€ over more conveniently typed but less redemptive โ€œdrug addictโ€ +18
sugaplum  I don't see why switching her to oral pain meds when she is ready would be incorrect. Clearly she is worried about being on the pain meds, I feel making a proclamation that she has a low risk of addiction would be profiling just because she doesn't have a history. The opioid epidemic also affects people who didn't have a previous history of drug abuse. Just a thought, not trying to push any buttons. Maybe I am thinking to hard about this, but I don't see the clear A vs B line for this question. +58
nbme4unme  @sugaplum I thought the exact same thing as you and chose the acetaminophen answer accordingly. I maintain that I am correct, my score be damned! +10
sushizuka  I had a similar question on UW and the explanation stated that the correct answer choice was the only one that addressed the patient's concern and answered her question. The rest were just alternative treatments, so they were incorrect. But I too answered with oral pain meds. +7
angelaq11  couldn't agree more with you all. I chose acetaminophen because opioid abuse is NO joke. The crisis is still going strong because of answers like this... +1
houseppary  I ruled out oral acetaminophen because they described in great detail the severity of her injuries, and indicated that she wasn't even fully conscious/aware when she asked this question about opioids. Rather than expose her to more pain, and possibly worsen her long-term pain prognosis, by switching to acetaminophen too early, in this case it makes sense to keep her comfortable because she's very seriously injured and not even fully lucid. It's kind to reassure her in this case. +3
anastomoses  I appreciate all of the passion for the opioid crisis, and the wording of the answer is definitely not ideal. However, PAIN is also very real, and there is no way acetaminophen alone would cut it in a case like this, not "as soon as she can take medications orally." Maybe I'm lucky to have 6 months in clinicals before STEP or had a mom who just went through urgent spine surgery for breast cancer mets, but there is a time and place for opioids and this is clearly one of them. Thank you for coming to my ted talk. +10
llamastep1  I agree with anastomoses, cmon guys have you ever had serious pain? oral acetaminophen is NOT enough for that type of pain. +3
sora  I r/o oral acetaminophen b/c she's post-op for major GI surgeries so you might want to avoid PO meds for a while +
melchior  As argument against the oral acetaminophen answer choice, it says "switch the patient to oral acetaminophen boldas soon as she can take the medication orallybold" This means you're just waiting for her swallowing inability from the facial fracture surgery to come back, which might not have much to do with her pain, and so it seems somewhat arbitrary. +
drpee  Maybe logically/clinically A is true, but this seems like a "patient communication" question to me and I could NEVER imagine A being a good way to phrase this point IRL. +2
zevvyt  Don't forget who pays for these tests: BIG PHARMA!! +1
topgunber  youd think after spending and borrowing every ounce possible that we were the ones paying for the tests +
yesa  Good pain control post-op is going to decrease risk of bad outcomes later. +


submitted by madden875(25), visit this page
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From Goljan:

Platelet problem = epistaxis, echymoses, petechia, bleeding from superficial scratches

Coagulation problem = late re-bleed, Menorrhagia, GI bleeds, hemarthroses

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step7777  Also that: Platelet problem = primary hemostasis = superficial bleeding Coagulation problem = secondary hemostasis = "deep" / internal bleeding +2
zevvyt  i thought I read that INR was 12 and got real confused on that question +
topgunber  is there a reason for the decreased PTT? or is that just a distraction +
justanotherimg  @topgunber It throwed me off as well, but I found this on google- Sometimes a traumatic or difficult blood collection may result in activation of the coagulation pathway in the sample, resulting in a shortened aPTT time. So I guess it was just a distraction. +
icrieeverytiem  It's still confusing. The decreased PT and PTT seemed like hypercoagulability and the only rationale to eliminate that is that he is asymptomatic. Unfortunately I picked DVT and lost an easy point. +1
athenathefirst  also is subungal hemorrhage seen in infective endocarditis? +


submitted by cassdawg(1781), visit this page
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He presents with an anticholinergic toxidrome: hot as a hare, dry as a bone, mad as a hatter (FA2020 p241, the anticholinergic toxidrome is the same as an atropine overdose and jimsonweed actually contains atropine).

The antidote for antichlinergics is phyostigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that acts as an indirect cholinergic agonist. (FA2020 p240)

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topgunber  physostigmine because its liposoluble and has central effects as compared to neostigmine +4
cheesetouch  FA18 p 237,236 +1
topgunber  its you isnt it @cheesetouch +


submitted by killme(14), visit this page
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The concept being tested is "what does PTH do that leads to hypercalcemia" https://i.ibb.co/sKPdVj3/image.png

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yotsubato  ugh, bullshit. I was trying to figure out an actual disease process here. +7
rio19111  its primary hyperparathyroidism caused by parathyroid adenoma. addition of the peptic ulcer suggest Zollinger ---> MEN1 but none of that is imp because that's not what they are asking. All they are asking for is the function of PTH. +3
topgunber  MEN 1 - P P P . Parathyroid, pancreas(gastrin in this case), pituitary lesion. not key to answering this question. pt comes with symptoms of hypercalcemia, moans, groans, thrones (peeing), psych overtones. Look at pth and calcium. we see high ca and high pth. We know that high calcium would lower pth...this means the high caclium was due to the high pth (i.e. parathyroid adenoma) Question is actually asking: what are the effects of PTH? a, c, opposite of PTH D and E i believed aren't related to PTH B-Sounds something like the pathogenesis of pseudohyperparathyoidism F- we definitely know that PTH increases Ca , so by increasing osteoclast maturation/activity you liberate calcium into the blood. this is the best answer. +1


submitted by sympathetikey(1600), visit this page
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In addition to PTH = osteoclast activity = increased calcium, this person could also be exhibiting symptoms of MEN1.

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topgunber  MEN 1 - P P P . Parathyroid, pancreas(gastrin in this case), pituitary lesion. not key to answering this question. pt comes with symptoms of hypercalcemia, moans, groans, thrones (peeing), psych overtones. Look at pth and calcium. we see high ca and high pth. We know that high calcium would lower pth...this means the high caclium was due to the high pth (i.e. parathyroid adenoma) Question is actually asking: what are the effects of PTH? a, c, opposite of PTH D and E i believed aren't related to PTH B-Sounds something like the pathogenesis of pseudohyperparathyoidism F- we definitely know that PTH increases Ca , so by increasing osteoclast maturation/activity you liberate calcium into the blood. this is the best answer. +1


submitted by cafeaulait(11), visit this page
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I believe this stem may be inferring MEN 1 syndrome - possible gastrinoma (peptic ulcer disease dx), parathyroid adenoma, and pituitary adenoma (causing SIADH). But, you don't need to even know this to get this right - just asking the effect of high PTH on the system - causes increased osteoclast activity as well as maturation.

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fatboyslim  The symptoms of this patient are due to hypercalcemia (stones, bones, groans, THRONES [increased diuresis}, and psychiatric overtones). Hypercalcemia can also cause peptic ulcer disease. So the primary pathology is parathyroid adenoma/hyperplasia causing the hypercalcemia +6
beetbox  Does anyone know what's up with the 'no abnormalities in humerus Xray'?Did they just throw that in for no reason? I got hooked on it, I thought there was no increased osteoclast activity... otherwise the cortical bones would have been oddly thin or something +4
topgunber  MEN 1 - P P P . Parathyroid, pancreas(gastrin in this case), pituitary lesion. not key to answering this question. pt comes with symptoms of hypercalcemia, moans, groans, thrones (peeing), psych overtones. Look at pth and calcium. we see high ca and high pth. We know that high calcium would lower pth...this means the high caclium was due to the high pth (i.e. parathyroid adenoma) Question is actually asking: what are the effects of PTH? a, c, opposite of PTH D and E i believed aren't related to PTH B-Sounds something like the pathogenesis of pseudohyperparathyoidism F- we definitely know that PTH increases Ca , so by increasing osteoclast maturation/activity you liberate calcium into the blood. this is the best answer. +3


submitted by cassdawg(1781), visit this page
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Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that runs the risk of causing hypotension in patients on nitrates due to the synergy of the mechanisms of action. [FA2020 p246]

Nitrates, like nitroglycerin, work by increasing NO production which in turn acts to increase cGMP in smooth muscle causing vasodilation. PDE5 inhibitors act by decreasing the breakdown of cGMP in smooth muscle, enhancing the action of NO to cause vasodilation. Thus, when combined there can be systemic vasodilation that leads to dangerous hypotension.

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lee280  For some reason, I had two answers that I felt like both made absolute sense to me. As explained above, that totally came to my mind and I knew this was the case. When I thought about Metoprolol blocking B1 receptors in a patient with an ejection fraction of only 30%, I was thinking this could as well be a contraindication, not sure if it's an absolute one or relative. Now, am I right if I said that Beta-blockers are only contraindicated in acute decompensated HF? and can be used unless otherwise? Someone, please help me clarify this, so then this distinction can come clean in my thoughts. Thanks +2
notyasupreme  I thought the same thing as you, I think we're just overthinking the most important thing - never give antihypertensive with Viagra lmfao. I totally thought too deep into it. +4
topgunber  sildenafil does make sense, especially since hes on 2 vasodilators. I picked diltiazem because the pt has systolic heart failure. thought it was contra indicated to give CCB to systolic heart failure because you could further decrease contractility. Either way never give NTG and viagra +1
sexymexican888  Yeah @topgunber I also picked diltiazem.... I guess they were looking for "COMBINATION" rather than a specific contraindication +
pakimd  @lee280 you are right in saying that beta blockers are only contraindicated in acute decompensated heart failure. this is because beta blockers, which would normally prevent the deleterious effects of neurohormones like norepinephrine on cardiac remodeling that occurs in HFrEF, will further impair cardiac output in decompensation. hope this helps :) +1
leap1608  The answer to all your queries lies in the fact that a combination of Metoprolol and vasodilators would actually be beneficial in dampening the REFLEX TACHYCARDIC effect of nitrates, hydralazines etc. Hence, decreasing the work load on the heart. +1


submitted by cassdawg(1781), visit this page
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He presents with an anticholinergic toxidrome: hot as a hare, dry as a bone, mad as a hatter (FA2020 p241, the anticholinergic toxidrome is the same as an atropine overdose and jimsonweed actually contains atropine).

The antidote for antichlinergics is phyostigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that acts as an indirect cholinergic agonist. (FA2020 p240)

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topgunber  physostigmine because its liposoluble and has central effects as compared to neostigmine +4
cheesetouch  FA18 p 237,236 +1
topgunber  its you isnt it @cheesetouch +


submitted by notyasupreme(48), visit this page
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Just wondering if someone could explain the difference between collagen and elastin for this one? I thought either or could be used for tensile strength. Anyone have clarification, don't know why collagen is the best answer!

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notyasupreme  Lol, never mind I realize, it's a scar and that's type III collagen! +6
meryen13  type III is whats usually present but then it gets replaced by collagen I in the scar tissue to add more strength. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4352699/ +1
i_hate_it_here  It is also the disulfide bonds that add to tensile strength of collagen, while the inter-chain fibril cross-linking that leads to elastins elasticity FA2020 pg: 51&52 +
xw1984  I think the Q emphasized postoperatiive. Maybe the production of elastin does not increase much comparing to collagen. +
topgunber  i think they would refer to elastin in cases of arteriolar compliance +


submitted by the_enigma28(69), visit this page
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Child has albinism. Defective melanin synthesis due to deficiency of enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase. FA 2020, page 476

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topgunber  tyrosinase. tyrosine hydroxylase would make L-dopa +2
sabrooza  It is Tyrosinase deficiency not (Tyrosinase hydroxylase ) +1


submitted by itsalwayslupus(48), visit this page
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Natural transformation is when bacteria take up naked bacterial chromosomal DNA in their environment (usually from cell lysis). A cell "lysate" is what remains of bacterial genes when the bacteria is dead (can be extracted from bacteria, as shown here). The SHiN bugs all can undergo transformation. You know it is transformation even without knowing which bugs can do so because it doesn't take up the DNA when DNase is added (it kills any free environmental DNA in the lysate)

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topgunber  just wondering why is plasmid transfer not a good option??? +2
m0niagui  Transduction requires the presence of a bacteriophage virus. Plasmid transfer requires two different live bacteria, point mutations will not occur across colonies so uniformly and neither will strand mispairing. +1
shakakaka  @topgunber I think DNase wouldn't stop the process in case of plasmids +4
topgunber  you're right in that DNAse wouldn't be able plasmids in living cells because they are inside the bacteria (same with their nuclear dna). Since living cells use sex pilli to transfer plasmids yes, DNAse wouldn't stop plasmid transfer. Key there is they had to be living. I do think a dnase can break down a plasmid in extracellular solution though (its just another piece of dna). +1
l0ud_minority  Key is heat-killed here and if you remember Griffith's Experiment it relates to transformation +


submitted by cassdawg(1781), visit this page
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This is mesenteric artery stenosis causing postpranidal intestinal ischemia/angina. I definitely did not know this answering the question and I personally got to the answer by attempting to logically think through the symptoms:

  • Weight loss and abdominal pain in general pointed to intestinal ischemia of some sort and since most absorption of nutrients happens in the jejunum, ischemia there would cause weight loss. Jejunum is supplied by SMA
  • Bruit to me meant a larger vessel was blocked since to be able to hear it it has to be a pretty large vessel, SMA is one of the larger arteries listed
  • No liver symptoms (i.e. jaundice) so eliminated hepatic artery

If anyone has a better explanation please offer it.

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deathcap4qt  great explanation for not knowing the answer! You're right in that it has to do with a vessel of a larger size. Generally Celia, SMA or IMA. pt hx of atherosclerosis should be a big hint. FA 2019 pg 380. +3
nbmeanswersownersucks  SMA is the MOST COMMON vessel involved in ischemic bowel disease. +2
baja_blast  I reasoned this out by remembering that the Abdominal Aorta was the most common place for atherosclerosis and picking the only option that branches off immediately from there. Not sure if that's what they were going for but it got me to the right answer. +1
topgunber  i think thats a great explanation ^, namely because its possible obstruction at the other vessels may not cause symptoms due to collateral circulation. SMA on the other hand, if stenosed, would have a number of regions with ischemia- not to mention its involved in a watershed area. +
an1  I thought because this said severe pain after meals, it was hinting at gastric ulcers which was cause for the weight loss :( +


submitted by andro(269), visit this page
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Fatty Acid degradation
-Occurs in mitochondria or peroxisomes

First step - uptake of the fatty acids by the cell and addition of CoA to them

Second step - Uptake of the Fatty Acyl CoA molecule into the mitochondria by the Carnitine Shuttle *( which involves removal and then addition of the CoA molecule again to the fatty acid once inside the mitochondria)

Once in the mitochondria the fatty acid may undergo , Beta-oxidation ( a process in which a fatty acid is oxidized/cleaved at the Beta carbon to generate Acetyl CoA in several cycles )

An Acyl CoA dehydrogenase catalyzes the initial step .
Look out for Hypoketotic Hypoglycemia in defects of fatty acid degradation

The 2 main subtypes to be aware of are -a problem with the carnitine shuttle ( systemic carnitine deficiency) - or with an Acyl CoA dehydrogenase ( eg MCAD deficiency )

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notyasupreme  It's actually funny because the question stem makes it seem like it's an MCAD deficiency (presence of dicarboxylic acid) and all the symptoms, but then treat it with MCAD. Whatever, I got it right but it just felt like a weird question to me. +4
nbmeanswersownersucks  yeah I was confused too but I also think the negative serum carnitine is supposed to help r/o MCAD deficiency since that usually has elevated serum carnitine. +1
baja_blast  If Carnitine was an option here, how could we differentiate this from primary carnitine deficiency? Would it have been possible? +11
melanoma  the presence of dicarboxylic aciduria is more related to mcad/lcad deficiency. the patient receives medium chain tryglicerides because he has the enzyme to metabolize it. +10
melanoma  but no for the long chain +
topgunber  just a few things, sure it sounds like mcad but lcad would present similarly, except in MCAD, giving medium chain triglycerides would worsen symptoms as compared with LCAD. + Similarly when fatty acids cant undergo Beta oxidation they undergo omega oxidation- which is why there is increased dicarboxlic acids (i.e. dont just jump for MCAD when you see dicarboxilic acids). Last of all it would be difficult to differentiate but if the patient were deficient in carnitine the treatment with MCADs would not show improvement because carnitine is required to shuttle the fatty acid into the MTs. +2
topgunber  'a 'weird question' because my school never asked it' +1
sexymexican888  According to UWORLD: Primary carnitine deficiency elevated muscle triglycerides. MCAD, will not +2


submitted by andro(269), visit this page
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Fatty Acid degradation
-Occurs in mitochondria or peroxisomes

First step - uptake of the fatty acids by the cell and addition of CoA to them

Second step - Uptake of the Fatty Acyl CoA molecule into the mitochondria by the Carnitine Shuttle *( which involves removal and then addition of the CoA molecule again to the fatty acid once inside the mitochondria)

Once in the mitochondria the fatty acid may undergo , Beta-oxidation ( a process in which a fatty acid is oxidized/cleaved at the Beta carbon to generate Acetyl CoA in several cycles )

An Acyl CoA dehydrogenase catalyzes the initial step .
Look out for Hypoketotic Hypoglycemia in defects of fatty acid degradation

The 2 main subtypes to be aware of are -a problem with the carnitine shuttle ( systemic carnitine deficiency) - or with an Acyl CoA dehydrogenase ( eg MCAD deficiency )

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notyasupreme  It's actually funny because the question stem makes it seem like it's an MCAD deficiency (presence of dicarboxylic acid) and all the symptoms, but then treat it with MCAD. Whatever, I got it right but it just felt like a weird question to me. +4
nbmeanswersownersucks  yeah I was confused too but I also think the negative serum carnitine is supposed to help r/o MCAD deficiency since that usually has elevated serum carnitine. +1
baja_blast  If Carnitine was an option here, how could we differentiate this from primary carnitine deficiency? Would it have been possible? +11
melanoma  the presence of dicarboxylic aciduria is more related to mcad/lcad deficiency. the patient receives medium chain tryglicerides because he has the enzyme to metabolize it. +10
melanoma  but no for the long chain +
topgunber  just a few things, sure it sounds like mcad but lcad would present similarly, except in MCAD, giving medium chain triglycerides would worsen symptoms as compared with LCAD. + Similarly when fatty acids cant undergo Beta oxidation they undergo omega oxidation- which is why there is increased dicarboxlic acids (i.e. dont just jump for MCAD when you see dicarboxilic acids). Last of all it would be difficult to differentiate but if the patient were deficient in carnitine the treatment with MCADs would not show improvement because carnitine is required to shuttle the fatty acid into the MTs. +2
topgunber  'a 'weird question' because my school never asked it' +1
sexymexican888  According to UWORLD: Primary carnitine deficiency elevated muscle triglycerides. MCAD, will not +2


submitted by topgunber(68), visit this page
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hardest part for me was differentiating absence of schwann cells vs abnormal myeling sheaths. Schwann cells come from neural crest cells so we would expect to see other neural crest migration issues in my opinion. CMT disease has motor and sensory issues because PMP-22 peripheral myelinating protein is mutated. leads to abnormal myelination of the peripheral nerves. foot drop from sensory degradation, muscle atrophy from motoneuron involvement (also peripherally myelinated)

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topgunber  foot drop from motor degradation , high stepping gait from sensory degradation. also associated with hearing issues. +
proteinbound123  I think it should be: high stepping gait from foot drop from motor degradation from CMT neuropathy that can cause motor (like this) or sensory abnormalities. +


submitted by topgunber(68), visit this page
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Genetics- The following is a helpful way to do all the allele frequency questions / carrier frequency questions.

  • AD : I = 2pq. The cases are in nearly all carriers (2pq). Most homozygotes die. (q^2)
  • AR : I = q^2 (the cases are ONLY shown in homozygotes). The carriers are 2pq

  • X linked : Boys : I = q . Boys carrying ONE allele are affected individuals. GIRL CARRIERS (heterozygous females) : I = 2PQ. This gets us to the answer. On the other hand AFFECTED GIRLS (incidence in girls) would be I= q^2 - extremely small (choice e)

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topgunber  By the way allele frequencies if asked are finding just q. Most of the time P is close to 1. In this case P would be 1-1/100,000 = 99,999/100000 which is why you can usually exclude it from equations +


submitted by bingcentipede(359), visit this page
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Dudes and dudettes, let me tell you how high yield Pathoma Ch. 1-3 are. Dr. Sattar is the freaking man.

Anyway, this is reversible cell injury because of swelling. If the Na/K ATPase is not working, Na is not leaving. Na follows water, so water is getting stuck in the cell, leading to swelling.

Most important is recognizing that it's reversible cell injury - everything else (except PFK lol) is talking about cell death

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cassdawg  Love this explanation lol Dr. Sattar for president. FA2020 p207 for anyone who wants more details. +11
the_enigma28  Ribosomal disaggregation (detachment) does occur in reversible cellular injury, but that is not the mechanism of cellular swelling! +6
topgunber  this last comment is extremely important to recognize when asking about reversible injury +1


submitted by kding247(3), visit this page
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Dr. Jason Ryan from BB emphasized that just because something is statistically significant, does not automatically mean it is clinically significant!

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topgunber  god bless Dr. Jason Ryan. just about every teacher in med school has said the same. shame nobody gives them a chance +


submitted by cassdawg(1781), visit this page
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In agreement with the other post: (see FA2020 p331)

You would want to check FREE T4 because pregnancy increases Thyroid binding globulin. It is possible she might have increased overall T4, but NOT have hyperthyroidism because the free T4 is normal (i.e. her increases amount of thyroid binding globulin has bound more T4, and since our bodies respond to the concentration of free T4 only, the hypothalamus should ensure that the free T4 is kept constant; this would appear as increased overall T4)

Another way of thinking of this:

  • Overall T4 = bound T4 + free T4

If we increase bound T4 and keep free T4 the same, we would still increase overall T4. Thus to know if she truly has hyperthyroidism we must look at free T4 concentration.

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lpp06  Does Overall T4 stay the same because TBG+T4 can last longer in circulation? Cause I always struggle thinking that free T4 is low because its being bound by the extra TBG +
covid_19  I'm not sure if I'm interpreting your question correctly, but I thought overall T4 increases in pregnancy? The way I think of it is that early in pregnancy, ฮฒ-HCG (acting like TSH) โ†’ โ†‘ free T4 โ†’ โ†“ TSH via (-) feedback โ†’ TSH back to nml as โ†“ฮฒ-HCG during pregnancy (i.e. gestational thyrotoxicosis). If the mom really has hyperthyroidism, then free T4 remains high and TSH low even as ฮฒ-HCG โ†“ and โ†‘TBG. Later in the pregnancy, estrogen โ†’ โ†‘TBG โ†’ โ†“ free T4 โ†’ TSH release โ†’ โ†‘ free T4 to regain equilibrium. (bound T4: free T4) 2:2 (nml) โ†’ 3:1 โ†’ 3:3 (new nml where there's a relative increase in free T4 AND overall T4). What are your thoughts on this? +
topgunber  Overall t4 increases, but when t4 is bound to thyroid binding globulin it is not active, therefore someone would not show characteristics of hyperthyroidism if they had high thyroid binding globulin and high total t4. Basically, free t4 is the actual amount of thyroid hormone that can cause a physiologic effect. As the first comment says, total thyroid hormone and thyroid binding globulin are increased in pregnancy. Thus to check for hyperthyroid we are concerned only with free t4 (if it is low then the patient would be hypothyroid) +
step1dreamteam  Radioactive Iodine (option C) is wrong because radiations are teratogenic for the fetus. +


submitted by andro(269), visit this page
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Patient with Primary Hypothyroidism (problem with the gland itself ) treated with T3

  • In normal physiology T4 is converted to T3 and less commonly ( rT3) . As such most of the T3 in the body is derived from the peripheral deiodination of T4 to T3
  • Also note that TSH secretion by anterior pituitary is under negative feedback control by both Free T3 and T4

So what happens when we give our Patient T3.
- firstly , we inhibit secretion of TSH from the pituitary gland . ( TSH decreases ).

This means less stimulation of the Thyroid and less hormone production . The Throid hormone it primarily makes and releases is T4 , ( and so T4 decreases ) . Naturally you would also expect a decrease in T3 but patient is taking exogenous T3( and so T3 increases )

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schep  I messed this up because I know treatment of primary hypothyroidism is usually with levothyroxine (T4). I totally skimmed the part where we are told she is being treated with T3 +3
jdc_md  ^nbme is asshoe! +1
topgunber  side note thyroglobulin would also be low and is asked on uworld +2
cheesetouch  Thyroxine = T4 +1


submitted by andro(269), visit this page
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Differential Diagnosis of Newborn/Neonatal Vomiting

-Benign gastroesophageal reflux ( i.e immature lower esophageal sphincter ) regurgitation of food shortly after feeding .
No further symptoms , healthy children with normal development

-Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Regurgitation - projectile nonbilious vomiting electrolyte imbalances ( alkalosis and hypokalemia ) * physical examination may reveal an olive mass on palpation of epigastrium
*typically starts from between 2nd and 7th week of age

-Midgut volvulus /Malrotation /Duodenal atresia * bilious vomiting * abdominal distention * Imaging may reveal signs like the double bubble sign ( duodenal atresia ) etc

Note: The list is not exhaustive as there are many more causes associated with newborn vomiiting

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covid_19  To add on to Benign GER, I couldn't find anything in a cursory look through FA and also didn't know that GER was a thing in neonates, so I found this nice and concise article in UpToDate: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/gastroesophageal-reflux-in-premature-infants +
i_hate_it_here  I don't understand why Esophageal spasm isn't right +1
topgunber  I would say esophageal spasm would cause immediate regurgitation or inability to swallow properly. so we would be looking for dysphagia. +4
nikitasr27  In general neonates have an immature nervous system (e.g. babinski) and I think that also applies to the ANS. Thatโ€™s why you see so many YouTube videos of babies vomiting out of the blue without even changing their face expression. I donโ€™t knoow, babies are weird +1
pakimd  is immature esophageal sphincter the reason why babies spit up milk when parents burp their babies? +
chaosawaits  babies burp up their milk because they swallow too aggressively when they feed. Burping them helps get rid of some of the air in their stomach and helps prevent distention from too much air, thereby relieving of potential stomach pains. +1


submitted by meryen13(48), visit this page
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i was so confused by this question. is this because the rest are human antigens, so why would we have antibodies against them? but HPV is antibody toward E6 is foreign...?

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topgunber  im going with this explanation. the rest : cd19, her2, Prostate acid phosph, tyrosinase are all endogenous molecules. makes sense that viral protein e6 has the highest immunogenicity. +9


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