Emrapproved Monthly Medical Trivia - August 2011

Prozac was the most widely prescribed antidepressant in the U.S. in the 1990s. This is because Prozac was one of the first selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression. It gained popularity due to its effectiveness in treating depression and its relatively low side effect profile compared to older antidepressant medications. Prozac's success led to its widespread use and recognition as a leading antidepressant during that time period.

Joseph Lister was the first to use antiseptic technique in surgery in 1867. He developed the idea of using carbolic acid as a disinfectant during surgery to prevent infections. This technique significantly reduced the occurrence of post-operative infections and improved patient outcomes. Lister's work revolutionized the field of surgery and laid the foundation for modern antiseptic practices.

Prostate cancer commonly metastasizes to the bone. This is because prostate cancer cells have a tendency to spread to the bones, especially the spine, pelvis, and femur. This occurs through a process called hematogenous spread, where cancer cells enter the bloodstream and travel to distant sites in the body. The bone provides a favorable environment for the growth and survival of prostate cancer cells, leading to the formation of bone metastases. This is why bone pain and fractures are common symptoms in advanced prostate cancer.

Queen Victoria is the correct answer because she is known to have passed on the hemophilia gene to her descendants, including several of her children and grandchildren. Hemophilia A is caused by a mutation in the factor VIII gene, and Queen Victoria's spontaneous mutation is believed to be the origin of the disease in the royal family. This mutation had significant consequences for subsequent generations, as it affected multiple members of the royal family and had a profound impact on their lives.

Frederick Sanger was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1955 for his work on insulin and in 1980 for his work on sequencing DNA. His groundbreaking research on protein structure and DNA sequencing revolutionized the field of molecular biology. Sanger's work on insulin helped in understanding its structure and paved the way for the development of synthetic insulin for the treatment of diabetes. His development of DNA sequencing techniques allowed scientists to decipher the genetic code, leading to significant advancements in genetics and genomics.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common cause of poisoning resulting in death in the United States. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be produced by burning fuel, such as gasoline, oil, coal, and wood. When inhaled, carbon monoxide displaces oxygen in the blood, leading to tissue damage and death. This type of poisoning can occur due to faulty heating systems, generators, or other appliances that produce carbon monoxide. It is important to have proper ventilation and functioning carbon monoxide detectors in homes to prevent such poisonings.

DHEA-S, also known as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, is primarily produced in the adrenal glands. These glands are located on top of the kidneys and are responsible for producing various hormones, including DHEA-S. DHEA-S is a precursor hormone that can be converted into other hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, in different parts of the body. Therefore, the correct answer is adrenal glands.

The peak time for chickenpox is in the spring because the virus that causes chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads easily in close quarters, such as schools and daycare centers. During the spring, children are more likely to be in close contact with each other, increasing the chances of transmission. Additionally, the virus thrives in cooler temperatures, which are more common in the spring.

The correct answer is 1 month because it takes approximately 4 weeks for the body to develop enough antibodies to provide immunity against the Hepatitis A virus after receiving the vaccine.

Kleinfelter syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality characterized by the presence of an additional X chromosome in males, resulting in a karyotype of 47 XXY. This extra X chromosome can lead to physical and developmental differences, including reduced fertility, taller stature, and potential learning and behavioral challenges.