The following thesis is a compilation of case studies in various areas of financial accounting that I completed over the course of two semesters under the advisory of Dr. Victoria Dickinson. During the class we reviewed different case studies that focused on various accounting concepts and principles that we were learning about in Intermediate Accounting. After analyzing each case and having discussions about the material in class, we would complete questions that required us to understand conceptually and practically how the information provided to us would affect the company. We dealt with companies that followed U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, as well as companies that used the International Financial Reporting Standards. We were required to analyze the information that we were provided to answer the questions and then write summaries describing the concepts and ideas that we learned about.

1 As a third-year medical student in Russia I am researching 'the role of proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors in lung pathology'. Can you explain how proteolytic enzymes function in the normal lung?

2 Bronchiectasis is given as one of the causes of bronchial breath sounds. This is difficult to comprehend. Could you explain the mechanism of bronchial breath sounds more clearly?

3 I have been taught to examine vocal resonance by asking the patient to say 'ninety-nine' while auscultating. I listen for a louder 'ninety-nine' over an area of consolidation and more quiet sounds with effusion. Is this right?

4 What role does bupropion play in giving up smoking?

5 The clinical signs and symptoms of rhinitis are very similar to those of the common cold (influenza). How do I differentiate between the two?

6 What is the advantage of the drugs des-loratidine and levo-cetirizine over their parent compounds? Are they safe in pregnancy and lactation?

7 What are the differences between acute bronchitis and pneumonia? Are both diseases caused by infection?

8 1. If a patient with chronic bronchitis develops obstructive jaundice and Escherichia coli biliary sepsis, should the routine administration of oral steroids (e.g. prednisolone) be suspended until liver function improves? 2. Are there any adverse reactions that preclude the concurrent use of steroids while the patient is treated with IV ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, metronidazole and cefuroxime?

9 Robbins Basic Pathology mentions that in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the forced ventilation capacity (FVC) is either normal or slightly increased! I just can't justify that. I mean it should decrease. And this is exactly what is mentioned in your book. I couldn't contact the authors of that book so I decided to ask you whether there is actually a situation in which the FVC in COPD patients might increase?

10 Is there any obstructive pulmonary condition in which there might be an increase in FVC? If so by what mechanism?