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Unit 3
Health and Medicine
Reading 1.1
Xenotransplantation
Organ transplants have saved millions of lives around the world. Over the years, transplants have become much more sophisticated and now have a very high success rate. The problem is that it is difficult to find organs. People can be on waiting lists for years before receiving their much-needed organ, and many die while waiting.
The problem is getting worse, as the demand is increasing while supply is decreasing.
The reason for this trend is that the population is getting bigger while accidental deaths are decreasing. Most organ donors are victims of car crashes; they were healthy people with healthy organs who were unfortunately killed. Currently, there is a special need for more minority organ donors. As safety standards improve and as law enforcement more effectively deters dangerous driving, fewer people are dying in car crashes. This is, of course, a positive development, except that it decreases the number of healthy organs available to those who need them. So the medical community is now looking to the animal kingdom for organs that can be used in humans.
No doctor to date has successfully performed an animal-to-human organ transplant, known as xenotransplantation. A major concern is the possibility that the human’s immune system will reject the organ. The human immune system is programmed to reject and attack foreign bodies in order to keep the body healthy. Rejection was a problem in the early days of human-to-human organ transplants as well. But over the years anti-rejection medicines have been developed with (A) [minimal / tremendous] success. These drugs probably will not work by themselves when the organ of a different species is introduced, so further measures need to be taken. Genetic Modification of the organ seems to be one way to (B) [reduce / produce] the risk of organ rejection. For example, pigs, which are the ideal candidate for xenotransplantation, have a gene called alpha-gal, which can be modified to trick the human immune system into recognizing it as human. The procedure has shown success in pig-to-monkey transplants, which makes it promising for humans. After having altered the gene, scientists could then clone the pigs with the altered gene and eventually breed them (C) [conventionally / confidentially]. Pigs naturally breed quickly and have large litters, so a large supply of organs ready for transplants could be produced this way.
A second concern is the possibility that the donor organ could contain viruses that would infect the human body. Anti-rejection drugs, which would have to be used post-operation to ensure that the body continues to accept the new organ, suppress the immune system. Pigs’ DNA contains a virus that is harmless to pigs but could prove fatal to humans. Fortunately, scientists have identified a type of pig that does not carry this virus as part of its DNA.
Scientists are also working on ways to prevent the virus from replicating by identifying the receptors that allow the virus to enter a cell.
Another animal that seems likely to be a candidate for xenotransplantation is the baboon because it is genetically very similar to humans. This decreases the likelihood of rejection. In fact, baboon-to-human transplants have been attempted, without success. The patients died of virus infections, however, and not because the body rejected the foreign tissue. The main problem with baboon organs is that they carry many viruses. Furthermore, unlike pigs, baboons reproduce slowly, like humans. They do not have large litters, so it would be difficult to breed the numbers of baboons that would be necessary to meet the demand for organ transplants. Another advantage of using pigs is that they do not pose the moral dilemma that baboons do. Of course, some animal activists will argue that it is always wrong to kill an animal for the benefit of humans. But giving that pigs are already raised for slaughter, the idea of using them to human lives will not present a new ethical issue.
The problem is getting worse, as the demand is increasing while supply is decreasing.
The reason for this trend is that the population is getting bigger while accidental deaths are decreasing. Most organ donors are victims of car crashes; they were healthy people with healthy organs who were unfortunately killed. Currently, there is a special need for more minority organ donors. As safety standards improve and as law enforcement more effectively deters dangerous driving, fewer people are dying in car crashes. This is, of course, a positive development, except that it decreases the number of healthy organs available to those who need them. So the medical community is now looking to the animal kingdom for organs that can be used in humans.
1. Which sentence does not fit the flow of the passage?
2. What is the purpose of this passage?
To inform people how to become an organ donor
To explain why there are not enough organs to meet demand
To give reasons why people chose not to donate their organs
To encourage people to donate their organs when they die
To warn of complications that can occur during organ transplants
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No doctor to date has successfully performed an animal-to-human organ transplant, known as xenotransplantation. A major concern is the possibility that the human’s immune system will reject the organ. The human immune system is programmed to reject and attack foreign bodies in order to keep the body healthy. Rejection was a problem in the early days of human-to-human organ transplants as well. But over the years anti-rejection medicines have been developed with (A) [minimal / tremendous] success. These drugs probably will not work by themselves when the organ of a different species is introduced, so further measures need to be taken. Genetic Modification of the organ seems to be one way to (B) [reduce / produce] the risk of organ rejection. For example, pigs, which are the ideal candidate for xenotransplantation, have a gene called alpha-gal, which can be modified to trick the human immune system into recognizing it as human. The procedure has shown success in pig-to-monkey transplants, which makes it promising for humans. After having altered the gene, scientists could then clone the pigs with the altered gene and eventually breed them (C) [conventionally / confidentially]. Pigs naturally breed quickly and have large litters, so a large supply of organs ready for transplants could be produced this way.
3. Choose the correct words for A, B and C.
(A) (B) (C)
minimal reduce confidentially
minimal produce confidentially
tremendous produce confidentially
tremendous produce conventionally
tremendous reduce conventionally
4. What is the best title for the passage?
Animals May Hold Key to Future Transplants
Why Xenotransplantation is Boycotted in Some Countries
The Need for Further Xenotransplantation Research
Ethical Considerations of Breeding Animal Organ Donors
Organ Transplant Drugs May Not Help in Xenotransplantation
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A second concern is the possibility that the donor organ could contain viruses that would infect the human body. Anti-rejection drugs, which would have to be used post-operation to ensure that the body continues to accept the new organ, suppress the immune system. Pigs’ DNA contains a virus that is harmless to pigs but could prove fatal to humans. Fortunately, scientists have identified a type of pig that does not carry this virus as part of its DNA.
Scientists are also working on ways to prevent the virus from replicating by identifying the receptors that allow the virus to enter a cell.
5. Where is the best place to insert the following sentence?
The medications makes the person more susceptible to infection.
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6. What is NOT true according to the passage?
Animal organs contain viruses that can infect humans.
The drugs used after organ transplants affect the immune system.
Scientists are trying to find a cure for the virus transmitted by pigs.
One species of pig does not carry the deadly virus in its DNA.
Research is being done to prevent the virus from entering human cells.
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Another animal that seems likely to be a candidate for xenotransplantation is the baboon because it is genetically very similar to humans. This decreases the likelihood of rejection. In fact, baboon-to-human transplants have been attempted, without success. The patients died of virus infections, however, and not because the body rejected the foreign tissue. The main problem with baboon organs is that they carry many viruses. Furthermore, unlike pigs, baboons reproduce slowly, like humans. They do not have large litters, so it would be difficult to breed the numbers of baboons that would be necessary to meet the demand for organ transplants. Another advantage of using pigs is that they do not pose the moral dilemma that baboons do. Of course, some animal activists will argue that it is always wrong to kill an animal for the benefit of humans. But giving that pigs are already raised for slaughter, the idea of using them to human lives will not present a new ethical issue.
7. Choose the one that is grammatically incorrect.
8. What is the main topic of the passage?
bacteria that affect the success of xenotransplantation
growing numbers of the world’s baboon population
genetic similarities between baboons and pigs
advantages of using pigs instead of baboons
moral issues of breeding animals for organ donation
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Reading 1.2
Building Organs from Stem Cells
Stem cells are cells that can replicate themselves. In newly fertilized eggs, they create the different tissues that make up the human body, including the organs, bones, muscles, and skin. Embryonic stems cells, derived from embryos, develop into various tissues, while adult stem cells help repair tissues once the body has been formed.
Stem cell research promises hope to thousands of people in failing health because stem cells could be used to create therapies for people with serious diseases and debilitating injuries. (A) ______ despite the potential health benefits, stem cell research is a hotly debated topic.
Embryonic stem cells seem to hold the most potential for therapy, but to use embryonic stem cells, the embryo has to be destroyed. Some believe that it is wrong to intentionally destroy a human embryo, because it is a human being. Proponents of stem cell research, (B) _______, say that these embryos are being destroyed anyway. Most embryos for research come from those used in in-vitro fertilization, wherein there are often extra embryos that are destroyed or frozen indefinitely, but never used.
The main argument in favor of stem cell research is its potential value. If it saves thousands of people, it is worth the cost of the embryos, proponents claim. But opponents counter that adult stem cells can be just as effective in creating therapies. Perhaps the answer lies in obtaining stem cells from embryos without destroying the embryo, a technique that is being studied. However, the use of embryos for research is currently banned in many countries, making progress difficult.
1. Choose the best words that complete the summary of the passage.
Embryonic stem cells have the potential to __________, but currently there is much _________ surrounding their use.
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(A) (B)
cause damage speculation
save lives controversy
spread disease speculation
repair eggs controversy
replicate themselves speculation
2. Choose the correct words for (A) and (B).
(A) (B)
But for example
So however
Nor in contrast
But however
So for example
Reading 2.1
A Surge in Cosmetic Surgery
According to statistics gathered by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 11.7 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2007. Americans spent just over $13 billion on cosmetic procedures—$8.3 billion for surgical procedures and $4.7 billion for nonsurgical procedures. Since 1997, the overall number of cosmetic procedures has increased 457 percent. The top three surgical procedures for women were breast enlargement, liposuction, and eyelid surgery, while the top three surgical procedures for men were liposuction, eyelid surgery, and rhinoplasty (nose surgery).
Liposuction is the removal of excess fat deposits from beneath the skin. The doctor inserts a cannula (a small tube) into the skin, and a vacuum-like machine removes the fat. People are usually given general anesthesia for liposuction or local anesthesia if they’re only having one area done. Many doctors insist that liposuction is not a cure for obesity. It should be used when diet and exercise do not reduce fat in certain “trouble spots” of the body. That is why the ideal candidate is physically fit, exercises regularly, and not more than twenty pounds overweight. Liposuction can cost from $2,000 to more than $10,000, depending on the number of areas treated, the type of area treated (body site), and the amount of fat to be removed from the areas. The procedure may be performed on the abdomen, hips, thighs, calves, arms, buttocks, back, neck, or face.
In addition to the three most popular surgical procedures, the number-one nonsurgical procedure favored by _________ is Botox injections. Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the same bacteria that causes botulism (food poisoning). The Botox injections temporarily freeze the muscles that cause wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother look for about four months. The injections are becoming increasingly popular, and some people even throw “Botox parties.” The party is a social gathering at which a doctor injects the participants with Botox. These injections can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per shot. In 2007, 2,445,656 women and 329,519 men had Botox injections.
There are many reasons why the number of cosmetic surgeries is increasing. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, its desire to look younger is increasing the demand for all cosmetic surgeries. Baby Boomers think that looking younger will keep them more competitive in the workplace, too. However, cosmetic surgery can become dangerously addictive for some people. With improvements in medicine and technology, surgeons can perform procedures with less scarring in a shorter amount of time, which makes these operations more appealing.
(A) ________, many customers are also becoming better informed about the procedures and precautions they must take before having cosmetic surgery, which leads to better and safer results for cosmetic surgeries. (B) ________, these precautions include making sure that their doctor is a board-certified surgeon. There are many websites where the public can get information about plastic surgery, including risks, lists of board-certified surgeons, as well as before-and-after photos of people who have had surgery, which increases people’s confidence in the procedures.
Another reason for the increase in cosmetic surgeries is that they are becoming more affordable. Costs (A) [have decreased / are decreasing] somewhat over the past decade. Doctors have also become smarter with their business. Many now offer financing for people who want surgeries but cannot afford (B) [to pay / paying] all of the money up front.
Finally, social acceptance of cosmetic surgery is also growing. In a recent survey, approximately 55 percent of Americans said that they approve of the procedure. About 79 percent of U.S. men and women (C) [will / would] not feel embarrassed if their friends and family knew that they had cosmetic surgery.
Liposuction is the removal of excess fat deposits from beneath the skin. The doctor inserts a cannula (a small tube) into the skin, and a vacuum-like machine removes the fat. People are usually given general anesthesia for liposuction or local anesthesia if they’re only having one area done. Many doctors insist that liposuction is not a cure for obesity. It should be used when diet and exercise do not reduce fat in certain “trouble spots” of the body. That is why the ideal candidate is physically fit, exercises regularly, and not more than twenty pounds overweight. Liposuction can cost from $2,000 to more than $10,000, depending on the number of areas treated, the type of area treated (body site), and the amount of fat to be removed from the areas. The procedure may be performed on the abdomen, hips, thighs, calves, arms, buttocks, back, neck, or face.
1. Where is the best place to insert the following sentence?
This process can actually be done in several ways, such as with lasers or injecting the area with liquid before removing the fat.
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2. What is true according to the passage?
Liposuction is a painless procedure.
Liposuction is a way to overcome obesity.
Ideal liposuction candidates are healthy.
Patients should not exercise after having liposuction.
Liposuction can be performed on few areas of the body.
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In addition to the three most popular surgical procedures, the number-one nonsurgical procedure favored by _________ is Botox injections. Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the same bacteria that causes botulism (food poisoning). The Botox injections temporarily freeze the muscles that cause wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother look for about four months. The injections are becoming increasingly popular, and some people even throw “Botox parties.” The party is a social gathering at which a doctor injects the participants with Botox. These injections can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per shot. In 2007, 2,445,656 women and 329,519 men had Botox injections.
3. Which words best complete the blank?
cosmetic surgeons
overweight patients
famous celebrities
both genders
younger generations
4. What is the purpose of the passage?
To warn people of possible risks from Botox injections
To give reasons why Botox injections are so popular today
To explain what Botox injections are and how they work
To inform people popularity of Botox parties
To demonstrate how Botox is created from bacteria
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There are many reasons why the number of cosmetic surgeries is increasing. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, its desire to look younger is increasing the demand for all cosmetic surgeries. Baby Boomers think that looking younger will keep them more competitive in the workplace, too. However, cosmetic surgery can become dangerously addictive for some people. With improvements in medicine and technology, surgeons can perform procedures with less scarring in a shorter amount of time, which makes these operations more appealing.
(A) ________, many customers are also becoming better informed about the procedures and precautions they must take before having cosmetic surgery, which leads to better and safer results for cosmetic surgeries. (B) ________, these precautions include making sure that their doctor is a board-certified surgeon. There are many websites where the public can get information about plastic surgery, including risks, lists of board-certified surgeons, as well as before-and-after photos of people who have had surgery, which increases people’s confidence in the procedures.
5. Choose the correct words for (A) and (B)
(A) (B)
In addition Obviously
Previously Hence
In addition Finally
Therefore Obviously
Previously Hence
6. Which sentence does not fit the flow of the passage?
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Another reason for the increase in cosmetic surgeries is that they are becoming more affordable. Costs (A) [have decreased / are decreasing] somewhat over the past decade. Doctors have also become smarter with their business. Many now offer financing for people who want surgeries but cannot afford (B) [to pay / paying] all of the money up front.
Finally, social acceptance of cosmetic surgery is also growing. In a recent survey, approximately 55 percent of Americans said that they approve of the procedure. About 79 percent of U.S. men and women (C) [will / would] not feel embarrassed if their friends and family knew that they had cosmetic surgery.
7. What is NOT true according to the passage?
The number of cosmetic surgeries has increased in the past decade.
Cosmetic surgery procedures cost less than they used to previously.
Doctors are allowing patients to make payments for procedures.
More than half of Americans do not approve of cosmetic surgery.
Many Americans would tell people if they had cosmetic surgery done.
8. Choose the grammatically correct ones.
(A) (B) (C)
have decreased to pay would
are decreasing to pay would
are decreasing paying will
have decreased paying will
have decreased paying would
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Reading 2.2
Smiling Around the World
(A) Plastic surgery can be helpful for correcting birth defects in children. An organization called Operation Smile provides reconstructive plastic surgery to poor children all over the world. Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal areas of the body caused by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, injury, infection, tumors, or disease. (a) The surgery is generally performed to improve function but may also be done to give a child a normal appearance.
(B) Indeed, since Operation Smile’s beginning in 1982, more than 120,000 children and young adults with facial deformities have been treated by thousands of volunteers worldwide. In addition, thousands of medical professionals have been trained globally. (b) Operation Smile currently has a presence in fifty countries and has nearly 4,000 credentialed medical volunteers ready to donate their time and talent.
(C) Operation Smile provides children born with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial deformities with free reconstructive surgeries. (c) Doctors and nurses from around the world volunteer their time for two weeks on a medical mission. During a typical international medical mission, 300-500 children receive full medical assessments, and 100-150 children are surgically treated. But how did this organization get started?
(D) (d) This organization was founded in 1982 by Dr. William Magee Jr., an American plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathleen Magee, a nurse and clinical social worker. The couple traveled to the Philippines with a group of medical volunteers to repair children’s cleft lips and cleft palates. The Magees saw the need, and Operation Smile was born. (e) The goal of the charity is to improve the lives of children by improving their appearance, building up their self-esteem, and restoring their dignity.
1. What is the correct order of the paragraphs that come after (A)?
(B) (D) (C)
(C) (B) (D)
(C) (D) (B)
(D) (B) (C)
(D) (C) (B)
2. Choose the sentence that best shows the reason for the charity’s existence?
a
b
c
d
e
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