PASSAGE 51 Ulcers Even though ulcers appear to run in families, lifestyle plays more of a role than genetic factors in causing the illness, according to a report in the April 13th Journal of Internal Medicine. In particular, smoking and stress in men and the regular use of pain-releasing medicines in women were linked with an increased risk of developing an ulcer. Overall, 61% of ulcer risk appears to be due to environmental factors, such as smoking, and the remaining 39% is due to genes according to Dr. Ismo Raiha of the University of Turky and colleagues at the University of Helsinki, Finland. Some researchers had suggested that families may spread Helicobacteria pylori, the bacteria that can cause ulcers. However, the new study suggests this is unlikely, according to the report. Raiha and colleagues studied data from more than 13,000 pairs of twins "to examine the roles of genetic and environmental factors in the origin of peptic ulcer disease," they explain. Both twins were more likely to develop an ulcer if the pair were genetically the same as compared with a pair of fraternal twins, suggesting that there must be some genetic susceptibility to ulcer development. However, the risk was no greater in twins living together compared with twins living apart, suggesting that shared exposure to H. pylori was not to blame. "Environment effects were not due to factors shared by family members, and they were related to smoking and stress in men and the use of analgesics in women," the authors wrote. "The minor effects of shared environment to disease liability do not support the concept that the grouping of risk factors, such as H. pylori infection, would explain the genetic factor of peptic ulcer disease," they concluded. 1. According to the passage, which of the following is a very likely cause of ulcer in men? A) Smoking and stress. B) Drinking and smoking. C) Genes and children. D) Use of a certain medicine. 2. What factors contribute to over half the ulcers? A) Hereditary factors. B) Economic factors. C) Environmental factors. D) Genetic factors. 3. In relation to ulcers, experts study twins in order to examine A) the roles of genetic factors. B) the roles of environmental factors. C) the roles of both factors. D) the roles of brotherhood. 4. What does "environmental effects" in the fifth paragraph refer to? A) A clean environment with no smoke and dust surrounding the living area. B) Smoking and stress in men and use of pain-killing medicine in Women. C) Factors shared by family members such as genes and the food they eat. D) Shared exposure to H. pylori infection in the unclean environment. 5. The passage argues that A) ulcers are related to genes. B) ulcers are related to lifestyle. C) ulcers appear in men and women. D) ulcers are caused by pylori infection. KEY: ACCBB PASSAGE 52 First Aid First aid is emergency care for a victim of sudden illness or injury until more skillful medical treatment is available. First aid may save a life or improve certain vital signs including pulse, temperature, an unobstructed airway, and breathing. In minor emergencies, first aid may prevent a victim’s condition from worsening and provide relief from pain. First aid must be administered as quickly as possible. In the case of the critically injured, a few minutes can make the difference between complete recovery and loss of life. First-aid measures depend upon a victim’s needs and provider’s level of knowledge and skill. Knowing what not to do in an emergency is as important as knowing what to do. Improperly moving a person with a neck injury, for example, can lead to permanent spinal injury and paralysis. Despite the variety of injuries possible, several principles of first aid apply to all emergencies. The first step is to call for professional medical help. The victim, if conscious, should be reassured that medical aid has been requested, and asked for permission to provide any first aid. Next, assess the scene, asking other people or the injured person’s family or friends about details of the injury or illness, any care that may have already been given, and preexisting conditions such as diabetes or heart trouble. The victim should be checked for medical bracelet or card that describes special medical conditions. Unless the accident scene becomes unsafe or the victim may suffer further injury, do not move the victim. First aid requires rapid assessment of victims to determine whether life-threatening conditions exist. One method for evaluating a victim’s condition is known by the acronym ABC, which stands for: A- Airway: is it open and unobstructed? B- Breathing: is the person breathing? Look, listen, and feel for breathing. C- Circulation: is there a pulse? Is the person bleeding externally? Check skin color and temperature for additional indications of circulation problems. Once obvious injuries have been evaluated, the injured person’s head should be kept in a neutral position in line with the body. If no evidence exists to suggest potential skull or spinal injury, place the injured person in a comfortable position. Positioned on one side, a victim can vomit without choking or obstructing the airway.