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Biomedical subjects

J Kraus

Publications and source records attributed to J Kraus.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Pernicious anemia caused by Crohn's disease of the stomach.

A patient with granulomatous gastritis is described. Two years after the presentation of his gastric disease he developed pernicious anemia. Lack of intrinsic factor production secondary to Crohn's disease of the stomach is felt to be the cause of his Vitamin B12 malabsorption.

Adult↗

Purification and properties of cystathionine beta-synthase from human liver. Evidence for identical subunits.

Cystathionine beta-synthase has been purified from human liver more than 3000-fold by a series of steps including high speed centrifugation, ammonium sulfate fractionation, chromatography on hydroxylapatite and DEAE-cellulose, gel filtration, preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and glycerol density gradient centrifugation. The enzyme obtained is homogeneous as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in four different systems: native, isoelectric focusing, in sodium dodecyl sulfate, and in 8 M urea. The native enzyme has an estimated molecular weight of 94,000 and is composed of two apparently identical subunits of 48,000. The pure enzyme has a specific activity of 160 units/mg of protein and contains tightly bound cofactor, pyridoxal 5' -phosphate. It is possesses serine sulfhydrase as well as cystathionine synthase activity. It has a broad pH optimum from 8.4 to 9.0, apparent Km values for L-serine of 1.15 mM and for L-homocysteine of 0.59 mM, and a pI of 5.2 The enzyme is stable over a pH range from 6.5 to 8.0 in phosphate buffers and can be stored in 40% glycerol at -15 degrees C for at least 1 month.

Adult↗

Homocystinuria. Evidence for three distinct classes of cystathionine beta-synthase mutants in cultured fibroblasts.

We have compared in vivo pyridoxine responsiveness with in vitro cystathionine beta-synthase activity in extracts of confluent fibroblasts from 14 synthase-deficient patients. Enzyme activity was measured with and without addition of its cofactor, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, using a radioisotopic assay which detects as little as 0.25% of control activity. Six of seven lines from responsive patients had measurable activity without the added cofactor (0.6-15% of mean control). Two of these lines showed a five- and sevenfold stimulation of cystathionine beta-synthase activity with added pyridoxal-5'-phosphate; in the other four, the cofactor addition increased activity only modestly, as in controls. Two of seven lines from nonresponsive patients had measurable activity (each 3% of mean control) which increased two- and fivefold with the added cofactor. Cystathionine beta-synthase activity was undetectable in one line from a responsive patient and in five lines from nonresponsive ones. To characterize control and mutant synthase further, dissociation constants for pyridoxal-5'-phosphate were estimated and thermostability (54 degrees C) was studied in two control and five mutant lines. In one mutant, both parameters were normal; in the others, the affinity for the cofactor was reduced 3-to 11-fold and thermostability was much impaired. We conclude that at least three general classes of cystathionine beta-synthase mutants exist: those with no residual activity; those with reduced activity and normal affinity for pyridoxal-5' phosphate; and those with reduced activity and a reduced affinity for the cofactor. Pyridoxine responsiveness in vivo cannot be correlated simply with the presence or absence of residual synthase activity in vitro or with stimulation of in vitro enzyme activity by cofactor.

Adolescent↗

Adjustment of adopted children and demographic profile of adoptive parents.

Using 51 manifestations of childhood dysfunction as index of adjustment, the relationship was investigated of 9 demographic characteristics of applicants for adoption to the adjustment of children, when aged 7 to 7 1/2 years, whom they had adopted. 'Good adjustment' was associated with the father having at least completed high school, having a non-manual occupation and an above median income. There was a trend for it to be also associated with the mother having at least completed high school, being under 30 years of age, and with the couple's non-committal on (i.e., not outright rejection of) the possibility of adopting a hard to place child. The findings were discussed critically and it was concluded that the study demonstrated the feasibility of establishing objective empirical criteria for the selection of adoption applicants.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Human artificial insemination: some social and legal issues.

The demand for human artificial insemination (AI) is increasing as a function of declining numbers of babies available for adoption and greater community awareness. This paper reviews some of the social and legal issues associated with the practice of AI: prevalence of marital infertility; demand for AI; moral objections; effect on marriage; legality of practice; legal position of all the parties to the practice; legislation proposed to regulate the practice; and payment of medical benefits.

Australia↗

Shotgun weddings: trends in the sociopathology of marriage.

The study was concerned with secular trends in forced marriages in N.S.W. The definition of forced marriage was first nuptial birth occurring within six months of the wedding. The typical demographic profile of such marriages portends a "risk" of marital breakdown and child abuse. Formal analysis of the time series showed upward trends in the proportions of brides "at risk" in the 16-17 age groups, and in the proportions of children "at risk" born to brides in the 16 to 22 age range. The findings were discussed critically, and some prophylactic and remedial social measures suggested.

Adolescent↗

Juvenile delinquency and the psychology of general deterrence.

The study was concerned with the relevance of the judicial concept of general deterrence of juvenile delinquency. A comparison of attitudes of high-school boys, in areas of low and high delinquency, towards the likelihood of apprehension and the painfulness of punishment for criminal offences, and of the boys' factual knowledge of judicial punishment, did not support the hypothesis that potential juvenile offenders are deterred by fear of apprehension and punishment, or by having an objective knowledge of penal measures. The attitudes of the boys were found to vary with different combinations of socio-economic status and delinquency levels in their geographic areas. The findings were discussed in the light of the relevant literature. It was concluded that prevention of juvenile delinquency should be based on the acquisition of appropriate social values at home and in school, and not on fear of judicial retribution.

Adolescent↗

Some ecological correlates of perinatal mortality in a metropolis.

In a study of the geographical distribution of 22 population characteristics in metropolitan Sydney, perinatla mortality was found to coincide with adverse socioeconomic conditions, juvenile and adult crime, child neglect and high birth rate. The findings suggested that in areas with specific population characteristics there is a need for long-term and short-term preventive measures, both social and medical.

Adolescent↗