A gel-mediated feeding technique for protein crystal growth from hanging drops.

A procedure which allows an investigator to supply a crystal with fresh mother material without inducing significant growth defects is described. This technique requires that the crystal is grown in a gelled hanging or sitting drop. An example concerning a model macromolecule, hen egg-white lysozyme, is given. Extension of this procedure to other macromolecules is discussed.

[Ultrasonic prenatal diagnosis of the Jarcho-Levin syndrome]. / Diagnostic prénatal échographique du syndrome de Jarcho-Levin.

The Jarcho-Levin syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by spinal and rib malformations (spondylocostal dysplasia). The case reported concerns a fetus with a dorsal spine angulation noted at the 15th week of gestation. A more accurate ultrasound study performed at 20 weeks revealed shortness of the neck and thorax, irregular ribs and vertebrae and absence of other visceral abnormalities. The karyotype was normal. Therapeutic abortion proposed was finally accepted by both parents at 27 weeks. The diagnosis was confirmed by post mortem radiography. No parental consanguinity was noted.