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Reports on adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, which can transfer genes into cells and promote long-term gene expression in animals. Research by Russell et al on the potential of AAV vectors to cause chromosomal deletions and other rearrangements when they integrate into the genome of human cells; Criticism from other researchers that key facts about AAV vectors have been overlooked in the design of the study; Advantages and uses of AAV; How AAV will impact as a viral vector in human trials.

Reports that researchers have fully sequenced the genomes of two Salmonella species, a multiple drug resistant Salmonella typhi and Salmonella typhimurium. How these pathogens cause typhoid fever and gastroenteritis in humans; Highlights of research, including a comparison between the genomes; Comments of researchers Julian Parkhill and Michael McClelland.

Focuses on the discovery that mutations in two genes lead to iron deposition in the basal ganglia and the implication for genetic neurodegenerative disorders. Details of the study by John Burn et al showing that neuroferritinopathy is due to a mutation in the gene for ferritin light polypeptide, a component of the main iron storage protein; Description of the study by Hayflick et al identifying the genetic basis for Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome.

Discusses a study which shows that the high prevalence of HIV in Africa creates conditions for natural selection of variants that affect the time between HIV infection and the onset of AIDS. Selection pressures exerted on CCR5, a cell-surface receptor for chemokines; Expectation that the HIV epidemic will also affect alleles associated with resistance to HIV infection; Other genetic factors that might increase resistance to AIDS.

Reports on research which shows that mutations in FOXL2, a gene located on chromosome 3, may cause premature ovarian failure. Study of individuals with type-I and type-II blepharophimosis/ptosis/epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES), which causes eyelid abnormalities; Implications, including the possibility of a diagnostic test for BPES patients with premature ovarian failure.

Reports that the complete genome sequence of a serogroup A strain of Neisseria meningitidis, Z2491, has been determined. The international collaborative effort between the Sanger Centre in Cambridge, England, the Max-Planck Institute in Berlin, Germany, and the Wellcome Trust Centre in Oxford, England; Occurrence of repeat arrays suggesting that antigenic variation mediated by gene conversion might occur widely.

Reports that the first decade of the 21st century has been designated the Decade of the Bone and Joint by the World Health Organization (WHO). Focus placed on osteoarthritis; Diagnosis; Genetic factors; Efforts of scientists and researchers to find a cure.

States that researchers have linked mutations in cathepsin C with the autosomal recessive disorder Papillon-LeFevre syndrome (PLS). Role of PLS in periodontitis and tool loss; Symptoms and rarity of the disorder.

Offers information on mutations involved in hereditary cavernous angiomas. Ways to manage the disorder; Reference to United States runner Florence Griffith Joyner and her death from suffocation during an epileptic fit caused by a cavernous angioma; How understanding the molecular basis for this condition can improve genetic counselling for affected families.

Looks at the Christopher Hughes et al report of a recorded example of familial advanced sleep-phase syndrome (FASPS) controlled by one gene. Patients; The circadian phase measurement from plasma melatonin and body-core temperature; Results; Comments. INSET: Secret of the hot-water bottle unearthed?.

Mentions two studies reporting a strong link between idiopathic chronic pancreatitis and mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene. Jonathan Cohn et al from Duke Medical Center in North Carolina; Joan Braganza et al from the Manchester Royal Infirmary in the United Kingdom; Chloride transport in epithelial tissues and CFTR function impairment.