Molecular defects of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase in a patient with mild hepatoerythropoietic porphyria.

The molecular defect of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) was examined in a patient with mild hepatoerythropoietic porphyria. To elucidate the UROD defect, we cloned UROD cDNAs from EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cells of the proband using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cloned UROD cDNAs revealed two separate missense mutations, each occurring in a separate allele.

Skin care in the space environment.

Envisioned in the 21st century is the United States Space Program's establishment of a permanent human presence in a space station and a moon colony. Mid-21st century humans will take part in an exploratory trip to Mars from the moon (Collins, 1988; Ride, 1987). Fundamental to achieving these space goals will be human health care management.

Space dermatology: a specialty in evolution.

The last thirty years have demonstrated the ability of humans to survive both brief and prolonged durations of microgravity in the unique environment of space. The maintenance of health and well-being during spaceflight has been the focus of physicians and health care personnel involved in space medicine. It follows that dermatology will become a defined component of space medicine, as skin-related physiology and subsequent disorders are elucidated and as health maintenance protocols are developed.

Manifesto of space medicine: the next dermatologic frontier.

As the fields of astronomy, cosmology, and space travel move rapidly forward, so must space medicine. The manned space program and medical knowledge and support have developed in tandem. Dermatology will play a fundamental role in survival during space flight.