Lysosomal storage diseases are genetic disorders resulting from mutations in genes coding for proteins involved in the degradation of normal body compounds, including lipids, proteins and complex carbohydrates. While most lysosomal disorders are caused by defects in genes coding for enzymes, some are caused by defects in genes coding for transport proteins, activator proteins, protective proteins or enzymes involved in the processing of lysosomal enzymes or substrates.

No. Depending on the type of disease, the ethnic background and lifestyle of the patient, some glycogen storage diseases may be so mild that they go unnoticed.

A definite diagnosis can be made by testing a biopsy sample for glycogen concentration, and by assaying the sample for enzyme activity. Distinguishing symptoms of glycogen storage diseases are type-specific. See the exposition on the types of glycogen storage disease.

There is great variability in the clinical features of these different diseases. Symptoms can begin before birth (e.g. fetal hydrops) or can become obvious in the 90th decade (e.g. Gaucher disease).

Symptoms vary among the types of glycogen storage diseases, but common symptoms include low blood sugar, enlarged liver, retarded growth, and abnormal blood biochemistry.

There are no cures for any of the glycogen storage diseases. The less severe diseases can be treated with dietary restrictions, usually high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets. Palliative care may be the only option in more severe cases.

The liver is the body's primary repository of glycogen, so most glycogen storage diseases have a direct adverse effect of the liver. These diseases also affect muscle tissue, which must comply with sudden demands for energy.

Recent research suggests that a prolonged QT-interval could be an important cause for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Mutations in the KCNJ2 gene are associated with Andersen syndrome (AS). AS is a rare, inherited disorder characterized by periodic paralysis, skeletal developmental abnormalities and a prolonged QT-interval (see point 2) with ventricular arrhythmias. Because of the prolongation of the QT-interval, AS is considered a subtype of long QT syndrome.

Although we might not think these diseases are very serious because we don't see them in our communities, they do still exist and can be very deadly. Before the MMR vaccine, measles used to kill hundreds--sometimes thousands--of people a year. In the 1920's over 10,000 people a year died from diphtheria. And in the 1940's and 50's tens of thousands of children were crippled and killed by polio.

For POWs detained for 30 days or more, such eligibility covers any of the following illnesses that are found at a compensable level (at least 10 percent disabling): avitaminosis; beriberi; chronic dysentery; dysthymic disorder, or depressive neurosis; helminthiasis; irritable bowel syndrome and malnutrition, including associated optic atrophy.

The following is an excerpt from a pamphlet on Athlete's Foot by the American Academy of Dermatology, April 1994: Athlete's foot does not occur among people who traditionally go barefoot. It's moisture, sweating and lack of proper ventilation of the feet that present the perfect setting for the fungus of athlete's foot to grow.

A number of diseases affect roses. Where the weather is humid, roses that descend from Rosa foetida (most reds and yellows) and those that decend from China Roses (most remontant roses) are apt to develop small back spots on the leaves or canes. These spots are a a fungal disease called blackspot. A leaf with a touch of blackspot is doomed. The fungus spreads easily, and if not taken care of, can defoliate a plant in several weeks.

If your injury or disease arises in the course of your employment or if your preexisting condition, disease or infection is aggravated, reactivated, or accelerated by a work injury, you are entitled to benefits. Yes. The aggravation, reactivation, or acceleration of an underlying or preexisting condition entitles you to benefits. For example, if you have degenerative disc disease and a work injury worsens the disease, you may receive benefits.

The most common allergic diseases are allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, allergic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, food allergy, and urticaria (hives). Allergic disease can be classified by the type of allergen (i.e., food allergy) or by the part of the body that is affected. For example, if allergic symptoms appear in your nose, you are said to have allergic rhinitis. If allergic symptoms appear in your lungs, then you have asthma.

Based upon your lifestyle and family history, are you predisposed to any diseases such as breast cancer, heart attack, stroke or osteoporosis? Knowing this information can profoundly influence your decision to use hormones. Ask your doctor or nurse to help you determine your risk or read chapters 3 & 4 on osteoporosis and heart disease in "Sudden Menopause." You should also know what other contraindications exist for hormone therapy (chapter 6 on hormone replacement in "Sudden Menopause").

Mosquitoes spread malaria, encephalitis, and dengue fever in people. They can also transmit parasites such as heartworm to pets. (Source: The American Mosquito Control Association.)

Rabies is the most serious of all the zoonotic (transmissible from animal to man) diseases. Fortunately, our vaccines provide virtually 100% effective protection for our cats. Skin parasites such as mites (Sarcoptes, Cheylitiella, and Demodex) and fungi (Microsporum – ringworm) are usually transmitted where there is poor hygiene. Larval migrans in humans is the larval form of an intestinal nematode.