We consider the space of weakly almost periodic functions on a transformation semigroup (S, X , ?) and show that if X is a locally compact noncompact uniform space, and ? is a separately continuous, separately proper, and equicontinuous action of S on X, then every continuous function on X, vanishing at infinity is weakly almost periodic. We also use a number of diverse examples to show ...

BACKGROUND Periodic paralyses and paramyotonia congenita are rare disorders causing disabling weakness and myotonia. Mutations in sodium, calcium, and potassium channels have been recognized as causing disease. OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical phenotype of patients with and without discernible genotype and to identify other mutations in ion channel genes associated with disease. METHODS Th...

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) is a familial skeletal muscle disorder that presents with recurrent episodes of severe weakness lasting hours to days associated with reduced serum potassium (K+). HypoPP is genetically heterogeneous, with missense mutations of a calcium channel (Ca(V)1.1) or a sodium channel (Na(V)1.4) accounting for 60% and 20% of cases, respectively. The mechanistic li...

Missense mutations of the human skeletal muscle voltage-gated Na channel (hSkM1) underlie a variety of diseases, including hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperPP), paramyotonia congenita, and potassium-aggravated myotonia. Another disorder of sarcolemmal excitability, hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP), which is usually caused by missense mutations of the S4 voltage sensors of the L-type...

OBJECTIVE To electrophysiologically characterize the Na(v)1.4 mutant N440K found in a Korean family with a syndrome combining symptoms of paramyotonia congenita, hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, and potassium-aggravated myotonia. METHODS We characterized transiently expressed wild-type and mutant Na(v)1.4 using whole-cell voltage-clamp analysis. RESULTS N440K produced a significant depolari...

Acute hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HPP), a clinical syndrome characterised by acute systemic weakness and low serum potassium (K+), is a rare but treatable cause of acute limb weakness. Hypokalemia can be caused by K+ loss via the kidneys or extra renal routes mainly the gut, or due to transcellular potassium shifts where extracellular K+ will move into the cell. In the latter situation, alt...

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP), a disorder most commonly seen in Asian men, is characterized by abrupt onset of hypokalemia and paralysis. The condition primarily affects the lower extremities and is secondary to thyrotoxicosis. The underlying hyperthyroidism is often subtle causing difficulty in early diagnosis. Factors like high-carbohydrate meal exercise, steroid, and stress can precipi...

OBJECTIVES To identify a clinically reliable index of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP), a life-threatening emergency with unique and effective therapies. DESIGN Diagnostic study. SETTING University teaching hospital. PATIENTS Fifty-three consecutive patients with hypokalemic paralysis during a 3-yr period and 30 thyrotoxic patients without paralysis as the thyrotoxic control group. I...

Seven families with familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis were found in Finland. Nine of the 103 asymptomatic family members studied had abnormal results on a potassium exercise test. The overall prevalence of familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis in Finland was 0.4/100,000. Carbohydrate intake and hard exercise were the most important triggers of paralytic attacks. Half of the patients r...