Germanium is the third element of the fourteenth column of the periodic table. It is classified as a metalloid. It is similar in properties to the other metalloids near it in the periodic table which are silicon and arsenic. Germanium atoms have 32 electrons and 32 protons with 4 valence electrons in the outer shell.
Beriberi. Beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B 1) that affects many systems of the body, including the muscles, heart, nerves, and digestive system.Beriberi literally means I can't, I can't in Singhalese, which reflects the crippling effect it has on its victims. If the deficiency continues, there is damage to the peripheral nerves that causes loss of sensation and muscle weakness, which is called peripheral neuropathy. 2  The legs are most affected. 3  The toes feel numb and the feet have a burning sensation; the leg muscles become sore and the calf muscles cramp.
  Beriberi is caused by a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1). Thiamine occurs naturally in unrefined cereals and fresh foods, particularly whole grain bread, fresh meat, legume â¦ s, green vegetables, fruit, and milk.