PMID: 2116485May 1, 1990Paper

Epidemiological study on ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the cervical spine--comparison of the prevalence between Japanese and Taiwanese

Nihon Seikeigeka Gakkai zasshi
K C Liu

Abstract

The etiology of OPLL still remains obscure. The purpose of this study is to clarify whether OPLL in the cervical spine occurs more often in the Japanese than in the Chinese and the Takasago tribe (native tribe) in Taiwan. Lateral X-ray films of the cervical spine in these inhabitants over the age of 30 years were studied. Results were as follows. The prevalent rate of OPLL in the cervical spine was significantly lower in the Chinese (p less than 0.01) and in the Takasago tribe (p less than 0.05) as compared to the Japanese in Kagoshima. OPLL was found in 2 out of 1,004 Chinese (0.2%), in 2 out of 529 Takasago tribe (0.4%), and in 9 out of 514 Japanese in Kagoshima (1.8%). The incidence of ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament, Barsony's disease and posterior osteophyte was significantly higher in the Chinese, while there was no significant difference of their incidence between the Takasago tribe and the Japanese in Kagoshima. This study suggests that the difference in the prevalence of cervical OPLL exists between Japanese and Taiwanese. However, further epidemiological survey is needed to ascertain this point.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.