The repeatability of the mechanomyogram (MMG) must be carefully determined before the signal can be generally used as a reliable tool in the fields such as physical fitness, sports and rehabilitation. In the present investigation, both the between-trial and between-day repeatability of the MMG was examined in the time and frequency domain and was compared with that of the more established electromyogram (EMG) . Isometric contraction trials of the biceps brachii muscles at different force levels of 10% to 90% MVC were held until a force plateau lasting 5 s was completed. The testing session consisting of 9 submaximal trials was repeated 6 times on the same day for estimation of the variation between trials. The same testing session was also performed 8 times over 3 weeks with a 2-day rest interval to examine the day-to-day variation. The coefficient of variation (CV) between-trials as well as between-days of the root mean squared (rms) MMG, mean frequency and median frequency did not demonstrate any significant differences among the force levels. The combined CV of the rms MMG over all the force levels was approximately 9 % between trials and 22% between days. The mean frequency and the median frequency presented the CV between-trials and between-days of approximately 6% and 10%, respectively. The different CV between the time and frequency domain parameters of the MMG may result from different contributing factors in the motor unit activation pattern. The results of this study suggest that the repeatability of the time domain parameter of the MMG is similar to that of the more established EMG, whereas the frequency parameters are somewhat less repeatable than those of the EMG.

The repeatability of the mechanomyogram (MMG) must be carefully determined before the signal can be generally used as a reliable tool in the fields such as physical fitness, sports and rehabilitation. In the present investigation, both the between-trial and between-day repeatability of the MMG was examined in the time and frequency domain and was compared with that of the more established electromyogram (EMG) . Isometric contraction trials of the biceps brachii muscles at different force levels of 10% to 90% MVC were held until a force plateau lasting 5 s was completed. The testing session consisting of 9 submaximal trials was repeated 6 times on the same day for estimation of the variation between trials. The same testing session was also performed 8 times over 3 weeks with a 2-day rest interval to examine the day-to-day variation. The coefficient of variation (CV) between-trials as well as between-days of the root mean squared (rms) MMG, mean frequency and median frequency did not demonstrate any significant differences among the force levels. The combined CV of the rms MMG over all the force levels was approximately 9 % between trials and 22% between days. The mean frequency and the median frequency presented the CV between-trials and between-days of approximately 6% and 10%, respectively. The different CV between the time and frequency domain parameters of the MMG may result from different contributing factors in the motor unit activation pattern. The results of this study suggest that the repeatability of the time domain parameter of the MMG is similar to that of the more established EMG, whereas the frequency parameters are somewhat less repeatable than those of the EMG.

Five patients with vascular graft infections were surgically treated over a 16-year period. Primary diseases were arteriosclerosis obliterans in 3 cases and invasion of malignant diseases in 2 cases. The most common site of infection was the groin (3 of 5). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen. Administration of antibiotics, drainage and lavage with povidone iodine solution were performed in 4 patients (40-64 days). All patients underwent graft resection and reconstruction. Infected parts of the previous grafts were removed. Total removal of the previous graft was performed in 2 cases and partial removal was performed in 3 cases. To avoid re-infection, long extra-anatomical bypass was performed in 4 cases. The post operative courses of the five patients were uneventful.

To ensure public trust in health professions, it is imperative for health professionals to understand the concept of conflict of interest (COI) in health professions education and manage it appropriately. However, there are not enough formal curricula on COI in health professions education in Japan. We propose an educational curriculum on COI in health professions education which focuses on relationship between physicians and for-profit corporations. We hope that this proposed curriculum stimulates educational activities on the ground while taking context into account. We also hope the proposed curriculum leads to the formal incorporation of COI in health professions education and educational policies nationwide.