Effects of cyclic strain on rat tail tenocytes.

Cyclical mechanical strain is considered an important component in flexor tendon cell activation to prevent adhesions and enhance the healing process after tissue injury or surgery, but the biochemical events associated with this remain unclear. To address this, we examined the effects of cyclic tension on the expression of hyaluronic acid, an important lubricant and signal transducer in tendon, on its receptor (CD44), and on total glycosaminoglycan content in rat tail derived tendon fibroblasts in vitro. Tenocytes were plated on fibronectin coated silastic membranes and the cultures were held static or subjected to vacuum induced deformation for a period of 5 min once every 8 h as a model of cyclic mechanical stress.

The influence of plastic surgery "reality TV" on cosmetic surgery patient expectations and decision making.

Background: The aim of this study was to survey first-time patients seeking cosmetic surgery and examine what role "reality TV" played in their perception of the risks and benefits of surgery and their overall decision-making process.

Methods: Information on demographics, television viewing patterns, and patients' self-assessed plastic surgery knowledge was collected from 42 patients. They were asked how similar they believed the shows were to real life and what degree of influence the shows had on their decision to pursue cosmetic surgery.