Light Emitting Diodes and Low Level Laser Light Therapy

Low level laser therapy (LLLT), including coherent and non-coherent light sources, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-ablative treatment modality that alters cellular biochemical processes through its action on the mitochondria and by changing the cellular redox state. Treatment is delivered by exposing cells or tissue to light of low energy densities for a specific amount of time. This process has been reported to have beneficial therapeutic effects on a wide variety of conditions that benefit from alleviation of pain or inflammation, immunomodulation, and promotion of wound healing and tissue regeneration. LLLT’s use in dermatology is still considered experimental and investigational, hence it is currently used primarily as an adjunct therapy. Skepticisms mostly stem from ambiguities in its mechanism of action and the complexity of its dosimetry. For the same reasons, guidelines directing its use are not yet well established. Nonetheless, many recent studies have reported favorable outcomes achieved with LLLT in a number of indications (e.g. wound healing, hair growth, skin rejuvenation, fibrosis) with minimal adverse events

Measuring sedimentation in tidal marshes:a review on methods and their applicability in biogeomorphological studies

<p>It is increasingly recognised that interactions between geomorphological and biotic processes control the functioning of many ecosystem types as described e.g. by the ecological theory of ecosystem engineering. Consequently, the need for specific bio-geomorphological research methods is growing recently. Much research on bio-geomorphological processes is done in coastal marshes. These areas provide clear examples of ecosystem engineering as well as other bio-geomorphological processes: Marsh vegetation slows down tidal currents and hence stimulates the process of sedimentation, while vice versa, the sedimentation controls ecological processes like vegetation succession. This review is meant to give insights in the various available methods to measure sedimentation, with special attention to their suitability to quantify bio-geomorphological interactions. The choice of method used to measure sedimentation is important to obtain the correct parameters to understand the biogeomorphology of tidal salt marshes. This review, therefore, aims to be a tool for decision making regarding the processes to be measured and the methods to be used. We, subdivide the methods into those measuring suspended sediment concentration (A), sediment deposition (B), accretion (C) and surface-elevation change (D). With this review, we would like to further encourage interdisciplinary studies in the fields of ecology and geomorphology.</p>