Evaluation of the effects of photobiomodulation on vertebras in two rat models of experimental osteoporosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on cancellous bone in rat models of ovariectomized induced osteoporosis (OVX-D) and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). The experiment comprised of nine groups. A group of healthy rats was used for baseline evaluations. The OVX-D rats were further divided into groups as follows: control rats with osteoporosis, OVX-D rats that received alendronate (1 mg/kg 60 days), OVX-D rats treated with pulsed wave laser (890 nm, 80 Hz, 900 s, 0.0061 W/cm(2), 5.5 J/cm(2), three times a week, 60 days), and OVX-D rats treated with alendronate + pulsed laser. Dexamethasone was administered to the remaining rats that were split into four groups: control, alendronate-treated rats, laser-treated rats, and GIOP rats treated with alendronate + laser. T12, L1, L2, and L3 vertebrae were subjected to laser. Results of the current study demonstrated that OVX-D and GIOP significantly decreased some stereological parameters, and type 1 collagen gene expression compared to the healthy group. There was a significant increase in osteoclast number in both OVX-D and glucocorticoid administration compared to the healthy group. However, the detrimental effect of the OVX-D procedure on bone was more serious than glucocorticoid administration. Results showed that laser alone had a detrimental effect on trabecular bone volume, and cortical bone volume in groups GIOP and OVX-D compared to those in the healthy group. Alendronate significantly improved total vertebral bone volume, trabecular bone volume, and cortical bone volume, in GIOP and OVX-D groups compared to the laser-treated groups. Furthermore, the alendronate + laser in OVX-D rats and GIOP rats produced significantly increased osteoblast number and type 1 collagen gene expression and caused a significant decrease in osteoclast number compared to the controls

Evaluation of the effects of pulsed wave LLLT on tibial diaphysis in two rat models of experimental osteoporosis, as examined by stereological and real-time PCR gene expression analyses

Osteoporosis (OP) and osteoporotic fracture are major public health issues for society; the burden for the affected individual is also high. Previous studies have shown that pulsed wave low-level laser therapy (PW LLLT) has osteogenic effects. This study intended to evaluate the impacts of PW LLLT on the cortical bone of osteoporotic rats’ tibias in two experimental models, ovariectomized and dexamethasone-treated. We divided the rats into four ovariectomized induced OP (OVX-d) and four dexamethasone-treated (glucocorticoid-induced OP, GIOP) groups. A healthy (H) group of rats was considered for baseline evaluations. At 14 weeks following ovariectomy, we subdivided the OVX-d rats into the following groups: (i) control which had OP, (ii) OVX-d rats treated with alendronate (1 mg/kg), (iii) OVX-d rats treated with LLLT, and (iv) OVX-d rats treated with alendronate and PW LLLT. The remaining rats received dexamethasone over a 5-week period and were also subdivided into four groups: (i) control rats treated with intramuscular (i.m.) injections of distilled water (vehicle), (ii) rats treated with subcutaneous alendronate injections (1 mg/kg), (iii) laser-treated rats, and (iv) rats simultaneously treated with laser and alendronate. The rats received alendronate for 30 days and underwent PW LLLT (890 nm, 80 Hz, 0.972 J/cm2) three times per week during 8 weeks. Then, the right tibias were extracted and underwent a stereological analysis of histological parameters and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A significant increase in cortical bone volume (mm3) existed in all study groups compared to the healthy rats. There were significant decreases in trabecular bone volume (mm3) in all study groups compared to the group of healthy rats. The control rats with OP and rats from the vehicle group showed significantly increased osteoclast numbers compared to most other groups. Alendronate significantly decreased osteoclast numbers in osteoporotic rats. Concurrent treatments (compounded by PW LLLT and alendronate) produce the same effect on osteoporotic bone. © 2016, Springer-Verlag London

An evaluation of the effect of pulsed wave low-level laser therapy on the biomechanical properties of the vertebral body in two experimental osteoporosis rat models.

Osteoporosis (OP) increases vertebral fragility as a result of the biomechanical effects of diminished bone structure and composition. This study has aimed to assess the effects of pulsed wave low-level laser therapy (PW LLLT) on cancellous bone strength of an ovariectomized (OVX-d) experimental rat model and a glucocorticoid-induced OP (GIOP) experimental rat model. There were four OVX-d groups and four dexamethasone-treated groups. A group of healthy rats was used for baseline evaluations. The OVX-d rats were further subdivided into the following groups: control rats with OP, OVX-d rats that received alendronate, OVX-d rats treated with PW LLLT, and OVX-d rats treated with alendronate and PW LLLT. The remaining rats received dexamethasone and were divided into four groups: control, alendronate-treated rats, laser-treated rats, and laser-treated rats with concomitant administration of alendronate. PW LLLT (890 nm, 80 Hz, 0.972 J/cm(2)) was performed on the spinal processes of the T12, L1, L2, and L3 vertebras. We extracted the L1 vertebrae and submitted them to a mechanical compression test. Biomechanical test findings showed positive effects of the PW LLLT and alendronate administration on increasing bending stiffness and maximum force of the osteoporotic bones compared to the healthy group. However, laser treatment of OVA-d rats significantly increased stress high load compared to OVA-d control rats. PW LLLT preserved the cancellous (trabecular) bone of vertebra against the detrimental effects of OV-induced OP on bone strength in rats compared to control OV rats

Evaluation of the Effects of Photobiomodulation on Partial Osteotomy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats

Objective: We examined the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on stereological parameters, and gene expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) in repairing tissue of tibial bone defect in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (TIDM) in rats during catabolic response of fracture healing. Background data: There were conflicting results regarding the efficacy of PBM on bone healing process in healthy and diabetic animals. Materials and methods: Forty-eight rats have been distributed into four groups: group 1 (healthy control, no TIDM and no PBM), group 2 (healthy test, no TIDM and PBM), group 3 (diabetic control, TIDM and no PBM), and group 4 (diabetic test, no TIDM and PBM). TIDM was induced in the groups 3 and 4. A partial bone defect in tibia was made in all groups. The bone defects of groups second and fourth were irradiated by a laser (890 nm, 80 Hz, 1.5 J/cm2 ). Thirty days after the surgery, all bone defects were extracted and were submitted to stereological examination and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: PBM significantly increased volumes of total callus, total bone, bone marrow, trabecular bone, and cortical bone, and the numbers of osteocytes and osteoblasts of callus in TIDM rats compared to those of callus in diabetic control. In addition, TIDM increased RUNX2, and osteocalcin in callus of tibial bone defect compared to healthy group. PBM significantly decreased osteocalcin gene expression in TIDM rats. Conclusions: PBM significantly increased many stereological parameters of bone repair in an STZ-induced TIDM during catabolic response of fracture healing. Further RT-PCR test demonstrated that bone repair was modulated in diabetic rats during catabolic response of fracture healing by significant increase in mRNA expression of RUNX2, and osteocalcin compared to healthy control rats. PBM also decreased osteocalcin mRNA expression in TIDM rats

“Dead Lithium” Formation and Mitigation Strategies in Anode‐Free Li‐Metal Batteries

Thin lithium-metal foil is a promising anode material for next-generation batteries due to its high theoretical specific capacity and low negative potential. However, safety issues linked to dendrite growth, low-capacity retention, and short cycle life pose significant challenges. Also, it has excess energy that must be minimized in order to reduce the battery costs. To limit excess lithium, practical lithium metal batteries need a negative-to-positive electrode ratio as close to 1 : 1 as possible, which can be achieved through limiting excess lithium or using an “anode-free” metal battery design. However, both designs experience fast capacity fade due to the irreversible loss of active lithium in the cell, caused by the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), dendrite formation and “dead lithium,” – refers to lithium that has lost its electronic connection to the anode electrode or current collector. The presence of dead lithium in batteries negatively affects their capacity and lifespan, while also raising internal resistance and generating heat. Additionally, dead lithium encourages the growth of lithium dendrites, which poses significant safety hazards. Within this fundamental review, we thoroughly address the phenomenon of dead lithium formation, assessing its origins, implications on battery performance, and possible strategies for mitigation. The transition towards environmentally friendly and high-performance metal batteries could be accelerated by effectively tackling the challenge posed by dead lithium

“Dead Lithium” Formation and Mitigation Strategies in Anode-Free Li-Metal Batteries

Thin lithium-metal foil is a promising anode material for next-generation batteries due to its high theoretical specific capacity and low negative potential. However, safety issues linked to dendrite growth, low-capacity retention, and short cycle life pose significant challenges. Also, it has excess energy that must be minimized in order to reduce the battery costs. To limit excess lithium, practical lithium metal batteries need a negative-to-positive electrode ratio as close to 1 : 1 as possible, which can be achieved through limiting excess lithium or using an “anode-free” metal battery design. However, both designs experience fast capacity fade due to the irreversible loss of active lithium in the cell, caused by the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), dendrite formation and “dead lithium,” – refers to lithium that has lost its electronic connection to the anode electrode or current collector. The presence of dead lithium in batteries negatively affects their capacity and lifespan, while also raising internal resistance and generating heat. Additionally, dead lithium encourages the growth of lithium dendrites, which poses significant safety hazards. Within this fundamental review, we thoroughly address the phenomenon of dead lithium formation, assessing its origins, implications on battery performance, and possible strategies for mitigation. The transition towards environmentally friendly and high-performance metal batteries could be accelerated by effectively tackling the challenge posed by dead lithium

Rising Anode-Free Lithium-Sulfur batteries

Anode-free batteries (AFBs) represent a paradigm shift in battery architecture, eschewing conventional metal anodes in favor of current collectors (CCs). This innovative approach promises heightened energy densities, reduced manufacturing costs, and diminished environmental impact compared to traditional metal batteries. A particularly promising subset of AFBs are anode-free lithium-sulfur batteries (AFLSBs), which have garnered substantial attention due to their exceptional theoretical energy density, sulfur's abundance, and potential cost advantages. This mini-review encapsulates the recent studies in AFLSB research, elucidating key challenges and breakthroughs. The absence of a lithium (Li) metal anode mitigates safety concerns and maximizes cell energy density. However, successful Li plating on the CC necessitates a lithiophilic surface and a meticulously engineered solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). To surmount these obstacles, researchers are exploring a plethora of strategies, encompassing surface modifications, electrolyte additives, and cathode engineering. Promising results have been realized through metal coatings on CCs, utilization of 3D CCs, and incorporation of lithium polysulfide scavengers. Additionally, quasi-solid-state electrolytes offer enhanced safety and potentially augmented AFLSB performance. AFLSB research is a rapidly developing field with significant advancements being made. These breakthroughs hold the potential to usher in a new era of high-performance and sustainable energy storage solutions

Multifunctional Behaviour of Graphite in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

AbstractLithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have attracted significant attention as next-generation energy-storage systems beyond common lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), due to their high energy density potential and low-cost materials. Although graphite (Gr) is well-known as a state-of-the-art anode material in LIBs, it also has a great potential to be employed as a multifunctional material in LSBs. Gr and/or expanded Gr (EGr) particles along with S are promising cathode composites for LSBs. The EGr, with exceptional structure flexibility and high electronic conductivity, has been used as the most popular material in the LSB cathodes. Additionally, the Gr can be employed as an anode material of LSBs instead of Li metal, when Li₂S is a cathode. On the other side, many straightforward approaches have been planned to optimize the electrochemical performance of LSBs by modifying the separator via Gr coating or introducing an interlayer made by Gr particles between the cathode and separator to block polysulfides shuttle physically or chemically without reducing the active cathode material. Herein, the current status, critical findings, and challenges in improving Gr as a promising multifunctional material for the development of LSBs will be discussed.Abstract Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have attracted significant attention as next-generation energy-storage systems beyond common lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), due to their high energy density potential and low-cost materials. Although graphite (Gr) is well-known as a state-of-the-art anode material in LIBs, it also has a great potential to be employed as a multifunctional material in LSBs. Gr and/or expanded Gr (EGr) particles along with S are promising cathode composites for LSBs. The EGr, with exceptional structure flexibility and high electronic conductivity, has been used as the most popular material in the LSB cathodes. Additionally, the Gr can be employed as an anode material of LSBs instead of Li metal, when Li₂S is a cathode. On the other side, many straightforward approaches have been planned to optimize the electrochemical performance of LSBs by modifying the separator via Gr coating or introducing an interlayer made by Gr particles between the cathode and separator to block polysulfides shuttle physically or chemically without reducing the active cathode material. Herein, the current status, critical findings, and challenges in improving Gr as a promising multifunctional material for the development of LSBs will be discussed

Evaluation of the spatial arrangement of Purkinje cells in ataxic rat’s cerebellum after Sertoli cells transplantation

Background: Purkinje cells (PCs) pathology is important in cerebellar disorders like ataxia. The spatial arrangement of PCs after different treatments has not been studied extensively. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of cerebellum can give a proper tool for explaining the pathophysiology of PCs in ataxia. Here we stereologically analysed the 3-dimensional spatial arrangement of PCs in the cerebellum of rats after ataxia induction with 3-acetylpyridine (3-AP). Materials and methods: Ataxia was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of 3-AP (65 mg/kg). Spatial arrangement of PCs for differences in ataxic rats with (3-AP-SC) or without (3-AP) Sertoli cells (SCs) transplantation was evaluated using second-order stereology. The IHC method by using antibodies to anti-calbindin in the cerebellum was applied. Results: Our results showed that a random arrangement is at larger distances between PCs in 3-AP and 3-Ap-SC groups. Therefore the PCs are not normally arranged after 3-AP and SCs transplantation stored the spatial arrangements of the cells after ataxia induction in rats. IHC analyse shows that number of PCs was significantly improved after the SC transplantation. Conclusions: Segregation of PCs can be observed at some areas in the ataxic rats’ cerebellum. However, the spatial arrangement of PCs was unchanged in SCs transplanted rats. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 194–200

Measuring Head Circumference in Neonates Weighing Less Than 2500 Grams

Background: Anthropometric measures are important research goals especially because of racial differences and also variation in measurement techniques. In this study, head circumference in neonates weighing less than 2500 grams in Emam-Hosein hospital in 2018 was assessed. Aim: The aim of this study was to Measuring Head Circumference in Neonates Weighing Less Than 2500 Grams. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 neonates weighing less than 2500 grams in Emam-Hosein hospital in 2018 were enrolled. The head circumference in neonates was determined and also was compared according to gestational age, birth weight, and sex. Results: There were 53% males and 47% females. There were 85.5% preterm neonates. Birth weight was less than 2000 gram in 12.5%. Head circumference was low in 148 cases (74%). The head circumference was not differed by gestational age, birth weight, and sex (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Totally, it may be concluded that head circumference is normal only in ¼ of neonates weighing less than 2500 grams and it is not an optimal goal for growth pattern monitoring