Regular Application Research Articles

Joint sparse optimization: lower-order regularization method and application in cell fate conversion

Multiple measurement signals are commonly collected in practical applications, and joint sparse optimization adopts the synchronous effect within multiple measurement signals to improve model analysis and sparse recovery capability. In this paper, we investigate the joint sparse optimization problem via ℓp,q regularization ( 0⩽q⩽1⩽p ) in three aspects: theory, algorithm and application. In the theoretical aspect, we introduce a weak notion of joint restricted Frobenius norm condition associated with the ℓp,q regularization, and apply it to establish an oracle property and a recovery bound for the ℓp,q regularization of joint sparse optimization problem. In the algorithmic aspect, we apply the well-known proximal gradient algorithm to solve the ℓp,q regularization problems, provide analytical formulas for proximal subproblems of certain specific ℓp,q regularizations, and establish the global convergence and linear convergence rate of the proximal gradient algorithm under some mild conditions. More importantly, we propose two types of proximal gradient algorithms with the truncation technique and the continuation technique, respectively, and establish their convergence to the ground true joint sparse solution within a tolerance relevant to the noise level and the recovery bound under the assumption of restricted isometry property. In the aspect of application, we develop a novel method, based on joint sparse optimization with lower-order regularization and proximal gradient algorithm, to infer the master transcription factors for cell fate conversion, which is a powerful tool in developmental biology and regenerative medicine. Numerical results indicate that the novel method facilitates fast identification of master transcription factors, give raise to the possibility of higher successful conversion rate and in the hope of reducing biological experimental cost.

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Polyester-Degrading Bacterial Strains from Municipal Wastewater and Their Application in Microplastic Degradation in Contaminated Wastewater

Diverse synthetic polymers find their regular application in routine life and are disposed of directly into the environment through various sources. The released microplastic and microfibres from the sources creates contamination in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. When these micropollutants enter the food chain, they have adverse effects on the environment and human health. This study focuses on the application of native bacterial strains isolated for the effective degradation of polyester microfibers. The isolated bacterial strains, namely MFB 6, MFB 8, and MFB 11, tolerant to polyethylene glycol (PEG), were identified as Bacillus sp., Paenibacillus sp., and Aeromonas veronii, respectively, with NCBI gene bank accession numbers ON318306, ON318390, and PP237260. Polyester biodegradation efficiency of 10.5%, 12.6% and 8.4% was achieved by MFB 6, MFB 8 and MFB 11, respectively, after 42 days of investigation in minimal salt medium under shake flask condition. In future the application of these microorganisms will help in sustainable management of synthetic microfiber pollutants and find their suitable application in micro plastic degradation in contaminated wastewater.

Comparative Evaluation of Herbal Versus Non-herbal Dentifrice in Maintaining Oral Health of Young Adults.

Dental plaque may be attributed as a precursor to various oral health problems like dental caries, periodontal disease, halitosis, etc. With an ever-increasing awareness about the adverse effects of chemical formulations, emphasis is now being laid on the usage of herbal ingredients, as they are safer for long-term use in addition to their medicinal benefits. The present study aims to assess the anti-plaque and anti-inflammatory efficacy of herbal toothpaste compared to synthetic toothpaste among 20-40-year-old patients in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. In this study, 130 subjects aged between 20 and 40 years with poor oral hygiene status and signs of gingival inflammation corresponding with chronic marginal gingivitis were selected. Subjects in Group 1 were prescribed herbal toothpaste (KUDOS Ayurveda), whereas patients in Group 2 were administered non-herbal toothpaste. Clinical parameters of gingival health specifically gingival index (GI), patient hygiene performance (PHP), and approximate plaque index (API) were recorded at baseline, 14 days, 28 days, and 42 days. Chi-square test, student-independent t-test, and paired t-test were performed to find significant differences in various variables between the two groups at different follow-up visits. At the end of the study, a significant reduction in GI and API scores was obtained, along with increased PHP scores.The p-value was set at 0.05, and the power of the study was set at 0.95. There was a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in GI and API and an improvement in PHP scores at various time intervals in Group 1 as compared to Group 2. Conclusion: Regular application of herbal extract dentifrices for 42 days provided a significant reduction of dental plaque and improvement in overall gingival health without any adverse effects. This instilled motivation in the patients to uphold proper oral hygiene. Hence, herbal dentifrices could be prescribed as an adjunct to periodontal therapy in the maintenance phase.

Use of a peracetic acid (PAA) disinfectant to reduce total viable bacteria count in hospital wastewater drains

The periphery of the hospital water system interfaces at multiple points with patients and staff in clinical areas. This comprises mostly sinks and showers and presents a significant infection control risk. Wastewater drains in particular act as a reservoir of pathogens that can be transmitted to patients. Numerous strategies have been investigated as potential methods to reduce biofilm and bacterial load including regular application of biocidal chemicals. Traditional methods of assessing the efficacy of such products relies on culture-based microbiological techniques, usually targeting a limited range of key pathogens. We assessed the efficacy of a peracetic acid containing drain disinfectant product on seven clinical handwash basin drains, taking daily samples over six weeks (before, during and after use of the drain disinfectant product). We used a rapid, culture-independent estimation of total bacterial viable count (TVC) to assess efficacy. We applied long-read metagenomic sequencing to study the entire drain microbiome, which allowed taxonomic changes to be documented following use of the drain disinfectant product. All samples were found to be heavily contaminated, however the drain disinfectant product reduced the TVC from an estimated mean of 4228cfu/mL to 2874cfu/mL. This reduction was sustained in the two weeks following cessation of the product. Long-read metagenomic sequencing showed a microbiome dominated with Gram-negative organisms, with some taxonomic shifts in samples before and after application of the drain disinfectant. The impact on hospital-acquired infections from reducing bioburden in hospital drains by approximately a third, along with any associated changes in bacterial composition, needs evaluation in future studies.

Substantial and Rapid Increase in Soil Health across Crops with Conversion from Conventional to Regenerative Practices

Interest in soil health is growing, though the speed and effectiveness of management practices in improving it are uncertain. We measured biological, chemical, and physical indicators of soil health within a working farm zero, five, and nine years after transitioning from regular applications of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides to cover cropping, compost additions, organic amendments, and rotational grazing. We quantified microbial biomass and composition, soil organic matter (SOM), nutrient availabilities, and water stable aggregates in an avocado orchard, a citrus orchard, a pasture, and a vegetable garden. We found substantial and consistent increases in SOM, water stable aggregates, and microbial biomass, especially during the first five years, whereas nutrient availabilities showed no consistent change. Fungal and bacterial communities shifted but not fungal–bacterial biomass ratios or richness. However, fungal guilds responded differently to shifts in management. The biomass of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased in most crops, and fungal saprotroph relative abundance and richness generally increased, whereas putative fungal pathogens showed the opposite response. Overall, we found substantial and rapid increases in indicators associated with improved soil health following the transition from conventional to regenerative management.

Global existence of solutions to some degenerate chemotaxis systems with superlinear growth in cross-diffusion rates and logistic sources

The objective is to investigate the global existence of solutions for degenerate chemotaxis systems with logistic sources in a two-dimensional domain. It is demonstrated that the inclusion of logistic sources can exclude the occurrence of blow-up solutions, even in the presence of superlinear growth in the cross-diffusion rate. Our proof relies on the application of elliptic and parabolic regularity in Orlicz spaces and variational approach.

The effect of Fluoride varnish and Silver Diamine Fluoride in prevention of enamel demineralization around orthodontic bracket through UV illumination: An in vitro study

Brief Background The present in vitro study evaluated the effectiveness of Fluoride Vanish and Silver Diamine Fluoride in preventing enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets, using a UV light on a group of extracted teeth with bonded brackets. Materials and Methods In this study, 30 samples of extracted human permanent teeth with bonded orthodontic brackets were separated into control group I (no fluoride varnish), experimental group II (fluoride varnish was applied), and experimental group III (fluoride varnish with SDF) to examine the preventive effects of fluoride on enamel demineralization. Teeth were subjected to three demineralization cycles in a standard demineralization solution. Enamel demineralization was measured according to the index of Gorelick et al. in all three groups at baseline, after the first and second demineralization cycles under UV light. Results Statistically significant differences were observed between the control group and the FV group after the first demineralization cycle. (p value&lt; 0.0001) No significant difference was found between baseline readings and after two demineralization cycles in the FV+SDF group. Summary and conclusion Fluoride varnish, along with SDF, is effective in reducing enamel demineralization. During the bonding appointment, the initial application of fluoride varnish around the orthodontic bracket can offer significant protection against white spot lesions (WSL). The development of WSL next to brackets can be avoided with regular professional applications of an FV during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Key Words Enamel Demineralization; Fluoride Varnish; Orthodontic Brackets; Silver Diamine Fluoride.

Foliar Impact of Urea and Nano Urea Application on Growth and Yield Attributes of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle.) Cv. Kagzi

Background: Acid lime being the nutrient exhaustive fruit crop and requires regular annual application of macro and micronutrients and there was a need to study the response of foliar application of Urea and Nano urea as a source of nitrogen to assess its impact on Kagzi lime trees. The reason to undertake this research was based on response of foliar Urea and Nano urea on nutrient supplementation, rapid nutrient uptake, improved nitrogen utilization along with enhanced nutrient mobility and its effect on growth and yield attributes in acid lime cv. Kagzi plants. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at the Fruit Instructional Farm, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar during June 2022 to December 2022 in established Kagzi lime orchard of 14 years age. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The experiment consisted of foliar application of nine treatments comprising Urea and Nano urea. Result: On the basis of results obtained in the present investigation, the foliar application of T4 treatment (Urea @ 2.0%) was found beneficial in the improvement of growth and yield attributes in acid lime cv. Kagzi. The foliar feeding response through T4 treatment (Urea @ 2.0%) resulted in enhancement of plant height (m), plant spread [E-W and N-S (m)], canopy volume (m3), number of fruits plant-1, yield plant-1 (kg) and estimated yield (kg/ha) in acid lime cv. Kagzi trees.The overall maximum percentage increase in growth attributes viz. plant height (6.46%), E-W plant spread (6.09%), N-S plant spread (6.27%) and canopy volume (20.34%) were found in T4 treatment consisting (Urea @ 2.0%). The application of T4 treatment (Urea @ 2%) resulted in enhancement of number of fruits plant-1 (480.33), fruit weight (67.90 g), yield plant-1 (27.87) and estimated yield (77.21 q/ha).

Advanced chemometric methodologies on single shot hyphenated LIBS data for rapid and reliable characterization of plastic classes

BackgroundPlastic Solid Waste (PSW) sorting is a procedure of paramount importance in the mechanical recycling process of plastics waste. The major limitation of the techniques relying on physical properties of plastics is the time taken for analysis and poor accuracy. Spectroscopy has been shown to be a suitable method in plastic sorting due to its atomic and molecular characterization capabilities, and ability to give results in very short time scales. However, for practical applications it is essential to translate this technique into an automatic technology, by combining it with advanced chemometric tools which can give observer independent judgement. ResultsThe indigenously developed bi-model Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)-Raman system with single source and single detector can record the LIBS-Raman spectral signals in single-shot mode in a total time frame of 20 ms. Out of the combinations of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares (PLS) with Logistic Regression (LR), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) based classifiers, the PLS-DA based model showed the maximum classification accuracy with 95 % based on LIBS data and 100 % based on Raman data. The reliability of the model was assessed using 4-fold cross-validation which showed a sensitivity of 90.28 % and specificity of 98.29 % for predictions based on LIBS data, and 99 % sensitivity and 99.82 % specificity for predictions relying on Raman data. SignificanceThe results show how the combination of multimodal spectroscopy with chemometric analysis enhances the applicability of spectroscopic techniques for plastic sorting. The classification model successfully classified seven types of post-consumer plastic samples based on combined LIBS and Raman data. With the home-built software for automated prediction, the system takes less than a second to predict the plastic type illustrating the potential of the method for translation to regular routine industrial applications.

Sewage sludge compost as an alternative source of phosphorus to rye in acidic sandy soil

Today, the use of chemical fertilisers is significantly determined by their production and purchase costs, which are high. In contrast, phosphorus (P) is present in sewage sludge in a form that is easy for plants to absorb. Good quality sewage sludge compost (SSC) could contain a high quantity of P, together with other macro- and microelements and organic matter. The effect of regular SSC application on soil characteristics as well as plant parameters has been studied since 2003 in Nyíregyháza in a small plot experiment. Focusing on the P in the soil-plant system, our hypothesis was that SSC covers plants’ P demand through enhancing soil P content and its plant availability in the acidic sandy soil. The effect of the SSC was examined at the doses of 0, 9, 18, and 27 t ha-1 on rye as a test crop. Some soil chemical parameters (pH, soil organic matter - SOM, ammonium lactate (AL) extractable P2O5), and the relationship between plant development (green weight, shoot length), physiological parameters (SPAD index), plant shoot P content, and soil available P content were studied. The obtained data indicated that the SOM content, pH, and available P content of the treated plots increased as a result of the long-term applied SSC compared to the control. Measurement of the relative chlorophyll content showed a strong correlation with the available P content of the soil, but surprisingly less correlation with shoot P content was found. The results of plant biomass and soil P content proved that SSC could be used as a low-cost and good source of P for plants.

Simplifying algebraic expressions with brackets: Insights into Grade 10 learners’ structure sense through a study of their errors

Developing structure sense is an important part of learning algebra. We investigated learners’ structure sense of algebraic expressions involving brackets. This led us to propose the constructs surface structure sense and systemic structure sense. Using a random sample of 58 Grade 10 learners scoring above 40% in a test, we coded incorrect responses for surface and systemic structure errors. The initial analysis revealed that the presence of more brackets supports surface structure sense. However, learners overgeneralised the presence of brackets to represent multiplication in situations involving subtraction. The arrangement of brackets also led to errors in the order of operations. Further analysis suggested that regular application of procedures on familiar algebraic structures may give the illusion of systemic structure sense. We recommend that the teaching of algebraic expressions must emphasise what the arrangement of an expression means before focusing on how to operate on the expression.Contribution: The research contributes to mathematics teaching by suggesting teaching strategies to improve on learners’ understanding of the role of brackets in algebraic expressions, by considering the arrangement of the components in structures.

Von Neumann Regular Hyperrings and Applications to Real Reduced Multirings

Von Neumann Regular Hyperrings and Applications to Real Reduced Multirings

A regularization strategy for discontinuity when modelling coupled water and heat flow in freezing unsaturated soil

Freezing tightly couples the water and heat flow. In most porous media, the interface between liquid and frozen water is not sharp and a slushy zone is present. There are two distinct approaches for mathematical modelling of freezing. It is the equilibrium approach which allows an instant freezing under given conditions and non-equilibrium approach where a specific timing in the freezing process is considered. In this contribution, we specifically target the equilibrium approach.The key mathematical model for the equilibrium approach is the Clausius–Clapeyron equation, which allows the derivation of a soil freezing curve relating temperature to pressure head. Implementing freezing soil accurately is not a straight-forward. Using the Clausius–Clapeyron equation creates a discontinuity in the freezing rate and latent heat at the freezing point. Little attention has been paid to the adequate description of the numerical treatment of this phenomenon and to the computational challenges that it poses. Numerical approximation of this discontinuous system is prone to spurious oscillations. In this contribution, we show the application of regularization of the discontinuous term. This treatment successfully stabilizes the computation and can remove oscillations. To avoid over-regularization, we present here a minimax strategy to determine optimal regularization parameters. We further compare an over-regularized setup with the non-equilibrium approach, where we show that a successful regularization is equivalent to incorporating a minimal timing to the freezing process. Finally – for validating our implementation and computational approach – experimental laboratory data of the volumetric water content and temperature profiles from previously published soil freezing experiments were represented here with the optimally regulized equilibrium approach.

THE USE OF ANTIBIOTICS IN FOOD ANIMALS – A THREAT TO HUMAN HEALTH

Background: Antibiotics are widely used in food animals to prevent disease, promote growth and maintain productivity. Modern animal production practices involve regular use of antimicrobials, but abusive use can lead to harmful consequences. The aim of this review was to provide comprehensive information regarding the risk of regular application of antibiotics in food animals, the potential consequences and impact on human health, and options for the prevention of antibiotic resistance in the food chain. Review Results: Although organizations such as WHO, UN, and EU have taken steps to reduce and limit the use of antibiotics in animals, these are proving insufficient in developing countries. In many countries, the antibiotics used in animals appear to exceed that in humans. The abuse in food animals promotes the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes that can be transmitted to humans through food consumption and direct contact with animal food or environment mechanisms. This can lead to human infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, causing treatment failure and, therefore, more severe and longer-lasting illnesses, increased hospitalization rates, more deaths and higher costs to society. Furthermore, as food animals and animal-derived foods are traded globally, they contribute to antibiotic resistance in countries far from where the problem originates. Conclusion: Overcoming the problem of antibiotic resistance requires a multidisciplinary approach with effective action coordination and information exchange between the agricultural, food, veterinary and health sectors. Through international cooperation, efforts should focus on reducing unnecessary antibiotics use and reducing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but national-level action on antibiotic resistance and food safety is also essential.

Patient satisfaction and sexual issues in vulvar lichen sclerosus treatment: a monocentric certified dysplasia unit survey analysis

ObjectiveVulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is an underestimated chronic disease. It can cause significant symptom burden and sexual dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction and current challenges in the management of VLS in a certified dysplasia unit, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis survey analyzed patients who had been diagnosed with VLS and treated at our DKG-certified dysplasia unit. The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University of Aachen. The questionnaire contained 43 questions on general treatment, diagnostic delays, disease education, psychologic and sexual issues, and specific questions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaires were distributed between January 2021 and September 2023.ResultsThis study included 103 patients diagnosed with VLS, who were treated at our certified dysplasia unit. Overall, 48% of the patients were satisfied with the success of the therapy. Most participants reported psychologic problems (36.8%), fear of cancer (53.3%), or sexual restrictions (53.3%). Among the patients, 38% were bothered by the regular application of topical cortisone. However, 72% were willing to undergo treatment for more than 24 months. The COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020 had a significant negative impact on general VLS care from the patient’s perspective (3.83/5 before vs. 3.67/5 after; p = 0.046). There was a general request for booklets to inform and educate the patients about their disease. Furthermore, the respondents demanded a telephone hotline to answer the questions and wished for follow-up visits via e-mail to cope better with their current situation.ConclusionThis study highlights the need for more effective treatments for VLS and an increased awareness of psychologic and sexual distress. To ensure patient well-being and satisfaction, it is imperative to offer individualized care with adequate disease education in a team of specialists from various disciplines.

Topical desiccating agent (DEBRICHEM): an accessible debridement option for removing biofilm in hard-to-heal wounds.

It is now assumed that all hard-to-heal wounds contain biofilm. Debridement plays a key role in wound-bed preparation, as it can remove biofilm along with the devitalised tissue, potentially leaving a clean wound bed that is more likely to progress towards healing. The gold standard methods of debridement (surgical and sharp) are the least used, as they require specialist training and are often not readily available at the point of need. Most other methods can be used by generalists but are slower. They all need regular applications. The topical desiccating agent DEBRICHEM is an innovative alternative, as it is fast, effective and can be used in all clinical settings, as well as typically requiring only a single use. This article describes best practice for achieving optimal outcomes with its use.

Tweedie regularization model and application

This article proposes a new regular model called the Tweedie regular regression model. The Tweedie distributions are parameterized by their mean, dispersion and power parameter ξ. For each ξ, we obtain a specific regular model. Tweedie Regression model includes several distributions. In particular, for ξ = 0, we obtain the Gaussian case; the estimation of the parameters through the classical point of view has been done using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (Lasso), Ridge and Elastic methods. Therefore, the proposed model is appropriate for modeling equiover and underdispersed data. The parameters estimation, through the classical point of view, has been performed using the methods of Lasso, Ridge and Elastic approaches. The Tweedie regular regression model will be calibrated by choosing one of the Lasso, Ridge and Elastic approaches. To evaluate our suggested method, a detailed comparison study through a simulation and real data was conducted to verify the proposed models. It was carried out to examine the fitness of the estimated parameters. Compared with counterparts, the results demonstrate the superiority of models Ridge Tweedie Regression (RTR), Lasso Tweedie Regression (LTR), and Elastic Tweedie Regression (ETR) using MAE (Mean absolute error), RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error) and R-squared (Coefficient of determination)

Effects of Organic Amendments and Mineral Fertilizers on Optimizing Nutrient Cycling in Alkaline Soil

Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) are indicators of microbial size and soil fertility, representing a vital living nutrient reservoir in the soil. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various organic sources, such as poultry manure (PM), farmyard manure (FYM), compost (CM), and biochar (BC), along with different levels of mineral fertilizers on soil microbial dynamics and nutrient (N, P) mineralization through laboratory incubation experiments. The organic amendments were applied at rates of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% of soil carbon (w/w), combined with 75%, 50%, and 25% of recommended doses of NPK (120:90 and 60 kg N, P2O5, and K2O ha-1), respectively. Following the application of amendments, the soil underwent a 16-day incubation period to measure CO2 emissions and a 28-day period for N and P mineralization. The rate of CO2 evolution exhibited a significant increase with higher carbon levels but declined over time. Compost showed the highest CO2 evolution at any given time, followed by PM, FYM, and BC, likely due to a higher readily available fraction of carbon. Compost, particularly at the 1% C level in combination with inorganic fertilizer, led to a significant increase in soil microbial biomass C and N. Nitrogen and phosphorous mineralization increased with the duration of the 28-day incubation period. However, the net release of N and P decreased with higher carbon levels, potentially associated with both immobilization and the fact that higher levels received lower (25%) NPK levels. Nevertheless, soils treated with CM and PM maintained higher levels of N and P, associated with their higher fraction of labile nutrients. These findings suggest that the continuous application of organic sources enhances N and P mineralization, soil microbial biomass, and their activity. Therefore, the regular application of carbon sources emerges as a strategic approach to improving the soil health of less fertile alkaline calcareous soils.

Optimizing Weed Control: A Review of Integrated Weed Management in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Mustard (Brassica juncea L.), a species of the cruciferous family, is the world's third most significant oilseed crop, following soybean and palm. Mustard seeds range in oil content from 37 to 49%. India is the fourth-largest producer of mustard and rapeseed in the world. The most significant issue causing mustard's low yield is weed control. Crop yields are significantly reduced by weeds; in the case of mustard, this can mean a complete failure rate of 15–30%. Crop plants compete with weeds for nutrients, sunlight, space, and water. In addition to lowering crop quality, weeds pose a number of nutritional and environmental hazards. In mustard crops, weed competition is particularly important in the early stages since the crop grows slowly in the first 4–8 weeks after sowing. On the other hand, 15–40 days are the critical window for crop–weed competition. Weed control must be carried out appropriately and on time in order to maximize mustard growth and production. During the early stages of crop growth, 25–30 days after sowing, the traditional practice of hand weeding once is insufficient because weeds always reappear after manual weeding, irrigation, or winter rainfall. More importantly, though, is that these weeds drain a large amount of the soil's moisture and nutrients. Though hand weeding mustard is simple, the expense of doing so is significant due to the scarcity of labor at the appropriate time and the uncontrolled growth of various intra row weeds. Weeds may become tolerant of herbicides despite their regular and high dosage application. Therefore, combined approaches could be the best option to control the complex weed flora in mustard.

Accelerated Closure of Diabetic Wounds by Efficient Recruitment of Fibroblasts upon Inhibiting a 14-3-3/ROCK Regulatory Axis

Chronic non-healing wounds negatively impact quality of life and are a significant financial drain on health systems. The risk of infection that exacerbates comorbidities in patients necessitates regular application of wound care. Understanding the mechanisms underlying impaired wound healing are therefore a key priority to inform effective new-generation treatments. In this study, we demonstrate that 14-3-3-mediated suppression of signaling through ROCK is a critical mechanism that inhibits the healing of diabetic wounds. Accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of 14-3-3 by topical application of the sphingo-mimetic drug RB-11 to diabetic wounds on a mouse model of type II diabetes accelerated wound closure more than 2-fold than vehicle control, phenocopying our previous observations in 14-3-3ζ-knockout mice. We also demonstrate that accelerated closure of the wounded epidermis by 14-3-3 inhibition causes enhanced signaling through the Rho-ROCK pathway and that the underlying cellular mechanism involves the efficient recruitment of dermal fibroblasts into the wound and the rapid production of extracellular matrix proteins to re-establish the injured dermis. Our observations that the 14-3-3/ROCK inhibitory axis characterizes impaired wound healing and that its suppression facilitates fibroblast recruitment and accelerated re-epithelialization suggest new possibilities for treating diabetic wounds by pharmacologically targeting this axis.