A UV-related risk analysis in ophthalmic malignancies: Increased UV exposure may cause ocular malignancies.

Purpose: To explore the role of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in the occurrence and development of various ocular malignancies. Methods: In this article, we retrieved ocular malignancy data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) and performed correlation analysis with the global UV index and sunshine duration. We searched for associated studies using the following databases: Embase, Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. We conducted the literature by searching the Mesh terms denoting an exposure of interest ("UV radiation", "ultraviolet rays", and "ocular malignancies", All studies included are published until December 30, 2023 without language restrictions. Results: The mechanisms and epidemiological statistics of UVR on the onset and progression of eyelid malignancies are the most studied and clear. The role of UVR in conjunctival melanoma is similar to that in eyelid melanoma. The relationship between uveal melanoma and UVR is controversial, however, it may have at least a certain impact on its prognosis. UVR causes ocular surface squamous neoplasia by further activating HPV infection. Conclusions: UVR is a decisive risk factor for ocular malignancies, but the incidence of ultraviolet-induced tumors is also affected by many other factors. A correct and comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of UVR in the pathogenesis of ocular malignant tumors can provide patients with more effective and selective immune regulation strategies.

Synthesis and thermally-induced gelation of interpenetrating nanogels.

Thermally-induced in-situ gelation of polymers and nanogels is of significant importance for injectable non-invasive tissue engineering and delivery systems of drug delivery system. In this study, we for the first time demonstrated that the interpenetrating (IPN) nanogel with two networks of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly (N-Acryloyl-l-phenylalanine) (PAphe) underwent a reversible temperature-triggered sol-gel transition and formed a structural color gel above the phase transition temperature (Tp). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies confirmed that the Tp of IPN nanogels are the same as that of PNIPAM, independent of Aphe content of the IPN nanogels at pH of 6.5 âˆ¼ 7.4. The rheological and optical properties of IPN nanogels during sol-gel transition were studied by rheometer and optical fiber spectroscopy. The results showed that the gelation time of the hydrogel photonic crystals assembled by IPN nanogel was affected by temperature, PAphe composition, concentration, and sequence of interpenetration. As the temperature rose above the Tp, the Bragg reflection peak of IPN nanogels exhibited blue shift due to the shrinkage of IPN nanogels. In addition, these colored IPN nanogels demonstrated good injectability and had no obvious cytotoxicity. These IPN nanogels will open an avenue to the preparation and thermally-induced in-situ gelation of novel NIPAM-based nanogel system.

Self-esteem mediates the relationship between the parahippocampal gyrus and decisional procrastination at resting state.

When faced with a conflict or dilemma, we tend to postpone or even avoid making a decision. This phenomenon is known as decisional procrastination. Here, we investigated the neural correlates of this phenomenon, in particular the parahippocampal gyrus (PHG) that has previously been identified in procrastination studies. In this study, we applied an individual difference approach to evaluate participants' spontaneous neural activity in the PHG and their decisional procrastination levels, assessed outside the fMRI scanner. We discovered that the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) in the caudal PHG (cPHG) could predict participants' level of decisional procrastination, as measured by the avoidant decision-making style. Importantly, participants' self-esteem mediated the relationship between the cPHG and decisional procrastination, suggesting that individuals with higher levels of spontaneous activity in the cPHG are likely to have higher levels of self-esteem and thus be more likely to make decisions on time. In short, our study broadens the PHG's known role in procrastination by demonstrating its link with decisional procrastination and the mediating influence of self-esteem, underscoring the need for further exploration of this mediation mechanism.

Effects of Telemedicine on Informal Caregivers of Patients in Palliative Care: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Telemedicine technology is a rapidly developing field that shows immense potential for improving medical services. In palliative care, informal caregivers assume the primary responsibility in patient care and often face challenges such as increased physical and mental stress and declining health. In such cases, telemedicine interventions can provide support and improve their health outcomes. However, research findings regarding the use of telemedicine among informal caregivers are controversial, and the efficacy of telemedicine remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of telemedicine on the burden, anxiety, depression, and quality of life of informal caregivers of patients in palliative care. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials published from inception to March 2023. Two authors independently screened the studies and extracted the relevant information. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Intervention effects were estimated and sensitivity analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4, whereas 95% prediction intervals (PIs) were calculated using R (version 4.3.2) and RStudio. Results: A total of 9 randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The meta-analysis indicated that telemedicine has reduced the caregiving burden (standardized mean differences [SMD] -0.49, 95% CI -0.72 to -0.27; P<.001; 95% PI -0.86 to -0.13) and anxiety (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.06; P=.009; 95% PI -0.98 to 0.39) of informal caregivers; however, it did not affect depression (SMD -0.21, 95% CI -0.47 to 0.05; P=.11; 95% PI -0.94 to 0.51) or quality of life (SMD 0.35, 95% CI -0.20 to 0.89; P=.21; 95% PI -2.15 to 2.85). Conclusions: Although telemedicine can alleviate the caregiving burden and anxiety of informal caregivers, it does not significantly reduce depression or improve their quality of life. Further high-quality, large-sample studies are needed to validate the effects of telemedicine. Furthermore, personalized intervention programs based on theoretical foundations are required to support caregivers.

Retrogradation inhibition of starches in staple foods with maltotetraose-forming amylase.

To effectively inhibit the retrogradation of staple foods, the effects of maltotetraose-forming amylase(G4-amylase) on the short and long-term retrogradation of different staple starches such as rice starch (RS), wheat starch (WS), potato starch (PS) were studied. The results indicated that G4-amylase decreased the content of amylose. Amylose contents (21.09%) of WSG4 were higher than that (14.82%) of RSG4 and (13.13%) of PSG4. WS had the most obvious change in the chain length distribution of amylopectin. A chains decreased by 18.99% and the B1 chains decreased by 12.08% after G4-amylase treatment. Compared to RS (662 cP) and WS (693 cP), the setback viscosity of RSG4 (338 cP) and WSG4 (385 cP) decreased. Compared to RS (0.41), WS (0.45), and PS (0.51), the long-term retrogradation rate of RSG4 (0.33), WSG4 (0.31), and PSG4 (0.38) significantly reduced. It indicated that G4-amylase significantly inhibited the long-term retrogradation of WS, followed by RS and PS.

The electrochemistry of stable sulfur isotopes versus lithium.

Sulfur in nature consists of two abundant stable isotopes, with two more neutrons in the heavy one (34S) than in the light one (32S). The two isotopes show similar physicochemical properties and are usually considered an integral system for chemical research in various fields. In this work, a model study based on a Li-S battery was performed to reveal the variation between the electrochemical properties of the two S isotopes. Provided with the same octatomic ring structure, the cyclo-34S8 molecules form stronger S-S bonds than cyclo-32S8 and are more prone to react with Li. The soluble Li polysulfides generated by the Li-34S conversion reaction show a stronger cation-solvent interaction yet a weaker cation-anion interaction than the 32S-based counterparts, which facilitates quick solvation of polysulfides yet hinders their migration from the cathode to the anode. Consequently, the Li-34S cell shows improved cathode reaction kinetics at the solid-liquid interface and inhibited shuttle of polysulfides through the electrolyte so that it demonstrates better cycling performance than the Li-32S cell. Based on the varied shuttle kinetics of the isotopic-S-based polysulfides, an electrochemical separation method for 34S/32S isotope is proposed, which enables a notably higher separation factor than the conventional separation methods via chemical exchange or distillation and brings opportunities to low-cost manufacture, utilization, and research of heavy chalcogen isotopes.

Effects of different oil additives on water resistance of corn starch straws.

To investigate the effect of oil additives on improving the water resistance of corn starch straws, corn oil (CO), soybean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), peanut oil (PO), lard (LD) and coconut oil (CCO) were chosen and compared the structure and properties of starch straws with different oil additives. Corn starch straws (CS), and starch straws supplemented with CO, SO, RO, PO, LD and CCO were prepared by thermoplastic extrusion. The results showed that the incorporation of oils effectively enhanced the water resistance of starch straws such as water absorption, water solubility and water swelling performance. Meanwhile, the flexural strength of starch straws significantly increased. There was no significant linear relationship among starch chain length, oil unsaturation and straw performance. Among seven starch straws, S-SO had the strongest hydrogen bond interaction (3289 cm-1) and relaxation time (0.96 ms). The S-CO had the highest relative crystallinity (16.82 %) and degree of double helix (1.535), hence resulting in the lowest water absorption and solubility values, the highest flexural strength (23.43 MPa), the highest ΔT value (9.93 °C) and ΔH value (4.79 J/g). S-RO had the highest thermal transition temperatures.

Preparation and properties of hydrogel photonic crystals assembled by biodegradable nanogels.

Thermally induced physical hydrogels formed through the sol-gel transition of nanogels usually lose structural color above phase transition temperature (Tp). Herein, temperature/pH/redox-responsive nanogels that undergo sol-gel transition still keep structural colors above the Tp have been synthesized and studied. N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) was copolymerized with N-tert-butylacrylamide (TBA) and N-acrylamido-l-phenylalanine (Aphe) to form P(NIPAm/TBA/Aphe) nanogel crosslinked with N,N'-bis(acryloyl)cystine (BISS) (referred to as PNTA-BISS). PNTA-BISS nanogel with a broad range of biodegradable crosslinker BISS content can achieve a reversible sol-gel transition above the Tp, surprisingly, while PNTA nanogels with a comparable content of biodegradable N,N'-Bis(acryloyl)cystam (BAC) crosslinker (referred to as PNTA-BAC) didn't form sol-gel transition. Although BISS and BAC possess same disulfide bonds with redox properties, BISS, unlike BAC, is water-soluble and features two carboxyl groups. The mechanism by which PNTA-BISS nanogels form hydrogel photonic crystals has been deeply explored with temperature-variable NMR. The results showed the introduction of Aphe with both steric hindrance and carboxyl groups greatly slowed down the shrinkage of PNTA-BISS nanogels. Therefore, PNTA-BISS nanogels can form sol-gel transition and further structural color of hydrogel photonic crystals due to carboxyl groups above the Tp. Furthermore, the properties of biodegradable hydrogel photonic crystals above the Tp were investigated for the first time, attributed to the presence of the strong reducing agent 1,4-dithiothreitol (DTT). When loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), PNTA-BISS exhibited favorable degradation properties under the influence of DTT. In summary, the PNTA-BISS nanogel, in addition to its in-situ gelation capabilities, demonstrated degradability, potentially providing a novel nanoplatform for applications in drug delivery, biotechnology, and related fields.

Ultrasound Viscoelastography by Acoustic Radiation Force: A State-of-the-Art Review.

Ultrasound elastography (USE) is a promising tool for tissue characterization as several diseases result in alterations of tissue structure and composition, which manifest as changes in tissue mechanical properties. By imaging the tissue response to an applied mechanical excitation, USE mimics the manual palpation performed by clinicians to sense the tissue elasticity for diagnostic purposes. Next to elasticity, viscosity has recently been investigated as an additional, relevant, diagnostic biomarker. Moreover, since biological tissues are inherently viscoelastic, accounting for viscosity in the tissue characterization process enhances the accuracy of the elasticity estimation. Recently, methods exploiting different acquisition and processing techniques have been proposed to perform ultrasound viscoelastography. After introducing the physics describing viscoelasticity, a comprehensive overview of the currently available USE acquisition techniques is provided, followed by a structured review of the existing viscoelasticity estimators classified according to the employed processing technique. These estimators are further reviewed from a clinical usage perspective, and current outstanding challenges are discussed.

Spontaneous neural activity in the three principal networks underlying delay discounting: a resting-state fMRI study.

Delay discounting, the decline in the subjective value of future rewards over time, has traditionally been understood through a tripartite neural network model, comprising the valuation, cognitive control, and prospection networks. To investigate the applicability of this model in a resting-state context, we employed a monetary choice questionnaire to quantify delay discounting and utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to explore the role of spontaneous brain activity, specifically regional homogeneity (ReHo), in influencing individual differences in delay discounting across a large cohort (N = 257). Preliminary analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between delay discounting tendencies and the ReHo in both the left insula and the right hippocampus, respectively. Subsequent resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) analyses, using these regions as seed ROIs, disclosed that all implicated brain regions conform to the three principal networks traditionally associated with delay discounting. Our findings offer novel insights into the role of spontaneous neural activity in shaping individual variations in delay discounting at both regional and network levels, providing the first empirical evidence supporting the applicability of the tripartite network model in a resting-state context.

MUC1-EGFR crosstalk with IL-6 by activating NF-κB and MAPK pathways to regulate the stemness and paclitaxel-resistance of lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The chemotherapy resistance often leads to chemotherapy failure. This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism by which MUC1 regulates paclitaxel resistance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), providing scientific basis for future target selection. METHODS: The bioinformatics method was used to analyse the mRNA and protein expression characteristics of MUC1 in LUAD. RT-qPCR and ELISA were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression, flow cytometry was used to detect CD133+ cells, and cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. The mRNA-seq was performed to analyse the changes in expression profile, GO and KEGG analysis were used to explore the potential biological functions. RESULTS: MUC1 is highly expressed in LUAD patients and is associated with a higher tumour infiltration. In paclitaxel resistance LUAD cells (A549/TAX cells), the expression of MUC1, EGFR/p-EGFR and IL-6 were higher than that of A549 cells, the proportion of CD133+ cells was significantly increased, and the expression of cancer stem cell (CSCs) transcription factors (NANOG, OCT4 and SOX2) were significantly up-regulated. After knocking down MUC1 in A549/Tax cells, the activity of A549/Tax cells was significantly decreased. Correspondingly, the expression of EGFR, IL-6, OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 were significantly down-regulated. The mRNA-seq showed that knocking down MUC1 affected the gene expression, DEGs mainly enriched in NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathway. CONCLUSION: MUC1 was highly expressed in A549/TAX cells, and MUC1-EGFR crosstalk with IL-6 may be due to the activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways, which promote the enrichment of CSCs and lead to paclitaxel resistance.

Self-consciousness mediated the role of the insula in self-disclosure: Evidence from rs-fMRI data.

INTRODUCTION: Self-disclosure is integral to forming intimate connections within interpersonal exchanges. While its advantages are widely acknowledged, the cerebral basis of self-disclosure is not thoroughly understood. Insight into its neural underpinnings is crucial for refining therapeutic approaches, especially for challenges associated with self-disclosure. METHODS: Our study probed the association between spontaneous neural activity, gauged via resting-state fMRI, and self-disclosure tendencies among 258 healthy university students, employing Regional Homogeneity (ReHo) and behavioral correlation analysis. We also explored the mediating effect of self-consciousness on this relationship. RESULTS: The ReHo-behavior correlation analysis uncovered that higher ReHo values in the insula are predictive of greater self-disclosure in social settings. Additionally, the mediation analysis identified self-consciousness as a partial intermediary between spontaneous neural activity in the insula and self-disclosure behaviors. CONCLUSION: The findings imply that decreased similarity in the insula during rest-state may amplify self-conscious emotions such as embarrassment, thus illuminating the cognitive processes that underlie disclosure behaviors. Critically, these insights have practical ramifications for enhancing therapeutic methods and communication skills by aiding individuals in navigating self-consciousness obstacles, thereby promoting more transparent and efficacious self-disclosure.

Ferrostatin-1 Blunts Right Ventricular Hypertrophy and Dysfunction in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension by Suppressing the HMOX1/GSH Signaling.

Ferroptosis plays a critical role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-induced right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, but key genes remain largely unclear. We here identified HMOX1 as an essential ferroptosis-related differentially expressed gene in PAH by bioinformatic analysis using FerrDb, GSE119754, and GSE3675 datasets, respectively. Notably, there were marked increases in HMOX1 and iron levels in RV of monocrotaline-induced PAH rats with reduced TAPSE levels. More importantly, treatment with ferrostatin-1 effectively attenuated RV hypertrophy, remodeling, myocardial fibrosis, and dysfunction in PAH rats. In cultured H9C2 cells and primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, pretreatment with ferrostatin-1 and knockdown HMOX1 by siRNA strikingly blunted hypoxia-induced promotion of lipid peroxidation, ferroptosis, and cardiomyocyte injury by potentiating glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide signaling, respectively. In summary, ferrostatin-1 attenuates RV hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction in PAH by suppressing the HMOX1/GSH signaling. Targeting HMOX1 ferroptosis signaling functions as a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with PAH.

Quantifying Dermatochalasis Using 3-Dimensional Photogrammetry.

BACKGROUND: Creating an appropriate treatment plan for patients with dermatochalasis requires careful investigation of the periocular region. Utilizing photographic documentation can assist physicians in conducting preoperative analysis and managing expectations regarding surgical outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to quantify the periocular characteristics of dermatochalasis patients using standardized 3D imaging and to compare age and sex-related changes in periocular features. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 145 Caucasian patients with periocular dermatochalasis, comprising 48 men and 97 women, aged between 35 and 91 years. Standardized three-dimensional facial photographs were taken using the 3D Imaging system VECTRA M3. Linear dimensions, curve length, angle, indices, and sizes were measured and analyzed, including palpebral fissure height (PFH), palpebral fissure width (PFW), upper lid fold-palpebral margin distance (FPD), upper palpebral margin length (UPML), lower palpebral margin length (LPML), canthal tilt (CT), palpebral fissure index (PFI), upper eyelid area, and ocular surface area. RESULTS: In the female group, the left-side PFH was slightly larger than the right-side PFH (P = 0.023), but the difference was less than 1mm. The corresponding PFI also showed a difference in the female group (P = 0.009). Statistically significant differences were shown in genders for specific parameters, except PFI (P = 0.251) and CT (P = 0.098). Among males, PFW (R = -0.523, p < 0.001) and LPML (R = -0.514, P = 0.264) decreased moderately with age. The correlation between UPML and age was weak (R = -0.367, P = 0.010). Similarly, among females, moderate correlations were found between age and PFW (R = -0.566, P < 0.001) and LPML (R = -0.537, P < 0.001). Additionally, PFH (R = -0.315, P = 0.002), UPML (R = -0.381, P < 0.001), and ocular surface area (R = -0.457, P < 0.001) showed weak correlations with age. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that dermatochalasis usually affects both eyes simultaneously, and age is a significant factor in the morphological changes of certain periocular features regardless of sex. The PFI is not influenced by age or sex. These findings may provide useful information for surgical planning and understanding age-related changes in the periocular area. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Gut microbiota disruption during sepsis and the influence of innate metabolites on sepsis prognosis / Alteración de la microbiota intestinal durante la sepsis y influencia de los metabolitos innatos en el pronóstico de la sepsis

Sepsis causes high mortality in intensive care units. Although there have been many studies on the gut microbiota in patients with sepsis, the impact of sepsis on the gut microbiota has not been directly determined because the treatment of sepsis also affects the gut microbiota. Therefore, we designed this animal experiment to explore gut microbiota alterations during sepsis. Mice were divided into two groups, mice that survived less than 3 days and mice that survived more than 3 days. Fecal samples collected on the day of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), as well as on the 3rd and 7th days after CLP, were subjected to microbial community analysis and nontargeted metabolomics analysis. The results showed significantly lower bacterial diversity in fecal samples after CLP. At the genus level, the fecal samples obtained on the 3rd and 7th days after CLP exhibited significantly increased relative abundances of Bacteroides, Helicobacter, etc., and significantly decreased relative abundances of Alloprevotella, Prevotella, etc. Innate metabolite levels were significantly different in mice that survived less than 3 days and mice that survived more than 3 days. In conclusion, CLP-induced sepsis in mice changes the structure of the gut microbiome, and innate metabolites affect the prognosis of septic mice.(AU)

Effect of external beam radiation therapy versus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for non-diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma (≥ 5 cm): a multicenter experience over a ten-year period.

Background: The optimal local treatment for HCC with tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm is not well established. This research evaluated the effectiveness of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) versus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for HCC with tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm. Methods: A total of 1210 HCC patients were enrolled in this study, including 302 and 908 patients that received EBRT and TACE, respectively. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to identify patient pairs with similar baseline characteristics. Overall survival (OS) was the primary study endpoint. Results: We identified 428 patients using 1:1 PSM for survival comparison. Compared with the TACE group, the EBRT group had a significantly longer median OS (mOS) before (14.9 vs. 12.3 months, p = 0.0085) and after (16.8 vs. 11.4 months, p = 0.0026) matching. In the subgroup analysis, compared with the TACE group, the EBRT group had a significantly longer mOS for HCC with tumor diameters of 5-7 cm (34.1 vs. 14.3 months, p = 0.04) and 7-10 cm (34.4 vs. 10 months, p = 0.00065), whereas for HCC with tumor diameters ≥ 10 cm, no significant difference in mOS was observed (11.2 vs. 11.2 months, p = 0.83). In addition, the multivariable Cox analysis showed that Child-A, alkaline phosphatase < 125 U/L, and EBRT were independent prognostic indicators for longer survival. Conclusion: EBRT is more effective than TACE as the primary local treatment for HCC with tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm, especially for HCC with tumor diameter of 5-10 cm.

Starch/polyvinyl alcohol with ionic liquid/graphene oxide enabled highly tough, conductive and freezing-resistance hydrogels for multimodal wearable sensors.

With ever-growing demand for eco-friendly materials for wearable electronics, biopolymer-based hydrogels have drawn significant attention. As one of the most abundant and biodegradable biopolymers, starch-based hydrogels have a great potential for wearable electronics. However, mechanical fragility, low conductivity and subzero freeze restrict their applications. Here, a multifunctional hydrogel was facilely fabricated by integrating ionic liquid and graphene oxide into potato starch/polyvinyl alcohol skeleton via a green physical-crosslinking method. The abundant hydrogen-bond and electrostatic interactions endowed the hydrogel with excellent stretchability (657.5 %), strength (0.64 MPa), high conductivity (1.98 S·m-1) and good anti-freezing property (< -20 °C). Multiple characterizations and theoretical simulation (DFT) were combined to understand and confirm the interactions among different components. Taking advantage of these properties, multimodal wearable sensors were constructed for sensing tension (gauge factor: 6.04), compression (gauge factor: 3.27) and temperature (sensitivity: 0.71 %/°C), which are applied for monitoring human motion, daily-life pressure and body temperature. The sensor had a good anti-fatigue property with stable signals during 2000 cycles. Moreover, the sensor can effectively recognize handwriting and perform human-computer interaction. This work provides a promising route to develop sustainable and multifunctional biopolymer hydrogels for wearable sensors with versatile applications in human health, exercise monitors and soft robots.

Mechanism of wound repair in diabetic rats using nanosilver-free alginate dressing.

OBJECTIVE: Nanosilver-alginate dressing can effectively promote the healing of diabetic wounds in rats. However, due to the potential toxicity of nanosilver, its widespread application in hard-to-heal wound healing is limited. In the present study, the role and potential mechanism of nanosilver-free alginate gel (NSFAG) in the healing process of diabetic wounds were explored. METHOD: A diabetic rat skin wound model was established, and wounds were treated with saline (NC group), nanosilver gel (NSG group) or nanosilver-free alginate gel (NSFAG group) for seven consecutive days. RESULTS: NSFAG significantly promoted wound healing and increased the content of protein and hydroxyproline in granulation tissues, and was superior to NSG (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that the skin wound tissue structure of the NSFAG group was intact, and the number of skin appendages in the dermis layer was significantly higher compared with the NC group and the NSG group (p<0.05). Western blot analysis found that the protein expression of the epidermal stem cell marker molecules CK19 and CK14 as well the proliferation marker of keratinocytes Ki67 in the NSFAG group was significantly higher compared with the NC group or NSG group (p<0.05). Additionally, the proliferation marker of keratinocytes Ki67 in the NSFAG group was significantly higher compared with the NC or NSG group (p<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining analyses indicated that the CK19- and CK14-positive cells were mainly distributed around the epidermis and the newly formed appendages in the NSFAG group, and this result was not observed in the NC or NSG groups. CONCLUSION: The present findings demonstrate that NSFAG can effectively accelerate wound healing in diabetic rats by promoting epidermal stem cell proliferation and differentiation into skin cells, as well as formation of granulation tissue, suggesting that it can be a potential dressing for diabetic wounds.