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Diabetes mellitus (DM) severely impairs skin wound healing capacity, yet few treatment options exist to enhance this process. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that improves cellular proliferation and enhances wound healing in healthy animals, yet its use in the context of type II DM has not been studied. The aim of our research was to investigate the effect of topically applied NAC-enriched hydrogels on wound healing in a leptin-deficient murine wound model. Four excisional wounds were created on the backs of 20 db/db mice and were subsequently treated with hydrogels containing NAC at concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20% or placebo (control). Healing was monitored for 28 days; photographs of the wounds were taken on every third day. Wound tissues were harvested on days 3, 7, 14 and 28 to undergo histological examinations. Wounds treated with 5% NAC showed improved wound closure speed accompanied by an increased dermal proliferation area on microscopic assessment compared with other groups. Higher concentrations of NAC failed to show a beneficial effect on wound healing. 5% NAC improved early stages of wound healing in a murine model of type II DM by increasing wound closure speed, likely mediated by improved dermal proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) as a metric for evaluating the quality of scientific research. While JIF is widely used, it has been criticized for its limitations. Some countries, including Poland, have developed their own journal ranking systems that incorporate expert opinions. However, this study finds that the Polish ranking system may promote the publication of low-quality research in journals with high expert rankings but low JIF. The authors argue for a comprehensive review of the ranking system to promote high-quality research. [Extracted from the article]

A case report published in the journal Bipolar Disorders describes a 48-year-old female patient who developed symptoms of mixed-state bipolar disorder after overdosing on vitamin B12. The patient experienced disorganized behavior, psychomotor agitation, sleep disturbances, depressed mood, and physical tics. She had no prior history of mood fluctuations or psychiatric treatment. The symptoms began after self-administering high doses of vitamin B12, which was recommended by a nurse and prescribed by a general practitioner. The patient underwent various treatments, including electroconvulsive therapy and medication, which provided temporary relief. The case suggests that vitamin B12 overdose may act as an environmental trigger for bipolar disorder in individuals with genetic susceptibility. However, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is still-underdiagnosed and often accompanied by other psychiatric disorders affecting treatment and outcomes. Case description: Here we present a case report of a 28-year-old female patient with comorbid PTSD, major depressive disorder (MDD), and anorexia nervosa (AN). The patient had been treated with various medications and attended trauma-focused psychotherapy. Because none of these treatments yielded satisfying improvement, the patient was referred for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We had to overcome challenges such as the patient’s false assumptions about ECT, the simultaneous use of benzodiazepines and the management of the side effects of ECT. The symptoms of MDD and PTSD improved after 12 treatment sessions. Comment: Our report suggests that ECT may be a safe and effective method for treating patients with PTSD and comorbid MDD and AN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]