The metabolism of glucose and lipids plays a crucial role in the normal homeostasis of the body. Although glucose is the main energy substrate, in its absence, lipid metabolism becomes the primary source of energy. The main means of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) takes place in the mitochondrial matrix through β-oxidation. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common form of primary malignant brain tumor (45.6%), with an incidence of 3.1 per 100,000. The metabolic changes found in GBM cells and in the surrounding microenvironment are associated with proliferation, migration, and resistance to treatment. Tumor cells show a remodeling of metabolism with the use of glycolysis at the expense of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), known as the Warburg effect. Specialized fatty acids (FAs) transporters such as FAT, FABP, or FATP from the tumor microenvironment are overexpressed in GBM and contribute to the absorption and storage of an increased amount of lipids that will provide sufficient energy used for tumor growth and invasion. This review provides an overview of the key enzymes, transporters, and main regulatory pathways of FAs and ketone bodies (KBs) in normal versus GBM cells, highlighting the need to develop new therapeutic strategies to improve treatment efficacy in patients with GBM.

(1) Background: Neural tube defects are a prevalent cause of congenital malformations, myelomeningocele (MMC) being the most severe form. This study evaluates the clinical outcome and postoperative-associated complications following MMC surgical closures, focusing on the following three techniques: direct suture (DS); VY advancement flap (VYF); and Limberg flap (LF). (2) Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted from March 2015 to February 2023, and the inclusion criteria were newborns who underwent lumbosacral MMC within 24 h of birth. (3) Results: Out of 20 cases, 45% underwent DS closure; 25% underwent VY-F closure; 15% underwent LF closure, and 15% (n = 3) underwent combined flap closure. A significant statistical correlation was observed between intracranial hypertension (IH), the need for external ventricular drainage (EVD), and DS closure type. In the DS group, 60% of patients required EVD (p = 0.041), and 90% had IH (p = 0.027). CSF fistula was present in 40% of LF cases and 30% of DS cases, while wound dehiscence was observed in 60% of LF cases and 30% of DS cases. (4) Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that DS was linked to higher rates of complications. The VY-F is the safest method for closing MMC defects.

Introduction: Chronic alcohol use is a complex condition influenced by psychological, behavioral, and socio-demographic factors. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive psychosocial profile of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) by examining associations between psychometric variables and relapse risk including repeated psychiatric hospitalizations. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational analytical study was conducted on a sample of 104 patients admitted for alcohol withdrawal management at the “Prof. Dr. Al. Obregia” Psychiatric Clinical Hospital in Bucharest between March 2023 and September 2024. Participants completed a set of validated psychometric tools: the Drinker Inventory of Consequences—Lifetime Version (DrInC), Readiness to Change Questionnaire—Treatment Version (RTCQ), Drinking Expectancy Questionnaire (DEQ), and Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (DRSEQ). Additional data were collected on the socio-demographic (education level, socio-professional category), genetic (family history of alcohol use), and behavioral factors (length of abstinence, tobacco use, co-occurring substance use disorders). Results: Higher alcohol-related consequence scores (DrInC) were significantly associated with lower education (p < 0.001, η² = 0.483), disadvantaged socio-professional status (p < 0.001, η² = 0.514), and family history of alcohol use (p < 0.001, η² = 0.226). Self-efficacy (DRSEQ) was significantly lower among individuals with co-occurring substance use (p < 0.001) and nicotine dependence (p < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that the DrInC scores significantly predicted readmission within three months (OR = 1.09, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Psychometric tools are effective in identifying individuals at high risk. Personalized, evidence-based interventions tailored to both psychological and socio-professional profiles, combined with structured post-discharge support, are essential for improving long-term recovery and reducing the readmission rates.