Glucose transporter type 1 (Glut1) is the main transporter involved in the cellular uptake of glucose into many tissues, and is highly expressed in the brain and in erythrocytes. Glut1 deficiency syndrome is caused mainly by mutations of the SLC2A1 gene, impairing passive glucose transport across the blood–brain barrier. All age groups, from infants to adults, may be affected, with age-specific symptoms. In its classic form, the syndrome presents as an early-onset drug-resistant metabolic epileptic encephalopathy with a complex movement disorder and developmental delay. In later-onset forms, complex motor disorder predominates, with dystonia, ataxia, chorea or spasticity, often triggered by fasting. Diagnosis is confirmed by hypoglycorrhachia (below 45 mg/dL) with normal blood glucose, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, and genetic analysis showing pathogenic SLC2A1 variants. There are also ongoing positive studies on erythrocytes’ Glut1 surface expression using flow cytometry. The standard treatment still consists of ketogenic therapies supplying ketones as alternative brain fuel. Anaplerotic substances may provide alternative energy sources. Understanding the complex interactions of Glut1 with other tissues, its signaling function for brain angiogenesis and gliosis, and the complex regulation of glucose transportation, including compensatory mechanisms in different tissues, will hopefully advance therapy. Ongoing research for future interventions is focusing on small molecules to restore Glut1, metabolic stimulation, and SLC2A1 transfer strategies. Newborn screening, early identification and treatment could minimize the neurodevelopmental disease consequences. Furthermore, understanding Glut1 relative deficiency or inhibition in inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, and viral infections including COVID-19 and other settings could provide clues for future therapeutic approaches.

Creatine has become the most popular dietary supplement in sport and exercise physiology. In humans creatine is synthesized by the kidneys, pancreas and liver and transported mainly into brain, skeletal and cardiac muscle. Phosphocreatine is a high-energy content molecule, essential for the ADP to ATP conversion during intensive physical activity. Creatine and phosphocreatine are crucial in the energy shuttle system of high-energy phosphates between the mitochondrial ATP production and the cytosolic ATP consumption. Creatine supplementation increases lean body mass acting on myogenic regulatory factors. During muscular recovery, creatine supplementation regulates the regeneration process by reduction of muscle damage-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, activation and proliferation of satellite cells and regulation of calcium transport in muscle. The effects of creatine supplementation on muscle physiology are beneficial in anaerobic/aerobic exercises. In several muscle disorders (muscular dystrophies, in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies) creatine improved functional performance, but apparently not in metabolic myopathies; in McArdle diseases it may even have paradoxical effects. More research is warranted to better understand the short and long-term effects and safety of creatine supplementation among adolescents or elderly, as well as in different types of muscle diseases; for the two enzymatic genetic defects of creatine biosynthesis – arginine: glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) and guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT), respectively – normal neurodevelopment has been achieved in early initiation of creatine therapy.

Introduction. The introduction of robotic-guided procedures in surgical techniques has brought an increase in the accuracy and control of resections. Surgery has evolved as a technique since the development of laparoscopy, which has added to the visualisation of the peritoneal cavity from a different perspective. Multi-armed robot associated with real-time intraoperative imaging devices brings important manoeuvrability and dexterity improvements in certain surgical fields. Materials and Methods. The present study is designed to synthesise the development of imaging techniques with a focus on ultrasonography in robotic surgery in the last ten years regarding abdominal surgical interventions. Results. All studies involved abdominal surgery. Out of the seven studies, two were performed in clinical trials. The other five studies were performed on organs or simulators and attempted to develop a hybrid surgical technique using ultrasonography and robotic surgery. Most studies aim to surgically identify both blood vessels and nerve structures through this combined technique (surgery and imaging). Conclusions. Ultrasonography is often used in minimally invasive surgical techniques. This adds to the visualisation of blood vessels, the correct identification of tumour margins, and the location of surgical instruments in the tissue. The development of ultrasound technology from 2D to 3D and 4D has brought improvements in minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques, and it should be further studied to bring surgery to a higher level.

Physical exercises have long been linked to numerous health improvements, ranging from cardiovascular to psychiatric. In this review, we take a closer look on its anatomical, physiological and chemical effects on the brain. Starting from the clinical to the cellular level, we will analyze the neurogenesis, anti-inflammatory effects on Brain-Blood Barrier and synaptic plasticity, outlining known molecular aspects that are influenced by physical activity, such as: gene expression, changes of growth factors and neurotransmitter levels and means of reverting molecular mechanisms of ageing. The brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the central molecules that links the physical exercise to neurogenesis, neuroprotection, cognitive functions, dendritic growth, memory formation and many more. We indicate the correlation between physical activity and mental health in diseases like depression, Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Anthyllis vulneraria is a traditional medicinal plant with confirmed anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to its high polyphenolic content. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing potential of A. vulneraria leaf extract in a rat burn model. Four groups of eight Wistar rats each received the following daily topical applications for 14 days: vehicle cream (negative control); silver sulfadiazine (positive control); or plant-based creams containing either 1 mg/cm² or 2 mg/cm² of polyphenols (experimental groups 1 and 2, respectively). On days 7 and 14, four animals per group were euthanized for histological and oxidative stress evaluations. LC-MS/MS analysis of the leaf extract identified hyperoside, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid as major constituents. Experimental group 1 showed significantly enhanced wound closure on days 5 and 7, while group 2 exhibited a significant effect on day 5. All oxidative stress markers, except catalase activity, differed significantly among the groups, with the most favorable results observed in group 2. IL-8 levels decreased after the extract treatment, while no significant microscopic changes were observed. These results indicate that A. vulneraria leaf extract may serve as a valuable adjuvant in burn wound healing.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common monogenic disorder with diverse clinical manifestations. Imaging is essential for diagnosis and follow-up yet international data reveal wide variability in imaging practices. This study aimed to evaluate current NF1 imaging practices across Romania, identify gaps in standardisation, and assess needs for alignment with international guidelines. A national, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted between March and May 2025 among Romanian imaging centres involved in NF1 diagnostics. Nineteen centres, both public and private, participated voluntarily. The survey addressed institutional characteristics, imaging modalities, paediatric protocols, reporting formats, multidisciplinary collaboration, and perceived challenges. Data were analysed descriptively as absolute frequencies and percentages. Marked heterogeneity was observed in imaging practices and institutional capacities. Only 5.3% of centres reported routine use of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging, and 78.9% did not employ structured imaging reports. Paediatric imaging protocols were available in 26.3% of centres. One-third (31.6%) reported multidisciplinary collaboration, while 57.9% lacked NF1 patient registries. Despite these gaps, most centres expressed readiness to adopt standardised protocols, structured reporting, and improved inter-institutional coordination. NF1 imaging in Romania remains fragmented, with limited use of structured reporting, and multidisciplinary integration. This first national survey provides a baseline for harmonising NF1 imaging practices and supports the development of standardised national protocols aligned with the European Reference Network for Genetic Tumour Risk Syndromes and REiNS guidelines.