Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising technology in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), specifically in the implementation of diagnosis and treatment strategies. Nanotechnology-based approaches, such as nanoparticle-based contrast agents and nanoscale imaging techniques, have shown great potential for enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of HCC detection. These approaches provide high-resolution imaging and allow for the detection of molecular markers and alterations in cellular morphology associated with HCC. In terms of treatment, nanotechnology has revolutionized HCC therapy by enabling targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic efficacy, and minimizing off-target effects. Nanoparticle-based drug carriers can be functionalized with ligands specific to HCC cells, allowing for selective accumulation of therapeutic agents at the tumor site. Furthermore, nanotechnology can facilitate combination therapy by co-encapsulating multiple drugs within a single nanoparticle, allowing for synergistic effects and overcoming drug resistance. This review aims to provide an overview of recent advances in nanotechnology-based approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Further research is needed to optimize the design and functionality of nanoparticles, improve their biocompatibility and stability, and evaluate their long-term safety and efficacy. Nonetheless, the integration of nanotechnology in HCC management holds great promise and may lead to improved patient outcomes in the future.

Diet containing Mexican ancestral foods such as cocoa, nopal, avocado, and common bean have been individually reported to have beneficial effects on obesity and comorbidities. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of Mexican ancestral foods on the anthropometric, lipid, and glycemic control variables in obese patients was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model. Results: We selected 4664 articles from an initial search, of which only fifteen studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Data for 1670 participants were analyzed: 843 in the intervention group and 827 in the control group. A significant reduction in body mass index (mean difference: −0.80 (−1.31 to −0.30)) (95% confidence interval), p = 0.002, heterogeneity I² = 92% was showed after the ingestion of cocoa, nopal, avocado, or common bean. The mean difference for body weight was −0.57 (−1.93 to 0.79), waist of circumference: −0.16 (−2.54 to −2.21), total cholesterol: −5.04 (−11.5 to 1.08), triglycerides: −10.11 (−27.87 to 7.64), fasting glucose: −0.81 (−5.81 to 4.19), and insulin: −0.15 (−0.80 to 0.50). Mexican ancestral food supplementation seems to improve anthropometric, lipid, and glycemic control variables in obesity; however, more randomized controlled trials are needed to have further decisive evidence about dosage and method of supplementation and to increase the sample size.

Microbial community control is crucial for maintaining homeostasis of the gut–liver axis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Here, we show that supplementation with a mixture of Mexican foodstuffs (MexMix)—Opuntia ficus indica (nopal), Theobroma cacao (cocoa) and Acheta domesticus (crickets)—enriches several beneficial taxa in MASLD mice and overweight/obese humans. Thus, MexMix induces an important prebiotic effect. In mice, a restoration of intestinal health was observed due to the increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and intestinal crypt depth, Ocln and Cldn1 expression, and decreased Il6 and Tnfa expression. MexMix significantly reduced steatosis in the mice’s liver and modified the expression of 1668 genes. By PCR, we corroborated a Tnfa and Pparg decrease, and a Cat and Sod increase. In addition, MexMix increased the hepatic NRF2 nuclear translocation and miRNA-34a, miRNA-103, and miRNA-33 decline. In overweight/obese humans, MexMix improved the body image satisfaction and reduced the fat intake. These findings indicate that this new food formulation has potential as a therapeutic approach to treat conditions associated with excessive consumption of fats and sugars.

Medicarpin, a natural pterocarpan phytoalexin, contributes to tree defense against microbial decay, particularly from the aggressive white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor, an ASTM standard for wood durability testing. To improve upon the inhibitory effect of medicarpin against this fungus (150 mg/L), eleven derivatives were synthesized and evaluated. The acetylated analog demonstrated superior activity, achieving complete growth inhibition at 100 mg/L. To establish a structure–activity relationship, molecular docking was performed on the copper cluster on fungal laccase, the primary oxidative enzyme of T. versicolor. The acetylated derivative bound the T1 copper site with a more favorable free energy (−8.5 kcal/mol) than the parent compound, exhibiting enhanced stabilizing interactions and a binding pose anchored closer to the trinuclear copper cluster (TNC). These results were corroborated by 80 ns molecular dynamics simulations, confirming complex stability and the persistence of key interactions. This study demonstrates that targeted chemical modification of natural phytoalexins can significantly improve their antifungal potency. The superior performance of the acetylated medicarpin derivative, linked to optimized binding at the laccase active site, establishes a clear structure–activity relationship and highlights the potential of such engineered compounds as leads for next-generation, bio-inspired wood preservatives.

Background: Acute drug poisoning is one of the leading causes of admission to pediatric emergency departments and represents a significant public health concern because of its potential severity and associated morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to describe the clinical, epidemiological, and severity characteristics of pediatric patients with acute drug poisoning treated at a tertiary care hospital in western Mexico. Methods: A retrospective, observational, descriptive study was conducted in the pediatric emergency department of Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca” from January 2016 to December 2024. Results: The mean age of the patients was 77.1 months, with a predominance of females (61.9%). Most poisoning events (97.1%) occurred in the home. Accidental poisoning was the most frequent mechanism (54.5%), followed by suicide attempts (24.4%) and drug overdoses (17.6%). Regarding medical care, 50% of patients arrived at the emergency department within the first four hours after exposure, and 55.1% had a hospital stay of less than 12 h. The most involved drug groups were anxiolytics, mainly benzodiazepines (21.6%), followed by polypharmacy (17.6%) and antiemetic use (13.6%). The most frequent toxidrome was hypnotic–sedative syndrome (42.6% of cases). Multivariate analysis showed that exposure to anticonvulsants was significantly associated with a longer hospital stay (odds ratio [OR] = 7.31, p = 0.003). Most cases were classified as mild according to the Poisoning Severity Score, and no deaths were reported. Conclusions: Although pediatric drug poisoning generally has a favorable prognosis, it remains a significant public health issue. These findings highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies, including caregiver education, safe medication storage at home, and increased awareness and training programs for both families and healthcare professionals.

Las enfermedades de los riñones representan un problema serio para la salud de las personas. Una de las más preocupantes es la enfermedad renal crónica, que significa que los riñones no funcionan bien y puede afectar la calidad de vida de las personas. El presente artículo explica qué sucede en el cuerpo humano cuando se tiene la enfermedad renal crónica, describiendo cómo avanza la enfermedad y qué diferencia hay entre los riñones sanos y los riñones enfermos, así como las fases de la progresión de la enfermedad.