Due to patient compliance and convenience, oral medication is likely the most common and acceptable method of drug administration. However, traditional dosage forms such as tablets or capsules may lead to low drug bioavailability and poor therapeutic efficiency. Therefore, with advancements in material science and micro/nano manufacturing technology, various carriers have been developed to enhance drug absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In this context, we initially discuss the key biological factors that hinder drug transport and absorption (including anatomical, physical, and biological factors). Building on this foundation, recent progress in both conventional and innovative oral drug delivery routes aimed at improving drug bioavailability and targeting is reviewed. Finally, we explore future prospects for oral drug delivery systems as well as potential challenges in clinical translation.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

BACKGROUND:Salvianolic acid B can inhibit cell damage induced by H2O2,effectively remove excess reactive oxygen species,and exert antioxidant properties.It has been used in the treatment of many diseases.However,there are relatively few studies on the role and mechanism of salvianolic acid B in intervertebral disc degeneration. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect and mechanism of salvianolic acid B on oxidative stress-induced intervertebral disc degeneration by using gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel as a carrier through the in vitro cell experiment and the in vivo animal experiment. METHODS:The gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel(drug-loaded hydrogel)loaded with salvianolic acid B was prepared.(1)In vitro cell experiment:The lumbar nucleus pulposus cells of adult SD rats were isolated and extracted,and passage 3 nucleus pulposus cells were selected and divided into groups:Group A was added complete medium.In group B,a complete medium containing H2O2 was added.Group C was inoculated on methylacrylylated gelatin hydrogel and added with a complete medium containing H2O2.Group D was inoculated on methyl acrylyl gelatin hydrogel loaded with salvianolic acid B and added into a complete medium containing H2O2.The E group was inoculated on the methylacrylyl gelatin hydrogel loaded with salvianolic acid B,and the complete medium containing H2O2 and the complete medium containing TLR4 signaling pathway inhibitor were added.Cell proliferation,oxidative stress,inflammatory response,gene expression of cell matrix-associated proteins and the protein expression of TLR4/nuclear factor-kB signaling pathway were detected.(2)Animal in vivo experiment:Sixty adult SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,acupuncture group,acupuncture + salvianolic acid group,acupuncture + hydrogel group and acupuncture + loading potion gel group,with 12 rats in each group.The last four groups were treated with acupuncture to establish models of intervertebral disc degeneration and then injected with normal saline,salvianolic acid B solution,non-drug loaded gel and drug-loaded gel in turn.Imaging examination and pathological observation were performed 4 weeks after surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro cell experiment:Compared with group A,the cell proliferation was decreased;the oxidative stress reaction and inflammation reaction were enhanced;the expression of extracellular matrix degrading enzymes(matrix metalloproteinase 3,matrix metalloproteinase 13,ADAMTS4,ADAMTS5)was increased in group B(P<0.05),and the synthesis of extracellular matrix(type Ⅱ collagen,proteoglycan)was decreased(P<0.05).The protein expression of the TLR4/nuclear factor-kB signaling pathway was increased(P<0.05).Compared with group B,the cell proliferation of groups D and E was increased,the oxidative stress response and inflammatory response were weakened,and the expression of extracellular matrix degrading enzymes(matrix metalloproteinase 3,matrix metalloproteinase 13,ADAMTS4,ADAMTS5)was decreased(P<0.05),and the synthesis of extracellular matrix was increased(P<0.05).The protein expression of TLR4/nuclear factor-kB signaling pathway was decreased(P<0.05),and the effect was more significant in group E.(2)Animal in vivo experiment:4 weeks after surgery,intervertebral disc height index,index of MRI and pathological and histological grading of the intervertebral disc had improved significantly in the acupuncture+drug-loaded hydrogel group,and simply injecting hydrogel or salvianolic acid B solution can to a certain extent improve the intervertebral disc degeneration,but they are not as good as the injection of the drug-loaded hydrogel.(3)It is concluded that gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel loaded with salvianolic acid B can inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation in the degenerated intervertebral disc tissue,inhibit the degradation of extracellular matrix,and alleviate the process of intervertebral disc degeneration,which may be accomplished by inhibiting the TLR4/nuclear factor-kB signaling pathway.

Four pyrazines were isolated from the n-butanol fraction of Hypecoum erectum L. by using various chromatographic methods, including MCI gel, ODS, silica gel and semi-preparative HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified as hyperectpyrazin A (1), 1′S-(6-methylpyrazin-2-yl)-ethane-1′,2′-diol (2), 2-hydroxymethyl-6-methylpyrazin (3) and pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (4) by spectroscopy methods (1D NMR, 2D NMR, UV, IR, MS, etc.). The absolute configuration of compound 2 was determined by using the Mo₂(OAc)₄ induced CD analysis for the first time. Compound 1 was a new compound, compounds 2-4 were isolated from H. erectum for the first time. Compounds 1-4 were evaluated for their inhibition against acetylcholinesterase and nitric oxide generation induced by lipopolysaccharide-RAW264.7 macrophage cells. At a concentration of 50 μmol·L^-1, compounds 2 and 4 displayed inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase with the inhibition rates of 44.40% and 43.99%, respectively.

ObjectiveSorafenib is a first-line only drug approved for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Resistance to sorafenib means that treatment outcomes are often unsatisfactory. Although the mechanism underlying sorafenib resistance remains unclear, resistance may occur through Akt signaling pathway activation in HCC. Dihydrotanshinone (DHT), a lipophilic component of traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, has multiple anti-tumor activities and inhibits Akt activation. The effect and mechanism of DHT combined with sorafenib on HCC have not been investigated. In this study, we investigate whether DHT potentiates the anti-cancer activities of sorafenib against HCC. MethodsIn this study, the effects of sorafenib and DHT on the viability, apoptosis and drug sensitivity of Huh7 and HepG2 cells were verified by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry. Akt, P-Akt, Caspase3, GSK-3β, P-GSK-3β, ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K), P-S6K, Cyclin D1, Bcl-xl, Bcl-2, and Bax expression levels were analyzed via Western blot. All data were statistically compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnett test. Statistical analysis using SPSS 20.0 statistical software. ResultsDHT inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis in HCC cells by reducing Akt activation. DHT inhibits the expression and activation of Akt downstream factors, including GSK-3β and S6K, which regulate the apoptotic response and are activated and upregulated by sorafenib treatment. Both sorafenib and DHT downregulate cyclin D1 expression and DHT upregulates Bax expression and downregulates Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl expression. However, sorafenib had little influence on Bcl-2 family protein expression. ConclusionDHT may enhance the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction of sorafenib in HCC cells by inhibiting the activation of Akt signaling pathway, thus enhancing the anticancer effect of sorafenib.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of lupatadine tablets combined with azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray in the treatment of allergic rhinitis patients.Methods Patients with allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into control group and treatment group.Both groups received general treatment.On this basis,the control group was given azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray 0.14 mg per nostril each time,bid;on the basis of control group,the treatment group received lupatadine tablets 10 mg each time,orally,qd.Two groups were treated for 4 weeks.The clinical efficacy,rhinoconjunctivitis related quality of life questionnaire(RQLQ),serum indexes[interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-1 β,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),immunoglobulin E(IgE)]and safety were compared between the two groups.Results Treatment group were enrolled 53 cases,4 cases dropped out,and 49 cases were finally included in the statistical analysis.Control group were enrolled 53 cases,4 cases dropped out,and 49 cases were finally included in the statistical analysis.After treatment,the total effective rates of the treatment and control groups were 95.92％(47 cases/49 cases)and 81.63％(40 cases/49 cases)with significant difference(P＜0.05).After treatment,the RQLQ scores of treatment and control groups were(49.57±6.97)and(58.18±7.78)points,IL-6 levels were(5.12±1.25)and(7.34±1.46)ng·L-1,IL-1 β levels were(12.25±5.64)and(20.05±6.32)pg·mL-1,TNF-α levels were(3.25±0.62)and(4.45±0.49)pg·mL-1,the IgE levels were(114.28±19.63)and(136.84±30.14)μg·L-1,respectively,the differences were statistically significant difference(all P＜0.05).The adverse drug reactions of two groups were dry mouth,fatigue,dizziness and drowsiness.The total incidences of adverse drug reactions in the treatment and control groups were 16.33％and 10.20％without significant difference(P＞0.05).Conclusion Lupatadine tablets combined with azostine hydrochloride nasal spray have a definitive clinical efficacy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis patients,which can effectively reduce the inflammatory reaction,reduce the IgE levels,improve the quality of life,without increasing the incidence of adverse drug reactions.