Biodegradable particles are extremely useful in the development of novel drug delivery systems. Recent studies have suggested that morphology can influence the mechanisms of drug delivery in many ways. In the present study, biodegradable microparticles with different morphologies were prepared from poly(L‑lactide) (PLA) using the electrospraying technique. The microparticles were then systematically examined by scanning using an electron microscope. The results revealed that the preparation of drug-loaded microspheres through electrospraying is a simple and efficient method, and the processing parameters, such as polymer molecular weight, concentration, surfactant and solvent play an important role in obtaining high quality microcarriers. The association between microcarrier morphology and the processing parameters used was also investigated. Rifampin-loaded PLA microspheres were also prepared according to the above-mentioned model. Our data demonstrate that the drug release from PLA microspheres can be sustained in vitro for over 60 h. Our study focused on obtaining electrosprayed medicated microparticles from complex polyester particles. Further studies are required to explore the potential commercial use of these microparticles.

Abstract. MicroRNAs are deregulated in numerous types of human cancers and have crucial roles in the carcinogenesis and progression of human cancers. MicroRNA-10b (miR-10b) has been studied in several types of human cancer. However, the expression and roles of miR-10b in cervical cancer remain unknown. In the present study, the expression, functions and molecular mechanisms of miR-10b were explored in cervical cancer. The present data revealed that miR-10b was significantly downregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. In addition, miR-10b overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells, while miR-10b under-expression had the opposite effect. Based on bioinformatics analysis, a luciferase reporter assay and western blot analysis, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) was identified as a direct target of miR-10b in cervical cancer. In addition, IGF-1R small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of IGF-1R also inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of the cervical cancer cells. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that miR-10b serves an important role in cervical cancer progression by targeting IGF-1R.

No abstract

Background: Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a rare genetic disease characterized by a reduction in head circumference at birth and intellectual disability with or without structural abnormalities of the brain. Due to the heterogeneity of its phenotype, we cannot effectively predict the severity of its clinical manifestations at present, which is also a significant problem that needs to be overcome in the diagnosis and prevention of this disease.Case presentation: In both cases described here, full exon sequencing was performed after the medical history of both probands, and their parents were collected, as well as prenatal diagnosis of each fetus during pregnancy. The two probands were compound heterozygous mutations and were accompanied by some degree of abnormal brain structure. The fetal Sanger test results from case 1 also suggested a compound heterozygous mutation of c.2828dupA and c.4384delA, and the fetal Sanger test results from case 2 showed no obvious abnormality.Conclusions: The pathogenesis of MPCH caused by WDR62 gene mutation is not yet fully understood. Whole-exome sequencing and prenatal diagnosis can be used to increase the diagnosis rate and prevent the occurrence of this disease.