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Deletion and mutation of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome10 (PTEN) are closely associated with the occurrence of tumors. Tumor suppressor gene PTEN mutation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. However, it has been unclear whether it can regulate the senescence of ovarian cancer cells. We speculated that PTEN might inhibit the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer by promoting the expression of P21. We found that the expression of TRIM39 in human ovarian cancer was significantly diminished. In SKOV3 cells treated with naringin, the expression of TRIM39, which binds P21 and inhibits P21 degradation, was significantly elevated. Real-time PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detected the expression of PTEN, p21 and TRIM39, β-galactosidase Staining was used to detect cell senescence, Ki67 staining was used to observe cell proliferation, Trim39 interference or overexpression assay was used to detect its function. We speculated that PTEN might promote SKOV3 cell senescence by increasing TRIM39 expression and decreasing P21 degradation. Furthermore, by interfering with TRIM39 in SKOV3 cells, we found that the expression of P21 was downregulated, and the number of senescent SKOV3 cells decreased. With overexpression of TRIM39 in SKOV3 cells, the expression of P21 was upregulated, and the number of senescent SKOV3 cells increased. When naringin, a PTEN agonist, was added to SKOV3 cells in which TRIM39 protein was interfered with, the expression of P21 was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the number of senescent ovarian cancer cells was significantly diminished. Our results indicated that PTEN maintained the stability of P21 and decreased the degradation of P21 by increasing TRIM39 expression, thus promoting the senescence of SKOV3 cells, and PTEN maintained the stability of p21 and promoted the aging of SKOV3 cells might be a novel therapeutic target for Ovarian Cancer. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The effective elastic thickness (Te) of the lithosphere, which reflects lithospheric strength, is a useful parameter in the investigation of the characteristics of the oceanic lithosphere. Instead of the conventional spectral method, we used a space-domain convolution method to estimate Te, which involves the convolution of the crustal load with a set of point-loaded response functions in order to get a set of model flexures. The best Te estimate is obtained from the best agreement between the model flexures and the observed flexure derived from the inversion of the gravity data. Compared with the spectral method, this method eliminates the instability problem when the topography is small and increases the spatial resolution of Te. Based on this convolution method, for the first time, we determined Te for the lithosphere in the East and South China Seas and the adjacent area. The result shows that the Bohai Sea, the northern part of the Yellow Sea, the northwestern part of the East China Sea, and the Yinggehai Basin have the strongest lithosphere with a Te reaching 30 km. The central part of the South China Sea and the Okinawa Trough Basin have the weakest lithosphere with a Te of less than 6 km. In addition, we investigate the relationship between Te and the distribution of the crustal load and the relationship between Te and the undulations of the Crust Mantle Interface (CMI). We conclude that the lithospheric strength, Te, decreases with an increase in the sufficient old load. Meanwhile, a positive correlation is found between Te and the CMI. When the CMI becomes deeper or shallower, the corresponding Te becomes larger or smaller, respectively.

In this study, the Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) gravitational gradients in the North China Craton (NCC) are processed. The normal gravitational gradient correction, the downward continuation from the mean orbit altitude to the geoid, and the gravitational gradient corrections for the topography, sediment, Moho undulations and the deep-source field are taken into account. After processing, the residual gravitational gradient anomalies corresponding to density heterogeneities are acquired. The preconditioned conjugate gradient method is introduced to invert the density structures using the roughness matrix to constrain the density distribution and the depth-weighting function to prevent the density distribution from migrating to the top of the model due to the decay of the gravitational gradient kernel with depth. The density structure derived from the seismic tomography is used as the initial model, and the GOCE gravitational gradient anomalies are used to invert the density structures in the NCC using the preconditioned conjugate gradient method. The results show that the density structures of the NCC lithosphere reflect obvious lateral and vertical heterogeneities. The density structure in the eastern part of the NCC is different from that in the western part of the NCC. The distribution of the density anomalies corresponds to the tectonic characteristics. The density structures in Taihang Mountain exhibit segmentation features. The thinning of the lithosphere observed in the NCC may extend into the northern part of Taihang Mountain. The density changes significantly within the area between the Ordos Block and the Qilian Block, which corresponds with the different lithospheric features in these two blocks.

To solve the non-uniqueness problem of gravity gradient inversion, we proposed a folding calculation method based on preconditioned conjugate gradient inversion. Compared with the original algorithm in which the entire study area is taken as the research subject and all grids are used simultaneously in the inversion, the proposed folding method divides the research area into several sub-areas. A prism unit from any of the four corner grids is selected for the first iteration, whose density anomaly result is taken as the initial density anomaly for the next iteration of the same sub-area. The folding in the left–right and up–down directions takes turns during the calculation until the inversion calculation has covered the entire research area. This folding algorithm demonstrates strong regularity. The inversion results of multiple synthetic models show that the folding calculation method performs multiple parameter corrections in the initial model. Meanwhile, on the basis that the relative fitting of standard errors of the observed values satisfies the convergence condition, the model errors are constrained, and thus, the model errors of the inversion results are consequently reduced. The 3-D density anomaly pattern over the Craton area in North China was obtained via a joint inversion of the four components ( $$\varvec{T}_{\text{xx}} ,$$ $$\varvec{T}_{\text{xz}} ,$$ $$\varvec{T}_{\text{yy}} ,$$ and $$\varvec{T}_{\text{zz}}$$ ) of the Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer L2 gravity gradient after preprocessing. We compared the inversion results from the folding calculation method and the original method, and performed detailed analysis and discussion on the inversion results with existing geological and geophysical data. Our analysis shows that the improved calculation method is effectively applicable to the inversion of measured gravity gradient data, and the inversion results provide more detailed and reliable pattern information for the density anomaly.

Keloids are skin fibroproliferative tumors characterized by locally invasive growth of fibroblasts and excessive collagen deposition. The objective of this study is to investigate the molecular basis of the keloid scar by studying the mutation of related genes. We performed gene screening of mechanoreceptors by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Sanger sequencing to detect the CXCR1gene mutation, and immuno-histochemistry to determine CXCR1 protein expression. Among the genes encoding mechanoreceptors, the expression of CXCR1 mRNA was significantly higher in keloid scar tissues than in the surrounding tissues of normal controls (P A (p.Gly192Glu). Immunohistochemistry showed heightened protein expression of CXCR1 in keloid scars as compared to controls. Our findings indicate that CXCR1 gene mutation and altered protein expression are associated with keloid scar development. Identification of the CXCR1 gene mutation might provide insights into the molecular mechanism underlying keloid scar and underscores the potential importance of mechanoreceptors in keloid scar pathogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00403-018-1847-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

This paper presents a three-dimensional density inversion software called DenInv3D that operates on gravity and gravity gradient data. The software performs inversion modelling, kernel function calculation, and inversion calculations using the improved preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) algorithm. In the PCG algorithm, due to the uncertainty of empirical parameters, such as the Lagrange multiplier, we use the inflection point of the L-curve as the regularization parameter. The software can construct unequally spaced grids and perform inversions using such grids, which enables changing the resolution of the inversion results at different depths. Through inversion of airborne gradiometry data on Australian Kauring test site, we discovered that anomalous blocks of different sizes are present within the study area addition to the central anomalies. The software of DenInv3D can be downloaded from the URL http://159.226.162.30.

The satellite-derived gravity gives us an opportunity to investigate the basement structures of the East and South China Seas since the satellite gravimetry could provide large scale gravity data with high resolution of 1 arc-min by 1 arc-min. We isolate the residual gravity anomaly corresponding to the basement by subtracting the gravity anomalies of sediments and Moho undulations from satellite-derived free-air gravity anomalies. Two methods, namely gravity inversion method and convolution method based on flexure isostasy model, are used to calculate the Moho undulations in order to guarantee the accuracy of the Moho undulations since it occupies large percentages of the gravity anomalies. We invert the isolated gravity anomaly for the basement depths of East and South China Seas and adjacent areas with resolution of 1 arc-min by 1 arc-min. The basement depths of East and South China Seas range from 0.5 km to 12 km and the Moho depths vary between 6 km and 32 km. The basement topography reveals many tectonic depressions and two spreading axes concealed by the sediments, which are unseen in the bathymetry. The two spreading axes correspond to the spreading ridges derived from magnetic anomaly and the SW–NE oriented spreading axis extends SW much farther than that identified from magnetic anomaly, almost reaching to the Nam Con Son Basin. We also find that the faults constrain the distributions of basement depressions since the faults usually lie along the places where large changes of basement depth take place. Reversely, the basement map could be used to identify the unknown faults. Besides, according to the four profiles in the East and South China Seas, the mirror–image relation was found between the basement topography and the underlying Moho undulations that when the basement depth increases or decreases, the corresponding Moho depth decreases or increases.

Aim Myosin is involved in cell contraction and motility, but it is unclear whether it is involved in cell proliferation in uterine myoma. In this study therefore we aimed to explore the role of myosin in uterine myoma. Material and Methods Immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to determine the expression of myosin light chain (MLC), myosin heavy chain (MHC) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) in patient uterine myoma and adjacent smooth muscle tissue. Human uterine fibroid cells were isolated and cultured in vitro, myosin heavy chain 11 (MHC subtype expressed in uterine fibroid cells) was knocked down by RNA interference to reduce the expression of myosin, then cell proliferation was determined by the methyl thiazol tetrazolium bromide method. To explore the possible mechanism of reduced cell proliferation after myosin heavy chain 11 knockdown, the downstream proteins collagen I, insulin-like growth factor-1, fibronectin and proteoglycans were analyzed. Results Expression of MLC, MHC, MLCK and p-MLCK in uterine myoma cells was significantly higher than in adjacent smooth muscle cells. After knockdown of MHC, smooth muscle cell proliferation decreased, and the production of collagen I, insulin-like growth factor-1 and fibronectin was also reduced, but proteoglycans did not show any significant change. Conclusion Myosin is overexpressed in uterine myoma, and the overexpression of myosin is associated with both uterine contraction and tumor development of uterine myoma.

A novel approach of joint gravity and gravity gradient inversion is presented for passive subsurface object detection in this letter. Gravity and gravity gradient anomalies induced by an object can be measured and inversed to estimate the mass, orientation, and distance of the object. The new equations of gravity inversion are explored, and the weighted least squares estimation is constructed. Therefore, the two kinds of data are complementary to each other in the joint inversion via the self-adaptive weights. Simulation results show that the proposed approach is more efficient and robust than the previous gravity gradient tensor inversion.

The Newtonian gravitational constant (G) is one of the fundamental physical constants. This paper introduces a method to determine the Newtonian gravitational constant based on the principle of free fall, through measuring the change of gravity from the disturbed mass with an FG5/112 absolute gravimeter. This method has good repeatability. The measurement precision can be improved by error control and a large number of experiments. The constant G is obtained by two experiments, and the measured value is (6.6665±0.0554)×10−11 m3/(kg·s2).

Objective: To assess the remission rate and outcome of pregnancy of patients who had moderate and severe ovarian endometriosis after conservative surgery. We also wished to analyze the associated factors of recurrence. Methods: Weconducted retrospective analyses of 199 cases with stage II-IV ovarian endometriosis who had preserved fertility under laparoscopic surgical treatment. Postoperatively, the 199 patients were divided into three groups: 43 cases underwent surgical treatment alone (group A); 47 were given a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-α) (group B), and 109 were given mifepristone (group C). Ten cases in group A were infertile, 26 cases in group B, and 38 cases in group C. All patients were followed up for 3 years. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Yangpu District Central Hospital. Results: In groups A, B and C, the remission rate was 58.13%, 70.21% and 60.55% and the difference not significant (P=0.384); Recurrence rates were 27.90%, 12.76% and 24.77%, and the difference between them significant (P

Myosin is involved in cell contraction and motility, but it is unclear whether it is involved in cell proliferation in uterine myoma. In this study therefore we aimed to explore the role of myosin in uterine myoma.Immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to determine the expression of myosin light chain (MLC), myosin heavy chain (MHC) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) in patient uterine myoma and adjacent smooth muscle tissue. Human uterine fibroid cells were isolated and cultured in vitro, myosin heavy chain 11 (MHC subtype expressed in uterine fibroid cells) was knocked down by RNA interference to reduce the expression of myosin, then cell proliferation was determined by the methyl thiazol tetrazolium bromide method. To explore the possible mechanism of reduced cell proliferation after myosin heavy chain 11 knockdown, the downstream proteins collagen I, insulin-like growth factor-1, fibronectin and proteoglycans were analyzed.Expression of MLC, MHC, MLCK and p-MLCK in uterine myoma cells was significantly higher than in adjacent smooth muscle cells. After knockdown of MHC, smooth muscle cell proliferation decreased, and the production of collagen I, insulin-like growth factor-1 and fibronectin was also reduced, but proteoglycans did not show any significant change.Myosin is overexpressed in uterine myoma, and the overexpression of myosin is associated with both uterine contraction and tumor development of uterine myoma.

To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in uterine fibroids and healthy uterine smooth muscle as well as its role in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids.We collected uterine fibroid tissues and their paired adjacent healthy uterine smooth muscle tissues from 30 cases of uterine fibroids. We used immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR, as well as western blot to detect COX-2 expression. Using the COX-2 inhibitors NS-398 and celecoxib, we observed the response to the inhibitors in the healthy and fibroid smooth muscle cell pairs.COX-2 was detected by immunohistochemistry in both uterine fibroids and uterine smooth muscle, with higher immunoreactivity in uterine fibroids; the positive index of the smooth muscle cells was 11.90 and the positive index of uterine fibroids cells was 46.50 (P0.05). The expression of COX-2 mRNA in uterine fibroids was higher (0.122±0.062) than in normal smooth muscle tissue (0.025±0.009; P0.05). Also, the western blot results showed that COX-2 expression was significantly higher in uterine fibroid cases, as compared to the expression in uterine smooth muscle. Immunofluorescence showed that the occurrence of COX-2 was obviously higher in smooth muscle cells of uterine fibroids than in the healthy smooth muscle cells. NS-398 or celecoxib significantly inhibited the proliferation of smooth muscle cells of uterine fibroids, but did not inhibit the proliferation of healthy smooth muscle cells. Accordingly, NS-398 or celecoxib significantly reduced the expression of the downstream metabolite of COX-2, PGE2, in the smooth muscle cells of uterine fibroids, but not in healthy smooth muscle cells.COX-2 expression in uterine fibroids was significantly higher than in healthy uterine smooth muscles. The inhibition of COX-2 activity significantly reduced the proliferation of smooth muscle cells of the uterine fibroids, suggesting that COX-2 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids.