Association between NET-1 Level in Placenta from Preeclampsia Pregnancies and Trophoblast Proliferation and Apoptosis: A Correlation Analysis.

Objective: This study investigates the expression pattern of neuroepithelial cell transforming 1 (NET-1) in placental tissues from pregnancies with preeclampsia (PE) and explores its role in mediating proliferative and apoptotic capacities of trophoblasts. Methods: The relative mRNA levels of NET-1 in placental tissues obtained from preeclampsia (PE) pregnancies (n = 60) and healthy pregnancies (n = 60) were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Pearson correlation test was conducted to assess the correlation between NET-1 level and systolic (Sp) and diastolic pressure (Dp) in PE pregnancies. After the knockdown of NET-1 in HTR-8/SVneo cells, changes in proliferation and apoptosis were examined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: NET-1 was highly expressed in placental tissues from PE pregnancies. PE patients with a high level of NET-1 had higher Sp and Dp, and NET-1 level was positively correlated with both Sp and Dp. Knockdown of NET-1 in HTR-8/SVneo cells decreased the proliferative rate but increased the apoptotic rate. Conclusions: NET-1 stimulates the development of PE by triggering trophoblast proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. Therefore, NET-1 could be a potential therapeutic target for treating PE and other related hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

Exploring the perceptions of the educational environment in online acupuncture learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Students have had to adapt to a "new normal" of online education at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This poses a considerable challenge to the conduct of online acupuncture courses. Here, we provide our experience and guidance for conducting an online experimental acupuncture course during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to compare the different perceptions of undergraduates to the educational environment between online and face-to-face learning approaches. METHODS: This study included senior undergraduates majoring in acupuncture during the academic years 2015 (face-to-face) and 2020 (online only) for the Experimental Acupuncture course. A survey was conducted at the end of this course. The Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire was used to assess students' perceptions. The results of students' responses to online learning were compared with those assessed for face-to-face learning. RESULTS: In total, 56/70 (80%) students in 2015 and 49/54 (91%) students in 2020 completed the questionnaire, respectively. Total DREEM scores were higher in the online learning group than in the face-to-face learning group (160.3 ± 21.9 vs 147.6 ± 17.9, p = 0.007), with improved students' perceptions on four out of five dimensions (social self-perception, learning, atmosphere and academic self-perception). The positive aspects of their online learning experience included the acquisition of new knowledge and skills. The significant limitations of this course included the lack of practical classes. CONCLUSION: Students' perceptions regarding the Experimental Acupuncture program were satisfactory for both online and face-to-face learning approaches, but even better with online learning. Online learning may be encouraged in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) education. However, a combination of face-to-face and online methods is likely to be required to maximize the benefits. We hope that our online Experimental Acupuncture program practices may assist in the development of online curricula for acupuncture during the COVID-19 pandemic.