1.Progress in the study of anti-inflammatory active components with anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms in Caragana Fabr.
Yu-mei MA ; Ju-yuan LUO ; Tao CHEN ; Hong-mei LI ; Cheng SHEN ; Shuo WANG ; Zhi-bo SONG ; Yu-lin LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):58-71
The plants of the genus
2.Mechanism of Huanglian Jiedutang in Improving Pyroptosis, Neuroinflammation, and Learning and Cognitive Functions in APP/PS1 Mice Based on NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Pathway
Wei CHENG ; Shuo YANG ; Zhangxin HE ; Wei CHEN ; Aihua TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):11-19
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) inhibits pyroptosis and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice via the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase)-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pathway. MethodsThirty APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were randomly and evenly divided into the model group (model group), the positive control group (Donepezil group, 0.65 mg·kg-1), and the HLJDT treatment group (HLJDT group, 5.2 g·kg-1). Ten C57BL/6 mice were assigned to the blank control group (control group). The Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests were used to evaluate learning and memory abilities. Nissl staining was employed to observe the morphology, quantity, and distribution of neurons in the hippocampal region. Golgi staining was used to examine the morphology and density of neuronal dendritic spines in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was performed to detect the mRNA expression of neuroinflammation-related factors and genes in the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway in the hippocampus. Western blot was used to detect the expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), amyloid precursor protein (APP), inflammatory factors including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), phosphorylated NF-κB (p-NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as pyroptosis pathway-related proteins including NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased learning and memory abilities (P<0.01), reduced numbers of neurons in the hippocampal CA3 region and dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 region (P<0.01), and significantly increased hippocampal mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.01). Protein levels of PSD95 were markedly decreased, while the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, p-NF-κB/NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and APP were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both the Donepezil and HLJDT groups showed significantly improved learning and memory abilities (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased numbers of hippocampal neurons in the hippocampal CA3 region and dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 region (P<0.01), and significantly decreased hippocampal mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, p-NF-κB/NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and APP were significantly downregulated, while PSD95 expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in GSDMD-N levels in the Donepezil group, while GSDMD-N expression was significantly decreased in the HLJDT group (P<0.05). ConclusionThis study confirms that HLJDT can improve learning and memory abilities in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice, and attenuate neuronal loss and synaptic damage, possibly through inhibition of pyroptosis via the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.
3.Mechanism of Huanglian Jiedutang in Improving Pyroptosis, Neuroinflammation, and Learning and Cognitive Functions in APP/PS1 Mice Based on NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Pathway
Wei CHENG ; Shuo YANG ; Zhangxin HE ; Wei CHEN ; Aihua TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):11-19
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) inhibits pyroptosis and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice via the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase)-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pathway. MethodsThirty APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were randomly and evenly divided into the model group (model group), the positive control group (Donepezil group, 0.65 mg·kg-1), and the HLJDT treatment group (HLJDT group, 5.2 g·kg-1). Ten C57BL/6 mice were assigned to the blank control group (control group). The Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests were used to evaluate learning and memory abilities. Nissl staining was employed to observe the morphology, quantity, and distribution of neurons in the hippocampal region. Golgi staining was used to examine the morphology and density of neuronal dendritic spines in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was performed to detect the mRNA expression of neuroinflammation-related factors and genes in the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway in the hippocampus. Western blot was used to detect the expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), amyloid precursor protein (APP), inflammatory factors including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), phosphorylated NF-κB (p-NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as pyroptosis pathway-related proteins including NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased learning and memory abilities (P<0.01), reduced numbers of neurons in the hippocampal CA3 region and dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 region (P<0.01), and significantly increased hippocampal mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.01). Protein levels of PSD95 were markedly decreased, while the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, p-NF-κB/NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and APP were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both the Donepezil and HLJDT groups showed significantly improved learning and memory abilities (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased numbers of hippocampal neurons in the hippocampal CA3 region and dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 region (P<0.01), and significantly decreased hippocampal mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, p-NF-κB/NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and APP were significantly downregulated, while PSD95 expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in GSDMD-N levels in the Donepezil group, while GSDMD-N expression was significantly decreased in the HLJDT group (P<0.05). ConclusionThis study confirms that HLJDT can improve learning and memory abilities in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice, and attenuate neuronal loss and synaptic damage, possibly through inhibition of pyroptosis via the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.
4.Oxymatrine,a novel TLR2 agonist,promotes megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis through the STING/NF-κB pathway
Chengyang NI ; Ling ZHOU ; Shuo YANG ; Mei RAN ; Jiesi LUO ; Kui CHENG ; Feihong HUANG ; Xiaoqin TANG ; Xiang XIE ; Dalian QIN ; Qibing MEI ; Long WANG ; Juan XIAO ; Jianming WU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):208-229
Radiation-induced thrombocytopenia(RIT)faces a perplexing challenge in the clinical treatment of cancer patients,and current therapeutic approaches are inadequate in the clinical settings.In this research,oxy-matrine,a new molecule capable of healing RIT was screened out,and the underlying regulatory mecha-nism associated with magakaryocyte(MK)differentiation and thrombopoiesis was demonstrated.The capacity of oxymatrine to induce MK differentiation was verified in K-562 and Meg-01 cells in vitro.The ability to induce thrombopoiesis was subsequently demonstrated in Tg(cd41:enhanced green fluorescent protein(eGFP))zebrafish and RIT model mice.In addition,we carried out network pharmacological pre-diction,drug affinity responsive target stability assay(DARTS)and cellular thermal shift assay(CETSA)analyses to explore the potential targets of oxymatrine.Moreover,the pathway underlying the effects of oxymatrine was determined by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses,Western blot(WB),and immunofluorescence.Oxymatrine markedly promoted MK differentiation and maturation in vitro.Moreover,oxymatrine induced thrombopoiesis in Tg(cd41:eGFP)zebrafish and accelerated thrombopoiesis and platelet function recovery in RIT model mice.Mechanistically,oxymatrine directly binds to toll-like receptor 2(TLR2)and further regulates the downstream pathway stimulator of interferon genes(STING)/nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB),which can be blocked by C29 and C-176,which are specific inhibitors of TLR2 and STING,respectively.Taken together,we demonstrated that oxymatrine,a novel TLR2 agonist,plays a critical role in accelerating MK differentiation and thrombopoiesis via the STING/NF-κB axis,suggesting that oxymatrine is a promising candidate for RIT therapy.
5.Research progress of S100A16 in tumor development,progression,and drug resistance
Jin SHUO ; Cheng YIHAN ; Ai LIPING ; Zheng YI ; Zhang HONGMEI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(8):401-406
The S100 calcium-binding protein family member A16(S100A16)exhibits differential expression in various malignant tumors and plays a critical role in tumor progression,including effects on tumor cell proliferation,apoptosis,adhesion,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,migration,and invasion.Its aberrant expression is associated with adverse clinical outcomes,making it a potential prognostic biomarker.Fur-thermore,S100A16 is closely linked to the infiltration of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment,contributing to the establish-ment of an immunosuppressive state.The expression level of S100A16 in tumor-associated endothelial cells may also correlate with the formation of an inhibitory immune microenvironment.Additionally,S100A16 has been implicated in tumor chemotherapy resistance.This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms by which S100A16 contributes to different types of tumors,its regulatory effects on the tumor immune microenvironment,and its role in drug treatment resistance.The aim of this review is to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of tumor prevention and treatment and provide a theoretical foundation for overcoming drug resistance in can-cer therapy.
6.Feasibility study on shortening the detection time of long exercise test in the diagnosis of periodic paralysis
Shuo YANG ; Na CHEN ; Lin CHEN ; Feng CHENG ; Jingfen LI ; Lei ZHANG ; Ying WANG ; Fan JIAN ; Zaiqiang ZHANG ; Hua PAN
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(4):359-365
Objective:To explore the feasibility of shortening the time of long exercise test (LET) from 120 to 60 minutes by analyzing the positive rate within 60 minutes among periodic paralysis (PP) patients who were positive in 120-minute test.Methods:The data of patients undergoing 120-minute LET from January 2015 to October 2021 in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed, with 30%, 33%, and 40% as diagnostic cut-off values, respectively. PP patients with positive results within 120 minutes after exercise were enrolled in the study. The positive rate within 30 minutes and 60 minutes after exercise was calculated. The change rates of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude and the sensitivity and specificity of LET at 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes after exercise were analyzed. The change rate of CMAP amplitude in PP patients who did not show positive results within 60 minutes was further calculated.Results:A total of 254 patients were examined, including 114 PP patients. With 30%, 33%, and 40% as diagnostic cut-off values, the results showed that there were 88, 88, and 82 positive PP patients, respectively. Under each diagnostic cut-off values, the age of positive PP patients was (32±10) years, with a male proportion of 98% (86/88), 98% (86/88), and 99% (81/82), respectively; the positive rate of PP patients within 30 minutes after exercise was 60% (53/88), 58% (51/88), and 41% (34/82), respectively; the positive rate of PP patients within 60 minutes after exercise was 91% (80/88), 86% (76/88), and 83% (68/82), respectively. At the cut-off values of 30%, 33% and 40%, the change rate of CMAP amplitude at 30 minutes [-36% (-49%, -23%), -36% (-49%, -23%), -37% (-51%, -24%)], 60 minutes [-51% (-66%, -40%), -51% (-66%, -40%), -53% (-66%, -42%)] and 120 minutes [-57% (-67%, -45%), -57% (-67%, -45%), -58% (-67%, -46%)] after exercise showed statistically significant difference among 3 time points ( H=57.764, 57.764, 59.616, respectively, all P<0.001); the further comparison between time points showed that there was statistically significant difference in the change rate of CMAP amplitude between 60 minutes ( Z=5.419, 5.419, 5.531, respectively, all P<0.001), 120 minutes ( Z=7.325, 7.325, 7.431, respectively, all P<0.001) and 30 minutes after exercise, but there was no statistically significant difference in the change rate of CMAP amplitude between 120 minutes and 60 minutes after exercise ( Z=1.906, 1.906, 1.899, respectively, all P>0.05); the sensitivity of LET for the diagnosis of PP at 60 minutes after exercise was 70.2% (80/114), 66.7% (76/114) and 59.6% (68/114), and the specificity of LET for the diagnosis of PP was 77.9% (109/140), 84.3% (118/140) and 91.4%(128/140), respectively. When 30%, 33% and 40% were used as the diagnostic cut-off values, and the change rate of CMAP amplitude at 60 minutes after exercise fell below these cut-off values but showed a decline of ≥20%, ≥22% and ≥24%, respectively, the detection time should be extended to 120 minutes. Conclusions:Whether using 30%, 33%, or 40% as diagnostic cut-off values, it is feasible to shorten the LET time from 120 minutes to 60 minutes. The 60-minute LET has good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of PP. It is recommended to extend the detection time to 120 minutes for patients with a ≥20%, ≥22%, or ≥24% decline in CMAP amplitude at 60 minutes after exercise while falling short of corresponding diagnostic cut-off values when 30%, 33%, and 40% are used as diagnostic cut-off values. This method can not only improve the examination efficiency of LET, but also minimize the missed diagnosis as much as possible.
7.Feasibility and exploration of optimal communication models for robot-assisted urological telesurgery: a multicenter, single-arm, retrospective study
Ye WANG ; Taoping SHI ; Sheng TAI ; Sunyi YE ; Yubai ZHANG ; Bingzhang QIAO ; Chenfeng WANG ; Gen CHENG ; Zhi LI ; Qing AI ; Qingbo HUANG ; Baojun WANG ; Qing YUAN ; Junnan XU ; Guojun LIU ; Yu CHEN ; Wuyi ZHAO ; Jianle MAO ; Shiwei LI ; Shuo WANG ; Dan XIA ; Wanhai XU ; Chaozhao LIANG ; Hongzhao LI ; Xin MA ; Xu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(5):331-336
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a domestically developed robotic surgical system based on fiber-optic dedicated line communication in cross-regional urological telesurgery.Methods:This was multicenter,single-arm,retrospective case series study. The data of patients who underwent urological telesurgeries using the telesurgical system between January 2023 and December 2024 were analyzed. The cohort included 59 patients from seven hospitals across China. Among the patients,47 were male(79.7%)and 12 were female(20.3%),with a median age of 63.0(56.0,68.0)years and a body mass index of(24.7 ± 3.0)kg/m 2. Surgical procedures included 32 radical prostatectomies,24 partial nephrectomies,one radical nephrectomy,one adrenalectomy,and one ureteral reconstruction. The perioperative indicators,pathological results and postoperative complications were analyzed. The network monitoring data were collected,and the perioperative data of patients,remote system monitoring data and costs were compared between the two communication modes of optical transport network(OTN)and cloud-connect network(CCN). Results:All 59 remote surgeries were successfully completed,with a mean operative time of(138.0 ± 54.0)minutes,median intraoperative blood loss of 50.0(30.0,100.0)ml and a postoperative hospital stay of 5.0(4.0,6.0)days. No cases required reoperation,Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complications,or readmission. The geographical distance between the primary and remote surgical sites ranged from 450 to 2 800 km. Network monitoring revealed increased bidirectional latency with distance increasing:the shortest latency time(Hefei-Hangzhou,450 km)was(16.59 ± 0.80)ms,while the longest(Harbin-Hangzhou,2 200 km)latency time was(53.31 ± 0.31)ms. Average frame loss per procedure was 0?1.27 frames. The results of subgroup analysis comparing OTN and CCN communication modes showed no significant differences in operative time[(130.7 ± 70.5)minutes vs.(142.1 ± 42.9)minutes, P = 0.442],postoperative hospitalization[6.0(4.0,8.0)d vs. 5.0(4.0,6.0)d, P = 0.581],or readmission rates(0 vs. 0). However,CCN demonstrated significant cost advantages with 500 RMB per operation vs. 3 000 RMB per operation for OTN. Conclusions:Urological telesurgery using fiber-optic communication is feasible. The CCN mode,with its cost-effectiveness,excellent usability,and multi-point interconnection flexibility,is currently the preferred communication model for telesurgical applications.
8.Knockdown of PIAS3 alleviates glucose fluctuation-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in rat cardiomyocyte cell line H9c2
Yongxia CHENG ; Long YU ; Huamin LI ; Shuo ZHAO ; Yiyang ZHANG ; Guibo LIU
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(12):1593-1599
Objective To investigate the effect of PIAS3 on glucose fluctuation-induced oxidative stress and mito-chondrial dysfunction in rat cardiomyocytes.Methods H9c2 were cultured in vitro,and divided into normal glucose control group(Control),mannitol-induced osmotic pressure control group(MG),constant high glucose group(HG),intermittent hyperglycemia group(IHG),IHG+siRNA NC group,and IHG+PIAS3 siRNA group.Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8 assay.LDH release,MDA and GSH levels,as well as SOD activity,were detected using corresponding kits.Mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated via JC-1 staining combined with flow cytometry.ROS levels in cells and mitochondria were determined using DCFH-DA and MitoSOX staining,re-spectively.Protein expression of PI3K,p-PI3K,AKT,and p-AKT was analyzed by Western blot.Results Com-pared with the control group,intermittent hyperglycemia promoted oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction,significantly upregulated PIAS3 expression(P<0.001)and downregulated p-PI3K and p-AKT protein levels(P<0.001).Knockdown of PIAS3 significantly alleviated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by glucose fluctuations,and increased p-PI3K and p-AKT protein levels(P<0.001).Conclusions Knockdown of PIAS3 may alleviate glucose fluctuation-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in ratcardiomyocytes by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
9.Protective effect of graphene heating film far-infrared hyperthermia against frostbite in mice.
Jinshui ZHANG ; Shuo LI ; Dongdong WEI ; Xin CHENG ; Yun DENG ; Youzhi ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(3):522-530
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the protective effects of graphene heating film far-infrared (FIR) hyperthermia therapy against frostbite in mice and its impacts on microcirculation and coagulation function.
METHODS:
Seventy-six C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control, model, graphene-FIR, and carbon fiber-FIR groups. After 7-day FIR intervention (4 h/day), the mice were subjected to acute (4 ℃, 4 h) and intermittent (4 ℃, 4 h/day for 3 days) cold exposure and the changes in rectal temperature were monitored. In liquid nitrogen frostbite experiment, 24 ICR mice were divided into model, graphene-FIR, and carbon fiber-FIR groups, and after a 7-day FIR pretreatment (4 h/day), the liquid nitrogen frostbite models were established and apparent scores of the wounds were assessed on days 3 and 6 after modeling. In carrageenan-induced thrombosis experiment, 40 ICR mice were allocated to control, model, graphene-FIR, carbon fiber-FIR, and prazosin groups to test the effect of a 7-day FIR intervention on thrombosis induced by intraperitoneal carrageenan injection (2.5 mg/kg) by measuring thrombus length, blood perfusion, and serum biomarkers (6-keto-PGF1α, TXB2, t-PA, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF‑α) 24 h after the injection.
RESULTS:
The mice in graphene-FIR group showed significantly elevated rectal temperature in cold exposure tests. In mice with liquid nitrogen-induced frostbite, graphene-FIR treatment significantly reduced the wound scores and reduced frostbite area, producing better effects than carbon fiber. In mice with carrageenan-induced thrombosis, graphene-FIR treatment significantly decreased tail thrombosis length and thrombosis area, increased blood perfusion, lowered serum levels of TXB2, TNF-α and IL-6, and increased the levels of 6-keto-PGF1α and t-PA.
CONCLUSIONS
Graphene heating film FIR therapy can alleviate frostbite injury in mice by improving microcirculation, suppressing thrombosis and inflammatory responses, and reducing coagulation dysfunction.
Animals
;
Frostbite/therapy*
;
Graphite
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Mice
;
Infrared Rays
;
Mice, Inbred ICR
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Hyperthermia, Induced/methods*
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Male
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Microcirculation
10.Prediction of Pharmacoresistance in Drug-Naïve Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Using Ictal EEGs Based on Convolutional Neural Network.
Yiwei GONG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Yuanzhi YANG ; Shuo ZHANG ; Ruifeng ZHENG ; Xin LI ; Xiaoyun QIU ; Yang ZHENG ; Shuang WANG ; Wenyu LIU ; Fan FEI ; Heming CHENG ; Yi WANG ; Dong ZHOU ; Kejie HUANG ; Zhong CHEN ; Cenglin XU
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(5):790-804
Approximately 30%-40% of epilepsy patients do not respond well to adequate anti-seizure medications (ASMs), a condition known as pharmacoresistant epilepsy. The management of pharmacoresistant epilepsy remains an intractable issue in the clinic. Its early prediction is important for prevention and diagnosis. However, it still lacks effective predictors and approaches. Here, a classical model of pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) was established to screen pharmacoresistant and pharmaco-responsive individuals by applying phenytoin to amygdaloid-kindled rats. Ictal electroencephalograms (EEGs) recorded before phenytoin treatment were analyzed. Based on ictal EEGs from pharmacoresistant and pharmaco-responsive rats, a convolutional neural network predictive model was constructed to predict pharmacoresistance, and achieved 78% prediction accuracy. We further found the ictal EEGs from pharmacoresistant rats have a lower gamma-band power, which was verified in seizure EEGs from pharmacoresistant TLE patients. Prospectively, therapies targeting the subiculum in those predicted as "pharmacoresistant" individual rats significantly reduced the subsequent occurrence of pharmacoresistance. These results demonstrate a new methodology to predict whether TLE individuals become resistant to ASMs in a classic pharmacoresistant TLE model. This may be of translational importance for the precise management of pharmacoresistant TLE.
Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/diagnosis*
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Animals
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Drug Resistant Epilepsy/drug therapy*
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Electroencephalography/methods*
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Rats
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Anticonvulsants/pharmacology*
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Neural Networks, Computer
;
Male
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Humans
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Phenytoin/pharmacology*
;
Adult
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Female
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Young Adult
;
Convolutional Neural Networks

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