A Hardware-Software System for Accurate Segmentation of Phonocardiogram Signal.

Background: Phonocardiogram (PCG) signal provides valuable information for diagnosing heart diseases. However, its applications in quantitative analyses of heart function are limited because the interpretation of this signal is difficult. A key step in quantitative PCG is the identification of the first and second sounds (S1 and S2) in this signal.

Artificial Intelligence Functionalities During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led us to use virtual solutions and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Recent studies have clearly demonstrated the role of AI in health care and medical practice; however, a comprehensive review can identify potential yet not fulfilled functionalities of such technologies in pandemics. Therefore, this scoping review study aims at assessing AI functionalities in the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022.

Can anthropometric indices predict the chance of hypertension? A multicentre cross-sectional study in Iran.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence of hypertension (HTN), and determine the relationship between HTN and anthropometric indices including fat distribution, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in Shiraz Heart Study.

Setting: In this cross-sectional study, subjects were enrolled in 25 clinics in Shiraz. I.

Colorectal stenting for management of acute malignant bowel obstruction in advanced colorectal cancer in Iran.

Introduction: Enteral stenting is used increasingly as a palliative treatment of gastrointestinal malignant or non-malignant obstructions. This aim of this study was to evaluate the role of endoscopic stent implantation for palliation of acute colorectal cancer obstruction in critical patients.

Methods: This study was performed prospectively with 8 patients suffering clinical manifestations of acute bowel obstruction with severe co-morbid diseases that caused them to be inoperable.

Antispasmodic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Thymus vulgaris on the guinea-pig ileum.

The effects of Thymus vulgaris hydroalcoholic extract on the contractile responses of the isolated guinea-pig ileum were investigated. Contraction changes in the terminal ileum of guinea pigs were monitored using a force displacement transducer amplifier connected to a physiograph. Thymus vulgaris extract inhibited the contractile responses in a dose-dependent manner and also decreased the amplitude of peristaltic waves.

Opium addiction as a new risk factor of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

Background: Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) refers to an abnormality of SO contractility. It is a benign, non-calculus obstruction to the flow of bile or pancreatic juice through the pancreaticobiliary junction. Although morphine can cause an excitatory effect on SO motility, there are no comprehensive data about opium as a risk factor in inducing SOD in chronic opium abusers.

Antimotility effect of hydroalcoholic extract of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) on the guinea-pig ileum.

The use of medicinal herbs among the general population gives rise to the possibility of therapeutic or toxic effects in patients that use these plants. The effects of Achillea millefolium hydroalcoholic extract on the contractile responses of the isolated guinea-pig ileum were investigated. The effect of the Achillea millefolium extracts at five concentrations ranging form 0.

Role of clinical presentation in diagnosing reflux-related non-cardiac chest pain.

Introduction: Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) presents as a frequent diagnostic challenge, with patients tending to use a disproportionate level of health-care resources. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most frequent cause of NCCP. Thus the typical symptoms of reflux, such as heartburn and regurgitation, when present as predominant symptoms are quite specific for diagnosing GERD but in patients with NCCP the clinical diagnosis of reflux is difficult, and invasive methods or the omeprazole test are required for its detection.

Azithromycin in one week quadruple therapy for H pylori eradication in Iran.

Aim: To investigate eradication rates, patient compliance and tolerability of a 1-wk Azithromycin-based quadruple therapy versus the 2-wk conventional therapy.

Methods: A total of 129 H pylori-positive patients were randomized to either omeprazole 20 mg, bismuth subcitrate 240 mg, azithromycin 250 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg, all twice daily for 1-wk (B-OAzM) or omeprazole 20 mg, bismuth subcitrate 240 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, and metronidazole 500 mg all twice daily for 2-wk (B-OAM). H pylori infection was defined at entry by histology and rapid urease test and cure of infection was determined by negative urea breath test.

Cancer occurrence in old age: Results of a population-based cancer registry in Semnan, Iran.

Introduction: The proportion of elderly persons has increased in most countries during the last few decades, and will increase further in the coming years. A population-based study was here carried out to clarify the site-specific cancer-incidence rates in old age in Iran.

Aims And Methods: A comprehensive search was undertaken to survey and register all new cancer cases during a 5-year (1998-2002) period among the indigenous population of Semnan Province aged 65 years or over.

Prospective evaluation of a new "paper urease test" for ultra-rapid detection of Helicobacter pylori.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of a newly developed paper urease test (PUT) for ultra-rapid detection of helicobacter pylori (HP) in gastric mucosa.

Material/methods: 100 patients (43 men) with a mean age of 57+/-6.8 years participated.

Cancer occurrence in Semnan Province, Iran: results of a population-based cancer registry.

Introduction: suitable information of different cancers in special geographic areas can help define medical programs for treatment and screening of high-risk groups.

Aims And Methods: The provincial health authority reported a high mortality rate from upper GI cancer in the center of Iran. A comprehensive search was undertaken to survey and register all cases of cancer during a 5-year (1998-2002) period among the indigenous population of Semnan Province.

Role of overnight rifampin test in diagnosing Gilbert's syndrome.

Background: Gilbert's syndrome (GS) is the most common inherited disorder of bilirubin metabolism. Recent data show that the rifampin test can be used as a diagnostic test but there is controversy about its effect on bilirubin level in normal individuals. We studied the effect of administration of rifampin on serum bilirubin level in patients with GS and in healthy individuals.