Showing 11 results for Zarei
Seyed Amir Yazdanparast, Seyedeh Shahrzad Mahdavi Nezarati, Fariba Heshmati, Samira Jahangiri, Zohreh Zarei,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (12 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Candida species are among the most common causes of opportunistic fungal diseases. Among Candida species, Candida albicans is responsible for most infections. Having many strains, C.albicans is highly polymorph. C. dubliniensis is very similar to albicans species both morphologically and physiologically. For an infection to occur, cell wall proteins play an important role as they enable yeasts to adhere to host cells and begin pathogenesis. Therefore, we decided to extract these proteins and examine them through molecular methods of protein analysis. Finally we came up with the idea of a modified staining in our analysis.
Materials and Methods: Initially cell wall proteins of two C. albicansstrains (CBS 562 & PTCC6027) and one C. dubliniensis strain (CBS 7987) were extracted by using a solution of beta-mercaptoethanol and ammonium carbonate. After dialysis, SDS gel electrophoresis was performed on the protein extract. Bands were then visualized by using three different staining methods among which one method was modified by us.
Results: By using Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining method, proteins with molecular weight of 42, 66.2 and 200 kDa were detected. By using Silver staining method, proteins with molecular weight of 21.5, 28.5 and 37 kDa were detected. However, using combined staining methods visualized more bands resulting improved detection.
Conclusion: To answer many questions about fungal diseases, fungi cell wall proteins are necessary to be examined. A simple method to enhance such molecular studies is the use of a modified staining method that combines both Coomassie Brilliant Blue and Silver staining.
Ehsan Zarei, Seyed Mahmud Ghazi Tabatabai, Abbas Rahimi Forushani, Arash Rashidiyan, Mohammad Arab,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (12 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Over the past decade, the number of private centers providing health care services in Iran has had a continuous growth and the highly competitive market in private hospitals industry has caused increasing pressure on them to provide services with a higher quality. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of services being provided in private hospitals of Tehran as judged by patients.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010 in Tehran. The study sample comprised 983 patients, randomly selected from 8 private hospitals. The survey instrument was the standard SERVQUAL questionnaire. Wilcoxon, t-test, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analyses.
Results: The total mean scores of patients' expectation and perception were 4.92 and 4.02, respectively. The highest figures were related to the tangible factors dimension and the lowest ones to the empathy dimension. The differences between the perception and expectation for all the 22 items and the 5 dimensions were found to be statistically significant(p< 0.001).
Conclusion: SERVQUAL is valid and reliable in hospital settings as a standard tool for the assessment of quality. The results of the present study have revealed the areas that need to be improved as far as the patients are concerned. Measuring the opinion of patients can help facilitate the provision of hospital services, and improve the quality of such services and patients' satisfaction.
Roohollah Askari, Reza Goudarzi, Hossein Fallahzadeh, Bahareh Zarei, Arefeh Dehqani Tafti,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (7 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Paying attention to efficiency of cost and performance in hospitals as the largest and the most costly performing unit of the health care systems is very crucial. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of hospitals related to Yazd University of Medical Sciences (YUMS).
Materials and Methods: In this study, the efficiency of Hospitals of YUMS was assessed by Data Envelopment Analysis method during years 2000- 2008. The variables were of two types: output variables including the percentage of occupied beds, inpatient days and the number of surgical procedures and input variables were number of active beds, nurses, medical staff and other personnel. The data was analyzed using Deap2.1 software.
Results: Average of technical, management and scale efficiency of hospitals was 0.958, 0.986 and 0.963 respectively. We concluded that the capacity of efficiency promotion in hospitals is increasable up to 5%. In addition, the nurses as one of the most important input variables, had the most apparent slack inputs.
Conclusion: Although the level of efficiency was optimal and there was little unused capacity for increasing efficiency in hospitals, however, managers should plan to increase the efficiency. Finally, assessing the effect of variables such as service quality and patient satisfaction on hospitals efficiency is recommended.
Solmaz Basiri , Roshanak Daie Ghazvini , Seyed Jamal Hashemi, Seyed Hossein Mirhendi , Mohsen Geramishoar, Zabihollah Zareie,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Identification of possible animal sources of infection is
applied for preventing the outbreak and progressive epidemics of infection. The
aim of present study is isolation of pathogenic and opportunistic fungi from the
skin of ownership dogs with emphasize on transmission risk of fungal zoonoses in
rural areas of Meshkin Shahr, Ardebil province of Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was
performed in laboratory of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran
University of Medical Sciences from April 2011 to November 2012. Hundred and
thirty dogs were studied. Collected scales and hair samples were examined by
direct smear and SC, SCC and DTM culture with the aim of full coverage of whole
fungal growth such as saprophytic and pathogenic fungi for 1-3 weeks.
Results: From 130 examined samples, Alternaria 41 (31.5%) as the most
frequent, Chaetomium 1 (0.9%) and Nattrassia 1 (0.9%) as the least frequent
saprophytic agents, were isolated from the samples.
Conclusion: The dogs in these areas are not the source of infection for
dermatophytosis and had no role in the epidemiology of the disease
Ghafur Tavakoli , Roshanak Daei, Farshad Hashemi, Mehdi Zarei, Hoda Deli, Seyed Jamal Hashemi,
Volume 9, Issue 6 (3-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In medical centers, after obtaining visceral clinical samples in suitable containers under certain circumstances, they are sent to mycology laboratory. Since sometimes it is impossible to test specimens immediately, therefore, they should be kept in the refrigerator. Thus, possibility of keeping samples, the confidently time of samples keeping in a refrigerator and the appropriate guidelines for the maintenance of visceral samples for clinical centers have a particular importance for practical purposes and are the aim of this study.
Materials and Methods: At first, the specimen was examined by KOH direct microscopic examination for detection of fungal elements. After primary culture of visceral samples on the Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol (SC) medium, the samples were sequentially placed in a refrigerator at temperature 2-8 ºc for 1, 2, 24 and 48 hs and each sample with the specific mentioned time culturing was performed on the Sabouraud dextrose agar (S) and SC media. Then the results of growth were recorded.
Results: From 100 samples, 79 samples had grown, 20 samples with lack of growth and in 1 sample reduced growth were observed.
Conclusion: After 48 hours of cold temperatures (2-8 ºc) visceral fungal clinical samples are able to grow in culture media. So samples which were not tested immediately, could be stored at temperatures 2-8 ºc in the refrigerator.
Fereydoon Azadeh, Seyed Javad Ghazi Mirsaeid, Nadia Motamedi, Mohammad Zarei,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Ranking of hospital libraries based on standard criteria and taking pattern of top libraries would improve the quality of library services. The purpose of this study was to rate hospital libraries based on LibQual criteria and Vikor model.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in a survey method. The statistical population was 3850 actual users of the library of 8 governmental hospitals (with capacities up to 320 beds) in Tehran in 2016. To achieve the goals, The LibQual questionnaire and AHP technique were used. The validity of both questionnaires has been confirmed in various studies. Cronbach's alpha coefficient greater than 70 percent For LibQual questionnaire and inconsistency rates less than one percent for Vikor questionnaire confirm the reliabilities. Data analysis was performed using the expert choice software. Ranking were done using the Vikor technique.
Results: According to three main dimensions for LibQual, "library as a place" weighing 0.379 was the first preference, and "quiet space for individual activities" weighing 0.364 was the first in this dimension too. The dimension of "information control" weighs in 0.318 at the second, and "service impact" weighs 0.303 was in the third grade. In the ranking based on the Vikor criteria, the Library of Firoozgar hospital was in the first place.
Conclusion: The library of Firoozgar hospital in Iran university of medical sciences was the forefront and could be an exemplar for the other libraries.
Minoo Shahbazi, Reza Safdari, Mohammad Zarei,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (Jun & Jul 2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The quality of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) depends on the quality of its content and proper documentation. Determining the Minimum Data Set (MDS) to enhance the quality of electronic health records’ content and helping to improve the quality of health care provision to uveitis patients are essential matters. The aim of this study is to determine the essential MDS for uveitis patients’ electronic health records.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, data collection tools for collecting the Minimum Data Set were library resources and internet-based database. The MDS was obtained through Likert scale questionnaire and was surveyed by 22 ophthalmologists and retina subspecialists.
Results: Among the elements of the survey, all cases with over 90% approval were considered as main elements. Regarding the importance of presented data elements, no significant difference was found between the responses of ophthalmologists who participated in this study.
Conclusion: The Minimum Data Set of uveitis patients’ electronic health records can be represented by five groups of demographic information: patients’ clinical records, laboratory information, type of uveitis, treatment guidelines, and the information of ophthalmic pictures. A suggested model for manual systems and electronic medical records is available.
Simin Momenzadeh, Atefeh Zarei, Phd Seyed Ali Akbar Famil Rouhany, Leila Dehghani,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (Jun & Jul 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study aimed to propose a consistent architecture to design integrated and flexible information systems for the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Technology of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (AJUMS).
Materials and Methods: This applied research employed an integrated design based on business system planning (BSP) and James Martin's model for the design of information systems. The statistical population of this study included 27 managers and experts of AJUMS Vice-Chancellorship department for Research and Technology. Data collection was carried out using structured interview, observation, and document analysis. A contrast matrix was then used for data analysis.
Results: In total, 53 processes and 60 data classes were identified. Using a multi-layered architectural model (presentation, process, data and infrastructure), the results were presented in the form of a proposed architecture. In the proposed architecture, 12 subsystems and the relationships among them were identified; such subsystems as library, research activities, sabbatical leave, conference, fellowship, publication, innovation and technology, laboratory information, theses, budget and planning, social subsystem and knowledge-management networks. The results also showed that the level of coverage of the processes, data classes, and objectives by existing information systems were 53%, 50%, and 55%, respectively, and increased to full coverage in proposed or optimal modes.
Conclusion: By identifying the required information systems, it is possible to accurately plan and successfully use these systems in this study. The results of the present study can be used to implement the architecture of information systems of Research and Technology Departments of other universities of medical sciences (UMSs) in Iran, which can have a significant effect on saving cost and time.
Ehsan Zarei, Kheyrollah Chavosh Sani, Mohammad Saadati, Soheila Khodakarim,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (Oct 2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In recent years, public trust in health system has been considered one of the performance evaluation indicators of health systems. However, most of the research on public trust in health system is related to developed countries, and research in this regard is limited in Iran. A better understanding of trust in health system and some influential factors helps to develop targeted interventions to increase trust. The present study was conducted to investigate the level of public trust in health system in Rasht County.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 680 households (510 urban and 170 rural) were included. The data collection tool was a questionnaire to measure public trust in health system with 30 items and six dimensions, whose validity and reliability were confirmed. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare and analyze the difference in public trust in health system between groups.
Results: The overall score of trust in health system was 66.7 out of 112. The highest score for the quality-of-care dimension was 16.38 out of 28, and the lowest for the cooperation quality of providers dimension was 7.47 out of 12. Among service providers, the highest trust was in nurses and specialist doctors, and the least was in traditional medicine service providers. Women, government employees, people without health insurance, people with excellent and good health status, those who had used hospital services, and those who were satisfied with the last service received had a high level of trust in the health system (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results showed that despite people’s trust in the expertise and knowledge of physicians and other providers, public trust in health system was relatively moderate, indicating deficiencies in the health system’s performance. Focusing on physician-patient communication and improving communication skills, establishing electronic records and sharing patient information between health service providers, and respecting patient rights can build greater trust in the health system.
Mohammad Jalali, Ehsan Zarei, Ali Maher, Soheila Khodakarim,
Volume 16, Issue 5 (Dec 2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the performance of hospitals were affected, and changes were made in the utilization of hospital services. Analyzing hospital performance data during the COVID-19 pandemic can provide insights into service utilization patterns and care outcomes for managers and policymakers. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on selected outcome indicators in the hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This research was descriptive-analytical and of the time series analysis type. Six outcome indicators were considered: hospitalization rate, bed occupancy rate, the average length of stay, emergency visits, laboratory tests, and imaging requests. Related data from 12 affiliated hospitals from 2017-2019 (pre-COVID) and 2020 (post-COVID) were obtained from the hospital's intelligent management system. The data were analyzed using R software's interrupted time series analysis method.
Results: The hospitalization rate (P=0.015), bed occupancy rate (P=0.04), and the number of laboratory tests (P=0.003) significantly increased immediately after the outbreak of the pandemic. In contrast, emergency visits (P=0.034) have significantly decreased. The bed occupancy rate and the number of imaging requests showed no significant change. The decrease in emergency room visits within one year after the pandemic was significant, but the changes in other outcome indicators were non-significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Understanding the changes and impact of a major event on hospital outcome indicators is necessary for decision-makers to effectively plan for resource allocation and effective pandemic response. The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a change in performance and hospital outcomes by affecting the supply and demand of services. In a year after the pandemic's beginning, except for emergency visits, the other indicators have not experienced significant changes. Preservation of essential services such as emergency room visits is recommended in the strategy of rapid response to an epidemic outbreak and public campaigns to encourage people to seek medical care if needed in future waves of the pandemic.
Rahil Nahari, Saeed Hashemzadeh, Ehsan Zarei,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (Feb 2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Medical tourism refers to travel for receiving health services abroad. The COVID-19 crisis affected a wide range of tourism-related businesses, including medical tourism, and caused a decrease in the supply and demand of health services in this market. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Medical Tourism in Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran in 2021. The data used in this study were extracted from the information system of the Ministry of Health from 2018 to 2021, which includes the number, origin, and destination of medical tourists, per capita revenue, and monthly revenue two years before and one and a half years after the COVID-19 pandemic. For data analysis, t-tests of independent groups and interrupted time series regression were used in SPSS and EViews 10 software.
Results: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a 42% decrease in the average monthly number of medical tourists, a 45% decrease in the monthly revenue, and a 10% decrease in the per capita income per tourist (P<0.05). The arrival of medical tourists from the Republic of Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Iraq, and Oman has decreased by more than 80%, and the largest decrease in the number of tourists has been related to Ahvaz, Urmia, Tabriz, and Shiraz. In all diagnostic groups except obstetrics and gynecology, there has been a decrease between 50 to 70% The declining trend of medical tourism indicators was stopped in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued as a constant trend.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 crisis has hurt the number of international patients and their revenue in Iran. Relative success in controlling COVID-19 can return to a pre-pandemic situation that requires appropriate policies and administrative measures by government and industry players, such as policies to facilitate patient entry, marketing measures, branding and creating a positive image of the country to potential clients, use of telemedicine facilities for consultations and follow-up, etc.
