JOURNAL OF MARINE MEDICINE
Year:2020 | Volume:2 | Issue:2|Papers Count:8

In recent years, there have been some reports of seawater discoloration in the coastal part of the Persian Gulf. Red tide is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to the proliferation, growth and accumulation of phytoplankton and their dense aggregation in water and as a result, the color of the water turns red. Red tides are not necessarily always red, and this term is more closely related to the nature of the blooms phenomenon. In recent decades, the Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) has increased in the coastal waters of the world, endangering human health and marine ecosystems. Approximately 75% of HABs species are “ dinoflagellates” and many of their toxic species produce resistant cysts. The transport of dinoflagellate cysts in the ballast water of ships is the main method of its transport and the global increase of HABs. Also, strong winds, coastal upwelling currents, heavy rains, fertilizer application and some physical and chemical factors such as changes in salinity, temperature and pollution are effective in the occurrence of this phenomenon. So far, no specific method has been identified to prevent the red tides phenomenon. Also, the duration of its occurrence, the time of its disappearance and the new place of its occurrence are not predictable. The effect of red tide on aquatic and human life is important and can be studied. HABs cause toxins and poisoning in humans, fish and other aquatic animals. The health of scuba divers is threatened and the food basket of the people on the shores is destroyed. The socio-economic consequences of the red tide on the breeding, fishing and tourism industry and wildlife are significant.

Fungal infections, especially superficial and cutaneous forms (dermatophytes) are of great public health importance due to the possibility of transmission from people to others, especially where people live in groups. Lack of knowledge about how to prevent the transmission of these diseases can cause them to be transmitted to numerous people and carry a large financial burden and even significantly reduce the efficiency of people. Therefore, informing different segments of society about the prevalence of fungal diseases, ways and symptoms of its infection, ways to prevent its transmission to others and necessary measures in case of infection, can play a significant role in promoting public health. Dermatophyte infections are one of the most important health problems in the world and affect millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that 10-20% of people will develop these infections in their lifetime. The distribution of these infections varies in different countries in the world and it is more prevalent in developing countries than in industrialized countries. So far, more than 40 species of dermatophytes have been identified, which are classified into three genera: Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton. Dermatophytosis infection has several clinical forms that are classified according to the location of the infection; fungal infection of the feet, arms, legs, trunk, hands, palm and groin area, the scalp and hair the fingernails and toenails, and the nail bed. In addition to dermatophytes, other filamentous fungi can cause superficial and cutaneous infections. Yeasts such as Candida can also cause superficial and cutaneous infections. These diseases always cause problems such as pain, discomfort, disability, time consuming and high treatment costs. To combat dermatophytosis, it is necessary to know the regional dermatophytes and the extent of their spread, and also having instructions for the prevention of fungal diseases that its implementation can be effective in reducing these diseases.

Background and Aim: In crises and accidents, sometimes due to various reasons, such as road destruction, road and street traffic, crowded roads, lack or absence of fuel and the impossibility of vehicle traffic, medical staff cannot travel to the scene or crisis point with conventional vehicles. They have to use special vehicles, one of which can be a bicycle. In the present study, for the first time in Iran, a bicycle ambulance is designed. Methods: The present applied study was conducted in 2016, in Marine Medicine Research Center, Tehran, Iran. The experiences of the research team of the Marine Medicine Research Center and the expert panel opinions were used to collect data. In choosing the right bike, strength, lightness, reasonable price, good maneuverability, ease of use and domestic production were taken into account. Then, the portable medical contents in the back and front pouches of the bicycle, the size and material of the pouches, the package and the relief bags for installation in the bicycle pouches were determined in the expert panels. Results: Bicycles made in Iran were selected from light and strong aluminum furnaces with soft auxiliaries and a smooth and suitable gear system. Two bags on the front of the bike were chosen to accommodate light but bulky medical equipment. Equipment such as ambobags, splints, catheter tubes and serum were placed in these two bags. The larger back bag contained small examination, sutures, dressings, catheters, injections and serum therapy bags as well as medications. Also, communication equipment was placed in the back bag. Conclusion: In the present study, as a pilot, an Iranian bicycle ambulance was designed to provide assistance to patients and injured people at maritime bases, piers and islands, as well as critical situations. In this study, both the selection of bicycles and medical equipment and how to install them were considered.

Background and Aim: One of the threats to the health of people who visit the tropical waters and ecosystems near the Persian Gulf is the presence of poisonous and venomous marine animals in these areas. The aim of this study was to identify the poisonous and venomous marine animals dangerous to the health of seafarers in the area between the inter-tidal zone and the coastal waters of the Persian Gulf. Methods: In this study during 2018, mud and rocky sand habitats in the inter-tidal zone and shallow coastal waters (with a depth of less than one meter) around Qeshm Island, Persian Gulf, Iran have monitored to investigate the diversity of poisonous and venomous marine animals that can be dangerous to human health. Results: The phonetic information of two important groups of poisonous and venomous marine animals including ray fish and cone shells were presented. A total of three species of cone shells were reported in the area: Conus coronatus (65%), Conus frigidus (7%), and Conus pennaceus (28%). Simpson’ s diversity index for these three species of cone shells was equal to SDI-1=0. 49, which indicates the lack of high dominant of these populations in the region. All cone shells were collected from rocky-sandy beaches and their frequency was higher in the cold season than warm season. Although stings are present in many ray fishes, the species of the four families are responsible for most human bites. These four families are Dasyatidae, Gymnuridae, Myliobatidae and Rhinopteridae which were often observed in the warm season on the coast of Qeshm Island. Conclusion: the inter-tidal zone and shallow coastal waters (less than one meter deep) in the Persian Gulf is a habitat for poisonous and venomous marine animals such as ray fish and cone shells that can bite humans and inject venom into the body and cause health problems. This potential danger can be partially alleviated by educating individuals and forces on how to deal with these poisonous and venomous marine animals.

Background and Aim: Today, more than 350 species of sharks are known in world waters. More than 60 species of sharks are recorded in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Statistics show that Iran is one of the countries that has suffered the most damage from shark attacks on people and divers. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of trauma caused by shark attacks in the Persian Gulf, the quality of injuries and ways to help and treat the injured. Methods: In order to collect data for the present descriptive study, the data available in reputable marine centers in the Hormozgan province was used. Unstructured interviews were conducted with a number of divers and medical staff on the shores of the Persian Gulf. Divers and people who encountered sharks in the Persian Gulf region also received information about sharks and their attacks. To prepare statistics on shark attacks in the Persian Gulf from 2001 to 2011, referring to the National Center for Persian Gulf Studies and the Fisheries Research Center in southern Iran was done. Results: From 2001 to 2011, about 85 shark attacks occurred in the Persian Gulf, of which 12 resulted in death. The age of the victims of shark attacks was mostly between 20-30 years. Statistically, the most attacked sharks were tiger sharks, leopard sharks, cow sharks, bignose sharks and white sharks. Invaders shark in the Persian Gulf region were 2 meters or more in length. Sharks attack in the Persian Gulf region have occurred mostly at a depth of 0-2 meters and in waters that had a temperature between 15-17 degrees Celsius. To rescue people who have been harmed by a shark attack; prevention of bleeding and use of artificial respiration in case of respiratory failure, rapid delivery of the injured to the hospital, rapid injection of blood or plasma and regular monitoring of pulse and blood pressure, immobilization and avoid drinking any liquid is recommended. Conclusion: The present study showed that shark attacks in the Persian Gulf are a potential threat to divers and sailors. Therefore, it is very important to identify the types of sharks in this area and also to provide rescue and treatment strategies for the injured.

Background and Aim: Hyperlipidemia is a potential threat to the health of all members of society. There are several factors that contribute to hyperlipidemia, including work environment, occupation, and lifestyle that should be considered. The present study for the first time in Iran aimed to determine the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in Iranian sailors in 2018. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 274 Iranian sailors during 2018. To collect data, the standard health assessment questionnaire of the Iranian Ministry of Health was used. Demographic characteristics including age, sex, marital status, level of education, physical activity, height and weight were recorded. To assess the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL; 5 ml of fasting blood samples were taken from sailors. Results: The mean age of 274 Iranian sailors was 41. 3± 7. 9 years (range 29 to 58 years). Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were reported being higher than normal in 37. 6%, 32. 6%, and 49. 4% of sailors, respectively, and HDL cholesterol was lower than normal in 28. 5% of sailors. There was a correlation between high BMI (0. 155), abdominal obesity (0. 244) and low physical activity (0. 101) with hypertriglyceridemia. Conclusion: The high prevalence of hyperlipidemia in Iranian sailors indicates the need for effective measures to raise awareness, improve the lifestyle and prevent risk factors for non-communicable diseases in these individuals.

Background and Aim: Mental health in people working in military centers, especially sailors, is closely related to job performance, as previous studies have shown high levels of depression and anxiety in them. The aim of this study was to determine the cognitive emotion regulation strategies to reduce depression and anxiety in Iranian sailors. Methods: The method of this research is descriptive-correlational, in which 150 people were selected as a sample from the Iranian sailors in 2018. Three cognitive emotion regulation questionnaires (CERQ), Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used to collect data. Results: There was a statistically significant correlation between the four variables of self-blame, other blame, rumination and catastrophic thinking with depression and anxiety. Multivariate regression also showed that the correlation coefficient between cognitive emotion regulation strategies with depression and anxiety are 0. 574 and 0. 507, respectively, ie there is a moderate correlation. Conclusion: It can be concluded that cognitive emotion regulation strategies (self-blame, other blame, rumination and catastrophic thinking) predict depression and anxiety in Iranian sailors.