In this study, gonad structure and oogenesis of ghost crab were studied based on macroscopic and microscopic analyses from January 2016 to February 2017. Female crabs were collected from sandy beach of Salahk port, Qeshm Island, monthly. In the laboratory, the crabs’ ovaries were dissected and prepared for histology. Based on external and morphological features, gonad developmental stages were investigated and afterwards each stage was microscopically described. According to the results, six ovarian developmental stages were recognized including: stage I: immature, stage II: rudimentary, stage III: developing, stage IV: intermediate, stage V: advanced, stage VI: spent. During oogenesis, the number of oocytes in secondary growth increased in the ovaries which was associated with a change in coloration and increase in the gonad volume. Oocytes growth process was classified in six stages: early primary growth, late primary growth, early secondary growth, mid-secondary growth, late secondary growth, and full-growth. According to results, shaping of perinuclear yolk complex observed just in late primary growth stage. Furthermore, starting of second growth was simultaneous to appearing of yolk globules in ooplasm. Also, most of oocytes were visible as light pink in full-Grown stage.

Heavy metals in aquatic environments are non-biodegradable and, due to their persistence and accumulation in the food chain, have become an increasing concern for aquatic organisms, including crustaceans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioaccumulation of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) in the soft tissues of the ghost crab (Ocypode rotundata) and in sediments from sandy shores of Chabahar Bay and the Oman Sea, and to compare the measured concentrations with international standards. Samples were collected from three stations: the Konarak Desalination Plant, Crab Island, and the beach adjacent to the Martian Mountains tourism complex. Following chemical digestion, heavy metal concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy and expressed as micrograms per gram of dry weight. The pattern of heavy metal accumulation in the soft tissues of the ghost crab was recorded as Cu > Ni > Zn, and statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the mean metal concentrations among the sampling stations. The concentrations of zinc and copper in crab soft tissues at all stations were below the recommended standard limits, whereas nickel concentrations exceeded the permissible limits established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The minimum and maximum concentrations of metals in sediment samples (μg/g dry weight) were 2.13–16.21 for zinc, 1.16–3.16 for copper, and 38.4–54.6 for nickel. Zinc and copper concentrations in sediments were below the sediment quality guidelines of the United States (NOAA) and Canada (CCME), while nickel concentrations exceeded these standards. These findings highlight the need for increased attention to environmental management and stricter control of pollution sources entering Chabahar Bay and the Oman Sea.

In this study burrowing behavior of Ocypode rotundata investigated on southwest beaches of Qeshm Island, Persian Gulf, Iran, from February 2015 to January 2016. 9 shapes were recognized which included: single tube burrows, J-shaped, y-shaped with a short branch, yshaped, spiral burrow, complex burrows, anchor-shaped, J-shaped with two branches, yshaped with two branches. According to results, single tube burrows, J-shaped, y-shaped and spiral burrow observed in all of seasons whilst, complex burrows observed just during spring to summer. Distribution of burrows occurred in foreshore and backshore studied zone. With crossing of foreshore to backshore, diameter, length and depth of burrows increased while, abundance of burrows showed reduction in number. On the other hand, results showed that male crabs would like to dig J-shaped, spiral and complex burrows. Conversely, built yshaped burrows in female crabs were more than male crabs. However, crabs of both sexes were found in single tube burrow with similar proportion in the present study.

This research aims to study the reproduction cycle in Ghost crab (Ocypode saratan) (Weber, 1795) in sand of Park station beach in the intertidal zone of Chabahar Bay. Monthly sampling lasted for a year from December 2006 to December 2007 using trap (230*110*90 cm) along of the intertidal zone. Finally, total 585 samples were collected to biometry and gonads macroscopic study. Also Granulometer investigation in beach soil expressed that the species chosen optional measurable coast granule for nest place were denned in soils equable sand with 75-180 micrometer diameter. Sex ratio was assigned M: F 0/44:0/56. Also minimum carapace width in centimeter of female during the first of maturation Ocypode saraten has been determined LM50:3/77 in Park area. Review on GSI and that relation with temperature and salinity showed this crab have been spawned in two periods that maximum in spring premier than autumn.

The genus Ocypode is represented by 21 species worldwide and the distribution regions of these species are the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Indo-Western Pacific Ocean (Sakai and Tü rkay, 2013). These crabs which have extensive dispersal along sandy-beach ecosystems are of high importance because of their roles as both predators and beach scavengers to maintain the health of their habitats (Wolcott, 1978; Brown and McLachlan, 2006). When existence of ocypodid crabs living on beaches was examined carefully and comprehensively, it was determined that they possess the ability of being important indicator organisms for the assessment of anthropogenic impacts on sandy beaches (Barros, 2001)....

Study oncrustaceans especially crabs is a suitable method for the study of marine polluted by heavy metals due to their high stability bioaccumulation in fish tissues can be taken to different levels of the food and ultimately human and thus it causes to dangerous consequences of these metals pollution. In this research, the levels of heavy metals in gill and muscle tissues of the crab Ocypode saratan were measured. Sampling of crabs carried out in the Chabahar beaches at five stations including: Shahid Beheshti, Tiss, Parak, Jazireh Kharchang and Pozem. To extract heavy metals from the tissues, the method of chemical wet digestion was used and the determination of heavy metals concentrations was done using atomic absorption scheme (AAS) in March 2013.Results of this study showed that the mean levels of mercury, nickel, chromium, cobalt, lead and cadmium in lobster gill tissue samples collected from different stations were1.52 ± 0.20, 0.99 ± 0.13, 0.52 ± 0.05, 0.25 ± 0.03, 0.71 ± 0.08 and 0.29 ± 0.04 ppm on a dry weight basis, respectively. And also in muscle tissue were0.91 ± 0.14, 0.12 ± 0.01, 0.24 ± 0.05, 0.06 ± 0.01, 0.25 ± 0.05 and 0.07 ± 0.03 ppm on a dry weight basis, respectively. Comparison of heavy metals like mercury, nickel and lead in lobster gill tissue sampled from different stations showed significant difference. Mercury in lobster muscle tissue showed significantly difference in different stations. (p<0.05). In this research, the mean concentrations of heavy metals were minimum in muscle tissue and were maximum in gill tissue. The results showed that the amount of mercury and nickel in lobster muscle tissue were higher in comparison to World Health Organization (WHO) standards and the amount of lead and cadmium were lower in comparison to Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) standards, the United Kingdom Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (UKMAFF), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

The aim of this study was to compare the accumulation of heavy metals copper, zinc and cadmium and to investigate the changes of metallothionein as a biomarker of contamination in the gill tissue of the ghost crab Ocypode saratan in the two time periods before Monsoon (May) and after Monsoon (November) in mongrove forests. Chabahar and Gwater Bay was done in 2019. The results of the study showed that in both pre-Monsoon and post-Monsoon seasons the pattern of metal accumulation in the gill tissue of the ghost crab is zinc> copper> cadmium. The mean concentrations of copper, zinc and cadmium were obtained in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons at Chabahar station, 173. 6 ± 3. 83, 186. 43 ± 3. 1, 0. 095 ± 0. 008, respectively and 156. 7± 4. 15، 175. 13 ± 2. 8, 0. 026 ± 0. 003 and in Gwater station the average concentrations of copper, zinc, cadmium in the two pre-Monsoon and post-Monsoon seasons were respectively 237. 03 ± 6. 4, 231. 8 ± 1. 8, 0. 048 ± 0. 003 and 205. 9 ± 6. 34, 253. 2 ± 2. 13, 0. 037 ± 0. 015 μ g/g dry weight. The mean levels of metallothionein in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season in Chabahar station were 2. 02 ± 0. 01 and 0. 1 ± 0. 06, respectively, and in goiter station were 2 ± 0. 02 and 0. 12 ± 0. 02, respectively. Comparison of metallothionein levels between Chabahar and Gwater stations was not significant (P<0. 05). But in both stations separately between the two pre-Monsoon and post-Monsoon seasons, there was a significant difference (P<0. 05). Correlation between metallothionein and metals showed that there was no correlation between metallothionein and the studied metals. Therefore, according to the observations, changes in the concentration of metallothionein in this species are not affected by heavy metals and can be due to changes in the environmental conditions of the seasons.

This study examines the revitalization of mining ghost towns (MGTs) through heritage tourism, focusing on sustainability and heritage preservation. The study highlights the transformative potential of heritage tourism in revitalizing these towns, highlighting the economic resilience achieved through diversified local economies and responsible tourism practices. Cultural preservation ensures the endurance of unique identities and cultural legacies, sparking community pride and cultural exchange. Sustainability measures extend beyond heritage preservation, promoting environmental stewardship and long-term ecological well-being. Community engagement, educational initiatives, and responsible tourism practices are crucial in sustaining the heritage of these towns. The implications extend beyond individual communities, offering a model for responsible and sustainable tourism practices with global relevance. The significance of revitalizing MGTs through heritage tourism lies in preserving history, empowering communities, and creating vibrant, sustainable destinations for generations.

Calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) is a unique odontogenic lesion with combined features of a cyst and neoplasm. This lesion shows a great diversity in its clinicopathological behavior. It may become aggressive and rarely malignant. This case is an aggressive COC of the maxilla in a young male patient which recurred after several radical surgical excisions. Eventually invading the cranium, the lesion neither responded to surgical excision nor to radiotherapy.