per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 1 7 article Khadijeh Eskandari kha_esk@yahoo.com 1 Radiation Sciences Research Center, System Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Any substance that enters the body through various routes such as inhalation, injection, or ingestion and disrupts normal physiological functions is defined as a toxin. Chemical weapons are tools or toxic substances used to target humans or other living organisms. Upon direct contact of these substances with any part of a living body, contamination occurs, leading to the development of general or agent-specific diseases. These substances may be deployed in solid, liquid, or gaseous forms. In other words, chemical agents are compounds that, when effectively applied against humans, animals, or plants, result in death or significant permanent or temporary damage to their biological structures. Poisoning of military personnel is one of the serious and sensitive issues in the fields of military law and occupational health. When a soldier experiences poisoning during service, proving the incident and determining responsibility are of great importance. The abduction of 11 personnel from the Mirjaveh Border Regiment, their poisoning through contaminated food by the terrorist group “Jaish al-Zulm,” and their transfer to Pakistan is an example of anti-security terrorist activities in Iran. Therefore, environmental and food health monitoring in military centers is of critical importance. The use of various sensors, including physical, chemical, and biological sensors, to neutralize terrorist objectives is inevitable.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-537-en.pdf Toxins Monitoring Military Sensor per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 8 11 article Amirhossein Yadolahi 1 Hamid Babavalian 2 Applied Biotechnology Research Center, New Health Technologies Institute , Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Full-thickness burn wounds, especially when infected with resistant pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, pose a major challenge in clinical treatment. These wounds significantly delay the healing process and increase medical costs. The current study investigated the synergistic effect of a biocompatible nanohydrogel based on polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan enriched with Moringa oleifera extract, in combination with high-intensity interval training (HIIT), on the acceleration of wound healing in a rat model. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, monotherapy (either the nanohydrogel or HIIT alone), and combination therapy. Healing indicators, including wound contraction, angiogenesis, epithelialization, and collagen deposition, were evaluated on days7,14, and21 post-intervention. Results showed that the combination therapy group exhibited the fastest and most complete wound healing process. This group outperformed the others in terms of wound contraction, angiogenesis, and organized collagen deposition. The integration of the active nanohydrogel with HIIT, as an innovative approach, not only enhances the speed of healing but also improves the quality of tissue regeneration. This strategy has the potential to reduce treatment duration and alleviate the economic burden on the healthcare system. Such a combination could serve as a novel option for the management of complex wounds.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-538-en.pdf Skin Burn Biopolymer hydrogel Chitosan-moringa Exercise per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 12 16 article Behzad Bazgir Behzadabazgir@yahoo.com 1 Mahmoud Salesi 2 Abolfazl Shakibaei 3 Reza Nahovi 4 Exercise Physiology Research Center, Lifestyle Research Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran In addition to the loss of life, COVID-19 has placed an unprecedented strain on the country's health system and economy. Findings from a new cross-sectional study in Iran show that higher levels of physical activity (especially structured physical activity) are associated with a significantly reduced risk of hospitalization and death from the disease. The prevalence of physical inactivity and unhealthy lifestyles in Iran is a major risk factor for severe COVID-19. The restrictions during the pandemic have also exacerbated physical inactivity. Patients with COVID-19 who had higher levels of physical activity, especially in the field of exercise, were less likely to need hospitalization and had a higher chance of survival if hospitalized. This association was not as strong for occupational or leisure-time physical activity. Integrating "physical activity prescription" and "lifestyle counseling" at different levels of COVID-19 prevention (primary, secondary, tertiary). This should be achieved through a review of clinical protocols, health workforce training programs, and national awareness campaigns.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-539-en.pdf COVID-19 Physical activity Exercise Hospitalization Mortality Health policy Lifestyle per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 17 21 article Mohammad Hadi Baghersad Hadibaghersad@bmsu.ac.ir 1 Applied Biotechnology Research Center, New Health Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Organophosphate (OP) poisoning, as a triple-threat issue with agricultural, medical, and security dimensions, represents one of the most complex challenges facing Iran’s healthcare system. By irreversibly inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, these agents can lead within minutes to respiratory failure, seizures, and death. National statistics indicate that thousands of poisoning cases are recorded annually in Iran, primarily due to occupational exposure to pesticides or suicide attempts, a substantial proportion of which result in death or long-term neurological complications. Concurrently, security threats arising from the potential illicit use of these agents necessitate a high level of national preparedness for rapid and effective response. The current standard of care relies on a combination of atropine (a muscarinic antagonist), oximes such as pralidoxime (acetylcholinesterase reactivators), and a benzodiazepine -most commonly diazepam- for seizure control. Despite being life-saving, this therapeutic regimen suffers from significant limitations, including short drug half-lives, the need for repeated dosing and intensive monitoring, cardiovascular adverse effects, intrinsic toxicity of oximes, and -most critically- the lack of efficacy in preventing or treating organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN). The substantial gap between clinical needs and available therapeutic options becomes even more critical when considering the country’s near-total dependence on imported supplies of these essential medicines -a vulnerability that may seriously jeopardize national health security under conditions of sanctions or international crises. Drawing on a systematic review of global evidence and analysis of domestic data, this policy brief argues that long-term, targeted investment in basic research, translational studies, and technology development aimed at achieving a new generation of antidotes is not merely a medical necessity, but a strategic action toward national security and pharmaceutical self-sufficiency. The proposed strategies are structured around four core pillars: 1) establishing and strengthening multidisciplinary research infrastructures within leading academic institutions; 2) designing financial and incentive mechanisms to attract knowledge-based companies to this field; 3) revising and reinforcing supply chains and strategic stockpiles of existing antidotes; and 4) expanding international collaborations for technology transfer and participation in clinical trials. Implementation of this agenda requires sustained intersectoral commitment and dedicated funding, but its outcome would be the achievement of a unique national capability to protect public health and enhance national resilience.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-540-en.pdf Organophosphate nerve agents Antidote Bioscavenger Health security Pharmaceutical self-sufficiency per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 22 26 article Mohammad Hossein Mikaeili 1 Negar Asadpanah 2 Abolfazl Ghasemi Azar 3 Zahra Bahari bahari_441@yahoo.com 4 Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Neuropathic pain is one of the most complex chronic disorders of the nervous system that is caused by damage to peripheral and central nerves. This pain is accompanied by symptoms such as allodynia and hyperalgesia and can be associated with neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety and decreased sleep quality. Evidence suggests that oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the progression of this disease. The present study aimed to compare the therapeutic effects of Terminalia chebula and Eryngium billardieri extracts in the CCI model in male Wistar rats. Animals were treated with a dose of 40 mg/kg of each extract for 30 days. The results showed that the induction of neuropathy led to an increase in cold allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors. Terminalia chebula extract effectively reduced both symptoms, while Eryngium billardieri extract was only effective in reducing pain. These findings indicate that Terminalia chebula is a better option for the comprehensive management of this disease due to its analgesic and anti-anxiety effects.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-541-en.pdf Terminalia chebula Eryngium billardieri Neuropathic pain Neuropathic anxiety Phytotherapy per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 27 30 article Mohammad Hossein Mikaeili 1 Karim Parastouei parastouei@gmail.com 2 Health Research Center, Lifestyle Research Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Given the high and widespread prevalence of mental health disorders among military personnel, and considering the vital and undeniable role of mental health in enhancing individual performance and organizational effectiveness, addressing the determinants of psychological well-being in this population is of increasing importance. Accordingly, the present study was designed and conducted to rigorously examine the association between diet quality, assessed using the Food Quality Score (FQS), and key psychological indicators including resilience, stress levels, anxiety severity, and depression among 194 selected military personnel. This cross-sectional study evaluated participants’ diet quality using the validated FQS index. Psychological status was assessed using the well-established Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), providing a comprehensive assessment of both nutritional and mental health status. Data analysis revealed that adherence to a healthy and balanced diet was significantly associated with lower levels of stress and reduced severity of depression. However, the findings indicated that diet quality had no statistically significant effect on anxiety levels or resilience, suggesting that these variables were not directly influenced by nutritional quality in this cohort. The findings of this study underscore the importance of dietary patterns as both a policy-relevant tool and a protective factor in promoting mental health among military personnel. Specifically, the results suggest that dietary modification may serve as an effective strategy for the management and reduction of stress and depressive symptoms. This approach is not only valuable at the individual level for improving quality of life, but also at the organizational level, where it may contribute to enhanced efficiency, reduced psychological burnout, and improved operational readiness. Therefore, healthy nutrition should be regarded as an integral component of mental health promotion programs for military personnel and afforded a prominent role in related policy-making initiatives.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-542-en.pdf Diet quality Resilience Military mental health Depression Stress Gut–brain axis per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 31 34 article Mojtaba Sajjadian 1 Sadegh Zarei zarei88ss@gmail.com 2 Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran The discovery of novel pharmaceuticals derived from marine natural resources has emerged as a strategic priority for ensuring global pharmaceutical security. Oceans, with their immense biodiversity, represent a rich and largely untapped reservoir of bioactive compounds possessing anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, the pathway from discovering these valuable compounds to developing commercial pharmaceutical products faces a fundamental challenge: "sustainable supply." The active substances are produced in minute quantities by marine organisms in their natural habitats, making large-scale harvesting from wild stocks both impractical and ecologically destructive. This policy brief focuses on two strategic domains: the biochemistry of marine natural products (for the identification and extraction of effective compounds) and technologies for the sustainable supply of rare substances (including synthetic biology, industrial fermentation, and controlled aquaculture). Four overarching strategies are proposed: establishing an integrated infrastructure for exploration and screening; advancing synthetic biology and industrial fermentation technologies; empowering human capital and fostering an innovation ecosystem; and developing a regulatory framework with targeted financing mechanisms. The implementation of these strategies would pave the way for reducing dependence on imported pharmaceutical raw materials, contributing to the resolution of the antibiotic resistance crisis, and establishing a marine-based pharmaceutical industry. http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-558-en.pdf Marine biotechnology Natural products Pharmaceutical security Sustainable supply Policy brief per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 35 39 article Mohammad Hassan Darvishi 1 Hamidreza Javadi hjavadi53r@gmail.com 2 Nanobiotechnology Research Center, New Health Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Global concerns regarding infectious diseases have not ended with the control of COVID-19. Existing and emerging threats continue to exert a significant impact on the global population and, consequently, on the population of Iran. The increasing incidence of re-emerging and emerging infectious diseases, rising antimicrobial resistance, and declining vaccination coverage in developing countries have intensified the World Health Organization’s concerns about global health. Emerging infectious diseases often encounter little to no effective immunity in human populations, rendering them highly contagious and potentially dangerous. Their unpredictable nature and rapid spread pose substantial challenges to healthcare systems in terms of preparedness, response, and effective control. Many emerging infectious diseases, as observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, are the result of increased human-animal interactions, with their spread further amplified by the expansion of international travel and population mobility. Large-scale vaccine production, rapid and timely vaccination, and the deployment of effective vaccines play a critical role in controlling such infections and preventing pandemics and their rapid and dangerous dissemination. Although different vaccine platforms have distinct advantages and limitations, the COVID-19 pandemic clearly demonstrated that investment in research, development, and infrastructure for next-generation vaccines -particularly mRNA-based vaccines- is an essential requirement for national health systems. Given the rapid transmission and high mutation rates of these pathogens, leading to the continuous emergence of new variants, it is imperative to select appropriate vaccine platforms and to develop the necessary infrastructure for research and development, large-scale production of effective vaccines, and the establishment of a vaccine candidate bank. Such capacities can play a crucial role not only in addressing challenges posed by emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, but also in the prevention and treatment of certain cancers. Accordingly, this article highlights the rationale for selecting and developing infrastructure for selected next-generation vaccine platforms. http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-544-en.pdf Next-generation vaccines Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases Vaccine platforms COVID-19 per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 40 46 article Hamidreza Javadi 1 Mohammad Tayebpour 2 Mohammad Hassan Darvishi darvishi@alumnus.tums.ac.ir 3 Nanobiotechnology Research Center, New Health Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Treatment-resistant healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a growing and multifaceted threat that poses serious challenges to global public health. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has not only reduced the effectiveness of existing antibiotics but has also created an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies in clinical and hospital settings. In this context, medical nanotechnology, owing to its ability to engineer materials at the atomic and molecular scale, has emerged as a promising and transformative technology across various therapeutic domains. The potential of nanomedicines -either through targeted drug delivery systems or by introducing antimicrobial agents with novel mechanisms of action- plays a pivotal role in addressing this critical challenge. One of the most important reasons for the failure of conventional antibiotics in healthcare-associated infections is their inability to effectively combat protective bacterial biofilms. Nanoparticles, due to their capacity to penetrate biofilm structures and eradicate bacteria through physical and non-specific mechanisms of action, can bypass bacterial genetic resistance and provide a durable and sustainable therapeutic platform. This article reviews the most common treatment-resistant healthcare-associated infections, examines nanotechnology-based strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance, and proposes approaches for the development, regulation, and clinical implementation of nanomedicines in the management of HAIs.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-545-en.pdf Nanomedicines Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 47 50 article Amirhossein Yadolahi 1 Negar Asadpanah 2 Mehdi Raei mehdi_r_d@yahoo.com 3 Artificial Intelligence in Health Research Center, Biomedicine Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran The postoperative recovery period following cardiac surgery represents one of the most critical phases in patient care, as vital signs often exhibit complex and sometimes unpredictable fluctuations. These changes may include heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other physiological parameters, each playing a crucial role in overall patient health. Therefore, continuous and precise monitoring of these indicators is essential not only for preventing potential complications but also for the early detection of problems and timely intervention by the clinical team. The importance of this monitoring becomes particularly evident given that even minor alterations in the vital signs of cardiac patients can lead to serious and potentially irreversible consequences. In this study, researchers employed multivariate longitudinal modeling to analyze repeated measurements from 72 patients who had undergone cardiac surgery. This statistical approach allows for the examination of temporal changes and the interrelationships among different variables, revealing correlations between vital signs over time. The primary aim of this analysis was to identify temporal patterns and predictive indicators of patient status, which could inform the design of more precise care protocols. Such an approach enables physicians and nurses to make more comprehensive clinical decisions and prevent sudden critical events. The results demonstrated that postoperative pain intensity was significantly associated with adverse changes in vital signs. In other words, higher pain levels contributed to instability in blood pressure, heart rate, and other physiological parameters, highlighting the critical importance of effective pain management. Additionally, daily drainage volume -particularly during the early postoperative days- was found to predict subsequent blood pressure changes. This finding suggests that fluid output can serve as an early warning indicator, preparing clinicians for potential physiological alterations. The findings of this study have high practical relevance and can assist healthcare administrators and clinicians in optimizing pain management protocols and patient monitoring. Moreover, the results provide a foundation for developing intelligent early-warning systems in intensive care units, capable of analyzing real-time patient data, detecting abnormal changes, and alerting the clinical team promptly. Such technologies not only enhance the quality of patient care but also have the potential to significantly reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery. Overall, this research represents an important step toward integrating clinical expertise with advanced statistical tools and innovative monitoring technologies.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-546-en.pdf Cardiac surgery Patient monitoring Risk management Postoperative complications per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 51 54 article Abbas Rezvan 1 Fatemeh Rahmati fatemeh_rahmaty@yahoo.com 2 Mohammad Reza Jafari 3 Raheleh Rahmati Najarkolaei 4 Health Research Center, Lifestyle Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran This quasi-experimental study was designed to investigate and quantify the impact of religious teachings based on the Islamic lifestyle on enhancing spiritual health indicators among military personnel, particularly conscripted soldiers at Baghiyatollah University of Medical Sciences. The study population consisted of 160 conscripts who were purposefully selected to allow for precise evaluation of the intervention outcomes. Participants in the intervention group underwent an intensive and structured training program totaling eight hours of direct religious instruction. The curriculum was centered on religious teachings and principles of the Islamic lifestyle, with efforts made to link theoretical concepts to practical examples and real-life applications relevant to the daily routines of military personnel. The results demonstrated that this educational intervention had a highly significant effect on improving spiritual well-being and increasing the overall spiritual health scores of military personnel (P < 0.001). Additionally, the study found that these teachings produced a positive and notable impact on general mental health indicators as well (P < 0.01). Overall, the findings clearly confirm the effectiveness of religious teachings based on the Islamic lifestyle in enhancing both spiritual and psychological health among military personnel. These results highlight the importance of integrating such training into military health management programs, as attention to spiritual and religious dimensions alongside physical and psychological aspects can provide a comprehensive and effective approach to promoting the overall well-being of military forces. It is therefore recommended that relevant authorities in military health and education adopt these programs as an integral part of official training curricula and implement them consistently to ensure the long-term stabilization of their beneficial effects.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-547-en.pdf Religious teachings Spiritual health Military personnel Lifestyle per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 55 58 article Alireza Shamsoddini alirezaot@bmsu.ac.ir 1 Hossein Shirvani 2 Mohammad-Hossein Ghasemi 3 Exercise Physiology Research Center, Life style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran This study investigated the immediate effects of different shoe insole wedges on selected trunk muscle activity, plantar pressure variables, and perceived comfort during walking, running, and military marching in healthy male students. A semi-experimental repeated-measures design was employed involving 25 healthy male participants with a mean age of 24.23 years. Nine insole wedge conditions (no wedge, rear, front, medial, lateral, rear-medial, rear-lateral, front-medial, and front-lateral) were designed and manufactured using a 3D printer. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to record the activity of eight trunk muscles (rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques, latissimus dorsi, thoracic and lumbar erector spinae, multifidus, and quadratus lumborum). Plantar pressure distribution and subjective comfort levels were also measured during walking, running, and military marching tasks. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA followed by LSD post hoc tests. Different wedge conditions had significant effects on the dependent variables. Overall, the rear-lateral and front-lateral wedge conditions produced the greatest changes in muscle activity, either increasing or decreasing activation depending on the muscle and task. These two conditions also induced significant alterations in plantar pressure distribution, particularly increasing pressure in the heel or forefoot regions. In terms of perceived comfort, the no-wedge and single-wedge conditions (e.g., front or medial wedge) received the highest comfort scores, whereas combined wedges such as rear-lateral and front-lateral received the lowest. Shoe insole design with specific wedge placement can immediately modify trunk muscle activation patterns and plantar pressure distribution during various functional activities. While some wedge configurations (e.g., rear-lateral) may produce biomechanically desirable changes, they may also reduce perceived comfort. Therefore, in designing shoe insoles, especially for military or occupational settings, a balance must be struck between biomechanical objectives (e.g., reducing muscle load or modulating plantar pressure) and user comfort. Future studies are recommended to examine the long-term effects of these wedge configurations and their impact on special populations, such as individuals with foot deformities or low back pain.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-548-en.pdf Shoe insoles Wedge placement Trunk muscles Electromyography Plantar pressure Military marching per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 59 62 article Marzieh Dehghani 1 Ali Bahramifar 2 Hakimeh Nikzad 3 Ramezan Ali Taheri taheri@bmsu.ac.ir 4 Nanobiotechnology Research Center, New Health Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Traumatic wound infections and surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections. In particular, infections at sites of war-related trauma and surgical interventions in field hospitals present significant concerns. The location and type of surgery in injured personnel can contribute to severe complications or even mortality. Hospital-acquired infections often arise due to inadequate hygiene before, during, or after surgery, or prolonged hospital stays. Despite advances in infection control, including improved operating room ventilation, sterilization techniques, surgical methods, and antimicrobial prophylaxis, SSIs remain a major cause of postoperative complications, extended hospitalization, and death. In fact, most SSIs are preventable with appropriate strategies. One innovative approach involves the use of smart, sustained-release polymers containing antibiotics, such as in situ-forming injectable polymer implants. These systems offer the advantage of local drug delivery and can address the challenges of oral or injectable antibiotic administration during patient transfer from the battlefield to the hospital following initial medical interventions. This policy-focused summary examines the application of sustained-release polymers and in situ-forming implants in controlling postoperative infections, particularly in field hospitals on the battlefield. Postoperative infections can lead to serious complications, which are exacerbated in combat settings due to limited resources and infrastructure. Sustained-release polymers, as targeted drug delivery systems, and in situ-forming implants, as novel therapeutic strategies, can help reduce infection rates and improve recovery outcomes. This article reviews current evidence and analyzes the challenges associated with implementing these technologies in such critical environments.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-549-en.pdf Infection control Surgery War-related trauma Sustained-release polymers In situ-forming implants per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 63 72 article Hamid Kooshki 1 Leyli Kooshki hmdkooshki@gmail.com 2 Nanobiotechnology Research Center, New Health Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran mRNA technology is a revolutionary pharmaceutical platform that gained global prominence with the successful development of COVID-19 vaccines. Its core advantages lie in its rapid adaptability allowing swift vaccine design against emerging pathogens and its high safety profile, as it doesn't integrate into the host genome and enables precise antigen production within cells. As a versatile platform, mRNA extends beyond infectious disease vaccines to include cancer immunotherapies, protein replacement therapies (e.g., for hemophilia), and gene-editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9. It holds particular promise for developing nations due to its scalable production process and independence from viral vectors, avoiding associated immunity issues. However, significant challenges remain. Extreme cold-chain requirements (down to -80°C) hinder global distribution, especially in low-income regions. Manufacturing complexities including mass production of mRNA and specialized lipid nanoparticles rely on limited global facilities. Additional barriers include supply chain dependencies, intellectual property constraints, and the need for specialized infrastructure and workforce development. Future progress centers on overcoming these limitations through stability improvements for refrigerator-temperature storage, development of self-amplifying mRNA (dramatically reducing dose requirements), and establishing regional, small-scale production hubs to ensure equitable access. The technology's modular nature also paves the way for personalized cancer vaccines and therapies for rare diseases. In essence, mRNA technology represents a transformative shift in biomedicine, balancing extraordinary potential against practical challenges in distribution, manufacturing, and global equity-with its ultimate impact depending on collaborative efforts to make these advanced therapies universally accessible.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-550-en.pdf mRNA technology Self-amplifying mRNA Therapeutic vaccine per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 73 76 article Seyed Kiarash Aghayan 1 Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh 2 Reza Golmohammadi golmohammadi27@yahoo.com 3 Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases (BRCGL), Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran In this study, the combined effects of oncolytic echovirus-6 and beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus casei and Bacillus coagulans, along with hyperthermia therapy, were evaluated on lung cancer cells (A549). The results showed that this combined approach not only significantly reduced the viability of cancer cells, but also led to a notable increase in apoptosis, production of reactive oxygen species, and lactate dehydrogenase release. Moreover, this combined method demonstrated better efficacy compared to single-agent and conventional drug treatments such as doxorubicin. The findings suggest that the combination of oncolytic echovirus-6 with beneficial bacteria, in conjunction with hyperthermia therapy, could serve as a novel and targeted approach for the treatment of lung cancer. Given its safety and specificity, this method can be considered as a complementary option alongside surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy in lung cancer treatment programs. These findings may represent a significant step forward in the development of oncolytic microorganism-based therapies in the field of safe and targeted medicine.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-551-en.pdf Lung cancer Oncolytic bacteria Oncolytic virus Hyperthermia Doxorubicin per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 77 80 article Mozafar Mohammadi 1 Mohammad Sadegh Hashemzadeh msh.biotechnology@gmail.com 2 Nanobiotechnology Research Center, New Health Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran The Iranian biopharmaceutical industry is currently experiencing a paradoxical situation. On one hand, it has emerged as a leading technological sector in the country, achieving notable successes such as partial self-sufficiency, the production of biosimilar drugs, and exports to regional markets. On the other hand, the industry faces deep structural challenges in policy-making, financing, regulatory frameworks, and innovation. This article examines the dual perspective of “achievements” versus “policy challenges” and, while providing an analysis of the current status, emphasizes the need to complete and strengthen the innovation ecosystem as a key strategic priority. Sustainable solutions lie not in a multitude of fragmented actions but in the establishment of a coherent, resilient, and efficient policy framework.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-552-en.pdf Biopharmaceuticals Biosimilars Innovation ecosystem National biotechnology roadmap per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 81 85 article Mehrdad Moosazadeh Moghaddam mm.genetics@gmail.com 1 Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, New Health Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran The Iranian healthcare system faces deep structural challenges in governance, financing, human resources, infrastructure, and epidemiology. Regenerative medicine, as a transformative field offering fundamental solutions for chronic and hard-to-treat diseases, holds the potential to serve as a strategic approach to address these challenges. This article adopts a comparative approach, first analyzing the structural challenges of Iran’s healthcare system and then examining the strategic potential of regenerative medicine as a key solution. Subsequently, the commercialization challenges of this field are compared between Iran and global contexts, and potential strategies for its development in Iran are proposed.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-553-en.pdf Regenerative medicine Iranian healthcare system Structural challenges Commercialization Health governance per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 86 89 article Amirhossein Yadolahi 1 Yasin Zangarki Farahani 2 Hasan Gorzin 3 Batool Nehrir rnehrir1739@yahoo.com 4 Health Management Research Center, School of Nursing, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Improving the quality of care and enhancing nurses’ job satisfaction are among the key priorities of healthcare systems. This quasi-experimental study was conducted with 120 nurses at Baqiyatallah Hospital to investigate the effect of ethical intelligence training on clinical performance and job satisfaction. Results indicated that ethical intelligence training significantly increased nurses’ ethical intelligence and job satisfaction. Although clinical performance improved in the intervention group, the change was not statistically significant. This study emphasizes that strengthening ethical intelligence through continuous educational programs can serve as an effective strategy to enhance the quality of nursing care delivery.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-554-en.pdf Ethical intelligence Nurse Job satisfaction Clinical performance Ethical intelligence training per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 90 93 article Mohammad Heyat 1 Mohammad Ali Abyazi yashar862@gmail.com 2 Gastrointestinal and Liver Research Center, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences (AJ), Tehran, Iran Hepatitis C represents a significant public health challenge, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has set the goal of its elimination by 2030. The first step toward achieving this objective is assessing public awareness of the disease. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of individuals attending authorized pre-marriage testing centers in Tehran (October to February 2022) regarding transmission, treatment, and the necessity of Hepatitis C screening. This cross-sectional study included 2,534 participants aged 14 to 84 years. Findings revealed that 30.3% of participants had never heard of Hepatitis C, over 70% were unaware of the organ primarily affected, and approximately 80% did not know that the disease is treatable. The mean overall knowledge score regarding transmission, treatment, and the necessity of screening was estimated at 38.77%. Participants with longer study hours had significantly higher knowledge scores. These results underscore the urgent need for educational interventions, public awareness programs, and the institutional strengthening of Hepatitis C screening initiatives.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-555-en.pdf Hepatitis C HCV Screening Public awareness Public health per Marine Medicine Research Center Journal of Marine Medicine 9 2676-6051 2026-01 7 4 94 102 article Yaghoub Modamoli 1 Seyed Morteza Hosseini sm_hosseini@yahoo.com 2 Spiritual Health Research Center, Lifestyle Research Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Given the existing research gap and the limited attention to retirees, particularly those from the armed forces, this study aimed to compare the effects of spiritual therapy and Orem’s self-care model–based training on lifestyle, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain among retired elderly military personnel. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2020 on retired elderly individuals from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Masjed-Soleyman, with approval from Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences. In the Orem self-care intervention group, participants received standardized educational content following a needs assessment, while the spiritual therapy group received the Richards and Bergin spiritual therapy protocol. Data were collected using questionnaires on lifestyle, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software with independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and chi-square tests. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of demographic variables (p > 0.05). The findings indicated that spiritual therapy had a statistically significant positive effect on depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001) compared to Orem’s self-care model. However, the Orem self-care intervention did not show statistically significant differences compared to spiritual therapy in terms of lifestyle (p = 0.10) and chronic pain (p = 0.80), although clinically it had a greater impact in the Orem group. Both intervention models can be utilized to improve lifestyle and reduce chronic pain, anxiety, and depression among retired elderly individuals, particularly those from the military.   http://jmarmed.ir/article-1-556-en.pdf Spiritual therapy Orem’s self-care model Lifestyle Anxiety Depression Chronic pain Elderly