International Travel Medicine Center of IranInternational Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health2322-110014120260301The Seaborne Threat: Why the Emerging Hantavirus in Ships Should Worry TravelMedicine24333410.30491/ijtmgh.2026.243334ENAliSalimi JedaApplied Virology Research Center, Biomedicine Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-3197-9509Journal Articlehttps://www.ijtmgh.com/article_243334_ac26f4d326fc3ff883dd8fd8b8299f9c.pdfInternational Travel Medicine Center of IranInternational Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health2322-110014120260301Utilizing Vaccines for Disease Prevention in Travel: Challenges and Strategies202223816910.30491/ijtmgh.2025.507950.1459ENAmenehMarzbanDepartment of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.0000-0002-8111-3319Journal Article20250222As international travel continues to grow, so does the risk of travelers contracting and spreading infectious diseases (1). Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring the health and safety of travelers. However, the implementation of vaccination programs for travelers presents unique challenges that require coordinated efforts and innovative strategies (1, 2). In this letter, I aim to discuss the importance of vaccination in preventing travel-related diseases, highlight the challenges faced in implementing vaccination programs, and propose strategies to improve vaccination uptake among travelers. <br><br>The Importance of Vaccination in Travel <br><br>Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting travelers from a range of infectious diseases that may not be prevalent in their home countries (3). Diseases such as yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, and rabies pose significant health risks to travelers, particularly in regions where these diseases are endemic. Vaccination not only protects individual travelers but also helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases across borders, contributing to global health security (4).<br><br>The benefits of vaccination extend beyond individual protection. Herd immunity, achieved when a significant portion of the population is immunized, reduces the overall prevalence of diseases and protects those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons (5). By vaccinating travelers, we can reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations in both the travelers' home countries and the destinations they visit (6).https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_238169_988a648255241633478a2715437322ac.pdfInternational Travel Medicine Center of IranInternational Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health2322-110014120260301The Future of Africa Without USAID: Challenges and the Path Forward495123816710.30491/ijtmgh.2025.506956.1457ENARAuwalDepartment of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok, Thailand0009-0000-7632-7235Abubakar SanusiIshakDepartment of Biochemistry Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil Nigeria0009-0003-8612-4820A GJiboFaculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gombe State University, Nigeria0009-0009-2685-7305AbbasMusaDepartment of Biochemistry Bayero University Kano, Nigeria0000-0002-0503-1354JunaiduAbubakarDepartment of Biochemistry, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria0000-0002-7270-8302Journal Article20250216https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_238167_8123d04f47cc94413687ed09d7871150.pdfInternational Travel Medicine Center of IranInternational Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health2322-110014120260301The Therapeutic Promise of Crocin: From Neuroprotection to Anticancer Effects11223816410.30491/ijtmgh.2025.501673.1454ENAmirhoseinAhsaniStudent Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.MehdiSaberiDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-5059-2823MahdiMashhadi Akbar BoojarDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-2002-9332Journal Article20250123Crocin, a bioactive compound derived from saffron (Crocus sativus), has garnered significant attention in recent research due to its wide-ranging pharmacological properties, particularly in the realms of neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory responses, and cancer treatment. This compound shows promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by reducing beta-amyloid aggregation and increasing dopamine levels. Additionally, crocin exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, acting as a radical scavenger that safeguards various tissues, including the brain, heart, and kidneys, while also inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activation. Its cardioprotective effects are evident through improvements in cardiovascular health, evidenced by reductions in blood pressure and enhanced endothelial function, as well as protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Furthermore, crocin has demonstrated anticancer effects, showing cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines, inhibiting tumor growth, and enhancing survival rates in animal models without significant toxicity. Beyond these effects, crocin may also help manage metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity by modulating lipid profiles and improving energy metabolism, along with exhibiting antidepressant properties and enhancing memory function. Clinical trials indicate that crocin is generally safe for consumption at therapeutic doses, with no significant adverse effects noted at 20 mg/day, supporting its potential as a functional food ingredient or dietary supplement. Overall, crocin's diverse pharmacological effects make it a promising candidate for various therapeutic applications, and ongoing research continues to explore its mechanisms of action and potential benefits, particularly in neuroprotection and cancer treatment, suggesting that it may play a crucial role in managing chronic diseases and improving overall health outcomes.https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_238164_05a8d6261761f9554fd0a4409d06b65a.pdfInternational Travel Medicine Center of IranInternational Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health2322-110014120260301Improving colorectal cancer treatment: integrating synbiotics therapy with various treatment approaches233023816810.30491/ijtmgh.2025.507686.1462ENFatemehAbdollahzadeDepartment of Cellular& Molecular Biology, Comperhensive Health Research Center, Bab.C., Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran.MasoumehRanjbarDepartment of Cellular& Molecular Biology, Comperhensive Health Research Center, Bab.C., Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran.TaniyaAzizpourDepartment of Cellular& Molecular Biology, Comperhensive Health Research Center, Bab.C., Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran.0009-0009-9041-3274FatemehAlirezazadeh BagheriDepartment of Cellular& Molecular Biology, Comperhensive Health Research Center, Bab.C., Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran.KhadijehHajizadeh ChenariDepartment of Cellular& Molecular Biology, Comperhensive Health Research Center, Bab.C., Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran.0009-0002-7687-0902SepidehMokabberiDepartment of Cellular& Molecular Biology, Comperhensive Health Research Center, Bab.C., Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran.0009-0003-6068-9110Journal Article20250227Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in conventional therapies, there is a critical need for innovative strategies to enhance treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. Various growth factors and novel nutrients, including probiotics and prebiotics, have been tested in experimental models to combat mucositis. Prebiotics are non-digestible compounds that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial microbes in the gut microbiota and provide health benefits to the host. Synbiotics are symbiotic combinations of probiotics and prebiotics that can have better effects than either of these agents alone. This paper explores the potential of integrating synbiotics therapy—comprising prebiotics and probiotics—into existing CRC treatment regimens. Synbiotics may improve gut microbiota balance, enhance immune response, and mitigate treatment-related side effects, thus offering a complementary approach to conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies. We review current evidence on the role of synbiotics in CRC management, highlighting their mechanisms of action, potential benefits, and clinical applications. Additionally, we discuss challenges and future directions for research in this field. By synergizing synbiotics therapy with diverse treatment modalities, we aim to pave the way for more effective, personalized approaches to colorectal cancer care.https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_238168_1f590bf1fd5ea56bae43eb5d01c08811.pdfInternational Travel Medicine Center of IranInternational Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health2322-110014120260301Traditional Iranian Medicine Approaches to Heatstroke: Insights for Mitigating Health Challenges in a Warming World526023817010.30491/ijtmgh.2025.508538.1460ENJavadAlipoor SilabDepartment of History, Faculty of Law and Social Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran0000-0002-7942-8952GhazalehMoslehDepartment of Phytopharmaceuticals (Traditional Pharmacy), School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.0000-0001-5664-4823Seyyed AlirezaGolshaniDepartment of History, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-1635-4578Journal Article20250223The Middle East and the Iranian Plateau's location in a hot and arid climate has led classical Iranian medical texts to pay special attention to the impact of environmental factors, such as heat, on human health, often referred to as “heatstroke.” Findings from research in Iranian medical texts reveal that the nature of the issue is classified within the framework of the humoral theory of Hippocratic medicine, where heat is considered one of the most significant environmental factors causing various bodily injuries and functional disorders. In this context, maintaining balance and preserving the body's health were closely linked to the recommendations of classical Iranian physicians regarding preparing and normalizing the body's adaptation to heat and its associated complications. This research employs a library-based methodology, drawing on traditional medicine and environmental geography. It critically examines and analyzes the content of Iranian medical texts to address environmental heat as an external threat to health, focusing on maintaining balance and the therapeutic methods proposed by Iranian traditional physicians. The study is descriptive in nature and relies on classical Iranian medical texts to explore, identify, and introduce strategies for combating heat-related health challenges. Given the increasing global temperatures in recent years and the associated challenges, familiarity with the insights of prominent past physicians on dealing with heat can be highly beneficial and practical. Thus, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Iranian medical texts, offering methods to maintain health and appropriate treatments for heat-related conditions.https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_238170_446fc1ba4d04cbb5fa47268c35e43ca4.pdfInternational Travel Medicine Center of IranInternational Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health2322-110014120260301Climate Change, Medical Education, and Vector Control: An Integrated Approach to Environmental Health Management616823817110.30491/ijtmgh.2025.514238.1471ENEbrahimAbbasiMedical Education Department, Medical Education Development Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran and Deptartment of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran0000-0003-1861-5321Journal Article20250328Background: Climate change has significantly influenced the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases (VBDs), posing a serious threat to global public health. This narrative review aims to explore the impact of climate change on vector ecology, the role of medical education in enhancing healthcare system preparedness, and the effectiveness of innovative vector control strategies within the framework of environmental health management.<br>Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Relevant peer-reviewed articles, policy reports, and technical guidelines were analyzed to assess the relationship between climate change, medical education, and vector control. Inclusion criteria focused on studies addressing climate-sensitive vector control strategies and capacity-building initiatives in healthcare systems.<br>Results: The findings revealed that climate change has expanded the geographical distribution and increased the reproductive capacity of key vectors such as Aedes aegypti and Anopheles mosquitoes. Medical education programs integrating climate science and vector biology have enhanced diagnostic accuracy and disease surveillance. Additionally, innovative vector control technologies, including microbial-based interventions and genetic modification strategies, have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing vector populations.<br>Conclusion: Addressing climate-sensitive VBDs requires an integrated approach that combines medical education, advanced vector control technologies, and sustainable environmental health management strategies to enhance healthcare system resilience and reduce disease transmission.https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_238171_76a52c315580b716d248ef4ce6d4084b.pdfInternational Travel Medicine Center of IranInternational Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health2322-110014120260301The effectiveness of emotion regulation therapy on self-compassion, emotion control and distress tolerance of female students with self-injurious behaviors313923817210.30491/ijtmgh.2025.509160.1461ENTahoraAtariyahMA. In Psychology, Islamic Azad University E-Campus, IranShahrbanooDehrouyehDepartment of Psychology,Adib Mazandaran Institute of higher education ,Sari, Iran.NaqmehTavakoliSari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran.Journal Article20250331Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of emotion regulation therapy on self-compassion, emotion control, and distress tolerance of female students with self-injurious behaviors.<br><br>Methods: The method of the current research was a semi-experimental experiment with a pre-test-post-test design with an experimental group and a control group. The statistical population of the research included all second-grade female teenagers with self-harm behaviors in Sari city in the academic year 2023-2024. The sample selection process in the present study included two stages: the first stage was selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method of self-injurious behaviors questionnaire in order to screen adolescents with self-injurious behaviors. In the next stage, among teenagers with self-harm behaviors, 36 people were selected by simple random sampling and were specialized in 2 groups. To collect data, Gratez's self-injurious behaviors questionnaire (2001), Neff's Self-compassion Scale(2003), Williams et al.'s Affective Control Scale(1997) and Simmons and Gaher's distress tolerance scale(DTS) (2005) were used. The experimental group received emotion regulation therapy in 8 sessions of 90 minutes in a group manner, and the control group did not receive any therapy.<br><br>Results: The results indicated that emotion regulation treatment has improved self-compassion, emotion regulation and improved distress tolerance in students with self-injurious behaviors(phttps://www.ijtmgh.com/article_238172_4b4bdcf6d25aad2ce1e574d242ab5f75.pdfInternational Travel Medicine Center of IranInternational Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health2322-110014120260301Sumac Extract Mitigates Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rats via Redox Modulation, Hematological Rebalancing, and T-cell Transcriptional Control404823743910.30491/ijtmgh.2025.551698.1507ENArashEmami NaminDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.Seyyed MeysamAbtahi FroushaniDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.0000-0003-2579-6618NowruzDelirezhDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.RahimHobbenaghiDepartment of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, IranJournal Article20251006Objective:Brown sumac extract may reduce rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study tested freeze-dried sumac extract in a RA model.<br>Materials and methods: Sumac extract's effects were evaluated in healthy and RA induced Wistar rats. Healthy rats received 0, 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg of the extract orally for one month. RA was induced by injecting Freund's adjuvant, followed by the same extract doses from day 7 to 25 post-induction, after the arthritis index exceeded one. <br>Results:The extract contained 179.45 ± 3.12 mg/g total phenolics (gallic acid equivalents) and a FRAP antioxidant activity of 101.9 ± 0.98 mmol Trolox equivalents/100 g. HPLC results determined the gallic acid content of the extract to be 58.38 mg/ml.In healthy rats, the extract increased serum TAC dose-dependently, without affecting RBC, WBC, Hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels . In RA rats, disease progression was reduced with treatment, especially at 200 and 400 mg/kg, with the latter showing the lowest arthritis index. Extract at 200/400 mg/kg improved anemia, normalizing WBC and elevating RBC, Hb, and Hct. TAC levels were restored dose-dependently. The serum levels of C-reactive protein, nitric oxide, and myeloperoxidase decreased with increasing extract dosage, particularly at 200/400 mg/kg. Sumac extract led to a reduction in the mRNA ratios of RORγt/T-bet, RORγt/GATA-3, RORγt/FoxP3, T-bet/GATA-3, and T-bet/FoxP3, while concurrently increasing the ratio of GATA-3/FoxP3 in the joints of RA rats.<br>Conclusion: Sumac extract may mitigate inflammatory effects and aid in managing RA.https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_237439_3c1bbc8d4f9b5291646157b05dca8c28.pdfInternational Travel Medicine Center of IranInternational Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health2322-110014120260301The Effects of Verapamil and Adenosine in the Treatment of Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia131922733910.30491/ijtmgh.2025.502598.1455ENAliAzadpourTrauma Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.MehrdadFarajiTrauma Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.Hamid RezaJavadzadehTrauma Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.FahimehShahjooieTrauma Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.SadrollahMahmoudiTrauma Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.HasanGoodarziTrauma Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20250127Introduction: There are several drug medicines in the treatment of Paroxysmal Supra-ventricular Tachycardia (PST) after the inefficacious vagal stimulus. This study aimed to compare two treatments: Verapamil versus adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for treating Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia. <br>Methods: Sixty-six patients with PST were treated with either Verapamil (5 to 10 mg) or ATP (5 to 20 mg). The basal features of each group and the efficacy and safety of the two drugs were compared. Verapamil failures were treated with ATP and vice versa. <br>Results: The mean heart rate after treatment in all patients was 79.46 ± 10.67, compared to baseline in both groups, showed a decrease significantly (P <0.001)) The mean heart rate after treatment in adenosine was 87.27 + 8.39 and 71.66 ± 5.95 in the verapamil group. Between groups in heart rate, significant differences were observed after treat-ment of the screw (P<0.001). Of the total, 12 (18.2%) had a recurrence of adenosine in 6 patients (9.1%), and Verapamil in 6 patients (9.1%) had a recurrence. The Average time converted to sinus rhythm in all patients was 32.04+12.79 minutes. Average time con-verted to sinus rhythm verapamil group and 36.06 ± 12.97 minutes in the adenosine group and 28.03+ 11.45 minutes (P = 0.01).<br>Conclusions: The more effective the drug verapamil over adenosine is in treating PSVT, the longer it proves its effectiveness. Except for headache, side effects were higher in patients treated with adenosine. In other cases, there was no difference between the two drugs.https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_227339_19fcec2626a6f9decb96e1b52200d0f3.pdfInternational Travel Medicine Center of IranInternational Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health2322-110014120260301Understanding HIV-Free Survival: A Qualitative Analysis of FactorsImpacting Exposed Infants in Homa Bay County, Kenya698223817410.30491/ijtmgh.2025.513005.1470ENAugustine GatimuNjugunaJomo Kenyatta University of Science and TechnologySimon MuturiKaranjaJomo Kenya University of Science and TechnologyPeter WanzalaWanzalaKenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)Journal Article20250317Abstract<br><br>Background: PMTCT programs reduce HIV transmission from mothers to children, but uptake is limited in high-prevalence areas like Homa Bay County, Kenya. PMTCT integration into mother and child health services has socio-economic, cultural, and logistical obstacles.<br><br>Objective: To explore the barriers and enablers influencing the uptake and adherence to PMTCT services among HIV-positive mothers in Homa Bay County.<br><br>Methods: This qualitative study included 13 healthcare provider KIIs and eight HIV-positive mother FGDs in seven sub-counties of Homa-Bay County. Data was analyzed thematically through the Gioia approach, which identified first-order concepts, second-order themes, and aggregate dimensions from data.<br><br>Results: The participants reported several key obstacles, such as cultural norms, information gaps, economic constraints, transportation issues, stigma, and referral system inefficiencies. Male participation, efficient service delivery techniques, community awareness-raising, and peer support were noted as vital facilitators. Participants emphasized the value of dietary support, emotional support, and structured health education in enhancing PMTCT adherence.<br><br>Conclusion: Overcoming PMTCT barriers requires community action, male engagement, better healthcare, and policy support to improve maternal and child health.https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_238174_35fa3b5a7eec9f938942ce6eb8af1a6a.pdf