https://www.ijtmgh.com/ International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health en daily 1 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_243334.html https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_227339.html Introduction: 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. 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. 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).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_238164.html Crocin, 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_238169.html As 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. The Importance of Vaccination in Travel 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).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_238168.html Colorectal 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_238172.html Objectives: 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.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.Results: The results indicated that emotion regulation treatment has improved self-compassion, emotion regulation and improved distress tolerance in students with self-injurious behaviors(p https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_237439.html Objective: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.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. 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.Conclusion: Sumac extract may mitigate inflammatory effects and aid in managing RA. https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_238167.html https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_238170.html The 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_238171.html Background: 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.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.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.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_238174.html Abstract 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. Objective: To explore the barriers and enablers influencing the uptake and adherence to PMTCT services among HIV-positive mothers in Homa Bay County. 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. 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. 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_243272.html Chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster) are caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). While chickenpox is typically a childhood disease, shingles occur due to viral reactivation later in life, often causing severe pain and complications. While VZV typically presents with mild symptoms, its high morbidity rate raises important ethical questions regarding vaccination, intentional exposure, and quarantine practices. Method: This study is a narrative review to assess VZV’s ethical considerations. Although the publication date of relevant articles was not an inclusion criterion, an attempt was made to prioritize more recent articles related to the varicella virus, while excluding older, less relevant articles. We analyze these issues through the lens of the four principles of medical ethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.Findings: While respect for parental autonomy in healthcare decisions is crucial, this article argues that it must be balanced against the medical community’s responsibility to prevent harm and promote public health. The ethical implications of intentional exposure to VZV, particularly in the context of existing vaccination, are critically examined. In addition, the challenges of ensuring equitable access to immunization and the affordability of universal vaccination programs within healthcare equity are discussed. Access to herd immunity can also be considered a subset of justice, and this immunity can be achieved through universal vaccination.Results: The article concludes by emphasizing the essential need for a balanced approach that integrates ethical responsibilities with effective public health initiatives to manage VZV and other preventable diseases. https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_243273.html In recent years, the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies to protect travelers in affected areas (1). Post-disaster environments often lead to outbreaks of infectious diseases due to compromised infrastructure, contamination of water supplies, and overcrowded conditions in shelters (2). Travelers, who may lack familiarity with local healthcare systems or disease risks, are especially vulnerable in these situations (3). This letter aims to address the critical importance of tailored public health measures to safeguard the health of travelers amidst post-disaster outbreaks and propose strategies for effective management. https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_243275.html Norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis globally, contributing to significant morbidity, mortality, and economic losses in both high- and low-income countries. Although historically associated with travelers’ diarrhea, norovirus is now being recognized as a broader global health threat, with outbreaks occurring in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, cruise ships, schools, refugee camps, and communities. Its high infectivity, low infectious dose, and environmental persistence allow for rapid transmission across geographic and socioeconomic boundaries. While migrant and marginalized populations often bear a disproportionate burden due to barriers such as limited access to culturally competent care, fear of stigmatization, and exclusion from surveillance systems. Outbreaks are frequently accompanied by xenophobic narratives, which hinder effective response by fostering mistrust and delaying case reporting. This commentary underscores the need for multilingual public health messaging, migrant-inclusive surveillance, equitable infrastructure investment, and strengthened international cooperation. Reframing norovirus as a global, borderless health concern is essential for building resilient, inclusive systems capable of mitigating future outbreaks. https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_243276.html Introduction:Nurses are the largest working group in hospitals, and due to numerous responsibilities and24-hour communication with patients, attention to their issues, including happiness and the study of its related factors, and providing practical solutions, is of particular importance.Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effective components of happiness in nurses.Methods: The current qualitative study used Silva's systematic review approach and phenomenology. The studied population consisted of nurses from Ardabil province.In the phenomenology section, 10 nurses were selected by target sampling based on criteria such as at least 3years of experience, direct experience of working challenges related to happiness and burnout, and a tendency to participate in research.10participants were adequately identified based on the principle of data saturation in qualitative research. Because after this number,no new information was obtained, and the main themes were repeated.Each interview lasted between40 and 90 minutes. Silva and Colaizzi's methods were used to analyze interviews and examine the experience of participants. Results:In the first part of the study,three main themes (theoretical concepts of happiness and job burnout,factors affecting nurses' happiness,and strategies for enhancing happiness and reducing burnout) and15axial codes were extracted as components of happiness. In the second part of the study, one main theme and three axial codes were identified, in which barriers and challenges were extracted.Conclusion:The results showed that various factors,including individual,family,educational, occupational,and financial elements,affect the happiness of nurses.Additionally,by identifying the challenges and obstacles in the nursing profession,we can provide solutions to improve conditions and increase the happiness of nurses. https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_243277.html Introduction: One of the main causes of death in the world is cancer. This disease is caused by genetic and epigenetic changes that lead to the unlimited proliferation of cells and eventually lead to tumor formation. The potential anticancer effects of synbiotics, combinations of probiotics and prebiotics, have garnered increasing attention in recent years, transitioning from theoretical frameworks to practical applications in cancer research. Methods: This review explores the mechanisms through which synbiotics may exert protective effects against various types of cancer, focusing on their ability to modulate gut microbiota, enhance immune function, and reduce inflammation. We examine the existing preclinical and clinical studies that support the hypothesis of synbiotics as effective adjunctive therapies in cancer prevention and treatment. Key findings indicate that synbiotics can influence tumor microenvironments, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, and promote apoptosis, thereby offering a multifaceted approach to cancer management. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and limitations in current research, including variability in synbiotic formulations, dosage considerations, and the need for standardized clinical protocols. Results: By synthesizing current evidence and identifying gaps in knowledge, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of synbiotics' anticancer potential, highlighting their role in bridging the gap between hypothesis and reality. Conclusion: Future research directions are proposed to further validate the therapeutic applications of synbiotics in oncology, paving the way for innovative dietary interventions in cancer care. https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_243278.html Introduction: Points of Entry (PoEs), such as seaports, are critical for managing the movement of people and goods. Nevertheless, they are also significant vectors for the international spread of infectious diseases. As such, the International Health Regulations (IHR) established by the World Health Organisation are a cornerstone of global public health security, requiring countries to strengthen their preparedness and response capacities at PoEs. However, like many developing countries, Nigeria faces significant disparities in preparedness, leaving it vulnerable to emerging health threats, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. Therefore, this study assessed the core capacities related to preparedness and response at three key Nigerian maritime PoEs: Lagos Apapa, Rivers, and Delta Port. Method: We employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey using the State Party Annual Reporting (SPAR) questionnaire to evaluate core capacity parameters, including allocated funds, training, equipment availability, inter-agency collaboration, and emergency contingency plans. Results: Findings indicate significant regional disparities, with Lagos Apapa showing relatively better preparedness than Rivers and Delta Ports, which faced considerable challenges in funding, training, and equipment availability. Specifically, Lagos Apapa port reported 75% (functional capacity in funding, while Rivers and Delta ports face minimal functional capacity, particularly in training (15.9% and 9.1%) and equipment availability (19.1% and 16.0%). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate critical gaps in Nigeria's public health infrastructure at PoEs and emphasise the need for targeted interventions to improve core capacities, contributing to ongoing efforts to strengthen public health systems at PoEs in developing nations, in alignment with the IHR. https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_243280.html Objectives: This study was conducted to ensure traveler health and food safety by investigating the effects of key sachet-filling machine parameters on the quality and safety of single-serve instant beverage packaging.Methods: Three main variables were examined under controlled experiments: metallized film thickness (55, 75, and 95 μm), sealing temperature (125, 135, and 145 °C), and filling speed (slow, medium, and fast). Evaluations focused on three critical indicators package distortion, adhesion to the cutter, and seal integrity—to establish optimal conditions that ensure product safety and maintain packaging quality for single-serve use.Results: Increasing metallized film thickness from 55 to 95 μm reduced adhesion to the cutter but led to higher package distortion. Higher sealing temperatures (145 °C) improved adhesion, yet, when combined with higher filling speeds, seal integrity deteriorated. Optimal conditions were identified at 75 μm thickness, 135 °C sealing temperature, and medium filling speed, which minimized distortion and adhesion while ensuring high-quality sealing and safe single-serve packaging.Discussion: These findings emphasize the importance of simultaneous optimization of machine parameters to enhance packaging quality and safety in single-serve instant beverage production. The results provide a reliable basis for designing industrial processes that prioritize product safety, minimize health risks for travelers, and ensure consistent packaging performance https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_243282.html Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains a critical emergency with 1–5% mortality and an annual U.S. healthcare burden >2 billion USD. Standard management (insulin, fluids, potassium, bicarbonate) halts ketogenesis but fails to accelerate ketone clearance, address oxidative stress, or replenish depleted cofactors imitations that prolong resolution (12–24 h) and hospital stays (3–4 days). We propose the DKA-Rescue IV infusion, a novel formulation combining Ringer’s lactate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, glycine, thiamine, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Glycine targets ketone burden via the mitochondrial glycine cleavage system, enhancing acetoacetate clearance by 30–40% in metabolic models. Thiamine (pyrophosphate form) activates pyruvate dehydrogenase, reducing lactate accumulation by ~25%, while NAC restores glutathione, lowering oxidative markers by up to 50%. Kinetic modeling predicts accelerated acidosis correction (pH from 6.9 to 7.3 within hours) and faster ketone elimination, potentially shortening recovery to 6–8 hours. Feasibility is supported by low production costs (8–15 USD/L) and physiologic osmolarity (280–310 mOsm/L). This framework redefines DKA as a treatable metabolic network disorder and warrants early-phase clinical trials to validate safety and efficacy. https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_243283.html The ideal of beauty is undergoing a significant shift. It is shifting from surface-level cosmetic application to a deeper understanding of our individual genetic profile. The beauty industry has worked on a general model, but the emerging field of personalized medicine is poised to revolutionize how we improve our health. https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_243286.html Preterm infants are exposed to multiple risks due to their early arrival in the world, which can have profound effects on their health and development, as well as on the mental health of their families. The NIDCAP program is designed as an observational approach and attention to the specific needs of premature infants, to facilitate the care and maintenance of these infants. This study examines the effects of NIDCAP in reducing stress and anxiety in families of premature infants. This narrative review shows that NIDCAP provides parents with a greater sense of control and comfort by creating a supportive and calm environment for infants and families. Also, the personalized care practices in this program help improve sleep quality and reduce stress in infants. Based on the review of available data, this article concludes that NIDCAP not only helps improve the clinical condition of premature infants, but also reduces the cognitive and emotional burden on families. Overall, NIDCAP can be considered an effective tool in the care of premature infants and increases psychological support for families. This study seeks to emphasize the importance of identifying and implementing such programs in health canters to help improve the quality of life of infants and their families.