Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and recently it has been suggested that alterations in iron homeostasis may be implicated. Because of the central role of the transferrin receptor in providing access of iron to cells, we have studied the distribution and density of transferrin receptors using [3H]-transferrin ([3H]-Tf) binding and tritium film autoradiography in the normal and PD midbrain. High levels of [3H]-Tf binding were found in the dorsal raphé, oculomotor nucleus and periaqueductal grey whilst lower levels of [3H]-Tf binding were found in the tegmentum, red nucleus and substantia nigra. Significant reductions in binding were found in the substantia nigra, red nucleus and oculomotor nucleus in PD, the reductions in [3H]-Tf binding being similar to the loss of nigral neurons in PD. The data suggest that the increased iron content of surviving nigral neurons may reflect a compensatory metabolic response rather than abnormal transferrin receptor expression.

N-Methyl-3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA), or ecstasy is a recreational drug of abuse. It is a synthetic substance that affects the body's systems, which its mechanism of action and treatment should be more investigated. MDMA provides an immediate enjoyable feeling by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Unfortunately, abnormal regulation of the brain neurotransmitters, as well as the increased oxidative stress causes damage to the brain neurons after the MDMA exposure. Only a few studies have been done regarding its treatment. Thus, the treatment of MDMA complications should be further explored mainly by targeting its mechanism of action in the neurotransmitter systems. Hence, this study presents a short review regarding the recent findings on the role of neurotransmitters to cause MDMA neurotoxicity. The results will be useful for future research in elucidating the potential treatment based on the targeted mechanisms to treat the neurotoxic effects of MDMA.

It is well recognized throughout the history that religiosity, spirituality and the meditation practice have significant effects to the physical and mental health. Hence, this paper interested to evaluate the effectiveness of spiritual meditation on drug addiction recovery and its effects on psychological and mental health aspects. Three main databases in medicinal and psychology field were screened to identify the eligible studies which are PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus by using Boolean expression. Fourteen papers were included in this review. Standardized mean differences were calculated based on the intergroup mean difference and standard deviation followed by Cochran’s Q and I2 determination for heterogeneity analysis. The mean differences were statistically pooled in the meta-analysis and presented as a forest plot. The risk of bias was high for each study and assessed using the Jadad scale. The meta-analysis showed significant differences in across studies for addiction related outcome (I2=27%, 95% CI: -1.703, -0.454), anxiety (I2=0%, 95% CI: -0.874, -0.634) and stress (I2=100%, 95% CI: -0.874, -0.634). In general, spiritual meditation may promote the addiction recovery as well as improve the psychological and mental health outcomes by reducing the depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. In conclusion, randomized control trial on spiritual meditation gave positive impact on the addiction behavior as well as mental health and clarifies its reliability on addiction therapy problems.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 04 No. 04 October’20 Page : 237-250

The teaching of Islam has warned and reminded Muslim society regarding the threat of superstitious practices after the period of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Various distorted beliefs, such as shamanism and fortune-telling, have simultaneously spread all over the Muslim world including Malaysia. Among several causal of heretical innovation of distorted belief is ignorance and lack of religious knowledge. This article higlights contributing factors of Malays' involvement in superstitious practices which stresses on their perception, beliefs and practices. The writing of this article is based on the study conducted through qualitative methods using observation and interview. Selected key informants from religious affairs departments and political leadership are selected as respondents of the study. The result found that lack of religious education, ignorance, the influence of shamanism and strong belief in mystic and magic are accepted to contribute to the occurence of superstitious practices. These causal factors need to be addressed in the very best possible manner by the Islamic affairs authorities in order to prevent futher society involvement.

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