Malaysian Journal of Medical Research (MJMR)

Development and Pilot Evaluation of a Self-Guided Digital Hypnorelaxation Program for Sleep Quality and Psychological Readiness Pregnant Women

2026-02-05T04:55:25+00:00

Background: Sleep disturbances and psychological distress are common during late pregnancy and are associated with reduced maternal well-being and childbirth preparedness, highlighting the need for accessible non-pharmacological interventions. Objectives: This pilot study aimed to develop and preliminarily evaluate the feasibility and early responsiveness of a self-guided digital hypnorelaxation program integrating relaxation techniques and positive affirmations for late pregnancy. Methods: A developmental quasi-experimental pilot study with a pretest–posttest comparison group design was conducted among 60 third-trimester pregnant women recruited from community antenatal care settings. Participants were non-randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 35) and a routine care group (n = 25). The intervention consisted of a standardized hypnorelaxation audio program used independently twice daily for 14 days. Sleep-related well-being and psychological readiness for childbirth were assessed using validated Indonesian instruments and analyzed within an exploratory pilot framework. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The intervention group showed greater short-term changes in sleep-related well-being scores (mean change = 8.40) compared with minimal change in the control group (mean change = 0.30). A shift toward higher sleep quality categories and increased childbirth preparedness was observed, with 85.7% of participants classified as highly prepared post-intervention. These findings represent preliminary response patterns within a pilot context. Conclusion: The intervention demonstrated feasibility, high adherence, and early indications of responsiveness. Further randomized controlled trials are required to establish effectiveness.

Probability of Hereditary Effects Due to Dose Radiation on X-Ray Radiography Examination

2026-02-05T03:51:14+00:00

Introduction: This study estimates the risk of hereditary diseases related to X-ray radiation in conventional radiography, conducted at the Bali Academy of Radiodiagnostic and Radiotherapy Engineering using a Raysafe Multimeter. The focus is on stochastic radiation effects, including hereditary and cancerous impacts. These effects, which occur without a specific dose threshold, are linked to mutations in somatic and germinal cells that contribute to cancer and genetic disorders. The goal was to assess the hereditary risk by measuring radiation doses through the Entrance Surface Dose (ESD). Methods: Key variables measured during the radiographic procedure included output voltage (kV), exposure time (s), current output (mA), and radiation dose exposure (mGy). These measurements were used to calculate the ESD, which helped estimate hereditary risks for critical organs. Data collected with the Raysafe Multimeter was analyzed to establish the relationship between radiation dose and hereditary risk. Results: The study found that the lowest ESD value was 0.3737 mGy with 40 kV voltage, and the highest was 0.7328 mGy at 80 kV. It also showed that the first generation (Generation I) had a higher probability of hereditary effects than the second generation (Generation II). This was attributed to the cells' ability to repair radiation-induced damage over time, with the second generation benefiting from more opportunities for repair. Conclusion: The risk of hereditary diseases is influenced by the ESD and the cell’s repair ability. The second generation faces lower hereditary risk due to natural repair processes, underscoring the need for careful radiation exposure management in radiography.

IcaA Gene in Environmental Isolates of Biofilm Producing Staphylococcus aureus

2026-03-13T06:05:17+00:00

Background: Biofilm-forming (BF) Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are a major environmental and health concern due to their role in antibiotic resistance and chronic infections. The presence of biofilm-associated genes, such as the IcaA gene, plays a significant role in biofilm formation and increases its virulence in the environment. Objectives: This study aims to isolate and identify biofilm-producing Staphylococcus aureus from environmental samples, detect the presence of the IcaA gene using polymerase chain reaction, compare different biofilm detection methods, and detect antibiotic resistance and its patterns in the isolates. Methods: One hundred and forty environmental samples were collected from various locations, including soil and wastewater. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated and identified by culturing on different media and then characterized using biochemical methods. Biofilm formation was detected using Congo Red agar and tube-based methods. The IcaA gene was detected molecularly using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion. Results: A total of 140 environmental samples, 55 isolates exhibited biofilm-forming potential. Thirteen of these isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus. Biofilm detection showed that 76.92% of the isolates were positive using the Congo Red agar method, and 23.07% were positive using the tube method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results indicated that 4 of the 13 isolates (30.76%) carried the IcaA gene. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance to vancomycin, amoxicillin, and oxacillin, while high susceptibility was observed to gentamicin and amikacin. Conclusion: Environmental Staphylococcus aureus isolates exhibited a marked capacity for biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. The presence of the IcaA gene confirmed the genetic basis for biofilm formation in some isolates. The tube method showed greater agreement with molecular detection compared to the Congo red agar method. Continued monitoring of environmental Staphylococcus aureus and biofilm-associated genes is recommended due to their role in antibiotic resistance and public health risks.