A mtDNA A1555G base substitution in a highly conserved region of the 12S rRNA gene has been reported to be the main cause of aminoglycoside induced deafness. This mutation is found in approximately 3% of Japanese and 0.5-2.4% of European sensorineural deafness patients. We report a high prevalence (5.3%) of the A1555G mutation in sensorineural deafness patients in Sulawesi (Indonesia). Our result confirms the importance of determining the prevalence of the mtDNA A1555G mutation in different populations, and the need for mutation detection before the administration of aminoglycoside antibiotics.

For decades, occupational exposure to flour dust has been linked to a range of respiratory diseases, including occupational asthma, thought to result from exposure to fungi present in the flour. Antifungal resistance is of increasing prevalence in clinical settings, and the role of occupational and environmental exposures, particularly for specific fungal species, is of concern. Occupational exposure to flour dust can occur in a range of occupational settings, however, few studies have focused on restaurant workers. The objective of this study was to measure occupational exposure to flour and microbial contamination, including azole resistance screening, in two small commercial bakeries and in a pizzeria. Personal full shift inhalable dust measurements were collected from workers, and were analyzed for inhalable dust and fungi, bacteria, azole resistance, and mycotoxins. Samples of settled dust were collected, and electrostatic dust cloths (EDC) were deployed and analyzed for microbial contamination, including azole resistance screening, and mycotoxins. Geometric mean exposures of 6.5 mg m−3 were calculated for inhalable dust, however, exposures of up to 18.30 mg m−3 were measured—70% of personal exposure measurements exceeded the occupational exposure limit for flour dust of 1.0 mg m−3. The air and EDC fungal counts were similar to those reported in previous studies for similar occupational environments. The fungi were dominated by Penicillium genera, however Aspergillus genera, including Fumigati and Flavi sections, were observed using culture-based methods, and the Fumigati section was also observed by molecular tools. Both Aspergillus sections were identified on the azole resistance screening. Mycotoxins were also detected in the settled dust samples, dominated by deoxynivalenol (DON). The role of environmental exposure in both the development of antimicrobial resistance and the total mycotoxin body burden is a growing concern; therefore, the presence of azole-resistant fungi and mycotoxin contamination, although low in magnitude, is of concern and warrants further investigation.

Purpose This study aims to examine and assess the effect of knowledge management and strategic leadership on performance of hospitals by using variables’ mediating effect of dynamic capability. Design/methodology/approach The population included in this study are all the elements of leadership, i.e. both structural and functional leaders at the four hospitals in Makassar [the central government (Dr Wahidin Sudiro Husodo), Regional General Hospital belonging to the Provincial Government of South Sulawesi (Hospital Labuang Baji and hospitals Hajj) and government hospitals (hospitals belonging Makassar City Government)]. The sample size resulting from the analysis tools included approximately 100 respondents. This research used both structural, i.e. structural equation modeling (SEM), and Sobel tests for assessing the mediation effects. Findings First, dynamic capabilities as a mediation variable in relationship between the knowledge management and performance of hospitals, indicates that higher knowledge management will result in improved hospital performance, if the mediated dynamic capability was also higher. Second, dynamic capabilities as the mediation in the relationship between strategic leadership and hospital performance indicates that a higher strategic leadership will lead to improved hospital performance, if the mediated dynamic capability was also higher. Originality/value The results of previous studies on knowledge management in public sector organizations were not sufficiently clear. Moreover, the study of knowledge management in the health services industry also received less attention from previous researchers. This research attempts to fill the gap further by examining the influence of knowledge management on organizational dynamic capability and organizational performance of hospitals. The presence of the mediating variable dynamic capability also differentiates this study from previous studies.

Elderly population is increasing, while the world has been facing the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which causes a greater adverse impact among older population in various aspects of their lives, such as depression, daily routine disruption, illness, and social and emotional issues. The purpose of this study was to assess the elderly’s depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the risk factors including socio-demographic, physical and psychosocial conditions, as well as family support. The method used was cross-sectional design, with a total sampling of 457 participants. The measuring instruments used were ADL (Activities of Daily Living Scale) and IADL (Lowton and Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale) for physical activities assessment, APGAR (Adaptability, Participation, Growth, Affection, Resolution) for family support function assessment, and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) for depression level measurement, with additional questions for psychosocial assessment. 212 elderlies (46.4%) were found with no depression tendency, 183 elderlies (40%) had a tendency of depression, and 62 elderlies (13.6%) had depression. These depression issues were significantly linked to retirement and income among elderly, dependency, fitness and health status, family and social support, and sources of funds. In the presence of depression, control measures for social, health, and psychosocial support must be implemented in order to minimize its impact among the elderly.

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