Unfavorable Family Research Articles

Social and seismic structural vulnerability in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico

The spatial distribution of the social and seismic structural vulnerabilities in Zihuatanejo (ZIH), Guerrero, Mexico, was estimated. Social vulnerability was assessed considering twelve indicators, including parameters such as access to health services, education, housing, employment, and unfavorable family conditions. Seismic structural vulnerability was evaluated characterizing the structural features of local houses, assessing the type and age of construction, and the quality of building materials. Surveyed households were randomly selected from a statistically significant sample. Our findings indicate that in the western and eastern areas of ZIH the population has high and very high social vulnerability. The main factors that condition these levels of social vulnerability are low-income, female-headed families, and households with marginal access to information technology, such as internet and telephone. Although seismic ground amplification in ZIH is relatively low, the regions to the west and southwest of the city are zones where the impact of strong earthquakes to constructions may be greater than in other areas. In particular, the districts of Lázaro Cárdenas, Benito Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, Emiliano Zapata, Las Mesas, Buenos Aires, Lomas del Quebrachal, and Lomas del Riscal would be affected. In general, houses vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes are in regions where the population is socially more vulnerable. More than 50% of the population and 30% of the houses have high and very high level of social and structural vulnerability, respectively. Our results provide information to the local and federal authorities to strengthen their civil protection and mitigation plans.

초기누적위험요인이 어머니의 사회적 양육행동을 매개로 유아행동발달에 미치는 영향

Objectives In this study, we examined the longitudinal impact of early cumulative risk factors on child behavioral development and confirmed whether the mother's social parenting behavior played a mediating role in that process.
 Methods For 1,434 children and households participating in the Korean Children's Panel, early cumulative risk factors were assessed in the first year's data, mothers' social parenting behavior was assessed in the fourth year's data, and child behavior development was assessed in the fifth year's data(Korean version of the Child Behavior Assessment Scale: CBCL 1.5-5) was used. The initial cumulative risk factors, which are composed of eight risk factors, are the mother's response to basic livelihood security recipients and the next lower class, mother's education level, mother's marital conflict, mother's depression, mother's parenting stress, mother's self-esteem, social support, and family life event was used. Data analysis was performed by conducting mediation regression analysis using Model 4 of Process Macro v4.0.
 Results In the longitudinal impact of early cumulative risk factors on child behavior development, mothers' social parenting behavior partially mediates infants' internalization, externalization, emotional reactivity, anxiety/depression, physical symptoms, withdrawal, attention problems, aggressive behavior, and other problems. It was found to play a partial mediating role, and sleep problems were found to play a complete mediating role.
 Conclusions The mother's social parenting behavior was found to have a significant impact on the child behavioral development in the long term by acting as a mechanism to transmit the effects of an unfavorable home environment with early cumulative risk factors to the child. Therefore, we discussed ways to restore and support mothers' social parenting behavior to prevent the long-term negative impact of an unfavorable family environment with early cumulative risk factors on child behavioral development.

Targeting Venetoclax Resistance in TP53-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Introduction: The combination therapy of Venetoclax (Ven) and Azacitidine (Aza) has shown remarkable improvements in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients not eligible for chemotherapy. Nevertheless, patients with TP53-mutated AML are more prone to have a refractory disease or develop rapid resistance. A recent study indicated that a combined expression ratio of BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1 proteins in leukemic stem cells predicts clinical response to Ven+Aza (Waclawiczek et al. 2023). Furthermore, our previous work has demonstrated that erythroid and megakaryoblastic leukemia blasts are more dependent on BCL-XL than BCL-2 (Kuusanmäki et al. 2023). Emerging evidence suggests that the erythroid-biased differentiation and gene signature is enhanced in many TP53-mutated patients (Rodriquez-Meira et al. 2022). Here we hypothesized that in TP53 -mutated AML, leukemic blasts correspond more closely to megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors (MEPs) leading to an unfavorable BCL-2 family expression ratio, which can be associated with poor responses to Ven. Consequently, we aimed to identify novel compounds targeting this specific patient subgroup. Methods: We utilized flow cytometry to analyze the mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) of BCL-2 family proteins (BCL-2, BCL-XL, MCL-1) in the CD34+ blast cells of 16 bone marrow-derived AML samples taken before Ven+Aza therapy ( TP53mut n=8, TP53wt n=8). Ex vivo drug testing was performed with eight compounds and blast-specific drug responses were analyzed after 48 hours with flow cytometry. RNA sequencing was performed on CD34+ or CD117+ cells enriched from 35 pre-Ven+Aza treatment samples. To assess erythroid signature scores, we calculated the mean expression of six different erythroid genes ( GATA1, KLF1, ZFPM1, GATA2, GYPA, TFRC) for each patient, following the approach by Rodriquez-Meira et al. 2022. The expression levels of 19 intracellular proteins, including BCL-2, BCL-XL, MCL-1, were quantified from the corresponding cell population of the samples by mass cytometry (CyTOF). Results: In the comparison of BCL-2 family protein expression and treatment responses, BCL-XL levels were significantly higher (p=0.03) in the treatment-resistant group, while no differences were found in BCL-2 or MCL-1 ( Figure 1A). In the TP53-mutated blasts, a trend of decreased BCL-2 was identified compared to the TP53 wild-typeblasts (p=0.08), but no difference in BCL-XL or MCL-1 levels was noted. However, all three Ven+Aza-refractory TP53-mutants exhibited high BCL-XL expression compared to the treatment-responsive TP53-mutated patients. Next, we assessed whether an erythroid-like phenotype was associated with TP53 mutation status by computing the erythroid gene signature scores from the RNAseq data of enriched blasts. Erythroid scores were increased among TP53-mutated samples (p=0.04), and interestingly, a higher erythroid score was linked to lower BCL-2 protein expression, regardless of TP53 mutation status ( Figure 1B). Finally, we assessed the drug efficacy of eight pre-selected compounds, including BCL-2 family inhibitors. As expected, Ven was ineffective in the TP53-mutated samples. In contrast, the TP53-mutated blasts showed higher ex vivo sensitivity to Navitoclax (BCL-2/BCL-XL inhibitor) (Nav IC50=90nM, Ven IC50>1000nM). Additionally, LCL-161 (IAPs inhibitor) demonstrated notable efficacy in the TP53-mutants and was significantly more effective compared to the wild-type controls (LCL-161 IC50=300nM, Ven IC50>1000nM). Discussion: Here, we show that increased BCL-XL protein expression is associated with clinical resistance to Ven+Aza. Furthermore, the link between erythroid gene signature and BCL-2 expression suggests that especially those AML blasts harboring TP53 mutations might have impaired BCL-2 expression due to a closer resemblance to MEPs. The increased sensitivity of TP53-mutated AML cells to LCL-161 demonstrated in the study, highlights the potential of targeting extrinsic apoptosis pathway via inhibiting the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). Furthermore, co-targeting of BCL-2/BCL-XL might provide alternative therapeutic approach in Ven resistant TP53-mutated patients. These findings are currently being validated with a larger patient cohort.

Relationship between Food Insecurity and Nutritional Risk among Older Adults in Poland-A Preliminary Study.

Aging populations may be associated with increased nutritional risk, malnutrition, and food insecurity. This study aims to examine the relationship between food insecurity and nutritional risk, taking into account selected characteristics of the study group, and factors describing nutritional risk. It was conducted between May and July 2021, among 417 people aged 60 and older, in two regions of Poland. Questions from the SCREEN-14 questionnaire were used to assess nutritional risk. Selected questions from the HFSS questionnaire (U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module) concerning the elderly were used to assess food insecurity. A K-means cluster analysis was used to separate homogeneous clusters into food security indicators and nutritional risk factors. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare mean values between groups, and the Chi-square test was used to verify the differences. Two clusters were distinguished: I-"low food security and high nutritional risk" and II-"high food security and low nutritional risk". Cluster I included people aged 60-65, and over 75, living in urban areas, living alone or with family, with unfavorable economic situations and family relationships. Cluster II was composed of people aged 71-75, who were rural residents, living with a partner, with favorable economic situations and family relations. The vast majority of nutritional risk factors were found in Cluster I and among those at high nutritional risk. The largest number of people were affected by such nutritional risk factors such as difficulty in chewing or biting, loss in appetite, skipping meals, and perceiving one's weight as abnormal. Moreover, the group of people most significantly affected by high nutritional risk were in unfavorable economic situations, had poor family relationships, lived alone or with family, rated their health as worse than their peers, were overweight and obese, had metabolic disease, or impeding mobility. The results obtained can be applied to the planning of social and health policies for the elderly in Poland.

Assessment of the quality of life in peri- and postmenopausal women living in Yerevan based on Women's Health Questionnaire

Objective: To assess the impact of peri- and postmenopause and some social-demographic and medical factors on scales of the quality of life (QoL) of women living in Yerevan. Material and methods. Across-sectional study was conducted among 353 women in the >40 age group. WHQ (Women Health Questionnaire) was used for the assessment of quality of life. Results. Negative indicators in peri- and postmenopausal women compared to women with a regular cycle were revealed on the scales "Vasomotor disorders" (0.46±0.05 and 0.51±0.03 vs. 0.17±0.03, p<0.001) and "Anxiety/fears" (0.40±0.04 and 0.38±0.02 vs. 0.27±0.03, p=0.013). The difference only between the groups of postmenopausal women and those with a regular cycle was registered on the scales "Somatic symptoms" (0.53±0.02 vs. 0.49±0.04, p=0.003), "Memory and concentration of attention" (0.47±0.03 vs. 0.39±0.04, p=0.015), Sexual Behavior (0.43±0.03 vs. 0.21±0.03, p<0.001) and "Attractiveness" (0.37±0.03 vs. 0.24±0.04, p=0.015). The presence of chronic diseases had a negative impact on QoL. From socio-demographic characteristics, negative was impact of age, low level of education, lack of employment, unfavorable family and financial status. Conclusions. There was a deterioration in all indicators of the QoL, except "Depressed mood", "Sleep problem", "Menstrual symptoms", in women of peri- and postmenopausal age. Age, low level of education, lack of employment, unfavorable family and financial status, the presence of chronic diseases had a negative impact on the QoL of the study participants.

Факторы риска и качество жизни женщин в периодах пери- и постменопаузы в городе Ереван, Армения

INTRODUCTION: Menopause is associated with various somatic, vasomotor, sexual and psychological symptoms that adversely affect the quality of life of women in peri- and postmenopausal periods. AIM: To assess the quality of life (QoL) of women in peri- and postmenopausal periods, to identify factors producing a negative effect on him during these periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: А cross-sectional study was conducted through a survey of 353 women above 40. To assess QoL, the SF 36 questionnaire was used. Sociodemographic factors and peculiarities of health status of the participants were considered risk factors. The data were introduced and analyzed using SPSS 23 statistical package. Statistical significance of the results was evaluated by Kruskal–Wallis test with the subsequent a posteriori analysis, and Mann–Whitney test. RESULTS: Peri- and post menopause had negative impact on the parameters of physical component of QoL and all its domains. Participants with regular menstruation had a reliably higher score of physical component of QoL compared to peri- and postmenopausal women (p < 0.001). The scores of physical component of QoL were higher in women at the age under 50 compared to women of older age groups. The scores were higher in women with higher and secondary special education compared to participants with general secondary education (p < 0.05). Higher scores of physical and psychological components of QoL were recorded in working women compared to the retired group (p < 0.05). The parameters of psychological component of QoL were the highest among married and single women. Parameters of physical and mental components of QoL were higher in groups with the income above and at the level of the living minimum compared to those who reported the income below the minimum wage (p < 0.001). A reliably higher scores of physical and mental components of QoL were recorded in participants with favorable microclimate in families compared to the group with an unfavorable one (p < 0.01). A reliable relationship was found between the evaluation of the health and parameters of both components of QoL by the participants. Higher scores were recorded in women who evaluated their health as excellent and above average compared to all other groups (p < 0.05). The presence of chronic diseases had a negative impact on both components of QoL. CONCLUSION: The factors producing negative effects on QoL of women in peri- and postmenopausal periods were the older age, general health status, low educational level, retirement, unfavorable family status and family microclimate, low family income.

The Representation of Feminist Ideologies in Roald Dahl’s Matilda

Matilda is one of Roald Dahl's greatest works. In this novel, the titular character, Matilda, is described as a five-year-old girl Matilda with extraordinary ability, despite her unfavorable family. She was fortunate to meet a dedicated teacher, Miss Honey, who recognized her talents. The present study aimed at analyzing Roald Dahl’s novel entitled Matilda from feminist perspectives. This study focused on analyzing feminism represented in the novel’s intrinsic elements. The study employed close reading enriched with Rosemary Tong's elaboration on feminist perspectives. The analysis revealed that feminist ideologies are represented through the novel’s theme, setting, and characterizations of the major characters. The novel's theme represents feminist ideologies by presenting women against, abused, or embraced feminist ideologies. The socio-cultural setting of the novel further emphasized the oppression of women who wanted to be independent. The depiction of feminism was strongly presented in the characterizations of Matilda and Miss Honey, who cooperated in fighting against their families' patriarchal treatment. These results imply that the novel is educative for children and young women to raise awareness about gender equality.

Anxiety and depressive symptoms in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic-Broader sociodemographic causes, connections and implications.

Our study (part of multicentric "MindCOVID") investigates risk factors for anxiety and depression among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic. The study used a prospective cross-sectional design. Data was collected using an online self-administered questionnaire. Standardized scales, general anxiety disorder (GAD)-7 and patient health questionnaire (PHQ)-9 were administered online. Multivariate regression analysis was employed to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic, medical and psychological variables. The Czech sample included 1830 pregnant women. An increase of depressive and anxiety symptoms measured by PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with unfavorable financial situation, low social and family support, psychological and medical problems before and during pregnancy and infertility treatment. Fear of being infected and adverse effect of COVID-19, feeling of burden related to restrictions during delivery and organization of delivery and feeling of burden related to finances were associated with worse anxiety and depressive symptoms. Social and emotional support and lack of financial worries are protective factors against mood disorders in pregnant women in relation to COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, adequate information about organization of delivery and additional support from healthcare professionals during the delivery are needed. Our findings can be used for preventive interventions, given that repeated pandemics in the future are anticipated.

DETERMINANTS OF DOMESTIC CRIME

The article examines the causes and conditions that determine the occurrence of domestic crime from the standpoint of dualistic and dialectical approaches. According to the dualistic approach, the determinants were considered by content: socio-economic, political, psychological, educational, geographical, spiritual, situational-victimological, normative-legal. By level of distribution: at the macro-, micro- and individual levels. By duration of action: short-term, medium-term, long-term. Based on the dialectical approach, the definition of the causes and conditions of domestic crime is proposed and a list of them is provided. Thus, the reasons for committing domestic crime include: the personality of the criminal; criminogenic deformation of social consciousness; mental disorders; jealousy; priority of material needs over spiritual values, social inequality, devaluation of the partner; legal and moral nihilism; refutation of the importance of the institution of the family; mentality; depressive states; abuse of alcohol on narcotic substances; difference in interests, life orientations and aspirations of spouses, incompatibility of partners; the difference in the worldview of the couple; shortcomings in the work of the police, reluctance to participate in the resolution of family conflicts; a serious illness and its consequences in one of the spouses, the spread of the cult of violence through television, the Internet; bad upbringing or its absence, a disappointing example of parents, in families where domestic crime takes place; weakening the influence of religion. The conditions are divided into: subjective (unfavorable family environment in which family violence prevails and which serves as a primary center for a future offender; defects in family upbringing; spoiling children from disadvantaged families at the stage of personality formation) and objective (poverty, lack of normal conditions of existence, stratification of society, weakening of the family institution, devaluation of the role of women, cultivation of violence through the Internet, video games); necessary and sufficient, accompanying conditions are also highlighted.

Experiences and impacts of stuttering on Vietnamese adults who stutter: A qualitative study

Findings of experiences and impacts of stuttering on adult people who stutter (PWS) from previous qualitative studies may not be true for PWS in Vietnam, because of cultural, social, and environmental differences. Until now, there has been no study of stuttering in adult Vietnamese PWS, therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the experiences and impacts of stuttering in adult Vietnamese PWS across their lifespan and on different areas of their lives. This is a qualitative descriptive study. Participants were recruited via the social networking site of the Vietnamese stuttering community (ECHO Vietnam). Each person was screened for developmental stuttering by an experienced and independent speech language therapist. Semi-structured interview was used for data collection. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Fear of stuttering, being teased by friends, unfavorable family reactions made PWS less confident, self-isolated, thereby having negative impacts on studying, working, and social relations. Beside negative experiences, a few showed empathy and support from teachers, relatives, and friends. PWS had low access to stuttering treatment because of lacking of official information on stuttering treatment. Self-help groups have played an active role in the treatment and emotional support for PWS. This study provided preliminary information about the experiences and impacts of stuttering in Vietnamese adult PWS. Further studies are needed to obtain deeper and more comprehensive information. It is necessary, through mass media, especially the internet, to provide information about treatment facilities, or organizations that PWS can join to get counseling about treatment.

Pola Interaksi Sosial Guru Akidah Akhlak Dalam Merespon Maraknya Perilaku Phubbing Dikalangan Pelajar (Studi Kasus Di Man Kota Batu)

Phubbing is a phenomenon in which a person ignores the other person by focusing on their smartphone. This phenomenon is very prone to occur among students who are already familiar with the development of science and technology. The purpose of this study is to: (1) Know the phenomenon of phubbing that occurs in the learning process at MAN Batu City. (2) Knowing the supporting and inhibiting factors of the teacher's Akidah Akhlak interaction pattern with students at MAN Batu City during the learning process. (3) Knowing the efforts of MAN Batu City Akidah Akhlak teachers in responding to phubbing phenomena among students. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method. The results of this study are: (1) The phubbing phenomenon is found with an attitude of dependence and hurt. (2) Efforts made by the teacher to respond to phubbing behavior include making learning contracts, approaching the interaction patterns used, and collaborating with homeroom teachers and counseling teachers. (3) In responding to phubbing behavior, MAN Batu City Akidah Akhlak teachers apply an educational interaction pattern by prioritizing good communication. The supporting factors of the interaction pattern used are enthusiasm, school curriculum, and adequate infrastructure. While the inhibiting factors are the demand to always follow the development of science and technology, and the unfavorable family environment of students.

Non-Western Immigrants, the Transition from School to Education and to Work and NEET Status

This article examines the transition from compulsory school to education and work for children of immigrants and native Danes by focusing on NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) status. Using administrative register data, I first examined the overrepresentation of children of immigrants in the NEET group three years after completion of compulsory school. I then analysed: (a) whether differences in family background and grades can explain this overrepresentation and (b) whether NEET status during this period is associated with a high risk of NEET status four years later (i.e., seven years after compulsory school completion). My results show higher NEET rates for children of immigrants than for native Danes. Regression analysis of three year groups suggests, unfavourable family characteristics explain the higher probability of NEET status among children of immigrants in two of these groups. NEET status in the three-year period after school completion is associated with higher risk of NEET status four years later for both children of immigrants and native Danes.

Bounce of caregivers expressed emotions on schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe type of mental illness that is both persistent and burdensome. Because they are under a lot of stress coping with caring for schizophrenia patients, family members of these patients often have a negative attitude and a wide spectrum of expressed emotion towards them. The quality of interaction patterns and the type of family ties among family caregivers and individuals with schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions are classified as an unfavorable family environment. [1] Large volumes of emotion directed directly at a person or within a family environment are referred to as “high expressed emotion.”One or more parents’ critical or emotionally over-involved attitudes and behaviors toward their schizophrenia offspring are referred to as expressed emotion. [2]. Any aberrant processes inside a family, such as conflict, communication problems, cold parenting, criticism, control, and excessive amounts of expressed emotions, are referred to as family dysfunction.. These could be risk factors for schizophrenia onset and maintenance. Schizophrenics who returned home to such a family were more prone to relapse than those who returned home to a family that expressed little or no emotion. While not on medication, returning to a high expressed emotion family resulted in a large rate of recurrence. [20] Family members of schizophrenia patients require psychosocial nursing care to assist them cope with their stress. [21]

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents: determinants and association with quality of life and mental health—a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe medium-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of children and adolescents remains unclear. More than 2 years into the pandemic, we aimed to quantify the frequency and determinants of having been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and estimate its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health.MethodsData was drawn from a population-based cohort of children and adolescents, recruited between December 2021 and June 2022, in Geneva, Switzerland. The Coronavirus impact scale was used to assess the multidimensional impact of the pandemic on children through parent’s report. A score higher than one standard deviation above the mean was deemed a severe impact. Parents additionally reported about their offspring HRQoL and mental health with validated scales. Determinants of having been severely impacted were assessed with logistic models, as were the associations between having experienced a severe impact and poor HRQoL or mental health.ResultsOut of 2101 participants aged 2–17, 12.7% had experienced a severe pandemic impact. Having a lasting health condition, a pandemic-related worsening of lifestyle habits or an unfavorable family environment were associated with having been severely impacted by the pandemic, while a previous anti-SARS-CoV-2 infection was not. Participants who had experienced a severe pandemic impact were more likely to present poor HRQoL (aOR = 3.1; 95% CI 2.3–4.4) and poor mental health (aOR = 3.9; 95% CI 2.5–6.2).ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic may have persistent consequences on the wellbeing of children and adolescents, especially among those with health and family vulnerabilities.

The importance of familial risk factors in children with ADHD: direct and indirect effects of family adversity, parental psychopathology and parenting practices on externalizing symptoms

BackgroundChildren experiencing unfavorable family circumstances have an increased risk of developing externalizing symptoms. The present study examines the direct, indirect and total effects of family adversity, parental psychopathology, and positive and negative parenting practices on symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in children with ADHD.MethodsData from 555 children (M = 8.9 years old, 80.5% boys) who participated in a multicenter study on the treatment of ADHD (ESCAschool) were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).ResultsThe SEM analyses revealed that (a) family adversity and parental psychopathology are associated with both child ADHD and ODD symptoms while negative parenting practices are only related to child ODD symptoms; (b) family adversity is only indirectly associated with child ADHD and ODD symptoms, via parental psychopathology and negative parenting practices; (c) the detrimental effect of negative parenting practices on child ADHD and ODD symptoms is stronger in girls than in boys (multi-sample SEM); (d) there are no significant associations between positive parenting practices and child ADHD or ODD symptoms.ConclusionsFamily adversity, parental psychopathology, and negative parenting practices should be routinely assessed by clinicians and considered in treatment planning.Trial registration (18th December 2015): German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) DRKS00008973.

Amelanotic nodular malignant melanoma in a patient with a family history of skin cancers

Amelanotic skin melanoma is the amelanotic or hypomelanotic subtype of nodular melanoma. Amelanotic melanoma accounts for almost 60% of completely unrecognized melanoma. Amelanototic melanomas may not have the classic features of other melanomas and are usually red or skin-colored and more symmetrical, so superficially spreading melanomas are more easily recognized by most healthcare professionals and even patients.
 Today, the path of melanoma development associated with genetic predisposition is being considered, in particular, with an unfavorable oncological family history, which is characterized by the development of melanoma in areas of the body periodically exposed to insolation, such as the trunk and limbs. The mechanism underlying amelanosis is not fully understood. As in pigment analogs, amelanotic melanoma cells retain their melanin-producing ability due to the expression of tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor.
 We present our own clinical case of the development of a rare amelanocytic nodular melanoma on the leg in a patient with a family history of cancer. The complexity of the presented clinical case lies in the clinical picture atypical for nodular melanoma, since the formation was not pigmented, which did not cause concern for the patient and doctors, since the clinical picture was more consistent with a typical pyogenic granuloma. The patient underwent a wide excision of the formation. Further examination ruled out tumor metastases. The patient received a course of prophylactic therapy with recombinant interferon alfa. There was no recurrence of the disease during 3 years of follow-up. No metastasis has been observed so far.

Аспекты профессионального развития практикующих и будущих педагогов: факторы и вызовы

The article discusses the features of professional development and self-development of teachers and students of pedagogical educational institutions in Russia, India, Brazil. Russian researchers analyze the influence of activity of future teachers in digital environment on their professional development and self-development, as well as the relationship of professional development with students' self-determination, namely, goal setting. Empirically, the relationship between the digital activity of students of the pedagogical magistracy and the desire for professional self-development was revealed, which, in turn, depends on the severity of the goals and their orientation on obtaining a teaching profession. The study of Indian scientists is aimed at studying the quality of life of teachers on the effectiveness of professional development. It was found that the majority of Indian teachers has a low level of professional development. Factors that negatively affect the level of professional development were identified, namely: low financial status, unfavorable family environment, physical and psychological well-being, job security. Researchers also consider reasons for professional development, including lack of time, lack of accountability for professional development activities etc. The Brazilian study examines the features of social perceptions of teachers about teacher education and their professional development. The authors depicted social perceptions of teachers about teacher education based on four categories: planning, didactic procedures; assessment and teacher-student relationship. The article also provides recommendations for the successful application of pedagogical practice and the creation of an environment for the teachers’ professional development, taking into account the results of all three blocks by countries participating in this study.

Withdrawal Phenomenon and Coping Mechanisms in Students of Forms 5-8 Experiencing Learning Difficulties, in Remote Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Teachers and Students

The article presents a novel phenomenon, namely, the phenomenon of withdrawal in the students of forms 5 to 8 with learning difficulties when learning remotely under the critical conditions of COVID-19 pandemic. The phenomenon was revealed through focus group discussions with the teachers of forms 5 to 8, educational assistance professionals, and school leaders from 23 schools (n-175), as well as through the material of depersonalized deliberations of the students, provided by the teachers.The process of quality content analysis of the research material highlighted the phenomenon of student withdrawal when learning remotely, and its following stages: partial or episodic self-removal from the lesson; muting; invisibility; confusion; demotivation; apathy; loss of social connections; exhaustion; helplessness, and complete withdrawal. The following external reasons prompting the emergence of the withdrawal phenomenon in students under the critical conditions of COVID-19 pandemic were identified: digital exclusion, non-inclusive traditional teaching, lack of enabling effect on the students, learning barriers that exceed their abilities, demotivating experiences of failure, unfavourable family environment, social and even physical isolation, and online bullying. The following internal factors favourable were for the development of the phenomenon of withdrawal emerged: limited mood management skills, lack of self-confidence, lack of self-acceptance, critical attitudes. The following ways of overcoming the withdrawal phenomenon were revealed: the organization of a remote learning process that involves the students and is based on the students’ active participation.

Learning Patterns at the Time of COVID-19-Induced School Closures

Previous research has shown that COVID-19-induced school closures and the subsequent transition to online/digital distance education have had a negative effect on student achievement, and this is a negative effect particularly pronounced for students with low socioeconomic status, which foreshadows an increase in educational inequalities. In this study, we examined how students in schools at risk of dropout have adapted to this changed educational situation and what the individual, family and school-related characteristics are that differentiate their adaptation strategy. Our analysis is based on the responses of 3222 Hungarian seventh-grade students to an online survey. Cluster analysis was used to create four groups that illustrate differing perceptions of online/digital distance learning. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyse and compare the learning patterns of these student groups. Our results show that students have not responded in the same way to changes brought about by COVID-19. There are fundamental differences between the two groups facing difficulties and the two groups experiencing fewer difficulties, but the former and the latter two groups differ on several other factors too. Students with unfavourable individual and family factors were more likely to have learning difficulties. In their case, the extent of support provided by the school is very important.

Gender Differences in Insomnia and Role of Work Characteristics and Family Responsibilities Among Healthcare Workers in Taiwanese Tertiary Hospitals.

BackgroundInsomnia is common among healthcare workers (HCWs), especially those working in tertiary hospitals. This study aimed to clarify whether gender differences in insomnia could be explained by gender differences in work characteristics and family responsibilities among HCWs in tertiary hospitals in Taiwan.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 22 departments of two tertiary hospitals in Northern Taiwan from December 2018 to March 2019. All data were obtained by a self-administered questionnaire given when participants underwent annual health check-ups. Insomnia was evaluated using the Chinese Athens Insomnia Scale. Work characteristics and family responsibilities were as follows: department, working hours, shift work, visual display terminals used at work, demand-control-support model, burnout level, breadwinner status, living conditions, and caregiver status. Data of 2,811 participants (317 men, 11.3%; 2,494 women, 88.7%) were analyzed (response rate: men, 85%; women, 88%). Logistic regression analysis examined howwork characteristics and family responsibilities explained gender differences in insomnia.ResultsThe prevalence of insomnia in women (61.7%) was significantly higher than that in men (52.7%), and gender differences strengthened after adjusting for work characteristics and family responsibilities [odds ratio: 1.45 (1.11–1.90) and 1.62 (1.18–2.22), p < 0.01]. Stratified analyses revealed that significant gender differences were found among HCWs with comparatively unfavorable work and family conditions. Furthermore, women had a higher association of insomnia owing to these factors.ConclusionThese results suggest that gender differences in insomnia among HCWs are mainly explained by gender differences in work characteristics and family responsibilities.