The competency profile of trainer-coach on the example of consulting and training company Mindlab

Głównym celem pracy jest określenie profilu kompetencji trenera-szkoleniowca. Problem badawczy sprowadza się do pytania: Jakimi kompetencjami powinien odznaczać się trener? W szczególności analizie zostały poddane następujące problemy szczegółowe: 1. W jaki sposób trenerzy podnoszą swoje kompetencje? 2. Jak kształtuje się droga zawodowa trenera?3. Jakimi predyspozycjami osobowościowymi i zawodowymi powinien odznaczać się trener? 4. Co trener powinien wiedzieć o procesie uczenia się dorosłych? 5. Jakie metody i techniki powinien stosować trener podczas szkolenia? Całość rozważań osadzona została w ramach analizy rynku szkoleniowego oraz teorii kompetencji trenerskich. Wyniki przeprowadzonych badań pokazują, że na sukces szkoleniowca wpływa zarówno odpowiednio przeprowadzona analiza potrzeb i celów, jak i umiejętność prezentacji czy organizacji grupy. Dzięki uzyskanym wynikom można twierdzić, że niezwykle ważna jest również samoświadomość osiągana m.in. dzięki feedback’owi i asertywności. Na podstawie badań można również wnioskować, że kompetentny trener to osoba o wysoce rozwiniętych zdolnościach komunikacyjnych, która w elastyczny sposób, stosując różnego rodzaju metody aktywizujące, potrafi dotrzeć do odbiorcy i zaangażować go w proces szkolenia. Wykorzystuje przy tym znajomość teorii uczenia się dorosłych oraz posługiwanie się językiem korzyści. Wnioski prezentowane w niniejszej pracy opierają się na badaniach przeprowadzonych przez autorkę w roku 2011 wśród trenerów krakowskiej firmy doradczo- szkoleniowej Mindlab.The main aim of the thesis is to determine the competency profile of trainer-coach. The research problem is the answer of the question what kind of skills a coach should possess. In particular, the analysis has been subjected to the following specific issues:1. How can coaches improve their skills? 2. How is the professional career path of a coach created?3. What kind of personality and professional predispositions a coach should possess? 4. What should a coach know about the process of adult learning? 5. What methods and techniques should be used during the training? The whole discussion is embedded within the training market analysis and the theory of coaching competencies. Results of the thesis indicate that both the effective analysis of needs, objectives and presentation or group organization skills have an influence on the success of a coach. With the obtained results it can be claimed that self-awareness achieved by feedback and assertiveness is also very important. On the basis of the research it can be concluded that a competent coach is a person with highly developed communication skills. Being flexible and using various methods of activation he is able to reach to the customers and involve them in the process of training. It requires the knowledge about adult learning theory and the use of the benefits language. The conclusions presented in this thesis are based on the research conducted by the author in 2011 among trainers employed by Krakow consulting and training company Mindlab

Wydatki gmin na usługi opiekuńcze a zmiany demograficzne w Polsce

Local governments as the smallest units of territorial self‑government in Poland are responsible for providing care services. The growing number of the elderly can influence the expenditures level connected with ensuring proper care for them, and it may constitute a growing problem for local government, especially for districts with a lower level of socio‑economic development. In recent years, a quite high increase in benefits amount due to care services and specialist care services has been observed. Therefore, a question arises whether a significant dependence can be observed between the share of the elderly in the population and the degree of local governments’ financial burden due to providing care services. The aim of this paper is to indicate voivodeships where local governments bear the biggest burden of providing care services and to verify whether it is connected with their demographic situation. The data which were subject to the static analysis conducted came from public sources: the report of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Poland and elaborations of the Central Statistic Office. The situation of particular voivodeships has been defined in the scope of society ageing and burdening local government with care services. Only in the case of half of voivodeships it has been proven that the level (low, medium or high) of burden of the said services corresponds to the same level of the number of the elderly in their population, which can confirm that the amount of care services is connected with a demographic situation of a given voivodeship.Gminy jako najmniejsze jednostki samorządu terytorialnego w Polsce są odpowiedzialne za działania z zakresu pomocy społecznej. Rosnąca liczba osób starszych może wpływać na poziom wydatków związanych z zapewnieniem im opieki i stanowić coraz większy problem dla samorządu lokalnego, zwłaszcza dla gmin o niższym poziomie rozwoju społeczno‑ekonomicznego. W ostatnich latach zaobserwowano stosunkowo wysoki wzrost kwoty świadczeń z tytułu usług opiekuńczych i specjalistycznych usług opiekuńczych. Rodzi się zatem pytanie: „Czy można zaobserwować istotną zależność między udziałem osób starszych w populacji a stopniem obciążenia finansowego gmin z tytułu świadczenia usług opiekuńczych?”. Celem artykułu jest wskazanie tych województw, w których gminy są najbardziej obciążone świadczeniem usług opiekuńczych i sprawdzenie, czy ma to związek z obserwowaną w nich sytuacją demograficzną. Dane poddane analizie statystycznej pochodziły z ogólnodostępnych źródeł: sprawozdań Ministerstwa Rodziny, Pracy i Polityki Społecznej oraz opracowań Głównego Urzędu Statystycznego. Określono aktualną sytuację poszczególnych województw w zakresie starzenia się społeczeństwa oraz obciążenia świadczeniami na usługi opiekuńcze. Tylko w przypadku połowy województw stwierdzono, że poziom (niski, średni lub wysoki) obciążenia przedmiotowymi świadczeniami odpowiada takiemu samemu poziomowi udziału osób starszych w populacji, co świadczyć może o związku kwoty świadczeń na usługi opiekuńcze z sytuacją demograficzną danego województwa

Risk factors for asthma in children in Łódź region

The incidence of asthma and other allergic diseases continues to increase. In addition to genetic factors, environmental influences are thought to play an important role. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence and drive the atopic march from atopic sensitization to asthma in children from Łódź. Methods: 800 atopic children, aged 5-18 years, were included to our study. Parents filled in questionnaires and gave interviews about their children's diseases. 405 (43 %) children have diagnosis of asthma. Results: A significant association was observed between asthma and male sex, parents' history of atopy, parentalhighest school grade, maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal chronic disease (especially chronic renal diseases), maternal allergen-sensitizating diet during breast-feeding, increased exposure to indoor humidity and moulds. Similar effect was seen for episodes of wheeze occurring in the first 3 years of life as followed: wheezing during an airway infection, wheezing not connected with respiratory tract infection, wheezing not related with physical exercise. Child's daycare attendance (nursery school) was associated with decreased risk of asthma

Spatial Diversification of Municipal Expenditure for Residual Charges for Inhabitants of Collective Households in Poland. Present Situation and Prognosis

Communes as the smallest units of local government in Poland are responsible for social assistance. The growing number of older people can affect the level of care expenses, including these that are spent for care in social welfare houses (SWH). The expenses of municipalities related to the residence of their inhabitants in SWH are increasing systematically, and they are becoming a substantial problem especially for communes at lower socio‑economic development level. The aim of this paper is to identify those voivodeships in which communes are and will be mostly affected in the near future by residual charges for inhabitants of SWH and to check whether this is related to the demographic situation. Statistical data analyzed in this paper were taken from public sources: Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy reports, and Central Statistical Office. The current situation of voivodeships in the area of population aging and the expenditures on residual charges for inhabitants of SWH were described. There was diagnosed a diversification of voivodships due to the level of expenditures connected with residual charges for inhabitants of SWH and the lack of diversification due to the participation of the elderly in the population. Basing on linear trend models there was also prepared a forecast of expenditures of communes in the perspective up to 2020. It was shown that the communes located in the warmińsko‑mazurskie voivodship would have to face the greatest level of expenditures (per capita). The expenditures per capita in this voivodeship will be more than two times of the mazowieckie voivodship’s expenditures.Gminy jako najmniejsze jednostki samorządu terytorialnego w Polsce są odpowiedzialne za działania z zakresu pomocy społecznej. Rosnąca liczba osób starszych może wpływać na poziom wydatków związanych z zapewnieniem im opieki, w tym również tej całodobowej, świadczonej przez domy pomocy społecznej (DPS‑y). Od wielu lat systematycznie rosną wydatki gmin związane z pobytem ich mieszkańców w DPS‑ach i stanowią one coraz bardziej dotkliwy problem, zwłaszcza dla gmin o niższym poziomie rozwoju społeczno‑ekonomicznego. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest wskazanie tych województw, w których gminy są i będą w najbliższej przyszłości najbardziej obciążone z tytułu dopłat do pobytu mieszkańców w DPS‑ach, i sprawdzenie, czy ma to związek z obserwowaną w nich sytuacją demograficzną. Dane poddane analizie statystycznej pochodziły z ogólnodostępnych źródeł: sprawozdań Ministerstwa Rodziny, Pracy i Polityki Społecznej oraz opracowań Głównego Urzędu Statystycznego. Określono aktualną sytuację poszczególnych województw w zakresie starzenia się społeczeństwa oraz obciążenia wydatkami na dofinansowanie pobytu mieszkańców w DPS‑ach. Stwierdzono zróżnicowanie województw ze względu na stopień obciążenia przedmiotowymi wydatkami i brak zróżnicowania ze względu na udział osób starszych w populacji. W oparciu o modele trendu liniowego sporządzono również dla województw prognozy przedmiotowych wydatków gmin w perspektywie do 2020 roku. Wykazano, że największe obciążenie (w przeliczeniu na jednego mieszkańca) dotyczyć będzie gmin zlokalizowanych na terenie województwa warmińsko‑mazurskiego. Przypadające w tym województwie na jednego mieszkańca wydatki będą ponad dwukrotnie wyższe niż w województwie mazowieckim

The importance of folic acid for the health of the human body

A well-balanced diet is undoubtedly a key factor to maintain your body's normal state of health. A deficiency or excess of any nutrient can cause negative effects on human health. Folic acid is one of the elements of the diet, which is often supplied in insufficient quantities. This vitamin and its derivatives participate in the metabolism of amino acids and nucleic acids. Therefore, it is necessary for the proper functioning of the body's cells and for maintaining homeostasis, especially of the nervous, circulatory and cardiovascular systems. The biological activity of folic acid and its derivatives essentially affects the metabolism of important amino acids, such as methionine, homocysteine, serine, glycine, pyrimidine and purine synthesis and DNA methylation. The synthetic form of folic acid (most oxidized), which can be found in fortified foods, dietary supplements or pharmaceuticals, does not show biological activity. It is transformed in a series of reactions with the participation of many enzymes to form folates, which differ in the number of glutamic acid residues and the degree of oxidation. The actively biological form is reduced folate (L-5-MTHF), which is transported together with the blood to cells where it undergoes biological processes important for our health. The MTHFR gene, coding for the enzyme protein of the same name - methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase, is located on chromosome 1 at the 1p36.3 locus. This protein is responsible for the catalysis of the enzymatic reaction, which is the reduction of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, i.e. the active form of folate. This form is necessary in the process of homocysteine degradation, in the aftermath remethylation to methionine. This protein is responsible for the catalysis of the enzymatic reaction, which is the reduction of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, i.e. the active form of folate. This form is necessary in the process of homocysteine degradation, in the aftermath remethylation to methionine. However, according to available literature, mutation of the MTHFR 677C> T gene occurs in even 53% of the population. Among carriers of the TT genotype, it can cause about 70% reduction of MTHFR reductase activity. It is especially dangerous for people who do not provide adequate amounts of folic acid along with their diet and for those who need a high amount of this vitamin, e.g. due to taking medications that reduce its absorption, i.e. metformin or oral contraceptives. Many people metabolize folic acid on insufficient levels. For medical reasons, not the mutation itself is a problem, but too low the folate levels. In recent years, there is more and more discussion about the active form of folic acid and the possibility of effective supplementation with metapholine, which is a combination of calcium with L-5-MTHFR. It is a natural and reduced form of folate, which hydrolized and then transforms into L-5-MTHFR. Metapholine, in comparison to folic acid, is not reduced to be incorporated into metabolic processes in the cell, which is catalyzed by DHFR and MTHFR enzymes. In addition, the absorption of the active form of folic acid is faster because some metabolic pathways are missed. This is particularly important for people who have a MTHFR gene mutation homozygous with 665C> T and / or 1298A> C polymorphism and a mutation of the DHFR gene with 458A> T polymorphism. Numerous clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy and safety of the active form of folic acid. In a study by Houghton et al., which was conducted among pregnant Canadian women, L-5-MTHFR was shown to be at least as effective in lowering homocysteine levels as folic acid supplementation. In addition, the active form of folic acid was more effective at storing folate in erythrocytes. In a study conducted by Lamers et al. on 135 women after a period of 24 weeks, L-5MTHR was shown to be a suitable alternative in reducing plasma homocysteine levels compared to folic acid and placebo. In addition, Bentley et al. analyzed the results of 112 pregnant women from the USA. Patients were assigned to two groups in which each took vitamin B12. In addition, in one of them women supplemented with L-5-MTHFR, and in the other - folic acid. The results showed that patients who supplemented the active form of folic acid not only had higher hemoglobin levels, but also less often had anemia. When analyzing clinical trials of patients with the MTHFR mutation, the same trend was observed. Metafoline increased plasma folate levels and decreased homocysteine levels. In one study on German women, there was a decrease in homocysteine levels and an increase in folate levels in both plasma and red blood cells in patients who supplemented the active form of folic acid. In another study involving Swiss patients with the current 677CC MTHFR or 677TT MTHFR mutation, it was demonstrated that using L-5-MTHFR significantly reduces homocysteine levels compared to folic acid. It is also worth mentioning that Prinz-Langenhol et al. in a study on women with the 677CC and 677TT mutations proved that the active form of folic acid has a better effect on increasing folate levels than folate. It is also worth mentioning that folic acid at high doses can mask ailments or even diseases caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. In addition, folic acid administered at high doses in patients with the MTHFR mutation is not reduced to an oxidized, inactive form and is not properly transported to plasma. Non-metabolised folic acid can be dangerous to the human body and contribute to the development of cancer. Supplementation, in particular the active form of folic acid, should be considered by patients who are carriers of the MTHFR or DHFR mutation. In addition, the use of stimulants such as alcohol or nicotine also negatively affects the absorption of this vitamin. Taking some medications weakens the absorption of folic acid - these include folic acid antagonists, anti-tuberculosis drugs, hormonal oral contraceptives, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or metformin widely used. Folic acid is necessary for the proper functioning of the human body and its deficiency may induce various disease processes in the body, which include: the formation of neural tube defects, disorders in the nervous system, megaloblastic anemia, a negative effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system and the development of atherosclerosis and cancer. More and more people have anemia, including megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by abnormal nucleic acid synthesis. The consequence of too low folate levels is impaired red blood cell production, an increase in their volume, and premature death. Extremely dangerous is megaloblastic anemia, the so-called malignant anemia in pregnant women, as it can lead to serious complications such as hemorrhage, infection, and even intrauterine fetal death. A significant influence of folic acid on the functioning of the nervous system has been proven in many clinical studies. This vitamin is involved in the formation of important neurotransmitters such as: adrenaline, dopamine and noradrenaline, therefore its deficiency may lead to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders (dementia, epilepsy, depression and psychosis). These disorders are often caused by high levels of homocysteine, which is not properly metabolized to methionine due to folate deficiency. An excess of homocysteine, as a consequence, leads to atherosclerosis in the cerebral arteries and, as a result of insufficient blood supply, transient ischaemic attack occur, which can contribute to the development of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Nutritional observations indicate that eating fresh vegetables rich in folic acid protects against the formation of some cancers, e.g. large intestine, breast, ovary, uterus, lungs, pancreas. Deficiency of folic acid promotes the activation of protooncogenes to oncogenes, which in consequence results in a decrease in the stability of cellular DNA. A study carried out by Giovannicci et al. showed that excessive alcohol consumption and folic acid deficiency associated with it increased the risk of developing colorectal cancer by almost four times. However, what cannot be overlooked, the results of clinical trials show us that very high doses and folic acid accumulation favor the development of some cancers. It is thought that excess of folic acid may lead to hypermethylation of DNA and, consequently, to inactivation of the suppressor genes responsible for controlling cell division. Women in the pre-contraceptive period, during pregnancy and breastfeeding are included in the group of people with a special need for folic acid, in whom deficiency can cause many negative effects. The presence of folic acid is necessary in the process of cell formation and growth in the developing fetus, especially when the neural tube is forming. Moreover adequate folic acid concentration decreases risk of fetal heart and urinary tract defects, and also reduces the occurrence of thrombosis and miscarriage in pregnant women. Steeweg-de Graaff J. et al. conducted evaluation of emotional and behavioral development at the age of 3 depending on the concentration of folates and homocysteine in the mother's blood plasma at an early stage of the pregnancy. It was noted that with insufficient folate supply, associated with a lack of or its late supplementation increases the risk of emotional problems in children. In addition, defects of the nervous system may occur as a result of dysfunction of folate metabolism. In its transformation pathway MTHFR reductase takes a particular role. Its reduced activity contributes to the impairment of folic acid metabolism, and the MTHFR gene - type 677CC is considered a risk factor for the development of neural tube defects. Randomized study compared pharmacokinetic parameters of [6S]-5-MTHF and folic acid in healthy women of childbearing age with different MTHFR genotypes (677TT n = 6, 677CC n = 8). Higher peak folate concentrations in plasma with [6S]-5-MTHF supplementation was found, in comparison with folic acid and not depending in the MTHFR genotype, as well as a shorter time needed to reach maximum concentration. In a different randomized, double-blind trial significantly higher folate levels in red blood cells were obtained in women receiving [6S]-5-MTHF. Studies confirm the hypothesis that nutritional deficiencies are of great importance in terms of fetal development. The results testify the need of folic acid supplementation, in which it is worth to consider the use of biologically active form, 12 weeks before planned pregnancy. In the second and third trimesters, the supplementation of folic acid is an important element in prevention of anemia caused by vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency, i.e. megaloblastic anemia. Moreover, it was found that folic acid at a daily dose of 400 - 800 μg reduce the risk of fetal neural tube defects. In its guidelines, Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (PTGiP) recommends supplementation of 400 μg / day of folic acid in women in low risk group in the pre-contraceptive period, pregnancy and during breastfeeding and supplementation of 800 μg/ day of folic acid in women in intermediate risk group and also high risk group in II and III trimester and during breastfeeding. It is worth emphasising that in most recent guidelines, PTGiP pays attention to the problem of folic acid metabolism and emphasizes the appropriateness of supplementation with its active form, especially at high doses. In folic acid metabolism, MTHFR catalyzes the synthesis to the active form of folate (L-5-MTHFR). It is necessary in the process of homocysteine degradation following remethylation to methionine. Unfortunately, as a result of inappropriate methylation, e.g. as a result of active form of folic acid deficiency, the concentration of homocysteine in the blood serum increases, which is responsible for various pathogenic processes in the body. Insufficient supply and improper metabolism of folic acid, as well as vitamins B6, B12 deficiency may be factors favorable for development of atherosclerosis and other diseases related to the cardiovascular system (e.g. heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease). Excessively high concentration of homocysteine in the blood plasma, caused by disorders of its metabolic pathway in the body, is one of the reasons for the formation of atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels. Excess of homocysteine, with a simultaneous deficiency of folate and vitamin B12, damages the endothelium of blood vessels and increases oxidation processes, which are associated with the development of inflammation, oxidation of LDL cholesterol and change in the structure of the walls of blood vessels. In addition, the risk of developing peripheral thrombosis and hypertension increases. In the meta-analysis of Linda L. et al. it was found that high concentration of homocysteine is an independent factor of developing coronary heart disease. In the majority of studies, the risk of this disease is increased by 20% to 50% with every increase of concentration of homocysteine by 5 μmol /L in the blood of the examined persons. To ensure proper functioning of blood vessels and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, one needs to provide adequate concentration of homocysteine in the body. Folates and their adequate supply with diet or supplementation play a key role in this process. Looking at the numerous clinical studies, available literature and the function of folic acid, it can be stated that it is an essential compound with multidirectional biological action, which is involved in the synthesis of amino acids and nucleic acids important for health. It plays an important role in tissues, such as: the fetus, hematopoietic system and gastrointestinal epithelium, in which cell divisions occur. For this reason, the presence of folic acid in the right amounts, ensures the proper functioning of our body. A deficiency of folic acid in the diet leads to a reduced concentration of folate in plasma and red blood cells. It is a condition that contributes to the formation of many serious diseases in our body and congenital neural tube defects in the fetus. As clinical studies have shown, the optimal concentration of folates in the blood reduces the risk of cardiovascular, circulatory, central nervous system diseases and certain types of cancer. To reduce the risk of diet-related diseases caused by folic acid deficiency, daily diet should be optimally balanced and contain products rich in natural folates. If diet is an insufficient source of folic acid, its supplementation should be considered, with the possible inclusion of its active form. Supplementation is recommended, in particular, for people with: megaloblastic anemia, diabetes mellitus, malabsorptions (e.g. Crohn's disease), alcoholism, malnutrition, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's disease), cardiovascular diseases, elevated homocysteine levels and using certain medications (e.g. oral contraceptives, metformin, methotrexate). It is also worth mentioning that metapholine supplementation bypasses the multistage metabolic process before incorporating folates into the cell cycle, as opposed to the inactive form of folic acid. This is particularly important for patients with the DHFR and MTHFR mutation, which depending on the polymorphism, may occur in up to 53% of the Caucasian population. Consequently, MTHFR reductase activity is reduced by up to 70%.Kwas foliowy jest niezbędny do właściwego funkcjonowania organizmu i zachowania homeostazy. Uczestniczy w metabolizmie kwasów nukleinowych, aminokwasów, syntezie pirymidyn i puryn. Syntetyczna postać kwasu foliowego nie wykazuje aktywności biologicznej. Przekształcana jest w szeregu reakcji do postaci folianów (L-5-MTHF) które, są transportowane do komórek, gdzie bierze udział w ważnych procesach biologicznych. Gen MTHFR odpowiedzialny jest za katalizę reakcji enzymatycznej: redukcję 5,10-metylenotetrahydrofolianu do aktywnej formy. Mutacja genu MTHFR 677C>T występuje nawet u 53% populacji czego konsekwencją jest zmniejszenie aktywności reduktazy – MTHFR nawet o 70%. Metafolina (aktywna forma) w przeciwieństwie do kwasu foliowego, aby zostać włączona do procesów metabolicznych w komórce, nie ulega redukcji, katalizowanej przez DHFR oraz MTHFR. Jest to istotne w szczególności dla osób, które mają mutację genu MTHFR oraz DHFR. Przyjmowanie niektórych leków osłabia wchłanialność kwasu foliowego. Kwas foliowy jest niezbędny do prawidłowego funkcjonowania organizmu człowieka a jego niedobór może indukować różne procesy chorobowe w organizmie, do których zaliczamy: powstawanie wad cewy nerwowej, zaburzenia w układzie nerwowym, niedokrwistość megaloblastyczną, negatywny wpływ na funkcjonowanie układu sercowo – naczyniowego oraz rozwój miażdżycy i nowotworów. Witamina ta bierze udział w powstawaniu ważnych neuroprzekaźników, takich jak: adrenalina, dopamina i noradrenalina, dlatego jej niedobór może prowadzić do powstania zaburzeń neuropsychiatrycznych. Niedobór kwasu foliowego sprzyja aktywacji protoonkogenów do onkogenów. Liczne badania kliniczne i dostępna literatura potwierdzają funkcję kwasu foliowego, że jest to niezbędny związek o wielokierunkowym działaniu biologicznym, który pełni istotną rolę w tkankach. Suplementacja metafoliną omija wieloetapowy proces metaboliczny w przeciwieństwie do nieaktywnej postaci kwasu foliowego

Micronutrients and the Risk of Allergic Diseases in School Children

Microelements and vitamins are believed to have immunomodulatory effects. The aim of the study was to establish the role of antioxidants (vitamins A, E, D) and microelements such as copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) levels in allergic diseases in schoolchildren. The study uses a cohort of 80 children (40 with and 40 without allergy/asthma diagnosis) aged 9 to 12 years recruited for the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study. At nine to twelve years old, the children were tested for microelement and vitamin content and health status (including skin-prick test and spirometry, urine cotinine level). Demographic data were collected from mothers by an allergist. The risk of asthma occurrence was found to be significantly related to the levels of Cu and Zn. The level of Cu was also particularly closely associated with allergic rhinitis and was indicated as a significant predictor of food allergy. The levels of Cu and Zn, and poor nutritional status in general, can influence the immune system and may be considered risk factors for developing asthma, allergic rhinitis and food allergy

The effect of air pollution on the respiratory system in preschool children with contribution of urban heat islands and geographic data – the aim of the study and methodological assumptions

It has been proven that outdoor and indoor air pollutants can cause adverse health effects and are able to promote the onset of atopic diseases. The current manuscript is focused on methodological issues. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of air pollution, urban environment, and urban heat islands (UHIs) on the occurrence of respiratory diseases including allergic rhinitis, asthma and wheezing in preschool children. The study group consists of 276 five-year-old children attending randomly selected kindergartens in the urban and rural areas of the Łódź Voivodeship. The questionnaire including data on the child’s state of health and socio-economic data will be filled by the caregivers. The children will undergo skin prick testing and the measurement of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. The key components of air pollution – particulate matter (PM) will be measured by personal meters. The PM sampling planned in the study will take 12 h for PM2.5 and for PM10 alike. Data on the level of outdoor air pollution will be collected based on the results obtained from air monitoring stations. The impact of air pollution, UHIs and the environment on the respiratory system and the presence of allergies in children, including chronic respiratory diseases, will be assessed. The project results will provide a scientific basis for the development of preventive programs in the population of children in the Łódź Voivodeship, adapted to the real health needs of society