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Background: Research centers, operating in a very dynamic, changing and complex environment in the first decade of the 21st century, face a number of major challenges. Universities set up virtual research teams (VRTs), whose cooperation proves extremely effective, despite geographical distances, borders, differences resulting from time zones, cultural and organizational dissimilarities. They work out common models which are then put into practical action in those academic institutions. For five years now VRTs formed by employees of the colleges of higher education based in Suwalki and Grodno have been working successfully. Aim of the study: Assessment of joint activities developed by VRTs, based on an analysis of medical and social aspects of pro-health attitudes declared by students of Prof. Edward F. Szczepanik State Vocational College in Suwalki (SVC) and Yanka Kupala State University in Grodno (YKU). Material and methods: The studies in Grodno and Suwalki were carried out by a VRT coordinated by SVC in Suwalki, within the framework of the "Pro-health program for the years 2013-2016". We used the online questionnaire system LimeSurvey (social, organizational and statistical tool for implementation of health promotion and health education). Results: Upon the analysis of 4,878 original electronic surveys, which were conducted in 2013-2015, Suwalki-Grodno-based VRTs obtained extensive knowledge of pro-health attitudes of students of both academic centers. As a result, there were created databases of, among others: a) studies on the impact of health-targeting behaviors, b) studies on the prevalence of psychoactive substances (alcohol, tobacco, drugs) among students, c) studies on knowledge about diseases related to addictions, and d) studies on the model of physical activity among students. Conclusions: 1. Unconventional forms of work, including also the sphere of science, materialize along with socio-technological developments and the appearance of new, innovative communication media. 2. Activities of VRTs to a significant extent contribute to an international research cooperation. 3. Verification of the health policy implemented by both academic centers poses a challenge to actions undertaken by Grodno and Suwalki VRTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Widespread, medical and social consequences, impact on quality of life and the significant cost of allergic diseases justify a number of measures for the prevention of diseases. What is clear is that official statistics may not match the true prevalence of allergic diseases in general, especially asthma. Aim of the study: Estimate the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases, the main symptoms of allergic and respiratory among urban and rural children aged 6 - 7 years and 13-14 years in the Grodno region carried out in accordance with internationally recognized research methodology. Material and methods: The survey questionnaire (based on a survey ISAAC) 2187 was attended by parents of children 6 - 7 years and 13-14 years of Grodno and region (1091 children from the city, and in 1096 from the village). 955 children aged 6 - 7 years, 1232 at the age of 13-14 years. Knowing this with asthma may be suspected in patients, who feel shortness of breath accompanied by wheezing, tightness in the chest or cough and allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis), analyzed the incidence of these symptoms and diseases among children. Results: Demonstrated a low incidence of asthma among children in the age group of standardized. Parents of 30 children (1.37% respondents) confirms the existence of disease in children under physician diagnose disease. Prevalence of asthma among urban children was 1.74% (19 people) and rural - 1.0% (11 children). With a deeper analysis of responses established with 60 children (2.74%) had in t he last 12 months wheezing in the chest and coughing. The incidence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis is about 4% and 10%. These diseases often found only among children with asthma. Conclusions: Since the identification of asthma in children based on the diagnosis by the doctor is not high, can't be excluded that this reflects a failure to recognize the disease. Noted marked differences in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, manifesting linking asthma and asthma with allergic diseases. It seems necessary to continuously monitor these phenomena through the continuation of epidemiological studies as a basis for the development of information and implementation of prevention programs and epidemiological evaluation of the effectiveness of prevention at regional and international. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]