Background Vδ1+ T cells, a subset of γδ T cells, are responsible for innate‐like immune responses. Recently, an anti‐tumor function mediated by MHC‐unrestricted recognition of lipid and stress molecules, has also been described in these cells. This study aimed to quantify and phenotypically characterize circulating Vδ1+ T cells in B cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL). Methods This study enrolled 58 individuals distributed in five groups: Binet B and C CLL (n = 9), Binet A CLL (n = 26), High count‐MBL (n = 10), Low count‐MBL (n = 5), and a control group (n = 8). The phenotypic characterization of Vδ1+ T cells, as well as the other T cell subpopulations (CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, and Vδ1− γδT cells), were assessed by flow cytometry, evaluating the frequency of each subset expressing CD27, CD69, and cytoplasmic granzyme B. Results We observed an increasing percentage of Vδ1+ T cells belonging to CD27− compartment from controls to advanced stages of the disease, which was accompanied by an increasing percentage of these cells expressing granzyme B, a phenotypic pattern that was also observed in the other T cell subpopulations under study since earlier stages of the disease. Moreover, a striking expansion of Vδ1+ T cells in Binet B and C CLL was observed. Conclusions These experiment findings point to an expansion of CD27‐Vδ1+ T cells with a cytotoxic profile, from controls to advanced stages of the disease, which points to a role of Vδ1+ T cells in the host's anti‐tumor responses against clonal B‐cells in MBL and CLL. © 2018 Clinical Cytometry Society

The emergence of antibiotic resistance (ABR) is one of the most serious public health threats worldwide. The inappropriate use of antibiotics is considered the main determinant for the increase and development of ABR, contributing to a greater risk of therapeutic ineffectiveness, particularly within primary care context. Therefore, this pilot study aims to raise awareness and promote an adequate antibiotic use among physicians, through the evaluation of the eHealthResp platform, a digital intervention composed by an online course and a mobile application, to aid in the management of respiratory tract infections. The global validation of the eHealthResp platform was carried out by 12 physicians who explored and performed a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the contents of the online course and mobile app. The global evaluation of the analyzed parameters was very positive, with the highest median scores being attributed to adequacy, correction, format, and trust of the eHealthResp platform. The qualitative feedback enhanced the contents’ relevance, clarity, and consolidation, as well as the effectiveness of the educational intervention against ABR. Overall, this study revealed that the eHealthResp may be regarded as an important e-health tool for the management of respiratory tract infections and improvement of antibiotic prescription practices among physicians.

The inadequate use of antibiotics led to the development of multi-resistant bacteria that are now causing millions of deaths worldwide. Since most antibiotics are prescribed/dispensed to treat respiratory tract infections, it is important to raise awareness among health professionals to optimize antibiotic use, especially within the primary care context. Thus, this pilot study aimed to evaluate pharmacists’ feedback about the eHealthResp platform, composed by an online course and a mobile application (app) to help in the management of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Ten community pharmacists were invited to participate in this study, exploring the contents of the eHealthResp platforms and answering a content validation questionnaire composed by eight qualitative and thirty-five quantitative questions about the online course and mobile app. The eHealthResp platform is a comprehensive, consistent, and high-quality e-learning tool. Median scores of 5.00 were attributed to the course contents’ and clinical cases’ adequacy and correction. Most qualitative feedback was about completeness and objectivity of the course, and its usefulness for clinical practice. This study showed that eHealthResp has great potential as an e-health tool for the management of URTIs’ symptoms, which may ultimately aid in reducing inappropriate antibiotic use.