BACKGROUND: Even students with previous academic success may face challenges that affect their academic performance. Many medical schools offer programs to students at the risk of academic failure, to ensure that they succeed in the course. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: In this report we describe a pioneering academic tutoring program developed at a Brazilian medical school and discuss the initial results of the program based on the feedback from tutors and data regarding the progression of students in the medical course. RESULTS: In 2018, 33 students enrolled into the program. Students' performance difficulties were mainly associated with mental health problems and socioeconomic vulnerability. Of the 33 students, 27 (81.8%) were assisted by the Mental Health Support Service and 16 (48.5%) were assisted by the Social Assistance Service. In addition to the planning academic activity class load, tutors were able to assist students in solving socioeconomic issues, carrying out personal support interventions with the promotion of self-esteem, and presenting suggestions for behavioral changes in their routine. For most students (72%), the action plan proposed by the tutors was successful. Eight of the 14 (57%) students in the fourth year progressed to the final two years of in-hospital practical training (internship). CONCLUSIONS: The Academic Tutoring Program showed positive results for most of the students. Close monitoring and tutor intervention allowed students with poor academic performance to overcome the low performance cycle. These important tasks demand time and energy from tutors, and institutional recognition of these professionals is essential for the successful maintenance of the program.

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the morphological and functional characteristics of primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PMAH) nodules carrying or not carrying ARMC5 mutations and the consequences of the presence of mutations in terms of the pattern of macronodule composition and functional state. Subjects and methods The analyses were performed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, microdissection of spongiocyte tissue and RT-qPCR of histological sections from 16 patients diagnosed with PMAH with germline (5) or germline/somatic mutations (5) and without mutations (6) in the ARMC5 gene. Results Hyperplastic nodules were predominantly composed of spongiocytes in mutated and nonmutated sections. ARMC5 mRNA expression in spongiocytes was higher in ARMC5-mutated nodules than in ARMC5-nonmutated nodules, and homogenous ARMC5 protein distribution was observed. The presence of arginine-vasopressin receptor (AVP1AR) and ectopic ACTH production were observed in both cell populations regardless of ARMC5 mutations; the numbers of serotonin receptor (5HT4R)- and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells were higher in macronodules carrying ARMC5 mutations than in those without mutations. Conclusions Our results suggest that the presence of ARMC5 mutations does not interfere with the pattern of distribution of spongiocytes and compact cells or with the presence of AVP1AR, gastric-inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR) and ectopic ACTH. Nevertheless, the higher numbers of PCNA-positive cells in mutated nodules than in nonmutated nodules suggest that mutated ARMC5 can be related to higher proliferation rates in these cells. In conclusion, our results provide more information about the crosstalk among abnormal GPCRs, ectopic ACTH in steroidogenesis and the ARMC5 gene, which may be relevant in understanding the pathogenesis and diagnosis of patients with PMAH.

Abstract Background: Secondary myeloid neoplasms comprise a group of diseases arising after chemotherapy, radiation, immunosuppressive therapy or from aplastic anemia. Few studies have addressed prognostic factors in these neoplasms. Method: Forty-two patients diagnosed from 1987 to 2008 with secondary myeloid neoplasms were retrospectively evaluated concerning clinical, biochemical, peripheral blood, bone marrow aspirate, biopsy, and immunohistochemistry and cytogenetic features at diagnosis as prognostic factors. The International Prognostic Scoring System was applied. Statistical analysis employed the Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank and Fisher's exact test. Results: Twenty-three patients (54.8%) were male and the median age was 53.5 years (range: 4–88 years) at diagnosis of secondary myeloid neoplasms. Previous diseases included hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, aplastic anemia, autoimmune diseases and conditions requiring solid organ transplantations. One third of patients (33%) were submitted to chemotherapy alone, 2% to radiotherapy, 26% to both modalities and 28% to immunosuppressive agents. Five patients (11.9%) had undergone autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The median latency between the primary disease and secondary myeloid neoplasms was 85 months (range: 23–221 months). Eight patients were submitted to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to treat secondary myeloid neoplasms. Important changes in bone marrow were detected mainly by biopsy, immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics. The presence of clusters of CD117+ cells and p53+ cells were associated with low survival. p53 was associated to a higher risk according to the International Prognostic Scoring System. High prevalence of clonal abnormalities (84.3%) and thrombocytopenia (78.6%) were independent factors for poor survival. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that cytogenetics, bone marrow biopsy and immunohistochemistry are very important prognostic tools in secondary myeloid neoplasms.

Nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas are a rare group of neoplasms derived from post-thymic and activated T lymphocytes. A review of scientific articles listed in PubMed, Lilacs, and the Cochrane Library databases was performed using the term "peripheral T-cell lymphomas". According to the World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic tissue tumors, this group of neoplasms consists of peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), anaplastic large cell lymphoma-anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALCL-ALK+), and a provisional entity called anaplastic large cell lymphoma-anaplastic lymphoma kinase negative (ALCL-ALK-). Because the treatment and prognoses of these neoplasms involve different principles, it is essential to distinguish each one by its clinical, immunophenotypic, genetic, and molecular features. Except for anaplastic large cell lymphoma-anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive, which has no adverse international prognostic index, the prognosis of nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas is worse than that of aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Chemotherapy based on anthracyclines provides poor outcomes because these neoplasms frequently have multidrug-resistant phenotypes. Based on this, the current tendency is to use intensified cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone (CHOP) regimens with the addition of new drugs, and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This paper describes the clinical features and diagnostic methods, and proposes a therapeutic algorithm for nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma patients.

A doença de Castleman (DC) é uma desordem linfoproliferativa policlonal, também conhecida como hiperplasia nodular gigante ou hiperplasia angiofolicular linfoide. Esta é uma doença rara que está frequentemente associada ao vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e ao herpes vírus 8 (HHV-8). Os achados histopatológicos encontrados na DC sugerem uma intensa resposta aos estímulos antigênicos observada em várias doenças associadas com ativação imune, como a artrite reumatoide. Um fator importante implicado na patogênese da DC é a produção autônoma da interleucina-6 (IL-6). Nessa doença, as manifestações clínicas estão relacionadas aos níveis de IL-6, e a remoção cirúrgica dos linfonodos acometidos ou a utilização de anticorpos anti-IL-6 fazem regredir os sintomas. Descrevemos um caso da DC multicêntrica em uma mulher jovem, não associada à infecção pelo vírus HHV-8 ou à imunossupressão. Uma breve revisão da literatura se segue à descrição do caso clínico.

Castleman's disease (CD) is a polyclonal lymphoproliferative disorder also known as giant nodular hyperplasia or angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia. It is a rare disease often associated to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8). Histopathological findings in Castleman's disease suggest an exaggerated response to antigenic stimuli seen in other diseases associated with immune activation, such as rheumatoid arthritis. An important aspect of its pathogenesis is the autonomous production of interleukin-6 (IL-6). In this disease, the clinical manifestations are associated to IL-6 serum levels, and surgical removal of the compromised lymph nodes or use of anti-IL-6 antibodies can slow down the symptoms. We describe a multicentric Castleman's disease in a young woman not associated to HHV-8 virus infection or immunosuppression. A short review of the literature follows the description of this clinical case.

Por razões técnicas e históricas, a utilização da imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) em biópsias de medula óssea (BMO) levou algum tempo a ocupar espaço na avaliação diagnóstica desse tipo de material. Entretanto, esse cenário vem se modificando graças ao crescimento exponencial do número de anticorpos disponíveis para a utilização em material incluído em parafina, além do aperfeiçoamento das técnicas de recuperação antigênica e descalcificação do material. Este texto tem a finalidade de auxiliar o patologista na seleção/ interpretação de painéis de anticorpos utilizados nos laboratórios de rotina, de acordo com a experiência do autor, assim como de enumerar referências da literatura de grande utilidade para a prática diagnóstica.

Due to historical and technical reasons, the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in bone marrow biopsies (BMB) has not till recently been introduced in diagnostic evaluation. However, this scenario has changed owing to the exponential growth in the number of antibodies available for paraffin-embedded material and the development of techniques for antigen retrieval and material decalcification. Not only does this text aim to assist pathologists in the selection/interpretation of antibody panels used in routine laboratories, but it also lists literature references highly useful for diagnostic practice in accordance with the author's experience.

INTRODUÇÃO: A classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para os tumores do tecido hematopoético e linfoide (4ª edição, 2008) representa uma revisão atualização da 3ª edição publicada em 2001. A tradução da nomenclatura utilizada para identificar as entidades descritas deve ser clara, precisa e uniforme no sentido de reproduzir de forma correta as diversas entidades clinicopatológicas para clínicos, patologistas e pesquisadores envolvidos na área da onco-hematopatologia. OBJETIVO: Os autores apresentam uma proposta de atualização e padronização terminológica em língua portuguesa, com base na OMS/2008

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue (4th edition, 2008) tumors constitutes an updated review of the 3rd edition published in 2001. The translation of the nomenclature used to describe the entities should be clear, precise and uniform so that clinicians, pathologists and researchers involved in the onco-hematopathological area may identify them accurately. OBJECTIVE: With this purpose, the authors present an updated proposal and a terminological standardization in Portuguese based on WHO/2008

A Classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para os tumores do tecido hematopoético e linfoide (4ª edição, 2008)¹ representa uma atualização da 3ª edição, 2001². Apresentamos a seguir um resumo dessas alterações nos grupos das doenças mieloproliferativas, mileodisplásicas, leucemias mieloides agudas, neoplasias de células precursoras B e T, e neoplasias de células B, T e NK maduras. O entendimento das alterações genético-moleculares e os resultados alcançados com propostas terapêuticas inovadoras nesses grupos de doenças demandam constante reavaliação de sua classificação, justificando as alterações importantes aqui discutidas1,3-5.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues (4th edition, 2008)¹ presents an updated version of the 3rd edition published in 2001². A summary of these changes relates to the groups of chronic myeloproliferative disorders, myelodisplasia, acute myeloid leukemias, neoplasms of precursor B and T cells and neoplasms derived of mature B, T and NK cells. A better understanding of molecular genetic changes and results achieved with innovative therapeutic approaches in these groups of diseases requires constant reassessment of the classifications, supporting the major changes discussed here, including interesting comments from literature1, 3-5.

O linfoma linfoblástico (LLB) é uma neoplasia maligna de linfócitos precursores (B, T ou células NK). O comprometimento primário da pele é raro. Relatamos as características clínicas, anatomopatológicas e imunofenotípicas em dois pacientes com apresentação cutânea primária que, histologicamente, apresentavam infiltrado de células imaturas. A análise imunofenotípica foi realizada com amplo painel de anticorpos. A pesquisa de rearranjo no gene do receptor de células T (TCR-gama) pelo método de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) resultou positiva em um caso, que era CD56 positivo, classificado como linfoma de células NK blásticas-símile. Este caso representa uma entidade distinta derivada de células precursoras num estágio precoce de uma via comum de diferenciação para células T e NK. O outro caso foi classificado como LLB-T com expressão aberrante de CD79a, o que poderia ser erroneamente interpretado. O diagnóstico correto depende da utilização de um amplo painel de anticorpos para caracterização imunofenotípica e avaliação molecular.

The lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) is a malignant neoplasm of precursor lymphocytes (B, T or NK-cells). The primary involvement of the skin is rare. We examined the clinical, anatomopathological and immunophenotypic features of two patients with primary cutaneous involvement. Histologically they showed an infiltrate of immature cells. The immunophenotypic analysis was performed with a comprehensive panel of antibodies. T-cell receptor rearrangement (TCR-gamma) was analyzed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and it was positive in one case, which was CD56 positive, classified as blastic NK-cell-like lymphoma. This case represents a distinct entity derived from precursor cells at an early stage of a common developmental pathway for T and NK cells. The other case was classified as T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma with aberrant expression of CD79a, what could be a diagnostic pitfall. The accurate diagnosis depends on the use of a comprehensive panel of antibodies for immunophenotypic characterization and molecular analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Tuberculosis and cancer are the main causes of pleural effusion. Pleural involvement is associated with migration of immune cells to the pleural cavity. We sought to characterize the immunophenotype of leukocytes in the pleural effusion and peripheral blood of patients with tuberculosis or malignancy. METHODS: Thirty patients with tuberculosis (14) or malignancy (16) were studied. A control group included 20 healthy blood donors. RESULTS: Malignant phycoerythrin pleural effusions showed higher percentages of CD3, CD4, CD3CD45RO, and CD20CD25 lymphocytes and lower percentages of CD3CD25 and CD20HLA-DR when compared to PB lymphocytes. Compared to PB, tuberculous effusions had a higher percentage of lymphocytes that co-expressed CD3, CD4, CD3CD45RO, CD3TCRαβ, CD3CD28, and CD20 and a lower percentage of CD14, CD8 and CD3TCRγδ-positive lymphocytes. Malignant effusions presented higher expression of CD14 whereas tuberculous effusions had higher expression of CD3 and CD3CD95L. Peripheral blood cells from tuberculosis patients showed higher expression of CD14, CD20CD25 and CD3CD95L. Compared with the control cells, tuberculosis and cancer peripheral blood cells presented a lower percentage of CD3CD4 and CD3CD28-positive cells as well as a higher percentage of CD3CD8, CD3CD25 and CD3CD80-positive cells. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculous and malignant peripheral blood is enriched with lymphocytes with a helper/inducer T cell phenotype, which are mainly of memory cells. CD14-positive cells were more frequently found in malignant effusions, while CD3-positive cells expressing Fas ligand were more frequently found in tuberculous effusions.

O siringoma condróide maligno, também designado tumor misto maligno da pele, é lesão extremamente rara com aproximadamente 40 casos descritos até o presente momento. Trata-se de neoplasia derivada das glândulas sudoríparas que acomete preferencialmente tronco e extremidades distais em pacientes na sexta década e predomina no sexo feminino. Relatamos um caso com os aspectos clínicos e histológicos característicos para familiarizar o patologista com esse diagnóstico, visto que essa neoplasia com freqüência apresenta metástases locais e/ou regionais (cerca de 60%), sobretudo para linfonodos, pulmões e ossos; além disso, possui taxa de mortalidade de aproximadamente 25% após curso evolutivo prolongado.

Malignant chondroid syringoma (malignant mixed tumor of the skin) is an extremely rare tumor. Approximately 40 cases have been described to date. It is a neoplasm originated from sweat gland. The tumor predominantly affects the trunk and distal extremities, arises in the sixth decade and shows a predilection for females. We relate one case with clinical and histopathologic typical features to alert the pathologist to this diagnosis, since this neoplasm has a metastasic rate of approximately 60% (lymph nodes, lungs and bones are predominantly affected) and a mortality of roughly 25%.

OBJETIVOS: Investigar o comportamento biológico de osteoblastomas clássicos e atípicos comparados com osteossarcomas. MÉTODOS: Com base em parâmetros histológicos classificamos um grupo de 30 osteoblastomas nos subgrupos de osteoblastomas clássicos (23/30) e de osteoblastomas atípicos (que apresentam como característica grande celularidade, osteóide azul proeminente e osteoblastos epitelióide-7/30). Como efeito de comparação dos resultados imunohistoquímicos e análise clínica, avaliamos 17 pacientes com osteosarcoma de grau avançado. Os cortes histológicos com bloco de parafina fixado em formalina foram imunocorados para p53 e antígeno nuclear de célula em proliferação. Tumores com coloração positiva para p53 tiveram análise molecular para fragmentos do exon 10. RESULTADOS: O índice médio de antígeno nuclear de célula em proliferação para osteoblastoma clássico, osteoblastoma atípico e osteosarcoma foram de 33%, 61% e 79%, respectivamente. O subgrupo atípico demonstrou resultados similares aos dos osteosarcomas (p<0,001). Foram detectadas proteína p53 em 4 (13%) osteoblastomas; 3 desses foram osteoblastomas atípicos, sendo que 4 osteosarcomas (23%) também demonstraram p53 positivo. A mutação do DNA nos casos positivos de p53 foi confirmada no exon 10 em dois osteoblastomas atípicos (2/3), um osteoblastoma clássico (1/1) e um osteosarcoma (1/4). A recorrência da doença foi correlacionada com a expressão do p53 (p=0,009), subtipo atípico (p=0,031), osso azul espiculado no resultado da histologia (p=0,018), e índice de marcação pelo antígeno nuclear de célula em proliferação > 40 (p=0,015). CONCLUSÃO: Esses resultados validam os osteoblastomas atípicos como entidade real, com imunoexpressão das proteínas p53 e antígeno nuclear de célula em proliferação mais perto do osteosarcoma do que do osteoblastoma clássico. O índice de marcação pelo antígeno nuclear de célula em proliferação e o p53 podem ser úteis fatores de prognóstico da recorrência.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological behavior of classical and atypical osteoblastomas in comparison to osteosarcomas. METHODS: Based on histological parameters, 30 osteoblastomas were subclassified as classical osteoblastomas (23/30) or atypical osteoblastoma (high cellularity, prominent blue osteoid, and epithelioid osteoblasts-7/30). Comparative immunohistochemical and clinical analysis was performed in 17 cases of patients with high-grade osteosarcoma. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival tissue was immunostained for p53 and proliferation cell nuclear antigen. Tumors with positive p53 stain underwent molecular analyses for fragments of exon 10. RESULTS: The mean proliferating cell nuclear antigen indexes for classical osteoblastoma, atypical osteoblastoma, and osteosarcoma were 33%, 61%, and 79%, respectively. The atypical subgroup showed similar results to those of the osteosarcoma group (P < 0.001). p53 protein was detected in 4 (13%) osteoblastomas (3 of these were atypical osteoblastoma), and 4 osteosarcomas (23%) also showed p53 positivity. DNA mutation performed in p53-positive cases was confirmed in exon 10 in 2 atypical osteoblastomas (2/3), 1 classical osteoblastoma (1/1), and 1 osteosarcoma (1/4). Disease recurrence was correlated with p53 expression (P = 0.009), atypical subtype (P = 0.031), spiculated blue bone on histology (P = 0.018), and proliferatingcell nuclear antigen labeling index > 40 (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: These results validate atypical osteoblastoma as an entity, with p53 and proliferation cell nuclear antigen immunoexpression closer to that of osteosarcoma than of classical osteoblastoma. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index and p53 may be useful predictors of recurrence.

O Tumor de Células Gigantes (TGC), é um tumor benigno, com ocorrência de recidiva em cerca de 20-34% dos casos. A localização habitual é na epífise dos ossos longos. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de TGC em vértebra, com diagnóstico inicial de Cisto Ósseo Aneurismático (COA), e discutir os diagnósticos diferenciais possíveis, correlacionando-os com as características dos exames de imagens. Paciente com 37 anos, do sexo feminino, com quadro clínico de dor na coluna e paraparesia há 2 meses. O diagnóstico inicial foi de COA. Na radiografia a lesão era lítica, com, erosão e destruição da cortical..A tomografia e ressonância evidenciavam lesão cística e hemorrágica, com extensão para partes moles. A revisão das lâminas e análise do espécime cirúrgico ressecado, submetido à coloração HE e imunoistoquímica com marcador para p53, permitiram o diagnóstico de TGC. Muitas lesões, benignas apresentam células gigantes multinucleadas. Os exames de imagem nem sempre permitem um diagnóstico conclusivo. O diagnóstico definitivo de TGC depende do exame anatomopatológico, com avaliação cuidadosa do componente estromal e a imunoexpressão positiva para a proteína p53. O tratamento é a ressecção cirúrgica, com margens amplas seguida por instrumentação nos casos de tumor localizados na coluna vertebral.

Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) is a benign tumor, with a recurrence rate of about 20% - 34% of the cases. It is usually located at long bone epiphysis. The objective of this study is to report a GCT case in a vertebra, which was early diagnosed as Aneurysmal Bone Cyst (ABC), and to discuss potential differential diagnosis, correlating them to patterns shown on imaging tests. This patient is a 37 year-old female, with clinical picture of pain in spine and paraparesis that started two months earlier. An early diagnosis of ACB was delivered. At X-ray, the injury was lithic, with erosion and cortical destruction. Tomography and resonance showed a cystic and hemorrhagic injury, extending to soft parts. Slides review and the analysis of dried surgical matter submitted to HE and immunohistochemical staining with p53 marker allowed for GCT diagnosis. Many benign lesions present with multi-nucleated giant cells. Imaging tests not always enable a conclusive diagnosis. A definite GCT diagnosis depends on anatomicopathological test, with careful evaluation of the stromal component and positive immunoexpression for p53 protein. Treatment is delivered as surgical resection, with wide margins, followed by instrumentation in cases of tumors located at spine.