69871 - Immunopathology and Veterinary Oncology

Learning outcomes

The teaching of"Immunopathology and veterinary oncology" aims to provide students with the intellectual tools to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of immunopathology and oncology.

At the end of study, student knows the underlying tissue damage mechanisms at the base of hypersensitivity reactions and transplant rejection, the mechanisms by which materialize autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiencies, and the development of tumors (morphology, invasiveness, metastasis) and the pathogenetic mechanism of neoplastic transformation. The student is able to recognize the main tumor types onhistological preparations.

Course contents

The module is part of the integrated course “General Pathology and Pathophysiology of Domestic Animals” (CFU 7) with which it shares the educational objectives.

At the end of the module, the student knows the pathogenetic mechanisms that lead to the establishment of purely functional to morphologically overt alterations. At the end of Module 1, the student understands the terminology defining regressive processes (atrophy, degeneration, apoptosis, and necrosis) and inflammatory processes, as well as the concepts related to their pathogenesis. Can apply the general concepts acquired to the pathophysiology of the apparatuses and to recognize, through histological preparations, the main lesions. He is familiar with the pathogenic mechanisms of tissue damage in hypersensitivity reactions, transplant rejection, autoimmunopathies, and immunodeficiency. At the end of module 2 he knows the general biology (morphology, invasiveness, metastasis) of neoplasms and the pathogenetic mechanism of neoplastic transformation. He/she can recognize, through histological preparations, the main oncological lesions.

The integrated course "General Pathology and Pathophysiology of Domestic Animals" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day one competencies: 1.35 "Perform ante-mortem inspection of food-producing animals, also paying attention to welfare aspects, systematic macroscopic post-mortem examination, note observations, tissue sampling, storage and transport"

Module 2 - Barbara Brunetti

The program is structured as follows:

Lectures:

• - General oncology, benign and malignant neoplasms (2 hours)
• - molecules involved in neoplastic transformation, alteration of protoncogenes and oncosuppressors, DNA repair (5.5 hours)
• - invasion and metastasis (1 hour)
• - tumor recognition by the immune system (1 hr)
• - tumor effects on the host, tumor grade and stage, laboratory diagnosis. (1 hour)
• - oncogenesis by microorganisms (1 hour)
• - oncogenesis by chemicals and radiation (1.5 hours)
• - Immunopathology, immunodeficiency syndromes, autoimmune diseases (2 hr)
• - Hypersensitivity reactions I, II, III, IV, transplant rejection (5 hours).

Laboratory exercises with a light microscope and slides, and classroom exercises with digitized slides (24 hours)

The verbalizing teacher is Prof. Benazzi.

The Syllabus of the teaching and the list of Day One Competences, as indicated by EAEVE, which contribute to achieving them, can be seen on the dedicated page.

Readings/Bibliography

Material explained in the classroom by the lecturer can be found on Virtuale (https://virtuale.unibo.it)..

necessary texts avaible in library.

Kumar V., Abbas A.K., Aster J.C. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic basis of disease, 10th ed, 2020 (Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia).

Stevens A., Lowe J.S., Young B.: Wheater Istopatologia essenziale - Testo Atlante. III Edizione, 2004 (Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano)

Zachary J.F. McGavin M.D.: Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease,6th ed., 2016 (Mosby Elsevier, St. Louis, Missouri, USA).

Teaching methods

The teaching consists of academic (frontal) (20 hours) and practical lectures (6 x 4 hours);
The lectures are conducted in classroom with the aim of a computer, a projector and when necessary the use of a database of images (Noas'h Arkive), which allow the viewing of microscopic and macroscopic presented lesions. Many videos on youtube are also shown on the topics covered, videos are in English, so in addition to strengthening the visual memory thanks to the animations, the learning of the English language is practiced.
The practical lessons are organized by dividing the students into four groups, each of which will have the same practical hours. The tutorial will be held in a classroom equipped with optical microscopes and a microscope connected to a videocamera and to a projector for interactive explanation of the provided slides. For each slide, the student has at its disposal a card with a description of the preparation and the teacher is available to provide any additional explanation.
The aims of the practical lessons are twofold:
• students acquire familiarity with the optical microscope - acquisition of professional skills;
• students develop the ability to recognize organs and lesions and, to use the appropriate language when describing histological sample - acquisition of diagnostic skills and communication

 

In view of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, the attendance of this training activity requires the performance by all students of modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode and participation in module 3 of specific training on safety and health in the workplace. Directions on dates and mode of attendance of module 3 can be found in the appropriate section of the course of study website. Individual protective equipment is not required for access to the teaching laboratory.

Assessment methods

The learning test of the Integrated Course "General Pathology and Pathophysiology of Domestic Animals" consists of 3 parts: a written test of "General Immunopathology and Oncology" which is held concurrently with the written test of "General Pathology and Pathophysiology of Domestic Animals," and a practical test which includes slides from both subjects. The two parts are taken concurrently or separately. The three parts must be passed within 3 attempts of the exam.

a) Practical test

The purpose of the practical test is to assess whether the student can recognize an organ lesion and can describe it using appropriate terminology. It is based on the recognition of a histological preparation, also in digital format, among those available to the student during the practical classes of General Pathology and Pathophysiology of Domestic Animals, Immunopathology, and General Oncology. Many preparations can also be found on the teaching portal at https://unibo.smartzoom.com/ and https://www.askjpc.org/vspo/. The practical test is considered passed when the candidate is given a passing grade of proficiency.

b) Written test

The purpose of the written test of "Immunopathology and General Oncology" is to test the acquisition of the expected knowledge as stated in the course objectives. The test consists of 40 questions (multiple choice and open-ended) to be answered in one hour. The test will be deemed passed if the correct answer is given for at least 24 questions. The final grade for the integrated course in Veterinary General Pathology is determined by synthesizing the final evaluations of the various component courses; the grade is immediately verbalized.

During the test, the use of supporting materials or devices, such as calculators, tablets, smartwatches, and computers, is not permitted, except as permitted by the lecturer.

The evaluation of the written test is posted within 5 working days on the Virtual platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/ ) of the verbalizing teacher.

Grading of the final grade:

Substantially comprehensive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis and linking, full mastery of the specific terminology, and ability to argue and self-reflect (30-30L).

Preparation on a large number of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent choices of critical analysis, mastery of specific terminology (25-29).

Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and ability to analyze independently only on purely executive issues; expression in correct language (20-24).

Preparation on a minimal number of topics covered in the course and analytical skills emerging only with the help of the lecturer; expression in overall correct language (18-19).

The exam is considered passed if successful in all the tests provided, and the final grade is calculated as the weighted average expressed in thirtieths of the two written parts of the exam. A minimum final grade of 18/30 must be obtained.

A failing grade does not result in the awarding of a grade, but only a judgment (withdrawn or rejected) shown on the electronic record compiled on AlmaEsami, so it does not affect the student's career.

The individual test grades and the final exam grade will be posted on the Virtual platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/ ) of the proctoring teacher within 5 working days from the date of the exam.

The student has the right to refuse the verbalization of the proposed positive grade at least 1 time (according to the University Teaching Regulations ART.16, Paragraph 5) by notifying the verbalizing lecturer by e-mail within 5 working days.

The verbalizing lecturer is Prof. Benazzi.

Students can register for exam appointments through AlmaEsami (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Appeals are offered within the windows shown in the teaching calendar. Additional exam sessions are reserved for students beyond the standard program duration. At least 15 days must elapse between one exam and the next.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti ) as soon as possible so that they can propose an acceptable adjustment. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

 

Teaching tools

Video projector, PC connected to a camera mounted on a light microscope, light microscopes, PC and youtube video, web site, didactic portal site.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

 

Office hours

See the website of Barbara Brunetti