B9287 - PATOLOGIA GENERALE E FISIOPATOLOGIA

Learning outcomes

He/she knows the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to the onset of changes from purely functional to morphologically overt. Has knowledge of the terminology that defines the regressive changes (i.e., atrophy, degeneration, apoptosis and necrosis), inflammation and their pathogenesis. Is able to make a differential diagnosis of the lesions presented during the course, to apply the general concepts acquired to the organs and systems considered and to recognise, through histopathological preparations, the main injury.

Course contents

The Integrated Course "GENERAL PATHOLOGY OF VETERINARY RELEVANT SPECIES" contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.6, 1.7, 1.8

SPECIFIC PREREQUISITES FOR THE COURSE:

For a better understanding of the content covered in the course, it is recommended that the student has already acquired knowledge related to C.I B9087 THE CELL AND ITS FUNCTIONS.

SPECIFIC CONTENT OF THE TEACHING:

The teaching program: B9287 - GENERAL PATHOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY by Luciana Mandrioli is structured as follows:

 

Theoretical lessons (40 hours)

• Concept of disease, classification of causes, terminology (i.e. pathogenesis, pathognomonic),

• some mechanisms responsible for variations in cellular and metabolic homeostasis (2 hours)

• Reversible and irreversible cellular damage, role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell death (2 hours)

• Apoptosis (triggering pathways, morphological characteristics) (2 hours)

• Necrosis: macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, types of necrosis (2 hours)

• Autophagy/heterophagy (1 hour)

• Cellular adaptations: Atrophy, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, dysplasia, metaplasia, dysplasia (1 hour)

• Degenerations - intracellular accumulations (triglycerides, glycogen, proteins) and extracellular (amyloidosis, fibrinoidosis, hyalinosis) (2 hours)

• Pathological calcifications (dystrophic, metastatic), pathological pigmentations (exogenous and endogenous) (2 hours)

• General reminders on the structure and functions of the circulatory system, hemostasis. Circulatory disorders: edema, thrombosis (2 hours)

• Circulatory disorders: active hyperemia, passive hyperemia, hemorrhage (types of hemorrhage) (2 hours)

• Shock (2 hours) • Inflammation, main steps; differences between transudate and exudate (types of exudate). Phases of the acute inflammatory reaction, mechanisms of leukocyte adhesion in cascade, examples of some adhesion molecules (2 hours)

• Complement system, cascade activation (classical pathway, alternative pathway, mannose-binding lectin pathway), interaction between the four plasma mediator systems (coagulation cascade, kinin cascade, fibrinolytic system, complement system) (1 hour)

• Role of cytokines activating the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, chemokines and their response to vascular damage (1 hour)

• Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs), Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs), and cellular signals (1 hour)

• Inflammasome, activation throught endogenous and exogenous stimuli (1 hour)

• Repair, regeneration, and fibrosis following cellular damage and acute inflammation (1 hour)

• Progression of the acute inflammatory response to chronic, fibrosis, formation of abscesses (1 hour)

• Granulomatous chronic inflammatory response: types of granulomas (Th1 and Th2 associated), eosinophilic granuloma, examples of diseases characterized by granulomas (1 hour)

• Effectors of the chronic inflammatory response (1 hour)

• Healing phenomena by first and second intention, morphology of granulation tissue, angiogenesis, pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for the production of keloids (2 hours)

• Nutritional causes of disease: vitamin imbalances (examples of some pathologies due to fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins) (2 hours)

• Environmental causes of disease (toxins present in terrestrial and aquatic environments) (2 hours)

• Brief notes on cardiac and respiratory pathophysiology (2 hours) • Brief notes on digestive and renal pathophysiology (2 hours)

Practical lessons (5 different exercises of 2 hours each to be repeated in 4 shifts, totaling 40 hours)

• Interactive discussion of digital pathology slides always available in the suggested repositories

• Discussion of clinical-pathological cases with CI colleagues and student groups

Readings/Bibliography

Optional references: 

• Robbins, Cotran and Kumar Pathologic Basis of Disease. Autori: Robbins - Aster - Abbas - Kumar - Debnath – Das. Elsevier – Eng Edizione:XI 2025 ISBN:9780443264528
• Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease Autori: Zachary-Mc Gavin, Editore:Elsevier Edizione:VII 2022
• Robbins e Cotran. Le basi patologiche delle malattie. Patologia generale vol. 1Autori: V. Kumar, A.K.Abbas, G.C. Aster a cura di V. Eusebi Casa editrice: EDRA ISBN: 9788821447488 Anno di edizione: 2017
• Stevens A., Lowe J.S., Young B.: Wheater Istopatologia essenziale - Testo Atlante. III Edizione, 2004 (Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano)

Teaching methods

The teaching consists of theoretical lessons (40 hours) and practical exercises (5 different exercises of 2 hours each to be repeated in 4 shifts, for a total of 40 hours)

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance at this training activity requires the completion of modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode, and the completion of module 3 on specific training in safety and health in study environments. Information on the dates and attendance methods for module 3 can be found in the appropriate section of the Course of Study website.
For participation in exercise and laboratory activities, it is mandatory to wear a lab coat and appropriate footwear. The appropriate PPE for the specific activities will be provided, such as disposable latex gloves.
Attendance will be verified thru the rps.unibo.it system. It is necessary, in order to be admitted to the exam, to have a minimum attendance of 60% of the integrated course.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning in GENERAL PATHOLOGY OF VETERINARY RELEVANT SPECIES (C.I.) consists of 2 parts: a written exam on "Immunopathology and General Oncology," "General Pathology and Pathophysiology of Domestic Animals," and "Clinical Biochemistry," and a practical exam that includes slides of general pathology, immunopathology, and general oncology. The two parts take place separately.

a) Practical exam
The purpose of the practical exam is to evaluate whether the student is able to recognize an organ lesion and describe it using appropriate terminology, as well as to verify the acquisition of specific practical and communicative skills. It is based on the recognition of a histological preparation in digital format, among those that the student has had available during the practical lessons of General Pathology and Pathophysiology of Domestic Animals and Immunopathology and General Oncology. The preparations can be found on the educational portal, on the site https://unibo.smartzoom.com/ and https://www.askjpc.org/vspo/. The practical exam is considered passed when the candidate is given a positive suitability assessment. The practical test will precede the written one by a few days, and access to the latter will only be granted after passing the practical test.

b) Written exam
The purpose of the written exam for the integrated course consists of a multiple-choice test, which includes 100 questions on the topics covered by all the teachings that make up the integrated course and is aimed at verifying the acquisition of the expected knowledge, as indicated in the course objectives. In the test, there are 60 questions on General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 20 questions on Immunopathology and General Oncology, and 20 questions on Clinical Biochemistry. Students have 2 hours to complete the written exam. Each correct answer is worth 1 point, 0 points will be assigned for an incorrect or unanswered question. To pass the integrated course exam in each subject, it is necessary to answer correctly at least 60% of the questions for each of the three subjects that make up the integrated course.
During the exam, the use of support materials or devices such as calculators, tablets, smartwatches, or computers is not allowed, except as permitted by the instructor.
Regarding the assessment of learning, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

The communication of the written exam result takes place on AlmaEsami, within 5 working days.

The exam is considered passed if a positive result is obtained in all the required tests and the final grade is given by the weighted average of the grades obtained in the different parts of the exam, expressed in thirtieths. It is necessary to obtain a minimum final grade of 18/30.
A negative evaluation does not result in a grade being assigned, but only a judgment (withdrawn or failed) recorded on the electronic report compiled on AlmaEsami; therefore, it does not affect the student's academic record.
The evaluations of the individual tests and the final exam grade will be published on the Virtuale platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/) of the grading instructor within 5 working days from the exam date.
The student can refuse the grade once, by informing the grading professor via email within 5 working days.
The instructor responsible for recording grades for this course is Professor Luciana Mandrioli.

Students can register for exam sessions thru AlmaEsami (http://almaesami.unibo.it/). The exam sessions are offered within the windows indicated in the academic calendar. Additional exam sessions are reserved for students who are not on track to graduate.

Students with SLD or with temporary or permanent disabilities: it is recommended to contact the relevant University office in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti). It will be their responsibility to propose any necessary adjustments to the interested students, which must still be submitted, with a 15-day notice, for the approval of the teacher, who will evaluate their appropriateness also in relation to the educational objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, videos, dedicated software, in-class quizzes, Smartzoom, Veterinary Educational Portal on YouTube, pathology websites;
In case of difficulties in understanding the subject, the teacher is available to meet with the student for a clarification interview by appointment via email (please see Luciana Mandrioli website)

Office hours

See the website of Luciana Mandrioli