OVERVIEW

Histology is focused on  solid and liquid tissues. These tissues require different methodologies capable of characterizing the sample for the expression and function of different molecules. Appropriate statistical analyzes allow the comparison of histological characteristics between groups of samples allowing to derive meaningful information. The course  FROM THE ANALYSIS OF THE HISTOLOGICAL SAMPLE TO THE SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS aims at describing the methodological path that leads from the histological sample to scientific publication.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Introduction to the scientific method (frontal lessons); Introduction to methodological approaches for the study of biological material of healthy donors and patients. Suitability of the sample and case studies (frontal and practical lessons); Preparation and observation of histological samples by microscopy and flow cytometry: comparison techniques (practical lessons); Methodological approaches for sample processing and isolation of tissue cells from ex-vivo samples. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the various isolation methods (practical lessons); Experimental tests useful for the phenotypic and functional study of tissue cells from ex-vivo samples (practical lessons); Analysis of samples and data collection (practical lessons); Statistical analysis and data validation (frontal and practical lessons); Data interpretation (frontal lessons); Meaning, scientific impact and clinical impact (frontal lessons); Organization and presentation of the results aimed at drafting a scientific publication (frontal lessons).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and active participation in the proposed training activities (lectures and practical lessons) and individual study will allow the student to:

- know the characteristics of the scientific method

- know the different possible methodological approaches for sample collection (solid, liquid)

- being able to evaluate the suitability of the sample taking into account its histological characteristics

- knowing how to evaluate the suitability of the case studies considering the objective of the study

- to know in detail the methodological approaches for the processing of ex vivo samples derived from solid or liquid tissues

- knowing in detail the techniques for isolating particular cell types from ex vivo samples derived from solid or liquid tissues and being able to evaluate the effectiveness of the various isolation methods

- to know in detail the different methods of preparation and analysis of ex vivo samples, derived from solid or liquid tissues, for microscopy analysis (optical, confocal, electronic) and flow cytometry; know the merits and limits of the various applicable methodologies

- to know other methodologies (i.e. imaging) useful for the phenotypic and functional study of cells derived from ex-vivo samples, derived from solid or liquid tissues

- to know other in vitro (3D) and in vivo (animal models) tissue study models for the consolidation of the experimental, biological and clinical significance

- know how to organize and present the results of a possible research for the purpose of its publication in scientific journals.

PREREQUISITES

To effectively address the teaching contents, knowledge of cytology and histology is required.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of lectures and practical lessons.

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, should contact the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liaise and arrange the specific teaching methods so that the learning aims and outcomes may be met.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1) Introduction to the scientific method (lectures)

2) Introduction to methodological approaches for the study of biological material from healthy donors and patients. Suitability of the sample and case studies (frontal and practical lessons)

3) Preparation and observation of histological samples by microscopy and flow cytometry: comparison techniques (practical lessons)

4) Methodological approaches for sample processing and isolation of tissue cells from ex-vivo samples. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the various insulation methods (practical lessons)

5) Experimental assays useful for the phenotypic and functional study of tissue cells from ex vivo samples (practical lessons)

6) Sample analysis and data collection (practical lessons)

7) Data validation (lectures and practical lessons) and interpretation of data (lectures)

8) Meaning, scientific impact and clinical impact (lectures)

9) Organization and presentation of results aimed at drafting a scientific publication (lectures)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All the slides of the lessons, also containing links to public online platforms useful for this course, are available on aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ROBERTA CASTRICONI (President)

EMANUELA MARCENARO (President)

MARIELLA DELLA CHIESA

ALESSANDRA DONDERO

SILVIA PESCE

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Second semester.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test which also includes the discussion of a written paper, carried out by the students independently, following the teacher's instructions, and focused on an analysis method discussed in class.

For cases with certification of DSA, disability or other special educational needs, the University legislation and regulations on disability and DSA will be applied (https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/studenti-disabilit%C3% A0-normative).

It is possible that emergency situations prevent the exam from being carried out in attendance. In this case, the procedures for carrying out the exam could change with the possible entire execution as written form. The Teams platform and/or the aulaweb portal will be used.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam verifies the effective acquisition by the student of the ability to: 1) use the most appropriate methodology based on the type of sample and the scientific question; 2) analyze and organize the data as part of a possible scientific publication 3) choose the most appropriate scientific journal in relation to the content of the presented data, all with a particular focus on the methodological path that can be used for the analysis of a specific histological sample based on the knowledge acquired during the course.