Dr Aled Bryant

Research Highlights

1. Bryant, A., Menzies, G., Scott, L., Spencer-Harty, S., Davies, L., Smith, R., Jones, R., Thornton, C., Jones, R., Thornton, C., & Bryant, A. (2017). Human gestation-associated tissues express functional cytosolic nucleic acid sensing pattern recognition receptors. Clinical & Experimental Immunology

   https://doi.org/10.1111/cei.12960, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa32814
2. Bryant, A., Thornton, C., & Bryant, A. (2012). Cytokines and the Innate Immune Response at the Materno-Fetal Interface. Recent Advances in Research on the Human PlacentaInTech

   https://doi.org/10.5772/33219, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa20924

   Cytokines and the Innate Immune Response at the Materno-Fetal Interface
3. Thornton, C., Jones, R., & Bryant, A. (2011). Inflammation, Obesity, and Neuromodulation in Pregnancy and Fetal Development. Advances in Neuroimmune Biology, 1(2), 193-203.

   https://doi.org/10.3233/NIB-2011-015, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa12678

   http://iospress.metapress.com/content/xm2k364n99347t67/?p=b56bc6f21c9e4e298f04f07aa7f3b7d6&pi=7
4. Jones, N., Piasecka, J., Bryant, A., Jones, R., Skibinski, D., Francis, N., Thornton, C., Skibinski, D., Jones, R., Thornton, C., Bryant, A., & Jones, N. (2015). Bioenergetic analysis of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 182(1), 69-80.

   https://doi.org/10.1111/cei.12662, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa23517
5. Patni, S., Bryant, A., Wynen, L., Seager, A., Morgan, G., & Thornton, C. (2015). Functional activity but not gene expression of toll-like receptors is decreased in the preterm versus term human placenta. Placenta, 36(9), 1031-1038.

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.placenta.2015.06.017, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa23518
6. Bryant, A., Spencer-Harty, S., Owens, S., Jones, R., Thornton, C., & Owens, S. (2017). Interleukin 4 and interleukin 13 downregulate the lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory response by human gestation-associated tissues†. Biology of Reproduction, 96(3), 576-586.

   https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.116.145680, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31647
7. Scott, L., Bryant, A., Rees, A., Down, B., Jones, R., & Thornton, C. (2017). Production and regulation of interleukin-1 family cytokines at the materno-fetal interface. Cytokine, 99, 194-202.

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2017.07.005, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa34588
8. Bryant, A., Bevan, R., Spencer-Harty, S., Scott, L., Jones, R., & Thornton, C. (2017). Expression and function of NOD-like receptors by human term gestation-associated tissues. Placenta, 58, 25-32.

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.placenta.2017.07.017, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa34833

All Research

• PM-003 Introduction to Molecular Biology

  This module will provide the learner with an introduction to molecular biology, classification of species and its applications in medical science. The concept of evolution and sexual reproduction and development will also be covered, and the processes of inheritance and genetic variation, particularly with regard to evolution and natural selection. This module will be supported by a practical session and essay with academic support on a topic relevant to the medical applications of molecular biology.

• PM-007 Foundation Applied Medical Sciences Skills Development 1

  The module will provide the student with a diversity of study, laboratory and scientific skills in relation to the undertaking of undergraduate practical sessions in a safe manner. This will involve the development of skills including basic biologically relevant mathematics, appropriate data handling, working safely and key laboratory skills. Students will also be provided with an introduction to laboratory methods such as accurate pipetting and standard curve construction. In addition, students will receive lectures on developing study skills in literature searching, referencing & plagiarism and communication of information.

• PM-120 Skills for Geneticists

  This module is designed to develop the skills required for students of genetics and medical genetics.Students will meet with tutors and be given a series of assignments designed to develop skills in key areas such as essay writing, presentations and general numeracy.Joint sessions will cover generic skills such as internet searching for scientific sources, referencing and plagiarism.

• PM-138 Skills for Medical Sciences

  The aim of this module is to provide the student with basic skills required for laboratory research in the field of applied medical sciences. The module will be both theoretical and applied: the student will be instructed in methods essential for data acquisition and analyses but will also actively participate in the laboratory, using broadly applicable experimental techniques. They will also develop skills that are not experimental techniques themselves, but are nevertheless fundamental to the scientific process, such as `lab math,¿ sourcing information, referencing, ethics and health and safety.

• PM-141 Human Physiology II

  This module aims to provide students with further understanding of human physiology through studies on systems physiology including the endocrine, renal, blood, digestive/metabolism and reproductive system. The module will equally describe how malfunction of physiological systems gives rise to disease, using specific examples to enable students to appreciate the relationship between physiology/anatomy and medicine. Fundamental principles of physiology will be illustrated with appropriate clinical examples and during practical assignments.

• PM-154 Human Physiology

  Human physiology is the study of how our body works in an integrated way. A central principle of human physiology is homeostasis, the maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment. Failure to maintain homeostasis disrupts normal function that may lead to disease (or pathophysiology). Students will be taught the key concepts of homeostasis in the physiological systems of the body, enabling the student to understand the consequences of pathophysiology to human health. Emphasis will be given to how malfunction of key physiological systems gives rise to disease, using specific examples to enable students to appreciate the relationship between physiology/anatomy and medicine. Fundamental principles of physiology will be illustrated with appropriate clinical examples and during lectures and in practical assignments. Students will gain practical experience in assessing physiological function during four laboratory-based exercises. The impact of pathophysiology of such systems will be assessed through clinical case studies.

• PM-259 Contemporary themes and techniques in medical sciences

  This module aims to give students an overview of current and emerging themes in medical sciences, both from clinical and laboratory perspectives. This will cover topics generating high media interest, such as the zika virus and alternative methods of transplantation as well as new laboratory techniques. In addition, the module will be supported by two practical classes for which students will be required to conduct mini-projects based around the identification of patient samples and how these are presented as research cases. The module will also involve a one-day "conference", during which students will present data while experiencing a research conference atmosphere.

• PM-259C Themâu a thechnegau cyfoes yn y gwyddorau meddygol

  Nod y modiwl hwn yw rhoi trosolwg i fyfyrwyr o'r themâu presennol a'r rhai sy'n datblygu yn y gwyddorau meddygol, o safbwynt clinigol a'r labordy. Bydd yn ymdrin â phynciau sy'n denu sylw sylweddol yn y cyfryngau, megis y firws Zika a dulliau trawsblannu amgen yn ogystal â thechnegau labordy newydd. Yn ogystal, ategir y modiwl gan ddau ddosbarth ymarferol - disgwylir i fyfyrwyr ymgymryd â phrosiectau bach ar sail dadansoddi samplau cleifion, a sut caiff y rhain eu cyflwyno fel astudiaethau ymchwil. Bydd y modiwl hefyd yn cynnwys 'cynhadledd' undydd pan fydd myfyrwyr yn cyflwyno data ac yn cael profiad o awyrgylch cynhadledd ymchwil.

• PM-340 Being a Medical Scientist

  Much of a scientist¿s career is spent writing and speaking about science. The aim of this module is to give students a higher level experience of what being a lead researcher is like, away from the lab bench. Drawing on core knowledge from other modules, students will refine their oral and written communication and learn what leadership skills are needed to succeed in modern science. They will also be challenged to consider ethical aspects of research, including new technologies and the use of animal and human subjects. The module will be highly interactive, taught using informal lectures interspersed with students working in groups. Assessments will include an ethics application, a group Journal Club presentation on a published, peer-reviewed research article, and a mock grant proposal.

• PM-352 Reproductive Biology and Medicine

  This module is designed to provide students with knowledge of the biochemistry, physiology and pathology of human pregnancy, fetal development, parturition and menopause. Particular focus will be given to fertility treatments and pharmacological interventions of menopause. Lectures will cover a recap of endocrinology of reproduction, and provide details of assisted reproductive technologies. Lectures will be supported by case studies which include current clinical approaches used to treat infertility and menopause.