Next generation PCR microfluidic system

Stokes Bio, founded in 2005, develops innovative microfluidic technologies. In 2008 in collaboration with Monsanto, an application driven development for a high-throughput instrument in the detection and characterisation of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in agricultural crops was initiated. Stokes technology is designed to generate aqueous nanolitre scale droplets of reagents and samples, wrapped in a carrier fluid from standard microtitre plates and to mix them using Stokes Bio’s proprietary liquid bridge mixers. Following mixing the complete assay is transferred in the carrier fluid through the use of a continuous flow system, to a flow through thermal cycler and an optical reading station. This poster summarises results collated using the Stokes Bio genotyping platform currently based in Monsanto. Data will be presented to illustrate the dynamic capabilities of the instrument, highlighting the enhanced sensitivity and reproducibility of PCR in droplet format compared to well-based technologies

Altered white matter microstructural organization in posttraumatic stress disorder across 3047 adults: results from the PGC-ENIGMA PTSD consortium

A growing number of studies have examined alterations in white matter organization in people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using diffusion MRI (dMRI), but the results have been mixed which may be partially due to relatively small sample sizes among studies. Altered structural connectivity may be both a neurobiological vulnerability for, and a result of, PTSD. In an effort to find reliable effects, we present a multi-cohort analysis of dMRI metrics across 3047 individuals from 28 cohorts currently participating in the PGC-ENIGMA PTSD working group (a joint partnership between the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and the Enhancing NeuroImaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis consortium). Comparing regional white matter metrics across the full brain in 1426 individuals with PTSD and 1621 controls (2174 males/873 females) between ages 18-83, 92% of whom were trauma-exposed, we report associations between PTSD and disrupted white matter organization measured by lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in the tapetum region of the corpus callosum (Cohen&#39;s d = -0.11, p = 0.0055). The tapetum connects the left and right hippocampus, for which structure and function have been consistently implicated in PTSD. Results were consistent even after accounting for the effects of multiple potentially confounding variables: childhood trauma exposure, comorbid depression, history of traumatic brain injury, current alcohol abuse or dependence, and current use of psychotropic medications. Our results show that PTSD may be associated with alterations in the broader hippocampal network.</p