Peter Donkor

Accessory breasts denote the formation of extra breast tissue along the milk line, and are known to be more prevalent among Black and Asian populations, affecting both genders. This first-ever study aimed to determine the genetic aetiology of accessory breasts in a multiplex family, where all female siblings present with bilateral accessory breasts. The study also ascertained secondary findings (SFs) responsible for comorbidities. Clinical data and saliva samples were obtained from all family members. Ultrasound and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. Whole-exome sequencing was conducted on DNA samples obtained from the saliva, with variant calling conducted utilising the Sentieon workflow. Variant classification was based on American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. After segregation analysis, 12 candidate genes emerged. Among these, PRSS50 and FANCC emerged as top candidates, being implicated in breast diseases. However, two variants in FANCC (c.360del; p.His120GlnfsTer24 and c.355_358del; p.Ser119IlefsTer24) were selected as the most probable causal variants because of the role of this gene in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes. The remaining ten genes were reported as potentially accounting for comorbidities segregating with accessory breasts. Reported SFs involve TTR and RYR1. In conclusion, pathogenic variants in FANCC cause familial accessory breasts. These novel observations impact pathophysiology, genetic counselling, and personalised medicine.

Background/Objectives: Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are among the most common birth defects globally, sometimes exacerbated by adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from corticosteroids and antiepileptics. Comprehending the pharmacogenomic and pharmacogenetic elements that lead to ADRs is essential for enhancing precision medicine and clinical outcomes. This study examines rare genetic variants in drug-metabolizing and drug-transporting genes among Ghanaian and Nigerian families with a history of OFCs, intending to assess their pathogenicity and functional implications. Methods: We recruited 104 Ghanaian families and 26 Nigerian families, generating whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from 390 individuals (130 case-parent trios). DNA isolated from saliva and buccal swab samples underwent WGS, and subsequent WGS data were analyzed through extensive bioinformatics analyses. Variants were called and annotated using the GATK workflow. The HOPE in silico modeling tool evaluated the structural impact of genetic variants on encoded proteins, while molecular docking using PyRx examined alterations in ligand binding affinity. Results: Our study revealed pathogenic variants in vital genes associated with drug metabolism and transport, specifically CYP1A2, CYP2C18, CYP27A1, CYP2B6, SLC6A2, and ABCC3. Structural modeling research demonstrated substantial size, charge, conformation, and hydrophobicity variations between wildtype and mutant proteins. Variants positioned near conserved regions or within functional domains were anticipated to be deleterious, potentially compromising protein function and ligand interactions. Molecular docking studies verified changes in binding affinities between wildtype and mutant proteins for common ligands. The identified variations were linked to the metabolism of frequently used pharmaceuticals in Africa, such as caffeine, ketoconazole, efavirenz, carbamazepine, and artemether. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for pharmacogenetic screening to inform personalized medicine, diminish ADRs, and enhance the clinical care of OFCs in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Accessory breasts denote the formation of extra breast tissue along the milk line, being more prevalent among Black and Asian populations, affecting both genders. This study aimed to determine the genetic aetiology of accessory breasts in a multiplex family, where all female siblings presented with bilateral accessory breasts. The study also ascertained secondary findings (SFs) that may impact the health of the family members. Clinical data and saliva samples were obtained from all family members. Ultrasound and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. Whole-exome sequencing was conducted on DNA samples obtained from the saliva, with variant calling conducted utilizing Sentieon workflow. Variant classification was based on American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. After segregation analysis, 12 candidate genes emerged. Among these, PRSS50 and FANCC emerged as top candidates, being implicated in breast diseases. However, two variants in FANCC (c.360del; p.His120GlnfsTer24 and c.355_358del; p.Ser119IlefsTer24) were selected as the most probable causal variants because of the role of this gene in familial hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes. The remaining ten genes were reported as potentially accounting for co-occurring conditions segregating with accessory breasts. Reported SFs involve TTR and RYR1. In conclusion, pathogenic variants in FANCC are causal for familial accessory breasts.

Diagnostic imaging technologies have enhanced the understanding and management of road traffic crash (RTC) injuries and are essential to guiding injury diagnosis. Despite their importance few studies regarding their accessibility to crash- prone areas are available. This study sought to investigate the accessibility, availability and functionality of 4 essential imaging modalities (ultrasound, plain x-ray, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) for RTC injury management in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted covering 38 public, private, and mission-based hospitals, and 7 diagnostic centers. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire on equipment availability, functionality, and maintenance status. Spatial distance and time analyses were done, and statistical comparisons were performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. The study found only 1 of the 3 functional MRIs available in the public sector. While 60% of CTs (n=12) were found in the private sector, 59% of x-rays (n=61) and 62% (n=108) of ultrasounds were in the public sector. Due to non-functionality, travel distance to CT machines increased by 2.8 kilometers (p<0.000). In-house hospital- based biomedical engineers had technical expertise in maintaining x-ray and ultrasound machines but not CT or MRI. While X-ray and ultrasound modalities were well-distributed, CT and MRI access was limited.