Paresthetic Notalgia: A Case Report

POSTER TITLE: PARESTHETIC NEURALGIA Reason for Consultation: A 51-year-old woman presents with localized itching on her back that has been evolving over time, with a brownish skin lesion. Physical Examination: Smooth hyperpigmented area on the right scapular region with excoriation due to scratching. Altered sensation (hyperesthesia). Diagnostic Orientation: Dorsal sensory neuropathy caused by compression or…

Evidence-based suturing techniques for primary and emergency care

Laceration repair is a frequent procedure in primary care and emergency settings, yet significant variability exists in technique selection, infection-prevention practices, and wound management skills. Evidence shows that outcomes depend more on preparation, irrigation, and tension control than on the specific closure material used. However, many clinicians receive limited structured training after medical school, leading…

Diagnostic accuracy of oscillometry to detect airway obstruction in ambulatory care

Oscillometry is becoming increasingly widespread because it allows lung function tests to be performed independently of patient cooperation. This procedure could enormously improve diagnostic decision making in primary care. However, the diagnostic accuracy with which asthma, COPD and, more generally, airway obstruction can be predicted remains unclear up to now.The aim was to determine the…

Trans-ancestry genome-wide association study reveals pleiotropic mechanisms linking viral susceptibility to post-acute neurological sequelae in a multi-ethnic Asian cohort

Current genetic risk scores for COVID-19 are derived mainly from European populations, creating a "health equity gap" for Asian patients in primary care. Furthermore, the biological basis of "Long COVID"—particularly the "brain fog" and fatigue frequently managed by General Practitioners (GPs)—remains poorly defined, limiting targeted management strategies.To identify population-specific genetic risk factors for COVID-19 severity…

Hemoglobin 5.6: when autonomy clashes with medical urgency – a reflection on trust, equity and negotiated care.

Severe anemia in young women is a significant public health concern but is often approached solely through a biomedical lens.  This practice-based reflection examines challenges of equity, patient autonomy, and humanism encountered while managing a young woman whose severe anemia was critically shaped by financial stress, family dynamics, and mistrust of the healthcare system.A 22-year-old psychology student from a low socioeconomic background presented to…

Implementing Long-Acting Buprenorphine in General Practice: Lessons from a Primary Care Setting Facing Emerging Fentanyl Use

The increasing availability of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl poses new challenges for primary care–based opioid substitution treatment (OST). Traditional supervised dosing models can be resource-intensive and may create barriers for younger patients with emerging opioid use disorder (OUD). Long-acting buprenorphine depot formulations offer a promising alternative for a safe provision and low barrier access…

Effectiveness of ayurvedic dietary counselling (ahara chikitsa) for managing functional gastrointestinal disorders in young adults

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia, are common in primary care and significantly affect daily functioning. Dietary patterns are central to symptom fluctuation. Ayurvedic dietary regulation (ahara chikitsa) emphasizes individualized guidance on food quality, timing, combinations, and digestive support, offering a potentially low-cost, non-pharmacological adjunct to routine care.To evaluate…

The paradox of proximity: re-centering equity, liberty, and humanism in primary diabetes care

As a first-generation doctor practicing in a community where chronic disease literacy is low and cultural norms heavily influence health choices, I often witness preventable complications arising from gaps in primary care engagement. This reflection examines the case of a 53-year-old woman—my relative—whose death from uncontrolled diabetes revealed systemic vulnerabilities and highlighted the need to…

When the eyelid falls… but the alarms rise

Ptosis is a relatively common reason for consultation in primary care and is usually linked to benign conditions such as Bell’s palsy, local eyelid disorders, or muscular diseases. However, when it appears in isolation, it may represent a diagnostic challenge and serve as a sentinel sign of serious neurological disease. The ability of family physicians…

Ethical and legal dimensions of biohacking for astronauts’ health in long-duration space missions: A literature review for primary care

Long-duration spaceflight is rapidly shifting from governmental programmes to expanding commercial ventures. Missions beyond low Earth orbit—especially lunar and Martian initiatives—pose significant physiological risks, including muscle atrophy, bone loss, neuro-ocular changes, and radiation exposure. Emerging literature discusses “biohacking” approaches such as pharmacological optimisation, somatic gene therapy, and technological augmentation to enhance resilience. Although largely experimental,…