The Role of Interproximal Reduction (IPR) in Clear Aligner Therapy: A Critical Analysis of Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes.

Interproximal reduction (IPR) has become a standard practice in orthodontic treatment, particularly in the clear aligner therapy. It became an integral part of the digital plan when using clear aligners. Given the irreversible nature of IPR, precise planning and performance is essential. This article aims to analyze and summarize the existing literature on IPR in the context of clear aligners. The goal is to help clinicians to gain essential knowledge for safely and effectively navigating IPR. The review critically examines different perspectives found in the literature, covering indications, methods, and outcomes. Topics exploring the impact of IPR on treatment outcomes include space gaining, addressing tooth size discrepancies, tooth shape adjustments, resolving malocclusion, and enhancing aesthetics. Emphasizing precision of the procedure by the clinician and awareness of contraindications, the article also discusses the impact of IPR on patients. This includes considerations like increased pulp temperature, susceptibility to cavities due to changes in enamel roughness, effects on soft tissues, and post-IPR tooth sensitivity.

Arrhythmogenic Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Associated With a Phospholamban Gene Mutation in a Young Female: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a myocardium disease characterized by phenotypic features of myocardial scarring due to fibrofatty myocardial replacement often associated with global or regional ventricular dysfunction. For years after arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) was first described, the left ventricle (LV) was generally considered normal or minimally involved. In recent years, however, LV involvement has been recognized. It usually presents with early-on arrhythmias more than heart failure symptoms compared to dilated cardiomyopathy. It can be right ventricular, biventricular, or left ventricular. The underlying pathophysiology involves either desmosomal or non-desmosomal mutations. Phospholamban (PLN) mutation is one of those and is associated with more severe arrhythmias and SCD. Primary prevention with ICD implantation should be considered in these patients, even the ones with an ejection fraction greater than 35%. In addition, if such patients progress to Stage D heart failure, they need to be evaluated for advanced heart failure therapies.

Pembrolizumab-Induced Broken Heart Syndrome, Pneumonitis, and Hypophysitis Occurring Concurrently; A Deadly Triad.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are novel medications used to treat a wide range of solid organ tumors and work by stimulating the cellular immune response. With their increasing use, more and more multiorgan side effects are reported in the literature. Prompt recognition of these findings is vital for the safe clinical use of these agents. Most side effects are immune-mediated injury, and the treatment involves stopping the ICI drug and systemic steroids. We report a case of a 72-year-old female treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. She presented for dyspnea and generalized weakness after the second session of pembrolizumab. She was found to have a triad of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, hypophysitis, and pneumonitis. The patient was discharged home on steroids and heart failure treatment with the discontinuation of further sessions of pembrolizumab.

Heart Failure Associated With Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection, A Case and Review of Literature.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is well known to cause pulmonary infection. However, it often has extrapulmonary manifestations as well. We diagnosed and treated a 41-year-old female who presented with symptoms of pneumonia along with multisystem involvement, including rash, acute hepatitis, and new onset heart failure that improved with steroids and doxycycline. Subsequent guideline-directed medical therapy for non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) coincided with the complete recovery of the left ventricular function in three months. We also did a brief literature review with similar prior reported cases.

A Rare Association: Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) Secondary to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection.

We present a case report on a rare association between non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in a patient with no traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including a family history of premature coronary artery disease (CAD). While RSV is commonly known for its respiratory manifestations, it has been increasingly recognized as a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in adults, particularly those with underlying comorbidities. However, the association between RSV infection and NSTEMI, especially in patients without traditional risk factors, remains relatively unexplored. Our case involves a 31-year-old healthy adult who presented with progressive exertional chest pain and flu-like symptoms. Electrocardiogram (EKG) changes and elevated troponin levels indicated NSTEMI. Laboratory tests confirmed RSV infection. Angiography revealed significant coronary artery disease requiring percutaneous coronary intervention. This case highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of the potential cardiovascular (CV) complications associated with RSV infection, even in patients without traditional risk factors. It expands our understanding of viral respiratory infections as potential triggers for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and emphasizes the importance of considering RSV infection in the differential diagnosis of NSTEMI, especially in young otherwise healthy individuals. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop preventive strategies for RSV-related cardiovascular complications.

Real-time PCR versus traditional and Nano-based ELISA in early detection of murine trichinellosis.

Trichinellosis is a serious foodborne zoonosis. It poses a serious risk to public health worldwide. Early serological diagnosis of trichinellosis is influenced by an immunological 'silent' phase following infection. This highlights the necessity for developing sensitive diagnostic approaches to be employed when antibodies cannot be detected. In this work, the validity of traditional ELISA, Nano-ELISA and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were evaluated in early diagnosis of Trichinella spiralis. Swiss albino mice were orally infected with 100 and 300 muscle larvae/mouse. Mice were sacrificed 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, and 28 days post-infection (dpi). Blood samples were tested for circulating antigen by traditional ELISA and Nano-ELISA using anti-rabbit polyclonal IgG conjugated with AgNPs and for Rep gene by SYBR green real-time PCR. Rep gene detection by SYBR green real-time PCR could detect T. spiralis with 100% sensitivity in the mild infection group at 8 dpi, while in the severe infection group it reached 100% sensitivity at 4 dpi. Nano-ELISA could detect T. spiralis circulating antigen from 4 dpi in both mild and severe infection and reached 100% sensitivity at 8 dpi and 6 dpi in mild and severe infection, respectively. However, traditional ELISA could detect T. spiralis circulating antigen from 6 dpi and reached maximum sensitivity at 15 dpi in the mild infection group, while in the severe infection group detection began at 4 dpi and reached 100% sensitivity at 8 dpi. Nano-ELISA and real time PCR, using Rep gene, are useful tools for the detection of early T. spiralis infection even in its mild infection state.

Fractional modeling of drug diffusion from cylindrical tablets based on Fickian and relaxed approaches with in vivo validation.

Mathematical simulation of drug diffusion is a significant tool for predicting the bio-transport process. Moreover, the reported models in the literature are based on Fick's approach, which leads to an infinite propagation speed. Consequently, it is essential to construct a mathematical model to represent the diffusion processes for estimating drug concentrations at different sites and throughout the circulation. Thus, in this article, the diffusion process is employed to propose three models for estimating the drug release from multi-layer cylindrical tablets. A fractional model is presented based on Fick's approach, while classical and fractional Cattaneo models are presented using the relaxed principle. Various numerical methods are used to solve the specified problem. The numerical scheme's stability and convergence are demonstrated. Drug concentration and mass profiles are presented for the tablet and the external medium and compared with the in vivo plasma profiles. The results show the efficiency and precision of the proposed fractional models based on the fourth-order weighted-shifted Grünwald-Letnikov difference operator approximation. These models are compatible with the in vivo data compared with the classical Fick's one.

Evaluation of in vivo and ex vivo pre-treated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells with resveratrol in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the therapeutic potential of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) preconditioned ex-vivo with resveratrol (MCR) and BM-MSCs isolated from resveratrol-pre-treated rats (MTR) in type-1 diabetic rats. METHODS: Type-1 diabetes was induced by a single streptozotocin injection (50 mg/kg; ip) in 24 rats. Following the confirmation of T1DM, diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups: diabetic control (DC), diabetic rats treated with insulin subcutaneous (7.5 IU/kg/day), diabetic rats treated with MCR cells (3 × 106cells/rat, intravenous) and diabetic rats treated with MTR cells (3 × 106cells/rat, intravenous). Rats were sacrificed 4 weeks following cellular transplantation. KEY FINDINGS: Untreated diabetic rats suffered from pancreatic cell damage, had high blood glucose levels, increased apoptotic, fibrosis, and oxidative stress markers and decreased survival and pancreatic regeneration parameters. Both MSCs preconditioned ex-vivo with RES and MSCs isolated from rats pre-treated with RES homed successfully in injured pancreas and showed therapeutic potential in the treatment of STZ-induced T1DM. MCR cells showed better efficiency than MTR cells. CONCLUSIONS: The pre-conditioning of BM-MSCs with resveratrol may be a promising therapeutic possibility in T1DM. Resveratrol-preconditioned BM-MSCs encouraged effects almost comparable to that of exogenous insulin with the advantages of cured pancreas and restored islets not attained by insulin.

Knowledge and Compliance with Malaria National Treatment Guidelines among Primary Health Care Workers in a Rural Area in Northern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge and compliance with malaria treatment guidelines are among the major issues affecting treatment outcome for malaria in Nigeria. Primary health care (PHC) facilities are the first point of contact with the national health system for patients with malaria and other diseases. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the knowledge and compliance with malaria National Treatment Guidelines (NTG) among PHC workers in Lere local government area of Kaduna State, North western Nigeria. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 42 community health workers. The total population of all eligible participants was used for subject selection. Data were analysed with SPSS IBM version 25.0 and STATA/SE 12. The level of statistical significance p-value was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 38.02±9.23 years. Majority of the respondents were males (25; 59.5%) and community health extension workers (CHEWs) (24; 57.1%). Almost one-third (28.6%) of the PHC workers had poor knowledge of the recommendations of the NTG for malaria, while 14.3% had poor compliance with the NTG. Bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between older age and good knowledge of the NTG ( χ2 =0.03, p=0.04). Multivariate analysis further revealed that the odds for poor knowledge of NTG was 40% higher among CHEWs compared to other health workers (AOR=1.40, 95% CI=0.25-7.93). The odds for good knowledge was lower by 55% among those who had practiced for <10 years compared to >10 years (OR=0.45, 95% CI=0.06-3.32). CONCLUSION: Poor knowledge and compliance to malaria NTG were commoner among lower cadre (CHEWs) staff with relatively fewer years in PHC practice. There is a need for training, retraining and equitable distribution of the NTG to ensure access and also improve knowledge and utilisation of the NTG for malaria by rural PHC workers.

CONTEXTE: La connaissance et le respect des directives de traitement du paludisme sont parmi les principaux problèmes qui affectent les résultats du traitement du paludisme au Nigéria. Les établissements de soins de santé primaires (SSP) sont le premier point de contact avec le système national de santé pour les patients atteints de paludisme et d'autres maladies. OBJECTIF DE L'ÉTUDE: Cette étude a évalué les connaissances et le respect des directives nationales de traitement du paludisme (NTG) parmi les travailleurs des SSP dans la zone de gouvernement local de Lere de l'État de Kaduna, dans le nord-ouest du Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Il s'agit d'une étude descriptive transversale menée auprès de 42 agents de santé communautaires. La population totale de tous les participants éligibles a été utilisée pour la sélection des sujets. Les données ont été analysées avec SPSS IBM version 25.0 et STATA/SE 12. Le niveau de signification statistique a été fixé à p<0,05. RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen des personnes interrogées était de 38,02±9,23 ans. La majorité des personnes interrogées étaient des hommes (25 ; 59,5%) et des agents de vulgarisation en santé communautaire (24 ; 57,1%). Près d'un tiers (28,6 %) des agents de santé publique connaissaient mal les recommandations de la NTG pour le paludisme, tandis que 14,3 % ne respectaient pas la NTG. L'analyse bivariée a montré une relation significative entre l'âge avancé et la bonne connaissance du NTG ( χ2=0,03, p=0,04). L'analyse multivariée a également révélé que la probabilité d'une mauvaise connaissance de la NTG était 40% plus élevée chez les CHEW que chez les autres agents de santé (AOR=1,40, 95% CI=0,25-7,93). La probabilité d'une bonne connaissance était inférieure de 55% chez ceux qui avaient pratiqué pendant <10 ans par rapport à >10 ans (OR=0,45, 95% CI=0,06-3,32). CONCLUSION: Le manque de connaissances et d'observance des NTG sur le paludisme était plus fréquent parmi le personnel des cadres inférieurs (CHEWs) ayant relativement moins d'années de pratique dans les soins de santé primaires. Il est nécessaire de former, de recycler et de distribuer équitablement les NTG pour garantir l'accès et améliorer la connaissance et l'utilisation des NTG pour le paludisme par les travailleurs des SSP en milieu rural. Mots clés: Connaissance, Observance, Personnel de soins de santé primaires, Directives, Paludisme.

Influence of nurses' perception of organizational climate and toxic leadership behaviors on intent to stay: A descriptive comparative study.

Background: Nursing managers and leaders must fight to retain nurses in hospitals by constructing an inviting organizational climate that is attractive to work in, not toxic. The organizational climate is primarily affected by employees' internal work environment and behavior. Hence, nursing managers and leaders must implement effective strategies to increase nurses intention to stay by address the organizational climate. Aim: This study was designed to assess nurses' perception of the effects of organizational climate and toxic leadership behaviors on their intention to stay and the differences in these domains between the two hospitals studied. Methods: A descriptive comparative design was used. Data were collected in 2022 from 250 nurses working in the two largest hospitals in Assiut, an Egyptian city south of Cairo, using three self-administered questionnaires: the organizational climate questionnaire (42 items categorized into nine domains), the toxic leadership scale (30 items categorized into five domains), and the Chinese version of the intent-to-stay scale. Results: Most nurses reported their intention to stay as "normal." The nurse participants perceived that a positive organizational climate was not present, but toxic leadership was at a low level (13.6% and 25.6%, respectively). The model of regression analysis was significant, showing that the organizational climate represented by supportive systems impacted nurses' intention to stay in the hospitals under study. Meanwhile, toxic leadership behaviors, represented by authoritarian leadership, unpredictability in the university hospital, and self-promotion in the insurance hospital, affected nurses' intention to stay. Conclusion: Positive organizational climate played a significant role in retaining nurses through investing in incentives and providing supportive systems. Authoritarian leadership, unpredictability, and the self-promotion of leaders' behaviors impacted the nurses and the climate negatively. Hence, we recommend investing in potential strategies to improve the nurses' intention to stay through performance standards, increased pay and benefits, clear reward mechanisms, participation in decision making, and assessments of leaders' behaviors. Furthermore, decision and policy makers need to establish effective, supportive systems in hospitals to retain nurses. Hence, nursing managers and leaders must rethink how they can use their leadership skills and behavior in a positive manner to promote nurse retention. Study registration: Not registered.

Application of Interactive Video Games as Rehabilitation Tools to Improve Postural Control and Risk of Falls in Prefrail Older Adults.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether interactive video game (IVG) training is an effective way to improve postural control outcomes and decrease the risk of falls. A convenience sample of 12 prefrail older adults were recruited and divided into two groups: intervention group performed IVG training for 40 minutes, twice per week, for a total of 16 sessions. The control group received no intervention and continued their usual activity. Outcome measures were centre of pressure (COP), mean velocity, sway area, and sway path. Secondary outcomes were Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC). Assessment was conducted with preintervention (week zero) and postintervention (week eight). The intervention group showed significant improvement in mean velocity, sway area, Berg Balance Scale, and TUG (p < 0.01) compared to the control group. However, no significant improvement was observed for sway path (p = 0.35), FES-I (p = 0.383), and ABC (p = 0.283). This study showed that IVG training led to significant improvements in postural control but not for risk of falls.

Ginger and its active compounds in cancer therapy: From folk uses to nano-therapeutic applications.

Ginger is a spice that is renowned for its characteristic aromatic fragrance and pungent taste, with documented healing properties. Field studies conducted in several Asian and African countries revealed that ginger is used traditionally in the management of cancer. The scientific community has probed into the biological validation of its extracts and isolated compounds including the gingerols, shogaols, zingiberene, and zingerone, through in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Nonetheless, an updated compilation of these data together with a deep mechanistic approach is yet to be provided. Accordingly, this review highlights the mechanisms and therapeutics of ginger and its bioactive compounds focused on a cancer context and these evidence are based on the (i) cytotoxic effect against cancer cell lines, (ii) enzyme inhibitory action, (iii) combination therapy with chemotherapeutic and phenolic compounds, (iv) possible links to the microbiome and (v) the use of nano-formulations of ginger bioactive compounds as a more effective drug delivery strategy in cancer therapy.

Should We Rely on Screening Tests for Further Management Alone in Polymerase Chain Reaction Negative COVID-19 Patients? A Case Series.

Since the declaration of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), it has been a challenge to the whole medical community. Researchers and clinicians have been trying to explain and explore its mechanism and pathophysiology to get a better understanding of this disease, as it has exhausted the healthcare resources and has impacted human life in general. Many tests have been developed including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the virus and rapid diagnostic testing in patients based on IgM/IgG serology. But owing to variable sensitivity and specificity of these tests, it has created a challenging situation to proceed with the further management plan. We are reporting a case series where we experienced the dilemma of diagnosing COVID-9 disease in our patients and further plan of care.

Clinical Characteristics of Hepatitis B Virus Patients After Switching to Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) continues to be a significant global health problem despite vaccination programs and effective antiviral drugs. Aim Assess tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) as a new treatment modality in light of the clinical characteristics of HBV patients. Settings and design A real-world observational study Methods and material We collected data of 71 HBV patients and recorded the hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV-DNA) plasma levels and biochemistry test results for the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and serum creatinine levels at three time points, including baseline, time of switching to TAF, and six months after switching. Results From the time of switching to TAF till six months later, HBV-DNA plasma levels significantly decreased from 838.61 IU/mL to 16.7 IU/mL (p-value of <0.05). ALT and AST levels dropped from 29.05 U/L to 27 U/L and from 21.34 U/L to 20.7 U/L (p-values 0.328 and 0.410, respectively). Although TAF did not show a statistically significant reduction in the serum levels of AST, ALT, and creatinine, it showed a detectable maintenance level. Conclusions In the evaluated cohort, all clinical characteristics of HBV were maintained six months after switching patients to TAF.

Risk Factors for Epidemic Cholera in Lusaka, Zambia-2017.

On October 6, 2017, the Zambia Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak in Lusaka. By December, 1,462 cases and 38 deaths had occurred (case fatality rate, 2.6%). We conducted a case-control study to identify risk factors and inform interventions. A case was any person with acute watery diarrhea (≥ 3 loose stools in 24 hours) admitted to a cholera treatment center in Lusaka from December 16 to 21, 2017. Controls were neighbors without diarrhea during the same time period. Up to two controls were matched to each case by age-group (1-4, 5-17, and ≥ 18 years) and neighborhood. Surveyors interviewed cases and controls, tested free chlorine residual (FCR) in stored water, and observed the presence of soap in the home. Conditional logistic regression was used to generate matched odds ratios (mORs) based on subdistricts and age-groups with 95% CIs. We enrolled 82 cases and 132 controls. Stored water in 71% of case homes had an FCR > 0.2 mg/L. In multivariable analyses, those who drank borehole water (mOR = 2.4, CI: 1.1-5.6), had close contact with a cholera case (mOR = 6.2, CI: 2.5-15), and were male (mOR = 2.5, CI: 1.4-5.0) had higher odds of being a cholera case than their matched controls. Based on these findings, we recommended health education about household water chlorination and hygiene in the home. Emergency responses included providing chlorinated water through emergency tanks and maintaining adequate FCR levels through close monitoring of water sources.

Isolated Bulbar Palsy: A Rare Presentation of Neurosarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis, which is a non-caseating granulomatous chronic inflammatory disease, can affect virtually any organ system, including the central nervous system (CNS). Very rarely, patients may present solely with neurosarcoidosis. It commonly presents with unilateral or bilateral seventh nerve palsy. Rarely it can present as dangerous progressive bulbar palsy and is a diagnostic and clinical challenge. We present a case of sarcoidosis with a unique presentation of isolated bulbar palsy. A 38-year-old male presented to the emergency with a sudden onset of dysphonia followed by dysphagia for both solids and liquids for one week and 5 kg weight loss in two months. The rest of the CNS exam was unremarkable. On labs, he had hypercalcemia and suppressed parathyroid hormone (PTH) intact. Detailed radiological investigations, lab tests, and lymph node biopsy helped confirm the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis. The patient did not respond to first-line steroid therapy and hence received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) subsequently with adequate response and complete neurologic recovery, confirmed by a follow-up visit.

Comparative Study Among Lactophenol Blue, Lactophenol Solution and Proteinase-K Lytic Solution for Rostellar Hooks Morphometry of Echinococcus Granulosus Protoscolices.

Echinococcus granulosus is a tapeworm whose life cycle includes dogs and other canines as final hosts, while domestic and wild ungulates act as intermediate hosts for the tissue-invading larval stage (metacestode). E. granulosus has a worldwide geographical distribution. Protoscolices and rostellar hooks of E. granulosus are useful for diagnosis and rostellar hook morphometric features may be useful to discriminate E. granulosus and related species. The present study was aimed to determine a more suitable lytic solution and to obtain a clearest vision for performing morphometric studies on the rostellar hooks of E. granulosus protoscolices. Five fertile hydatid cyst samples were collected from sheep in Kirkuk slaughterhouse, Iraq, during June of 2015. According to the results of the present study, proteinase-K lytic solution is the best approach in morphometric analysis to get a clear vision of rostellar hooks and a safer usage in comparison with solutions containing lactophenol (lactophenol, lactophenol blue).

Assessing safe food handling knowledge and practices of food service managers in Doha, Qatar.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess safe food handling practices, food safety knowledge, and adherence to implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point among 53 food safety managers working in randomly selected food service establishments in Qatar. Face-to-face interviews with the managers at each participating food service establishment were conducted using a survey consisting of 40 questions in October-December 2015. In addition to the survey questionnaire, a checklist was used to determine the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point by observing actual practices applied at each food service establishment. About 66 and 68% of managers had college degree and were trained on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, respectively. Results also showed that casual sit-in and fine dine-in restaurants were the only food service establishments that consistently kept records on safe food handling practices (100%), followed by fast-food food service establishments (36%). Managers' training and education level were highly correlated with the probability of their employees receiving food safety training. This first assessment on food safety knowledge and practices in Qatar demonstrated that training and education are important factors that directly impact the food safety culture in food service establishments. These findings may help government agencies establish guidelines for compulsory on-site training of food handlers for effective food safety practices in food service establishments in Qatar where the fast growing demography has led to a rapid growth in food service establishment in different cuisines leading to heterogeneity in food safety practices.

Treatment efficacy of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for 8 weeks in non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) combination is administered for 12 to 24 weeks to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV); guidelines recommend 8 weeks treatment duration for HCV genotype (GT) 1 infection based on the patient's baseline characteristics. Data on treating HCV GT4 with LDV/SOF are limited. In this prospective cohort study, the efficacy and safety of 8 weeks treatment duration with LDV/SOF was evaluated in HCV GT4 patients in Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment-naïve, non-cirrhotic HCV GT4 patients received LDV/SOF for 8 weeks. HCV RNA levels and laboratory evaluations were recorded at baseline and at Weeks 4, 8, and 20. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of the treatment (SVR12). Safety data were also recorded. RESULTS: Forty-five patients with a mean age of 43.9 ± 17.2 years participated, of whom 57.8% were male. Mean log10HCV RNA was 6.26 ± 6.32 IU/mL and most (91.1%) had baseline HCV RNA levels <6 million IU/mL. The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension and diabetes mellitus (20.0% each). Concomitant medication was taken by 18 patients (40.0%), of whom two took proton pump inhibitors. Overall, SVR12 was 97.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88.2%-99.9%); one patient (2.2%) relapsed post treatment. No serious adverse events or discontinuations were reported. Eighteen patients (44.4%) had 38 adverse events related to LDV/SOF; the most frequent was headache. CONCLUSIONS: An 8-week regimen of LDV/SOF was well tolerated and efficacious in this treatment-naïve, non-cirrhotic HCV GT4-infected population. This study provides valuable information on a short treatment regimen for HCV GT4 infection in a real-world setting.