摘要
Background/Aims@#We evaluated the role of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based disease monitoring for elderly patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who received decitabine therapy. @*Methods@#A total of 123 patients aged > 65 years with AML who received decitabine were eligible. We analyzed the dynamics of variant allele frequency (VAF) in 49 available follow-up samples after the fourth cycle of decitabine. The 58.6% VAF clearance (Δ, [VAF at diagnosis − VAF at follow-up] × 100 / VAF at diagnosis) was the optimal cut-off for predicting overall survival (OS). @*Results@#The overall response rate was 34.1% (eight patients with complete remission [CR], six of CR with incomplete hematologic recovery, 22 with partial responses, and six with morphologic leukemia-free status). Responders (n = 42) had significantly better OS compared with non-responders (n = 42) (median, 15.3 months vs. 6.5 months; p < 0.001). Of the 49 patients available for follow-up targeted NGS analysis, 44 had trackable gene mutations. The median OS of patients with ΔVAF ≥ 58.6% (n=24) was significantly better than that of patients with ΔVAF < 58.6% (n = 19) (20.5 months vs. 9.8 months, p = 0.010). Moreover, responders with ΔVAF ≥ 58.6% (n = 20) had a significantly longer median OS compared with responders with VAF < 58.6% (n = 11) (22.5 months vs. 9.8 months, p = 0.004). @*Conclusions@#This study suggested that combining ΔVAF ≥ 58.6%, a molecular response, with morphologic and hematologic responses can more accurately predict OS in elderly AML patients after decitabine therapy.
摘要
Purpose@#This study is to investigate the distribution of natural tooth shades in the Korean elderly population to quantify the correlation and changes of tooth color with age and gender. In addition, the possible effects of habits on tooth color were assessed. @*Materials and Methods@#The tooth color of one of the maxillary central incisors of 200 Korean individuals aged 50 to 89 years, males and female, was measured using the portable intraoral spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade V).CIELab and CIELCh color coordinates were recorded. We conducted the survey about the tobacco smoking, chronic disease, medication, eating habits, oral health behaviors and satisfaction with tooth color. Experimental data were statistically analyzed by using the t-test (P<0.05), two-way analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation test.Result: The most frequent color in the Korean elderly population was 3M3 & A3.5 shade. L* and h* values decreased, whereas C*, a* and b* values increased progressively with age. There was a significant interaction between age and color coordinates for b* values (r=0.245, P<0.05). Males generally have significantly higher C*, a*, b* values and lower L*, h* value compared to females. Individuals who consumed alcohol had a higher L* value (P<0.05). @*Conclusion@#Within the limitation of this study, the central incisors were getting darker, more reddish, and yellowish with age. Information on the chromatic range of natural teeth by age and gender could help to select colors for esthetic dental restorations.
摘要
Purpose@#We evaluated the characteristics of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (CEBPA) mutations and the significance of a basic leucine zipper in-frame mutation (bZIPin-f) of CEBPA in patients with acute myeloid leukemia with a normal karyotype. @*Materials and Methods@#Based on updated knowledge of CEBPA mutations, we conducted next-generation sequencing analyses in a previously established real-world cohort. @*Results@#Among 78 of a total of 395 patients (19.7%), 50 had bZIPin-f CEBPA, and 28 had non-bZIPin-f CEBPA. In the multivariate analysis, patients with NPM1mut, those with bZIPin-f CEBPA, and those who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) had favorable overall survival (OS), but FLT3-ITDmut was a poor prognostic indicator. For relapse-free survival (RFS) and cumulative incidence of relapse, bZIPin-f CEBPA, and allo-HCT were associated with favorable outcomes; FLT3-ITDpos was associated with worse outcomes. In the CEBPA double-mutated group (CEBPAdm), bZIPin-f CEBPA was associated with superior outcomes in terms of OS (p=0.007) and RFS (p=0.007) compared with non-bZIPin-f CEBPA. Of 50 patients with bZIPin-f CEBPA, 36 patients had at least one mutation. When grouped by the presence of mutations in chromatic/DNA modifiers (C), cohesion complex (C), and splicing genes (S) (CCS mutations), CCS-mutated bZIPin-f CEBPA was associated with poor OS (p=0.044; hazard ratio [HR], 2.419) and a trend in inferior RFS (p=0.186; HR, 1.838). @*Conclusion@#Only bZIPin-f CEBPA was associated with favorable outcomes in patients with CEBPAdm. However, some mutations accompanying bZIPin-f CEBPA showed inferior OS; thus, further studies with larger numbers of patients are required for clear conclusions of the significance of bZIPin-f CEBPA.
摘要
Background@#Alcohol consumption has been considered as a modifiable risk factor for dementia development and alcohol-related brain damage may further impair cognitive abilities in dementia patients. This study aimed to find out the differences in cognitive function according to current alcohol drinking in patients with self-perceived memory decline, including subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early Alzheimer-type dementia (ATD). @*Methods@#From May 2018 to December 2019, retrospective chart review was performed in patients who visited CHA Bundang Medical Center for cognitive decline. A two-way analysis of variance with interaction test were used to analyze the impact of alcohol consumption on cognitive function between groups. @*Results@#A total of 147 patients was classified into three groups of SCD (n=30), MCI (n=53), and ATD (n=64), and each group was divided into two subgroups of alcohol users and alcohol non-users, according to the current status of alcohol consumption. Between SCD, MCI and ATD groups, scores of clock drawing test and Go/No-go test were significantly lower in current alcohol users of ATD groups compared to the SCD and MCI groups (p<0.05). @*Conclusions@#These results suggest that current alcohol consumption has detrimental effects especially on the frontal/executive function in early ATD patients. Considering the association between frontal/executive function and ADL, our finding suggests that cessation of alcohol intake may be a therapeutic strategy to prevent ADL deterioration in patients with ATD.
摘要
Purpose@#The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of endodontic treatment of mandibular second molar with C-shaped canal in elderly patients and related factors affecting the survival of the tooth. @*Materials and Methods@#From 2010 to 2015, the survival rate following endodontic treatment was evaluated in elderly patients over 60 years who visited the Veterans Health Service Medical Center for endodontic treatment. The presence of C-shaped canals was confirmed using clinical records and radiographic features. Patientʼs age, sex, systemic diseases, tooth location, vitality, signs and symptoms, fractures, caries, apical radiolucency, canal shaping methods, sealer leakage, filling voids, and restoration of prosthesis were included in the analyses as confounding variables. The survival rate of teeth was analyzed using Kaplan–Meire analysis and the relationship between the survival rate and variables was analyzed using Simple and Multiple Cox regression analysis.Result: In total, 107 teeth in elderly patients had C-shaped canal. The survival rate of teeth that received endodontic treatment was 63.70%. None of the factors investigated significantly influenced the survival rate (P>0.05). @*Conclusion@#In elderly patients with C-shaped canal, the survival rate after root canal treatment was not significantly different from that of other mandibular molars.
摘要
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#A dietary restriction on the intake of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) has been reported to be effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) tract complications. Enteral nutrition (EN) is widely used for patients who cannot obtain their nutritional requirements orally, but many studies have reported EN complications, especially diarrhea, in up to 50% of patients. @*SUBJECTS/METHODS@#We performed a single-center, non-randomized, controlled trial to determine the effects of a low-FODMAP enteral formula on GI complications in patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Patients in the ICU who needed EN (n = 66) were alternately assigned to the low-FODMAP group (n = 33) or the high-FODMAP group (n = 33). @*RESULTS@#Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured, and stool assessment was performed using King's Stool Chart. We excluded patients who received laxatives, GI motility agents, proton pump inhibitors, antifungal agents, and antibiotics other than β-lactams. There were no differences in GI symptoms during 7 days of intervention, including bowel sound, abdominal distension, and vomiting between the 2 groups. However, diarrhea was more frequent in the high-FODMAP group (7/33 patients) than the lowFODMAP group (1/33 patients) (P = 0.044). @*CONCLUSIONS@#Our results suggest that a low-FODMAP enteral formula may be a practical therapeutic approach for patients who exhibit enteral formula complications. Our study warrants further randomized clinical trials and multicenter trials.
摘要
Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the Korean version of the Nurses’ Involvement in Dying Patients and Family Care (NIDPFC) instrument. @*Methods@#Data were collected from 410 registered nurses at a university hospital, general hospitals, and a convalescent hospital. Data were collected from June 23 to July 17, 2020. Internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity were examined using the SPSS and AMOS software. @*Results@#Of the 35 preliminary items of the instrument, 24 items were finally selected after evaluating the content validity, analyzing the items, and assessing construct validity. The following four factors were derived: “burden” (seven items), “deep involvement” (eight items), “resilience” (five items), and “empathy” (four items), with a cumulative explanatory variance of 55.2%. For criterion validity, a significant positive relationship was found between the NIDPFC and attitudes toward caring for the dying. For internal consistency reliability, the Cronbach’s α was 0.82. @*Conclusion@#The validity and reliability of the NIDPFC were verified. Therefore, the NIDPFC is an effective instrument to use in further studies.
摘要
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of the second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal, root fusion, and C-shaped root canal configuration in the Koreanmaxillary first (MM1) and second (MM2) molars by analyzing cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images. Materials and methods: Patients undergoing presurgicalCBCT examination were included in the current study. The CBCT images of 1498 MM1 and 1742 MM2 from 1658 Korean patients were assessed to determine the incidenceof a MB2 canal, the types of canal configurations, root fusion, and C-shaped root canal configurations. Further, the correlations between the incidence of MB2 canaland age, gender, and tooth position were analyzed. Results: The study population was relatively old (mean age: 66.1 years). The percentage of MB2 canals in MB roots was60.1% and 28.0% in MM1 and MM2, respectively, with the most common configurations being Weine type III in MM1 and Weine type II in MM2. Additionally, the frequencyof a MB2 canal decreased with age in both molars and was higher in men than in women in the MM1 only. Furthermore, root fusion was present in 2.3% and 26.2% of theMM1 and MM2, respectively, whereas C-shaped root canals were observed in 0.4% and 2.7% of the MM1 and MM2, respectively. Conclusion: The MB2 canal was foundmore frequently in the MM1, whereas root fusion and C-shaped root canals were both seen more frequently in the MM2. (J Korean Acad Prosthodont 2020;58:95-102)
摘要
Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the Korean version of the Nurses’ Involvement in Dying Patients and Family Care (NIDPFC) instrument. @*Methods@#Data were collected from 410 registered nurses at a university hospital, general hospitals, and a convalescent hospital. Data were collected from June 23 to July 17, 2020. Internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity were examined using the SPSS and AMOS software. @*Results@#Of the 35 preliminary items of the instrument, 24 items were finally selected after evaluating the content validity, analyzing the items, and assessing construct validity. The following four factors were derived: “burden” (seven items), “deep involvement” (eight items), “resilience” (five items), and “empathy” (four items), with a cumulative explanatory variance of 55.2%. For criterion validity, a significant positive relationship was found between the NIDPFC and attitudes toward caring for the dying. For internal consistency reliability, the Cronbach’s α was 0.82. @*Conclusion@#The validity and reliability of the NIDPFC were verified. Therefore, the NIDPFC is an effective instrument to use in further studies.
摘要
Scrub typhus present with a variety clinical manifestations caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, it is sometimes accompanied by severe complications. The clinical course of this complication is not well clear. Herein, we first report a case with acute cholangitis and acalculous cholecystitis caused by the Boryong genotype of O. tsutsugamushi. A 82-year-old woman presented with fever and acute abdominal pain on the right upper quadrant. Initially, the patient showed an abnormality of liver enzymes of cholestatic pattern. An acute cholangitis and cholecystitis were suspected on the enhanced computed tomography (CT), and emergent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) performed. However, neither ERCP nor CT detected common bile duct stones or sludge. The patient's illness progressed despite bile drainage and antibiotic therapy. On the fifth day in hospital, an immunofluorescence IgG assay for O. tsutsugamushi was positive, and the patient newly developed a skin rash and an eschar lesion on the right abdomen. The polymerase chain reaction amplification of Orientia genes from blood and bile was positive, genotype of both samples was identified the Boryong type. The presentation of scrub typhus as an acute cholangitis is not reported till now. In endemic areas, scrub typhus would be considered a rare etiology of acute cholangitis.
摘要
Scrub typhus present with a variety clinical manifestations caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, it is sometimes accompanied by severe complications. The clinical course of this complication is not well clear. Herein, we first report a case with acute cholangitis and acalculous cholecystitis caused by the Boryong genotype of O. tsutsugamushi. A 82-year-old woman presented with fever and acute abdominal pain on the right upper quadrant. Initially, the patient showed an abnormality of liver enzymes of cholestatic pattern. An acute cholangitis and cholecystitis were suspected on the enhanced computed tomography (CT), and emergent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) performed. However, neither ERCP nor CT detected common bile duct stones or sludge. The patient's illness progressed despite bile drainage and antibiotic therapy. On the fifth day in hospital, an immunofluorescence IgG assay for O. tsutsugamushi was positive, and the patient newly developed a skin rash and an eschar lesion on the right abdomen. The polymerase chain reaction amplification of Orientia genes from blood and bile was positive, genotype of both samples was identified the Boryong type. The presentation of scrub typhus as an acute cholangitis is not reported till now. In endemic areas, scrub typhus would be considered a rare etiology of acute cholangitis.
摘要
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of hospital ethical climate and nursing professionalism on patient safety management activity by nurses.METHODS: A cross-sectional correlation study design was used. Participants included 142 nurses from two tertiary hospitals in Seoul and Gyunggi-do, South Korea. Data were collected in April and May 2019 using self-report questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple liner regression analysis with SPSS/WIN 21.0.RESULTS: The patient safety management activity correlated positively with hospital ethical climate (r=.32, p < .001) and nursing professionalism (r=.40, p < .001). The patient safety management activity was the factor that most influenced nursing professionalism and position, explaining 21% of the variance (F=12.06, p < .001).CONCLUSION: It is necessary to provide education on professionalism. It is necessary to continuously provide job education and training to nurture competence and quality in professional nurses.
Subject(s)
Humans , Climate , Education , Korea , Mental Competency , Nursing , Patient Safety , Professionalism , Seoul , Statistics as Topic , Tertiary Care Centers摘要
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of polishing methods on the color stability of composite resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two bulk-fill and four conventional resin composites were filled in cylindrical molds (6 mm diameter, 4 mm height) and light-cured. The specimens were stored in 34℃ distilled water for 24 h. Spectrophotometer was used to determine the color value according to the CIE L(*)a(*)b(*) color space. Each group was divided into three groups according to polishing methods (n = 5). Group 1 was control group (Mylar strip group), group 2 was polished with PoGo, and group 3 was polished with Sof-Lex Spiral wheels. Color evaluation was performed weekly for 4 weeks after immersion in 34℃ distilled water. The results were analyzed by generalized least squares method (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Generalized least squares analysis revealed that Sof-Lex Spiral wheels group showed the significantly lower ΔE values compared to PoGo and control group (P < 0.05). The ΔE values of polished group showed the significantly lower than the ΔE values of unpolished group (P < 0.05). Regarding color changes of composite resins, there was no significant difference between the ΔE values of Filtek Z250 and Filtek Z350 XT Universal restorative in all time intervals (P < 0.05). Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill showed the significantly lower ΔE values compared to other composite resins in 1, 2, 3 weeks (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, polishing methods influence the color stabilities of composite resins. The group polished with Sof-Lex Spiral Wheels showed more resistance to discoloration than group polished with PoGo.
Subject(s)
Absorption , Composite Resins , Fungi , Immersion , Least-Squares Analysis , Methods , Water摘要
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify how nursing students' awareness of biomedical ethics and ethical values affect their attitudes towards a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. METHODS: This cross-sectional correlation study was conducted with 275 nursing students enrolled at two universities in North Chungcheong Province and North Gyeongsang Province of South Korea. Data were collected in April 2017 using a self-reported questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression with the SPSS/WIN 23.0 program. RESULTS: The students' attitudes towards DNR were positively correlated with attitudes that seek ethical values but negatively correlated with their biomedical ethics awareness. The explained variance for attitudes towards DNR was 20%, which was significant (F=13.01, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that nursing students' biomedical ethics awareness and ethical values were associated with their attitudes towards DNR. Curriculum organization and various educational programs should be developed and applied to help nursing students develop ethical values and awareness of biomedical ethics.
Subject(s)
Humans , Bioethics , Curriculum , Ethics , Korea , Nursing , Resuscitation Orders , Statistics as Topic , Students, Nursing摘要
PURPOSE: This study was a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the effect of evidence-based guidelines for catheter dysfunction among hemodialysis patients, Success rate and bleeding complications in catheterization were examined. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study, including 94 patients with catheter dysfunction who were receiving hemodialysis at a university hospital; 55 in the control group and 39 in the protocol group. This protocol was composed of the catheter dysfunction assessment, conservative management of catheter dysfunction, drug management of catheter dysfunction, catheter function test and maintenance management. Data were analyzed with a Chi-square test and t-test using SPSS/WIN 23.0 program. RESULTS: The patency rate of the protocol group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The rate of bleeding complications was not statistically significant for either the control group or the protocol group before or after application. CONCLUSION: The application of the guidelines effectively increased the patency rate of the catheter without bleeding complications. It is hoped that this guideline can be disseminated to nurses nationwide to improve the efficiency of catheter function for hemodialysis patients.
Subject(s)
Humans , Catheter Obstruction , Catheterization , Catheters , Cohort Studies , Evidence-Based Practice , Hemorrhage , Hope , Renal Dialysis , Retrospective Studies摘要
PURPOSE@#The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of nurses' awareness of healthcare accreditation on their job stress and turnover intention.@*METHODS@#Across-sectional correlation study design was used. Participants consisted of 143 nurses from two tertiary hospitals in Seoul and Gyunggido, South Korea. Data were collected in October 2016 using self-report questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, an ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression in SPSS/WIN 21.0.@*RESULTS@#Awareness of health care accreditation correlated negatively with job stress (r=−63, p < .001) and turn over intention (r=−.50, p < .001). Awareness of health care accreditation was the factor that most influenced job stress, explaining 38% of the variance (F=23.10, p < .001). Awareness of health care accreditation and duty pattern were the factors that most influenced intention to leave, explaining 32% of the variance (F=10.35, p < .001).@*CONCLUSION@#These findings suggest raising nurses' awareness of certification systems to reduce their job stress and turnover intentions. It will be necessary to provide support for the aggressive work nurses do and improve their work structure, highlighting the need for both manpower and institutional support. Accordingly, providing regular education programs and appropriate compensation schemes, by raising nurses' awareness of medical institutions' certification systems, is necessary.
摘要
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of nurses' awareness of healthcare accreditation on their job stress and turnover intention. METHODS: Across-sectional correlation study design was used. Participants consisted of 143 nurses from two tertiary hospitals in Seoul and Gyunggido, South Korea. Data were collected in October 2016 using self-report questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, an ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression in SPSS/WIN 21.0. RESULTS: Awareness of health care accreditation correlated negatively with job stress (r=−63, p < .001) and turn over intention (r=−.50, p < .001). Awareness of health care accreditation was the factor that most influenced job stress, explaining 38% of the variance (F=23.10, p < .001). Awareness of health care accreditation and duty pattern were the factors that most influenced intention to leave, explaining 32% of the variance (F=10.35, p < .001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest raising nurses' awareness of certification systems to reduce their job stress and turnover intentions. It will be necessary to provide support for the aggressive work nurses do and improve their work structure, highlighting the need for both manpower and institutional support. Accordingly, providing regular education programs and appropriate compensation schemes, by raising nurses' awareness of medical institutions' certification systems, is necessary.
Subject(s)
Accreditation , Certification , Compensation and Redress , Delivery of Health Care , Education , Intention , Korea , Personnel Turnover , Seoul , Statistics as Topic , Tertiary Care Centers摘要
Beauvericin (BEA), a cyclic hexadepsipeptide produced by the fungus Beauveria bassiana, is known to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial actions. However, how BEA suppresses macrophage-induced inflammatory responses has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we explored the anti-inflammatory properties of BEA and the underlying molecular mechanisms using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. Levels of nitric oxide (NO), mRNA levels of transcription factors and the inflammatory genes inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and interleukin (IL)-1, and protein levels of activated intracellular signaling molecules were determined by Griess assay, semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), luciferase reporter gene assay, and immunoblotting analysis. BEA dose-dependently blocked the production of NO in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells without inducing cell cytotoxicity. BEA also prevented LPS-triggered morphological changes. This compound significantly inhibited nuclear translocation of the NF-κB subunits p65 and p50. Luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrated that BEA suppresses MyD88-dependent NF-κB activation. By analyzing upstream signaling events for NF-κB activation and overexpressing Src and Syk, these two enzymes were revealed to be targets of BEA. Together, these results suggest that BEA suppresses NF-κB-dependent inflammatory responses by suppressing both Src and Syk.
Subject(s)
Beauveria , Fungi , Genes, Reporter , Immunoblotting , Interleukins , Luciferases , Macrophages , Nitric Oxide , Nitric Oxide Synthase , RNA, Messenger , Transcription Factors摘要
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate tissue dissolving capacity, antimicrobial effect of Hydroxyethylidene bisphosphonate (HEBP) interacting with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as conventional endodontic irrigants and to determine tissue dissolving efficacy depended on temperature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 bovine muscles were randomly distributed into 8 groups (n = 10). After their initial weights determined on a precision scale, the specimens in each group were immersed in the solutions for 5, 10 and 15 min and reweighted at each time period. Agar diffusion test inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis was performed for antimicrobial effect of each endodontic irrigants. RESULTS: The ability to dissolve organic matter was greater in NaOCl group following NaOCl and HEBP mixture. Heated NaOCl (40℃) and NaOCl/HEBP mixture was greater tissue dissolving efficacy than room temperature (25℃). Antimicrobial effect was greater and significant in the following order EDTA > EDTA + 1% NaOCl > 1% NaOCl ≥ 1% NaOCl + HEBP. CONCLUSION: HEBP as soft chelating agent does not disturb antimicrobial effect and less affected tissue dissolving efficacy as inherent properties of NaOCl. In the heated NaOCl/HEBP mixture analyzed, it dissolved more the organic matter than room temperature.
Subject(s)
Agar , Diffusion , Edetic Acid , Enterococcus faecalis , Hot Temperature , Muscles , Sodium Hypochlorite , Weights and Measures摘要
Since previous studies have reported that hydroquinone (HQ) exerted immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activity, various HQ derivatives have been synthesized and their biological activities investigated. In this study, we explored the anti-inflammatory activity of JS-III-49, a novel HQ derivative, in macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses. JS-III-49 suppressed the production of the inflammatory mediators nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and down-regulated the mRNA expression of the inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as well as the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1b without cytotoxicity in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. JS-III-49 inhibited nuclear translocation of the NF-kB transcription factors p65 and p50 by directly targeting Akt, an upstream kinase of the NF-kB pathway, in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. However, JS-III-49 did not directly inhibit the kinase activities of Src and Syk, which are upstream kinases of Akt, in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, JS-III-49 suppressed the nuclear translocation of c-Fos, one of the components of AP-1, by specifically targeting p38, an upstream mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the AP-1 pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that JS-III-49 plays an anti-inflammatory role in LPS-stimulated macrophages by targeting Akt and p38 in the NF-kB and AP-1 pathways, respectively.