Background: Computed tomography urography (CTU), based on the excretion of contrast medium after its injection, allows visualization of the renal parenchyma and the renal collecting system. Objectives: To determine the optimal contrast medium dose allocation ratio to apply in split-bolus CTU in dogs. Methods: This prospective, experimental, exploratory study used 8 beagles. In 3-phase CTU, unenhanced-, nephrographic-, and excretory-phase images were obtained with a single injection of 600 mg iodine/kg iohexol. In split-bolus CTU, two different contrast medium allocation ratios (30% and 70% for split CTU 1; 50% and 50% for split CTU 2) were used. Unenhanced phase image and a synchronous nephrographic-excretory phase image were acquired. Results: Although the attenuation of the renal parenchyma was significantly lower when using both split CTUs than the 3-phase CTU, based on qualitative evaluation, the visualization score of the renal parenchyma of split CTU 1 was as high as that of the 3-phase CTU, whereas the split CTU 2 score was significantly lower than those of the two others. Artifacts were not apparent, regardless of CTU protocol. The diameter and opacification of the ureter in both split CTUs were not significantly different from those using 3-phase CTU. Conclusions Split-bolus CTU with a contrast medium allocation ratio of 30% and 70% is feasible for evaluating the urinary system and allows sufficient enhancement of the renal parenchyma and appropriate distention and opacification of the ureter, with similar image quality to 3-phase CTU in healthy dogs. Split-bolus CTU has the advantages of reducing radiation exposure and the number of CT images needed for interpretation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influencing factors on the happiness of community-dwelling older adults in Korea. METHODS: A convenience sample of older adults (N=191) who did not enrolled in any specific exercise programs participated in this cross-sectional correlational study. The data were collected from July to August, 2017. Participants were asked to respond to fill questionnaires including depression, physical activity, and happiness. Physical activity was classified according to physical activity scores(inactivity, minimally activity, health enhancing physical activity). Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, independent t-test, χ² test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and hierarchical multiple regression with SPSS (ver. 24.0). RESULTS: The influencing factors on happiness were depression (β=−.64, p < .001), physical activities (minimally activity=1; β=−.15, p=.014), and religion (have=1; β=.10, p=.029). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that the determinant variables accounted for 58% of the variation in the happiness (F=53.37, p < .001). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that depression, physical activity and subjective health status influence the happiness of older adults who did not involved in any exercise program. Effective healthcare programs for managing depression and increasing the level of physical activity could increase the level of happiness among older adults.
Adult* ; Delivery of Health Care ; Depression ; Diagnostic Self Evaluation ; Happiness* ; Humans ; Korea* ; Motor Activity

Objective: Glucagon in mammals and its homolog (adipokinetic hormone [AKH] in Drosophila melanogaster) are peptide hormones which regulate lipid metabolism by breaking down triglycerides. Although regulatory mechanisms of glucagon and Akh expression have been widely studied, post-transcriptional gene expression of glucagon has not been investigated thoroughly. In this study, we aimed to profile proteins binding with Gcg messenger RNA (mRNA) in mouse and Akh mRNA in Drosophila. Methods: Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) and mouse 3T3-L1 cell lysates were utilized for affinity pull down of Akh and Gcg mRNA respectively using biotinylated anti-sense DNA oligoes against target mRNAs. Mass spectrometry and computational network analysis revealed mRNA-interacting proteins residing in functional proximity. Results: We observed that 1) 91 proteins interact with Akh mRNA from S2 cell lysates, 2) 34 proteins interact with Gcg mRNA from 3T3-L1 cell lysates. 3) Akh mRNA interactome revealed clusters of ribosomes and known RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). 4) Gcg mRNA interactome revealed mRNA-binding proteins including Plekha7, zinc finger protein, carboxylase, lipase, histone proteins and a cytochrome, Cyp2c44. 5) Levels of Gcg mRNA and its interacting proteins are elevated in skeletal muscles isolated from old mice compared to ones from young mice. Conclusion Akh mRNA in S2 cells are under active translation in a complex of RBPs and ribosomes. Gcg mRNA in mouse precursor adipocyte is in a condition distinct from Akh mRNA due to biochemical interactions with a subset of RBPs and histones. We anticipate that our study contributes to investigating regulatory mechanisms of Gcg and Akh mRNA decay, translation, and localization.