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: This study aimed to explore the nursing management experience of Korean nurse managers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This exploratory qualitative study used individual semi-structured interviews. Data were collected from 10 nurse managers working in tertiary general hospitals in Korea from October 2020 to September 2021. Thematic analysis methods were employed to analyze interview transcripts. Results: The following four themes were derived: difficulty due to an unexpected and sudden disaster, being the center with a sense of calling and responding resolutely, gratitude toward health workers who work and endure together, and striving and rising to the challenge of preparing for future infection. Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, Korean nurse managers made an effort to overcome the crisis based on the sense of calling, despite many changes and challenges. Furthermore, managers expressed their gratitude to the department members working together, and they confirmed the need for system improvement to prepare for upcoming epidemics.