Objective To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) in assessment of left atrial appendage(LAA) function. Methods Forty-two atrial fibrillation patients underwent real-time three-dimensional TEE. LAA ejection fraction based on two-dimensional area measurements(EFA-2D), three-dimensional area measurements(EFA-3D) and three-dimensional volume measurements(EFv-3D) were calculated and related to LAA peak empty velocity (PEV). The variability within observer and interobserver were tested. Results EFA-2D was significantly higher than EFA-3D[(62.84 ± 17.27)% vs (45.39 ± 16.58)%, P = 0.000] and EFv-3D [( 62.84 ±17.27) % vs (48.35 ± 19.37) %, P = 0.001 ], whereas EFA-3D and EFv-3D had no significant difference ( P = 0.158). In a simple linear correlation,the degree of association between EFv-3D and PEV was higher as between EFA-3D and PEV ( r = 0.662 vs 0.604,both P ＜0.05). No significant correlation was observed between EFA-2D and PEV ( r = 0.529, P = 0.130). Variabilities within observer and interobserver were no significant differences by the three methods( P ＞0.05). Conclusions LAA ejection fraction calculation by real-time three-dimensional TEE is feasible and more accurate than by 2D TEE.

Objective To explore the relationship between the soil components along the areas of the east route of the South?to?North Water Diversion Project and the survival situation of Oncomelania hupensis snails. Methods Four study sites were se?lected along the project,and soil samples were collected to analyze the components. The amounts of components among the dif?ferent study sites were compared statistically. Results Except zinc,sodium,and phosphorus,the contents of the soil compo?nents where the snails survived were different from those where snails were dead(t=-19.150 to 12.810,all P<0.01). Howev?er,the logistic regression analysis did not obtain a model with statistical significance. Conclusions O. hupensis snails live in the soil with adequate organic matter and neutral pH value. Along with the global warming and the operation of the South?to?North Water Diversion Project,O. hupensis snails may survive in the northern area,and therefore,the surveillance work should be strengthened.