Objective To evaluate the feasibility of real-time triplane strain rate imaging for the quantitative assessment of left atrial function in normal subjects. Methods Totally 40 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Left atrial expansion index (LAEI), left atrial passive emptying fraction (LAPEF) and left atrial active emptying fraction (LAAEF) were measured using real-time triplane volume analysis. Mean systolic peak strain rate (MSRs), mean early diastolic peak strain rate (MSRe) and mean late diastolic peak strain rate (MSRa) were measured using real-time triplane strain rate imaging. The results were compared respectively. Results MSRs correlated positively with LAEI (r=0.61, P<0.01). MSRe correlated inversely with LAPEF (r=-0.67, P<0.01), so did MSRa with LAAEF (r=-0.78, P<0.01). Conclusion Real-time triplane strain rate imaging is feasible for the quantification of left atrial function in normal subjects.

Objective To explore hospitalized patients′ information needs and its related factors. Methods Totally 287 hospitalized patients in two tertiary hospitals in Shanghai were investigated by a self-developed questionnaire about their information needs. The results of survey were analyzed by statistics software of statistic package for social science ( SPSS) . Results The scores of information needs for 287 patients were between 137 and 235, and the average score was (213.80±20.355). The extent of needs for four modules from high to low were:information related to the operation (4.70±0.459), the treatment and nursing of diseases (4. 56±0.466), affective interaction (4.47±0.614), and the hospital information and basic situation in hospital (4. 42±0.565). The non-parametric test indicated that patient with different gender, occupation, marriage, residential form, medical insurance and surgery or not were the related factors which could influence the information needs of hospitalized patients(P<0.05).Conclusions The level of patients′needs on information is high. Medical staff can provide information for patients according to related factors in advance, and provide personalized information according to patients′ specific situation and needs, so as to enhance the quality of communication with patients, and promote the outcome and rehabilitation of patients.