Evaluation of three state-of-the-art metabolite prediction software packages (Meteor, MetaSite, and StarDrop) through independent and synergistic use.

The aim of this study was to evaluate three different metabolite prediction software packages (Meteor, MetaSite, and StarDrop) with respect to their ability to predict loci of metabolism and suggest relative proportions of metabolites. A chemically diverse test set of 22 compounds, for which in vivo human mass balance studies and metabolic schemes were available, was used as basis for the evaluation. Each software package was provided with structures of the parent compounds, and predicted metabolites were compared with experimentally determined human metabolites. The evaluation consisted of two parts. First, different settings within each software package were investigated and the software was evaluated using those settings determined to give the best prediction. Second, the three different packages were combined using the optimized settings to see whether a synergistic effect concerning the overall metabolism prediction could be established. The performance of the software was scored for both sensitivity and precision, taking into account the capabilities/limitations of the particular software. Varying results were obtained for the individual packages. Meteor showed a general tendency toward overprediction, and this led to a relatively low precision (∼35%) but high sensitivity (∼70%). MetaSite and StarDrop both exhibited a sensitivity and precision of ∼50%. By combining predictions obtained with the different packages, we found that increased precision can be obtained. We conclude that the state-of-the-art individual metabolite prediction software has many advantageous features but needs refinement to obtain acceptable prediction profiles. Synergistic use of different software packages could prove useful.

Echocardiographic deformation imaging reveals preserved regional systolic function in endurance athletes with left ventricular hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is often observed in athletes, which should be differentiated from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The aim of the study was to explore the functional changes measured using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) deformation analysis in athletes fulfilling LVH criteria participating in different endurance sports. METHODS: Healthy controls (n = 62, 58% men) and endurance athletes (n = 120, 62% men) aged 18-40 years were prospectively enrolled and underwent both standard echocardiography as well as TDI. Longitudinal TDI-derived strain and strain rate (SR) were calculated in the septal and posterior wall in three segments. LVH was defined as a left ventricular mass (LVM) over 132 g/m2 in men and over 109 g/m2 in women. RESULTS: Echocardiographic LVH was observed in 33 athletes (67% men). LVM was significantly increased in both athlete groups (102.6 g/m2 (SD 16.0) and 135.7 g/m2 (SD 15.9) vs 88.0 g/m2 (SD 16.5) in controls, p<0.001). Diastolic parameters were not significantly different between groups. Athletes with LVH showed no significant difference in strain and SR values in any segment of the septal or posterior wall compared with controls or those without LVH. A weak but significant correlation (also after multivariate analysis) was found for septal wall thickness and LVM in peak systolic strain (r = 0.26, p<0.01 and 0.23, p<0.01) and SR (r = 0.27, p<0.01 and 0.29, p<0.01). Nevertheless, strain and SR values were still within normal limits in all athletes. CONCLUSION: Athletes with LVH overall show normal deformation values in the left ventricle. These data suggest that a moderate reduction in regional septal deformation should not be considered as pathological when evaluating the endurance athlete with echocardiographic LVH of unknown origin.

Magnetic resonance imaging in acute myocarditis: a case report and a review of literature.

We report a case of acute myocarditis in a 20-year-old male, suggested by the clinical picture, elevated cardiac enzymes, electrocardiography and serology. Diagnosis was confirmed by gadolinium-enhanced MRI showing part of the myocardium affected by an infiltrate. Impaired LV function and wall motion abnormalities were documented by echocardiography and FFE MRI. The patient recovered well within two weeks, but will be followed intensively since dilated cardiomyopathy may ensue.

Lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum.

Lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum is a benign disorder that is characterized by the fat deposition in the interatrial septum. It typically occurs in elderly, obese patients and may cause arrhythmia. We report a case in which lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum was found incidentally.