R. Daudt, G. L. Von poser, G. Neves and S. M. K. Rates, 'Screening for the antidepressant activity of some species of hypericum from south Brazil'. Phytotherapy research14(5) 2000, 344-346

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Phytotherapy Research 14(5) 2000, 344-346. Following the publication of this paper in the August 2000 issue of Phytotherapy Research (14(5):344-346), it has come to our attention that there is a misleading statement regarding conclusions cited from the work of Butterweck et al. 1998. The discussion in the recent PTR paper states that those authors are 'in favour of the hypothesis that the antidepressant activity is due to the hypericin only'. We wish to make it clear that this is not the case, and the Butterweck paper actually concludes that 'both naphthodianthrones must be considered as active constituents of the crude extract of H. perforatum. However, previous studies indicate that the other consitutuents of the crude drug also have activity'. The authors apologize for this error and are happy to correct it.     

ANTEROVENTRAL WALL OF THE THIRD VENTRICLE AND DORSAL LAMINA TERMINALIS: HEADQUARTERS FOR CONTROL OF BODY FLUID HOMEOSTASIS?

1. The subfornical organ, median preoptic nucleus and the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) are a series of structures situated in the anterior wall of the third ventricle and form the lamina terminalis. The OVLT and ventral part of the median preoptic nucleus are part of a region known as the anteroventral third ventricle region.
2. Data from many laboratories, using techniques ranging from lesions, electrophysiology, neuropharmacology, Fos expression, immunohistochemistry and receptor localization, indicate that the tissue in the lamina terminalis plays a major role in many aspects of body fluid and electrolyte balance.
3. The subfornical organ and OVLT lack the blood-brain barrier and detect alterations in plasma tonicity and the concentrations of circulating hormones such as angiotensin II and possibly atrial natriuretic peptide and relaxin.
4. This information is then integrated within the lamina terminalis (probably in the median preoptic nucleus) with neural signals from other brain regions. The neural output from the lamina terminalis is distributed to a number of effector sites including the paraventricular (both parvo- and magno-cellular parts) and supraoptic nuclei and influences vasopressin secretion, water drinking, salt intake, renin secretion, renal sodium excretion and cardiovascular regulation.     

Oral rehydration solutions in gastroenteritis before and after admission to hospital

Two recent studies published in this Journal draw attention to deficiencies in treatment of children with acute infectious diarrhoea in Australia.^1,2 There is now no doubt that use of correctly constituted oral rehydration solutions provides optimal therapy for affected children unless circulation is compromised, vomiting is more than average, or complicating disorders are present. In the vast majority of cases, these complications do not occur. A high proportion of the childhood population experiences gastroenteritis at some time. It is known that 50% of Melbourne children require medical attention for rotavirus infection alone during their first 3 years of life, although less than 5% require admission.     

Anterior open bite: the role of the infra-alveolae in its diagnosis and treatment

Anterior open-bites may be skeletal, alveolar or mixed. The infra-alveolae is always due to a postural or functional muscular cause and the clinical examination plays an important part in the diagnosis. Delaire's cephalometric analysis can define the type of infra-alveolae. In view of their aetiology, the infra-alveolae require functional re-education, although glossectomy and multiple bands therapy may also be useful.     

Cutaneous manifestations of malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis

A rare case of cutaneous invasion of a malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis is described in a 86-year-old man. There was no anamnestic evidence of asbestos exposure.     

Pharmacodynamics of rocuronium 0.3 mg kg(-1) in adult patients with and without renal failure

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The neuromuscular effects of a bolus dose of rocuronium 0.6 mg kg(-1) under propofol anaesthesia in renal failure patients are prolonged compared to healthy patients. The present study aims to describe the neuromuscular effects of 0.3 mg kg(-1) rocuronium under propofol anaesthesia in patients with renal failure and to compare these effects with healthy control patients. METHODS: With institutional approval and informed consent, 18 healthy patients and 18 patients with renal failure took part in this prospective open label study. The renal failure patients were undergoing either renal transplantation or insertion of a shunt. Rocuronium 0.3 mg kg(-1) was given intravenously after induction of anaesthesia with propofol 1-2 mg kg(-1) and fentanyl 2 microg kg(-1). Propofol 6-12 mg kg(-1) h(-1) was used for maintenance of anaesthesia. Four acceleromyographic responses of the thumb after supramaximal stimulation of the ulnar nerve using surface electrodes at 2 Hz every 15 s were measured and recorded. The onset time, the time to recovery of the first twitch to 25% recovery and the time to a train-of-four ratio of 0.7 were all recorded. Wilcoxon rank sum testing was used to compare the pharmacodynamics and to see if medication, gender or electrolytes influenced the duration of the block. P < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS: No statistical differences were seen in the neuromuscular blocking effects of rocuronium between the two groups but there was a significant difference (P < 0.00001) in the variability of the total duration of the block. CONCLUSIONS: Rocuronium 0.3 mg kg(-1) is suitable for use in patients with renal failure when endotracheal intubation and neuromuscular block for a short period of time are needed. Tracheal intubation is facilitated within 4 min and the block can be antagonized within 20 min.     

Anesthetic management in a child with Arnold-Chiari malformation and bilateral vocal cord paralysis

We report a case of a child who was scheduled for an emergency ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedure. The patient had a type II Arnold-Chiari malformation (ACM) and associated hydrocephalus and presented with near complete respiratory obstruction from bilateral abductor vocal cord palsy. Early diagnosis and management of airway abnormalities associated with ACM may be lifesaving. Chiari malformations and anesthesia management are discussed.     

A technique of lead insertion for low atrial septal pacing

BACKGROUND: Pacing in the low right atrial septum (LAS) appears superior to right atrial appendage or free wall stimulation for the prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, insertion of active fixation lead in the low right atrial septal position is difficult and time consuming, inhibiting application of this pacing method in daily practice. METHODS: The technique of handling and positioning of a new "over the wire" lead system is presented with emphasis on electrocardiographic P wave pattern and fluoroscopic landmarks. RESULTS: The initial results demonstrate an acute implantation and short-term success of LAS pacing of >90% in the first 100 patients without major complications. Pacing thresholds at 3 and 6 months were fully comparable with that of the conventional atrial pacing, whereas impedance and atrial sensing signals were significantly higher at 3 and 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: These favorable initial results justify recommanding chronic LAS pacing with the active fixation atrial lead and providinge guidelines and fluoroscopic landmarks for the implantation. Insertion of the atrial active fixation lead positioned with the Locatortrade mark tool strongly supports the implantation procedure.