Polianthes venustuliflora (Asparagaceae, Agavoideae), una especie nueva endémica de Michoacán, México

Background and Aims: Polianthes is an endemic genus from Mexico, which consists of 19 species, including the one described here. As part of a systematic review of the genus, a botanical exploration was carried out throughout its geographical range where several new species were discovered. Some of these have already been described and published. We here will describe and illustrate P. venustuliflora, endemic to the state of Michoacán, which differs morphologically from P. montana and P. platyphylla.Methods: As part of the research process we have reviewed specimens of Polianthes collected in the north of the state of Michoacán, from different national herbarium collections and two foreign herbaria. These individuals have morphological characteristics that differ from those of the species already described. In addition, a botanical exploration was carried out in the area to prepare herbarium specimens in which vegetative and reproductive characteristics were also evaluated, allowing to morphologically separate Polianthes venustuliflora from similar species. The risk category was evaluated according to the method proposed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.Key results: Polianthes venustuliflora is described and illustrated as a new species from the state of Michoacán, Mexico. This new species is morphologically related to P. montana and P. platyphylla, differing from these by presenting 3 to 7 leaves in the rosette, occasionally 9, leaves from 12 to 35, rarely 40 cm in length, with papillose to regularly denticulated margin; length of the inflorescence from 24 to 68 cm and number of floral nodes from 3 to 7. It is assigned the category of risk in Critically Endangered (CR).Conclusions: Polianthes venustuliflora is endemic to the north of Michoacán. According to criterion B of the IUCN, it is considered a Critically Endangered species (CR).Antecedentes y Objetivos: Polianthes es un género endémico de México conformado por 19 especies, incluida la que aquí se describe. Durante la revisión sistemática del género se efectuó una exploración botánica por toda su área de distribución geográfica conocida, descubriéndose varias especies nuevas, algunas ya fueron descritas y publicadas. Aquí se describe e ilustra P. venustuliflora, endémica del estado de Michoacán, la cual se diferencia de P. montana y P. platyphylla.Métodos: Se revisaron especímenes de Polianthes recolectados en el norte de Michoacán, provenientes de diferentes herbarios nacionales y dos extranjeros, con características morfológicas diferentes a las especies ya descritas. Asimismo, se realizó una exploración botánica por la zona indicada, para preparar ejemplares de herbario, en los cuales se evaluaron caracteres vegetativos y reproductivos que permitieron separar a Polianthes venustuliflora de especies morfológicamente similares. La categoría de riesgo se evaluó con base en el método propuesto por la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza.Resultados clave: Se describe e ilustra Polianthes venustuliflora, una especie nueva del estado de Michoacán, México, la cual se relaciona morfológicamente con P. montana y P. platyphylla, y difiere de éstas por presentar 3 a 7 hojas en la roseta, a veces 9, hojas de 12 a 35, rara vez 40 cm de largo, con margen papiloso a regularmente denticulado; largo de la inflorescencia de 24 a 68 cm y número de nudos florales de 3 a 7. Se le asigna la categoría de riesgo en Peligro Crítico (CR).Conclusiones: Polianthes venustuliflora es endémica del norte de Michoacán. De acuerdo con el criterio B de la IUCN se considera una especie en Peligro Crítico (CR)

Perspectives of arterial hypertension control improvement by rational diuretic therapy: Russian research and clinical program ARGUS-2 results

Aim. As a part of ARGUS-2 program, to demonstrate the reserves for arterial hypertension (AH) control improvement, by rational monotherapy or combined therapy with diuretics in patients with uncontrolled AH in anamnesis: individuals with isolated systolic AH (ISAH), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic nephropathy (CN), and metabolic syndrome (MS). Material and methods. This open, non-comparative study, without wash-out period, included 1438 patients (mean age 57,3 +/- 10,7 years, blood pressure, BP 158,8 +/- 14,2/93,4 +/- 10,0 mm Hg), not achieving target BP levels (< 140/<90 mm Hg or < 130/<80 mm Hg for DM or CN), and receiving non-diuretic therapy. Slow-release indapamide (Arifon(R) retard), in the dose of 1,5 mg, was administered once per day. Follow-up period lasted for 3 months. To achieve target BP levels, the physician could modify antihypertensive treatment regimen. Results. In total, 1399 patients (97,3%) completed the study. Arifon(R) retard was administered as monotherapy in 13,7% of the participants; as an alternative to previous ineffective monotherapy - in 6,8%; in addition to inadequately effective monotherapy - in 31,9%; and in addition to inadequately effective non-diuretic therapy - in 47,6%. Three months later, target BP level rate was 84,5%, mean BP level reduced to 131,8 +/- 9,7/80,5 +/- 6,9 mm Hg. Target BP was achieved in 91,9% (n=477) of ISAH patients, in 74,8% (n=214) of DM participants, in 75,6% (n=82) of CN individuals, and in 85, 1% (n=745) of MS patients. Conclusion. The study results confirmed the importance of low-dose thiazide diuretic therapy, as a part of combined treatment, in achieving target BP levels among patients with high or very high cardiovascular risk

Recommendations on arterial hypertension 2007: Text, context, and speculations

At the Congress of the European Society on Arterial Hypertension (AH) in June 2007 in Milan were presented Second European Recommendations on AH traditionally attracting huge attention. Novel Recommendations appear to be revision of the 2003 variant and in distinction to recommendations of WHO are oriented to more high economical potential of European Countries. Positions contained in the novel version in recommendations reflect contemporary knowledge about AH in connection with this their educational but not directive or prescribing character is distinctly designated. It is underlined that data of different degree of proof are used. The lack of objective criteria of proof creates problems of comparison with other recommendations. Diagnostic level of AH >= 140/90 mm Hg remained previous however these figures not always appear to be target values. Besides patients with diabetes mellitus diabetes, renal insufficiency and proteinuria to categories of patients to whom achievement of lower target values is required patients with very high risk first of all those who have survived myocardial infarction and stroke are referred. This change will lead to more low parameters of controllable AH. In distinction from 2003 recommendations of American experts in the given recommendations the term "prehypertension" is not used. Big significance is devoted to parameters of BP during ambulatory or home measurement and their norms are given. it is underlined that all parameters of BP are very important for prognosis but long term prognosis more closely tied with ambulatory BP than with single measurements by physician. Novel notions are defined "masked (concealed) AH" and "central BP". Received further development concept of assessment of total cardiovascular risk, according to which BP is a component of multiprofile spectrum of risk factors. Compliance with this concept creates problems of assessment of specific significance of elevated BP as risk factor. It should be underlined that there exists an alternative concept according to which elevated BP occupies first and most significant position in hierarchy of risk factors. For assessment of total risk acknowledgement as referent studies of not only Framingham but also European studies appears important. Necessity of further development of the system of risk assessment SCORE is underlined, since it is tied only with mortality. in items devoted to assessment of risk factors and involvement of target organs there substantial changes occurred. Great attention is given to evaluation of elasticity of arteries and ankle-brachial index for detection of diseases of peripheral arteries. However one should note limited availability of these indexes especially of the rate of pulse wave propagation. In relation to choice of antihypertensive preparations no substantial changes took place compared with 2003 variant. In is underlined that in treatment of AH achievement of target BP is important but not the mode of its achievement. Augmented position of combined therapy in that number at the start of treatment leads further away from discussion with what class of antihypertensive preparations one should begin treatment. Recommendations on prescription of beta-adrenoblockers have not changed. Necessity of change of way of life as first and most effective method of control of BP clearly designated. Indications to prescription of statins are widened and concretized

Perspectives of arterial hypertension control improvement by rational diuretic therapy: Russian research and clinical program ARGUS-2 results

Aim. As a part of ARGUS-2 program, to demonstrate the reserves for arterial hypertension (AH) control improvement, by rational monotherapy or combined therapy with diuretics in patients with uncontrolled AH in anamnesis: individuals with isolated systolic AH (ISAH), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic nephropathy (CN), and metabolic syndrome (MS). Material and methods. This open, non-comparative study, without wash-out period, included 1438 patients (mean age 57,3 +/- 10,7 years, blood pressure, BP 158,8 +/- 14,2/93,4 +/- 10,0 mm Hg), not achieving target BP levels (< 140/<90 mm Hg or < 130/<80 mm Hg for DM or CN), and receiving non-diuretic therapy. Slow-release indapamide (Arifon(R) retard), in the dose of 1,5 mg, was administered once per day. Follow-up period lasted for 3 months. To achieve target BP levels, the physician could modify antihypertensive treatment regimen. Results. In total, 1399 patients (97,3%) completed the study. Arifon(R) retard was administered as monotherapy in 13,7% of the participants; as an alternative to previous ineffective monotherapy - in 6,8%; in addition to inadequately effective monotherapy - in 31,9%; and in addition to inadequately effective non-diuretic therapy - in 47,6%. Three months later, target BP level rate was 84,5%, mean BP level reduced to 131,8 +/- 9,7/80,5 +/- 6,9 mm Hg. Target BP was achieved in 91,9% (n=477) of ISAH patients, in 74,8% (n=214) of DM participants, in 75,6% (n=82) of CN individuals, and in 85, 1% (n=745) of MS patients. Conclusion. The study results confirmed the importance of low-dose thiazide diuretic therapy, as a part of combined treatment, in achieving target BP levels among patients with high or very high cardiovascular risk

Recommendations on arterial hypertension 2007: Text, context, and speculations

At the Congress of the European Society on Arterial Hypertension (AH) in June 2007 in Milan were presented Second European Recommendations on AH traditionally attracting huge attention. Novel Recommendations appear to be revision of the 2003 variant and in distinction to recommendations of WHO are oriented to more high economical potential of European Countries. Positions contained in the novel version in recommendations reflect contemporary knowledge about AH in connection with this their educational but not directive or prescribing character is distinctly designated. It is underlined that data of different degree of proof are used. The lack of objective criteria of proof creates problems of comparison with other recommendations. Diagnostic level of AH >= 140/90 mm Hg remained previous however these figures not always appear to be target values. Besides patients with diabetes mellitus diabetes, renal insufficiency and proteinuria to categories of patients to whom achievement of lower target values is required patients with very high risk first of all those who have survived myocardial infarction and stroke are referred. This change will lead to more low parameters of controllable AH. In distinction from 2003 recommendations of American experts in the given recommendations the term "prehypertension" is not used. Big significance is devoted to parameters of BP during ambulatory or home measurement and their norms are given. it is underlined that all parameters of BP are very important for prognosis but long term prognosis more closely tied with ambulatory BP than with single measurements by physician. Novel notions are defined "masked (concealed) AH" and "central BP". Received further development concept of assessment of total cardiovascular risk, according to which BP is a component of multiprofile spectrum of risk factors. Compliance with this concept creates problems of assessment of specific significance of elevated BP as risk factor. It should be underlined that there exists an alternative concept according to which elevated BP occupies first and most significant position in hierarchy of risk factors. For assessment of total risk acknowledgement as referent studies of not only Framingham but also European studies appears important. Necessity of further development of the system of risk assessment SCORE is underlined, since it is tied only with mortality. in items devoted to assessment of risk factors and involvement of target organs there substantial changes occurred. Great attention is given to evaluation of elasticity of arteries and ankle-brachial index for detection of diseases of peripheral arteries. However one should note limited availability of these indexes especially of the rate of pulse wave propagation. In relation to choice of antihypertensive preparations no substantial changes took place compared with 2003 variant. In is underlined that in treatment of AH achievement of target BP is important but not the mode of its achievement. Augmented position of combined therapy in that number at the start of treatment leads further away from discussion with what class of antihypertensive preparations one should begin treatment. Recommendations on prescription of beta-adrenoblockers have not changed. Necessity of change of way of life as first and most effective method of control of BP clearly designated. Indications to prescription of statins are widened and concretized

Perspectives for the blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldesteron system and modulation of natriuretic peptides system in the treatment of arterial hypertension and heart failure

[No abstract available

Treating hypertension by rational use of diuretics: Results of the Russian ARGUS-2 study

Objective: Insufficient use of diuretics in combination anti-hypertensive therapy is a main cause of poor blood pressure (BP) control in Russia. The objective of the ARGUS-2 study was to demonstrate that a rational use of a thiazidelike diuretic, indapamide sustained release (SR), alone or in combination, improves BP control in patients with arterial hypertension difficult to control due to isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic nephropathy, or metabolic syndrome. Methods: The open-label, non-comparative, 3-month study without preliminary washout included 1438 hypertensive patients (mean age: 57.3 ± 10.7 years, mean BP: 158.8 ± 14.2/93.4 ± 10.0 mmHg), with difficult-to-control arterial hypertension and who had never been treated with diuretics previously. Throughout the study, patients received indapamide SR 1.5 mg OD. BP control was defined as <140/90 mmHg for all patients and <130/80 mmHg for those with diabetes mellitus or chronic nephropathy. Results: Indapamide SR was given as initiation monotherapy to 13.7% of the patients, as substitutive monotherapy to 6.8% of the patients uncontrolled by a previous monotherapy, as additive therapy to 31.9% of the patients uncontrolled by previous monotherapy, and as additive therapy to 47.6% uncontrolled by previous combination therapy without a diuretic. Among included patients 75.7% received also an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptors blocker, 43.9% a calcium channel blocker, and 32.8% a beta-blocker. In 3 months after indapamide SR administration, average BP level decreased to 131.8 ± 9.7/80.5 ± 6.9 mmHg and 84.5% of the study population achieved BP control. BP was controlled in 91.9% of patients with ISH (n = 477), 74.8% of those with diabetes (n = 214), 75.6% of those with chronic nephropathy (n = 82), and 85.1% of patients with metabolic syndrome (n = 745). No case of hypokalemia was reported. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the value of including the thiazide-like diuretic indapamide SR in a combined antihypertensive regimen to control BP in hypertensive patients with added cardiovascular risk factors whose hypertension is difficult to treat. Methodological limitations of this study are its open-label design and the possibility of a change in concomitant antihypertensive treatment during the study. © 2009 Informa UK Ltd. All rights reserved

Perspectives for the blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldesteron system and modulation of natriuretic peptides system in the treatment of arterial hypertension and heart failure

[No abstract available