In his works on argumentation, Aristotle develops three main forms: apodeictical, dialectical, and rhetorical argumentation; dialectic is subdivided into several subspecies. The purpose of this paper is to discuss all of the forms described by Aristotle, to examine their differences and to point out their interrelations. This leads to an examination of the differentiating criteria and their applicability in the case of each argumentation form-and in particular to the question regarding the number of criteria that are necessary to describe each form clearly and unambiguously. It is argued that Aristotle's works on argumentation contain an implicit system of argumentation forms that is based on no more than three criteria.

Summary: Background: The global burden of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is substantial. Reducing the major modifiable risk factors for noncommunicable disease, including dyslipidaemia, represents a public health priority. Aim is to evaluate the prevalent adequate use of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) attainment among patients with PAD of the lower extremities undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Patients and methods: We screened PAD patients treated at the University Hospital Zurich (January 2012–December 2018). We excluded patients <18 years, without classifiable severity of PAD, or with missing LDL-C or medication data. In this cross-sectional study, we studied the prevalent LLT use and LDL-C values in target according to the most recent European guidelines. Available clinical data included demographic information, lipid profile, type and dose of LLT, characteristics of the artery obstruction and angioplasty. Results: A total of 2,148 angioplasties were performed in 956 patients: 614 (64%) were men; the mean age was 70.6 (SD 11.4) years. A total of 608 (64%) had a non-critical PAD (Fontaine stage I–IIb), whereas the remaining had a critical limb ischemia or a diabetic foot syndrome. Their median LDL-C value was 2.00 (Q1–Q3: 1.50–2.60) mmol/L. In accordance to the 2016 and 2019 European Society of Cardiology guidelines, the LDL-C target of 1.8 and 1.4 mmol/L was not reached in 63% (n=599) and in 79% (n=760) of patients, respectively. Only 41% (n=390) of patients were on high-intensity statin therapy. Conclusions: The attainment of LDL-C targets, as recommended by current European guidelines, and the use of high-intensity LLT were unsatisfactory in the majority of PAD patients.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract