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Cordero reconsiders —from the post-Kuhnian view of Natural Science— the fact/value dicotomy. His analysis involves: (1) inquiring about the limits of objectivity, and (2) challenging the empiricist tradition in the areas of value theory and objectivity. The author examines Putnam’s position, according the which, a fact always depend upon a value and every value materializes itself in a fact. Putnam also claims that predicative control is fundamental for Natural Sciences and makes objectivity possible. Cordero thinks that besides predicative-objectivity, so appreciated in Natural Sciences, there are other forms of objectivity. They might be forms grounded on other virtues than those mentioned by Putnam, e.g. the virtue of searching for human liberation.[J. F.]

Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi) are very popular as pets. However, problems of otitits caused by Psoroptes cuniculi are one of the main reasons to visit the veterinarian. Isoxazolines are an alternative treatment to treat this mite, and therefore, an evaluation of the effectiveness of oral afoxalaner with milbemycin oxime in rabbits infected with P. cuniculi was carried out. Nineteen rabbits, of New Zealand breed, with otitis due to an infection with P. cuniculi, were treated, whereas six rabbits were left untreated and formed the control group. The ear canals of each individual were examined, through the collection of otic exudate samples with cotton swabs. These were visualized under the microscope to identify the ectoparasite. Each animal was treated with a single oral dose of 2.50 mg / kg of afoxolaner, and 0.50 mg / kg of milbemycin oxime. Clinical signs and lesions associated with the infection, such as the presence of detritus, cerumen and / or scabs, and erythema, were evaluated. After receiving the treatment, all the lesions were classified as: mild, moderate and intense, with a visual analog scale. A week after providing medication, there was a decrease in the lesions of the group treated with Nexgard Spectra®, without further topical or systemic treatment. The decrease was gradual in the treated group and no recurrence was detected of P. cuniculi infection in both ears. Thus, the administration of a single oral dose of afoxolaner with milbemycin oxime was effective for the treatment of P. cuniculi infection in rabbits.

The potential impact of targeting different components of an adverse lipid profile in populations with multiple cardiovascular risk factors is not completely clear. This study aims to assess the association between different components of the standard lipid profile with all-cause mortality and hospitalization due to cardiovascular events in a high-risk population. This prospective registry included high risk adults over 30 years old free of cardiovascular disease (2008-2012). Diagnosis of hypertension, dyslipidemia or diabetes mellitus was inclusion criterion. Lipid biomarkers were evaluated. Primary endpoints were all-cause mortality and hospital admission due to coronary heart disease or stroke. We estimated adjusted rate ratios (aRR), absolute risk differences and population attributable risk associated with adverse lipid profiles. 51,462 subjects were included with a mean age of 62.6 years (47.6% men). During an average follow-up of 3.2 years, 919 deaths, 1666 hospitalizations for coronary heart disease and 1510 hospitalizations for stroke were recorded. The parameters that showed an increased rate for total mortality, coronary heart disease and stroke hospitalization were, respectively, low HDL-Cholesterol: aRR 1.25, 1.29 and 1.23; high Total/HDL-Cholesterol: aRR 1.22, 1.38 and 1.25; and high Triglycerides/HDL-Cholesterol: aRR 1.21, 1.30, 1.09. The parameters that showed highest population attributable risk (%) were, respectively, low HDL-Cholesterol: 7.70, 11.42, 8.40; high Total/HDL-Cholesterol: 6.55, 12.47, 8.73; and high Triglycerides/HDL-Cholesterol: 8.94, 15.09, 6.92. In a population with cardiovascular risk factors, HDL-cholesterol, Total/HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides/HDL-cholesterol ratios were associated with a higher population attributable risk for cardiovascular disease compared to other common biomarkers.

Background Canine superficial pyoderma (CSP) is common. Antibiotic and potential antiseptic resistance is a rising concern; natural topicals may provide valuable alternative options. Objectives Compare natural topicals containing essential oils, plant‐extracted essential fatty acids and N‐acetylcysteine to a medicated shampoo with chlorhexidine, miconazole and micronized silver in treating CSP. Animals Thirty dogs diagnosed with CSP, divided into three groups as outlined below. Materials Group 1 bathed using a shampoo (PYOclean Shampoo) twice weekly and application of a rinse‐free mousse (PYOclean Mousse) once daily, Group 2 bathed using the same shampoo as above twice weekly and application of a spray (PYOclean Spray) once daily, and Group 3 bathed using a medicated shampoo (Biohex Shampoo) twice weekly. Methods Cytology, lesion and pruritus visual analogue (PVAS) scores were evaluated on Days (D) 0, 7 and 15. Results All three groups showed decreased polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) on D15. The reduction was significant, and more significant in Groups 1 and 2 (90.48% and 98.93%) compared to Group 3 (85.96%); extracellular cocci (cocci EC) significantly decreased by 92.8% and 93.38% in Groups 1 and 2, whereas decreased by 81% in Group 3 on D15. The number of yeasts on D15 decreased by 90% in Group 3 and 82% and 92%, respectively, in Groups 1 and 2. Lesion scores decreased on D15 by 90.61% and 87.95% in Groups 1 and 2 and by 62.94% in Group 3. PVAS decreased on D15 by 95.78% and 96.75%, respectively, in Groups 1 and 2 and by 69.88% in Group 3. Conclusion and clinical importance Efficacy of three natural topicals in treating dogs with superficial pyoderma without adding any systemic antimicrobial drugs was demonstrated. Such solutions can be complementary to medications such as chlorhexidine and miconazole in addressing CSP. Thirty dogs with CSP. Group 1 a shampoo (PYOcleanShampoo) twice weekly and a rinse‐free mousse (PYOclean Mousse) once daily. Group 2 the same shampoo as above twice weekly and a spray (PYOclean Spray) once daily. Group 3 a medicated shampoo (Biohex Shampoo) twice weekly. Groups 1 and 2 (90.48% and 98.93%) compared to Group 3 (85.96%). Efficacy of three natural topicals in treating dogs with superficial pyoderma without adding any systemic antimicrobial drugs was demonstrated.

The narrow genetic base of commercial arabica resulting from intensive selection for quality during domestication and self-pollination has been well documented, raising the need for new diverse germplasm sources. Beans of 232 diverse arabica coffee accessions originating from 27 countries were harvested from the germplasm collection at CATIE, Costa Rica. Substantial variation was observed for bean morphology including 100 bean weight, bean length, width, thickness and bulk density. Non-volatiles including caffeine and trigonelline were analysed and showed larger variation in range than has previously been reported. Results of targeted analysis of 18 volatiles from 35 accessions also showed significant variation, with coefficients of variation from 140% for 4-vinylguaiacol to 62% for geraniol. There were strong correlations between some volatile compounds, suggesting that representative volatiles used in selection would save analytical costs. However, no strong correlation was found between bean morphology and the levels of non-volatile or volatile compounds, implying that it is difficult to select for low or high composition of these compounds based on bean physical characteristics. Utilizing the large variation observed for bean morphology and biochemical traits, it should be possible to select for desirable combinations of traits in arabica coffee breeding.

Background and Aim: Rabbits often experience skin diseases. The beneficial effects of plant extracts and essential oils are well known in other species, but the properties of these natural ingredients have not been evaluated in rabbits in vivo. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of a topical, commercial solution made of essential oils, plant-extracted polyunsaturated fatty acids, and Vitamin E on rabbits suffering from skin problems. Materials and Methods: Thirty New Zealand rabbits (no sex distinction) were included in this study, with an average weight of 2–3 kg. The rabbits were divided into two groups: The first group was treated with a topical solution made from natural ingredients, and the second was a control group. The rabbits' hair and skin conditions were evaluated on days 1, 14, 28, and 35 after treatment. Data were analyzed using a Kruskal–Wallis range test. Results: Significant differences were determined in terms of glossy hair variability on days 28 and 35 (p≤0.0001). On days 14-35, hair loss was determined to have reduced (p=0.001), and flaking and odor improved in the treatment group, showing increased scores and significant differences (p=0.0001). By contrast, the control group showed stable overall skin and hair score and an increase in the dryness score. Conclusion: The topical application of essential oils and polyunsaturated fatty acids with Vitamin E was able to improve hair shine and skin hydration and reduce flaking, bad odor, and hair loss, improving the general, and cutaneous aspect of rabbits.

Background: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a modifier of cardiovascular risk, and it should be determined at least once in a lifetime. Methods: Subjects with low or moderate cardiovascular risk, estimated by SCORE2, were invited to have a determination of Lp(a), and those with Lp(a) > 50 mg/dL were classified into a higher-risk category. Eligibility of statins was assessed according to treatment targets. Results: We analyzed 140 subjects, with a mean age of 54.3 (8.1) years and 62.9% women. The median Lp(a) was 15.2 (interquartile range: 6.7–44.5) mg/dL, and 22.1% of the cohort had Lp(a) > 50 mg/dL. No differences were observed in mean age, sex, or lipid profile in subjects with Lp(a) below or above 50 mg/dL; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was significantly higher in subjects with Lp(a) > 50 mg/dL. After incorporating Lp(a) values into the SCORE-2 assessment, 22.6% of individuals initially of low risk were reclassified as moderate risk, and 77.4% were reclassified from moderate to high risk; moreover, 61.4% (86 subjects) were considered eligible for treatment with statins. Conclusions: Our results highlight that 22.1% of the subjects classified as low or moderate cardiovascular risk by SCORE-2 are reclassified to higher risk, and 61.4% were eligible for statin treatment as a result of Lp(a) testing.

EI empirismo constructivo se halla inapropiadamente motivado por la doctrina empirista general. Sin embargo, sostenemos que es posible encontrar una motivacion para dicho empirismo en la peculiar mezcla entre la teoría de la decisión y algunos hechos específicos acerca de la especie humana anticipados por Van Fraassen en The Scientific Image. Lamentablemente, una filosofia de la ciencia motivada de esa manera es incapaz de evitar su propio hundimiento bajo el peso de otros multiples \"hechos\" relativos a la especie humana.

Introduction and objectivesOnly about 50% of chronic patients in high-income countries adhere to their treatment. There are methods to measure medication adherence but none of them can be considered optimal. This study will aim to design and validate a questionnaire to measure medication adherence in patients with ischaemic heart disease using a direct method as a gold-standard adherence measure and taking into account the gender perspective. Moreover, the profile of low adherence in these patients will be determined.Methods and analysisFirst study phase consists on the questionnaire design following the next steps: identification of the dimensions, definition of the target population, questionnaire items and order, response coding, questionnaire instructions, content validity by experts and understandability. In the second phase, a cross-sectional study will be performed to end the questionnaire development and validate it. Four hundred and forty patients (50% female) with acute coronary syndrome receiving treatment within the previous 12 months will be included. Patient will answer the initial questionnaire and adherence to aspirin and statin will be measured using a direct method (drug concentration analysis in blood) and other questionnaires. From the set of preselected questionnaire items, those most closely associated with the gold standard measure will be selected using multivariate statistics.Ethics and disseminationAll participants gave their written informed consent before participating in the study. The study protocol follows the recommendations of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the ethics committees of the three participating centres. The results of this study will be displayed at national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed scientific journals.