Serpents from the Middle East in the Pyramid Texts. Reflection on Egyptian-Oriental Relations in the Oldest Religious Texts

Os Textos das Pirâmides, criados na civilização do Antigo Egipto e contextualizados pela crença na vida para lá da morte, tinham como objectivo acompanhar a viagem do defunto para o Além, proteger e assegurar a satisfação das suas necessidades uma vez ali chegado. A particularidade dos Textos das Pirâmides reside no facto de terem sido compostos para ajudar o faraó a caminho do céu, e, como a verdadeira existência do rei no Além nunca poderia ser questionada ou ameaçada, estes textos mais antigos do mundo transmitem uma mensagem positiva, sendo manifesto o prazer e desejo pela vida. Esta atmosfera positiva é, contudo, invadida por menções a forças inimigas, ou perigos, que devem ser combatidos, e que no corpus do texto estão associados, por exemplo, às “fórmulas de serpentes”. A ênfase principal do artigo será dada à questão de como as “fórmulas de serpentes” e a sua linguagem demonstram as relações do faraó e do povo egípcio com os habitantes do Médio Oriente. Pretende-se, ainda, tendo por base os Textos das Pirâmides, apresentar as ideias em torno da presumível origem das “fórmulas de serpentes” e a sua relação com o criador Atum. Deste modo pode-se perceber a essência do mundo como a obra completa do criador. Portanto, serão examinados os argumentos contextuais, a linguagem das “fórmulas de serpentes” nos Textos das Pirâmides, nomeadamente, a gramática, o vocabulário, a fraseologia e os efeitos onomatopeicos, para elucidar o seu papel na revelação dos meios linguísticos de expressão usados. A metodologia do método de “visão linguística” é utilizada.The Pyramid Texts created in Ancient Egypt and contextualised by the belief in life beyond death, were intended to accompany the deceased in their journey to the Hereafter, to protect and ensure the realisation of their needs there. The oldest religious texts demonstrate positive aspects, delight and lust for life and, due to the fact that they were composed in order to assist the pharaoh on his way to the sky and the true existence of the king in the Beyond, could never be questioned or endangered. However, despite everything evoked here, there are attestations of inimical forces, or perils, which are to be fought off. Emphasis will be placed on the question of how the “serpent spells” and use of language in them manifest the relationship of the pharaoh and the Egyptians with the inhabitants of the Near East. The ideas of the presumed origin of the formulae and the link with the creator Atum in the texts under discussion is also presented. One can trace the quiddity of the world as a complete work of the ancient Egyptian creator. Therefore, the author of the paper aims to scrutinise, with reference to contextual arguments, the language of the diagnostic “serpent spells” of the Pyramid Texts, namely the grammar, choice of vocabulary, phraseology, possible onomatopoeic effects, to elucidate linguistic means of expression used in the Pyramid Texts. The methodology of the linguistic worldview is used

Antigas cartas egípcias aos mortos : cartas de negócios muito peculiares

Numa contextualização de argumentos históricos e linguísticos, a autora analisa as antigas cartas egípcias dirigidas aos mortos. Vai -se debater o seu papel e a relevância intrínseca do seu possível significado. No Egito antigo, o povo escreveu Cartas aos Mortos. Não obstante o facto de os egípcios terem sido muito prudentes e cuidadosos no que concerne ao funeral, a atenção aos túmulos dos antepassados, tal como a própria vida deles no Além, e as suas Cartas aos Mortos, viriam a revelar -se como sendo algo de extraordinário. Na demonstração que explana e indagada pela autora, esta indubitavelmente atreve -se e presume que as cartas foram escritas para divulgar um determinado contrato entre o parente falecido e o parente vivo. Este tipo de correspondência epistolar informa -nos de forma plausível sobre uma troca negocial entre os vivos e os mortos

The linguistic view of the ancient Egyptian beyond in translation into Portuguese and English

The linguistic worldview of the Beyond in the religious thought of the ancient Egyptians is clearly distinguished from the beliefs of other ancient nations. The author of the paper intends to analyse it as contextualised in the "Pyramid Texts", based on her translations of the diagnostic spells. This is an analysis of the linguistic view in the translation from the hieroglyphic Egyptian into Portuguese, making some comparisons of the translations of the spells into English. Some obstacles or difficulties in this translation are evinced. Using methods of analysis of the Egyptian language, we may better understand the way of thinking of the Egyptians. The linguistic worldview method, namely the verbalised interpretation of reality which was developed by J. Bartmiński, his colleagues and collaborators, can be exceptionally useful. By means of an in-depth linguistic analysis of the fragments of the world's oldest religious texts translated into contemporary languages, one can develop a much more complete scholarly discussion.A visão linguística do Além no pensamento religioso dos egípcios antigos distingue-se claramente das crenças dos outros povos antigos. A autora do presente artigo pretende analisá-la numa contextualização dos "Textos das Pirâmides", citando as traduções das fórmulas diagnosticadas. Analisará a visão linguística na tradução do egípcio hieroglífico para o português, fazendo-se as comparações das traduções das fórmulas para o inglês e os seus obstáculos ou dificuldades nessa tradução. Usando métodos de análise da linguagem egípcia, compreenderemos melhor o modo de pensar dos egípcios. O método da "visão linguística do mundo" ("linguistic worldview"), isto é, a interpretação verbalizada da realidade, desenvolvida por Jerzy Bartmiński, seus alunos e colaboradores, pode ser excecionalmente útil. A análise linguística minuciosa e profunda dos fragmentos dos textos religiosos mais antigos do mundo, na tradução para as línguas contemporâneas, desenvolve uma discussão científica mais completa

Antigas cartas egípcias aos mortos : cartas de negócios muito peculiares

Numa contextualização de argumentos históricos e linguísticos, a autora analisa as antigas cartas egípcias dirigidas aos mortos. Vai -se debater o seu papel e a relevância intrínseca do seu possível significado. No Egito antigo, o povo escreveu Cartas aos Mortos. Não obstante o facto de os egípcios terem sido muito prudentes e cuidadosos no que concerne ao funeral, a atenção aos túmulos dos antepassados, tal como a própria vida deles no Além, e as suas Cartas aos Mortos, viriam a revelar -se como sendo algo de extraordinário. Na demonstração que explana e indagada pela autora, esta indubitavelmente atreve -se e presume que as cartas foram escritas para divulgar um determinado contrato entre o parente falecido e o parente vivo. Este tipo de correspondência epistolar informa -nos de forma plausível sobre uma troca negocial entre os vivos e os mortos

Comparative studies on cell stimulatory, permeabilizing and toxic effects induced in sensitive and multidrug resistant fungal strains by amphotericin B (AMB) and N-methyl-N-D-fructosyl amphotericin B methyl ester (MFAME)

N-Methyl-N-D-fructosyl-amphotericin B methyl ester (MFAME) is a new derivative of amphotericin B, which is characterised by low toxicity to mammalian cells and good solubility in water of its salts. The antifungal activity and effects of MFAME towards Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae multidrug resistant MDR(+) and sensitive MDR(-) strains was compared with those of parent compound. The results obtained indicate that MDR(+) S. cerevisiae was sensitive to MFAME as well as to AMB. MFAME exhibited the same effects on fungal cells studied as parent antibiotic. The two antibiotics, depending on the dose applied induced cell stimulation, K+ efflux, and/or had a toxic effect

Serologic Investigations in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Food Allergy

The aim of the study was the evaluation of frequency and titre of IgA ASCA and IgG ASCA and p-ANCA, c-ANCA in children with IBD and occurrence of ASCA antibodies in relation to coexistence of FA. Patients and methods. The study comprised 95 children at the ages of 2 to 18 years. The diagnosis of IBD was established on the basis of Porto criteria. Tests of blood serum were performed in all children: IgA and IgG ASCA, p-ANCA, c-ANCA using ELISA method. Results. IgE-dependent FA was found in 32.5% children with UC and in 21% with CD. We did not observe any relation between the occurrence of FA and the frequency and ASCA titre. p-ANCA were significantly more frequent in the group of children with UC. The occurrence of ASCA antibodies was observed in 73.7% of children with CD, 17.5% with UC and almost 30% with allergic colitis. Conclusions. Patients with CD and the presence of ASCA revealed a significantly more frequent localization of lesions within the small bowel and a tendency towards older age. We observed a connection between the occurrence of antibodies and the examined mutations of gene NOD2/CARD15

Application of textile wastes for the production of innovative geotextiles designed for erosion control

Za inovativne zaštitne geotekstile dizajnirana je gruba užad, izrađena od tekstilnog otpada. Užad izrađena od različitih materijala ukopana je u tlo u vremenu od 6 mjeseci. Mehanička svojstva materijala koji su upotrijebljeni za izradu omotača, ovojnice i jezgre užadi ispitana su prije i nakon ukopavanja u tlo, analizirana su i njihova morfolološka svojstva. Utvrđeno je da se vanjska ovojnica izrađena od jute, a vanjski omotač od uvijenog (končanog) sisala i pamuka brzo razgrađuju. Celulozni materijal ne osigurava mahanički integritet užadi nakon ukopavanja u tlo, zbog čega nisu prikladni za ovu vrstu proizvoda. Međutim, vuneni netkani materijal i netkani materijal od rcikliranih vlakana razgrađuju se znatno sporije. Unatoč degradaciji vanjskog omotača užadi očuvan je integritet i zadržana su zaštitna svojstva u tlu tijekom više mjeseci.The coarse ropes designed for production of innovative protective geotextiles were obtained. For the production of ropes textile wastes were used. The ropes made from different materials were buried in the soil for six months. The mechanical parameters of materials forming the sheath and cover of the ropes before and after ground disposal were measured and morphology of the ropes were analysed. It was revealed that jute fabrics used as rope covers as well as sisal and cotton twine used for the formation of outer sheath degrade quickly. Cellulosic materials do not ensure the mechanical integrity of the ropes after ground disposal and are not suitable for the production thereof. On contrary, the wool nonwoven and nonwoven produced from recycled fibres biodegrade much slower. Despite of the degradation of outer sheath the ropes keep their integrity and may maintain their protective function in the ground for several months

Application of textile wastes for the production of innovative geotextiles designed for erosion control

Za inovativne zaštitne geotekstile dizajnirana je gruba užad, izrađena od tekstilnog otpada. Užad izrađena od različitih materijala ukopana je u tlo u vremenu od 6 mjeseci. Mehanička svojstva materijala koji su upotrijebljeni za izradu omotača, ovojnice i jezgre užadi ispitana su prije i nakon ukopavanja u tlo, analizirana su i njihova morfolološka svojstva. Utvrđeno je da se vanjska ovojnica izrađena od jute, a vanjski omotač od uvijenog (končanog) sisala i pamuka brzo razgrađuju. Celulozni materijal ne osigurava mahanički integritet užadi nakon ukopavanja u tlo, zbog čega nisu prikladni za ovu vrstu proizvoda. Međutim, vuneni netkani materijal i netkani materijal od rcikliranih vlakana razgrađuju se znatno sporije. Unatoč degradaciji vanjskog omotača užadi očuvan je integritet i zadržana su zaštitna svojstva u tlu tijekom više mjeseci.The coarse ropes designed for production of innovative protective geotextiles were obtained. For the production of ropes textile wastes were used. The ropes made from different materials were buried in the soil for six months. The mechanical parameters of materials forming the sheath and cover of the ropes before and after ground disposal were measured and morphology of the ropes were analysed. It was revealed that jute fabrics used as rope covers as well as sisal and cotton twine used for the formation of outer sheath degrade quickly. Cellulosic materials do not ensure the mechanical integrity of the ropes after ground disposal and are not suitable for the production thereof. On contrary, the wool nonwoven and nonwoven produced from recycled fibres biodegrade much slower. Despite of the degradation of outer sheath the ropes keep their integrity and may maintain their protective function in the ground for several months

Phenyl Ring: A Steric Hindrance or a Source of Different Hydrogen Bonding Patterns in Self-Organizing Systems?

A series of five alcohols (3-methyl-2-butanol, 1-cyclopropylethanol, 1-cyclopentylethanol, 1-cyclohexylethanol, and 1-phenylethanol) was used to study the impact of the size of steric hindrance and its aromaticity on self-assembling phenomena in the liquid phase. In this Letter, we have explicitly shown that the phenyl ring exerts a much stronger effect on the self-organization of molecules via the O–H···O scheme than any other type of steric hindrance, leading to a significant decline in the size and concentration of the H-bonded clusters. Given the combination of calorimetric, dielectric, infrared, and diffraction studies, this phenomenon was ascribed to its additional proton-acceptor function for the competitive intermolecular O–H···π interactions. The consequence of this is a different packing of molecules on the short- and medium-range scale

The comparison between TP53 gene polymorphisms (c.[215G>C]) homozygotes and heterozygotes in Breast Cancer Patients: A clinicopathological analysis

Purpose: TP53 is a tumor suppressor gene which participates in regulation of cell cycle check points, DNA repair, and apoptosis. The aim of this study was to compare TP53 germ line gene polymorphisms (c.[215G>C]) wild – type homozygotes GG with heterozygotes GC according to clinicopathological factors.Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 87 (22% TP53 gene homozygotes and 78% heterozygotes) breast cancer patients who were diagnosed and treated in COI in Gliwice. Polymorphism profile was assessed by RFLP-PCR technique.Results: The presence of lobular invasive carcinoma was observed insignificantly more often in homozygotes, especially in the group of patients at the age below 50 years (29% vs. 4%, p = 0.095). Patients being TP53 gene heterozygotes had larger tumor size (T > 2) than homozygotes (16% vs. 5%, p = 0.450). There was observed a tendency to the presence of lymph node metastases (53% vs. 34%, p = 0.182) and higher Ki67 (> 20%) (69% vs. 46%, p = 0.209) in TP53 gene homozygotes. HER2 overexpression was associated with TP53 heterozygotes, especially in the group of patients at the age above 50 years (33% vs. 8%, p = 0.144). A negative receptor status was reported more frequently in homozygotes (43% vs.21%, p = 0.340) in patients with age below 50 years. Similarly higher histological grade G3 was detected more often in homozygotes in patients at the age below 50 years (80% vs. 33%, p = 0.130).Conclusion: TP53 gene homozygotes and heterozygotes differ from each other in respect of clinicopathological factors such as: histological type, lymph node metastases, higher Ki67 (> 20%), histological grade G3, ER/PR status, tumor size (T > 2), HER2 overexpression, cancer in family history and diabetes. Patient’s age was associated with the pathological characteristics of tumor