Ebsco

Philosophical hermeneutics claims that human understanding, while being contingent and historical, is likewise universal and bears within itself some pervasive features detectable via hermeneutical analyses of historically imparted tradition and language. Similarly, hermeneutical philosophy of science is condent that hermeneutical methods are the only proper tool to adequately assess, reconstruct, explain or give ameaning to historical but universal scientic knowledge and its various forms. I point out two versions of hermeneutical philosophy of science and argue that whenever philosophical hermeneutics pursues rescuing “scienticity”, human rationality, human rights, common values, and so forth under the pretence of its universality and competence, it necessarily transcends and violates the tenets of its own. I conclude in the favour ofmoderate interpretation of practical hermeneutics, perhaps in the very essence of it rest postmodern concepts of historicality, transparency and tolerance, withoutwhich there is no possibility of extricating oneself from hermeneuticism.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is the main circulating serine proteinase inhibitor. A number of studies suggest that AAT can also exhibit biological activity independent of inhibition of serine proteases. The aim of the study was to make experimental investigation of AAT influence on monocytes stimulated by bacterial endotoxyn and to analyze serum AAT concentration in patients with COPD in relation to smoking. Human blood monocytes were isolated from buffy coats. Serum biomarkers from COPD patients and culture supernatants from donors monocytes were analysed using commercial ELISA kits. AAT affects monocyte responses to LPS by regulating soluble CD14 release. Here we show that a short-term (up to 2 h) monocyte exposure to AAT leads to an increase of CD14 levels (p < 0.05). In parallel, a short-term (2 h) cell exposure to AAT significantly enhances TNFα release. However, AAT was found to have a dual effect on LPS-induced TNFα release. Thus, during the first 4 h AAT enhanced, while after 8, 12, 18 and 24 h it inhibited LPS-stimulated TNFα release. COPD smokers and ex-smokers showed higher alpha-1 antitrypsin and C-reactive protein serum concentration than neversmokers (p < 0.05), that may be important for quality of life and health state. Probably a rapid increase in AAT concentrations during various inflammatory and infectious conditions may enhance the magnitude of monocyte responses to endotoxin and subsequently accelerate resolution of the inflammatory reaction.

Kartagener’s syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease with progressive damage of the respiratory system and situs inversus. Although the management of patients with Kartagener’s syndrome remains uncertain and evidence is limited, it is important to follow up these patients with an adequate and shared care system. This report presents a clinical case of Kartagener’s syndrome in a 25-year-old woman. Computed tomography showed dextrocardia and bronchiectasis. After 7 years, good treatment results were achieved: radiological findings and lung function were improved. The present case demonstrates the complex interrelationship among genetic variation and a proper nonspecific management of Kartagener’s syndrome.

Smurtas prieš vaikus ir tarp vaikų – viena aktualiausių pastarojo meto ugdymo realybės problemų, kuri pasireiškia šeimoje, mokykloje, visuomenėje. Šiandienos mokykloje vaikai ypač dažnai susiduria su smurtu, prievarta, patyčiomis. Tai reiškiniai, kuriems turi būti skiriamas ypatingas dėmesys, nes jie ne tik trikdo ugdymo(si) procesą, apsunkina mokinių ir mokytojų darbą, komplikuoja mokyklos bendruomenės tarpusavio santykius, bet ir turi pavojingas pasekmes visai visuomenei. Atliktas tyrimas su mokiniais gali padėti išsamiau atskleisti smurto reiškinį ir išsiaiškinti veiksnius, kurie labiausiai skatina vaikų smurtinį elgesį.

Research was carried out to identify the influence of temperature (150, 250, 350, 450, 550ºC) on the ash colour of Acer platanoides L. leaf litter and Pinus sylvestris L. needle litter samples collected from deciduous coniferous mixed forest in Lithuania (54º43‘ N 25º19‘ E) in April 2010. To achieve the objective, a laboratory experiment was conducted to determine ash samples using the Munsell Colour Chart. The analysis of colours has demonstrated that considering all litter samples, an increase in the temperature of litter heating was found to increase ash colour values (r = 0.92; p = 0.01). All the samples (n = 50) of both litter species were divided into categories 2.5Y (5 samples), 7.5YR (10 samples) and 10YR (35 samples). The total black Munsell colour was observed at a temperature of 350ºC for both litter species. Needle ash started turning bright at a temperature of 550ºC while the complete consumption of leaf litter was visible at a temperature of 450ºC. We conclude that the Munsell Colour Chart used for predicting the colour of ash is an informative feature to have the primary classification of ash. It is imperative to analyse the colour of the litter ash of the selected tree species in order to quickly and easily assess and predict their possible impact on the surrounding environment.

Nagrinėjami konkretūs profesinės veiklos veiksniai, kontekstai ir rizikos šaltiniai, sukeliantys didesnį mokytojų profesinį stresą bei galbūt sudarantys prielaidas valdžios institucijų makroteisiniam nihilizmui bei viešai pateisinamam masiniam ir nuolatiniam darbuotojų teisių pažeidinėjimui. Interpretacijos ir hipotezės teisėmis straipsnio autoriai nurodo kai kurias konkrečias atitinkamo sektoriaus reformavimo ir jo teisinio reguliavimo tobulinimo gaires. Ši informacija įstatymų leidėjams ir teisės taikytojams atskleidžia objektyvų poreikį teisinio reguliavimo procesuose labiau vadovautis teisės socialinio sąlygotumo nuostatomis. Moksliniu požiūriu, atliktas tyrimas išryškina tam tikrą mokytojų socialinių teisių pažeidžiamumo lygmenį, nes dėl reikalingos reprezentatyvios informacijos stokos dažnai priimami netinkami sprendimai.

Straipsnyje analizuojamas iracionalumas kaip šiuolaikinės architektūros meninės išraiškos forma, aptariama iracionalumo sąvoka architektūros mene. Taip pat charakterizuojamos sociokultūrinės prielaidos, filosofinės, meno srovės, dariusios įtaką iracionalumo požymiams architektūroje. Nagrinėjami pasauliniai ir Lietuvos iracionaliosios architektūros analogai, apžvelgiamos iracionalumo apraiškos stilistinėje architektūros raidoje.

Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic risk factor for manifestation of COPD and chronic liver diseases. There is an ongoing worldwide discussion concerning the role of serpins (serine protease inhibitors) in tumour genesis. Protease inhibitors such as alpha 1-antitrypsin have generally been considered to counteract tumour progression and metastases because of their ability to inhibit proteases. In this case report, we analyze relationship between inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and chondrosarcoma. A 47-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with relapse signs of humerus chondrosarcoma. The patient had also a history of COPD. After chest X-ray and CT, alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency was suspected. Inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (PiZZ homozygous genotype) was confirmed. Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency might have facilitated the development of chondrosarcoma. Because of low incidence rate of such diseases, we presume that there is a slight chance for such rare disorders to manifest concurrently in the same patient.

Today, about half a century since the appearance of psychologist Frederick Irving Herzberg's book about employee motivation, scholars are still debating whether the author's Two Factor mom alien theory is a suitable model in research and practice. Author of the article argues in favour of the latter scenario, invoking research conducted in the period ranging 2003 to 2009, with over 1660 respondents polled. The article features recommendations on how to best apply Herzberg's theory in the work setting.