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Biomedical subjects

T Sigrist

Publications and source records attributed to T Sigrist.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Determination of firing distance using the rhodizonate staining technique.

The histological staining technique using rhodizonate is also effective for the determination of the firing distance by examining the distribution and intensity of the staining reaction. The differentiation between absolute close-range shots and long-range shots is generally possible without any doubt. The method is not recommended for routine examinations but it is very useful for cases lacking the possibility to investigate smoke and powder deposits in a criminalistic manner, i.e. surgical skin biopsies of hospitalised victims and skin highly altered by the effects of fire, water or by post-mortem decomposition.

Coloring Agents↗
PubMed2001

Temperature variations in automobiles in various weather conditions. An experimental contribution to the determination of time of death.

From January 1995 through March 2000, temperatures in the passenger compartment of automobiles of different sizes were measured under varying weather conditions (sunshine, cloudy skies, rain) at two locations in eastern Switzerland. During the cold season, the interior temperature rose to 21 degrees C when cars were exposed to sunshine, whereas in summer interior temperature extremes of up to 89 degrees C were recorded. Make, model, and color of the vehicles were of only minor influence.

Automobiles↗
PubMed1997

[Medical procedures in gunshot injuries].

In this paper the basic knowledge about the morphology of gunshot wounds is presented, which should help the physician to answer the most important questions imposed on a criminal case. The paramount measures to be taken are the documentation of the gunshot wounds, the excision of the injury and separate debridement of each lip of the wound, the careful observation of the projectile, the cataloging of the victim's clothes and the omission of cleaning the hands of the victim. Some forensic aspects are demonstrated, particularly the professional discretion respectively the obligation to notify the authorities.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Carboxyhemoglobinemia caused by dichloromethane exposure with dermatologic effects].

In seven winter seasons a young watchmaker was severely disabled by the development of swelling and reddening of the skin, blistering and paraesthesiae affecting his hands. Hospital examination led to a diagnosis of "Raynaud syndrome of undetermined origin". Treatment with corticosteroids was unsuccessful. Not until the young man changed his job did the disorder disappear for good. Investigations at his place of work revealed that the man had inhaled dichloromethane fumes (methylenchloride; CH2Cl2) while cleaning watch parts in a small room that was not ventilated during the winter months. This led to endogenous carboxyneogenesis and subsequently to chronically recurring carboxyhaemoglobinaemia (13%, 10% and 10.7% COHb in three different blood samples). The significance of dichloromethane-induced CO poisoning in the development of dermatological changes is still the subject of controversial discussion.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Measurement of the skin temperature at the entry wound by means of infrared thermography. An investigation involving the use of .22- to .38- caliber handguns.

This study examines the temperatures at the point that bullets impact human skin. With the assistance of infrared thermography, measurements were taken after shots were fired by .22-, .25-, .32-, .38-special-caliber, and 9-mm Luger pistols and revolvers. The highest temperature readings at the entry point were recorded with the .22 caliber and the lowest with the .32 caliber. The measurement of projectile temperatures in flight resulted in readings of 147 degrees-152 degrees C for the 9-mm Luger.

Humans↗
PubMed1994

[Ethanol content of Kefir water].

The question of the influence of kefir on blood-alcohol-level has been asked in a legal proceeding. The questioned recipe consisted of 21 water, 6 soup-spoons of kefir granules (about 120 g), 150 g sugar, 2 figs and one lemon. The consumption took place after two days of fermentation. Experimentally we found, that one liter of this kefir product may contain up to 38 g/l ethanol after 7 to 10 days. On the second day we measured up to 16 g/l ethanol. Our results may be import for expert appraisements concerning unability of driving.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1993

[Amputation of fingers or a hand. Accident or self-mutilation].

Among the high number of cases of hand injuries investigated each year by accident insurance companies, cases continually occur which give rise to the suspicion of attempted insurance fraud by means of purposely inflicted injuries. Such cases are often difficult to prove. Based on 3 case reports (amputation by means of a chain saw, a blow with an axe and a cutting machine), reconstruction at the place of the crime is shown to be extremely advantageous. The reconstruction of the crime is one of the most important evidential elements. It is recommended for all cases where there is any doubt.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Iatrogenic methadone poisoning].

Two young drug addicts received in the course of their treatment a 10-fold overdose of methadone by error. One person died, the other was severely intoxicated but survived. The cause for the mistreatment was the unawareness of the medical personnel, that did not realize the change in concentration of the methadone stock solution from 0.1% to 1.0%, provided by the pharmacy. To prevent such mistakes in the future a change in labelling of the bottle giving directions for correct dosing is suggested.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Epidural hematoma with atypical clinical course].

The prognosis of epidural haematomas (EDH) is generally favourable if an operation is carried out in good time. Suspected EDH is mostly diagnosed as a result of a "typical" neurological manifestation (initial unconsciousness/asymptomatic interval/loss of consciousness), which then leads to an in-depth diagnosis (X-ray of the skull, CT, MRI). However, atypical clinical manifestations are frequent and can result in dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment. A decisive factor in the early detection of EDH is close clinical-neurological monitoring by specially trained staff and their prompt reaction when changes occur, no matter how minor. Qualitative changes in the patient's state of consciousness and behaviour are just as important in this respect as quantitative ones.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Self-injury with liquid nitrogen].

UNLABELLED: During an insurance claim case, the question arose as to whether it is possible for the lower leg and foot to completely freeze and subsequently suffer necrosis if liquid nitrogen is accidentally spilled on them on one single occasion. Thermometric and thermographic experiments on corpses revealed that if liquid nitrogen is simply poured over a limb, "hoar frost" is formed on the skin but the temperature within the limb does not drop. Immersing a limb in liquid nitrogen for 40 seconds resulted in the skin becoming frozen, while the temperature within the limb only dropped a few degrees. After the limb was removed from the liquid nitrogen, it thawed out within 5-8 minutes. CONCLUSION: In this particular case we must assume self-affliction by means of direct contact with liquid nitrogen over a long period of time. Based on this case the manifestation of acts of self-infliction and the possibility of proving them is dealt with in more detail.

Cold Temperature↗
PubMed1992

[Xanthogranuloma of the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle (case report)].

We report on a case of a 59-year old man. During work he died suddenly and unexpectedly. Autopsy revealed myocardial infarction as cause of death. We also found symmetrical granulomatous proliferations proceeding from choroid plexuses of the lateral ventricles of the brain. Results of histological and chemical investigation proved the tumours to be xanthogranulomas. Despite their unusual size they did not cause any neurological or psychiatric symptoms. The patient had been known to have hypercholesterinemia for years.

Cerebral Ventricles↗
PubMed1990

[Changes in skeletal muscles in death caused by hypothermia].

The review of 32 deaths resulting from hypothermia yielded mostly the common pathological findings as bright red livores, haemolytic frost marks of the skin and Wichnewski erosions of the gastric mucosa. In addition the muscle system of the body core (musc. ileopsoas) showed hemorrhages and histologically necrosis of its fibres in form of segmental and discoid sarcoplasmatic alteration. These changes are a quite specific sign of death due to hypothermia, as far as mechanical injury can be excluded. For best result however a special autopsy technique and an appropriate histological staining are advisable.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Homicide by asphyxia--yes or no? On the use of muscle histology].

In two cases of death autopsy revealed large hemorrhages in the muscles of the neck, which lead to the conclusion of a murder by strangulation, e.g. with a soft tool. Histologic examination of the injured muscles didn't show any sign of vital reaction, which means, that they had developed post mortem. There was no reason for further suspicion of a violent crime. Later it became obvious, that neck lesions resulted from inadequate recovery and transport of the corpses. "Vital" type of muscular alteration is characterized by segmental or disk-like fragmentation of muscle fibres, loss of sarcoplasmatic cross-striation and appearance of pathologic longitudinal fibrillar structures. These signs are missing in case of a postmortal injury, whereas the cross striation is intact. The slides should be stained with PTAH. With these two cases we would like to demonstrate the importance of histologic examination of injured muscles, when question for intravital or postmortal injury rises.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Traumatic carotid sinus reflex death].

The review of 7 autopsy cases shows, that the diagnosis of a sudden death due to mechanical irritation of the carotid sinus is possible, when an injury of this reflectogen zone is represented autoptically, when there are signs of acute cardio vascular failure and other causes of death are out of the question. Taking account of the ascerteinments at the scene as well as observations by witnesses of the death process is important for diagnostic reason. The proof of the carotid lesion depends on the preparation of neck organs in artificial lack of blood. The histological analysis of stepwise taken slides of the carotid arteries above the bifurcation is informative. The insurances consider a death due to carotid sinus reflex as an accident; in criminal law this kind of death is regularly linked to strangulation; diagnostic decision criteria are presented.

Accidents↗
PubMed1988

[Myocardial dysplasia of the right ventricle (Uhl's anomaly) as a possible cause of sudden, unexpected death].

Partial absence and fatty replacement of the myocardial compacta of the right ventricular wall was observed in five young male adults, four of whom died suddenly and unexpectedly and one in a car accident. In one of these cases there was only one coronary orifice. Four cases of the so-called Uhl anomaly had histological findings indicating dysmorphic myocardial cells associated with minimal lymphohistiocytic infiltrates within the fatty tissue. In one case, chronic destructive inflammation was a prominent feature. Marked dysmorphic alterations in the myocardial fibers suggested the occurrence of arrhythmic episodes as the main cause of sudden heart failure and death.

Adipose Tissue↗