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Biomedical subjects

W Marty

Publications and source records attributed to W Marty.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

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↗

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↗

Correlation between the post-mortem cell content of cerebrospinal fluid and time of death.

The number of cells in the cerebrospinal fluid increases after death. It is not clear whether this observation represents a post-mortem or a supravital phenomenon. There is speculation that some of the cells actively enter the cerebrospinal fluid during the first hours after death and that the rest exfoliate from the subarachnoid layer. The post-mortem cell count in cerebrospinal fluid correlates to the time after death and can be described mathematically (polynomial curve of third order).

Adolescent↗

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↗

[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↗

[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↗

[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↗

[Change in the drinking behavior in Central Switzerland over two decades].

Based on the medical recordings registered during blood sampling of drunken drivers of the years 1971 and 1989 the changes of drinking behaviour in Switzerland was examined. An increase of female drivers under the influence of alcohol was noted. The younger drivers under 30, which were the most represented in all the age groups, showed a decrease in the average blood alcohol value. Due to the facts, the most blood samples were taken by forensic physicians rather than private physicians a much better information was gained concerning the substances drunken and the times of drinking. The evaluation of final drinking hours, critical incidents and time of blood sampling showed a tendency to post-midnight hours.

Accidents, Traffic↗

[The precision of scintigraphic evaluation of liver metastases].

In a prospective study 491 liver scintigrams are examined. In 139 cases the precision can be tested by a comparison with the records of operations and/or sections. The evaluation amounts to a 21.6% quota of mistakes. The point is discussed whether in oncological surgery liver scintigraphy should not be abandoned in favour of an invasive procedure such as laparoscopy or laparotomy.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

[Death sounds--a postmortem phenomenon].

"Death sounds" are monotonous sounds produced by a corpse without rigor mortis. Such sounds may be mistaken for signs of life, which may be of importance under criminal aspects. Three relevant cases are discussed.

Adult↗