[Plasma separation with membranes--examinations in man (author's transl)]. / Plasmaseparation mit Hilfe von Membranen--Untersuchungen am Menschen.

Plasma separation was carried out using a new cellullose diacetate hollow-fibre module. The pore size of the membranes used was 0.2 micrometer and the cut-off at approximately 3 million dalton. Five litres of filtrate was separated in 80 min. The protein content of the filtrate was 60% of that in the blood plasma. When plasma and filtrate were compared, there was little difference inthe proportions of the immunoglobulins. At the end of treatment, the immunoglobulin content of the plasma had been reduced to 40% of its initial concentration.

[Phospholipids in fatal strangulations (author's transl)]. / Zur Aussagekraft der Phospholipid-Konzentration in Sinus- und Herzblut Erhängter.

A comparison of phospholipid content of sera from heart blood and sinus blood from the brain with the rate of haemolysis in the blood samples, with age, sex, degree of arteriosclerosis and cause of death, showed a relationship with the cause of death in spite of wide dispersion of the single values. The remaining factors of the 145 unselected human cadavers, which were not putrefied, seemed to have no influence. Small amounts of haemolysis caused a decrease of phospholipid concentration whereas an extensive haemolysis clearly led to an increase. The results of 46 deaths by hanging confirmed the fundamental studies of Berg (1950, 1952), who demonstrated that an increased secretion of phospholipids during the strangulation process is to be interpreted as a vital phenomenon. Compression of cervical vessels resulted in statistically significant differences between phospholipid concentrations in serum of heart and sinus blood.

[Analysis of a boxing match with fatal outcome resulting from unusually severe brain damage (author's transl)]. / Analyse eines tödlich ausgegangenen Boxkampfes mit ungewöhnlich schweren cerebralen Schäden.

A boxing match with fatal outcome is described. The boxer received 21 punches in the nape of his neck, as well as many other blows. After a knock out in the 15th round he conceded the fight; some minutes later he suddenly collapsed. Deep unconsciousness, maximal dilated pupils and extensor-spasms were observed but respiration continued. Although it was possible to evacuate a subdural hematoma 30 to 45 min later, a high-grade cerebral oedema remained resistant to therapy. In addition hypoxemia caused disseminated necroses of heart-muscle fibres. Intensive hemorrhages were detected in the cervical muscles and in the dorsal parts of the intervertebral discs on the level of C 2/3 and C 3/4. Neuropathological investigation revealed the typical alterations brought about by craniotomy carried out for a subdural hematoma caused by the tearing off of Vv. cerebralis superiores, as well as extensive contusion hemorrhages. The high-grade cerebral oedema caused congestion and dislocation which led to massive hemorrhages, hypoxemia to unusually extensive hemorrhagical and white necroses of cortex and brain stem ganglions. Special attention is paid to the pathogenesis of these findings. A report on boxing--particularly professional boxing--issued by the Federal Institute of Sport Medicine in Cologne in 1977 is critically analysed.

[The importance of Simon's symptom in cases of hanging (author's transl)]. / Zum Stellenwert des Simonschen Zeichens.

Radiological and patho-anatomical investigations of the spines of 32 corpses of persons who had committed suicide by hanging revealed spine damage in 81% of the cases. The cervical spine was damaged in 69%, the lumbar spine in 56% of the cases. The typical damage of the cervical spine is a loosening of the discs at the dorsal side, usually at the level of C 4/5 to C 6/7. In the region of the lumbar spine, bleeding between the (anterior) ventral ligament and the discs is the most frequently observed damage (Simon's sy;mtpom). Simon bleeding is brought about by traction force and is not dependent on the age at death or on any existing degenerative changes of the spine.

[Death on the operating table (author's transl)]. / Mors in tabula.

Inquests following death on the table present the expert with a number of problems: he has to assess not only the causal connection between therapeutic or surgical procedures and death of the patient, but also the part played by anaesthesia in the fatal outcome. A number of cases are reported and an attempt is made to provide some objective guide-lines for the expert.

[The problems of deaths by bolus aspiration ("cafe-coronary") (author's transl)]. / Zur Problematik des Bolustodes

Twentyseven fatal cases of suffocation by swallowing a bolus were analysed under different aspects. An attempt is made to interpret the functional disturbances which precede death, the causes for disturbance of swallowing and subsequent fatal reflex effects. The problems of judging the situation by the medical expert is discussed. Finally recommended therapeutic measures are critically evaluated to answer the question whether timely and adequate remedies truly exist.

[Studies on investigation of primary pathologic deterioration of the lower limbs. Calcific deposits in the veins (author's transl)]. / Studien zur Abklärung der primär krankhaften Veränderungen der unteren Extremitäten. Kalk--Pseudokalk in der Venenwand

Veins of the limbs of 193 sudden deaths are examined concerning the frequency, extent and localisation of sclerosis. The macroscopic process of preparation has been satisfactory. Correlations to several factors, especially age and diseases of heart and arteries, are presented and discussed.