When neuraminidase-treated sera are analyzed by agarose gel isoelectric focusing, the factor B (BF) banding pattern is reduced to predominantly one major band without cathodically positioned bands. This not only makes unequivocal typing of BF allotypes possible but also the reliable distinction of all BF F subtype phenotypes with delimitation of "BF F subtype variants". With this new method, serum aging affects the BF determination to a lesser extent than when applying methods that separate native sera. We show that sialylation is not responsible for the BF F subtype polymorphism. All of the investigated BF allotype bands, including those characteristic of the subtypes, show functional hemolytic activity. The banding pattern after removal of neuraminic acid residues ranges from pH 6.8 to 7.3 for factor B, from pH 5.3 to 5.9 for the Ba fragment, and from pH 8.2 to 8.7 for the Bb fragment. The protein structure of factor B is also discussed. Eliminating the superimposition of bands in different BF allotypes, as demonstrated by these methods, proved to be necessary for the detection of hypomorphic BF gene products (BF QL), which are expressed by assumed BF*Q0 alleles in heterozygous genotypes. This allows investigation of BF*Q0 alleles on a protein level, which complements molecular genetic approaches.

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The emergency medical squad and police found a 60-yearold alcoholic dead in his unlocked apartment. On first inspection at the death scene, lividity of the supine body was pronounced in the head and neck area (Fig. 1), the eyelids (within the livid area) were discolored blue and markedly swollen, and bloody purge trickled from the nose (Fig. 2). Ostensibly subacute, partially scabbed skin lesions on the arms, hands and kneecaps were identified, and a brownish, scabbed, 1 cm-long wound was present on the back of the head, which was suggestive of a possible physical argument and battery. Despite the absence of other injuries or indications of a struggle at the death scene, investigators postulated that fatal blunt head trauma due to a physical attack had occurred. The man had been last seen 4 days earlier when he fell down while intoxicated without obvious injury.At forensic external examination, a generalized parchment-like, crepitant cutaneous emphysema invested the entire body, notably including a prominently distended pneumatoscrotum. Autopsy revealed the cause of death to be an extensive tension pneumothorax, which was characterized by the following: (a) collapsed lungs; (b) depression of the diaphragm; (c) pneumomediastinum; and (d) pneumopericardium, which was attributed to (e) a fractured 7th rib in the right posterior axillary line; the sharp-edged bone Fig. 1 Death Scene Fig. 2 Bloated face by skin emphysema, particularly of the orbits, and traces of bloody purge from the nose due to gravity-dependent craniofacial hyperemia