Officials from the UK's National Health System (NHS) have issued a warning to the country's doctors about a rise in the number of cases of children being admitted to intensive care with multisystem inflammatory symptoms associated with coronavirus.
The number of such cases has increased sharply over the past three weeks, it said. Patients require intensive care and this is seen across London as well as other areas of the UK. As experts note, in all cases there are signs of toxic shock syndrome and an atypical form of Kawasaki syndrome.
Doctors say the exact nature of the syndrome has not yet been determined. Doctors believe that it may be caused by an as yet unidentified infection that has gained momentum amid the coronavirus. Earlier, 20 such cases over the past month were reported in Bergamo, Italy, the region in northern Italy that has been hardest hit by the coronavirus. Local doctors said cases of severe Kawasaki syndrome have been identified in children under the age of nine.
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What is Kawasaki syndrome?
Kawasaki syndrome is a mucocutaneous lymphonodular syndrome that manifests as necrotizing systemic lesions of medium and small arteries. The disease is characterized by fever, changes in the mucous membranes, skin, damage to the coronary and other visceral arteries with the possible formation of aneurysms, thrombosis and ruptures of the vascular wall.
Kawasaki syndrome affects the arteries and can cause serious heart complications. According to the medical reference, coronary artery damage occurs in approximately 20% of untreated patients.
The disease was first described in the English-language medical literature in 1967 by a Japanese pediatrician named Tomisaku Kawasaki . He identified a group of children with fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, redness of the throat and mouth, swelling of the arms and legs, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. And a few years later, patients experienced heart complications, such as coronary artery aneurysms (expansion of the lumen of these blood vessels).
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The first headquarters were located in Chicago, Illinois.
The American motorcycle corporation Kawasaki first opened its doors in March 1966. The headquarters were located in an old building in Chicago that used to be an old meat warehouse. Don't let your humble beginnings fool you. The factory team that was sent to America to open up the US market for Kawasaki knew what they were doing and started with as little overhead as possible so they could focus on putting money into motorcycle production, increasing profits and making the enterprise more successful. This way they increased their chances of success. They weren't as interested in the surroundings as they were in the open space to organize production and build motorcycles.
What are the symptoms of Kawasaki syndrome?
This disease is characterized by a tendency towards staged progression. The disease begins with a fever > 39° C. The temperature lasts for at least five days and does not return to normal without antipyretic drugs. Irritability, lethargy and periodic abdominal pain similar to colic also appear. Within one or two days of the onset of fever, conjunctivitis develops. Then a rash appears, mainly on the torso. The rash may be accompanied by redness of the throat, lips may become red and cracked, and the tongue may turn crimson. Pallor of the fingernails or toenails (partial leukonychia) may also occur during the first week. After five days, swelling of the palms and soles is possible, and on the 10th day peeling begins in the periungual, palmar, and plantar areas.
From the cardiovascular system, early manifestations of Kawasaki syndrome include acute myocarditis with heart failure, arrhythmia, endocarditis and pericarditis. Subsequently, a coronary artery aneurysm may form. Cardiac manifestations usually begin in the subacute phase of the syndrome, approximately 1–4 weeks after onset, when rash, fever, and other early acute clinical symptoms begin to subside.
Links[edit]
- "Annual Report 2010" (PDF). Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 17, 2011. Retrieved November 30, 2010.
- Kawasaki Museum, Kawasaki as "Kawasaki Motorcycle Co. LTD." Archived October 10, 2010 at the Wayback Machine.
- K. Halsey, Classic Vintage Motorcycles: The History of Kawasaki. Archived August 24, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
- Daniel Levy, Stastsheet.com Kawasaki Motorcycles - "Independent in Thought and Action."
- Motorcycle Classics, Kawasaki W2TT Commander.
- “Kawasaki's Engine Division will consolidate all functions, including research and development, into a single office complex in Grand Rapids, Michigan | Small Engines - Lawn Mower Engines - Parts - Kawasaki". www.kawasakienginesusa.com
. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
How is Kawasaki syndrome diagnosed?
Doctors make the diagnosis solely on the basis of the clinical picture. Thus, a diagnosis may be made if an unexplained high fever lasts five or more days along with four of the following five signs: bilateral conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane that covers the eyeball), swollen lymph nodes, skin rash, lesions of the mouth and tongue, and related changes in limb areas. But at the same time, the doctor must make sure that there are no signs of any other disease that may have the same symptoms.
If symptoms are detected, doctors conduct an ECG and echocardiography, the patient is prescribed testing to exclude other diseases (complete blood count, blood tests for ESR, C-reactive protein, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF), albumin, liver enzymes, smear culture from the throat and blood culture, urinalysis, chest x-ray).
KAWASAKI - brand history
]KAWASAKI[/anchor] was born in Tokyo, back in 1906. It received its name thanks to the surname of its owner, Shozo Kawasaki. The company specialized in ship repair and cargo transportation, gradually expanding its range of interests. At different times, they spread to railway and civil construction, the creation of rolling stock, aircraft and components, repair and maintenance of vehicles. To date, the KAWASAKI concern also has a significant position in the construction of environmental infrastructure, power plants, industrial facilities and even in the creation of spacecraft.
Moto instead of air
The policy of militarization taken by the Japanese government in the 20s of the last century led to the rapid development of aircraft manufacturing. Thus, by the beginning of World War II, Japan had a record 575 aircraft deployed only on aircraft carriers, and the United States and Great Britain together had only 220. The Asian state managed to inflict enormous damage on allied forces during the fighting, spreading its aggression throughout Southeast Asia, all the way to India and Australia.
After defeat in the war, Japan found itself under occupation by the United States, whose government imposed a moratorium on the development of the aviation industry. Aircraft factories were dismantled and exported abroad as indemnities, and specialists lost their jobs. Kawasaki managed to partially maintain production capacity, only by completely repurposing it. This is how the direction of motorcycle production arose: largely due to the collapse of the airline industry.
The beginning of the way
The population of post-war Japan needed cheap and reliable vehicles. The demand for them was enormous, but the supply was also growing. Thus, by the mid-1950s, the market for miniature vehicles was divided among 150 players.
Initially, KAWASAKI's facilities were focused on the production of gearboxes for motorcycle production. In 1949, the decision was made to design our own engine. Since 1951, 2-stroke and 4-stroke power units manufactured by KAWASAKI have been installed on bicycles from . The production of spare parts for third-party manufacturers did not bring the desired revenue and capacity utilization. And in 1953, motorcycle production was separated into a separate division of the concern, which was called “Meihazu”. His task sounded ambitious: to develop his own motorcycle models from scratch.
In 1954, pilot samples of Bikescooter KV-2 scooters rolled off the assembly line: only 200 units. At the same time, the Meihazu 60 model, a bicycle with a suspended engine, was released.
In the photo: Meihazu 60 - a bicycle with a suspended engine
This model was equipped with a KV-3 engine and a spring-loaded front fork - a prototype of a full-fledged shock absorber.
Mass production of motorcycles began in 1957. The first production model was the Meihazu B7 (renamed KAWASAKI B8 in 1961), equipped with a single-cylinder two-stroke power unit with a volume of 125 cm³, a four-speed gearbox, a spinal frame and a pendulum rear suspension.
In the photo: the first production motorcycle Meihazu B7, later renamed KAWASAKI B8
The complexities of the 1960s
Unfortunately, the beginning of the 60s cannot be called a successful time for the motorcycle division of the concern. The decline was influenced by several factors: serious pressure from larger and rapidly developing competitors, small volumes of in-house production, and not the most advanced bike design...
The business owners seriously thought about closing the unprofitable business, but decided to give it a second chance. And they started with a rename: the Meihazu brand, which never became recognizable and popular, gave way to Kawasaki.
Pictured: The last motorcycle under the Meihazu brand was released in 1961 and later renamed KAWASAKI 125 New Ace.
The second step to correct the situation was to increase production. If in the early 60s the concern annually produced 1700–2400 motorcycles (for comparison: Honda at that time - up to 100 thousand units per year), then in 1964 production increased to 6–9 thousand units per month. For such a sharp leap, KAWASAKI had to acquire the Meguro company, which produced several obsolete models. After several unsuccessful developments, the 650 Meguro X motorcycle, called the KAWASAKI W1, premiered in May 1966. It was equipped with a four-stroke two-cylinder engine with a power of 50 “horses” and a volume of 650 cm³ and reached speeds of up to 180 km/h.
Crucial moment
Perhaps, it was the W1 that became the “turning point” after which the concern’s business took off. The bike quickly conquered the domestic Japanese market: local policemen moved to it, which provided it with many orders and recognition.
Pictured: KAWASAKI W1
At the time of the model's triumph in the Land of the Rising Sun, it was the best-selling and largest. In order to geographically diversify the business, it was also introduced to the American market. But there the public was spoiled by better maneuverability and ease of control, and the victorious conquest of the overseas market did not happen.
KAWASAKI discovers America
Managers of the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer were forced to conduct real marketing research, studying the preferences of American consumers. During this process, it was found out that overseas motorcyclists, recognizing and respecting KAWASAKI’s leadership in power and top speed, would like more dynamic acceleration, lighter bikes, as well as better handling and safety when cornering. Work began on lightening the power units, the fruit of which was a new model in the company’s line - KAWASAKI A1 Samurai with a 250 cc engine.
In the photo: KAWASAKI A1 Samurai was produced from 1967 to 1971
The bike was equipped with a 5-speed gearbox and drum brakes. Its top speed was less than its predecessor, “only” 161 km/h. At the same time, it took him only 15 seconds to travel a section 400 meters long. Great dynamics!
Radical Innovation
The company's next new product was released in 1968. It was called H1 or Mach III. The motorcycle had a number of innovations: a 500 cm³ two-stroke engine had three cylinders, the intake was controlled by a piston, and the exhaust was carried out through three exhaust pipes, two of which were located on the right and one on the left. For the first time, an electronic ignition system was used in production motorcycles. The five-speed gearbox was integrated into one unit with the power unit. The device was supplemented with a frame with front telescopic forks and drum brakes. The H1 or Mach III could reach a maximum speed of 193 km/h, and it took only 13 seconds to cover the first 400 meters. Acceleration to “hundreds” took 4.2 seconds.
The bright design and drive that the bike gave to its owners more than compensated for the shortcomings: with a sharp start there was a high probability of lifting it onto the rear wheel, it was difficult to control it in turns, and it also consumed a lot of gasoline. Despite this, the motorcycle was received with a bang by both European and American audiences.
In the photo: KAWASAKI H1 or Mach III (1968–1975)
Mach III became the ancestor for a whole family of bikes, differing in engine size and number of “horses”. With one of the modifications, racer Ginger Molloy was able to take second place in the world championship in 1970 in the class up to 500 cm³.
70s
The company's engineers, meanwhile, entered the race with other motorcycle manufacturers and began to develop a bike based on a four-stroke four-cylinder power unit. The developers from Honda managed to get ahead of them and were the first to release the legendary CB750 model. However, KAWASAKI marketers were able to turn the triumph of their rivals to their advantage: having carefully studied the reaction to the released bike and taking into account all its pros and cons, they created a real masterpiece - the Z1 model, which surpassed all analogues. The new product was presented at an exhibition in Cologne in 1972.
The bike was equipped with a 903 cm³ engine with a power of 82 hp. s., two camshafts in the cylinder head, electric starter, four exhaust pipes and a 5-speed gearbox. The new motorcycle had a tubular frame and double-disc brakes on the front wheel. The maximum speed is 209 km/h, but some sources claim that the owners even reached 230 km/h. The popularity of the model boosted production capacity: 5 thousand copies began to be produced monthly instead of the previous one and a half thousand.
Pictured: KAWASAKI Z1 (1972–1975)
The premiere of 1974 was the Z400 model, which belonged to the middle class. The 398 cc engine was air-cooled, had an overhead camshaft, and also had a balance shaft to dampen vibration. Power - 35 l. With. The model was produced on assembly lines in the USA: KAWASAKI became the first of the “big four” Japanese motorcycle manufacturers (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki) to open its production facilities there.
The next bike released by the American division was tailored to the tastes of local residents. The KZ 900LTD model with a powerful engine and a displacement of 900 cm³ had a wide 16-inch rear tire, a high “horned” steering wheel and a “step” seat. The style was loved both in America and in Europe and even acquired its own name - “Custom”.
In the photo: the founder of the “Custom” style, KAWASAKI KZ 900 LTD
In the mid-70s, KAWASAKI actively expanded its model range. In 1975, the company introduced the Z750 Twin model, which has a two-cylinder engine with a volume of 745 cm³ and a power of 55 hp. s., connected to a 5-speed gearbox in a single unit.
The next premiere is the lightweight single-cylinder Z220 with an engine capacity of 198 cm³.
Then the Z650 debuted (652 cc, 64 hp).
The new Z7508 featured a twin-cylinder 750cc DOHC engine with a counterbalancer shaft system. The company's assortment includes large SUVs, enduro, and motocross models. KAWASAKI continues to support its own motorcycle racers by testing new products and introducing the most useful know-how from exclusive models into mass production.
In 1977, engineers decided to update the 900Z1 model. Improvements and an increase in engine capacity brought fans of the brand a new product: the Z 1000.
In 1979, a very successful model premiered: the Z1300 did not leave the company’s production lines for 10 years. The engine of the heavy bike had six cylinders and a volume of 1286 cm³, liquid cooling and a power of 120 hp. With. The motorcycle was equipped with three two-chamber carburetors and a five-speed gearbox.
Pictured: KAWASAKI Z1300 (1979)
All this time, the company did not forget about participation in racing, for which they developed unique motorcycles: with two two-cylinder two-stroke liquid-cooled engines, placed one behind the other. These models were made famous by Cork Ballington from South Africa, the famous racer who took the world champion titles in 1978 and 1979.
In 1980, the champion title was taken by the German Anton Mang: before the end of his career in 1982, he managed to collect several first places on small-capacity KAWASAKIs.
Pictured: Cork Bellington, world road racing champion
80s
In 1980, a new lightweight model was introduced to the public - the AR50, designed for comfortable movement around the city. The motorcycle was equipped with a two-stroke single-cylinder power unit with a volume of 49 cm³ and a 6-speed transmission. Its features include a small fairing, Uni-Trak rear suspension, front disc and rear drum brakes.
Pictured: KAWASAKI AR50
In 1982, heavy motorcycles took on a new style, set the tone by the GPZ.
Its most noticeable feature is the unbroken line of cladding. It was equipped with four-cylinder engines with different volumes, from 399 to 1,089 cm³, but the most popular modification was the GPZ 500, which was produced until 2009! By the way, under this name the model was sold only in Europe, in the USA it was presented under a more sonorous and memorable name - KAWASAKI Ninja 500R. The motorcycle captivated the public with its versatility: it was announced as a sports touring bike, but it was no less comfortable to move around on city streets.
The model turned out to be very reliable and inexpensive, including in terms of fuel consumption (5.5 liters per 100 km). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds was provided by a two-cylinder engine with a power of 60 hp. With. and 6-speed transmission. It reached a maximum speed of 200 km/h. The model might seem boring to fastidious aesthetes, but for beginners and ordinary bikers its capabilities were enough for all occasions.
Pictured: KAWASAKI GPZ 500 (aka Ninja 500R)
In 1982, KAWASAKI presented the world's first production motorcycle with a turbocharger - the ZX750 Turbo with an engine capacity of 738 cm³ and a power of 112 hp. With. The engine was taken from the ZX750 model and seriously modified. The motorcycle was equipped with new pistons, a reinforced five-speed gearbox, a new oil pan, an electronic injection system and a trendy aluminum fairing. The red and black livery emphasized power and superiority on the road. The KAWASAKI ZX750 Turbo set a new world speed record for road motorcycles, recording a speedometer mark of 235 km/h.
The model was produced for only two years: it turned out to be too complex, powerful and expensive. And soon non-turbocharged motorcycles achieved similar performance.
Pictured: KAWASAKI ZX750 Turbo
In 1984, KAWASAKI introduced a new type of motorcycle called the Vulcan. Over the years (it’s hard to believe, but bikes of this family are still produced to this day), models with different engine sizes and technical characteristics have been added to the line. All of them are classic choppers designed for long-distance travel. Comfortable ergonomic fit, soft shock absorption and smooth gear shifting are the invariable attributes of cruisers. The first model was equipped with a 41 hp power unit. With. and volume 699 cm³. Outwardly, it resembled a cheetah in a jump: thanks to its rapid contours and sloping rear shock absorbers.
In 1986, the first light modification of the successful Vulcan 400 model appeared. It was equipped with a Twin V-engine with a volume of 398 cm³ and a power of 30 hp. With. with liquid cooling.
Pictured: KAWASAKI Vulcan 400
In 1987, the new ZX-10 model was released - with an in-line four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a volume of 997 cm³ and a power of 137 hp. Its speed limit was 280 km/h, acceleration to “hundreds” took less than three seconds.
Pictured: KAWASAKI ZX-10
90s
The prestige from successful participation in the world championships inspired the company's engineers to build a superbike. It was the KAWASAKI ZXR750 Stinger (translated as “sting”). The bike was equipped with an in-line four-cylinder power unit with a volume of 748 cm³ and a power of 107 hp. With. This is where Scott Russell won the World Championship in 1993.
Pictured: KAWASAKI ZXR750 Stinger
The company's marketers are recording a surge of interest in retro style that has appeared all over the world, and are rushing to fill the sought-after niche. This is how the KAWASAKI Zephyr appeared with an inline four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 399 cm³ and a power of 49 hp. With. air cooled. Its 70s-style design was so beloved by motorcyclists that sales exceeded even the wildest forecasts. A little later, modifications appeared with power units with a volume of 553 and 783 cm³, with a capacity of 50 and 72 hp. With. and others. The model range, along with the name Zephyr, also received a letter designation - ZRX. It has been supplemented with new models for several years.
Pictured: KAWASAKI Zephyr 400
Continuing to exploit the retro theme, the designers developed another model, this time stylistically related to the 50s, but with the latest “filling”. It was KAWASAKI Estrella with a 20 hp engine. With. and volume 249 cm³. Small size and weight, low seat (which is comfortable even for short bikers), economical consumption (up to 3.5 liters per 100 km in the city) immediately brought this model to the top of sales. By the way, Estrella became the ancestor of a large family of bikes that have been produced for decades.
Pictured: KAWASAKI Estrella 250
In addition to these achievements, the company’s treasury includes the release of the ZZR-R1100 model in the early 90s, which for five years held the title of the fastest bike among “series models.” According to good tradition (and, we hope, without the goal of confusing fans and historians), on the American market the same model was called KAWASAKI ZX-11 Ninja.
The motorcycle was equipped with an inline four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a capacity of 147 horsepower. It featured well-designed wind protection, a lightweight aluminum frame and a comfortable, upright riding position. In 2002, it was replaced by a new version - ZZR 1200.
Pictured: KAWASAKI ZZR-R1100
Since 1996, the company began to equip some models with the ABS system.
2000s
In 2000, the Japanese released the flagship of the KAWASAKI sports motorcycle line - the ZX-12R Ninja, which managed to hold the title of “the fastest serial motorcycle in the world” until 2006. It heralded a new era in motorcycle design by being the first to feature an aluminum monocoque frame.
Outstanding speed characteristics were achieved thanks to an in-line four-cylinder liquid-cooled power unit with a volume of 1,199 cm³ and a power of 178 hp. With. And thanks to electronic fuel injection and inertial supercharging (Ram-Air), peak power reached as much as 190 “horses”. The speedometer mark of 100 km/h was reached in 2.7 seconds, and 200 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Maximum speed is 308 km/h. Other important features of the KAWASAKI ZX-12R are an aluminum monocoque frame, modern sports suspension with all adjustments, a wide rear tire and powerful 6-piston brakes at the front.
Interestingly, it was in 2000 that motorcycle manufacturers from Japan and BMW signed an agreement on a forced speed limit on all production models: a maximum of 300 km/h. So KAWASAKI developers had to urgently adjust the operation of the ZX-12R Ninja control unit, making appropriate changes.
Pictured: KAWASAKI ZX-12R Ninja
In 2001, KAWASAKI created a strategic alliance with another Japanese legendary motorcycle manufacturer, Suzuki: they jointly design and produce motorcycles, but retain their own sales structure.
Manufacturers strived for leadership in all classes of motorcycles. They couldn't ignore cruisers either. In 2004, serial production of the flagship model Vulcan 2000 began with a record V-engine capacity of 2,053 cm³, producing 103 hp. With. Electronic fuel injection, dual throttle bodies, forged pistons and connecting rods and hydraulic valve lash adjusters ensure precision, reliability and power.
Pictured: KAWASAKI Vulcan 2000
In order not to lose world leadership in speed, in 2012 KAWASAKI is renovating the ZZR model. Now it is equipped with an engine with a volume of 1,441 cm³ and a power of 210 hp. With.
Today, KAWASAKI motorcycles cover all existing classes: supersport, cruisers, sports-touring, road, universal, as well as enduro and motocross bikes. The company's engineers are currently developing the first electric motorcycle.
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How is Kawasaki syndrome treated?
The exact etiology of Kawasaki syndrome is unknown. According to epidemiological and clinical manifestations, the disease is of an infectious nature or an atypical immune response to infection in genetically predisposed children. The autoimmune nature of the disease is also not excluded.
There is no direct treatment for Kawasaki syndrome. Basically it consists of taking aspirin. Patients are also given intravenous immunoglobulin. If left untreated, the disease may resolve on its own within about two weeks, but the coronary arteries will remain damaged.
Kawasaki started out in America with little promise.
Kawasaki opened its headquarters in the United States. The team responsible for the international expansion of the brand started from scratch in a foreign territory. However, they had the most important thing: knowledge and love for their work. They started a new factory with no image, no distributors and no customers. Their belief in their product was so strong that it allowed them to create an entirely new market. With a desire to succeed and negotiation skills, they promised to create a factory that would supply the highest quality products. This they offered to private companies, with whom they started a business selling the first motorcycles. These intrepid entrepreneurs tackled a seemingly daunting task with steely determination and a desire to succeed in their venture.
The Kawasaki motorcycle company makes jet engines.
The technical savvy of Kawasaki's engineering and design team has led the company to create amazing motorcycles and more. In addition to producing widely sold motorcycles, they also produce ships, electronics, jet skis, trains, construction tractors, jet engines, helicopters, and space rockets.
18. Most Ninja 1000 riders are experienced riders.
Kawasaki is so interested in learning more about their customers that they researched even more customers who buy the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 model and found that the average age of these riders is male, 47 years old, and most of them have at some point have completed formal rider training courses. And they ride motorcycles for an average of 19.4 years in their lives.
They were the first foreign motorcycle company to open a plant in the United States.
Kawasaki took the lead in moving forward by creating a factory that would produce motorcycles for the American market on American soil. They sold their products in the US before this. Therefore, they developed a plan to introduce and sell their products within the US market. To achieve this, several executives got together and made a plan to produce motorcycles in the US domestic market. It made sense and saved them a lot of money and time. By producing Kawasaki motorcycles this way, they avoided wasting time and paying foreign duties from trade between countries. It was also beneficial for Americans in terms of job creation and economic development. Soon Toyota, Honda, VW and Nissan did the same.
6. They brought ATV and jet ski entertainment to the US.
Kawasaki expanded its offerings by the 1980s. The company produced ATVs, as well as Side by Side vehicles and Jet Skis, which were wildly successful in the US market. While these were additions that were more than welcomed by the leisure-hungry population, Kawasaki did not shy away from the attention given to their motorcycle lines. Kawasaki Ninja sports motorcycles have become a popular product among Americans.
