Bag Systems Research Articles

Morphological capacitive sensors for air bag applications

The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 208 includes directives rendering the morphological estimation of passengers mandatory for advanced air bag systems. The dynamic automatic suppression system uses both the morphological and positional information about the passenger to allow or prevent air bag deployment. Various solutions have been proposed to obtain these information by using capacitive sensors. This paper presents a method, that makes possible use of such sensors in the car industry by correcting their responses from these perturbing parameters.

Evaluation of a new whole-blood filter that allows preparation of platelet concentrates by platelet-rich plasma methods.

A novel WBC-reduction in-line whole-blood (WB) filter that does not retain platelets was evaluated to assess the filtration performance and, after processing WB by the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) method, to analyze the storage quality of filtered platelet concentrate (PC) units. To analyze the filter retention, blood was collected from random donors into quadruple blood packs with an integral in-line filter (Imuflex WB-SP, Terumo; n = 25) or in standard triple bag systems (n = 30). To assess the in vitro storage characteristics of platelets, 26 WB units were pooled in pairs and redistributed into 13 units that underwent WBC reduction and 13 units that were not WBC reduced. In all cases, WB was separated into RBCs, PCs, and plasma by the PRP method and platelet function was compared. The filtration procedure led to RBC and PC WBC-reduced products that met the AABB and European requirements. The average filtration time was 30 minutes, the filter retained about 45 mL of WB, and there was no further loss of RBCs during the fractionation procedure. In vitro PC storage characteristics of the filtered units were similar to those of the nonfiltered units. A 4- and 3-log WBC reduction was observed in RBC and PC units that were produced by the PRP method, with a mean residual WBC content of 0.24 +/- 0.38 x 106 and 0.02 +/- 0.03 x 106 per unit, respectively. The procedure, performed under relatively simple logistics, results in good-quality, standard components that may reduce costs and ease the process of WBC reduction in transfusion services.

The in vitro biocompatibility performance of a 25 mmol/L bicarbonate/10 mmol/L lactate-buffered peritoneal dialysis fluid

The in vitro biocompatibility performance of a 25 mmol/L bicarbonate/10 mmol/L lactate-buffered peritoneal dialysis fluid.The biocompatibility profile of a new peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution (Physioneal 35) was determined using a selection of in vitro assay systems. Physioneal 35 is buffered by a combination of 25 mmol/L bicarbonate and 10 mmol/L lactate, thereby providing a solution with a total of 35 mmol/L of alkali to complement the currently available 25 mmol/L bicarbonate and 15 mmol/L lactate combination solution, Physioneal 40. In addition, the new solution contains a calcium concentration of 1.75 mmol/L rather than 1.25 mmol/L present in Physioneal 40. Physioneal 35 and 40 are manufactured in double chamber bag systems that permit separation of glucose from the buffer during sterilization. When the two chambers are mixed just before patient use, the resulting solution has a neutral pH and reduced glucose degradation content. Physioneal 35 was evaluated for its cytotoxicity potential using a murine fibroblast assay, its acute effect on human neutrophil and human peritoneal mesothelial cell function, and its in vitro potential to form advanced glycation end products (AGE). The biocompatibility characteristics of this new formulation were compared with that of a conventional, lactate-based solution and to that of its parent formulation, Physioneal 40.Proliferation of murine fibroblasts was determined after exposure to dialysis fluids for 72 hours. Cell viability was assayed by the ability to take up neutral red dye. Human neutrophils were exposed for 15 minutes to dialysis fluids, and their ATP content and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulated chemiluminescence response was determined as a measure of viability and respiratory burst activity, respectively. Cellular interleukin (IL)-1beta-driven IL-8 synthesis by human mesothelial cells following acute exposure to dialysis fluids was also assessed. Advanced glycation end product formation in the dialysis fluids was measured after 5 and 20 days of incubation with human serum albumin (HSA) as the model protein.In all assays employed, the biocompatibility profile of Physioneal 35 was similar to that of the Physioneal 40 parent formulation. Physioneal 35 showed a significant improvement in biocompatibility performance compared to a pH neutralized conventional lactate-buffered peritoneal dialysis solution in the murine fibroblast assay. In the acute exposure assays, human neutrophil viability and respiratory burst were significantly improved compared with the acidic, conventional solution; however, no statistically significant improvement were seen in mesothelial cells. AGE formation, which is thought to be an important mechanism by which glucose and glucose degradation products cause structural and functional changes of the peritoneal membrane, was significantly lower in Physioneal 35 compared with the conventional dialysis solution.The biocompatibility profile of Physioneal 35 was similar to that of the original Physioneal 40 bicarbonate/ lactate-buffered dialysis solution, confirming that differences in both buffer content and calcium concentration do not affect biocompatibility performance. Both bicarbonate/lactate formulations (Physioneal 35 and Physioneal 40) were more biocompatible than a conventional lactate-buffered dialysis solution in this in vitro biocompatibility assessment.

Determination of organophosphate ester plasticisers in blood donor plasma using a new stir‐bar assisted microporous membrane liquid‐liquid extractor

AbstractA new stir‐bar assisted microporous membrane liquid‐liquid extractor (MMLLE) was used for clean‐up of organophosphate esters in blood plasma. The plasma sample was stirred on one side of a planar membrane while the receiving organic phase was continuously pumped on the other side. Recoveries for eight different organophosphate esters were between 30 and 89% and relative standard deviations between 1.2 and 15%. The method limits of detection, when extracting 5 g plasma and analysing the extract with gas chromatography and nitrogen phosphorus detector, were between 0.2 and 0.9 ng g–1 plasma at S/N = 3. The extraction efficiency in terms of analyte mass transfer per time unit through the membrane was shown to be much higher for stir‐bar assisted MMLLE compared to the more commonly used flow‐cell type of membrane extractor. Blood donor plasma collected with three different types of whole blood collection bag system was analysed with respect to organophosphate ester plasticisers. In plasma from one type of bag system, triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) and 2‐ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) were detected at concentrations of 0.053–0.13 μg g–1 and 0.73–1.2 μg g–1 plasma, respectively. The main source of the organophosphate esters was found to be the whole blood collection bag system, with some parts containing EHDPP at concentrations of approximately 60 μg g–1. In plasma collected with the other two types of bag systems, no detectable levels of organophosphate esters were found.

Glucose degradation products in peritoneal dialysis fluids: Do they harm?

Severe limitations in biocompatibility of conventional peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDF) can be partially attributed to the presence of glucose degradation products (GDP), which are generated during autoclaving of PDF. Formation of GDP can be significantly reduced by the use of multi-chamber bag systems. Recent clinical studies have revealed increased dialysate levels of pro-collagen I C-terminal peptide (PICP) in patients dialyzed with these solutions. Here, we briefly review the current knowledge on various aspects of GDP toxicity toward peritoneal cells and analyze the impact of GDP on PICP release by human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) in vitro. HPMC were exposed to a mixture of known GDP added to culture medium at clinically relevant doses. After 12 days, the amount of PICP released was measured using an immunoassay. Furthermore, the protein synthesis was assessed by 3H-proline incorporation in HPMC exposed to peritoneal effluent obtained from patients after three months of CAPD with either conventional PDF or low-GDP solution. Exposure to GDP resulted in a significant decrease in PICP release by HPMC. In addition, the synthesis of new proteins secreted by HPMC was preserved significantly better in HPMC treated with effluent obtained when patients were dialyzed with low-GDP solutions rather than conventional PDF. Exposure to GDP may impair protein synthesis and secretion by HPMC. Therefore, increased dialysate PICP levels in response to GDP-free PDF may be viewed as evidence of improved mesothelial cell function.

Earthquake Data Recorded by the MEMS Accelerometer: Field Testing in Idaho

The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) operates 26 seismic stations remotely located in southeastern Idaho and 25 strong-motion accelerographs located at critical facilities at the INEEL site. The INEEL seismic network has recently upgraded standard analog instrumentation at all of its seismic stations to digital recording systems. Seismic data are transmitted to a central recording laboratory in Idaho Falls, Idaho using 900 MHz wireless modems. INEEL has also chosen digital recording systems to replace the 25 analog film-recording strong-motion accelerographs. INEEL chose to field-test the Applied MEMS, Inc. model SF1500A tri-axial accelerometer1 with the digital recording system for suitability in earthquake ground-motion recording. In this note we report on the results of our field tests. MEMS (Micro ElectroMechanical Systems) sensors are miniature sensors made in wafer fabrication facilities similar to semiconductor foundries. Many types of commercial MEMS accelerometers exist and are used for a wide range of applications such as air bag systems, detecting industrial vibrations, and strong-motion recording. The Applied MEMS, Inc. model SF1500A is an analog force-feedback accelerometer featuring a variable capacitance, silicon bulk-micromachined acceleration sensor, and a custom low-power mixed-signal integrated circuit. The custom design results in a very lownoise, low-distortion sensor with high bandwidth, dynamic range, stability, and robustness (Figure 1). The SF1500A accelerometer can withstand shock impacts up to 1,500 g and has a demonstrated operating temperature range from –40°C to +85°C. The nominal bandwidth is from DC to 1.5 kHz with a …

Flush volumes delivered from pressurized bag pump flush systems in neonates and small children.

The aim of this study was to measure the volumes of fluid delivered with a fast flush bolus from a flow regulating device. In-vitro fast flush bolus volumes, the volumes delivered from a bag pump flush system while opening the flow regulating device for 1, 2 or 5 s, were gravimetrically measured through a 22-G and a 24-G cannula. In-vivo 1- and 2-s fast flush bolus volumes and the volume required to purge the tubing between stopcock and arterial cannula from visible blood after blood sampling were recorded in 12 anaesthetized neonates and infants (mean age 2.17 +/- 1.97 months, range 0.26-5.37 months) with a 24-G radial arterial cannula by continuously weighing the bag pump flush system at manometer pressures of 100, 200 and 300 mmHg. In-vitro fast flush bolus volumes ranged from 0.23 +/- 0.04 ml (1-s, 100 mmHg, 24-G cannula) to 2.95 +/- 0.38 ml (5-s, 300 mmHg, 22-G cannula). Volumes were larger using a 22-G cannula than a 24-G cannula (P < 0.01) and increased with longer flushing periods (P < 0.0001) and higher manometer pressures (P < 0.0001). In-vivo 1- and 2-s fast flush bolus volumes correlated well with driving pressures (infusion pressure minus mean arterial pressure) (r2 = 0.81/0.72). 1-s fast flush bolus volumes delivered (ml) were 0.0025 x mmHg driving pressure and 2-s fast flush bolus volumes delivered (ml) were 0.0043 x mmHg driving pressure. The mean volume delivered to purge blood from the arterial pressure tubing was 0.94 +/- 0.18 ml (range 0.61-1.34 ml). Fast bolus flushing from pressurized infusion bag systems, using the flow regulating device tested, can be applied during neonatal and paediatric anaesthesia without delivering uncontrolled amounts of fluid.

A treatise on crash sensing for automotive air bag systems

Car air bags are effective safety features, but have caused some fatalities and injuries. An essential focus of potential enhancements ("smart air bags") centers around crash sensing. This paper provides a basic yet thorough discussion of underlying technical challenges and design approaches for the subject matter. Mechanical sensors are analyzed to reveal their functioning characteristics. Discussions of design approaches for electronic sensor are elaborated with analysis of sensing algorithms. Subsequently, the shortcomings of current systems are cited. Definitions and compositions of smart air bags are then summarized. Included in the discussions are occupant sensing and integrated systems. Also presented is a perspective on system design of occupant restraints that relates to the concept of energy management. The implementation of air bags and related occupant restraints requires extensive knowledge from various engineering disciplines, in particular mechanical, chemical, electrical, and increasingly electronic expertise. The market is evolving toward a greater usage of electronic contents. The demand of advanced functions is stimulating the integration of various sensing technologies.

Review: double bag or Y-set systems reduce peritonitis in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

. Daly C, Campbell M, Cody J, et al. Double bag or Y-set versus standard transfer systems for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in end-stage renal disease . Cochrane Database Syst...

Differences in Residual White Blood Cell Subset Counts in Buffy Coat‐Depleted Red Cell Concentrates Prepared with Bottom and Top or Quadruple‐Bag Systems

Abstract Background: For preparation of buffy coat‐depleted red cell concentrates (RCCs) in additive solution whole blood is currently collected in The Netherlands both in quadruple‐bag and bottom and top bag systems. By using the quadruple‐bag system both plasma and buffy coat cells are transferred into integrated satellite bags while the red cells remain in the collection bag. When bottom and top bags are used, the buffy coat remains in the collection bag while both red cells and plasma are transferred into satellite bags. The difference in processing prompted us to perform quantitative analysis of residual WBC subsets in buffy coat‐depleted RCCs. Differences in removal of specific cells with the buffy coat could improve the outcome of additional filtration procedures aiming at complete removal of specific WBC subsets. Study Design and Methods: The buffy coat was removed in semiautomated procedures (Optipress I; Compomat G4) from units of whole blood collected in both bag systems. Paired samples were taken before and after removal of the buffy coat for counting and analyzing WBC subsets by flow cytometry using subset specific monoclonal antibodies. Results: All RCCs met the criteria from the guidelines of the Council of Europe. The percentage of residual total WBCs was lower (p &lt; 0.001) in RCCs processed in bottom and top bag systems (26% Compomat and 18% Optipress) as compared to RCCs processed in quadruple‐bag systems (43% compomat). WBC subset analysis in RCCs processed in quadruple‐bag systems showed approximately 25% of residual T cells, B cells and monocytes and 60% of residual granulocytes. In contrast, WBC subset analysis in RCCs processed in bottom and top bag systems showed approximately 2% residual T cells, B cells, and monocytes and 35% residual granulocytes; in about 45% of units, lymphocytes and monocytes were even below the detection limit of flow cytometry analysis. Conclusion:Buffy coat‐depleted RCCs are currently processed in bottom and top bag or quadruple‐bag systems, the former being superior to the latter due to selective depletion of lymphocytes and monocytes by 98% (2 logs). The bottom and top procedure is an evident contribution to leukodepletion in blood transfusion, both with and without additional filtration.

Comparative Study of Spray Booth Filter System Efficiency

ABSTRACT During recent years, greater emphasis has been placed on the control of particulate emissions from painting operations. This has gained more importance as more is learned about the potential release of toxic metals to the atmosphere from painting operations. This has led to queries about the efficiency of various painting arrestor systems to reduce particulate discharges to the atmosphere. Even more important is the capability of the arrestor systems to control PM10 emissions. In 1995, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiated a study to evaluate various dry paint overspray arrestor systems. This study was designed to evaluate not only the total emissions control capability of the arrestor but also the PM10 control capability of the various system designs. Paint overspray arrestor systems using five different filtration concepts or materials were selected. They include systems constructed of fiberglass, paper, Styrofoam, and cardboard materials. These systems used filtration techniques incorporating the following filtration phenomena and designs: cyclone, baffle, bag systems, and mesh systems. The testing used an optical particle counting procedure to determine the concentration of particles of a given size fraction to penetrate a test arrestor system. The results of the testing indicated that there are significant differences in the efficiency of the tested system designs to capture and retain PM10. This paper summarizes the results of the research conducted to determine the capability of the arrestor systems to capture particulate of sizes down to approximately 1 μm in surface diameter.

Evaluation of a Filter Bag System for NDF, ADF, and IVDMD Forage Analysis

A new method of determining in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was recently developed in which the digestion is conducted with the forage samples in filter bags. Our objective was to compare the filter bag and conventional IVDMD analysis methods using smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), and forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] samples. In addition, the filter bag analysis systems for determining non‐sequential neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF), respectively, were compared with the non‐sequential conventional analysis systems. In the filter bag systems, the forage samples are sealed in filter bags and the analyses are conducted on a batch basis rather than on an individual basis as in the conventional IVDMD and fiber analysis procedures. The filter bag analysis methods produced results similar to the conventional methods and ranked the forage samples in the same relative order.

Prevention of peritonitis with disconnect systems in CAPD: A randomized controlled trial

Recently, disconnect systems for CAPD that are associated with a reduced frequency of peritonitis have been introduced. Our objective was to compare the incidence of peritonitis using three current CAPD systems in a high-risk population with low educational and socioeconomic levels, and high prevalence of malnutrition. In a prospective controlled trial, 147 patients commencing CAPD were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 29 to the conventional, 57 to the Y-set, and 61 to the twin bag systems. The number of peritonitis episodes was registered, and patients were followed up for an average of 11.3 months. The average peritonitis-free interval for the conventional group was 6.1 months, for the Y system was 12.0 months, and for the twin bag was 24.8 months (P < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with peritonitis was the CAPD system. Peritonitis-related hospitalization was 5.3 +/- 2.0, 2.7 +/- 1.0, and 1.5 +/- 0.9 days/patient/year in the conventional, Y system, and twin bag groups, respectively. The cost per bag was similar for the conventional and Y system, but higher for the twin bag. However, the total costs of treatment (pesos/patient/year) were lower for twin bag (62,159 for the conventional, 70,275 for the Y system, and 54,387 for the twin bag), due to the lower peritonitis incidence and associated hospitalizations. Y system and twin bag use was associated with a reduction of 50 and 75% peritonitis incidence, respectively, in patients on CAPD. The cost of the twin bag was actually lower, because of savings from a decreased usage of antibiotics and fewer hospitalizations.

The Cost-effectiveness of Air Bags by Seating Position

Motor vehicle crashes continue to cause significant mortality and morbidity in the United States. Installation of air bags in new passenger vehicles is a major initiative in the field of injury prevention. To assess the net health consequences and cost-effectiveness of driver's side and front passenger air bags from a societal perspective, taking into account the increased risk to children who occupy the front passenger seat and the diminished effectiveness for older adults. A deterministic state transition model tracked a hypothetical cohort of new vehicles over a 20-year period for 3 strategies: (1) installation of safety belts, (2) installation of driver's side air bags in addition to safety belts, and (3) installation of front passenger air bags in addition to safety belts and driver's side air bags. Changes in health outcomes, valued in terms of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and costs (in 1993 dollars), were projected following the recommendations of the Panel on Cost-effectiveness in Health and Medicine. US population-based and convenience sample data were used. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Safety belts are cost saving, even at 50% use. The addition of driver's side air bags to safety belts results in net health benefits at an incremental cost of $24000 per QALY saved. The further addition of front passenger air bags results in an incremental net benefit at a higher incremental cost of $61000 per QALY saved. Results were sensitive to the unit cost of air bag systems, their effectiveness, baseline fatality rates, the ratio of injuries to fatalities, and the real discount rate. Both air bag systems save life-years at costs that are comparable to many medical and public health practices. Immediate steps can be taken to enhance the cost-effectiveness of front passenger air bags, such as moving children to the rear seat.

An assessment of the ability of a silver-releasing device to prevent bacterial contamination of urethral catheter drainage systems.

To investigate the ability of a silver-releasing device to protect the catheterized bladder from infection by blocking the ascending migration of bacteria from contaminated urine-drainage bags. A simple physical model of the catheterized bladder and drainage system was used with the device located in the drainage-tube just below the sampling port. Urine was supplied to the model at 1.0 mL/min and the drainage bag was contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. Over 10 days, urine from the bag, catheter sampling-port and bladder were examined for contamination. Bacteriological analysis showed that the mean time for test organisms to reach the sampling ports of four different control bag systems ranged from 5.7 to 7.7 days. Urine from the sampling ports of the test systems incorporating the silver device remained sterile for 10 days. The device also prevented the growth of the large populations of bacteria (10(8) colony-forming units per mL) that occurred in the control bags. While scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of bacterial biofilm throughout the control drainage systems, no bacterial colonization was visible on the surfaces of the test systems. Chemical analysis established that the devices consistently generated concentrations of silver in urine ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 micrograms/mL. The incorporation of the silver-releasing device into the drainage systems produced an antibacterial barrier which protected the catheterized bladder from intraluminal contamination for at least 10 days. These in vitro tests suggest a useful role for the device in controlling infection in patients undergoing short-term indwelling bladder catheterization.

Impact of new connectology in reducing peritonitis

Summary: A computer initiated literature search for publications addressing the association between connectology and peritonitis in continuous peritoneal dialysis patients identified 23 relevant articles. These publications used one of four basic clinical research designs (before‐after; single centre prospective cohort; multi‐centre prospective cohort and randomized clinical trial). the methodologic weaknesses inherent in the first two designs significantly impaired the validity of their conclusions. the two multi‐centre cohort studies and the five randomized clinical trials have external and internal validity, respectively. Combined, they suggest that the Y connector‐disinfectant system and the twin bag systems are associated with less peritonitis than standard, ultraviolet and possibly the Y set without disinfectant. the effect is entirely due to decreased infection with Staphylococcus epidermidis and other organisms associated with touch contamination. Peritonitis due to these organisms does not cause significant loss of peritoneal dialysis catheters or transfer to haemodialysis. the decreased hospitalization due to fewer episodes of peritonitis will become less important with more outpatient antibiotic treatment of these mild infections. Significant improvement in the morbidity associated with peritoneal dialysis related infection will require effective strategies for prevention of infection due to Staphylococcus aureus and gram‐negative organisms.

The “Flush” Procedure of Twin Bag Systems

The “Flush” Procedure of Twin Bag Systems

The electronic motorist

The shortcomings of the human driver are getting help from emerging technologies in the guise of navigation systems, engine immobilizers, night vision assistance, automated collision alert, air bag systems, low tyre pressure warning system, and fuzzy logic. The author describes these technologies. In particular the author describes some of the LCD display navigation systems, and intelligent transportation systems, including vehicle location, of which navigation is a component.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

The Selection of Plastic Materials for Blood Bags

The procedures used in the preparation of blood components together with the processes used in the manufacture of multiple blood bag systems impose a unique combination of requirements that severely limits the selection of plastics. Plasticized PVC, the plastic used in the first blood bags introduced by Carl Walter over 40 years ago, remains the material of choice today. Blood bag material research has focused on two areas: (1) the development of containers with increased gas permeability for the storage of platelet concentrates; and (2) the reduction or elimination of plasticizer contamination of stored blood components. This research has led to the development of several second-generation containers that have improved the quality and extended the allowable storage period of platelet transfusion products. Plastics virtually free of extractives are available for the storage of platelets and plasma, but elimination of plasticizers from RBC products has not yet been achieved.

A revitalized Morton set for growth

Salt, specialty chemicals, and automobile air bags may have nothing in common except if they make money for you. And they do have that in common for Chicago-based Morton International, whose operating profits of $276 million for the 1991 fiscal year ending June 30 exceeded its 1990 income by 15% on a 16% increase in sales to $1.9 billion. That's not too shabby a performance during a recession for a two-and-a-half- year-old firm. Morton International today is the product of a divorce of Morton and its onetime aerospace division, now the independent $1.3 billion-a- year Thiokol Corp., based in Ogden, Utah. What's more, Morton is not downsizing, like Du Pont, or ridding itself of large chunks of its chemical operations, like W. R. Grace. Overall employment levels are actually growing as the company adds people to its air bag systems manufacturing operations. The company still has a healthy appetite for small niche acquisitions that will ...