Red blood cells are destroyed when the shear stress in the blood pump exceeds a threshold, which in turn triggers hemolysis in the patient. The impeller design of centrifugal blood pumps significantly influences the hydraulic characteristics and hemolytic properties of these devices. Based on this premise, the present study employs a multiphase flow approach to numerically simulate centrifugal blood pumps, investigating the performance of pumps with varying numbers of blades and blade deflection angles. This analysis encompassed the examination of flow field characteristics, hydraulic performance, and hemolytic potential. Numerical results indicated that the concentration of red blood cells and elevated shear stresses primarily occurred at the impeller and volute tongue, which drastically increased the risk of hemolysis in these areas. It was found that increasing the number of blades within a certain range enhanced the hydraulic performance of the pump but also raised the potential for hemolysis. Moreover, augmenting the blade deflection angle could improve the hemolytic performance, particularly in pumps with a higher number of blades. The findings from this study can provide valuable insights for the structural improvement and performance enhancement of centrifugal blood pumps.
血泵中剪切应力超过阈值时红细胞会被破坏，进而引发患者出现溶血。离心式血泵叶轮结构设计对血泵的水力特性及溶血特性有着显著影响。基于此，本文采用多相流方法对离心式血泵进行数值模拟，探究了具有不同叶片数量及偏转角叶轮形式血泵的性能，分析了血泵的流场特性、水力性能以及溶血性能。数值模拟结果表明：血泵主要在叶轮及隔舌处出现了红细胞集聚现象及较大的切应力，导致此处溶血急剧增加；在一定范围内增加叶片数会提升血泵水力性能，同时也会增加溶血风险；增加叶片偏转角有助于提升血泵溶血性能，在叶片数较多时更为明显。本文研究结果可为离心式血泵的结构改进及性能改善提供参考。.

Fatty acids (FAs) are an essential component of the erythrocyte membrane, and nutrition and physical exercise are two variables that affect their structure and function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the erythrocyte profile in a group of high-level endurance runners, as well as the changes in different FAs, throughout a sports season in relation to the training performed. A total of 21 high-level male endurance runners (23 ± 4 years; height: 1.76 ± 0.05) were evaluated at four different times throughout a sports season. The athletes had at least 5 years of previous experience and participated in national and international competitions. The determination of the different FAs was carried out by gas chromatography. The runners exhibited low concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and omega-3 index (IND ω-3), as well as high values of stearic acid (SA), palmitic acid (PA), and arachidonic acid (AA), compared to the values of reference throughout the study. In conclusion, training modifies the erythrocyte FA profile in high-level endurance runners, reducing the concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as DHA and AA and increasing the concentrations of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) such as SA and the PA. High-level endurance runners should pay special attention to the intake of PUFAs ω-3 in their diet or consider supplementation during training periods to avoid deficiency.

Nitroxides are stable radicals consisting of a nitroxyl group, >N-O•, which carries an unpaired electron. This group is responsible for the paramagnetic and antioxidant properties of these compounds. A recent study evaluated the effects of pyrrolidine and pyrroline derivatives of nitroxides on the antioxidant system of human red blood cells (RBCs). It showed that nitroxides caused an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of methemoglobin (MetHb) in cells (in pyrroline derivatives) but had no effect on the activity of catalase and lactate dehydrogenase. Nitroxides also reduced the concentration of ascorbic acid (AA) in cells but did not cause any oxidation of proteins or lipids. Interestingly, nitroxides initiated an increase in thiols in the plasma membranes and hemolysate. However, the study also revealed that nitroxides may have pro-oxidant properties. The drop in the AA concentration and the increase in the MetHb level and in SOD activity may indicate the pro-oxidant properties of nitroxides in red blood cells.

Galectins are a family of beta-galactoside-binding proteins that are characterised by their carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) and include galectin-1 and galectin-3. These galectins have been implicated in numerous diseases due to their pleiotropic nature, including cancer and fibrosis, with therapeutic inhibitors being clinically developed to block the CRD. One of the early methods developed to characterise these galectins was the hemagglutination of red blood cells. Although it is insightful, this approach has been hampered by a lack of sensitivity and accurate quantification of the agglutination observed. In this study, we aimed to validate a more precise and quantitative method to enable the further investigation of differences between galectins in respect to agglutination induction in different blood groups, as well as the characterisation of small molecule inhibitors. Quantification of hemagglutination was shown to be optimal using U-bottom plates imaged and analysed with FIJI ImageJ rather than flat-bottom plates read for absorbance on an optical density plate reader. Galectin-3-induced red blood cell agglutination efficacy increased significantly from blood group O to A to B. However, for both the galectin-1 monomer and concatemer, a more comparable effect was observed between blood group B and O, but with more potent effects than in blood group A. Inhibition assays for both galectin-3 and galectin-1 induced-hemagglutination were able to demonstrate clear concentration responses and expected selectivity profiles for a set of small-molecule glycomimetics, confirming the historical profiles obtained in biochemical binding and functional cellular assays.

Chloroquine (CQ) is a 4-aminoquinoline derivative largely employed in the management of malaria. CQ treatment exploits the drug\'s ability to cross the erythrocyte membrane, inhibiting heme polymerase in malarial trophozoites. Accumulation of CQ prevents the conversion of heme to hemozoin, causing its toxic buildup, thus blocking the survival of Plasmodium parasites. Recently, it has been reported that CQ is able to exert antiviral properties, mainly against HIV and SARS-CoV-2. This renewed interest in CQ treatment has led to the development of new studies which aim to explore its side effects and long-term outcome. Our study focuses on the effects of CQ in non-parasitized red blood cells (RBCs), investigating hemoglobin (Hb) functionality, the anion exchanger 1 (AE1) or band 3 protein, caspase 3 and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP-1B) activity, intra and extracellular ATP levels, and the oxidative state of RBCs. Interestingly, CQ influences the functionality of both Hb and AE1, the main RBC proteins, affecting the properties of Hb oxygen affinity by shifting the conformational structure of the molecule towards the R state. The influence of CQ on AE1 flux leads to a rate variation of anion exchange, which begins at a concentration of 2.5 μM and reaches its maximum effect at 20 µM. Moreover, a significant decrease in intra and extracellular ATP levels was observed in RBCs pre-treated with 10 µM CQ vs. erythrocytes under normal conditions. This effect is related to the PTP-1B activity which is reduced in RBCs incubated with CQ. Despite these metabolic alterations to RBCs caused by exposure to CQ, no signs of variations in oxidative state or caspase 3 activation were recorded. Our results highlight the antithetical effects of CQ on the functionality and metabolism of RBCs, and encourage the development of new research to better understand the multiple potentiality of the drug.

The prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking (WPS) is increasing worldwide and is relatively high among youth and young adults. It has been shown, both experimentally and clinically, that WPS exposure adversely affects the cardiovascular and hematological systems through the generation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of WPS exposure on erythrocytes, a major component of the hematological system, of BALB/c mice. Here, we assessed the effect of nose-only WPS exposure for four consecutive weeks on erythrocyte inflammation, oxidative stress, and eryptosis. The duration of the session was 30 min/day, 5 days/week. Control mice were exposed to air. Our results showed that the levels of C-reactive protein, lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase, and total nitric oxide (NO) were significantly increased in the plasma of WPS-exposed mice. The number of erythrocytes and the hematocrit were significantly decreased in WPS-exposed mice compared with the control group. Moreover, there was an increase in the erythrocyte fragility in mice exposed to WPS compared with those exposed to air. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase, LPO, reduced glutathione, catalase, and NO were significantly increased in the red blood cells (RBCs) of WPS-exposed mice. In addition, erythrocytes of the WPS-exposed group showed a significant increase in ATPase activity, Ca2+, annexin V binding, and calpain activity. Taken together, our findings suggest that WPS exposure elevated inflammation and oxidative stress in the plasma and induced hemolysis in vivo. It also caused alterations of RBCs oxidative stress and eryptosis in vitro. Our data confirm the detrimental impact of WPS on erythrocyte physiology.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to provide ideas for identifying the antibodies to high-frequency antigens by analyzing a female case of high-frequency antigen antibody (anti-Ku) using serological and sequencing method.
METHODS: The methods for identification of blood group, erythrocyte antigen, screening and identification of antibody were used to detect the blood type and antibody in the proband. The proband\'s serum and reagent screening cells treated with Sulfhydryl reagent were applied to judge the type and characteristics of this antibodies when reacted with the regaent screening cells or proband\'s serum respectively. Gene sequencing was used to determine the genotype of the proband\'s blood group.
RESULTS: The proband\'s red blood cells were determined as O type RhD positive, whose serum showed strong positive reaction to antibody-screening cells and antibody identification cells with the same intensity in saline and IAT medium, however, the self-cells showed negative effect. The Direct Antihuman Globulin of proband\'s red blood cells also showed weak positive reaction, and the other blood types were CcEe, Jk(a+b-), P1-, Le(a-b -), Lu (a-b +), K-, k-, Kp(a-b-). Serum of the proband treated with 2-ME still react with three groups of screening cells in IAT medium. The reaction intensity of proband\'s serum was also unchanged with the cells modified with papain and bromelain, but showed negative effect when the cells were treated with sulfhydryl agents including DTT and 2-ME. Gene sequencing revealed that the KEL genotype of the patient was KEL*02N.24 . This patient had a rare K0 phenotype.
CONCLUSIONS: The rare Kell-null blood group (also known as K0) were identified by serological and molecular tests in the proband who produced both IgG and IgM type of antibody to high-frequency antigen (anti-Ku). These two methods are of great significance in the identification of this rare blood group as well as the antibody to high frequency antigen.
UNASSIGNED: 抗Ku及其他高频抗原抗体的鉴定思路.
UNASSIGNED: 通过对一例女性高频抗原抗体（抗-Ku）病例进行血清学鉴定及血型基因测序分析，为高频抗原抗体的鉴定提供一定思路。.
UNASSIGNED: 运用血型鉴定、患者红细胞抗原鉴定、抗体筛选、抗体鉴定等方式检测该患者的血型及抗体。以巯基试剂处理后的血清与筛选细胞反应、患者血清与酶或巯基试剂处理的筛选细胞反应的方式来判断该抗体的类型及特点，采用基因测序的方法确定患者血型的基因型。.
UNASSIGNED: 该患者血型为O型RhD+，其血清与抗体筛选细胞及抗体鉴定细胞在间接抗人球及盐水介质中的反应呈强反应性，且强度一致，自身阴性，直接抗人球蛋白弱阳性；其他血型为CcEe、Jk(a+b-)、P1-、Le(a-b-)、Lu（a-b+）、K-、k-、Kp(a-b-)。血清经2-ME处理后，在间接抗人球介质中仍与3组筛选细胞反应；血清与经木瓜酶、菠萝酶修饰后的筛选细胞反应强度不变，与巯基试剂DTT、2-ME处理后的筛选细胞反应为阴性。基因测序显示该患者KEL 基因型为KEL*02N.24 ，为罕见的K0表型。.
UNASSIGNED: 血清学试验和分子生物学实验鉴定出该患者为罕见的Kel-null血型（又称K0），该患者体内产生了IgG及IgM性质的高频抗原抗体抗-Ku。血清学方法及分子生物学方法在此类稀有血型及高频抗原抗体的鉴定中具有重要意义。.

While often undetected and untreated, persistent seasonal asymptomatic malaria infections remain a global public health problem. Despite the presence of parasites in the peripheral blood, no symptoms develop. Disease severity is correlated with the levels of infected red blood cells (iRBCs) adhering within blood vessels. Changes in iRBC adhesion capacity have been linked to seasonal asymptomatic malaria infections, however how this is occurring is still unknown. Here, we present evidence that RNA polymerase III (RNA Pol III) transcription in Plasmodium falciparum is downregulated in field isolates obtained from asymptomatic individuals during the dry season. Through experiments with in vitro cultured parasites, we have uncovered an RNA Pol III-dependent mechanism that controls pathogen proliferation and expression of a major virulence factor in response to external stimuli. Our findings establish a connection between P. falciparum cytoadhesion and a non-coding RNA family transcribed by Pol III. Additionally, we have identified P. falciparum Maf1 as a pivotal regulator of Pol III transcription, both for maintaining cellular homeostasis and for responding adaptively to external signals. These results introduce a novel perspective that contributes to our understanding of P. falciparum virulence. Furthermore, they establish a connection between this regulatory process and the occurrence of seasonal asymptomatic malaria infections.

Envenomation by the Hypnale hypnale in the Western Ghats of India (particularly in the Malabar region of Kerala) and the subcontinent island nation of Sri Lanka is known to inflict devastating mortality and morbidity. Currently, H. hypnale bites in India are devoid of anti-venom regimens. A detailed characterization of the venom is essential to stress the need for therapeutic anti-venom. Notably, the deleterious effects of this venom on human blood cells have largely remained less explored. Therefore, in continuation of our previous study, in the present study, we envisioned investigating the effect of venom on the morphological and physiological properties of red blood cells (RBCs). The venom readily induced deleterious morphological changes and, finally, the aggregation of washed RBCs. The aggregation process was independent of the ROS and the intracellular Ca2+ ion concentration. Confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the loss of biconcave morphology and massive cytoskeletal disarray. Crenation or serrated plasma membrane projections were evenly distributed on the surface of the RBCs. The venom did not cause the formation of methemoglobin in washed RBCs but was significantly induced in whole blood. Venom did not affect glucose uptake and Na+/K+ -ATPase activity but inhibited glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase activity and decreased the fluidity of the plasma membrane. Venom-induced RBC aggregates exhibited pro-coagulant activity but without affecting platelet aggregation. In pre-incubation or co-treatment studies, none of the bioactive compounds, such as melatonin, curcumin, fisetin, berberine, and quercetin, sugars such as mannose and galactose, and therapeutic polyvalent anti-venoms (Bharat and VINS) were inhibited, whereas only N-acetylcysteine and H. hypnale monovalent anti-venom could inhibit venom-induced deleterious morphological changes and aggregation of RBCs. In post-treatment studies, paradoxically, none of the bioactives and anti-venoms, including N-acetylcysteine and H. hypnale monovalent anti-venom, reversed the venom-induced RBC aggregates.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising natural nanocarriers for the delivery of therapeutic agents. As with any other kind of cell, red blood cells (RBCs) produce a limited number of EVs under physiological and pathological conditions. Thus, RBC-derived extracellular vesicles (RBCEVs) have been recently suggested as next-generation delivery systems for therapeutic purposes. In this paper, we show that thanks to their unique biological and physicochemical features, RBCs can be efficiently pre-loaded with several kinds of molecules and further used to generate RBCEVs. A physical vesiculation method, based on \"soft extrusion\", was developed, producing an extremely high yield of cargo-loaded RBCEV mimetics. The RBCEVs population has been deeply characterized according to the new guidelines MISEV2023, showing great homogeneity in terms of size, biological features, membrane architecture and cargo. In vitro preliminary results demonstrated that RBCEVs are abundantly internalized by cells and exert peculiar biological effects. Indeed, efficient loading and delivery of miR-210 by RBCEVs to HUVEC has been proven, as well as the inhibition of a known mRNA target. Of note, the bench-scale process can be scaled-up and translated into clinics. In conclusion, this investigation could open the way to a new biomimetic platform for RNA-based therapies and/or other therapeutic cargoes useful in several diseases.