Entropic equilibrium for the lattice Boltzmann method: Hydrodynamics and numerical properties.

The entropic lattice Boltzmann framework proposed the construction of the equilibrium by taking into consideration minimization of a discrete entropy functional. The effect of this entropic equilibrium on properties of the resulting solver has been the topic of discussions in the literature. Here we present a rigorous analysis of the hydrodynamics and numerics of the entropic equilibrium. We demonstrate that the entropic equilibrium features unconditional linear stability, in contrast to the conventional polynomial equilibrium. We reveal the mechanisms through which unconditional linear stability is maintained, most notable of which are adaptive propagation velocity of normal modes and the positive-definite nature of the dissipation rates of hydrodynamic eigenmodes. We further present a simple local correction to considerably reduce the deviations in the effective bulk viscosity.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Radiologic Intervention of Biliary Complications following Liver Transplantation: A Single-center Experience.

Background: Biliary complications are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergo¬ing Liver Transplantation (LT). Post-biliary transplantation strictures (BSs) are a severe problem with a high risk of graft failure. However, management of these BSs has remained controversial, and consid¬erable variability has been reported in Percutaneous Transhepatic Radiological Interventions (PTRIs) related to broad differences in technical procedures. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous treatments in managing post-LT BSs in a center in Shiraz. Methods: PTRIs including balloon dilatation, metallic stent, and internal or internal-external hand-made plastic stent insertion were done for 34 transplanted patients with BSs referring to the Interventional Radiology Unit of Shiraz Namazi Hospital. Technical success rate, patency rates, and complications were evaluated. Results: The. In this study, 31 strictures were successfully treated without any significant difference between the anastomotic and non-anastomotic types of stricture (success rate: 91.2%). Based on the results, 12- , 24-, and 36-month primary patency rates were 90.1%, 84.5%, and 76.8%, respectively. The secondary patency rate was 100% at 12 and 24 months and 93.3% at 36 and 60 months. The rate of minor complica¬tions (mild cholangitis and hemobilia) was 6.4%, and no major complications were detected. Conclusion: According to the findings, PTRI is an effective method for treating anastomotic and non-anas- tomotic strictures with a high success rate and low complications.

Nanoencapsulation (in vitro and in vivo) as an efficient technology to boost the potential of garlic essential oil as alternatives for antibiotics in broiler nutrition.

The addition of essential oil (EO) as chitosan encapsulated can increase the efficiency of these oils in broiler feeding. Therefore, the objective of the current research was to explore the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of garlic essential oil (GEO) (free vs. nanoencapsulated) and their effects on performance, gene expression of mucin2, microbial, and morphology of intestine in broilers. A total of 900 1-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were assigned to six dietary treatments (0, 100, and 200 mg/kg free GEO and 0 (contain of chitosan), 100 and 200 mg/kg nanoencapsulated GEO) with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement based on completely randomized design. Garlic essential oil encapsulation with chitosan significantly enhanced antibacterial and antioxidant parameters. At 100 mg/kg nanoencapsulated GEO had significant (P < 0.01) advantages in improving BW gain (BWG) (22-42 and 0-42) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (0-42). Maximum feed intake (FI) was also associated with the control group (P < 0.05). Broilers fed on 100 mg/kg of nanoencapsulated GEO showed higher villi length and width relative to other treatments and villi length to crypt depth ratio as well (P < 0.01). The nanoencapsulation process of GEO (P < 0.01) affected the Lactobacilli population in the digesta of ileo-caecum and mucin2 gene expression. In broiler chickens, the tested EO, especially nanoencapsulated type, enhanced more evaluated parameters. Because of its ideal properties, nanoencasulating with chitosan may also be an effective and inexpensive way to protect bioactive compounds and improve GEO effects in broiler chickens.

Importance of miR-UL-148D Expression Pattern in Cytomegalovirus Infected Transplant Patients.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, 18-22 nucleotide non-coding RNA molecules. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous and particular herpes virus that encodes miRNAs, which increases gradually in the presence of infection. One of the important viral miRNAs is HCMV-miRUL-148D, which plays a role in establishing and maintaining viral latency. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the expression levels of HCMV-miRUL-148D in active and inactive HCMV infected transplant patient groups compared to healthy individuals. Methods: Total RNA was extracted from blood samples of 60 solid organ transplant patients and 30healthy controls. In-house SYBR Green Real-Time PCR evaluated the expression levels of studied miRNAand gene. Results: The expression level of the UL-148D gene was significantly higher in the active HCMV infectedpatients (p=0.001) compared to other groups. While the miRUL-148D expression level significantly increased in the inactive HCMV-infected patients (p<0.001) compared to other groups. Conclusion: Increased miRUL-148D expression level in the inactive HCMV-infected transplant patients indicates the potential role of this miRUL-148D as a biomarker of the HCMV latent stage.

Effects of Different Cold Preservation Solutions on the Functions of Cultured Isolated Human Hepatocytes.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocyte transplantation using isolated human hepatocytes is an alternative source that can be used for the treatment of metabolic diseases and acute liver failure as a time bridge to liver transplantation. These cells can also be used for bioartificial liver systems and in vitro study of drug toxicity. OBJECTIVE: To determine which cold preservation solution is better maintain the liver function. METHODS: We prepared 4 cold preservation solutions made of different combination of antioxidants, chelating, membrane protective, and anti-apoptotic agents as well as inhibitor of cyclophilin D. For hepatocyte isolation, we used livers obtained from unused deceased donor livers and the liver of patients with Crigler-Najjar syndrome who were candidates of partial liver transplantation. After culture and cold preservation, the level of albumin, and urea production were measured as indices of liver functionality. RESULTS: We found that albumin production significantly decreased after cold preservation in solution 1. There was no significant difference in urea production after cold preservation in solution 1 compared with control 24 h. No significant differences in albumin production were found after cold storage in solution 2 and solution 4 compared with control 24 h. Urea production significantly decreased after cold storage in solutions 2 and 4 compared with control 24 h. As a whole albumin and urea production were significantly decreased after cold preservation. Although albumin and urea production were decreased after cold preservation, but the results of albumin production of two solutions were not significantly different from that of the control group (p=0.109 and 0.951). CONCLUSION: Cold preservation of cultured human hepatocytes in solution 2 and solution 4 could maintain the function of albumin production better than other cold preservation solutions in our experiments; solution 1 was more effective on urea production of cultured human hepatocytes at 4 °C for 24 h. To determine if these hepatocytes are suitable candidates for transplantation, further studies should be performed.

Association between Interleukin-21, 23 and 27 Expression and Protein Level with Cytomegalovirus Infection in Liver Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines have regulatory crosstalk with CMV infection leading to manage of post-liver transplantation virus-related outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the link between IL-21, IL-23 and IL-27 mRNA and protein level with active CMV infection, which was evaluated in reactivated and non-reactivated liver transplant recipients. METHODS: Two groups of liver transplant recipients were enrolled in this study-54 without and 15 with active CMV infection. 3 EDTA-treated blood samples were taken on day 1, 4, and 7 post-liver transplantation. Plasma and buffy coats of all samples were separated. All samples were analyzed for CMV reactivation using antigenemia technique. The separated plasma of positive samples was used for viral DNA extraction and protein evaluation. For evaluating the mRNA expression level by real-time PCR, RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were done for all samples. Also, the protein level of studied genes was estimated by ELISA. RESULTS: The expression level of IL-21, IL-23A and IL-27A cytokine genes was increased in CMV reactivated liver transplant recipients in comparison with CMV non-reactivated ones; IL-27A expression pattern was significant (p=0.001) at all sampling times. IL-21 significantly increased on the 2nd and 3rd (p=0.028 and 0.01, respectively) sampling days in CMV reactivated compared with non-reactivated patients. The expression level of IL-23A cytokine significantly increased on the 3rd (p=0.017) sampling day in CMV reactivated compared with non-reactivated liver transplant recipients. CONCLUSION: Elevation in the expression level of IL-21, IL-23A and IL-27A mRNA and protein level in CMV reactivated patients emphasized on the antiviral role of these cytokines in CMV reactivated liver transplant recipients.

COVID-19 meningitis without pulmonary involvement with positive cerebrospinal fluid PCR.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) typically presents with respiratory illness ranging in severity. Neurological complications of the disease remain largely unknown. Herein, we discuss the case of a woman diagnosed with COVID-19 meningitis following two positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) RT-PCR assays, and highlight the importance of recognizing the neurological manifestations of the disease. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 49-year-old woman with a history of hypertension who presented with non-specific symptoms (fever, headache, malaise, nausea/vomiting). Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a lack of pulmonary involvement and oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal RT-PCR was negative for COVID-19. A lumbar puncture was performed on the third day of admission and the CSF analysis elucidated a viral pattern, but the CSF bacterial culture and RT-PCR assay for herpes simplex virus were both negative. Surprisingly, the CSF RT-PCR for COVID-19 was positive. The diagnosis of COVID-19 meningitis was made and the patient was treated solely with Kaletra® , with a second CSF analysis confirming our unique finding 1 week later. The patient's clinical characteristics improved progressively, and she was discharged in excellent general condition after 21 days. CONCLUSION: In contrast to what was originally believed, the SARS-CoV-2 can cause meningitis in isolation, perhaps by crossing the blood-brain barrier. Hence, it seems essential that physicians maintain a high index of suspicion for neurological involvement among COVID-19 patients, with early CSF analysis and brain imaging sometimes being indicated.

Donors' Quality of Life after Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Shiraz Organ Transplant Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Probable effects of living donor liver transplantation on the wellbeing of the donor and psychological difficulties are necessary to be understood. OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life of living donors after liver donation. METHODS: 140 living donors who underwent hepatectomy between 2012 and July 2015 were enrolled in this study. Donors were asked to complete the Short Form 36-question Health Survey (SF-36) through face to face or by telephone interview. RESULTS: The mean±SD age of donors at transplantation was 32.1±7.3 years; 83 (59.3%) of donors were female. 134 (95.7%) were married. The mean±SD BMI was 23.8±3.5 (kg/m2). "Mother-to-child" was the most frequent relationship (n=79, 56.4%). 22 (15.7%) complications were reported by participants. The mean±SD score of Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary were 48.8±14.6 and 50.1±6.9, respectively. CONCLUSION: Most living donors sustain a near average quality of life post-donation. It seems that living donation does not negatively affect the quality of life.

A web-based daily care training to improve the quality of life of mothers of children with cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Mothers of moderately to severely affected children with cerebral palsy (CP) have to spend a long time to take care of their children. This time-consuming responsibility affects their physical and psychosocial health. Therefore, mothers as caregivers are required to receive special training to take care of their children. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a developed web-based intervention for daily care training of children with CP on their mothers' quality of life (QOL), anxiety, depression, stress, and their musculoskeletal pain. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This study was a single blind randomized controlled trial. 91 mothers of children with CP with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III, IѴ, and Ѵ, who aged from 4 to 12 years were assigned to the intervention and control groups using block randomization. Mothers in the control group received their routine face to face occupational therapy intervention and mothers in the intervention group received 12 weeks web-based intervention. QOL, depression, anxiety, stress, and pain were measured before and after the intervention in both groups. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The results of analysis of covariance showed that after controlling the mean score of pretest of pain, the mean score of post-tests in the intervention and control groups was significantly different (P < 0.05). The mean scores of physical health and total QOL scores of post-tests in the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group with controlling pretest scores. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Designed web-based intervention affects the caregivers' QOL and pain significantly. This intervention can be used to provide daily care training for mothers of children with CP.

Compressibility in lattice Boltzmann on standard stencils: effects of deviation from reference temperature.

With growing interest in the simulation of compressible flows using the lattice Boltzmann (LB) method, a number of different approaches have been developed. These methods can be classified as pertaining to one of two major categories: (i) solvers relying on high-order stencils recovering the Navier-Stokes-Fourier equations, and (ii) approaches relying on classical first-neighbour stencils for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations coupled to an additional (LB-based or classical) solver for the energy balance equation. In most cases, the latter relies on a thermal Hermite expansion of the continuous equilibrium distribution function (EDF) to allow for compressibility. Even though recovering the correct equation of state at the Euler level, it has been observed that deviations of local flow temperature from the reference can result in instabilities and/or over-dissipation. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the stability domain of different EDFs, different collision models, with and without the correction terms for the third-order moments. The study is first based on a linear von Neumann analysis. The correction term for the space- and time-discretized equations is derived via a Chapman-Enskog analysis and further corroborated through spectral dispersion-dissipation curves. Finally, a number of numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the proposed theoretical study. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fluid dynamics, soft matter and complex systems: recent results and new methods'.

Cryptococcus and cryptococcosis in Iran during 1969-2019: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Limited data are available on the epidemiology and etiology of cryptococcal infections in the Middle East. We aimed to conduct the systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the epidemiological data on prevalence of Cryptococcus species complexes in trees and their surroundings, bird guano and secretions, animals, and highlight the reported episodes of cryptococcosis in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Proquest, Google Scholar, Embase, and the ISI Web of Science, as well as the national databases, from January 1969 to October 2019 were searched. Furthermore, gray literature (e.g., thesis, congress abstracts) was evaluated using Iran Doc and www.thesis. RESEARCH: ac.ir. Search process was accomplished on English or Persian language articles using the following keywords: "Cryptococcus", "Cryptococcosis", "invasive fungal infection", "Humans", "Birds", "Pigeon", "Animals", "Tree", "Eucalyptus", and "Iran", both alone and in combination. RESULTS: Overall 36 studies were eligible regarding Cryptococcus and cryptococcosis in Iran. The total prevalence rates of Cryptococcus species in the tree was 4.7% (95% CI: 2.3-7.8), and in bird guano was 20.4% (95% CI: 10.7-32.2). Cryptococcosis in animal, and human were 1.7% (95% CI: 0.01-5.1), and 2.8% (95% CI: 0.7v6.1), respectively. The highest prevalence of Cryptococcus in the trees (14.6%), and bird guano (89.4%) in Khorasan, animals (8.9%) in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and human (4.4%) in Mazandaran provinces were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Given the significant risk of Cryptococcus species for susceptible humans, mainly HIV-infected patients, it seems quite necessary to adopt concrete preventive strategies to pinpoint the environmental habitats of this yeast.

Porous shape memory dental implant by reactive sintering of TiH2-Ni-Urea mixture.

We produced bifurcated bone-like shape memory implant (BL-SMI) with desirable tooth-root fixation capability by compact-sintering of TiH2-Ni-urea mixture. The primary constituents of the porous product were Ni and Ti. We could adjust the pores' shape, size, and interconnectivity for favorite bone ingrowth by using urea as a space holder. Without urea, we obtained an average porosity of 0.30, and a mean void size of 100 µm. With 70 vol % urea, we got 62% interconnected pores of 400 µm average size. Aging allowed us to tune the austenite-martensite transformation temperatures towards the needed body tissue arouse. Differential scanning calorimetry measured the transformation temperatures. Their austenite start, austenite peak, and austenite finish values were As = 4, Ap = 22, and Af = 34 °C, respectively. They retained functional shape recovery and superelastic effect at the body temperature. Mechanical properties, including Young's modulus of the specimens, matched well to maxilla and mandible bone tissue. The measured Young's modulus of the NiTi specimens was as low as 3.5 GPa, which decreased to ∼2.1 GPa with further porosity increase at higher space holder percentages. Superelasticity regime and low Young's modulus of the implant could potentially prevent stress-shielding from the surrounding bone tissues and give rise to secure fixation of the implant into the bone socket. Bending tests showed 0.9 mm recoverable deflection for specimens which assisted immediate self-fixation of the implant into the jaw bone cavity.

The Effects of Cold Preservation Solutions Supplemented with UDCA and α-Lipoic Acid on the Viability and Function of Isolated Human Hepatocytes.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is the only treatment for end-stage and genetic liver diseases. The main burden of this treatment is the shortage of both living and cadaveric liver donors. An alternative treatment is using liver cell transplantation, which can be obtained from unused livers for transplantation. These hepatocytes should be kept ready in viable and functional situation in a frozen state to be instantly used when they would be needed. In our previous experience, we had isolated hepatocytes from unused livers. OBJECTIVE: To find a preserving solution for increasing viability and function of the isolated hepatocytes that are stored to be transplanted. METHODS: 9 cadaveric donor livers, which were not used for transplantation due to various causes such as severe steatosis, were selected to isolate hepatocytes. Various cold storage solutions were tried to find the best temperature for more viability and functionality for preservation of hepatocytes. University of Wisconsin (UW) solution and Williams E media were used as control media. 2 anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative solutions, i.e., α-lipoic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), were used as cold preservatives solutions. The numbers of viable hepatocytes were estimated by trypan blue method; the functionality was assessed by the cells ability to produce urea. RESULTS: The highest number of viable and functional hepatocytes was obtained from freshly isolated cells. However, after preservation, the number of these viable hepatocytes and their functionality were not significantly different in cold storage solutions comparing to the control media used. Functionality of the isolated hepatocytes stored in UW with and without UCDA solution was similar to freshly isolated hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: Preservatives with anti-apoptotic and antioxidant activity could not increase the number of viable hepatocytes. Functionality of cold storing hepatocytes could be preserved similar to freshly isolated hepatocytes by UW solution with and without UCDA.

Stability of the lattice kinetic scheme and choice of the free relaxation parameter.

The lattice kinetic scheme (LKS), a modified version of the classical single relaxation time (SRT) lattice Boltzmann method, was initially developed as a suitable numerical approach for non-Newtonian flow simulations and a way to reduce memory consumption of the original SRT approach. The better performances observed for non-Newtonian flows are mainly due to the additional degree of freedom allowing an independent control over the relaxation of higher-order moments, independently from the fluid viscosity. Although widely applied to fluid flow simulations, no theoretical analysis of LKS has been performed. The present work focuses on a systematic von Neumann analysis of the linearized collision operator. Thanks to this analysis, the effects of the modified collision operator on the stability domain and spectral behavior of the scheme are clarified. Results obtained in this study show that correct choices of the "second relaxation coefficient" lead, to a certain extent, to a more consistent dispersion and dissipation for large values of the first relaxation coefficient. Furthermore, appropriate values of this parameter can lead to a larger linear stability domain. At moderate and low values of viscosity, larger values of the free parameter are observed to increase dissipation of kinetic modes, while leaving the acoustic modes untouched and having a less pronounced effect on the convective mode. This increased dissipation leads in general to less pronounced sources of nonlinear instability, thus improving the stability of the LKS.

The Genotype Frequency of CYP2C19 Enzyme after Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplant recipients are treated with various drugs, the metabolism of which is dependent on the cytochrome P450 polymorphic genotype. OBJECTIVE: To identify the polymorphic variety of CYP2C19 genotype in liver allograft before and after transplantation. METHODS: The study was conducted on 88 liver recipients. The CYP2C19 genotypes in donors and recipients were the same in 32 and different in 56 recipients. Extracted genomic DNA from the leukocytes and liver graft tissues were analyzed by TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. The distributions of homozygote, heterozygote, poor and ultra-rapid metabolizers' genotypes were investigated in both groups. RESULTS: The distributions of CYP2C19 genotypes before transplantation in the blood and liver graft were within the normal range. After transplantation, in patients with different CYP2C19 genotype in donors and recipients, the genotypes of homozygote and ultra-rapid metabolizers were significantly decreased (p=0.024); the heterozygotes and poor metabolizer genotypes were significantly increased (p=0.017). CONCLUSION: The variety in CYP2C19 genotyping must be considered in patients with different genotypes in donor and recipients to predict the dosage regimens, optimize the treatment and decrease toxicity.

Theoretical and numerical analysis of the lattice kinetic scheme for complex-flow simulations.

The lattice kinetic scheme (LKS) is a modified version of the classical single relaxation time lattice Boltzmann method. Although used for many applications, especially when large variations in viscosity are involved, a thorough analysis of the scheme has not been provided yet. In the context of this work, the macroscopic behavior of this scheme is evaluated through the Chapman-Enskog analysis. It is shown that the additional degree of freedom provided in the scheme allows for an independent control of higher-order moments. These results are further corroborated by numerical simulations. The behavior of this numerical scheme is studied for selected external and internal flows to clarify the effect of the free parameter on the different moments of the distribution function. It is shown that it is more stable than SRT (single relaxation time) when confronted to fully periodic under-resolved simulations (especially for λ≈1). It can also help minimize the error coming from the viscosity-dependence of the wall position when combined with the bounce-back approach; although still present, viscosity-dependence of the wall position is reduced. Furthermore, as shown through the multiscale analysis, specific choices of the free parameter can cancel out the leading-order error. Overall, the LKS is shown to be a useful and efficient alternative to the SRT method for simulating numerically complex flows.

A computationally bio-inspired framework of brain activities based on cognitive processes for estimating the depth of anesthesia.

This paper develops a computationally bio-inspired framework of brain activities based on concepts, such as sensory register (SR), encoding, emotion, short-term memory (STM), selective attention, working memory (WM), forgetting, long-term memory (LTM), sustained memory (SM), and response selection for estimating the depth of anesthesia (DOA) using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Different brain regions, such as the thalamus, cortex, neocortex, amygdala, striatum, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and hippocampus, are considered for developing a cognitive architecture and a computationally bio-inspired framework. A clinical study was managed on twenty-two patients corresponding to three anesthetic states, including awake state, moderate anesthesia, and general anesthesia. The proposed approach utilizes a multiple of dynamically reconfigurable neural networks with radial basis function (RBF) and its associated data processing mechanisms. The emotion effect in the model, dynamic RBFs in WM and LTMs, and adjusting the adaptive weights in the last layer are the main innovations of the proposed approach. In the proposed approach, various incoming information is entered into the model. The correct labeling process of EEG signals is performed by qualitative and quantitative analyses of peripheral parameters. Then, an SR is used to accumulate the pre-processed EEG segment for a period of 2.3 s. Feature extraction is performed in the encoding stage as a primary perception. The output of this stage can be transferred to STM and WM with a bottom-up involuntary attentional capture. LTM and SM are a fairly permanent reservoir for information which is passed from WM using a top-down voluntary attention mechanism. Finally, weighting factors in SM and LTMs outputs are determined and then response selection is used by winner-take-all (WTA) strategy. The results indicate that the proposed approach can classify in different anesthetic states with an average accuracy of 89.2%. Results also indicate that the combined use of the above elements can effectively decipher the cognitive process task. A final comparison between the obtained results and the previous method on the same database indicate the effectiveness of the proposed approach for estimating DOA.

Severe Cutaneous Candidiasis in a Liver Transplant Patient.

Candida infections are common diseases in immunocompromised patients. A 19-year-old boy with liver transplantation, necrotic skin lesion, jaundice, dyspnea, and ascites was admitted to Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, southern Iran. The mycological examination for the skin lesion was requested. The skin sample was cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and evaluated by direct microscopic smear. Identification of isolated yeast was performed with RFLP-PCR. In direct smear, pseudohyphae, blastopores and yeasts were observed. Candida species was isolated from the media and identified as Candida albicans by molecular method. He died before starting any treatments. A skin lesion may present as the only sign of a systemic fungal infection in immunocompromised people. Careful attention and follow up are therefore recommended.

Extensive analysis of the lattice Boltzmann method on shifted stencils.

Standard lattice Boltzmann methods (LBMs) are based on a symmetric discretization of the phase space, which amounts to study the evolution of particle distribution functions (PDFs) in a reference frame at rest. This choice induces a number of limitations when the simulated flow speed gets closer to the sound speed, such as velocity-dependent transport coefficients. The latter issue is usually referred to as a Galilean invariance defect. To restore the Galilean invariance of LBMs, it was proposed to study the evolution of PDFs in a comoving reference frame by relying on asymmetric shifted lattices [N. Frapolli, S. S. Chikatamarla, and I. V. Karlin, Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 010604 (2016)].PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.117.010604 From the numerical viewpoint, this corresponds to overcoming the rather restrictive Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy conditions on standard LBMs and modeling compressible flows while keeping memory consumption and processing costs to a minimum (therefore using the standard first-neighbor stencils). In the present work systematic physical error evaluations and stability analyses are conducted for different discrete equilibrium distribution functions (EDFs) and collision models. Thanks to them, it is possible to (1) better understand the effect of this solution on both physics and stability, (2) assess its viability as a way to extend the validity range of LBMs, and (3) quantify the importance of the reference state as compared to other parameters such as the equilibrium state and equilibration path. The results clearly show that, in theory, the concept of shifted lattices allows the scheme to deal with arbitrarily high values of the nondimensional velocity. Furthermore, just like the zero-Mach flow for the standard stencils, it is observed that setting the shift velocity to the fluid velocity results in optimal physical and numerical properties. In addition, a detailed analysis of the obtained results shows that the properties of different collision models and EDFs remain unchanged under the shift of stencil. In other words, by introducing a velocity shift in the stencil, the optimal operating point, in terms of physics and numerics, will also be shifted by the same vector regardless of the EDF or collision model considered. Eventually, while limited to the D2Q9 stencil with the nine possible first-neighbor shifts, the present study and corresponding conclusions can be extended to other stencils and velocity shifts in a straightforward manner.

Human toxoplasmosis: a systematic review for genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in clinical samples.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) as an obligate intracellular protozoan with a worldwide distribution can infect virtually all warm-blooded animals and humans. This study aims to provide a summary of the available data on genotypes of T. gondii in human. Five databases including MEDLINE in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched for the T. gondii genotyping in human during 1995-August 2017. Next, we screened all the articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, 26 studies were eligible regarding genotyping T. gondii in human samples. In clonal genotyping, 167 out of 286 cases (58%) were infected with type II. Genetic characterisation of T. gondii isolates displayed that type II was the most predominant genotype in human with the prevalence of 64.3%, 62.1% and 41.7% in patients with AIDS, congenital and ocular toxoplasmosis, respectively. In ToxoDB genotyping, most individuals were infected with genotypes #9 and #65 (21.2%). Based on these results, genotype profile of T. gondii isolates is different throughout the world. The strains in Asian and African countries are characterised by low genetic diversity, while in North and South America a wide diversity of this parasite is found. In countries without any data (e.g. Australia, Western and Southern Africa and Western Asia), identification of T. gondii genotypes might discover higher genetic diversity.