Situation of Asymptomatic Malaria among Iranian Native and Af-ghan and Pakistani Immigrants in a Malarious Area under the Na-tional Malaria Elimination Program of Iran

Background: This study was designed to detect, if there are asymptomatic malaria infections amongst native and immigrant population from Afghanistan and Pakistan countries in Sistan & Baluchistan Province of Iran, where is under the national malaria elimination program. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among native individuals and resident immigrants in the southeastern province of Sistan & Baluchistan from May 2016 to Jul 2017. A total of 271 individuals were considered in this cross- sectional study based on microscopical method, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and PCR techniques. Out of 271 native and immigrant participants 140 (52%) and 131 (48%) were male and female, respectively. Results: None of the prepared samples was diagnosed as malaria positive case when was considered via above mentioned three techniques. Conclusion: Neither native nor immigrant individuals had asymptomatic malaria, hinting that national malaria elimination program is performed according to planned schedule in the studied areas

Identification of Alleles in the MSP1 Gene Related to Complicated Malaria in Patients Infected with Plasmodium falciparum in Southeast of Iran

Background: To overcome human malaria problem several solutions have been employed including extensive studies in the field of Plasmodia relevant antigens. The aim of this study was to determine allelic variation in the MSP1 gene of Plasmodium falciparum among some falciparum malaria-infected patients in Southeastern Iran. Methods: Twenty P. falciparum positive cases were enrolled from Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran in 2013–15. From each case, 1.5ml of peripheral blood was collected into EDTA contained tubes. Thick and thin blood smears were stained with standard Giemsa stain and were checked with conventional microscopical method. DNA was extracted from blood samples and amplification of block 2 MSP1 was performed using specific primers. Gel electropho­resis was done and results showed some amplification fragments corresponding to block 2 regions of Pf MSP1 gene. Finally, four samples from different allelic types were sent for sequencing process. Results: Fragments were different in size, so classified into six allelic types as kinds of 1–6 based on happening fre­quencies. Digestion of PCR products revealed two sub allelic types (A and B) within allelic types 2 and 3, but not in al­lelic types 1, 4, 5 and 6. Twenty percent of samples were sent for sequencing. Sequence alignment showed 78.95% to 91.83% identity between samples. Conclusion: Identity between samples and phylogenetic tree revealed that there is an extensive diversity range among isolates. Fifty percent of the isolates were under the risk of complicated malaria. Two of these patients (10%) needed special care and recovery was obtained after getting hospital services.

The relation between the geometric parameters of grinding powders grains measured by laser diffraction and light-microscopical methods

The studies were conducted on grinding powders of black silicon carbide with F180-F60 grit produced by Volzhsky Abrasive Plant. The length, width, perimeter, area and reduced diameter of the grain area were determined by light-microscopical method, the equivalent diameter by the laser diffraction method. The distribution laws of geometric parameters are determined. A direct proportional relationship between the mean equivalent diameter and the average geometric parameters of the grain fractions (length, width, perimeter, equivalent diameter) and the power-law dependence with the average area of the grain fractions have been established

SEM studies of ore minerals in skarns from Garby Izerskie, Karkonosze-Izera block, south-western Poland

In “Stanisław” quarry, that is located on Garby Izerskie, ore minerals-bearing calcsilicate skarns were found in 2009. The samples were studied using microscopical method of reflected light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on SEM study, the predominant ore minerals in investigated samples are chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, bismuth telluride and native bismuth. Moreover, acanthite, native gold and native silver were also identified. Our studies are the first report of above mentioned minerals from the Garby Izerskie area.