Search Results (52)

The ongoing genetic erosion of natural Prunus armeniaca populations in their native habitats underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation and restoration strategies. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of P. armeniaca populations in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, integrating morphological descriptors (46 parameters), molecular markers, geobotanical, and remote sensing analyses. Geobotanical and remote sensing analyses enhanced understanding of accession distribution, geological features, and ecosystem health across sites, while also revealing their vulnerability to various biotic and abiotic threats. Of 111 morphologically classified accessions, 54 were analyzed with 13 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and four DNA barcoding regions. Our findings demonstrate the necessity of integrated morphological and molecular analyses to differentiate closely related accessions. Genetic analysis identified 11 distinct populations with high heterozygosity and substantial genetic variability. Eight populations exhibited 100% polymorphism, indicating their potential as sources of adaptive genetic diversity. Cluster analysis grouped populations into three geographic clusters, suggesting limited gene flow across Gorges (features of a mountainous landscape) and greater connectivity within them. These findings underscore the need for site-specific conservation strategies, especially for genetically distinct, isolated populations with unique allelic profiles. This study provides a valuable foundation for prioritizing conservation targets, confirming genetic redundancies, and preserving genetic uniqueness to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the future conservation and use of P. armeniaca genetic resources in the region. Full article

Background: Arthrofibrosis, mixed contracture, and patellofemoral impingement are frequent complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), potentially leading to chronic pain and poor recovery of range of motion (ROM). The comprehensive management of these complications remains challenging and controversial. Methods: This study analyzed the outcomes of arthroscopic arthrolysis performed in 27 patients diagnosed with arthrofibrosis, mixed contracture, and patellofemoral impingement post-TKA to evaluate the efficacy of this technique in improving knee function, enhancing ROM, and reducing pain, as assessed by the Knee Society Score (KSS). A total of 27 patients underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis following unsuccessful conservative rehabilitation. The arthroscopic procedure included removal of fibrous adhesions within the suprapatellar pouch, restoration of medial and lateral gutters, and lateral retinacular release of the patella. Intensive physiotherapy and continuous passive motion commenced immediately postoperatively. The mean follow-up period ranged from 24 to 60 months. Pain and functional outcomes were evaluated using KSSs. Results: Clinical improvements were evident in 26 cases, with the Knee Society Score rising from a preoperative average of 48 to 86, and pain scores improving from 30 to 41. Only one patient did not experience positive outcomes following the procedure. Arthroscopic arthrolysis appears beneficial for patients suffering from arthrofibrosis, patellofemoral impingement, and mixed contracture post-TKA, significantly improving clinical pain scores and KSS outcomes. Conclusions: Further research is recommended to refine specialized surgical instruments and enhance arthroscopic arthrolysis techniques. Full article

The galaxy NGC 7469 is a bright infrared source with an active galactic nucleus (AGN) and an intense star-forming region with a radius of approximately 500 parsecs, where the star formation rate is estimated to be 20–50 $M_{\odot }{\mathrm{yr}}^{-1}$. This study presents the results of spectral and photometric observations carried out during the period from 2020 to 2024 at the Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute (Almaty, Kazakhstan) and the Nasreddin Tusi Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory (Shamakhy, Azerbaijan). Photometric data were obtained using B, V, and Rc filters, while spectroscopic observations covered the wavelength range of $\lambda$ 4000–7000 Å. Data reduction was performed using the IRAF and MaxIm DL Pro6 software packages. An analysis of the light curves revealed that after the 2019–2020 outburst, the luminosity level of NGC 7469 remained relatively stable until the end of 2024. In November–December 2024, an increase in brightness (∼0.3–0.5 magnitudes) was recorded. Spectral data show variations in the Ha fluxes and an enhancement of them at the end of 2024. On BPT diagrams, the emission line flux ratios [OIII]/H $\beta$ and [NII]/H $\alpha$ place NGC 7469 on the boundary between regions dominated by different ionization sources: AGN and star-forming regions. The electron density of the gas, estimated from the intensity ratios of the [SII] 6717, 6731 Ålines, is about $900–1000{\mathrm{cm}}^{-3}$. Continued observations will help to determine whether the trend of increasing brightness and emission line fluxes recorded at the end of 2024 will persist. Full article

The walnut (Juglans regia L.) holds a significant position among Kazakhstan’s nut crops, both in terms of cultivation and consumption. Although genetic resources of walnut are accessible within the country, they remain underexplored, yet they represent a valuable foundation for breeding initiatives and the development of locally adapted varieties. Currently, a comprehensive genetic profile of these resources is lacking, which hampers their effective utilization. The aim of this research was to evaluate the genetic diversity within a collection of walnut accessions collected from the southern and southeastern regions of Kazakhstan, including Almaty and Turkestan regions. To achieve this, eight SSR molecular markers were employed, providing insights into the genetic structure and relationships among the germplasm. All markers exhibited a high degree of polymorphism, with the WGA276 locus standing out as the most informative, displaying the greatest number of alleles and a high Shannon diversity index. The average expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.704 and was significantly higher than the observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.547), which was confirmed by t-test (t = −6.426, p < 0.05). The findings indicated substantial genetic variation and intra-population polymorphism: on average, 5.875 alleles per locus were identified, and the Shannon index was 1.444. The population from Turkestan region (population 1, Sairam-Ugam) demonstrated the highest levels of diversity. Analyses of genetic structure, conducted through STRUCTURE, PCoA, and UPGMA methods, confirmed the existence of two genetically distinct groups exhibiting considerable diversity. Future research should focus on conserving the highly diverse populations in the Turkestan region to facilitate the development of stress-tolerant varieties. These findings highlight the importance of conserving and harnessing the genetic resources of Kazakhstan’s J. regia populations for future breeding efforts. Full article

Camels have been essential to human survival and development across the arid Central Asian steppes, particularly in Kazakhstan, where the breeding of one-humped and two-humped camels is a longstanding tradition supporting the nomadic lifestyle. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of these camels across their distribution range in Kazakhstan. Blood samples from 100 individuals were collected from five locations, Almaty (ALA), Atyrau (ATR), Shymkent (SHK), Kyzylorda (KZL), and Taraz (TRZ), and genotyped using 17 microsatellite markers. All loci were polymorphic, with a mean observed heterozygosity of 0.707 in C. dromedarius and 0.643 in C. bactrianus. The highest expected heterozygosity (He = 0.939) was observed at VOLP67 in C. bactrianus and at VOLP03 in C. dromedarius. Genetic differentiation was low (FST = 0.021), indicating a weak population structure between the two species with substantial gene flow (Nm = 19.972). The hybrid analysis identified 31% hybrids, including F1, F2, and backcrosses, with the highest frequencies in KZL and TRZ, moderate frequencies in ATR, and lowest frequencies in SHK and ALA. These patterns, consistent with STRUCTURE clustering, reflect widespread but regionally variable hybridization. The phylogenetic analysis revealed three clades, separating Bactrian camels (ALA), dromedaries (SHK), and a hybrid group (ATR, KZL, and TRZ). These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic diversity of Kazakhstan’s camels and support effective conservation, breeding strategies, and genotyping applications in camel husbandry. Full article

Orthohantavirus infection is a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents. In Eurasia, Old World Orthohantaviruses can cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), while in the Americas, New World Orthohantaviruses are responsible for hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS). In Kazakhstan, the first recorded cases of HFRS appeared in the West Kazakhstan region in 2000, which has since then been established as an endemic area due to the presence of stable rodent reservoirs and recurring human infections. Routine diagnosis of HFRS in this region relies primarily on immunoassays. To enhance diagnostic precision, we aimed to implement both serological and molecular methods on samples from suspected HFRS cases in the endemic West Kazakhstan region and non-endemic Almaty City. A total of 139 paired serum, saliva, and urine samples were analysed using IgM/IgG ELISA, immunoblot assays, and qPCR. Our findings confirm that suspected HFRS cases in West Kazakhstan are associated with the Puumala virus serotype. Full article

Background: Air pollution is a persistent and critical challenge for Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city. The city’s unique topographical and meteorological conditions—being located in a mountain basin with dense urban development—restrict natural ventilation and contribute to frequent exceedances of air quality standards. These factors make accurate assessment and management of atmospheric pollution particularly urgent for the region. Aim: This study aims to develop and apply a novel, high-resolution three-dimensional numerical model to analyze the spatial distribution of key atmospheric indicators—air velocity, temperature, and pollutant concentrations in Almaty. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how meteorological and urban factors influence air quality, with a focus on both horizontal and vertical stratification. Methods: A three-dimensional computational model was constructed, integrating real meteorological data and detailed urban topography. The model solves the compressible Navier–Stokes, energy, and pollutant transport equations using the finite volume method over a 1000 × 1000 × 500 m domain. Meteorological fields are synthesized along all spatial axes to account for vortex structures, urban heat islands, and stratification effects. This approach enables the simulation of atmospheric parameters with unprecedented spatial resolution for Almaty. Results: The simulation reveals significant spatial heterogeneity in atmospheric parameters. Wind velocity ranges from 0.31 to 5.76 m/s (mean: 2.14 m/s), temperature varies between 12.03 °C and 19.47 °C (mean: 16.12 °C), and pollutant concentrations fluctuate from 5.02 to 102.35 μg/m³ (mean: 44.87 μg/m³). Notably, pollutant levels in the city center exceed those at the periphery by more than two-fold (68.23 μg/m³, 29.14 μg/m³), and vertical stratification leads to a marked decrease in concentrations with altitude. These findings provide, for the first time, a comprehensive and quantitative picture of air quality dynamics in Almaty. Conclusion: The developed model advances the scientific understanding of urban air pollution in complex terrains and offers practical tools for city planners and policymakers. By identifying pollution hotspots and elucidating the influence of meteorological factors, the model supports the optimization of urban infrastructure, zoning, and environmental monitoring systems. This research lays the groundwork for evidence-based strategies to mitigate air pollution and improve public health in Almaty and similar urban environments. Full article

High grain quality is a key target in wheat breeding and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This study evaluated 94 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a Pamyati Azieva × Paragon (PA × P) mapping population grown in two regions in Kazakhstan to assess the genetic basis of six grain quality traits: the test weight per liter (TWL, g/L), grain protein content (GPC, %), gluten content (GC, %), gluten deformation index in flour (GDI, unit), sedimentation value in a 2% acetic acid solution (SV, mL), and grain starch content (GSC, %). A correlation analysis revealed a trade-off between protein and starch accumulation and an inverse relationship between grain quality and yield components. Additionally, GPC exhibited a negative correlation with yield per square meter (YM2), underscoring the challenge of simultaneously improving grain quality and yield. With the use of the QTL Cartographer statistical package, 71 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified for the six grain quality traits, including 20 QTLs showing stability across multiple environments. Notable stable QTLs were detected for GPC on chromosomes 4A, 5B, 6A, and 7B and for GC on chromosomes 1D and 6A, highlighting their potential for marker-assisted selection (MAS). A major QTL found on chromosome 1D (QGDI-PA × P.ipbb-1D.1, LOD 19.4) showed a strong association with gluten deformation index, emphasizing its importance in improving flour quality. A survey of published studies on QTL identification in common wheat suggested the likely novelty of 12 QTLs identified for GDI (five QTLs), TWL (three QTLs), SV, and GSC (two QTLs each). These findings underscore the need for balanced breeding strategies that optimize grain composition while maintaining high productivity. With the use of SNP markers associated with the identified QTLs for grain quality traits, the MAS approach can be implemented in wheat breeding programs. Full article

Viral infections in stone fruit crops cause substantial economic losses across all sectors of production. Despite their significance, viruses affecting stone fruits remain under-investigated in Kazakhstan. Among these, plum pox virus (PPV, genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae), commonly known as Sharka, is the most critical viral pathogen worldwide, severely threatening the sustainable cultivation of stone fruits and posing risks to food security. This study aimed to evaluate virus management strategies in stone fruit crops to facilitate the production of healthy planting material from valuable genotypes. Field surveys were conducted in plum and apricot orchards located in the Almaty region (Southeast Kazakhstan) and the Saryagash region (Southern Kazakhstan). Plant samples were tested for the presence of the following viruses: apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), apple mosaic virus (ApMV), PPV, prune dwarf virus (PDV), prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV), and myrobalan latent ringspot virus (MLRSV). Real-time RT-PCR diagnostics confirmed the presence of PPV in the ‘Stanley’ and ‘Ansar’ cultivars and Prunus armeniaca genotypes, while both PPV and ACLSV were detected in the ‘Ayana’ variety. Chemotherapy (Ribavirin), thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and shoot apical meristem (SAM) culture, both individually and in combination, were used to eliminate viruses and regenerate virus-free plants. Successful virus eradication was achieved for PPV and ACLSV. However, the ‘Stanley’ and ‘Ansar’ cultivars did not survive the treatment process, likely due to high thermo- or cryo-sensitivity. As a result of this research, an in vitro collection of virus-free plants was established, comprising eight rootstocks, six plum cultivars, and three apricot genotypes. Full article

The spatial arrangement, size distribution, and shape of internal pores in several archaeological ceramic vessels from the Akterek burial site at Zhambyl District of Almaty Region, Republic of Kazakhstan were studied using neutron tomography. The internal pores were segmented from the obtained neutron data and the porosity value for the ancient ceramic samples was calculated. Analysis of the structural tomography data showed that the ceramic materials contained a large number of relatively small pores, with an average diameter less than 1.5 mm, while some ceramic objects had larger pores or cavities exceeding 2 mm in diameter. In addition, there are differences in the morphological parameters of large and small pores. It was suggested that these large pores formed as a result of temperature changes during the firing of the pottery ceramics. The relative shifting of Raman peaks in the carbon group in amorphous carbon, as an indicator of the firing temperature of ceramic materials, confirms this assumption. Full article

Early blight, caused by fungi of the genus Alternaria, is one of the most destructive diseases affecting tomato plants, leading to a decrease in yield and commercial value. Studies so far on Alternaria spp. affecting tomato in Kazakhstan have been limited to morphological identification or molecular analysis, without an in-depth phylogenetic study and pathogenicity assessment. In this study, between 2023 and 2024, 61 isolates were obtained from tomato leaves with early blight symptoms and identified, based on conidial morphology and DNA sequencing, as A. tenuissima (54%) and A. alternata (46%). The pathogenicity assessment showed that the disease index for A. tenuissima was 21.7–53.3, while it was 41.7–60.0 for A. alternata, indicating greater aggressiveness of the latter species. The disease index varied by region, with the highest average value recorded for A. alternata from Almaty (55.7%), while 38.2% and 36.2% for A. tenuissima were recorded from Pavlodar and Akmola, respectively. Both species showed notable intraspecific variation in pathogenicity. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of A. tenuissima detection as the causative agent of early blight in tomato plants in Kazakhstan. The results of this study may help facilitate the development of effective disease management strategies. Full article

In this paper, the modification of natural clinoptilolite and mordenite zeolites from Almaty using acid treatment is addressed for the purposes of improving adsorption performance and for drinking water purification. Structural chemical transformation was characterized by the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Acid treatment led to a partial dealumination that was responsible for an increase in the number of surface defects and micropores, improvement in ion exchange capacity, and selectivity toward heavy metals. Additionally, modifications greatly enhance the uptake capacities of Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and As³⁺. The clinoptilolite post-modification removal efficiencies reached 94%, 86%, and 84%, respectively, while mordenite zeolites achieved 95%, 90%, and 87% removal efficiencies, respectively. The enhancement of performance was related to the increase in surface area and active sites for ion exchange, verified from analysis of the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area. The use of different Bhatt and Kothari methods has revealed that adsorption processes followed Langmuir isotherm models for Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺, whereas As³⁺ adsorption was better described by the Freundlich isotherm model. However, second-order kinetics indicate that chemisorption was the dominant mechanism. Such evidence indicates spontaneity and an endothermic process, as shown from thermodynamic studies. Results showed that modified zeolites indeed had a high degree of reusability, with over 80% of the adsorption capacity retained even after five cycles. Acid-modified zeolites can provide cheaper, greener methods of purification, generating only negligible secondary waste when compared to conventional methods of water purification, for example, activated carbon and membrane filtration. Results from this study proved that modified clinoptilolite and mordenite zeolites have the potential for sustainable heavy metal treatment in drinking water purification systems. Full article

Ensuring water resources for livestock production in Kazakhstan presents a multifaceted challenge. Pastoral systems in Southern Kazakhstan are facing a critical groundwater shortage, with 56.5% of pastures currently unused due to limited water access, jeopardizing around 2 million head of livestock and the region’s food security. This study presents the first comprehensive groundwater assessment in over 40 years, integrating hydrochemical analysis (55 samples) and field surveys conducted in the Almaty and Zhetysu regions. Key findings include: the total water demand for livestock is estimated at 53,735 thousand m³/year, with approximately 40% of samples exceeding WHO guidelines for total mineralization. It was determined that 45% of exploitable groundwater reserves in the Almaty region and 15–17% in the Zhetysu region are suitable for irrigation. This study also provides updated hydrogeological data, identifying three priority aquifer systems. A novel Groundwater Sustainability Index for pastoral zones of Central Asia is introduced, demonstrating that strategic aquifer development could expand watered pastureland by 30–40%. These findings directly inform Kazakhstan’s Agricultural Development Plan through 2030 and provide a replicable framework for sustainable water management in arid regions. With 69,836 rural residents currently lacking access to safe water, our results underscore the urgent need for infrastructure investment to meet SDG 6 targets (ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all). Full article

Early detection of earthquakes is essential for minimizing potential damage and ensuring public safety. Recent advancements in deep learning, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), provide a promising alternative for analyzing seismic waves. In contrast, traditional methods such as the short-term average/long-term average (STA/LTA) algorithm and the Akaike information criterion (AIC) have limitations in detecting primary (P) waves in high-noise conditions, caused by industrial and anthropogenic disturbances. This study presents a CNN-based automatic P-wave detection model tailored for the Almaty city region. The seismic dataset used in this research was obtained from the IRIS database and includes data collected from seven stations within a 333 km radius of Almaty, Kazakhstan. The proposed model achieves a recall rate of 89.1% and an accuracy of 94.1% compared to other deep learning-based models. Experimental results demonstrate that this method enhances the reliability of automatic early earthquake warning systems and improves the accuracy of P-wave detection. The research outputs presented for the local region are unique. Applying CNNs in seismic monitoring facilitates the development of efficient automated systems that minimize risks and improve response measures for natural disasters. Full article

The Ili River Transboundary Basin is an important area within the Belt and Road Initiative, and its ecological security impacts China–Kazakhstan diplomatic relations and the building of the Belt and Road Initiative. Using the copula method, this study quantifies the vulnerability of vegetation to drought in the Ili River Transboundary Basin based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). The vulnerability of vegetation in the Ili River Transboundary Basin is highest in June, with the proportion of highly vulnerable areas reaching 63.29% under extreme drought conditions. As the drought severity increases, the probability of vegetation loss rises, with vegetation being affected the most in June. From May to June, drought-prone areas are mainly located in Almaty Oblast and East Kazakhstan. From July to September, drought-prone areas are mainly found in the Ili River Valley and southeastern Almaty Oblast. Rainfed croplands are most susceptible to drought, while, for irrigated croplands, higher drought severity enhances the mitigating effect of irrigation measures. Vegetation areas are most affected by drought in semi-arid regions, particularly in summer. These findings offer valuable scientific support for drought management and sustainable development in the region. Full article