Search Results (146)

The Ural saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) inhabits the expansive steppes and deserts of Kazakhstan. Disease outbreaks, particularly among livestock, can impact saiga populations by causing competition for resources and increasing mortality rates. This study focuses on the risks faced by the saiga population in Western Kazakhstan, along with strategies for their conservation and effective management. The research and data collection were conducted in the Kaztalov, Zhangala, Bokeyorda, and Zhanybek districts of West Kazakhstan, in the natural habitat and migration range of the Ural saiga population. To thoroughly assess the potential risks, we undertook a detailed analysis involving multiple data points, which encompassed monitoring, necropsy, microorganism isolation, and an examination of existing records between the years 2011 and 2024. By the conclusion of our study, we organized the identified risks into three distinct categories: biotic factors, abiotic factors, and anthropogenic factors. As a result of the evaluations made according to the categories, pathogenic bacteria (Pasteurella multocida, Clostridium perfringens), helminths, and ticks were identified as biotic risks; natural and climatic conditions (storms and lightning) as abiotic risks; and poaching and human practices in the fields as anthropogenic risks. This organization allowed us to clearly identify the specific risks faced by antelopes, providing insights that can inform future conservation efforts. Full article

The Eastern Kazakhstan Gold Belt is a major black-shale-hosted gold province in Central Asia where the main types of deposits comprise mineralized zones with auriferous sulfides (micro- and nano-inclusions of gold and refractory gold) and quartz veins with visible gold. The quartz vein deposits are economically less important but may potentially represent the upper parts of bigger ore systems concealed at depth. In this work, the mineralogy of the quartz vein deposits and related wall rock alteration zones was studied using microscopy and SEM-EDS analysis, and the geochemical dispersion of the ore elements in primary alteration haloes was documented utilizing spatial distribution maps and statistical treatment methods. The studied auriferous quartz veins are classified as epizonal black-shale-hosted orogenic gold deposits. The veins generally have linear shapes with an average width of ca. 1 m and length up to 150 m and contain high-grade native gold with minor amounts of sulfides. In supergene oxidation zones, the native gold is closely associated with Fe-hydroxide minerals cementing brecciated zones within the veins. The auriferous quartz veins are usually enclosed by the wall rock alteration envelopes, where two types of alteration are distinguished. Proximal phyllic alteration (sericite-albite-pyrite ± chlorite, Fe-Mg-Ca carbonates, arsenopyrite, and pyrrhotite) develops as localized alteration envelopes, and pervasive carbonation accompanied by chlorite ± sericite and albite is the dominant process in the distal alteration zones. The rocks within the alteration zones are enriched in Au and chalcophile elements, and three groups of chemical elements showing significant positive mutual correlation have been identified: (1) an early geochemical assemblage includes V, P, and Co (±Ni), which are the chemical elements characteristic for black shale formations, (2) association of Au, As, and other chalcophile elements is distinctly overprinting, and manifests the main stage of sulfide-hosted Au mineralization, and (3) association of Bi and Hg (±Sb and U) includes the chemical elements that are mobile at low temperatures, and can be explained by activity of the late-stage hydrothermal or supergene fluids. The chalcophile elements show negative slopes from proximal to distal alteration zones and form overlapping positive anomalies on spatial distribution mono-elemental maps. Thus, the geochemical methods can provide useful tools to delineate the ore elemental associations and to outline reproducible anomalies for subsequent regional gold prospecting. Full article

Eryptosis is a type of regulated cell death of mature erythrocytes characterized by excessive Ca²⁺ accumulation followed by phosphatidylserine externalization. Eryptosis facilitates erythrophagocytosis resulting in eradication of damaged erythrocytes, which maintains the population of healthy erythrocytes in blood. Over recent years, a wide array of diseases has been reported to be linked to accelerated eryptosis, which leads to anemia. A growing number of studies furnish evidence that eryptosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge of eryptosis signaling, its physiological role, and the impact of eryptosis on anemia and hypercoagulation. In this article, upon systemically analyzing the PubMed-indexed publications, we also provide a comprehensive overview of the role of eryptosis in the spectrum of hepatic diseases, its contribution to the development of complications in liver pathology, metabolites (bilirubin, bile acids, etc.) that might trigger eryptosis in liver diseases, and eryptosis-inducing liver disease medications. Eryptosis in liver diseases contributes to anemia, hypercoagulation, and endothelial damage (via ferroptosis of endothelial cells). Treatment-associated anemia in liver diseases might be at least partly attributed to drug-induced eryptosis. Ultimately, we analyze the concept of inhibiting eryptosis pharmaceutically to prevent eryptosis-associated anemia and thrombosis in liver diseases. Full article

Background: Primary probing of the nasolacrimal duct remains the first-line surgical intervention for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in infants and young children. However, age-dependent success rates have been less thoroughly investigated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the age-related success rates of primary probing in children with CNLDO. Methods: Systematic literature searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar in May 2025. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall success rate, while sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments were performed to explore sources of variability. All statistical analyses were carried out using the “meta” and “metafor” packages in RStudio. Results: This meta-analysis reveals age-stratified success rates of primary probing for CNLDO: the highest pooled success rate occurred in infants aged 0–6 months (90.67%, I² = 81%, p < 0.01), with procedures under general anesthesia achieving 95.42% (I² = 50%; p = 0.11) efficacy. Success rates remained favorable in the 6–12 month group (85.18%, I² = 86%, p < 0.01 overall; 89.60% with general anesthesia) but declined progressively thereafter (82.34%, I² = 78%, p < 0.01 at 12–24 months). While a modest rebound occurred in the 24–48 month group (85.33%, I² = 69%, p < 0.01), the oldest cohort (48+ months) demonstrated markedly reduced efficacy (63.47%, I² = 66%, p = 0.05), despite exclusive use of general anesthesia. Conclusion: Primary probing yields the most favorable outcomes when conducted before 12 months of age, particularly under general anesthesia. Nonetheless, the overall certainty of evidence is low—mainly due to variability across studies—which should be taken into account in clinical decision-making. Full article

Background/Objectives: Accurately assessing the independence level of older adults using useful assessment tools is an important step toward providing them with the necessary care while preserving their dignity. These tools allow older adults to receive effective, personalized home care, which improves their quality of life. This study aimed to clarify the current prevalence of severe and complete functional dependence and associated factors among Kazakhstan’s older adults aged >60 years. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in several polyclinics and geriatric service care centers in two cities of Kazakhstan from March to May 2024. Functional status was assessed by the Barthel Index. We combined the selection into two categories: total dependency and severe dependency in the category “dependent”, and moderate dependency, slight dependency, and total independence in the category “active patients”. Results: Among the 642 older people in this study, 43.3% were dependent patients, and 56.7% were active patients. The odds of severe and total functional dependence are significantly higher for frail participants (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.70, 5.16], p < 0.001) compared to those that are not frail; eleven times higher for those at home (AOR =11.90, 95% CI [5.77, 24.55], p < 0.001) than those in nursing homes; two times higher for participants with sarcopenia (AOR =2.61, 95% CI [1.49, 4.55], p < 0.001) compared to those with no sarcopenia; and three times higher for participants with high risk of fracture (AOR =3.30, 95% CI [1.94, 5.61], p < 0.001) compared to those with low risk. The odds of having severe and total functional dependence are significantly higher for participants with low dynamometry (AOR =1.05, 95% CI [1.03, 1.07], p < 0.001) compared to those with normal dynamometry. Conclusions: Old age, low dynamometry (for men ≤ 29 kg, for women ≤ 17 kg), frailty, being at home, high risk of fracture and osteoporosis, and sarcopenia were associated with increased risk of severe and total functional dependence. Full article

Aeromonas spp. are opportunistic pathogens that are widely distributed in water sources, with several species being associated with fish and human diseases. We have previously identified an Aeromonas AB005 isolate from diseased Acipencer baerii. This isolate was identified as A. hydrophila based on the 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequences. However, this novel strain does not produce indole and tested negative for ornithine decarboxylase and d-xylose fermentation—differences that set it apart from typical A. hydrophila strains. In the present study, this strain was subjected to whole-genome sequencing and compared with the genomes of the type strain (Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 7966^T) and other Aeromonas spp. Comprehensive genome analysis suggests that AB005 represents a distinct species within the genus. The draft genome of the AB005 strain comprises 4,780,815 base pairs with a GC content of 61.2% and contains 6104 predicted protein-coding sequences along with numerous genes implicated in antibiotic resistance. The core/pan-genome analysis reveals extensive genetic diversity, indicative of a dynamic genomic structure. These findings collectively underscore the taxonomic distinction of the AB005 strain as a novel species and highlight its potential pathogenic implications in aquaculture and public health settings. Full article

Achillea nobilis represents a species of considerable medicinal importance within the Asteraceae family, historically employed in Central Asia and various Eurasian territories for the management of inflammatory, microbial, and gastrointestinal ailments. Notwithstanding its extensive ethnopharmacological significance, the phytochemical profile and pharmacological attributes of its various anatomical components have not been comprehensively investigated. This research endeavor sought to delineate the phytochemical constituents and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of ethanol extracts derived from both the aerial and root segments of A. nobilis. Qualitative phytochemical analysis and GC–MS characterization unveiled a diverse array of bioactive compounds, encompassing flavonoids, phenolic compounds, organic acids, lactones, alcohols, and heterocyclic derivatives. In particular, the aerial oil extract exhibited the presence of terpenoids, fatty acids and their esters, sterols, hydrocarbons, and minor organosilicon and cyclobutanone derivatives, with notable compounds such as linoleic acid (8.08%), 6-tetradecyne (14.99%), isopropyl linoleate (14.64%), and E,Z-1,3,12-nonadecatriene (22.25%). In vitro antimicrobial activity was assessed against eight clinically relevant microbial strains employing the broth microdilution technique. The aerial ethanol extract exhibited pronounced antimicrobial properties, particularly against MRSA and C. albicans, with MICs ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg/mL, whereas the root ethanol extract displayed MICs of 1 to 3 mg/mL. Additionally, the aerial oil extract showed moderate inhibitory activity, with MIC values ranging from 1.5 to 3 mg/mL, demonstrating effectiveness particularly against C. albicans, C. neoformans, and MRSA. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of A. nobilis, particularly its aerial component, as a viable natural source of antimicrobial agents. Full article

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) has an extremely poor prognosis and is growing worldwide. In Kazakhstan, it is among the five leading causes of cancer death. However, local epidemiological studies of PC are scarce. A retrospective population-based study was conducted to investigate the PC incidence, mortality, and survival in Kazakhstan, using data from the Electronic Registry of Oncological Patients for the period 2014–2023. Methods: Incidence, prevalence, and crude mortality rates were calculated per 100,000 population. The all-cause mortality rate per 1000 person-years (PY) was obtained based on socio-demographic and medical characteristics and for different regions. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression models. Results: A total of 11,934 cases were analyzed. The annual incidence rate significantly increased from 5.9 to 6.9 per 100,000. The mortality rate per 100,000 also increased from 4 to 6. The highest incidence was observed in the 60–74 age group (49.2%), with an equal sex distribution. The mortality rate was the highest in patients aged 75 and older. Northern and central regions had the highest incidence rates as of 2023. Atyrau, West Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, and Abay had the highest mortality rates per 1000 PY. The five-year survival rate was 10.9%. An older age, a male sex, advanced cancer stages, and a Russian ethnicity significantly increased the risk of death. Conclusions: PC represents a significant healthcare problem in Kazakhstan, with late diagnosis and poor survival being the main challenges. This study highlights the need to improve the timely detection of PC and address the identified disparities. Full article

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) remains a major concern for cattle industries worldwide due to its persistent nature, economic impact, and challenges in control. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive nationwide survey of BLV in Kazakhstan between 2014 and 2024, utilizing serological diagnostics to assess prevalence and characterize viral genotypes (2024). A total of 433,537 serum samples were screened by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), revealing an overall seroprevalence of 5.87%, with the highest rates observed in the North Kazakhstan, Kostanay, and East Kazakhstan regions. In 2024, a targeted analysis of 3736 serum and 536 whole blood samples across 17 regions was performed using AGID, ELISA, real-time PCR, and nested PCR. ELISA demonstrated higher sensitivity than AGID (10.4% vs. 8.2%), confirmed by statistical correlation (r = 0.97, p < 0.001) and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p = 0.026). Real-time PCR detected BLV DNA in 4.7% of samples, with the highest positivity in the East Kazakhstan and Abai regions, confirming active viral circulation. Validation of a domestically developed AGID diagnostic kit showed full concordance with commercial assays (IDEXX, IDvet), supporting its use in national surveillance programs. These findings highlight the endemic status of BLV in Kazakhstan. Molecular analysis of sequenced isolates revealed the presence of genotype G-7, consistent with strains circulating in neighboring countries. Together, these results underscore the importance of integrated serological and molecular approaches for effective monitoring and control. Full article

Background/Objectives: The impact of dietary adherence and regular formula intake on the vitamin levels in individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the influence of both adherence to dietary management and regular formula intake on the vitamin B12 and folate levels in individuals with PKU. Methods: This cross-sectional multicentre study included 63 patients with PKU aged 12–41 years. The participants were classified as adherent or non-adherent based on their mean plasma phenylalanine levels or as regular or irregular formula consumers. The participants’ vitamin B12 and folate levels were compared across these groups. In addition, a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library identified 11,631 studies comparing vitamin B12 and folate levels between adherent vs. non-adherent patients and regular vs. irregular formula intake groups, of which eight met the inclusion criteria. Analyses were conducted using random-effects and fixed-effects models and effect sizes were expressed as standardised mean differences (SMDs). Results: This cross-sectional study showed significantly higher vitamin B12 and folate levels in adherent vs. non-adherent individuals (767.6 ± 264.5 vs. 524.7 ± 216.4 pg/mL; 13.44 ± 1.96 vs. 10.62 ± 3.36 ng/mL, both p < 0.001) and in regular vs. irregular formula consumers (746.7 ± 228.4 vs. 527.4 ± 281.9 pg/mL; 13.32 ± 2.25 vs. 10.48 ± 3.23 ng/mL, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001 respectively). The meta-analysis found no significant differences between the adherent and non-adherent groups, which were defined based on their phenylalanine levels, but showed higher vitamin B12 levels (fixed-effects model, SMD: 1.080, 95% CI: 0.754, 1.405, p < 0.0001) and a near-significant trend toward higher folate levels (random-effects model, SMD: 0.729, 95% CI: −0.032, 1.490, p = 0.061) in regular formula consumers. Conclusions: Regular formula intake is a key determinant of vitamin B12 in patients with PKU. These findings highlight the importance of consistent formula use in dietary management and warrant further research. Full article

In the context of sustainability, the concept of balanced development is crucial at both global and regional levels. This principle is equally significant for specific regions, natural-economic complexes, and local communities. Sustainable regional development necessitates a holistic approach to addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges, which are particularly pertinent at the regional scale. The sustainable development of nations is intrinsically linked to their integration into global processes; however, its resilience and stability are contingent upon balanced regional progress. The West Kazakhstan region exemplifies an economic powerhouse within the country and plays a pivotal role in national regional policy. This study introduces a conceptual model designed to evaluate sustainable development through the balanced interaction of various indicators. The results reveal a disparity between the financial and economic potential of different regions and their environmental challenges. These findings form the foundation for developing a new paradigm of sustainable development that emphasizes the integration of economic growth, social stability, and environmental security. The proposed model has the potential to be adapted in various regions of the world facing similar climatic, water, and social challenges. However, it is necessary to consider local characteristics, data availability, and institutional contexts. 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

Toxic elements are considered a significant threat to public health in oil-producing countries. Western Kazakhstan is experiencing serious environmental problems due to the development of the oil and gas industry. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of toxic trace elements—aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb)—in the hair of children residing in Kazakhstan’s oil and gas-producing region, and to evaluate the relationship between the concentration of toxic elements and the remoteness of their residence from oil and gas fields. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 1595 school-aged children. Element levels in hair samples were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The association between trace element concentrations and residential distance from oil and gas fields was examined across three distance-based groups and further analyzed through multiple linear regression. The highest concentration of Al = 4.824 μg/g and Hg = 0.096 μg/g was found in the hair of children living close to oil and gas fields (0–16 km). A decrease in levels of Al (−0.072 (CI: −0.109; −0.036)) and Hg (−0.293 (CI: −0.343; −0.243)) is associated with increasing distance from oil and gas fields. As, Cd, and Pb had the lowest median concentrations in the hair of children living near oil and gas fields (0.030, 0.010, and 0.122 µg/g, respectively). There is a tendency for levels of As, Cd, and Pb to increase with distance from the fields (0.064 (CI: 0.039; 0.089), 0.093 (CI: 0.045; 0.141), and 0.244 (CI: 0.202; 0.287), respectively). Our findings indicate the need for biomonitoring of toxic elements to determine long-term temporal trends in the influence of toxic trace elements on the health of the child population of Western Kazakhstan. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of milk from Kazakh mares kept under free-grazing conditions on natural pasture without supplementary feeding. Fifty Kazakh mares were aged 3 to 13 years, kept in herds, and categorized by age, number of foalings, and lactation stage for statistical analysis. Milk samples were collected, chilled, and analyzed on the same day using a Milkoscan FT2. The composition of fat, protein, lactose, total solids, casein, and other components was examined. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, PCA, CDA, and Pearson correlation analysis, were performed using JMP 17 Pro to assess the effects of lactation stage, mare age, and foaling number and to identify key relationships. The results showed that milk composition was significantly influenced by these factors. Milk from the late-lactation stage contained higher protein, lactose, and total nutrients, while milk from the early-lactation stage had a higher sugar content and acidity. Older mares and those with higher foalings produced milk with higher concentrations of glucose and galactose, while younger mares and those with fewer foalings produced milk with higher fat. A key aspect of this experiment was that all mares grazed exclusively on natural pastures without supplementation, allowing for an objective assessment of their inherent productive potential. These findings deepen the understanding of mare milk composition dynamics in Kazakh breed horses under extensive management, supporting its potential for organic dairy production. Full article

The saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica), a keystone migratory species of the Central Asian steppes and deserts, is increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation due to the rapidly expanding transport infrastructure in Kazakhstan, which hosts approximately 95% of the species’ global population. This study provides a spatial assessment of railway and road infrastructure across the contemporary ranges of the Betpaqdala, Ustyurt, and Ural saiga populations. Using the literature and our field data from the 1980s to the present day, combined with geographic information system (GIS)-based analysis of 80,427 km of roads and 4021 km of railways, we have quantified infrastructure densities and identified critical barriers to saiga migration using kernel density and minimum convex polygons (MCP) estimations. The results reveal a negative connection between infrastructure density and occurrences of saiga herds, particularly in the Ustyurt population, where a high railway density coincides with severely reduced migratory activity and a reduction in this population’s winter range by 79.84% since 2015. Major railways such as Sekseuildi–Zhezqazgan, Zhezqazgan–Zharyk, and Shalqar–Beineu intersect essential migratory pathways and have contributed to significant range contraction, subpopulation isolation, and northward shifts in seasonal habitats. In contrast, the Ural population (subject to minimal railway infrastructure interference) has shown robust demographic recovery. While roads are more widespread, their impact is less severe due to greater permeability. However, upcoming projects such as the China–Europe transit corridor and the “Center–West” regional development corridor could amplify future threats. We recommend immediately implementing wildlife-friendly infrastructure, including overpasses and ecological corridors, to preserve the connectivity of saiga ranges and support the long-term conservation of this ungulate species. Full article