Different Regions Of Kazakhstan Research Articles

Number of palliative care nurse home visits and duration of palliative care associated with domains of the Good Death Inventory: A national survey of bereaved family caregivers in a middle income country

BackgroundIn the lower-middle-income country of Kazakhstan, palliative care services are in the early stages of integration into healthcare services. No prior studies have investigated associations between palliative care service factors and a good death in lower-middle-income countries, nor explored how palliative care nurses contribute to a good death. In this paper, a good death is referred to as the control of pain and symptoms, clear decision-making, a sense of closure, being recognized and perceived as an individual, preparation for death, and still being able to contribute to others, all taken together. ObjectivesTo identify new opportunities for palliative care service nurses by investigating associations between palliative care service factors and a good death, as measured by the Good Death Inventory. MethodsFamily caretakers of deceased patients from palliative care units and hospices were surveyed across six different regions of Kazakhstan. Data collected included demographics for patients and caregivers, palliative care service data, and Good Death Inventory items. Poisson regression analysis with r variance and linear regressions were conducted to identify determinants for achieving a Good Death and for the 18 Good Death Inventory domains. ResultsTwo hundred and eleven family caregivers participated in the survey. Bivariate analysis revealed five statistically significant associations (p ≤ 0.05) with the outcome of a good death. In multivariate linear regression analyses, a palliative care duration of greater-than-6-months, compared to less-than-1-month, was associated with improvements in 10 out of 18 domains of the Good Death Inventory (p ≤ 0.05). More-than-once-weekly palliative care home visits by nurses, compared to no visits, were also associated with improvements in four domains (p ≤ 0.05). ConclusionWe provide new directions for improvements in palliative care services in low-middle-income countries, giving impetus for resource allocation to palliative care home visits by nurses for achieving a good death for greater numbers of patients.

Assessment of the genetic diversity of the alleles of gliadin-coding loci in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) collections in Kazakhstan and Russia.

The study of genetic resources using prolamin polymorphism in wheat cultivars from countries with different climatic conditions makes it possible to identify and trace the preference for the selection of the alleles of gliadine-coding loci characteristic of specific conditions. The aim of the study was to determine the "gliadin profile" of the collection of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from breeding centers in Russia and Kazakhstan by studying the genetic diversity of allelic variants of gliadin-coding loci. Intrapopulation (μ ± Sμ) and genetic (H) diversity, the proportion of rare alleles (h ± Sh), identity criterion (I) and genetic similarity (r) of common wheat from eight breeding centers in Russia and Kazakhstan have been calculated. It has been ascertained that the samples of common wheat bred in Kostanay region (Karabalyk Agricultural Experimental Station, Kazakhstan) and Chelyabinsk region (Chelyabinsk Research Institute of Agriculture, Russia) had the highest intrapopulation diversity of gliadin alleles. The proportion of rare alleles (h) at Gli-B1 and Gli-D1 loci was the highest in the wheat cultivars bred by the Federal Center of Agriculture Research of the South-East Region (Saratov region, Russia), which is explained by a high frequency of occurrence of Gli-B1e (86 %) and Gli-D1a (89.9 %) alleles. Based on identity criterion (I), the studied samples of common wheat from different regions of Kazakhstan and Russia have differences in gliadin-coding loci. The highest value of I = 619.0 was found when comparing wheat samples originated from Kostanay and Saratov regions, and the lowest I = 114.4, for wheat cultivars from Tyumen and Chelyabinsk regions. Some region-specific gliadin alleles in wheat samples have been identified. A combination of Gli-A1f, Gli-B1e and Gli-Da alleles has been identified in the majority of wheat samples from Kazakhstan and Russia. Alleles (Gli-A1f, Gli-A1i, Gli-A1m, Gli-A1o, Gli-B1e, Gli-D1a, Gli-D1f, Gli-A2q, Gli-B2o, and Gli-D2a) turned out to be characteristic and were found with varying frequency in wheat cultivars in eight regions of Russia and Kazakhstan. The highest intravarietal polymorphism (51.1 %) was observed in wheat cultivars bred in Omsk region (Russia) and the lowest (16.6 %), in Pavlodar region (Kazakhstan). On the basis of the allele frequencies, a "gliadin profile" of wheat from various regions and breeding institutions of Russia and Kazakhstan was compiled, which can be used for the selection of parent pairs in the breeding process, the control of cultivars during reproduction, as well as for assessing varietal purity.

The impact of incentive scheme on rural healthcare workforce availability: a case study of Kazakhstan

BackgroundDuring the 1990–2000, Kazakhstan experienced a decline in the number of healthcare professionals working in rural areas. Since 2009, the national government has been implementing financial incentives to encourage healthcare professionals to relocate to rural areas. This study aims to investigate the temporal and spatial patterns in the distribution of the rural healthcare workforce and evaluate the impact of this incentive scheme.MethodsInterrupted Time Series Analysis using ARIMA models and Difference in Differences analyzes were conducted to examine the impact of the incentive scheme on the density of different categories of the healthcare workforce in rural Kazakhstan in the period from 2009 to 2020.ResultsThere was a significant increase in the number of rural healthcare professionals from 2009 to 2020 in comparison to the period from 1998 to 2008. However, this increase was less pronounced in per capita terms. Moreover, a decline in the density of internists and pediatricians was observed. There is substantial variation in the density of rural nurses and physicians across different regions of Kazakhstan. The incentive scheme introduced in 2009 by the government of Kazakhstan included a one-time allowance and housing incentive. This scheme was found to have contributed insignificantly to the observed increase in the number of rural healthcare professionals.ConclusionFuture research should be undertaken to examine the impact made by the incentive scheme on other medical subspecialties, particularly primary practitioners. Addressing the shortage of healthcare workers in rural areas is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Aside from financial incentives, other policies could be considered to increase relocation and improve the retention of healthcare professionals in rural areas.

Vitamin D Status, VDR, and TLR Polymorphisms and Pulmonary Tuberculosis Epidemiology in Kazakhstan.

Tuberculosis (TB) and vitamin D deficiency remain major public health problems in Kazakhstan. Due to the high incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in the country and based on the importance of vitamin D in the modulation of the immune response and the association of its deficiency with many health conditions, the aim of our research was to study the vitamin D status, VDR and TLR gene polymorphisms, and pulmonary tuberculosis epidemiology in Kazakhstan. A case-control study included 411 individuals diagnosed with pulmonary TB and 686 controls with no family history of pulmonary tuberculosis. Concentrations of serum vitamin D (25-(OH)D) levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The gene polymorphisms were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) allelic discrimination assay using TaqMan probes. The association between the risk of pulmonary TB and polymorphisms was evaluated using multimodal logistic regression and assessed with the ORs, corresponding to 95% Cis, and the significance level was determined as p < 0.05. 1097 individuals were recruited from 3 different regions of Kazakhstan. Biochemical data showed vitamin D deficiency (25-(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) was present in both groups, with the case group accounting for almost 95% and 43.7% in controls. Epidemiological data revealed that socioeconomic factors such as BMI < 25 kg/m2 (p < 0.001), employment (p < 0.001), diabetes (p < 0.001), and vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.001) were statistically different between case and control groups. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted by sex, age, BMI, residence, employment, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diabetes, showed that T/T polymorphism of the VDR gene (rs1544410, OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.04-3.72, p = 0.03) and A/A polymorphism of the TLR8 gene (rs3764880, OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.20-4.98, p = 0.01) were associated with a high risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis. Vitamin D deficiency remains prevalent in our study cohort and is associated with TB progression. Socioeconomic determinants such as unemployment, BMI under 25 kg/m2, and diabetes are the main risk factors for the development of pulmonary TB in our study. A/A polymorphism of TLR8 (rs3764880) and T/T polymorphism (BsmI, rs1544410) of VDR genes may act as biomarkers for pulmonary tuberculosis in the Kazakh population.

Prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection and genotype distribution among Kazakhstani women with abnormal cervical cytology

Aim This study aimed to identify the prevalence and distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) types among Kazakhstani women with abnormal cervical cytology. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed from May 2019 to June 2020. Cervical samples were collected from women in the different regions of Kazakhstan. Results A total of 316 patients’ samples were analysed for HR-HPV using real-time multiplex PCR. Cervical cytology abnormalities were reported according to the Bethesda classification. HPV detection by cytology showed a statistically significant association with HPV status and the number of HPV infection types (p < .05). Among women with abnormal cervical cytology, 62.4% were positive for HPV infection of those 79.4% had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), and 20.6% had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). Among patients with LSIL, 77.4% had HPV16 and 58.8% were infected with HPV18. Among patients with HSIL, 41.2% had HPV18 and 22.6% – HPV16. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of HR-HPV types among Kazakhstani women with abnormal cervical cytology. The most identified types were HPV16, 18, 31, 33 and 52. There is an emergency need to implement an HPV vaccination program to prevent cervical lesion development.

Distribution of Wheat-Infecting Viruses and Genetic Variability of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus and Barley Stripe Mosaic Virus in Kazakhstan.

Wheat is an essential cereal crop for the economy and food safety of Kazakhstan. In the present work, a screening of wheat and barley from different regions of Kazakhstan was conducted using newly developed specific primers for reverse transcription PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. In total, 82 and 19 of 256 samples of wheat and barley tested positive for wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV), respectively. A phylogenetic analysis using two independent methods revealed that most of the analyzed isolates had a European origin. Molecular data on the distribution and diversity of cereal viruses in Kazakhstan were obtained for the first time and will help lay a foundation for the implementation of genetics and genomics in wheat phyto-epidemiology in the country.

Vigilância do vírus influenza A em suínos domésticos no Cazaquistão 2018-2021

ABSTRACT: This study described the results of a surveillance program monitoring circulation of influenza A viruses among domestic pigs (Sus domesticus) in Kazakhstan during 2018-2021. PCR data derived from 2,513 samples (nasopharyngeal swabs) collected from swine on large pig complexes and peasant farms located in different regions of Kazakhstan revealed that about 5% of samples were positive for influenza A virus RNA. This result suggested low levels of influenza A virus circulation in Kazakhstan. Subtyping of a set of samples revealed that the main strains circulating in 2018-2019 were A/H1N1 and A/H3N2.Surveillance conducted in 2020-2021 identified only A/H1N1 viruses in swine. The PCR data were confirmed by isolation of six strains: five influenza A/H1N1 viruses and one A/H3N2 virus.

A retrospective study of animal leptospirosis in Kazakhstan.

The purpose of the paper was to monitor the disease incidence in farm and wild animals in some areas of Kazakhstan, which are most susceptible to leptospirosis, and the typification of isolated pathogens, carried out under the scientific and technical program "Studying the epizootological characteristics of the country territory on particularly dangerous diseases and developing veterinary and sanitary measures to improve their effectiveness" in 2021-2023. The material included the reports of veterinary laboratories on leptospirosis in recent years, as well as laboratory tests on samples carried out at the "SANA" research and development enterprise. During this period, 6,701 serum samples from farm animals and 86,651 serum samples from rodents were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The serological results showed antibody titers in the blood of 6.32% of cattle, 5.4% of sheep, 4.2% of horses, and 1.8% of pigs. The highest number of positive samples were found in Turkestan (12.3%), Almaty (11.7%), and Kyzylorda (11.4%) regions. Infection in rodents was lower and ranged from 0.34% to 0.07% during these years. The population of leptospira-causing diseases of animals on the territory of the country is represented by 8 serogroups. Studies in 2022 on the detection of pathogenic leptospires by polymerase chain reaction in 350 samples of blood serum from animals and 350 samples of biomaterial from rodents from different regions of Kazakhstan were negative. Studies conducted as part of this work will help reduce the incidence of disease among the population and animals in Kazakhstan.

IMPACT OF THE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ON KAZAKHSTANI ENGLISH TEACHERS

The objective of enhancing professional abilities is to elevate the competency and expertise of educators in their respective subject domains or specialized fields. The goal of professional development initiatives is to address to the constantly evolving demands of education by equipping teachers with the most current knowledge and skills necessary to address the shifting requirements of students and society. This study presents the discoveries resulting from the examination of the effects of teacher training programs within the framework of the pedagogical development program developed by the Akmola Region English Language Teachers Association (ARELTA) and the Regional English Language Office of the U.S. Embassy in Astanа. The purpose of the post-training survey was to collect feedback from participants of the teacher training courses regarding the degree to which these courses have genuinely impacted their professional growth and personal advancement. In this research, 325 teachers with varying backgrounds, teaching qualifications, work experiences, and institutional affiliations participated in the post-training survey from different regions of Kazakhstan. Key words: teacher training courses, professional growth, professional skills, innovative teaching approaches, learning activities, impact, methodology, technology, course design, lesson planning.

The influence of social and economic factors on the emergence of inequality in the regions of Kazakhstan

Object: the aim of current study is to analyze the impact of social and economic factors on the emergence of inequality in the regions of Kazakhstan based on the regression analysis.Methods: to achieve the purpose of the study, regression analysis of social and economic factors on the Ginny coefficient was used for four regions of Kazakhstan: Akmola, Aktobe, Karaganda and East Kazakhstan regions. In addition, comparative analysis and statistical analysis were used. Data from the Bureau of National Statistics from 2001 to 2021 were used.Findings: in the case of Akmola, regression analysis shows that the F value of the model is statistically significant (Sig. = 0.017), which indicates that the model matches the data well. The coefficient Akm_PR is also significant, with a positive value of 0.016. This suggests that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between the variable Akm_PR and the Gini coefficient (Akm_Gini) in the Akmola region. In the Aktobe region, there is a statistically significant positive relationship between the variable Akt_HCE and the Gini coefficient (Akt_Gini). No statistically significant links were found in Karaganda. And in the East Kazakhstan region there is a statistically significant positive relationship between the variable EKZ_GRP and the Gini coefficient (EKZ_Gini).Conclusions: the study showed that the level of regional inequality varies significantly in different regions of Kazakhstan. East Kazakhstan has the highest level of inequality, while in Akmola, Aktobe and Karaganda regions inequality is more moderate. The results of the regression analysis also showed that the influence of independent variables on the level of inequality varies in different regions.

THE IMPACT OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL TOURISM ON A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE OF STUDENTS

Being in a natural environment with favorable conditions, in combination with dosed physical activity, contributes to the healing of the body and is a kind of active rest and a means of attracting to engage in physical activity. This postulate is based on the position that within the framework of any movement in the natural environment, a person has a load on certain muscle groups, which means rest activity. In addition, preparation for long trips is based on periodic physical education classes, in which the necessary physical form is formed. Organized trips allow you to visit different regions of Kazakhstan, see the diversity of natural areas and the way of life of the population. Face real challenges and overcome them and yourself. In addition, sports and recreational tourism is an evidence - based means of substitution and is a tool for combating antisocial phenomena, including drug addiction, testing the self- mprovement, physical, psychological and volitional qualities of a person. Pedestrian, water, Mountain, Ski, equestrian, speleo, velo, Auto-Moto, sailing, each of these types is unique and allows you to improve any of the listed routes.

VIRAL DISEASES OF POTATOES IN KAZAKHSTAN

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a staple food crop worldwide, including Kazakhstan. Viral infections represent a major obstacle to sustainable potato production due to deterioration of both qualitative and quantitative indicators. To determine the current status of the main viral diseases Y, X, M, S, PLRV, plant and seed material (tubers) from different potato growing regions of Kazakhstan was sampled. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction by reverse transcription (mpRT-PCR) and primers specific for coat protein (CP) were used to amplify the corresponding viruses. Monitoring of seed material revealed that the most prevalent virus in almost all regions, was potato virus S (PVS). Analysis of plant material sampled in the fields revealed that the most common viruses in the regions were potato virus M (PVM) and potato virus S (PVS). The work done to monitor viral diseases in different regions of Kazakhstan will provide a basis for directing future efforts to control and monitor the phytosanitary status of potato in the country.

REFORESTATION POTENTIAL OF TUGAI FORESTS IN THE FLOODPLAINS OF SYR DARYA AND ILI RIVERS IN THE TERRITORY OF KAZAKHSTAN

In the present era, assumptions on tugai forests consist of a complex floodplain ecosystem (reed-cattail thickets, gallery forests, halophytic shrubs, and grass biocenoses) of various ecological levels located from the water’s edge to the upper floodplains and riverine shafts. Anthropogenic transformations disrupted the natural dynamics of the tugai ecosystem. The presented study sought to characterize the current state of tugai forests in different regions of Kazakhstan to conduct monitoring of forest entomology and determine the reforestation potential of tugai plants in the floodplains of the Syr Darya and Ili rivers of Kazakhstan. The recent work focused on vital aspects associated with reinstating tugai forests. Special monitoring of forest pests progressed for the timely detection of their reproduction bulk, foci development, and plan extinction measures. The forest entomology monitoring results revealed the destruction of plants due to leaf-gnawing and gall-forming insect pests. A laid out 27 test areas investigated the dynamics of the undergrowth in tugai forests. The reproductive capacity of the plants, viz., Populus diversifolia, Elaeágnus angustifólia, Sálix acutifólia, and Salix wilhelmsiana, attained evaluation. Natural renaissance under the main forest-forming rocks’ characterization in tugai plantations was good.

Epizootological monitoring of some bacterial infectious diseases of animals on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The presence of significant areas used for pastures in Kazakhstan makes it relevant to study the epizootic situation in terms of the incidence of animals during their grazing. The most frequent and dangerous diseases during this period are clostridiosis and listeriosis, which cause significant damage to livestock. Monitoring studies of the dynamics of morbidity among animals for infectious diseases during the grazing period were carried out on the basis of veterinary reporting. Bacteriological studies were carried out in a state laboratory using generally accepted microbiological methods. Analytical and statistical methods were used during the work. Monitoring studies indicate a significant spread of clostridiosis in the territory of Kazakhstan. The highest incidence rate was characterised by emphysematous carbuncle infection, which was recorded throughout the country, with an average frequency of about 40 cases per year. The incidence of braxy and anaerobic enterotoxemia occurred much less frequently and mainly in the southern regions of the country. Listeriosis was also observed only in some regions, but at the same time, a stationary focus of the disease was recorded in the Utylaut region, where cases of the disease are recorded annually. Conducted research made it possible to form the dynamics of the incidence of animals in the pasture period for these diseases, to determine the regions of the country with different intensity of the epizootic situation, as well as to carry out bacteriological isolation of a pure culture of the pathogen from samples taken in the foci of the disease. The studies made it possible to collect information on the features and mechanisms of the occurrence of diseases in the conditions of different regions of Kazakhstan and to develop a multi-vector strategy for preventive measures to eliminate animal diseases during the grazing period.

Molecular and serological survey of bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in cattle in Kazakhstan

The aim of this study was to estimate the occurrence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection and to assess the population immunity in cattle vaccinated against BVDV in different regions of Kazakhstan. Cattle samples were collected in 12 oblasts (43 districts) of Kazakhstan. A total of 2477 cattle from 114 herds and 21 Bukhara deer (Cervus elaphus bactrianus) were examined by ELISA and conventional RT-PCR. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with BVDV infection in the country. In total, antibodies against BVDV were found in 79.3% (1965/2477) of all the animals and 92.1% (105/114) of all the herds examined. Seroprevalence in unvaccinated and vaccinated animals was 48.6% (447/920) and 98.7% (1391/1410), respectively. Seroprevalence in deer was 19.1% (4/21). The BVDV RNA was detected in six unvaccinated cattle (0.2%). Sequence analysis of the 5′-untranslated region demonstrated that four of the detected strains belonged to BVDV-1 and two strains to BVDV-2. Regression analysis revealed that age, production type, housing method, farm size, and geographic location were risk factors for BVDV infection in cattle in Kazakhstan. The present data confirm circulation of BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 in Kazakhstan and highlight the need to improve strategies for prevention and control of BVDV infection in the country.

The Study of Higher Education in the Regions of Kazakhstan: Analysis of Tools and Indicators

This study aimed to analyse the state of higher education in the regions of Kazakhstan based on an integrated approach according to use of statistical methods and aggregation of empirical data. In this study, the focus is on assessing the level of development of higher education institutions in Kazakhstan based on the selected three groups of variables: enrollment in higher education institutions; subjects and objects of higher professional education (number of teaching staff, number of students, number of universities); provision of services (budget, population, enterprises). The research design was divided into three stages: data collection, analysis and recommendations. The data sample from 2010 to 2021 was taken from the annual statistical yearbooks of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In this study based on a comprehensive review of the above variables, it is proposed to conduct an analysis at the following three stages: data collection, definitions of the initial data and evaluation of the time period; sampling of initial data, analysis of collected data and interpretation; description of the results obtained; conclusions and recommendations. The practical results of the study and conclusions can be used by government agencies in the analysis and forecasting of the development of the education system in the region. The data obtained showed that there are differences in the availability of higher education in different regions of Kazakhstan. High rates in the cities of Astana and Almaty may be associated with their status as the capital and the largest city, respectively.

Professional Development Needs of English Teachers in Kazakhstan

The systematic work in the field of education in the Republic of Kazakhstan to increase the requirements for the quality of teacher training is directly related to advance training courses for teachers. Conducting research before the formation of courses for each group and taking into account individual requests allows us to build the learning process more effectively. The relevance of this study lies in the fact that special attention is paid to the potential benefits of professional needs analysis to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation with the study and teaching of English in Kazakhstani schools. This study presents the results of the needs analysis of Kazakhstani English teachers before the beginning of advanced training courses for teachers of English within the framework of the pedagogical development program developed by the Akmola Region English Language Teachers Association (ARELTA) and the Regional English Language Office of the U.S. Embassy in Astana. The purpose of the study is to collect data for the development of a curriculum for an advanced training course for English teachers within the framework of the project. The survey involved 328 respondents, all of them teachers of English from different regions of Kazakhstan. The performed analysis represents the English language teacher's perception of professional development needs and is critical for analyzing the needs and professional development of other teachers.

GENOTYPIC RESISTANCE DRUGS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI STRAINS ISOLATED FROM KAZAKHSTANI PRODUCERS’ CHEESES TO ANTIMICROBIAL

Global spread of antimicrobial resistance among pathogens is alarming for the modern society. The research aimed to study distribution of Escherichia coli in cheeses produced in Kazakhstan and to assess its resistance to antibacterial drugs. There were collected 101 samples of cheeses at retail outlets in different regions of Kazakhstan in 2021-2023, from which 55(54.4%) E. coli strains were isolated using conventional microbiological methods. The strains were phenotypically evaluated for antibiotic resistance, and the resistant isolates were tested for antibiotic resistance genes for the β-lactams group-penicillins (blaTEM, blaSHV, and OXA genes), aminoglycosides (aphA1, aadB), tetracyclines (tetA, tetB), quinolones (qnrA, qepA) and sulphonamides (sul1, sul2, and sul3 genes). Among studied E. coli strains 61% were resistant to at least one of the 21 antibiotics tested and were multi-resistant to the 15 antibacterial drugs. The greatest resistance was to sulfamethoxazole (43.6%), tetracycline (32%), followed by cefoxitin (29%). Isolates showed resistance to gentamicin (18.1%), ofloxacin (12.7%), furadonin (11%), amoxicillin (9.1%), doxycycline (7.2%). A gene encoding resistance to sulfonamides (sul3) was identified in eight E. coli strains. Thus, genotypic antibiotic resistance has been established in E. coli populations contaminating cheeses produced in the central, northern and eastern regions of Kazakhstan.

Whole-Genome Sequence-Based Characterization of Pre-XDR M. tuberculosis Clinical Isolates Collected in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan has a high burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the Central Asian region. This study aimed to perform genomic characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains obtained from Kazakhstani patients with pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis diagnosed in Kazakhstan. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 10 pre-extensively drug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains from different regions of Kazakhstan. All strains had high-confidence resistance mutations according to the resistance grading system previously established by the World Health Organization. The genome analysis was performed using TB-Profiler, Mykrobe, CASTB, and ResFinder. Valuable information for understanding the genetic diversity of tuberculosis in Kazakhstan can also be obtained from whole-genome sequencing. The results from the Phenotypic Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST) of bacterial strains were found to be consistent with the drug resistance information obtained from genomic data that characterized all isolates as pre-XDR. This information can help in developing targeted prevention and control strategies based on the local epidemiology of tuberculosis. Furthermore, the data obtained from whole-genome sequencing can help in tracing the transmission pathways of tuberculosis and facilitating early detection of outbreaks. The results from whole-genome sequencing of tuberculosis clinical samples in Kazakhstan provide important insights into the drug resistance patterns and genetic diversity of tuberculosis in the country. These results can contribute to the improvement of tuberculosis control and management programs in Kazakhstan.

Screening of sweet and grain sorghum genotypes for green biomass production in different regions of Kazakhstan

As the impact of global climate change increases, the interaction of biotic and abiotic stresses increasingly threatens current agricultural practices. The most effective solution to the problem of climate change and a decrease in the amount of atmospheric precipitation is planting extremely drought-resistant and high-yielding crops. Sorghum can grow in harsh conditions such as salinity, drought and limited nutrients, also it is an important part of the diet in many countries. Sorghum can be introduced in many zones of Kazakhstan. Plant height and yield of green plant biomass of 16 sorghum samples in arid conditions were determined based on a set of agrobiological characteristics for field screening. The height of the studied samples of grain sorghum was 0.47 ±0.03 m, and the height of sweet sorghum was much longer, reaching up to 2.88 ±0.12 m. Also, there was a strong difference in green biomass in cultivated areas under different soil and climatic conditions, the green biomass of sweet sorghum was 3.0 Mg∙ha –1, and in grain sorghum, it reached up to 57.4 Mg∙ha –1. Based on the data of the field assessment for various soil and climatic conditions, the following samples were identified for introduction into production: samples of sweet sorghum for irrigated and rainfed lands of the Almaty Region and in the conditions of non-irrigation agriculture of the Aktobe Region – a promising line ICSV 93046. For non-irrigation agriculture of the Akmola Region, genotypes of sweet and grain sorghum are ‘Chaika’, ‘Kinelskoe 4’ and ‘Volzhskoe 44’.