BULLETIN of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. BIOSCIENCE Series

EEG markers of adolescent depression

2025-09-04T12:29:18+00:00

Depression is currently one of the most common mental illnesses. It is expressed through mood disorders, loss of interest in life and habitual activities, and is accompanied by a number of other symptoms, which ultimately negatively affects performance and overall health. In addition, there is a proven link between the presence of depression and an increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts. According to the World Health Organization, 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression.Moreover, over the past ten years, there has been an increase in rates of depression among young people. Adolescence is accompanied by significant psychological changes that are closely related to the neurobiological processes of brain maturation. These changes may increase vulnerability to the development of depressive states, which highlights the need for in-depth study of this issue. An analysis of the scientific literature also revealed that there are practically no psychophysiological studies of depression among adolescents in Kazakhstan, despite the urgency of this problem. Along with various methodological approaches to the study of adolescent depression, we conducted psychometric measurements of the personality characteristics of adolescents with this disorder. In the empirical part of the study, correlations were found between the parameters of understanding emotional states and negative and positive affect. Adolescent depression promotes awareness of only negatively colored emotional states, and also reduces the ability to regulate positive experiences. The results can help in developing early diagnostic and intervention methods for adolescent depression and enhancing strategies for effective psychological support.

In vitro micropropagation of Canadian serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis): optimization of cytokinin-auxin combinations for shoot induction

2025-10-16T11:08:17+00:00

The article presents a study on optimizing the conditions for micropropagation of three varieties of Amelanchier canadensis in vitro. It was found that modification of the Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium by introducing 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) in various concentrations has a differentiated effect on the morphogenetic activity of explants. The most effective combination for Martin and Slate varieties was the use of BAP at a concentration of 1.0 mg/l and GA₃ – 0.5 mg/l, while for the Northline variety the optimal concentration was 0.5 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l GA₃. Increasing the BAP concentration above 1.0 mg/l led to a decrease in both the length and the number of microshoots. The results obtained can be applied to large-scale propagation and conservation of these varieties of serviceberry.

Optimization of expression and purification of recombinant Apollo (SNM1B) protein using affinity chromatography

2025-10-29T21:00:23+00:00

Apollo, also referred to as SNM1B, is a nuclease involved in telomere stability and DNA repair, and its dysfunction is associated with the development of a number of pathologies, including hereditary kidney cancer. The growing interest to this protein is due to its possible use as a target for antitumor therapy. The present study focuses on the optimization of the expression and isolation of the homogenous recombinant Apollo (SNM1B) WT protein by means of affinity chromatography purification. Expression vector constructs pET28c-hSNM1BcoCut and pETHSUL-hSNM1BcoCut were used to produce the protein after their transformation into Escherichia coli (E. coli) Rosetta2 (DE3) and NovaXG strains. Variation in the induction parameters such as concentration of IPTG, incubation temperature, presence of detergent NP-40, glycerol, urea and duration of the post-induction incubations all were subjected to rigorous testing, in order to ascertain the optimal conditions for the obtaining soluble recombinant proteins. The purification process was conducted through the utilization of Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The purity and solubility of the protein were evaluated by SDS-PAGE. The obtained data allowed to determine effective conditions for producing the soluble and highly homogenous Apollo protein suitable for further studies, such as protein-protein interaction, DNA binding, immunization to obtain specific antibodies, and utilization for screening of inhibitors for cancer therapy.

Advancing livestock waste fermentation via strategic organic substrate selection

2025-10-29T21:06:55+00:00

Increasing volumes of livestock waste have created a growing demand for efficient biotechnological methods for its management. Properly processed animal waste can not only reduce organic matter accumulation but also serve as an effective substitute for mineral fertilizers, thereby improving soil fertility. This study aimed to investigate the use of various organic substrates in the fermentation of animal waste for the production of biohumus. Thermophilic microorganisms capable of growth at 50℃ were isolated from cattle manure samples. All isolates were identified as members of the genus Bacillus. Enzymatic activities were evaluated using qualitative assays for cellulase, protease, amylase, and urease, along with biochemical tests for catalase and oxidase. The range of proteolytic index values produced by isolates with protease potential varied from 0.12 to 1.5. Amylase enzyme was detected in isolates I, II, and IV, with the highest activity observed in isolate IV (AI = 1.1). Among them, isolates I and II showed strong enzymatic activity across all investigated substrates, forming distinct hydrolysis zones that indicated efficient degradation of complex organic matter. The most active strains, characterized by high viable cell concentrations, are recommended for incorporation into biopreparations designed to accelerate organic waste fermentation and improve biohumus quality.

Iron homeostasis disruption suppresses viral infection via ferroptosis-like cell death and RNA interference in plants

2025-11-13T10:28:03+00:00

Ferroptosis-like cell death in plants is a recently described mechanism triggered by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation; however, its role in viral infection remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of iron (Fe-EDTA) treatment on Nicotiana benthamiana plants infected with wild-type tomato bushy stunt virus (wtTBSV). Morphological and biochemical analyses under combined stress revealed pronounced symptoms, including growth inhibition, necrosis, leaf yellowing, chlorosis, and leaf deformation, while the expression of the viral suppressor protein P19 was reduced. Biochemical assays showed that low Fe-EDTA concentrations maintained the photosynthetic apparatus and increased chlorophyll content, whereas high concentrations induced lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis-like cell death. Our results suggest that excess iron activates RNA interference and ferroptosis-like death, thereby suppressing viral infection, while low iron concentrations preserve photosynthetic activity and alleviate symptoms. In addition, combined stress led to reduced levels of HSP70 and HSP90, indicating that iron homeostasis may interfere with cellular chaperones essential for viral replication. These findings highlight the key role of ferroptosis-like cell death in plant-virus interactions.

HLA system nomenclature and discovery of novel allelic variants in the Kazakh population

2025-12-01T10:28:47+00:00

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is among the most genetically diverse in humans, encompassing over 220 genes that encode immune proteins essential for transplant compatibility, immune regulation, and disease susceptibility. This review outlines the fundamentals of HLA nomenclature, standardized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and curated in the IPD-IMGT/HLA database. We describe the gradual improvements in HLA typing methods, ranging from serological assays to molecular-based techniques, including Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS), as well as interpretation software, and evaluate their strengths and limitations in allele discovery. We discuss allelic variants of HLA genes, methods for sequencing HLA alleles, and their variants. Additionally, we report the identification of four novel HLA alleles in the Kazakh population: DQB1*03:82, C*06:256, B*13:150, and A*32:95. All four alleles feature non-synonymous substitutions within peptide-binding domains, suggesting potential immunological relevance. Comparative analysis reveals that NGS enhances allele detection efficiency by 2.8-fold compared to Sanger sequencing (one novel allele per 635 typings vs. 1,773). These findings demonstrate the significant HLA diversity present in Central Asian populations, which remain underrepresented in global databases. The identification of population-specific alleles reveals critical gaps in international donor databases, underscoring the urgent need to expand HLA profiling in ethnically diverse regions to improve transplant outcomes and advance personalized immunotherapy.

Morphological characteristics of the spotted thicklip loach Triplophysa strauchii (Nemacheilidae) from the Uba River (upper Irtysh basin)

2025-11-13T10:34:29+00:00

The spotted thicklip loach is a Central Asian fish species native to many water bodies of Kazakhstan. This species belongs to a complex taxonomic group of fish, the genus Triplophysa. Three subspecies of the spotted thicklip loach are known for water bodies of Kazakhstan: T. s. strauchii, T. s. ruzskyi, and T. s. zaisanicus, but their taxonomic status and distribution require clarification. The modern distribution of the spotted thicklip loach is very wide; it inhabits the basins of Balkhash-Alakol, Tarim, the Chu and Syr Darya rivers, and is also known for the basin of Lake Zaysan. Currently, this species expands its range far to the north, where it has successfully acclimatized in the endorheic rivers and lakes of Central and Northern Kazakhstan. In 2016, the spotted thicklip loach was discovered in the Uba River of the upper Irtysh basin. Here we present a description of the external morphology, including coloration, plastic and meristic features, body proportions, fin shape, lip structure, features of the intestine, and swim bladder. Features of sexual dimorphism were also investigated. Characteristic features of Triplophysa strauchii have been revealed. In order to clarify the range of this species, further research is needed in the Irtysh basin.

CRISPR/Cas12a-RPA integrated assay for potential rapid detection of Fusarium spp.

2025-11-17T08:34:09+00:00

Timely detection and accurate identification of crop pathogens are considered fundamental components of sustainable agricultural systems alarming prompt and effective crop protection management. The cutting-edge CRISPR/Cas12a technology is emerging as a nucleic-acid-based platform with high potential for rapid, sensitive, and specific phytopathogen detection. In this study, we aimed to develop a CRISPR/Cas12a-based method to detect Fusarium spp., targeting the acl1 gene. A plasmid carrying the target gene fragment was successfully amplified using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA), confirming the feasibility of integrating this isothermal amplification with the CRISPR/Cas12a detection method. Optimization of the CRISPR-Cas12a reaction revealed optimal conditions at 100 nM MbCas12a, 100 nM crRNA, and 5 µM ssDNA reporter. Sensitivity assays demonstrated reliable detection of the acl1 gene up to 1:1000 dilution. Specificity evaluation involving different plant-pathogenic fungal species confirmed the high specificity of the developed method. Altogether, this study highlights the potential of the CRISPR/Cas12a-based system as a promising diagnostic approach for agricultural applications to detect Fusarium spp.

Dynamics of Acinetobacter baumannii isolation and antibiotic resistance in a multidisciplinary clinic for 2021-2025

2025-12-01T10:28:15+00:00

Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most influential pathogens causing nosocomial infections characterized by high resistance to antibacterial drugs. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of A. baumannii isolation and the level of antibiotic resistance in a multidisciplinary hospital for the period 2021-2025. For this reason, a comparative retrospective analysis was conducted on 13 221 clinical isolates obtained from various departments. The analysis was conducted using phenotypic identification and susceptibility testing methods. Susceptibility testing (antibiograma) was performed using the Vitek 2 automated system and the disk diffusion method for nine antimicrobial drugs. These antibiotics included carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem), aminoglycosides (gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin), fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), colistin, and a trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole combination. The results showed a decrease in the frequency of A. baumannii isolation over the observation period (χ² = 19.29, p = 0.0007), with the majority of isolates retaining multiple-drug resistance (MDR). The highest resistance was detected to fluoroquinolones and carbapenems, while susceptibility to colistin remained high throughout all years. The lack of molecular analysis limits the interpretation of the results; however, the resulting resistance profile suggested genes that could act as pathogenicity factors. These comparative retrospective analyses of resistance highlight the need for ongoing local monitoring of A. baumannii antibiotic resistance and the rational use of antimicrobials in hospital settings.

Biological features of ixodid tick dispersal in biotopes of the West Kazakhstan region

2025-11-30T16:18:23+00:00

A biological and faunal analysis of the species distribution of Ixodid ticks in the West Kazakhstan region was carried out. The ecological features of the distribution of Ixodid mites in the biogeocenosis of the studied region, as well as their species association with certain biotopes, are studied. The highest species diversity of ticks is distinguished by the elevated steppe zone. The ixodid fauna in this zone is represented by 5 species belonging to 4 genera: D. marginatus, D. reticulatus, H. detritum, Rh. rossicus, and I. persulcatus. Mites of the genus Dermacentor prefer toinhabit areas with sufficiently moist soil, with mixed grass and meadow vegetation. I. persulcatus and Rh. rossicus species are found in forested floodplains, Hyalomma species are pastures. In the collected specimens of Ixodid ticks, a significant predominance of females compared to males was noted. Ticks of the genus Dermacentor are distributed mainly in flat steppe landscapes. Forest and forest-steppe zones are the most suitable for the ixodid family. For Ripicephalus, they are forest-steppe and semi-desert. Ticks of the genus Hyalomma are found only in areas of cattle breeding and adjacent territories.

The current state of the mosquito population in North-West Kazakhstan

2025-12-07T22:02:20+00:00

The article is devoted to the study of mosquito fauna in North-West Kazakhstan, accounting for the most dangerous types of mosquitoes for a number of signs of epidemiological danger, and justification of measures to combat them. The content of this work, which was carried out in the summer seasons of 2020 and 2024 in North – West Kazakhstan, in particular in Akmola, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Kostanay, North-West Kazakhstan regions, consisted in determining the species composition and ecology of certain species in various ecological groups in which these regions are distributed, including regional and daily activity of mosquitoes, determining the age composition and life expectancy of populations, determining the places of laying eggs, places of the largest concentration of bloodsuckers, mosquito flight dates. Mosquitoes are one of the most important groups among blood-sucking arthropods from a practical point of view: these insects have added a blood-sucking that is close to man, not only forming the main mass in a number of landscapes within the blood-sucking insects, but also carrying many transmissible pathogens common to humans and animals. The obtained scientific results and concepts make it possible to assess the current state of mosquito populations in North-West Kazakhstan, supplement the data on the species composition of mosquitoes of the region with new information.

Environmental controls on sedimentation, habitat development, and implications for palaeobiological reconstruction in the Middle Siwalik Group, Southern Indus Basin

2026-01-05T09:25:43+00:00

The Middle Siwalik Group, located near Sehwan Town in the Northern Laki Range of the Southern Indus Basin, Sindh, Pakistan, extends for a stratigraphic thickness of approximately 1055 meters at the Kari Buthi Section (KBS). This study investigates the environmental controls on sedimentation and their role in the development of habitats within the region. The lithology of the area is composed of a range of sedimentary rocks, including Sandstone, Conglomerate, Conglomeratic Sandstone, Shale, Clay, and Mudstone. The facies analysis revealed six primary depositional facies: Conglomerate and Conglomeratic Sandstone (GT), Fine to Coarse-Grained Trough Cross-Bedded Sandstone (St), Fine to Coarse-Grained Flat-Bedded Sandstone (Sh), Shale (Fm), Mudstone (Mf), and Clay (Cf), each of which reflects distinct environmental and biological conditions during sediment deposition. Grain size distribution analysis, based on sieve data from seven representative loose sandstone samples, shows a mixture of fine to medium grains, with occasional very coarse grains. The sub-angular to sub-rounded grain shapes suggest a low-energy environment of deposition, characteristic of a braided fluvial system. Petrographic analysis conducted using a LEICA 2500p Transmitted Light Polarizing Microscope identified quartz (50-60%), feldspar (15-16%), and rock fragments (5%) as the primary constituents, with minor muscovite and biotite. This mineral composition, along with the sedimentary characteristics, indicates proximity to the sediment source, providing further evidence for the presence of a braided fluvial system. From a biological perspective, the sedimentary environment likely facilitated the development of various habitats for early biota, especially within the fine-grained deposits of mudstones and shales. These depositional settings would have provided potential substrates for microbial life and early forms of aquatic organisms, contributing to the overall habitat development within this ancient fluvial system. This study emphasizes the significant role of environmental factors-sediment supply, water energy, and biological influences in shaping both the sedimentary architecture and the habitat conditions of the Middle Siwalik Group. Understanding these interactions enhances our ability to reconstruct past ecosystems and the biological processes that governed sedimentation and habitat formation in the Southern Indus Basin.