Global Burden of Stroke Attributable to Low Physical Activity/High Body Mass Index Among People Aged 55 Years and Older.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to quantify the global stroke burden attributable to low physical activity and high body mass index in adults aged ≥55 years using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. METHODS: We extracted data on stroke mortality, disability-adjusted life years, and risk factor exposure from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study for people aged ≥55 years. We calculated the population-attributable fraction and absolute number of stroke cases and disability-adjusted life years attributable to low physical activity and high body mass index by location, age group, sex, and year. RESULTS: Globally, body mass index and physical inactivity-attributable stroke burden have declined modestly since 1990, but with diverging escalatory regional trajectories. Population growth and aging drive this rising burden. CONCLUSIONS: Multidimensional, context-specific strategies focused on modifiable lifestyle risks are imperative to address the modest declines and escalatory regional trajectories in body mass index and physical inactivity-attributable stroke burden.

Effects of pelvic floor myofascial manipulation intervention on primiparas and neonates during the second stage of vaginal delivery.

A prolonged second stage of vaginal delivery increases the risk of shoulder dystocia, unnecessary episiotomies and cesarean sections. However, no standardized method has been proposed to tackle this issue. The effects of pelvic floor myofascial manipulation intervention during the second stage of labor in primiparas and its prognostic value in neonatal postpartum outcomes remain unknown. In the present study, a total of 60 primiparas who were expecting a vaginal delivery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College (Haikou, China) between October 2021 and January 2022 were selected. These women were randomly assigned to a control group (standard intrapartum care) or an experimental group (pelvic floor myofascial manipulation for 15-20 min during the second stage of labor along with standard intrapartum care) using a random number table, with 28 patients in each group. There was no significant difference in age, gestational time or body mass index between the two groups before delivery, indicating that the baseline data were comparable. The second stage of labor duration, forced breath-holding time and postpartum hemorrhage volume in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The pain visual analog scale scores, fatigue scores and neonatal Apgar scores in the experimental group were also significantly lower than those in the control group. The rate of episiotomy in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, pelvic floor myofascial manipulation intervention during the second stage of labor for primiparas with vaginal delivery can reduce the duration of the second stage of labor, the amount of bleeding during labor and the pain during labor. Meanwhile, it has the potential to improve neonatal outcomes.

In silico screening-based discovery of benzamide derivatives as inhibitors of Rho-associated kinase-1 (ROCK1).

As a pivotal node in modulating various cell behaviors, Rho-associated kinase-1 (ROCK1) has attracted significant attention as a promising therapeutic target in a variety of diseases. Benzamide has been widely reported as a ROCK1 inhibitors in recent years. To better understand its pharmacological properties and to explore its potential inhibitors, a series of ROCK1 inhibitors derived from N-methyl-4-(4-pyrazolidinyl) benzamides (MPBs) were investigated by using three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) models, pharmacophore models, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) model (q2 = 0.616, R2 = 0.972, ONC = 4, and r2pred = 0.983) and the best Comparative Molecular Similarity Indices Analysis (CoMSIA) model (q2= 0.740, R2 = 0.982, ONC = 6, and r2pred = 0.824) exhibited reliable predictability with satisfactory validation parameters. In the subsequent virtual screening, VS03 and VS05 were identified to have superior predicted activities and higher docking scores, meanwhile they demonstrated to be reasonably stable in the binding pocket through MD simulations. These results provide a significant theoretical direction for the rational design and development of novel ROCK1 inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

TAGAP activates Th17 cell differentiation by promoting RhoA and NLRP3 to accelerate rheumatoid arthritis development.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can give rise to joint swelling and inflammation, potentially affecting the entire body, closely linked to the state of T cells. The T-cell activation Rho GTPase activating protein (TAGAP) is associated with many autoimmune diseases including RA and is directly linked to the differentiation of Th17 cells. The present study intends to investigate the influence of TAGAP on the RA progression and its mechanism to empower new treatments for RA. A collagen-induced-arthritis (CIA) rat model was constructed, as well as the extraction of CD4+ T cells. RT-qPCR, H&E staining and safranin O/fast green staining revealed that TAGAP interference reduced TAGAP production in the ankle joint of CIA rats, and joint inflammation and swelling were alleviated, which reveals that TAGAP interference reduces synovial inflammation and cartilage erosion in the rat ankle joint. Expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-17) revealed that TAGAP interference suppressed the inflammatory response. Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, matrix-degrading enzymes, and anti-inflammatory cytokines at the mRNA level was detected by RT-qPCR and revealed that TAGAP interference contributed to the remission of RA. Mechanistically, TAGAP interference caused a significant decrease in the levels of RhoA and NLRP3. Assessment of Th17/Treg levels by flow cytometry revealed that TAGAP promotes Th17 cells differentiation and inhibits Treg cells differentiation in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, TAGAP interference may decrease the differentiation of Th17 cells by suppressing the expression of RhoA and NLRP3 to slow down the RA progression.

Pelvic floor myofascial manipulation combined with Kegel exercise and mecobalamin in the treatment of atypical diabetic neurogenic bladder: a case report.

Background: Diabetic neurogenic bladder (DNB) is one of the autonomic neuropathies of diabetes mellitus (DM), with an incidence rate reaching 40-60%. This study combined bladder function rehabilitation training and mecobalamin to treat a patient with DNB to provide reference for clinical work. Case Description: A 67-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital on 5 December 2018, with a 3-year history of dysuria that had progressively worsened for 15 days. The patient was treated with pelvic floor myofascial manipulation combined with Kegel training and mecobalamin for 6 months. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP), pelvic floor surface electromyography (EMG), psychological status, and quality of life were evaluated before, during, and after treatment, and the changes in urodynamics were observed. After comprehensive rehabilitation treatment, the patient's POP, pelvic floor muscle strength, mental state, and quality of life were significantly improved. The results of the urodynamic examination showed that the patient's safe bladder capacity reached 500 mL after treatment, in contrast to the first safe bladder capacity measurement of 90 mL. The symptoms of ureteral reflux disappeared, the detrusor compliance increased from 2 to 20 mL/cmH2O, which roughly indicated a return to healthy function. However, there was no detrusor contraction in the bladder during urination. Conclusions: This patient achieved good curative effect after the treatment of comprehensive pelvic floor rehabilitation combined with mecobalamin. However, the safe capacity of the patient reported in this case showed a small bladder safe capacity, and the patient's detrusor muscle did not contract during urination. Thus, urination in this patient may be accomplished by increasing abdominal pressure. When treating patients with atypical neurogenic bladder, the adverse effects caused by excessive abdominal pressure and abdominal wall relaxation need to be considered.

Mutations in NOTCH3 Gene may Promote the Clinical Presentation of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 37 Caused by Mutations in DAB1 Gene.

Background: Autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia type 37 (SCA37) and Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarct and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) result from DAB1 and NOTCH3 gene mutations, respectively. Methods: In addition to conventional diagnostic methods, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing were performed to define and confirm the DAB1 and NOTCH3 gene mutation for a Chinese pedigree. Bioinformatics analysis was also applied for the mutated DAB1 and NOTCH3 protein using available software tools. Results: Brain magnetic resonance imaging shows diffuse leukoencephalopathy and cerebellar atrophy in the proband. NGS and Sanger sequencing identified two novel heterozygous mutations: NM_021080:c.318T > G (p.H106Q) in the DAB1 gene and NM_000435:c.3298C > T (p.R1100C) in the NOTCH3 gene. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the DAB1 and NOTCH3 gene mutations are disease-causing and may be responsible for the phenotypes. Conclusion: This is the first report of a pedigree with both SAC37 and CADASIL phenotypes carrying corresponding gene mutations. Mutations in the NOTCH3 gene may promote the clinical presentation of spinocerebellar ataxia type 37 caused by mutations in the DAB1 gene. In addition to general examinations, it is vital for physicians to apply molecular genetics to get an accurate diagnosis in the clinic, especially for rare diseases.

Comprehensive identification of peptides in tandem mass spectra using an efficient open search engine.

We present a sequence-tag-based search engine, Open-pFind, to identify peptides in an ultra-large search space that includes coeluting peptides, unexpected modifications and digestions. Our method detects peptides with higher precision and speed than seven other search engines. Open-pFind identified 70-85% of the tandem mass spectra in four large-scale datasets and 14,064 proteins, each supported by at least two protein-unique peptides, in a human proteome dataset.

[Composition, Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Source Analysis of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter in the Lanzhou Reach of the Yellow River].

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in riverine systems can be affected by environmental conditions and land-use, and can thus provide important information regarding anthropogenic activities in surrounding landscapes. It can modify the optical properties of waters and affect the balance and availability of dissolved nutrients and metals in water bodies. However, the characteristics of CDOM in the Lanzhou reach of the Yellow River have not yet been reported. In this study, the optical properties of water samples collected at 32 locations during April 2017 across the Lanzhou reach of the Yellow River were examined using UV-VIS and excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy-parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC), to determine CDOM compositional changes, spatial distribution characteristics, and sources. Cluster analysis was used to categorize samples into groups of similar pollution levels within a study area. Results showed that CDOM was primarily comprised of low molecular weight organic substances with aromatic structure belonging to complex "protein-like-humic-like" substances, and dominated by protein-like substances (organism sources). Two humic-like components (C1, C4), one tryptophan-like component (C2), and one non-humic-like component (C3) were identified by PARAFAC. Tryptophan-like substances were predominant in the components of CDOM, accounting for 51.06% of average total fluorescence intensity. Humic-like materials and non-humic-like substances accounted for 36.74% and 12.20%, respectively. Weak correlations were observed between protein-like substances and humic-like substances, indicating different sources of these components. The distribution of total fluorescence intensity showed a distinct spatial pattern; trends in fluorescence intensity were weak-strong-weak along an upstream to downstream continuum, mainly affected by changes in the content of protein-like substances. The spatial variation of the CDOM in the Lanzhou reach of the Yellow River can therefore be assessed based on protein-like materials dynamics. Public spaces along rivers offer opportunities for community gatherings and recreational activities. However, high-intensity anthropogenic activities strongly influence CDOM concentration and composition in this area in different ways; sources include increased residential/commercial wastewater, catering, water recreation facilities pollution, shipping, and a small amount of industrial discharge. In addition, it was concluded that endogenetic pollution may become the main source of internal loading in the Lanzhou reach of the Yellow River, implying that stronger endogenetic pollution control is needed to alleviate CDOM pollution and improve water quality.

pSite: Amino Acid Confidence Evaluation for Quality Control of De Novo Peptide Sequencing and Modification Site Localization.

MS-based de novo peptide sequencing has been improved remarkably with significant development of mass-spectrometry and computational approaches but still lacks quality-control methods. Here we proposed a novel algorithm pSite to evaluate the confidence of each amino acid rather than the full-length peptides obtained by de novo peptide sequencing. A semi-supervised learning approach was used to discriminate correct amino acids from random one; then, an expectation-maximization algorithm was used to adaptively control the false amino-acid rate (FAR). On three test data sets, pSite recalled 86% more amino acids on average than PEAKS at the FAR of 5%. pSite also performed superiorly on the modification site localization problem, which is essentially a special case of amino acid confidence evaluation. On three phosphopeptide data sets, at the false localization rate of 1%, the average recall of pSite was 91% while those of Ascore and phosphoRS were 64 and 63%, respectively. pSite covered 98% of Ascore and phosphoRS results and contributed 21% more phosphorylation sites. Further analyses show that the use of distinct fragmentation features in high-resolution MS/MS spectra, such as neutral loss ions, played an important role in improving the precision of pSite. In summary, the effective and universal model together with the extensive use of spectral information makes pSite an excellent quality control tool for both de novo peptide sequencing and modification site localization.

Diblock Copolymer PF-b-PDMAEMA as Effective Cathode Interfacial Material in Polymer Solar Cells.

An alcohol-soluble diblock copolymer poly[2,7-(9,9-dihexylfluorene)]15-block-poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]75 (denoted as PF15-b-PDMAEMA75) was employed as the cathode interfacial layer (CIL) in p-i-n polymer solar cells (PSCs). PF15-b-PDMAEMA75 contains a conjugated rigid block and a nonconjugated flexible block grafted with polar amino groups, and it can effectively lower the work function of the Al cathode and decrease the series resistance of the devices. When applied as the CIL in PSCs based on poly[[4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl][3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexy)carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl]]:[6,6]-phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester, the champion power conversion efficiency of 8.80% was achieved, which is slightly higher than that of the PSCs using the well-known poly[(9,9-bis(3'-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl)-2,7-fluorene)-alt-2,7-(9,9-dioctylfluorene)] as CIL under our experimental conditions, and much better than that of PSCs using Ca as CIL. The improvement of the performance is mainly attributed to the enhanced open-circuit voltage and fill factor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a diblock copolymer has been used as a CIL in PSCs, and this study may provide a novel avenue for the design and synthesis of interfacial materials for high-performance PSCs.

Comprehensive Study of Sol-Gel versus Hydrolysis-Condensation Methods To Prepare ZnO Films: Electron Transport Layers in Perovskite Solar Cells.

Owing to the high charge mobility and low processing temperature, ZnO is regarded as an ideal candidate for electron transport layer (ETL) material in thin-film solar cells. For the film preparation, the presently dominated sol-gel (SG) and hydrolysis-condensation (HC) methods show great potential; however, the effect of these two methods on the performance of the resulting devices has not been investigated in the same frame. In this study, the ZnO films made through SG and HC methods were applied in perovskite solar cells (Pero-SCs), and the performances of corresponding devices were compared under parallel conditions. We found that the surface morphologies and the conductivities of the films prepared by SG and HC methods showed great differences. The HC-ZnO films with higher conductivity led to relatively higher device performance, and the best power conversion efficiencie (PCE) of 12.9% was obtained; meanwhile, for Pero-SCs based on SG-ZnO, the best PCE achieved was 10.9%. The better device performance of Pero-SCs based on HC-ZnO should be attributed to the better charge extraction and transportation ability of HC-ZnO film. Moreover, to further enhance the performance of Pero-SCs, a thin layer of pristine C60 was introduced between HC-ZnO and perovskite layers. By doing so, the quality of perovskite films was improved, and the PCE was elevated to 14.1%. The preparation of HC-ZnO film involves relatively lower-temperature (maximum 100 °C) processing; the films showed better charge extraction and transportation properties and can be a more promising ETL material in Pero-SCs.

[Adsorption Characteristics of Norfloxacin by Biochars Derived from Reed Straw and Municipal Sludge].

Two types of biochars were prepared by pyrolyzing reed straw and municipal sludge at the temperature of 500 degrees C. The structure and properties of biochars were characterized by BET, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ( FTIR ). The effects of pH value, adsorption time, temperature and initial concentration of norfloxacin (NOR) on the adsorption behaviors were determined by single factor experiments, which were used to preliminarily discuss adsorption mechanism. The results showed that the adsorption of NOR onto biochars derived from reed straw and municipal sludge could reach 70% and 60% of the total adsorption within 12 h, respectively; the maximum adsorption capacities of the two biochars were 2.13 mg x g(-1) (biochar derived from reed straw) and 2.09 mg x g(-1) (biochar derived from municipal sludge). The quantities of both absorptions increased with the decreasing solution pH. The two adsorption kinetics of NOR onto biochars followed the pseudo second order kinetic equations, and adsorption isotherms fitted well with the Langmuir equations. Adsorption thermodynamics parameters such as Gibbs free energy (AG), enthalpy (AH) and entropy (AS) indicated that the two adsorptions were endothermic reactions. Infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that oxygen-containing functional groups on biochars provided NOR molecules with adsorptive sites, which facilitated the formation of hydrogen bonds between NOR and the biochars.

Ultrabroad Photoluminescence and Electroluminescence at New Wavelengths from Doped Organometal Halide Perovskites.

Doping of semiconductors by introducing foreign atoms enables their widespread applications in microelectronics and optoelectronics. We show that this strategy can be applied to direct bandgap lead-halide perovskites, leading to the realization of ultrawide photoluminescence (PL) at new wavelengths enabled by doping bismuth (Bi) into lead-halide perovskites. Structural and photophysical characterization reveals that the PL stems from one class of Bi doping-induced optically active center, which is attributed to distorted [PbI6] units coupled with spatially localized bipolarons. Additionally, we find that compositional engineering of these semiconductors can be employed as an additional way to rationally tune the PL properties of doped perovskites. Finally, we accomplished the electroluminescence at cryogenic temperatures by using this system as an emissive layer, marking the first electrically driven devices using Bi-doped photonic materials. Our results suggest that low-cost, earth-abundant, solution-processable Bi-doped perovskite semiconductors could be promising candidate materials for developing optical sources operating at new wavelengths.

[Speciation distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments in suburban outfall of industrial oasis region].

The speciation distribution and potential environmental risk of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr in sediments in suburban outfall of industrial oasis region, Baiyin City were studied by Tessier sequential extraction method, correlation analysis, enrichment factor (EF) and risk assessment code (RAC). The results indicated that, the average concentration of heavy metals in sediments samples of Dongdagou and Xidagou streams exceeded the background levels in Gansu Province, with Cr, as an exception. The enrichment factor suggested that the enrichment of Cd in sediments of Dongdagou and Xidagou streams were very serious, which posed a strong pollution level. Furthermore, the analysis of chemical speciation indicated that Zn, Ni, and Cr in sediments of Dongdagou stream were mainly dominated by the fraction of residual, the existence of Cu and Cd was mainly in organic forms, while Pb was composed mostly by its Fe-Mn oxides fraction; Pb in sediments of Xidagou stream existed by Fe-Mn oxides fraction, other metals mainly appeared with the residual fraction. The risk assessment code (RAC) showed that the risk level of heavy metals in sediments of Dongdagou stream descended in the order: Ni > Cd > Pb > Cu > Zn > Cr, Ni posed a highest risk level. The risk level of heavy metals in sediments of Xidagou stream decreased in the order: Pb > Cd > Ni > Cu > Zn > Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni posed a highest risk level.

High-efficiency femtosecond Yb:Gd3Al(0.5)Ga(4.5)O12 mode-locked laser based on reduced graphene oxide.

A diode-pumped Yb-doped Gd(3)Al(0.5)Ga(4.5)O(12) mode-locked bulk laser based on chemically reduced graphene oxide (RGO) has been demonstrated for the first time to our best knowledge. Pulses with duration of 643 fs were produced at the central wavelength of 1041.1 nm. A maximum average output power of 0.8 W was obtained from the RGO mode-locked laser, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 20.1% and a peak power of 27.6 kW. The results indicate that RGO is suitable for obtaining high-power and high-efficiency ultrafast lasers.

Genetic inactivation of the adenosine A(2A) receptor exacerbates brain damage in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Studies with multiple sclerosis patients and animal models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) implicate adenosine and adenosine receptors in modulation of neuroinflammation and brain injury. Although the involvement of the A(1) receptor has been recently demonstrated, the role of the adenosine A(2A) receptor (A(2A)R) in development of EAE pathology is largely unknown. Using mice with genetic inactivation of the A(2A) receptor, we provide direct evidence that loss of the A(2A)R exacerbates EAE pathology in mice. Compared with wild-type mice, A(2A)R knockout mice injected with myelin oligodendroglia glycoprotein peptide had a higher incidence of EAE and exhibited higher neurological deficit scores and greater decrease in body weight. A(2A)R knockout mice displayed increased inflammatory cell infiltration and enhanced microglial cell activation in cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. In addition, demyelination and axonal damage in brainstem were exacerbated, levels of Th1 cytokines increased, and Th2 cytokines decreased. Collectively, these findings suggest that extracellular adenosine acting at A(2A)Rs triggers an important neuroprotective mechanism. Thus, the A(2A) receptor is a potential target for therapeutic approaches to multiple sclerosis.

Research on the treatment of phosphoric wastewater by ultrasound-assisted microelectrolysis method.

In this research work, ultrasound was introduced to the microelectrolysis (ME) method to improve the treatment efficiency for phosphoric wastewater. The effects of treatment time, Fe/C ratio (v/v) and iron filings dosage on the efficiency of phosphorus removal from wastewater with different initial pH values were investigated. The results showed that the phosphorus removal efficiency by the ME method was significantly enhanced in the presence of ultrasound. The maximum removal rate of phosphorus (RRP) for the wastewater with an initial pH value of 4.0 was 92.4% after 60 min of treatment when the Fe/C and Fe/H2O volume ratio were 2/1 and 1/10, respectively. The reaction kinetics analysis indicated that the phosphorus degradation processes for the ultrasonic and ME methods as well as the ultrasonically assisted ME method (UME) were in accordance with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The synergetic effect of the combined ultrasound and ME method for phosphorus removal was also studied by reaction kinetics analysis.

2-BFI attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis-induced spinal cord injury with enhanced B-CK, CaATPase, but reduced calpain activity.

The lack of disease-modifying pharmacological agents for effective treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) still represents a large and urgent unmet medical need. Our previous studies showed that ligands to type 2 imidazoline receptors (I(2)R) were effective in protecting spinal cord injury caused by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS. In this study, we further examined the protective property of a very selective ligand of I(2)R, 2-(2-benzofuranyl) 2-imidazoline (2-BFI) against EAE. Importantly, a mechanism of 2-BFI-mediated protection was investigated which possibly involves an I(2)R binding protein, brain-creatine kinase (B-CK), as well as CaATPase and calpain. The enzymatic activity of B-CK and CaATPase was significantly reduced in EAE injured spinal cord. Reduction of B-CK activity in EAE spinal cord may lead to energy reduction and dysfunction in cellular calcium homeostasis. Increased intracellular calcium evokes elevation of calpain activity occurring in EAE spinal cord which causes further tissue damage. Indeed, EAE injured spinal cord showed significant reduction in CaATPase and increase calpain activities. Remarkably, spinal cord tissue from mice treated daily with 2-BFI during the progression of EAE significantly restored B-CK and CaATPase enzymatic activities and showed no induction in calpain activity. Moreover, EAE spinal cord from 2-BFI treated mice also demonstrated better preservation of myelin; reduced axonal injury, as evidenced by the lower level of ß-APP expression, and above all, highly improved neurobehavioral scores (p<0.01; n=10). These findings suggest that 2-BFI can be further developed as a therapeutic drug for MS treatment.

Accumulation and distribution of cadmium and lead in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in contaminated soils from the oasis, north-west China.

BACKGROUND: Crops grown in soils contaminated by heavy metals are an important avenue for toxic metals entering the human food chain. The objectives of our study were to investigate the accumulation and distribution of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in wheat plants cultivated in arid soils spiked with different doses of heavy metal, as well as bioavailability of these metals in the contaminated arid soils from the oasis, north-west China. RESULTS: The concentrations of Cd in the roots of wheat plants were about 5, 14 and 8 times higher than those in the shoots, shells and grains, respectively. The concentrations of Pb in the roots were about 23, 76 and 683 times higher than those in the shoots, shells and grains, respectively. Grains contained 11-14% and 0.1-0.2% of Cd and Pb found in roots of wheat plants. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) is the ratio of metal concentration in plant tissues and metal concentration in their rooted soils. The average BCF of Cd and Pb in grains was 0.6270 and 0.0007. Cd and Pb contents in different parts of wheat plants mainly correlated with the bound-to-carbonate metal fractions in contaminated arid soils. CONCLUSION: The preliminary study indicated that Cd and Pb were predominantly accumulated and distributed in wheat roots and shoots, and only a small proportion of these metals can reach the grains. The carbonate fractions mainly contributed to Cd and Pb bioavailability in contaminated arid soils.