Fine root mercury heterogeneity: metabolism of lower-order roots as an effective route for mercury removal

Fine roots are critical components for plant mercury (Hg) uptake and removal, but the patterns of Hg distribution and turnover within the heterogeneous fine root components and their potential limiting factors are poorly understood. Based on root branching structure, we studied the total Hg (THg) and its cellular partitioning in fine roots in 6 Chinese subtropical trees species and the impacts of root morphological and stoichiometric traits on Hg partitioning. The THg concentration generally decreased with increasing root order, and was higher in cortex than in stele. This concentration significantly correlated with root length, diameter, specific root length, specific root area, and nitrogen concentration, whereas its cytosolic fraction (accounting for <10% of THg) correlated with root carbon and sulfur concentrations. The estimated Hg return flux from dead fine roots outweighed that from leaf litter, and ephemeral first-order roots that constituted 7.2-22.3% of total fine root biomass may have contributed most to this flux (39-71%, depending on tree species and environmental substrate). Our results highlight the high capacity of Hg stabilization and Hg return by lower-order roots and demonstrate that turnover of lower-order roots may be an effective strategy of detoxification in perennial tree species.

Fano-Rashba effect in thermoelectricity of a double quantum dot molecular junction

We examine the relation between the phase-coherent processes and spin-dependent thermoelectric effects in an Aharonov-Bohm (AB) interferometer with a Rashba quantum dot (QD) in each of its arm by using the Green's function formalism and equation of motion (EOM) technique. Due to the interplay between quantum destructive interference and Rashba spin-orbit interaction (RSOI) in each QD, an asymmetrical transmission node splits into two spin-dependent asymmetrical transmission nodes in the transmission spectrum and, as a consequence, results in the enhancement of the spin-dependent thermoelectric effects near the spin-dependent asymmetrical transmission nodes. We also examine the evolution of spin-dependent thermoelectric effects from a symmetrical parallel geometry to a configuration in series. It is found that the spin-dependent thermoelectric effects can be enhanced by controlling the dot-electrode coupling strength. The simple analytical expressions are also derived to support our numerical results.PACS numbers: 73.63.Kv; 71.70.Ej; 72.20.Pa.

Occurrence, distribution, and source of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in soil and leaves from Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, China

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were measured in soil and three plant species samples taken at different land use areas in Shenzhen China. The concentrations of Σ(7)BDEs (BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, and BDE-183) and BDE-209 in the surface soils ranged from 0.23 to 271 and 8.9 to 5,956 ng/g dry weight (dw), respectively. These figures are comparable to that in the soils of electronic waste dismantling sites. BDE-209 was the predominant congener (contributes 85-99% of Σ(8)PBDEs (Σ(7)PBDEs plus BDE-209)) in soils. The regression slopes of total organic carbon and individual BDE congeners were rather gentle, indicating that factors other than soil organic matter regulated the soil concentrations. Proximity to sources of deposition processes might be the major factors. In the plant leaves, Σ(7)BDEs and BDE-209 concentrations ranged from 1.29 to 5.91 and 5.49 to 28.2 ng/g dw, respectively. BDE-209 is also the dominant component, but the contribution was much lower compared with that in soils. Bauhinia purpurea Linn. and Michelia alba DC. show some similarities on the uptake of PBDEs, while Ficus microcarpa var. pusillifolia is different from them. The correlations between plant leaf concentrations and predicted gaseous concentrations were moderate, indicating that gaseous concentration did not influence the leaf concentration significantly.

Dynamic phase evaluation in sparse-sampled temporal speckle pattern sequence

The rapid progress of modern manufacturing technology has posed stringent requirements for inspecting techniques for vibration characterization and dynamic testing. Because of its simplicity, accuracy, and whole-field character, speckle interferometry has served as one of the major techniques for dynamic measurement, where normally a dense-sampled temporal speckle sequence is captured for phase retrieval using Fourier or wavelet transforms. In this Letter, a method is proposed for phase evaluation of sparse-sampled speckle patterns when the sampling rate is lower than two points per temporal cycle. Dynamic experiments using a high-speed camera demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method for complicated wrapped phase retrieval in electronic/digital speckle pattern interferometry.

[Concentration levels and spatial distribution of heavy metals in soil surrounding a municipal solid waste incineration plant (Shenzhen)]

The municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration has been well known among key sources of heavy metal (HM) emission. To investigate the multivariate relationships and spatial distribution of HMs from this source, 9 HMs (Hg, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn) were analysed by multivariate statistical analysis in 80 representative soil samples including surface soils and subsurface soils around the Shenzhen Qingshuihe MSW Incineration Plant (MSWIP). Results show that, the concentrations of Hg, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn range 0.012-0.136, 0.23-75.89, not detected (ND)-1.17, 21.7-116.0, ND-61.1, ND-47.0, ND-133.0, ND-16.4 and 8.6-246.9 mg x kg(-1), respectively. No significant elevation of concentrations of HMs in soils is observed, compared with the natural background. Based on the hierarchical cluster and historical analysis, the spatial correlations of HMs have been changed by the impact of MSWIP. According to the similarity of concentration, the HMs can be divided into 3 categories: (1) Cu, Ni, Cr, Se, Zn, Pb; (2) As, Cd; (3) Hg. Factors analysis was also performed and shows that the HM distribution patterns are dominantly affected by 3 principal components: local biogeochemical characteristics (48.6% of variance), impact of the MSWIP (16.6% of variance) as well as topographical characteristics (13.2% of variance). Subsequently the 3 maps of factor scores are calculated and exhibited. This study favors to estimate the long-term effects of HM emission from MSWIP on surrounding soil environment and facilitate the local health risk assessment.

Follow-up study identifies two novel susceptibility loci PRKCB and 8p11.21 for systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

We have performed a large-scale replication study based on our previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) of SLE in the Chinese Han population to further explore additional genetic variants affecting susceptibility to SLE.

METHODS

Thirty-eight single nucleotide polymorphisms from our GWAS were genotyped in two additional Chinese Han cohorts (total 3152 cases and 7050 controls) using the Sequenom Massarray system. Association analyses were performed using logistic regression with gender or sample cohorts as a covariate.

RESULTS

Association evidence for rs16972959 (PRKCB at 16p11.2) and rs12676482 (8p11.21) with SLE was replicated independently in both replication cohorts (P < 0.05), showing high significance for SLE in combined all 4199 cases and 8255 controls of Chinese Han [rs16972959: odds ratio (OR) = 0.81; 95% CI 0.76, 0.87; P(combined) = 1.35 × 10(-9); rs12676482: OR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.15, 1.38; P(combined) = 6.68 × 10(-7)). PRKCB is related to the established SLE immune-related pathway (NF-κB) and 8p11.21 contains important candidate genes such as IKBKB and DKK4. IKBKB is a critical component of NF-κB and DKK4 is an inhibitor of canonical Wnt signalling pathway. Interestingly, PRKCB is required for recruiting IKBKB into lipid rafts, up-regulating NF-κB-dependent survival signal.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provided novel insights into the genetic architecture of SLE and emphasized the contribution of multiple variants of modest effect. Further study focused on PRKCB, 8p11.21, should advance our understanding on the pathogenesis of SLE.

Protective effect of Gö6976, a PKD inhibitor, on LPS/D: -GalN-induced acute liver injury in mice

OBJECTIVE

Protein kinase D (PKD) is a newly described serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a pivotal role in inflammatory response. In the present study, we examined the protective effect of Gö6976, a PKD inhibitor, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D: -galactosamine (D: -GalN)-induced acute liver injury in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were pretreated intraperitoneally with Gö6976 30 min before LPS/D: -GalN administration . The mortality and degree of hepatic injury was subsequently assessed.

RESULTS

The results indicated that LPS/D: -GalN administration markedly induced hepatic PKD activation, lethality and liver injury, while pretreatment of the PKD inhibitor Gö6976 significantly inhibited LPS-induced PKD activation, improved the survival of LPS/D: -GalN-administered mice and attenuated LPS/D: -GalN-induced liver injury, as evidenced by reduced levels of serum aminotransferases as well as reduced histopathological changes. In addition, the protective effects of Gö6976 were paralleled by suppressed activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and adhesion molecules, and reduced apoptosis and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experimental data indicated that Gö6976, a PKD inhibitor, could effectively prevent LPS/D: -GalN-induced acute liver injury by inhibition of MAPKs activation to reduce TNF-α production. This suggests the potential pharmacological value of PKD inhibitors in the intervention of inflammation-based liver diseases.

Analysis of arable land loss and its impact on rural sustainability in Southern Jiangsu Province of China

Rapid urbanization and industrialization in southern Jiangsu Province have consumed a huge amount of arable land. Through comparative analysis of land cover maps derived from TM images in 1990, 2000 and 2006, we identified the trend of arable land loss. It is found that most arable land is lost to urbanization and rural settlements development. Urban settlements, rural settlements, and industrial park-mine-transport land increased, respectively, by 87 997 ha (174.65%), 81 041 ha (104.52%), and 12 692 ha (397.99%) from 1990 to 2006. Most of the source (e.g., change from) land covers are rice paddy fields and dryland. These two covers contributed to newly urbanized areas by 37.12% and 73.52% during 1990-2000, and 46.39% and 38.86% during 2000-2006. However, the loss of arable land is weakly correlated with ecological service value, per capita net income of farmers, but positively with grain yield for some counties. Most areas in the study site have a low arable land depletion rate and a high potential for sustainable development. More attention should be directed at those counties that have a high depletion rate but a low potential for sustainable development. Rural settlements should be controlled and rationalized through legislative measures to achieve harmonious development between urban and rural areas, and sustainable development for rural areas with a minimal impact on the ecoenvironment.

[Mercury pollution investigation in predominant plants surrounding Shenzhen Qingshuihe municipal solid waste incineration plant]

In order to investigate the effects of mercury emission from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) on the surrounding plants and soils, the mercury concentrations were examined in the plant samples including leaves and stems and the soil samples around Shenzhen Qingshuihe MSWI Plant. Results show that, these plants are significantly polluted by mercury, the mercury concentrations of the plant leaves are 0.030 9-0.246 7 mg x kg(-1), with the mean value 0.094 8 mg x kg(-1), among the local prominent plants, the mercury concentrations in the leaves are in the order of: Acacia confuse > Litsea rotundifolia > Acacia mangium > Acacia auriculaeformis > Schima superb > Ilex asprella. The mercury concentrations of the plant stems are 0.007 4-0.119 6 mg x kg(-1), with the mean value 0.041 7 mg x kg(-1). For the same plant, the mercury concentration in its leaf correlates positively with that in its stem, but presents little correlation with that in the soil where it grows. Under the direction of the dominant wind, the concentration of smoke diffusion is often influenced by the distance from the stack and the difference of terrain. The mercury concentrations of the plant leaves and stems vary almost in accordance with spatial heterogeneity patterns of smoke diffusion. These results demonstrate that the interaction of the smoke and plant leaves play the leading role in the mercury exchange between plants and environment.

Use of n-hexadecane as an oxygen vector to improve Phaffia rhodozyma growth and carotenoid production in shake-flask cultures

AIMS

To identify beneficial oxygen vectors for Phaffia rhodozyma in liquid cultures, and to evaluate their use to improve the oxygen transfer and carotenoid production in the yeast cultures.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Several liquid hydrocarbons were tested as oxygen vectors for improving the yeast growth and carotenoid production in shake-flask cultures of P. rhodozyma. While all nontoxic organic liquids (Log P: > or =5.6) showed a positive effect, n-hexadecane was proved to be the most beneficial for the yeast growth and carotenoid production. The addition of 9% (v/v) n-hexadecane to the liquid medium at the time of inoculation was found to be optimal, increasing the carotenoid yield by 58% (14.5 mg l(-1) vs 9.2 g l(-1) in the control) and the oxygen transfer rate (OTR) by 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of n-hexadecane to shake-flask cultures of P. rhodozyma significantly improved the oxygen transfer in culture, thus increasing the carotenoid production.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Use of organic oxygen vectors such as n-hexadecane may be a simple and useful means for enhancing oxygen transfer and carotenoid production in liquid fermentation of P. rhodozyma.

Local immune responses in sensitized sheep following challenge infection with Teladorsagia circumcincta

Sheep were sensitized by weekly infections with Teladorsagia circumcincta over a 9-week period. After a 12-week rest, sheep were divided into four groups and killed without challenge or 3, 5 and 10 days post challenge (DPC) with 50000 L3. Recovery of challenge larvae from abomasal scrapings was highest at 3 DPC while no parasites were recovered by 10 DPC. Abomasal lymph nodes (ALN) of challenged sheep were significantly larger at 5 DPC, coinciding with an increase in the proportion of CD4 T cells and a decrease in CD21+ cells, probably reflecting the loss of CD21 from terminally differentiated antibody secreting cells. A significant increase was observed in gammadelta-TCR+ cells at 3 DPC in the ALN, while their number slightly decreased in the abomasal tissues throughout the challenge period. The number of tissue eosinophils was dramatically increased after challenge compared with the unchallenged controls, with a peak at 3 DPC, coinciding with the peak in larval recovery. CD4+ cells significantly increased in the abomasal tissues at 5 DPC, while no changes in globule leucocytes were observed until 10 DPC. Antibody-secreting cell probes (ASC-probes) generated from the ALN showed highest reactivity against larval antigens at 5 DPC. This reactivity was predominantly directed against regions between 90 and 100 kDa and 30-35 kDa in the L3 preparation and lower molecular weight antigens in the L4. No reactivity was observed against the adult extract. The 30-35 kDa antigen seemed to exist as a high molecular weight complex in L3 homogenate and was not susceptible to protease K treatment, suggesting it may be non-protein in nature.

EPR approaches to ion channel structure and function

The fundamental processes that underlie ion channel function are permeation/ selectivity and gating. In an effort to understand ion channel gating, we have used an approach that combines reporter-group spectroscopic techniques (spin labelling/ electron paramagnetic resonance, EPR) and electrophysiological methods with classical biochemical and molecular biological procedures. As an ideal test channel, we have focused our attention on the K+ channel from Streptomyces lividans, KcsA. Through site-directed spin labelling, cysteine chemistry was used to introduce nitroxide radicals into specific sites within KcsA with high reactivity and specificity. EPR spectroscopy analysis of the spin labelled mutants yields two types of structural information: (1) mobility and solvent accessibility of the attached nitroxide through collisional relaxation methods and (2) distances between pairs of nitroxides through dipole-dipole interactions. Using this approach, we analysed the correlation between KcsA crystal structure and the EPR data, extend it to derive low-resolution folds of full-length KcsA and apply it in the determination of the molecular rearrangements responsible for pH-dependent gating.

A randomized controlled trial of tolterodine and oxybutynin on tolerability and clinical efficacy for treating Chinese women with an overactive bladder

Objective To compare the tolerability and clinical efficacy of tolterodine and oxybutynin in the treatment of Hong Kong Chinese women with an overactive bladder. Patients and methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted at two urogynaecology centres in Hong Kong. In all, 106 women with urodynamically confirmed detrusor instability were recruited. Baseline severity assessments included a visual analogue scale (VAS), urinary diary and urinary pad-test. The women were randomized to receive either oral tolterodine 2 mg or oxybutynin 5 mg twice daily for 10 weeks. Treatment responses were assessed at 4 and 10 weeks using the VAS and urinary diary. Treatment tolerability was assessed at baseline, 4 and 10 weeks using the Xerostomia Questionnaire. A urinary pad-test was repeated at 10 weeks. Results The perceived change from baseline VAS was better in the tolterodine than the oxybutynin group after 10 weeks of treatment (per-protocol analysis, P = 0.043). The two drugs were effective in reducing the symptoms of frequency (P < 0.001). Tolterodine was significantly better than oxybutynin in reducing urinary leakage (urinary pad-test; median change - 5.00 g vs 0 g, P = 0.019). Both drugs caused a significant worsening of dry mouth (overall dryness, P < 0.005; discomfort, P < 0.005; sleep, P = 0.021; speaking, P = 0.045; swallowing, P = 0.004; and liquid consumption, P = 0.017). Conclusions Both oxybutynin and tolterodine were effective in ameliorating the severity of the symptoms of detrusor instability. Tolterodine was better than oxybutynin in both subjective and objective outcome measures, but both drugs caused similar worsening of dry mouth that may limit the tolerability of these medications.

Two tightly linked QTLs modify tomato sugar content via different physiological pathways

Congenic lines that differ in a single defined chromosome segment are useful for the study of complex phenotypes, as they allow isolation of the effect of a particular quantitative trait locus (QTL) from those of the entire genome. We conducted high-resolution QTL mapping of a 9-cM introgression, originating from the wild tomato species Lycopersicon pennellii, in two extremely different genetic and physiological backgrounds. In the "indeterminate" glasshouse background we identified only a single QTL ( Brix9-2-5) that affects the total soluble solids of the fruit [mainly sugars, measured in Brix units (B)]. This QTL was previously delimited within the gene for an apoplastic invertase, Lin5, that modulates sugar partitioning to the fruit. Analysis of the effects of the same chromosome segment in "determinate", open-field tomatoes, revealed two QTLs, 0.3 cM apart: the fruit-specific Brix9-2-5 that affects B only, and the shoot-specific PW9-2-5, which accounts for an altered growth habit resulting in increases in plant weight, yield, and B. This study highlights the power of the congenic approach for dissecting developmental pathways leading to complex phenotypes.

Calculation of rigid-body conformational changes using restraint-driven Cartesian transformations

We present an approach for calculating conformational changes in membrane proteins using limited distance information. The method, named restraint-driven Cartesian transformations, involves 1) the use of relative distance changes; 2) the systematic sampling of rigid body movements in Cartesian space; 3) a penalty evaluation; and 4) model refinement using energy minimization. As a test case, we have analyzed the structural basis of activation gating in the Streptomyces lividans potassium channel (KcsA). A total of 10 pairs of distance restraints derived from site-directed spin labeling and electron paramagnetic resonance (SDSL-EPR) spectra were used to calculate the open conformation of the second transmembrane domains of KcsA (TM2). The SDSL-EPR based structure reveals a gating mechanism consistent with a scissoring-type motion of the TM2 segments that includes a pivot point near middle of the helix. The present approach considerably reduces the amount of time and effort required to establish the overall nature of conformational changes in membrane proteins. It is expected that this approach can be implemented into restrained molecular dynamics protocol to calculate the structure and conformational changes in a variety of membrane protein systems.

[Relationship between basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and cell proliferation, invasion in pituitary adenoma]

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were examined by immunohistochemistry in fifty-one pituitary adenomas. The results showed that the intensity of bFGF expression was strong or intermediate in twenty-nine adenomas, which was positively related to cell proliferation, there was positive relationship between bFGF expressin and tumor invasion in non-functional adenomas. The data suggest that bFGF may play some role in the origin and progression of pituitary adenomas.

Structure of the KcsA channel intracellular gate in the open state

Ion channels catalyze the selective transfer of ions across the membrane in response to a variety of stimuli. These channels gate by controlling the access of ions to a centrally located water-filled pore. The crystal structure of the Streptomyces lividans potassium channel (KcsA) has allowed a molecular exploration of this mechanism. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies have uncovered significant conformational changes at the intracellular end of the second transmembrane helix (TM2) upon gating. We have used site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) and EPR spectroscopy in an attempt to quantify the structural rearrangements of the KcsA TM2 bundle underlying the transition from the closed to the open state. Under conditions favoring the closed and open conformations, 10 intersubunit distances were obtained across TM2 segments from tandem dimer constructs. Analysis of these data points to a mechanism in which each TM2 helix tilts away from the permeation pathway, towards the membrane plane, and rotates about its helical axis, supporting a scissoring-type motion with a pivot point near residues 107-108. These movements are accompanied by a large increase in the diameter of the vestibule below the central water-filled cavity.

[Study of acute supratentorial and infratentorial localized lesions by transcranial Doppler]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the correlation between increased intracranial pressure in supratentorial, infratentorial and TCD parameters of basal arteries.

METHODS

Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: supratentorial group and infratentorial group. Intracranial pressures were raised after inflation of a preplaced epidural balloons. TCD parameters of the BA, rMCA were examined at intervals of 15 minutes after inflation of the balloon. ICP, ASP, HR, R were also recorded simultaneously.

RESULTS

1. The normal spectra of BA were characterized by a high-resistance, low-flow waveform. 2. At the 0.4 ml, 0.5 ml balloon volume level, ICP in supratentorial group was significantly increased than that in infratentorial group; 3. The correlation between ICP and MCA's TCD parameters were better than that between ICP and BA's TCD parameters in the supratentorial group. In the infratentorial group, the correlation between ICP and BA's TCD parameters were better than that between ICPs and MCA's TCD.

CONCLUSIONS

1. There are intracranial pressure gradients in mass lesions, so fibroptic probe should be placed at the place where the mass lesion takes place. 2. To perform non-invasive ICP monitoring by TCD, the basal artery should be chosen according to the mass lesions.

[Changes in somatosensory evoked potentials and brainstem auditory evoked potentials during acute intracranial hypertension in rabbits]

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes in somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) during intracranial hypertension.

METHOD

A rabbit model of acute intracranial hypertension was developed. Thirty New Zealand rabbits were divided into 3 group. Both Group A and B were groups with intracranial hypertension; Group C was the control group. In Group A, balloons were placed to the right parietal lobe beneath the dura mater; in Group B, to temporal at the middle fossa near the brainstem.

RESULT

(1) In Group A, when ICP rose to (1.48 +/- 0.35) kPa, P1 amplitude of SEPs was significantly changed, whereas latencies of Wave IV, V, and VII of BAEPs were prolonged when ICP rose to (9.40 +/- 1.60) kPa. In group B, P1 amplitude of SEPs was changed when ICP reached (8.10 +/- 1.25) kPa, and latency of Wave III of BAEPs was prolonged when ICP rose to (3.11 +/- 0.80) kPa. (2) P1 amplitude increased with ICP value when the balloon volume increased from V = 0.0 ml, ICP = (0.43 +/- 0.10) kPa to V = 0.4 ml, ICP = (2.44 +/- 0.65) kPa and then decreased afterward.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Changes in SEPs and BAEPs relate to not only ICP value but also the location of the balloon. (2) With the increasing of ICP, P1 amplitude increases firstly and then decreases.

[Isokinetic concentric dynamometry of knee flexors and extensors in young male]

Objective. To investigate the effects of different moving speeds on isokinetic dynamometry of knee flexors and extensors, and to provide normative data for comparative purposes in strength evaluations. Method. Thirty healthy male were tested at 60, 180, and 240 deg/sec angular velocities using a REV9000 testing and rehabilitation system. Result. Both PT (peak torque) and PT/BW (peak torque/body weights) showed significant differences (P< 0.01, P< 0.05) between flexors and extensors, and declined significantly with increased speed (P< 0.001). Peak torque differences between dominant and nondominant knee (Di%) was 10%. TPT (time to peak torque) tended to decrease as moving speeds increased (P< 0.001). APT (angle of peak torque) were 50%-70% for quadriceps, and 32%-45% for hamstrings; H/Q (hamstrings peak torque/quadriceps peak torque) was 50%-60%; WF (work fatigue) was 65%. Conclusion. The results provided a reference for strength evaluations in space medicine and space physiology, especially under simulated weightlessness and microgravity.

Orbital adenocarcinoma of lacrimal gland origin in a dog

A 13-year-old intact female mixed-breed dog was presented for a progressive enlargement of the right eye, which had been treated previously for conjunctivitis. A round, firm mass, approximately 4 cm in diameter, was protruding from the superotemporal aspect of the right orbit, displacing the eyeball anteriorly and ventromedially. The mass was encapsulated, distinct from the eyeball, and not associated with the eyelids. On cut surface, there was a pale multilobulated periphery, with a dark red, soft, and depressed core. Histologically, tumor cells formed cords and tubules, which were stained with mouse anti-human cytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3. Residual glands were serous, and the majority of tumor cells were negative for mucin. The supraorbital location, encapsulation, and residual serous glands suggest that this mass was a low-grade adenocarcinoma of the lacrimal gland.