[Non palpable testicular tumors. Retrospective series]. / Tumeurs testiculaires non palpables. Série rétrospective.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in 13 cases with nonpalpable testicular tumors and review the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1998 to 2012, 13 patients were diagnosed with nonpalpable testicular tumors. The data base was performed prospectively, and analyzed retrospectively. We evaluated demographic data, clinical presentation, ultrasound tumor features, tumor markers, frozen and final histopathological findings. All patients were also evaluated with serum tumor markers and the surgical approach was inguinal. RESULTS: The mean age was 46.4 years and the most frequent clinical presentation were orchialgia in six patients (46.1%) and infertility in three (23%). All masses were hypoechoic with an average tumor size of 8.9 mm. The serum tumor markers were negative in all patients and the final histopathological findings were six seminomas, two embryonal carcinomas, one seminiferous tubules atrophy, a segmental testicular infarction, a Sertoli cell tumor and a Leydig cell tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Nonpalpable testicular masses were benign in almost half of the cases; therefore, we recommend using the frozen section pathology as a tool to perform conservative surgery in selective cases.

Peroxidases have more functions than a Swiss army knife.

Plant peroxidases (class III peroxidases) are present in all land plants. They are members of a large multigenic family. Probably due to this high number of isoforms, and to a very heterogeneous regulation of their expression, plant peroxidases are involved in a broad range of physiological processes all along the plant life cycle. Due to two possible catalytic cycles, peroxidative and hydroxylic, peroxidases can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) (*OH, HOO*), polymerise cell wall compounds, and regulate H2O2 levels. By modulating their activity and expression following internal and external stimuli, peroxidases are prevalent at every stage of plant growth, including the demands that the plant meets in stressful conditions. These multifunctional enzymes can build a rigid wall or produce ROS to make it more flexible; they can prevent biological and chemical attacks by raising physical barriers or by counterattacking with a large production of ROS; they can be involved in a more peaceful symbiosis. They are finally present from the first hours of a plant's life until its last moments. Although some functions look paradoxical, the whole process is probably regulated by a fine-tuning that has yet to be elucidated. This review will discuss the factors that can influence this delicate balance.