Improving postharvest life, quality and bioactive compounds of strawberry fruits using spermine and spermidine.

Small fruits such as strawberries, are a good source of natural antioxidants. In recent decades, many efforts have been made to increase the shelf life of strawberries and maintain its nutritional value in post-harvest conditions. In the present study, the effects of spermine (Spm) and spermidine (Spd) (0, 1.0 and 1.5 mM) on the post-harvest life and quality of strawberry fruits during the 3rd, 6th, and 12th days of storage, were investigated. Applications of Spm and Spd decreased the rate of weight loss, fruit decay, soluble solids content, fruit juice pH and taste index during the storage period in compared to the control. However, titratable acids and vitamin C contents, tissue stiffness, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity increased in compared to the control. These growth regulators prevented the aging and loss of bioactive compounds of the fruit by increasing the antioxidant activity and preventing the destruction of the fruit tissue. Among the studied treatments, applications of 1.5 mM of Spm and Spd were the most effective treatments to enhance the storage life and quality characters of strawberry fruits.

EVALUATION OF SEXUAL FUNCTION IN TRANSGENDER AND GENDER DIVERSE INDIVIDUALS; A CALL FOR ACTION.

Sexual function is a key factor impacting all individuals' wellbeing, including the transgender and gender diverse (TGGD) population. Lack of validated sexual function evaluation tools for this community contributes to gaps in medical knowledge, barriers to proper assessment, interventions, and an understanding of sexual function expectations pre and post gender-affirming surgery (GAS). Current studies indicate beneficial individualized treatments for management of sexual dysfunction in TGGD individuals, while demonstrating the importance of applicable and validated sexual function assessments. In the evaluation of sexual function for these patients, it is essential to consider the social, mental, and physical components experienced by this community as well as all variations of sexual practices and preferences. Currently, due to the general lack of an index of assessment, providers and/or researchers are left to adapt one of the validated cisgender tools or create non-validated evaluation tools when assessing TGGD patients. Through the creation of unique validated sexual function tools, providers will be able to improve affirming patient care, reduce stigma, and ensure accurate sexual function evaluation.