Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University (Turkish: Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa Üniversitesi) is a public university established in 1992 and primarily located in Tokat, Turkey. The university takes its name from the famous Turkish commander Gazi Osman Nuri Pasha, who was born in Tokat.
Background Preterm neonates have an immature skin barrier, increasing their susceptibility to moisture loss and impaired skin integrity. However, evidence regarding the most appropriate topical moisturising agent for this population remains limited. Purpose This trial aims to investigate the effects of applying coconut oil and a moisturising lotion to the skin of preterm neonates on their skin moisture, skin pH, skin integrity, and vital signs. Methods This randomised controlled trial was conducted with 90 preterm neonates with a gestational age of 320/7–376/7 weeks who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between December 2024 and December 2025. The sample consisted of two intervention groups and one control group [Moisturising Lotion (ML) group (n = 30), Coconut Oil (CO) group (n = 30) and Control group (n = 30)]. The data were collected using an Infant Information and Monitoring Form, a skin moisture meter, a skin pH meter and the Neonatal Skin Condition Score (NSCS). Results Following the application, skin moisture rates in the abdominal, arm and leg regions significantly rose in the intervention groups compared with the control group (p < .05). A significant rise was found in intra-group skin pH values on the 3rd and 5th days in the ML group and on day 5 in the CO group (p < .05). The NSCS score significantly dropped over time in both intervention groups (p < .001). Effect size analyses indicated a more pronounced improvement in skin condition scores in the CO group (p < .001; η2 = 0.551). Conclusion The results of this study indicated that interventions of coconut oil and moisturising lotion may be effective in improving skin moisture and supporting skin integrity in preterm neonates. As coconut oil has a greater effect on the skin integrity of premature infants, using it as a moisturising topical agent is recommended. Practice implications Coconut oil and moisturising lotion may be considered low-cost and safe nursing interventions to support skin hydration and skin integrity in preterm neonates. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07503457
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder characterized by increased levels of androgens (hyperandrogenism), irregular menstruation, ovulatory dysfunction, polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance, affecting around 5–20
The unique properties of silk, a natural protein-based biopolymer, including its high mechanical strength, chemical modifiability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, have drawn interest in drug delivery science. Fibroin and sericin are the proteins that mainly comprise silk, which is derived chiefly from the Bombyx mori silkworm and certain spider species. The β-sheet crystallites in the silk-fibroin structure enhance the material properties, such as high strength and extensibility. Numerous drug delivery systems have been produced using silk, such as fibers, hydrogels, microparticles, nanoparticles, and liposomes. These systems have a wide range of applications, including parenteral, oral, transdermal, ocular, pulmonary, and local bone implantation. In this study, the origins, extraction methods, chemical structure, physicochemical properties, sterilization methods, and applications in drug delivery systems of silk are extensively discussed. Additionally, current studies in the literature were compiled and evaluated. While current studies are promising for the future, further comprehensive research is necessary to integrate silk-based drug delivery systems into clinical applications.
Limited studies exist on the application of welded duplex stainless steel as a temporary implant material. Various methods have been employed to enhance the biocorrosion resistance and biocompatibility of metallic implant materials. In this study, the effect of welding heat input on the biocorrosion behavior and biocompatibility of AISI 2205 duplex stainless steel joined by laser beam welding was investigated. Microstructure and microtexture characterization analyses were also conducted. Electrochemical tests were performed in a simulated body fluid (SBF) environment to evaluate the biocorrosion properties of the welded samples. The results indicated that increasing the welding heat input improved corrosion resistance. This improvement was attributed to the increased austenite volume fraction, larger grain size, and a higher high-angle grain boundary (HAGB) ratio resulting from the higher heat input. Furthermore, it was observed that increasing the welding heat input decreased the water contact angle of the weld zone. In vitro biocompatibility studies were carried out using the MTT assay with an hFOB cell line. Based on the results obtained on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of incubation, cell viability remained at acceptable levels across all groups. Metal ion release (Cr, Fe, Ni, Mn, and Mo) into the hFOB medium was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the results showed that higher heat input reduced ion release. Finally, bacterial adhesion tests performed with Escherichia coli revealed that the welding process influenced bacterial attachment. Specifically, higher heat input promoted bacterial adhesion, which was likely associated with the increased surface roughness.
Geoheritage elements are generally recognised to possess various high-level values, including scientific, educational, economic, aesthetic, and touristic significance. Numerous studies have been conducted to quantify geoheritage values, and research in this area is ongoing. This study aims to present a quantitative approach to measuring the various values of geoheritage elements by extending an established geoheritage assessment method with Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques. Therefore, five geoheritage sites from Tokat province in Türkiye were subjected to quantitative evaluation using the CRADIS (Compromise Ranking of Alternatives from Distance to Ideal Solution) method based on the IMF SWARA (Improved Fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis). The findings revealed that Ballıca Cave (G1) was the most significant geoheritage site across all dimensions. It has been determined that other heritage elements differ in terms of importance across various dimensions. It is anticipated that this study, along with the methodological framework used, will provide significant theoretical insights to the geoheritage assessment literature. Furthermore, five strategies were formulated, and a strategic management model was designed within the study’s framework of sustainable policy implications. This model and its outcomes will provide local stakeholders with the information needed to protect and manage geoheritage areas throughout the province.
