Single-layer graphene modulates neuronal communication and augments membrane ion currents

The use of graphenebased materials to engineer sophisticated biosensing interfaces that can adapt to the central nervous system requires a detailed understanding of how such materials behave in a biological context. Graphene's peculiar properties can cause various cellular changes, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that singlelayer graphene increases neuronal firing by altering membraneassociated functions in cultured cells. Graphene tunes the distribution of extracellular ions at the interface with neurons, a key regulator of neuronal excitability. The resulting biophysical changes in the membrane include stronger potassium ion currents, with a shift in the fraction of neuronal firing phenotypes from adapting to tonically firing. By using experimental and theoretical approaches, we hypothesize that the graphene\u2013ion interactions that are maximized when singlelayer graphene is deposited on electrically insulating substrates are crucial to these effects

Oral features of systemic sclerosis: A case–control study

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the orofacial parameters of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and its related systemic features. / Subjects and Methods: A descriptive case–control study was performed from November 2015 to October 2016. Ninety‐three individuals were included and divided into SSc group (n = 50) and healthy controls (C, n = 43). / Results: Systemic sclerosis individuals were mostly women (43/50, 86%), with a mean age of 46 years (±11.6 years). Telangiectasia (42/50, 84%) and reduced mouth opening (35/50, 70%) were the most frequent orofacial findings. The periodontitis frequency was much higher in SSc individuals than in healthy controls (90.7% × 48.83%; p < .001). In addition, SSc individuals presented a distinctive pattern of periodontitis, with low probing pocket depth (2 ± 0.65 mm × 2 ± 0.24; p < .001), higher gingival recession (4 ± 2.13 × 0.14 ± 0,22; p < .001), higher periodontal attachment loss (6 ± 1.34 mm × 2 ± 0.43, p < .001), and lower gingival bleeding index values (7.05 ± 7.25 × 21.57 ± 15.66; p < .001). / Conclusions: Orofacial manifestations were common in SSc and included a unique pattern of periodontal manifestation, characterized by lower gingival bleeding index, higher periodontal attachment loss, and low probing depth