Three-dimensional neuronal organoids, spheroids, and tissue mimics are increasingly used to model cognitive processes in vitro. These 3D constructs are also used to model the effects of neurological and psychiatric disorders and to perform computational tasks. The brain’s complex network of neurons is activated via feedforward sensory pathways. Therefore, an interface to 3D constructs that models sensory pathway-like inputs is desirable. In this work, an optical interface for 3D neuronal constructs was developed. Dendrites and axons extended by cortical neurons within the 3D constructs were guided into microchannel-confined bundles. These neurite bundles were then optogenetically stimulated, and evoked responses were evaluated by calcium imaging. Optical stimulation was designed to deliver distinct input patterns to the network in the 3D construct, mimicking sensory pathway inputs to cortical areas in the intact brain. Responses of the network to the stimulation possessed features of neuronal population code, including separability by input pattern and mixed selectivity of individual neurons. This work represents the first demonstration of a pathway-like activation of networks in 3D constructs. Another innovation of this work is the development of an all-optical interface to 3D neuronal constructs, which does not require the use of expensive microelectrode arrays. This interface may enable the use of 3D neuronal constructs for investigations into cortical information processing. It may also enable studies into the effects of neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders on cortical computation.

Objective: This study aims to explore the association between dietary antioxidant index (DAI) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the Iranian population. Subjects and methods: The present cross-sectional study comprised 4,241 participants aged from 35 to 70. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake. The DAI score was determined using Wright’s method, which quantifies the antioxidant content of the diet. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to determine the link between DAI and T2D [...] ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to explore the association between dietary antioxidant index (DAI) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the Iranian population. Subjects and methods: The present cross-sectional study comprised 4,241 participants aged from 35 to 70. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake. The DAI score was determined using Wright’s method, which quantifies the antioxidant content of the diet. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to determine the link between DAI and T2D

The Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia (CAIDE) composite score is a promising measure connecting vascular health to cognitive decline; However, its association with brain imaging findings remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the associations between CAIDE and structural brain measures in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants (n = 226) aged 55–90 years with available CAIDE scores and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) measurements and a diagnosis of amnestic MCI were included. Regression models were used to evaluate the association between CAIDE score and neuropsychiatric and imaging findings. Higher CAIDE scores were significantly correlated with lower MMSE scores (r = -0.22, p = 0.001) and higher CDR-SB (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) and ADAS-Cog 11 scores (r = 0.38, p < 0.001). CAIDE scores were significantly positively related to total cerebrum (β = 0.319), gray matter (β = 0.337), and hippocampal volumes (β = 0.250, all p < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated that total gray matter (AUC = 0.70) and total brain (AUC = 0.69) were more accurate predictors of dementia risk compared to WMH volume (AUC = 0.52). Higher CAIDE dementia risk scores were linked to poorer cognitive performance but showed limited association with WMH burden in individuals with MCI. Gray matter and hippocampal volumes were stronger correlates of dementia risk than WMH volume and CAIDE-related risk may be better captured by cortical and hippocampal structural changes rather than white matter disease.