The jugular–nodose ganglion (JNG) complex of the vagus nerve is a key autonomic relay. However, how aging and hypertension affect its neuropeptide expression remains unclear. This study examined age-, strain-, and side-dependent expression of CGRP, nNOS, and TTN3 in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats.

Methods:
Male SHR and WKY rats were grouped as young (4–9 weeks), middle-aged (39–42 weeks), or old (60–63 weeks). JNG tissues were processed for immunohistochemistry with antibodies against CGRP, nNOS, and TTN3. Neuronal expression was quantified bilaterally and compared using unpaired and paired t-tests.

Results:
In young rats, CGRP-positive neurons accounted for 11.05% in SHR and 0.98% in WKY (p = 0.0007); in middle-aged rats – 6.79% vs. 0.32% (p < 0.0001); no significant difference in old rats (28.36% vs. 34.45%, p = 0.11). nNOS expression was lower in young SHR (3.35%) than WKY (37.07%, p = 0.01) but similar in middle-aged (31.64% vs. 29.78%) and old rats (40.27% vs. 38.53%). TTN3-positive neurons were more frequent in SHR across all ages: young (70.13% vs. 47.23%, p < 0.0001), middle-aged (42.56% vs. 78.30%, p = 0.0025), and old (70.11% vs. 44.22%, p = 0.0086). Neuron size in SHR increased with age (Me = 23.23→24.97 µm²), whereas WKY showed no significant change. Neuron density was higher in young SHR (762/mm²) vs. WKY (608/mm²) and declined with age. Ganglion area correlated positively with neuron number in young and middle-aged but not old animals.

Discussion:
Hypertension induces dynamic, age-dependent neurochemical and morphological remodeling of the JNG. Elevated CGRP, reduced nNOS, and persistent TTN3 upregulation suggest adaptive–maladaptive interplay in baroreceptor pathways. Although these results were obtained in rats, the JNG shares key molecular features with the human vagus nerve. Direct evidence of age- or hypertension-related morphological changes in human vagal ganglia is still lacking, but many mammalian species exhibit comparable autonomic aging, supporting the translational relevance of these findings.

The occupational hazards and multiple sclerosis (MS) during the COVID-19 pandemic reveal a multifaceted interplay between mental health, work-related challenges, and the unique experiences of individuals with MS. The initial research highlights the significant work-related outcomes of healthcare workers with multiple sclerosis. A secondary meta-analysis study was conducted to provide a comprehensive examination of the current state of research regarding the occupational outcomes for individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study found that only 23% of participants experienced a relapse during the pandemic, yet more than half reported an increase in the frequency or severity of adverse MS symptoms, which were exacerbated by the occupational hazards during the COVID-19 pandemic's stressors. The correlation between increased chronic symptoms and higher perceived stress levels further emphasizes the psychological dimensions of living with MS during such a stressful period. This highlight the significant gaps in the literature, specifically noting the scarcity of longitudinal and interventional studies that could offer deeper insights into how occupational outcomes for MS have evolved and may have been exacerbated for this vulnerable population. The existing literature is limited in scope and lacks clear definitions regarding occupational outcomes, complicating the interpretation of findings. This study emphasizes the economic burden of MS on public health and the necessity for further research into the bio-psychosocial factors influencing work disability and potential protective elements that could enhance occupational outcomes. The findings point to the necessity of organizational interventions, such as the provision to mitigate these adverse effects, and underscore the significance of workplace policies in promoting mental well-being during crises. The evolving landscape of work-related issues in the context of chronic illness necessitates a nuanced understanding of how external factors, such as a global health crisis, can shape the experiences of affected individuals. There is a clear need for targeted interventions and further research.

Spinal cord injury is a neurological and pathological state that causes motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunction. The corticospinal tract (CST) is one of the main motor tracts in the spinal cord, so damaging it causes a loss of fine motor movements and dexterity. The mouse model of unilateral pyramidotomy allows the study of compensatory sprouting in the CST axons. However, to date, surgery confirmation can only be performed postmortem using immunofluorescent staining. Prognosis biomarkers can help optimize animal care and minimize pain and suffering. In this context, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective tool that allows for the comprehensive and non-invasive assessment of the progression of different types of CNS lesions. Moreover, in vivo preclinical CNS models can be used as their own control in longitudinal studies.

In this preclinical study, we proposed the use of MRI to assess the outcome of pyramidotomy surgery in C57BL/6 mice (n = 21). We examined the volume and T2-signal in the area occupied by the dorsal column (DC). We found non-significant changes, with none in the volume nor the T2-signal at any post-injury week. Then, knowing that the CST is a small tract in the DC, we measured the area occupied by the CST within the DC. Interestingly, we observed a general reduction in volumes, which was statistically significant at 7 days post-injury. On the other hand, we observed a decrease in the T2-signal following injury that was statistically significant from 14 days post-injury onward.

In conclusion, these results indicate that MRI could be a suitable tool to detect slight changes in the T2-signal in small regions in an earlier way to predict the efficacy of the surgery.

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are widely recognized for their hallmark cognitive deficits, typically characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration. However, neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) including depression, apathy, anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances are increasingly prevalent in early stages of these conditions and significantly influence disease trajectory and patient outcomes. Importantly, neuropsychiatric symptoms often precede overt memory loss by several years, with subtle mood and behavioral disturbances serving as early pre-diagnostic markers of underlying Alzheimer’s pathology. Their presence complicates diagnosis, accelerates disease progression, and intensifies caregiver burden. However, distinguishing NPS arising from neurodegeneration from primary psychiatric disorders remain a profound diagnostic challenge, delaying timely intervention and obscuring early disease recognition.

Methods: A structured narrative review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2025 was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and CINAHL to examine the diagnostic complexities, clinical impact, and current management of NPS in early-stage AD and MCI. We argue that understanding and managing NPS is essential to improving clinical outcomes and guiding therapeutic innovation.

Findings: NPS affects up to 80% of individuals with early AD or MCI, often preceding cognitive decline. Current management strategies rely heavily on non-pharmacological interventions such as caregiver support, behavioral activation, and structured routines, while pharmacological options remain limited by modest efficacy and safety concerns. Advancing knowledge of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) and their association with cognitive decline is critical for establishing more precise diagnostic criteria and for informing personalized therapeutic approaches.

Conclusions: Not understanding the role and impact of neuropsychiatric symptoms in early-stage AD and MCI may have serious clinical, personal, and societal consequences. It may lead to delayed diagnosis, poor patient care, and increased caregiver stress and hampers both research and innovation. Recognizing NPS as early and integral features of disease progression is essential for transforming the diagnosis, care, and treatment of dementia-related disorders.

Introducion: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system. Although primarily managed in outpatient settings, MS may lead to costly hospitalizations. While hospital mortality associated with MS is uncommon in high-income countries, its impact within developing healthcare systems remains insufficiently studied. This study aims to describe the clinical and economic implications of MS-related hospitalizations in Brazil.

Methods: A descriptive ecological study was conducted using data from the Brazilian Unified Health System Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS). All hospital admissions registered under ICD-10 code G35 (MS) between July 2015 and July 2025 were included. The variables analyzed comprised the number of hospitalizations, in-hospital deaths, length of stay, associated costs, and regional distribution across the country.

Results: A total of 9,482 hospitalizations for Multiple Sclerosis were recorded, amounting to 92,415 hospital days. There were 245 in-hospital deaths, resulting in a mean case fatality rate of 2.6% (ranging from 1.7% to 3.2%). The average length of stay was 9.7 days. Cumulative hospital expenditures reached R$ 24.8 million (approximately USD 5 million), with an average cost of R$ 2,600 per admission—exceeding R$ 3,000 in certain years. Regionally, the Southeast accounted for 43% of all hospitalizations and the South for 25%, whereas the North and Northeast regions showed proportionally higher mortality rates (>3%).

Conclusion: From 2015 to 2025, MS led to nearly 10,000 hospital admissions in Brazil, with hospital mortality rates two to three times higher than those reported in high-income countries. The economic impact of almost R$ 25 million reinforces the significance of MS within the framework of a universal public healthcare system. Regional disparities emphasize the urgent need for public health policies to improve equitable access to specialized care and to reduce preventable hospitalizations.