Impact of Systems of Care on Emotional Well-Being of Primary Family Caregivers of Children with Medical Complexity.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the experiences of caregivers of children with medical complexity (CMC) enrolled in a complex care program, focusing on their interactions with the healthcare system and the impact on caregiver well-being.

Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 caregivers, and data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The interviews covered topics such as navigating the medical system, accessing resources, and interactions with healthcare providers.

Optogenetic hedonic hotspots in orbitofrontal cortex and insula: causing enhancement of sweetness 'liking'.

Hedonic hotspots are brain subregions that causally amplify the hedonic impact of palatable tastes, measured as increases in affective orofacial 'liking' reactions to sweetness. Previously, two cortical hedonic hotspots in orbitofrontal cortex and insula were identified by neurochemical stimulation using opioid or orexin microinjections. Here we used optogenetic stimulation in rats as an independent neurobiological technique for activating cortical hedonic hotspots to identify hedonic functions and map boundaries.

The Incentive-Sensitization Theory of Addiction 30 Years On.

The incentive-sensitization theory (IST) of addiction was first published in 1993, proposing that () brain mesolimbic dopamine systems mediate incentive motivation ("wanting") for addictive drugs and other rewards, but not their hedonic impact (liking) when consumed; and () some individuals are vulnerable to drug-induced long-lasting sensitization of mesolimbic systems, which selectively amplifies their "wanting" for drugs without increasing their liking of the same drugs. Here we describe the origins of IST and evaluate its status 30 years on. We compare IST to other theories of addiction, including opponent-process theories, habit theories of addiction, and prefrontal cortical dysfunction theories of impaired impulse control.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families of children with medical complexity: A qualitative study of caregivers' experiences.

Background: Families of children with medical complexity (CMC) have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing challenges such as decreased access to services, increased financial hardship and increased isolation. However, there are few qualitative studies which explore parental experiences. The aim of the present study was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families of CMC.