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Margolis A, Barile J, Cason G, Milanaik R. Caring for screenagers (part 2): a pediatrician's primer on popular games and educational tools. Curr Opin Pediatr 2024; 36:325-330. [PMID: 38446183 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The internet has changed the way children can work and play. With the preferences of the youth population constantly evolving, it is important that parents and pediatricians continue to be informed of the ways children spend their time on the internet. Online gaming continues to soar in popularity, as does school usage of educational platforms. RECENT FINDINGS Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft are three examples of games that have widespread popularity among youth populations. Though none of the game are designed to display graphic violence, sexual content, or other features that could be considered off-limits for children, there still ways for children to exposed to inappropriate material or engage with strangers. The rise in popularity of eSports also reflects changing attitudes about the value of gaming. On the educational side, school-student platforms and powerful artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming more and more prevalent. SUMMARY Parents should not simply know which games or educational tools their children are using, but understand them. This article seeks to provide some insight into popular games and platforms so that parents and pediatricians can make better decisions about what children access.
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Desai RI, Kangas BD, Luc OT, Solakidou E, Smith EC, Dawes MH, Ma X, Makriyannis A, Chatterjee S, Dayeh MA, Muñoz-Jaramillo A, Desai MI, Limoli CL. Complex 33-beam simulated galactic cosmic radiation exposure impacts cognitive function and prefrontal cortex neurotransmitter networks in male mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7779. [PMID: 38012180 PMCID: PMC10682413 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42173-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Astronauts will encounter extended exposure to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) during deep space exploration, which could impair brain function. Here, we report that in male mice, acute or chronic GCR exposure did not modify reward sensitivity but did adversely affect attentional processes and increased reaction times. Potassium (K+)-stimulation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) elevated dopamine (DA) but abolished temporal DA responsiveness after acute and chronic GCR exposure. Unlike acute GCR, chronic GCR increased levels of all other neurotransmitters, with differences evident between groups after higher K+-stimulation. Correlational and machine learning analysis showed that acute and chronic GCR exposure differentially reorganized the connection strength and causation of DA and other PFC neurotransmitter networks compared to controls which may explain space radiation-induced neurocognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev I Desai
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA.
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Brian D Kangas
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Oanh T Luc
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Eleana Solakidou
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Evan C Smith
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Monica H Dawes
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Ma
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Maher A Dayeh
- Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78238, USA
- University of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | | | - Mihir I Desai
- Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78238, USA
- University of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, 92697, USA
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Lee MD, Stark CE. Bayesian Modeling of the Mnemonic Similarity Task Using Multinomial Processing Trees. BEHAVIORMETRIKA 2023; 50:517-539. [PMID: 38481469 PMCID: PMC10936565 DOI: 10.1007/s41237-023-00193-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The Mnemonic Similarity Task (MST: Stark et al., 2019) is a modified recognition memory task designed to place strong demand on pattern separation. The sensitivity and reliability of the MST make it an extremely valuable tool in clinical settings. We develop new cognitive models, based on the multinomial processing tree framework, for two versions of the MST. The models are implemented as generative probabilistic models and applied to behavioral data using Bayesian graphical modeling methods. We demonstrate how the combination of cognitive modeling and Bayesian methods allows for flexible and powerful inferences about performance on the MST. These demonstrations include latent-mixture extensions for identifying individual differences in decision strategies, and hierarchical extensions that measure fine-grained differences in the ability to detect lures. One key finding is that the availability of a "similar" response in the MST reduces individual differences in decision strategies and allows for more direct measurement of recognition memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Lee
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California Irvine
| | - Craig E.L. Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California Irvine
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The eSports Medicine: Pre-Participation Screening and Injuries Management-An Update. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:sports11020034. [PMID: 36828319 PMCID: PMC9966106 DOI: 10.3390/sports11020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, electronic sports (eSports) became one of the growing forms of new media due to the wide diffusion of games and online technologies. Even if there is still a debate about the definition and characterization of eSports, eAthletes train heavily, compete in tournaments, must abide by competition, association, and governing body rules, just like all other athletes. Furthermore, as in any other competitive discipline, there can be injuries. Aberrant sitting posture, repetitive movements, screen vision, prolonged playing hours, and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to several medical hazards in musculoskeletal, ophthalmology, neurological, and metabolic systems. Moreover, several cardiovascular changes occur in eAthletes. This paper aims to explore the different injuries that can occur in a professional eAthlete, suggesting how every high-level gamer could benefit from a pre-participation evaluation and a correct injury prevention strategy.
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Stark CEL, Noche JA, Ebersberger JR, Mayer L, Stark SM. Optimizing the mnemonic similarity task for efficient, widespread use. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1080366. [PMID: 36778130 PMCID: PMC9909607 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1080366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The Mnemonic Similarity Task (MST) has become a popular test of memory and, in particular, of hippocampal function. It has been heavily used in research settings and is currently included as an alternate outcome measure on a number of clinical trials. However, as it typically requires ~15 min to administer and benefits substantially from an experienced test administrator to ensure the instructions are well-understood, its use in trials and in other settings is somewhat restricted. Several different variants of the MST are in common use that alter the task format (study-test vs. continuous) and the response prompt given to participants (old/similar/new vs. old/new). Methods: In eight online experiments, we sought to address three main goals: (1) To determine whether a robust version of the task could be created that could be conducted in half the traditional time; (2) To determine whether the test format or response prompt choice significantly impacted the MST's results; and (3) To determine how robust the MST is to repeat testing. In Experiments 1-7, participants received both the traditional and alternate forms of the MST to determine how well the alternate version captured the traditional task's performance. In Experiment 8, participants were given the MST four times over approximately 4 weeks. Results: In Experiments 1-7, we found that test format had no effect on the reliability of the MST, but that shifting to the two-choice response format significantly reduced its ability to reflect the traditional MST's score. We also found that the full running time could be cut it half or less without appreciable reduction in reliability. We confirmed the efficacy of this reduced task in older adults as well. Here, and in Experiment 8, we found that while there often are no effects of repeat-testing, small effects are possible, but appear limited to the initial testing session. Discussion: The optimized version of the task developed here (oMST) is freely available for web-based experiment delivery and provides an accurate estimate of the same memory ability as the classic MST in less than half the time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig E. L. Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jessica A. Noche
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jarrett R. Ebersberger
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Lizabeth Mayer
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Shauna M. Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Simon KC, Clemenson GD, Zhang J, Sattari N, Shuster AE, Clayton B, Alzueta E, Dulai T, de Zambotti M, Stark C, Baker FC, Mednick SC. Sleep facilitates spatial memory but not navigation using the Minecraft Memory and Navigation task. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202394119. [PMID: 36252023 PMCID: PMC9618094 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202394119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep facilitates hippocampal-dependent memories, supporting the acquisition and maintenance of internal representation of spatial relations within an environment. In humans, however, findings have been mixed regarding sleep's contribution to spatial memory and navigation, which may be due to task designs or outcome measurements. We developed the Minecraft Memory and Navigation (MMN) task for the purpose of disentangling how spatial memory accuracy and navigation change over time, and to study sleep's independent contributions to each. In the MMN task, participants learned the locations of objects through free exploration of an open field computerized environment. At test, they were teleported to random positions around the environment and required to navigate to the remembered location of each object. In study 1, we developed and validated four unique MMN environments with the goal of equating baseline learning and immediate test performance. A total of 86 participants were administered the training phases and immediate test. Participants' baseline performance was equivalent across all four environments, supporting the use of the MMN task. In study 2, 29 participants were trained, tested immediately, and again 12 h later after a period of sleep or wake. We found that the metric accuracy of object locations, i.e., spatial memory, was maintained over a night of sleep, while after wake, metric accuracy declined. In contrast, spatial navigation improved over both sleep and wake delays. Our findings support the role of sleep in retaining the precise spatial relationships within a cognitive map; however, they do not support a specific role of sleep in navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine C. Simon
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Gregory D. Clemenson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Negin Sattari
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Alessandra E. Shuster
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Brandon Clayton
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Elisabet Alzueta
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025
| | - Teji Dulai
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025
| | | | - Craig Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Fiona C. Baker
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Sara C. Mednick
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
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