The cognitive effects of computational thinking: A systematic review and meta-analytic study

In this paper, we review and meta-analyze the findings of experimental studies published between 2006 and 2022 that examined the effects of coding and programming interventions on children's core and higher order executive functions (response inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, planning and problem solving). The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to address three research questions: 1) Which executive functions are most impacted by the teaching of CT? 2) Which instructional modality (educational robotics/virtual coding/unplugged coding) is most effective in enhancing executive function skills in learners aged 4–16 years? and 3) Does the cognitive effectiveness of coding vary with children's age? A total of 19 studies with 1523 participants met the selection criteria for the systematic review. The meta-analysis included 11 of those studies. The results reveal beneficial effects of structured virtual and tangible coding (educational robotics) activities for preschoolers and first graders, and significant effects of more unstructured virtual coding activities (e.g., Scratch-based) for older students. A multivariate fixed-effects model meta-analysis shows that the teaching of coding significantly improves problem-solving with the highest effect (dppc2 = 0.89), but also planning (dppc2 = 0.36), and inhibition and working memory with lower effects (dppc2 = 0.17, dppc2 = 0.20)

MRI findings in men on active surveillance for prostate cancer: does dutasteride make MRI visible lesions less conspicuous? Results from a placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial

Objectives To investigate changes in the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in men on active surveillance for prostate cancer taking dutasteride 0.5 mg or placebo. Methods We analysed 37 men, randomised to 6 months of daily dutasteride (n = 18) or placebo (n = 19), undergoing 3T multi-parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mpMRI) scans at baseline and 6 months. Images were reviewed blind to treatment allocation and clinical information. Mean ADC of peripheral (PZ) and transition (TZ) zones, and MR-suspicious lesions were compared between groups over 6 months. Conspicuity was defined as the PZ divided by tumour ADC, and its change over 6 months was assessed. Results A decrease in mean conspicuity in the dutasteride group (but not the controls) was seen over 6 months (1.54 vs 1.38; p = 0.025). Absolute changes in ADC and conspicuity were significantly different between placebo and dutasteride groups at 6 months: (-0.03 vs 0.08, p = 0.033) and (0.11 vs –0.16, p = 0.012), as were percentage changes in the same parameters: (-2.27% vs 8.56% p = 0.048) and (9.25% vs -9.89% p = 0.013). Conclusions Dutasteride was associated with increased tumour ADC and reduced conspicuity. A lower threshold for triggering biopsy might be considered in men on dutasteride undergoing mpMRI for prostate cancer

The effect of dutasteride on MRI-defined prostate cancer lesions: MAPPED (Magnetic resonance imaging in Primary Prostate Cancer after Exposure to Dutasteride) - a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial

PURPOSE: Dutasteride is licensed for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, and has been associated with a lower progression rate in low-risk prostate cancer. We have evaluated the effect of dutasteride on prostate cancer volume as assessed by T2-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, men with biopsy-proven low-intermediate risk prostate cancer (up to Gleason 3+4 and PSA up to 15 ng/ml) who had an MR visible lesion of >/= 0.2ml on T2-weighted sequences were randomized to daily dutasteride 0.5mg or placebo for 6 months. Lesion volume was assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months, with an image-guided biopsy to the lesion at study exit. The primary endpoint was percentage reduction in lesion volume over 6 months. This trial was registered with the European Clinical Trials register (EudraCT 2009-102405-18). RESULTS: Forty-two men were recruited between June 2010 and January 2012. In the dutasteride group, the average volumes at baseline and 6 months were 0.55ml and 0.38ml respectively, and the average percentage reduction was 36%. In the placebo group, the average volumes at baseline and 6 months were 0.65ml and 0.76ml respectively, and the average percentage reduction was -12%. The difference in percentage reductions between groups was 48% (95% CI 27.4-68.3%. p< 0.0001). The most common adverse event was deterioration in erectile function (25% in men randomized to dutasteride, 16% in men randomized to placebo). CONCLUSIONS: Dutasteride was associated with a significant reduction in prostate cancer volume on T2 weighted MRI images compared to placebo

Changes in cerebral blood volume and amyloid pathology in aged Alzheimer APP/PS1 mice on a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) diet or cholesterol enriched Typical Western Diet (TWD).

Contains fulltext : 53169.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)High dietary cholesterol and low dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake are risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it is unclear how these components influence the course of the disease. We investigated the effects of dietary lipids on beta-amyloid deposition and blood circulation in the brains of 18-month-old APP/PS1 mice. Starting at 6 months of age, mice were fed a regular rodent chow, a Typical Western Diet (TWD) containing 1% cholesterol, or a diet with a high (0.5%) level of DHA for 12 months. Relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and flow (CBF) were determined with (2)H MR spectroscopy and gradient echo contrast enhanced MRI. Deposition of beta-amyloid was visualized in fixed brain tissue with immunohistochemistry. The TWD diet increased plaque burden in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, but did not significantly reduce rCBV. In contrast, the DHA-enriched diet increased rCBV without changing blood flow indicating a larger circulation in the brain probably due to vasodilatation and decreased the amount of vascular beta-amyloid deposition. Together, our results indicate that the long-term intake of dietary lipids can impact both brain circulation and beta-amyloid deposition, and support the involvement of hemodynamic changes in the development of AD

Prostate cancer detection using quantitative T2 and T2-weighted imaging: The effects of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors in men on active surveillance

Background T2-weighted imaging (T2-WI) information has been used in a qualitative manner in the assessment of prostate cancer. Quantitative derivatives (T2 relaxation time) can be generated from T2-WI. These outputs may be useful in helping to discriminate clinically significant prostate cancer from background signal. Purpose/Hypothesis To investigate changes in quantitative T2 parameters in lesions and noncancerous tissue of men on active surveillance for prostate cancer taking dutasteride 0.5 mg or placebo daily for 6 months. Study Type Retrospective. Population/Subjects Forty men randomized to 6 months of daily dutasteride (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20). Field Strength/Sequence Multiparametric 3T MRI at baseline and 6 months. This included a multiecho MR sequence for quantification of the T2 relaxation times, in three regions of interest (index lesion, noncancerous peripheral [PZ] and transitional [TZ] zones). A synthetic signal contrast (T2Q contrast) between lesion and noncancerous tissue was assessed using quantitative T2 values. Signal contrast was calculated using the T2-weighted sequence (T2W contrast). Assessment Two radiologists reviewed the scans in consensus according to Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS v. 2) guidelines. Statistical Tests Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney U-tests, Spearman's correlation. Results When compared to noncancerous tissue, shorter T2 values were observed within lesions at baseline (83.5 and 80.5 msec) and 6 months (81.5 and 81.9 msec) in the placebo and dutasteride arm, respectively. No significant differences for T2W contrast at baseline and after 6 months were observed, both in the placebo (0.40 [0.29–0.49] vs. 0.43 [0.25–0.49]; P = 0.881) and dutasteride arm (0.35 [0.24–0.47] vs. 0.37 [0.22–0.44]; P = 0.668). There was a significant, positive correlation between the T2Q contrast and the T2W contrast values (r = 0.786; P < 0.001). Data Conclusion The exposure to antiandrogen therapy did not significantly influence the T2 contrast or the T2 relaxation values in men on active surveillance for prostate cancer

MRI findings in men on active surveillance for prostate cancer: does dutasteride make MRI visible lesions less conspicuous? Results from a placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial

Objectives To investigate changes in the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in men on active surveillance for prostate cancer taking dutasteride 0.5 mg or placebo. Methods We analysed 37 men, randomised to 6 months of daily dutasteride (n = 18) or placebo (n = 19), undergoing 3T multi-parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mpMRI) scans at baseline and 6 months. Images were reviewed blind to treatment allocation and clinical information. Mean ADC of peripheral (PZ) and transition (TZ) zones, and MR-suspicious lesions were compared between groups over 6 months. Conspicuity was defined as the PZ divided by tumour ADC, and its change over 6 months was assessed. Results A decrease in mean conspicuity in the dutasteride group (but not the controls) was seen over 6 months (1.54 vs 1.38; p = 0.025). Absolute changes in ADC and conspicuity were significantly different between placebo and dutasteride groups at 6 months: (-0.03 vs 0.08, p = 0.033) and (0.11 vs –0.16, p = 0.012), as were percentage changes in the same parameters: (-2.27% vs 8.56% p = 0.048) and (9.25% vs -9.89% p = 0.013). Conclusions Dutasteride was associated with increased tumour ADC and reduced conspicuity. A lower threshold for triggering biopsy might be considered in men on dutasteride undergoing mpMRI for prostate cancer

Cortical lesion detection using FLAWS in multiple sclerosis

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The Effect of Dutasteride on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Defined Prostate Cancer: MAPPED—A Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Purpose: Dutasteride, which is licensed for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, has been associated with a lower progression rate of low risk prostate cancer. We evaluated the effect of dutasteride on prostate cancer volume as assessed by T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial, men with biopsy proven, low-intermediate risk prostate cancer (up to Gleason 3 + 4 and PSA up to 15 ng/ml) who had visible lesion of 0.2 ml or greater on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences were randomized to daily dutasteride 0.5 mg or placebo for 6 months. Lesion volume was assessed at baseline, and 3 and 6 months with image guided biopsy to the lesion at study exit. The primary end point was the percent reduction in lesion volume over 6 months. This trial was registered with the European Clinical Trials register (EudraCT 2009-102405-18). Results: A total of 42 men were recruited between June 2010 and January 2012. In the dutasteride group, the average volumes at baseline and 6 months were 0.55 and 0.38 ml, respectively and the average reduction was 36%. In the placebo group, the average volumes at baseline and 6 months were 0.65 and 0.76 ml, respectively, and the average reduction was −12%. The difference in percent reductions between the groups was 48% (95% CI 27.4–68.3, p <0.0001). The most common adverse event was deterioration in erectile function, which was 25% in men randomized to dutasteride and 16% in men randomized to placebo. Conclusions: Dutasteride was associated with a significant reduction in prostate cancer volume on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging compared to placebo