Fish oil supplementation and risk of incident systemic lupus erythematosus: a large population-based prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Although fish oil has been considered to have an anti-inflammatory effect and has been proven to play a beneficial role in the incidence of numerous diseases, the association between fish oil supplementation and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still unknown. This study aimed at evaluating the correlation between fish oil use and incident SLE in a large population-based prospective cohort. METHODS: 390,277 participants without SLE at baseline from the UK Biobank were enrolled. Fish oil use was ascertained through a touchscreen questionnaire at baseline. The incidence of SLE was identified by the International Classification of Diseases version 10 code in medical records or self-report. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to estimate the association between fish oil use and SLE risk. RESULTS: Fish oil users accounted for 31.47% of participants. During a median follow-up duration of 11.57 years, 141 participants without fish oil use (4.56/100 000 person-years) and 68 participants with fish oil use (4.78/100 000 person-years) developed SLE. In four models with adjustments for different amounts of confounders, there was no significant difference in the risk of SLE between fish oil users and fish oil non-users (all p-values > 0.05). In subgroup analyses, we found that fish oil supplementation was associated with a lower risk of SLE among females with ultraviolet radiation ≥ 3 h/day (hazard ratio: 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.98), which turned insignificant after further adjustment for female-related factors and sun protection measures. CONCLUSIONS: No significant association between fish oil use and overall incident SLE was observed, except in females exposed to prolonged ultraviolet radiation. Subgroup analysis suggested that females exposed to prolonged ultraviolet radiation might benefit from fish oil supplementation in terms of preventing SLE, but it needs to be confirmed in further studies.

Interaction of physical activity and low-level air pollution on cardiovascular disease: a prospective cohort study in UK Biobank.

To investigate the associations of physical activity (PA), low-level air pollution, and interaction on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) incidence based on the UK Biobank. PA was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and five air pollutants were estimated using Land Use Regression. All association estimates were based on Cox regression. Dose-response relationship was explored by restricted cubic spline, while multiplicative and additive interaction were examined by Pinteraction and relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). As deviating proportional hazards assumption, we analyzed data as follow-up < 4 years and ≥ 4 years, separately. PA with 1000-4000 Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) min/week showed the strongest protective impact on CVD incidence, while only low-level nitrogen dioxides (NO2) showed negative impact among five air pollutants and was considered for further analysis. Multiplicative interaction between PA and NO2 was observed during ≥ 4 years follow-up (Pinteraction = 0.049) while not during < 4 years (Pinteraction = 0.290). Positive additive interactions were found for high PA and low NO2 (< 20 µg/m3) group (RERI: 0.07, 95% confidence intervals: 0.02-0.11) during < 4 years, and for moderate PA with NO2 at 40- µg/m3 (0.07, 0.02-0.13) and < 20 µg/m3 (0.07, 0.02-0.12), while high PA showed similar results with NO2 at 40-, 20- and < 20 µg/m3 during ≥ 4 years. PA about 1000-4000 METs min/week showed the lowest CVD risk. Possibility of interaction with PA and NO2 is more likely to present with the increase in follow-up duration. We call for the optimal thresholds of PA, and exploring interaction thoroughly by considering types of PA.

Phase Transition Control in Molecular Solids via Complementarity of Hydrogen-Bond Strength.

Phase transitions in molecular solids involve synergistic changes in chemical and electronic structures, leading to diversification in physical and chemical properties. Despite the pivotal role of hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) in many phase-transition materials, it is rare and challenging to chemically regulate the dynamics and to elucidate the structure-property relationship. Here, four high-spin CoII com-pounds were isolated and systematically investigated by modifying the ligand terminal groups (X = S, Se) and substituents (Y = Cl, Br). S-Cl and Se-Br undergo a reversible structural phase transition near room temperature, triggering the rotation of 15-crown-5 guests and the swing between syn- and anti-conformation of NCX- ligands, accompanied by switchable magnetism. Conversely, S-Br and Se-Cl retain stability in ordered and disordered phases, respectively. H-bonds geometric analysis and ab initio calculations reveal that the electronegativity of X and Y affects the strength of NY-ap-H···X interactions. Entropy-driven structural phase transitions occur when the H-bond strength is appropriate; otherwise, the phase stays unchanged if it is too strong or weak. This work highlights a phase transition driven by H-bond strength complementarity - pairing strong acceptor with weak donor and vice versa, which offers a straightforward and effective approach for designing phase-transition molecular solids from a chemical perspective.

Spin-State Control in Dysprosium(III) Metallacrown Magnets via Thioacetal Modification.

Integrating controllable spin states into single-molecule magnets (SMMs) enables precise manipulation of magnetic interactions at a molecular level, but remains a synthetic challenge. Herein, we developed a 3d-4f metallacrown (MC) magnet [DyNi5(quinha)5(Clsal)2(py)8](ClO4)∙4H2O (H2quinha = quinaldichydroxamic acid, HClsal = 5-chlorosalicylaldehyde) wherein a square planar NiII is stabilized by chemical stacking. Thioacetal modification was employed via post-synthetic ligand substitutions and yielded [DyNi5(quinha)5(Clsaldt)2(py)8](ClO4)·3H2O (HClsaldt = 4-chloro-2-(1,3-dithiolan-2-yl)phenol). Thanks to the additional ligations of thioacetal onto the NiII site, coordination-induced spin state switching (CISSS) took place with spin state altering from low-spin S = 0 to high-spin S = 1. The synergy of CISSS effect and magnetic interactions results in distinct energy splitting and magnetic dynamics. Magnetic studies indicate prominent enhancement of reversal barrier from 57 cm-1 to 423 cm-1, along with hysteresis opening and an over 200-fold increment in coercive field at 2 K. Ab initio calculations provide deeper insights into the exchange models and rationalize the relaxation/tunnelling pathways. These results demonstrate here provide a fire-new perspective in modulating the magnetization relaxation via the incorporation of controllable spin states and magnetic interactions facilitated by the CISSS approach.

Two-dimensional spin-crossover coordination polymers based on the 1,1,2,2-tetra(pyridin-4-yl)ethene ligand.

A series of two-dimensional (2D) spin-crossover coordination polymers (SCO-CPs) [FeII(TPE)(NCX)2]·solv (1: X = BH3, solv = H2O·2CH3OH·DMF; 2: X = Se, solv = H2O·2CH3OH·0.5DMF; 3: X = S, solv = H2O·2CH3OH·0.5DMF) were synthesized by employing 1,1,2,2-tetra(pyridin-4-yl)ethene (TPE) and pseudohalide (NCX-) coligands. Magnetic measurements indicated that complexes 1-3 exhibited SCO behaviors with diminishing thermal hysteresis (7/4/0 K) upon decreasing the ligand-field strength. The critical temperatures (Tc) during spin transition were found to be inversely proportional to the coordination ability parameters (a™) with a linear correlation. The guest effect was also investigated in the solvent-exchanged phases 1-SE/2-SE/3-SE wherein the DMF molecules were replaced by methanol molecules. Compared with 1-3, 1-SE/2-SE/3-SE displayed more abrupt and complete single-step SCO behaviors but narrower thermal hysteretic loops. The results reported here demonstrate that the Tc values of these two families were dominated by the ligand-field strength of the NCX- anions (NCBH3 > NCSe > NCS), whereas the guest effect only modulated the kinetic factor of the SCO nature in this system.

Cyanometallic charge engineering in spin crossover metal-organic frameworks.

In this study, we successfully synthesize cationic/neutral/anionic inverse-Hofmann-type spin crossover (SCO) frameworks with 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-(pyridine-4-yl)phenyl)-ethene ligand by means of cyanometallic charge engineering strategy. The cationic and neutral frameworks exhibit single-step thermally induced spin transition behaviors, while the SCO capability of anionic framework can be aroused by partial desolvation. This strategy provides a new idea to construct ionic SCO frameworks and extends the toolkit for SCO materials.

Development and Validation of Knowledge Assessment Scales for Dementia and Urinary Incontinence in Community Older People.

To develop and validate scales for reliably assessing dementia and urinary incontinence knowledge of older adults in the community. Items were generated through a literature review, refined through a Delphi study (n = 19), and then revised through a pilot study (n = 29). Item analysis and exploratory factor analysis were applied to finalize the scales (n = 244). Construct validity, reliability, and acceptability were evaluated (n = 243). The two knowledge assessment scales for dementia and urinary incontinence, respectively, comprised 12 items and 8 items. Model fit indicators of both met the criteria of confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's α were .82 and .70, respectively. Completion ratio and completion time of the two scales was 83.51% and 4.22 ± 1.90 minutes. The knowledge assessment scales for dementia and urinary incontinence with satisfactory validity, reliability, and acceptability, could be served as valid tools for disease prevention and management among older adults in the community.

Single-Crystal Transformation Engineering the Spin Change of Metal-Organic Frameworks via Cluster Deconstruction.

Spin crossover (SCO) materials with new architectures will expand and enrich the research in the SCO field. Here, we report two metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) containing tetradentate organic ligands and hexatopic linkers [Ag8 X8 (CN)6 ]6- (X=Br and I), which represents the first SCO MOF with clusters as building blocks. The silver halide cluster can be further removed after reacting with lithium tetracyanoquinodimethan (LiTCNQ). Such post-synthetic modification (PSM) is realized via single-crystal to single-crystal (SCSC) transformation from urk to nbo topology. Accordingly, the spin state and fluorescence properties are greatly modified by cluster deconstruction. Therefore, these achievements will provide new ideas for the design of new SCO systems and the development of PSM methods.

Development and validation of frailty and malnutrition knowledge assessment scale for community-dwelling older adults.

There is a lack of reliable tools to assess the knowledge of frailty and malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults. To develop and validate reliable frailty and malnutrition knowledge assessment scales for this population, two scales were developed and validated through five phases. Phase 1: the item pools were constructed through a literature review and research panel based on the symptom interpretation model. Phase 2: the expert consultation was performed to select the items. Phase 3: a pilot survey was conducted to assess the clarity of the items and further revise the scales. Phase 4: 242 older adults were surveyed to finalize the items. Phase 5: 241 older adults were surveyed to test the psychometric properties. The two scales each comprise 3 dimensions (symptoms, risk factors, and management strategies) and 11 items. They had good construct validity, with all indicators of correlation analysis and confirmatory factor analysis meeting their specific criteria. The reliability of the frailty and malnutrition knowledge assessment scales was good, with composite reliability coefficients all >0.60, Cronbach's alpha being 0.81 and 0.83, and the Spearman-Brown coefficient being 0.74 and 0.80, respectively. Their acceptability was good, with both having a completion rate of 92.18% and an average completion time of 3 min. The two scales are reliable tools to assess the knowledge of frailty and malnutrition among community-dwelling older adults, especially for large-scale surveys. They can help identify knowledge gaps in older adults and provide a basis for developing targeted educational interventions.

Association between Sleep Factors and Parkinson's Disease: A Prospective Study Based on 409,923 UK Biobank Participants.

INTRODUCTION: Limited evidence indicates an association between sleep factors and the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, large prospective cohort studies including both sexes are needed to verify the association between daytime sleepiness, sleep duration, and PD risk. Furthermore, other sleep factors like chronotype and snoring and their impact on increased PD risk should be explored by simultaneously considering daytime sleepiness and snoring. METHODS: This study included 409,923 participants from the UK Biobank. Data on five sleep factors (chronotype, sleep duration, sleeplessness/insomnia, snoring, and daytime sleepiness) were collected using a standard self-administered questionnaire. PD occurrence was identified using linkages with primary care, hospital admission, death register, or self-report. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the association between sleep factors and PD risk. Subgroup (age and sex) and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 11.89 years, 2,158 incident PD cases were documented. The main association analysis showed that prolonged sleep duration (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05, 1.37) and occasional daytime sleepiness (HR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.26) increased the PD risk. Compared to those who self-reported never or rarely having sleeplessness/insomnia, participants who reported usually having sleeplessness/insomnia had a decreased risk of PD (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.96). Subgroup analysis revealed that women who self-reported no snoring had a decreased PD risk (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.99). Sensitivity analyses indicated that the robustness of the results was affected by potential reverse causation and data completeness. CONCLUSION: Long sleep duration increased the PD risk, especially among men and participants ≥60 years, while snoring increased the risk of PD in women. Additional studies are needed to (i) further consider other sleep traits (e.g., rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and sleep apnea) that might be related to PD, (ii) objectively measure sleep-related exposure, and (iii) confirm the effects of snoring on PD risk by considering the impact of obstructive sleep apnea and investigating its underlying mechanisms.

Development and validation of knowledge assessment scales on sarcopenia and fall for Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

AIM: This study aimed to develop and validate sarcopenia and fall knowledge assessment scales for community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: A five-phase, systematic and standardized process was used. Phase 1: item pools were constructed based on the Symptom Interpretation Model. Phase 2: the Delphi expert consultation was carried out for items selection and revision. Phase 3: a pilot survey was carried out to further select and revise the items. Phase 4: older adults were surveyed to finalize the items. Phase 5: older adults were surveyed to test the psychometric properties of the two developed scales, including construct validity, reliability and acceptability. RESULTS: Both scales comprise three dimensions (symptom, risk factor and management strategy), with 10 items for the sarcopenia knowledge assessment scale and 14 items for the fall knowledge assessment scale. They had acceptable construct validity, with all indicators meeting their specific criteria. Their reliability was acceptable, with the Cronbach's α coefficients being 0.82 for both scales, the value of spilt-half reliability being 0.86 for the sarcopenia knowledge assessment scale and 0.85 for the fall knowledge assessment scale. Their acceptability was good, with both scales having a completion rate of 94.35% and an average completion time of 5 min. DISCUSSION: Two Chinese knowledge assessment scales with acceptable validity, reliability and acceptability have been developed, which will facilitate the assessment of the knowledge on sarcopenia and fall among community-dwelling older adults, especially for large-scale surveys. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 430-436.

Phase Instability in van der Waals In2 Se3 Determined by Surface Coordination.

van der Waals In2 Se3 has attracted significant attention for its room-temperature 2D ferroelectricity/antiferroelectricity down to monolayer thickness. However, instability and potential degradation pathway in 2D In2 Se3 have not yet been adequately addressed. Using a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches, we here unravel the phase instability in both α- and ß'-In2 Se3 originating from the relatively unstable octahedral coordination. Together with the broken bonds at the edge steps, it leads to moisture-facilitated oxidation of In2 Se3 in air to form amorphous In2 Se3-3x O3x layers and Se hemisphere particles. Both O2 and H2 O are required for such surface oxidation, which can be further promoted by light illumination. In addition, the self-passivation effect from the In2 Se3-3x O3x layer can effectively limit such oxidation to only a few nanometer thickness. The achieved insight paves way for better understanding and optimizing 2D In2 Se3 performance for device applications.

Lifestyle trajectories and ischaemic heart diseases: a prospective cohort study in UK Biobank.

AIMS: To evaluate the associations of baseline and long-term trajectories of lifestyle with incident ischaemic heart diseases (IHDs). METHODS AND RESULTS: 29 164 participants in the UK Biobank who had at least one follow-up assessment and were free of IHD at the last follow-up assessment were included. We constructed a weighted unhealthy lifestyle score though summing five lifestyle factors [smoking, physical activity, diet, body mass index, and sleep duration]. Lifestyle assessed at baseline (2006-09), the first follow-up assessment (2012-13), and the second follow-up assessment (since 2014) were used to derive the trajectories of each individual. The joint categories were created through cross-classifying the three baseline lifestyle categories (ideal, intermediate, and poor) by the three lifestyle trajectory categories (improve, maintain, and decline). During a median follow-up period of 4.2 years, 868 IHD events were recorded. The hazard ratio (HR) of incident IHD associated with per unit increase in unhealthy lifestyle trajectory was 1.08 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99-1.17]. Subgroup analyses indicated such association was stronger among individuals with hypertension (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.24), diabetes (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.96-1.58), or hyperlipidaemia (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.97-1.22). Compared with participants consistently adhering to an ideal lifestyle (ideal-maintain), the HRs of incident IHD were 1.30 (1.07-1.58) for intermediate-maintain, 1.52 (1.23-1.88) for poor-maintain, 1.25 (0.93-1.68) for intermedia-improve, 1.48 (1.17-1.88) for poor-improve, 1.46 (1.08-1.99) for intermedia-decline, and 1.77 (1.21-2.59) for poor-decline. CONCLUSIONS: A declined lifestyle trajectory increased the risk of incident IHD, irrespective of baseline lifestyle levels. Individuals with hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidaemia were more predisposed to the influence of lifestyle change.

It is known that an unhealthy lifestyle at baseline was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but the risk attributed to the lifestyle changes (or trajectories) over the long term has not been well quantified. Meanwhile, the effects of lifestyle, either in baseline level or trajectories, on different CVD subtypes such as ischaemic heart diseases (IHDs) and stroke varied. Thus, this study used the data from UK Biobank to construct a weighted unhealthy lifestyle score and to evaluate the prospective associations of baseline and long-term trajectories of the unhealthy lifestyle score with the risk of incident IHD. A total of 352 251 and 29 164 participants were included in the unhealthy lifestyle construction and lifestyle trajectory analysis, respectively. We found a poorer lifestyle at baseline was significantly associated with an increased risk of incident IHD in a linear dose­response fashion. Besides, a declined lifestyle trajectory was associated with an increased risk of incident IHD, irrespective of baseline lifestyle levels, and such an association was stronger among individuals with hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidaemia. Compared with the maintainers, risks of incident IHD attenuated when individuals improved their lifestyle and strengthened when declined their lifestyle.A declined lifestyle trajectory increased the risk of incident IHD, irrespective of baseline lifestyle levels. Such association was stronger among participants with hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidaemia.Compared with the maintainers of lifestyle, risks of incident IHD attenuated when individuals improved their lifestyle and strengthened when declined their lifestyle.

Predictive models for the incidence of Parkinson's disease: systematic review and critical appraisal.

Numerous predictive models for Parkinson's disease (PD) incidence have been published recently. However, the model performance and methodological quality of those available models are yet needed to be summarized and assessed systematically. In this systematic review, we systematically reviewed the published predictive models for PD incidence and assessed their risk of bias and applicability. Three international databases were searched. Cohort or nested case-control studies that aimed to develop or validate a predictive model for PD incidence were considered eligible. The Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST) was used for risk of bias and applicability assessment. Ten studies covering 10 predictive models were included. Among them, four studies focused on model development, covering eight models, while the remaining six studies focused on model external validation, covering two models. The discrimination of the eight new development models was generally poor, with only one model reported C index > 0.70. Four out of the six external validation studies showed excellent or outstanding discrimination. All included studies had high risk of bias. Three predictive models (the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society [MDS] prodromal PD criteria, the model developed by Karabayir et al. and models validated by Faust et al.) are recommended for clinical application by considering model performance and resource-demanding. In conclusion, the performance and methodological quality of most of the identified predictive models for PD incidence were unsatisfactory. The MDS prodromal PD criteria, model developed by Karabayir et al. and model validated by Faust et al. may be considered for clinical use.

Risk factors for the development of lung cancer among never smokers: A systematic review.

This review aimed to summarize the up-to-date evidence on non-genetic factors for the development of never smoking lung cancer (NSLC) and to explore reasons behind the conflicting results. Relevant literature was searched in three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase and Web of Science) from 1 January 2000-31 July 2022. Cohort studies that investigated non-genetic risk factors for primary lung cancer in never smokers were included. The effect of non-genetic factors about NSLC were summarized with pooled relative risk (RR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) through meta-analysis or narrative description when unexplained statistical heterogeneity was observed. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to appraise the methodological quality of included studies. Sixty cohort studies were included, covering population from Asia, Europe and America. Most included studies (42, 70.0 %) were of high methodological quality. Over 50 years old (RR = 5.26), environmental tobacco smoke (Pooled RR = 1.30), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (RR = 2.67), family history of lung cancer (Pooled RR = 1.83) and higher level of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (RR = 1.73) increased the risk of NSLC. Dairy foods consumption (RR = 0.79), isoflavone intake (Pooled RR = 0.65), and riboflavin intake (RR = 0.62) decreased the risk among female population. Inconsistency or unclear definition for never smokers and risk factors could be observed in included studies. Most life behavior factors associated with NSLC can be modified through lifestyle changes. Future cohort studies are suggested to adopt a clearer definition on never smokers and exposure, conducting subgroup analysis when evidence indicating there is heterogeneity between genders, and explore dose-response relationship between the identified factors and NSLC.

Single-molecule magnets beyond a single lanthanide ion: the art of coupling.

The promising future of storing and processing quantized information at the molecular level has been attracting the study of Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) for almost three decades. Although some recent breakthroughs are mainly about the SMMs containing only one lanthanide ion, we believe SMMs can tell a much deeper story than the single-ion anisotropy. Here in this Perspective, we will try to draw a unified picture of SMMs as a delicately coupled spin system between multiple spin centres. The hierarchical couplings will be presented step-by-step, from the intra-atomic hyperfine coupling, to the direct and indirect intra-molecular couplings with neighbouring spin centres, and all the way to the inter-molecular and spin-phonon couplings. Along with the discussions on their distinctive impacts on the energy level structures and thus magnetic behaviours, a promising big picture for further studies is proposed, encouraging the multifaceted developments of molecular magnetism and beyond.

Prediction Models for Osteoporotic Fractures Risk: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal.

Osteoporotic fractures (OF) are a global public health problem currently. Many risk prediction models for OF have been developed, but their performance and methodological quality are unclear. We conducted this systematic review to summarize and critically appraise the OF risk prediction models. Three databases were searched until April 2021. Studies developing or validating multivariable models for OF risk prediction were considered eligible. Used the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool to appraise the risk of bias and applicability of included models. All results were narratively summarized and described. A total of 68 studies describing 70 newly developed prediction models and 138 external validations were included. Most models were explicitly developed (n=31, 44%) and validated (n=76, 55%) only for female. Only 22 developed models (31%) were externally validated. The most validated tool was Fracture Risk Assessment Tool. Overall, only a few models showed outstanding (n=3, 1%) or excellent (n=32, 15%) prediction discrimination. Calibration of developed models (n=25, 36%) or external validation models (n=33, 24%) were rarely assessed. No model was rated as low risk of bias, mostly because of an insufficient number of cases and inappropriate assessment of calibration. There are a certain number of OF risk prediction models. However, few models have been thoroughly internally validated or externally validated (with calibration being unassessed for most of the models), and all models showed methodological shortcomings. Instead of developing completely new models, future research is suggested to validate, improve, and analyze the impact of existing models.

Single-Crystal to Single-Crystal Transformation of a Spin-Crossover Hybrid Perovskite via Thermal-Induced Cyanide Linkage Isomerization.

Linkage isomers involving changes in the bonding mode of ambidentate ligands have potential applications in data storage, molecular machines, and motors. However, the observation of the cyanide-linkage-isomerism-induced spin change (CLIISC) effect characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction remains a considerable challenge. Meanwhile, the high-spin and low-spin states can be reversibly switched in spin-crossover (SCO) compounds, which provide the potential for applications to data storage, switches, and sensors. Here, a new perovskite-type SCO framework (PPN)[Fe{Ag(CN)2}3] (PPN+ = bis(trisphenylphosphine)iminium cation) is synthesized, which displays the unprecedented aging and temperature dependences of hysteretic multistep SCO behaviors near room temperature. Moreover, the thermal-induced cyanide linkage isomerization from FeII-N≡C-AgI to FeII-C≡N-AgI is revealed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Raman, and Mössbauer spectra, which is associated with a transition from the mixed spin state to the low-spin state and a dramatic volume shrinkage. Considering the wide use of cyanogen in magnetic systems, the association of CLIISC and SCO opens a new dimension to modulate the spin state and realize a colossal negative thermal expansion.

Giant magnetoresistance and tunneling electroresistance in multiferroic tunnel junctions with 2D ferroelectrics.

Multiferroic tunneling junctions (MFTJs), composed of two magnetic electrodes separated by an ultrathin ferroelectric (FE) thin film as a barrier, have received great attention in multi-functional devices. Recent theoretical and experimental works have revealed that ferroelectric polarization exists at room temperature in two-dimensional ferroelectric (2D FE) materials within the ultrathin thickness. Here we propose a novel MFTJ Ni/bilayer In2Se3/BN/Ni, in which the resistance of the tunneling spin polarization electrons can be modulated by different magnetization alignments of the electrode and electric polarization direction of the 2D FE In2Se3 layer, leading to multiple tunneling resistance states. The tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) and electroresistance (TER) of MFTJs are enhanced by the inserted h-BN layer, achieving an ON/OFF TER ratio of 4188% as well as a TMR ratio of 581% with a much lower resistance area. The giant tunneling resistance ratio, multiple resistance states, and ultra-low energy consumption in 2D FE-based MFTJs suggest their great potential in non-destructive non-volatile memories.

Trial-level characteristics associate with treatment effect estimates: a systematic review of meta-epidemiological studies.

BACKGROUND: To summarize the up-to-date empirical evidence on trial-level characteristics of randomized controlled trials associated with treatment effect estimates. METHODS: A systematic review searched three databases up to August 2020. Meta-epidemiological (ME) studies of randomized controlled trials on intervention effect were eligible. We assessed the methodological quality of ME studies using a self-developed criterion. Associations between treatment effect estimates and trial-level characteristics were presented using forest plots. RESULTS: Eighty ME studies were included, with 25/80 (31%) being published after 2015. Less than one-third ME studies critically appraised the included studies (26/80, 33%), published a protocol (23/80, 29%), and provided a list of excluded studies with justifications (12/80, 15%). Trials with high or unclear (versus low) risk of bias on sequence generation (3/14 for binary outcome and 1/6 for continuous outcome), allocation concealment (11/18 and 1/6), double blinding (5/15 and 2/4) and smaller sample size (4/5 and 2/2) significantly associated with larger treatment effect estimates. Associations between high or unclear risk of bias on allocation concealment (5/6 for binary outcome and 1/3 for continuous outcome), double blinding (4/5 and 1/3) and larger treatment effect estimates were more frequently observed for subjective outcomes. The associations between treatment effect estimates and non-blinding of outcome assessors were removed in trials using multiple observers to reach consensus for both binary and continuous outcomes. Some trial characteristics in the Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB2) tool have not been covered by the included ME studies, including using validated method for outcome measures and selection of the reported results from multiple outcome measures or multiple analysis based on results (e.g., significance of the results). CONCLUSIONS: Consistently significant associations between larger treatment effect estimates and high or unclear risk of bias on sequence generation, allocation concealment, double blinding and smaller sample size were found. The impact of allocation concealment and double blinding were more consistent for subjective outcomes. The methodological and reporting quality of included ME studies were dissatisfactory. Future ME studies should follow the corresponding reporting guideline. Specific guidelines for conducting and critically appraising ME studies are needed.