Enhancing rice panicle branching and grain yield through tissue-specific brassinosteroid inhibition.

Crop yield potential is constrained by the inherent trade-offs among traits such as between grain size and number. Brassinosteroids (BRs) promote grain size, yet their role in regulating grain number is unclear. By deciphering the clustered-spikelet rice germplasm, we show that activation of the BR catabolic gene BRASSINOSTEROID-DEFICIENT DWARF3 (BRD3) markedly increases grain number. We establish a molecular pathway in which the BR signaling inhibitor GSK3/SHAGGY-LIKE KINASE2 phosphorylates and stabilizes OsMADS1 transcriptional factor, which targets TERMINAL FLOWER1-like gene RICE CENTRORADIALIS2. The tissue-specific activation of BRD3 in the secondary branch meristems enhances panicle branching, minimizing negative effects on grain size, and improves grain yield. Our study showcases the power of tissue-specific hormonal manipulation in dismantling the trade-offs among various traits and thus unleashing crop yield potential in rice.

Immunoadjuvant-Modified Rhodobacter sphaeroides Potentiate Cancer Photothermal Immunotherapy.

Photothermal immunotherapy has become a promising strategy for tumor treatment. However, the intrinsic drawbacks like light instability, poor immunoadjuvant effect, and poor accumulation of conventional inorganic or organic photothermal agents limit their further applications. Based on the superior carrying capacity and active tumor targeting property of living bacteria, an immunoadjuvant-intensified and engineered tumor-targeting bacterium was constructed to achieve effective photothermal immunotherapy. Specifically, immunoadjuvant imiquimod (R837)-loaded thermosensitive liposomes (R837@TSL) were covalently decorated onto Rhodobacter sphaeroides (R.S) to obtain nanoimmunoadjuvant-armed bacteria (R.S-R837@TSL). The intrinsic photothermal property of R.S combined R837@TSL to achieve in situ near-infrared (NIR) laser-controlled release of R837. Meanwhile, tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD) caused by photothermal effect of R.S-R837@TSL, synergizes with released immunoadjuvants to promote maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), which enhance cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) infiltration for further tumor eradication. The photosynthetic bacteria armed with immunoadjuvant-loaded liposomes provide a strategy for immunoadjuvant-enhanced cancer photothermal immunotherapy.

Stimulation-responsive mucoadhesive probiotics for inflammatory bowel disease treatment by scavenging reactive oxygen species and regulating gut microbiota.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by the high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and highly dysfunctional intestinal flora. Here, a stimulation-responsive mucoadhesive probiotic Lac@HDP was rationally constructed for achieving specific adhesion of colitis site and depleting high level of ROS in inflammatory site. Briefly, Lac is Lactobacillus acidophilus, HDP is obtained by hyaluronic acid grafted with dopamine protected by phenylboric acid. Specifically, by consuming a large amount of ROS, phenyl borate group of Lac@HDP is oxidized and fractured, thus exposing the catechol hydroxyl group and obtaining strong mucosal adhesion ability, thereby significantly prolong the retention time of Lac in the inflammatory site. In the murine model of acute and chronic colitis, the stimulation-responsive mucoadhesive probiotics were significantly more effective in alleviating colitis symptoms than antioxidants and probiotics alone. In addition, the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora were increased after treatment with Lac@HDP, which was helpful to alleviate IBD. Importantly, the stimulation-responsive mucoadhesive probiotics have good biological safety in vivo, which provides the prospect of clinical application in the future.

Factors that contribute to trait mindfulness level among hospitalized patients with major depressive disorder.

Mindfulness training among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) reduces symptoms, prevents relapse, improves prognosis, and is more efficient for those with a high level of trait mindfulness. Upon hospital admission, 126 MDD patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief, Five-Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and the Rumination Response Scale (RRS). The 65 patients that scored less than the median of all subjects on the FFMQ were placed into the low mindfulness level (LML) group. The other 61 patients were placed in the high mindfulness level (HML) group. All facet scores were statistically different between the mental health assessment scores of the HML and LML groups except for RRS brooding and FFMQ nonjudgement. Trait mindfulness level exhibited a negative and bidirectional association with MDD severity primarily through the facets of description and aware actions. Trait mindfulness was also related positively with age primarily through the facets of nonreactivity and nonjudgement. Being married is positively associated with trait mindfulness levels primarily through the facet of observation and by an associated increase in perceived quality of life. Mindfulness training prior to MDD diagnosis also associates positively with trait mindfulness level. Hospitalized MDD patients should have their trait mindfulness levels characterized to predict treatment efficiency, help establish a prognosis, and identify mindfulness-related therapeutic targets.

Cooperative Effect of Ni-Decorated Monolayer WS2, NiO, and AC on Improving the Flame Retardancy and Mechanical Property of Polypropylene Blends.

Improving the residual char of polypropylene (PP) is difficult due to the preferential complete combustion. Here, we designed a combination catalyst that not only provides physical barrier effects, but also dramatically promotes catalytic charring activity. We successfully synthesized WS2 monolayer sheets decorated with isolated Ni atoms that bond covalently to sulfur vacancies on the basal planes via thiourea. Subsequently, PP blends composed of 8 wt.% Ni-decorated WS2, NiO, and activated carbon (AC) were obtained (ENi-SWS2-AC-PP). Combining the physical barrier effects of WS2 monolayer sheets with the excellent catalytic carbonization ability of the ENi-SWS2-AC combination catalyst, the PP blends showed a remarkable improvement in flame retardancy, with the yield of residual char reaching as high as 41.6 wt.%. According to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations, it was revealed that the microstructure of residual char contained a large number of carbon nanotubes. The production of a large amount of residual char not only reduced the release of pyrolytic products, but also formed a thermal shield preventing oxygen and heat transport. Compared to pure PP, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release rate (THR) of ENi-SWS2-AC-PP were reduced by 46.32% and 26.03%, respectively. Furthermore, benefiting from the highly dispersed WS2, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of ENi-SWS2-AC-PP showed similar values to pure PP, without sacrificing the toughness.

Impaired Skeletal Muscle in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Compared with Non-COPD Patients.

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the differences in skeletal-muscle atrophy between patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy controls; associated factors were also considered. The study comprised selected residents of communities near the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University in Suzhou City, East China. Patients and Methods: Included in this study were 123 COPD patients and 60 controls. All patients completed spirometry as well as examinations to determine their functional exercise capacity, body composition, and handgrip strength (HGS). Results: COPD patients had less fat-free mass (FFM), a lower FFM index (FFMI), and a lower 6-min walking distance (6MWD) compared with controls (P = 0.007, P = 0.020, and P < 0.001, respectively) (FFMI: 17.59 ± 1.83 vs 18.34 ± 1.64). The HGS of these patients was also lower compared with that of controls (32.88 ± 7.84 vs 35.48 ± 7.42), and HGS tended toward statistical significance (P = 0.064, respectively). In multivariate analysis, age (ß = -0.107, P < 0.001), gender (ß = 0.212, P < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (ß = 0.462, P < 0.001), FEV1% (ß = 0.108, P = 0.009), and calf circumference (CC) (ß = 0.457, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with FFMI. Conclusion: Impaired skeletal muscle mass was more common in COPD patients than in controls. Multiple regression analysis showed that CC may be used to detect the degree of impairment, particularly by health-care providers working outside of the hospital.

Synergistic Effect of Activated Carbon, NiO and Al2O3 on Improving the Thermal Stability and Flame Retardancy of Polypropylene Composites.

It is difficult to enhance the char yields of polypropylene (PP) due to the preferential complete combustion. Successful formation of abundant char layer structure of PP upon flammability was obtained due to the synergistic effect of NiO, Al2O3 and activated carbon (AC). From characterization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), it was revealed that the microstructure of residual char contained large amount of carbon nanotubes. Compared to the modification of AC, NiO and Al2O3 alone, the combination of AC, NiO and Al2O3 dramatically promotes the charring ability of PP. In the case of AC and NiO, NiO plays a role of dehydrogenation, resulting in the degradation product, while AC mainly acts as carbonization promoter. The addition of Al2O3 results in higher dispersion and smaller particle size of NiO, leading to greater exposure of active sites of NiO and higher dehydrogenation and carbonization activity. Compared to the neat PP, the decomposition temperature of the PP modified by combined AC, NiO and Al2O3 was increased by 90 ℃. The yield of residual char of AC-5Ni-Al-PP reached as high as 44.6%. From the cone calorimeter test, the heat release rate per unit area (HRR) and total heat release per unit area (THR) of PP composite follows the order AC-5Ni-Al-PP < AC-10Ni-Al-PP < AC-Ni-PP < AC-15Ni-Al-PP < AC-1Ni-Al-PP. Compared to the neat PP, the peak of HRR declined by 73.8%, 72.7%, 71.3%, 67.6% and 62.5%, respectively.

The U-box ubiquitin ligase TUD1 promotes brassinosteroid-induced GSK2 degradation in rice.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of steroid hormones with great potential for use in crop improvement. De-repression is usually one of the key events in hormone signaling. However, how the stability of GSK2, the central negative regulator of BR signaling in rice (Oryza sativa), is regulated by BRs remains elusive. Here, we identify the U-box ubiquitin ligase TUD1 as a GSK2-interacting protein by yeast two-hybrid screening. We show that TUD1 is able to directly interact with GSK2 and ubiquitinate the protein. Phenotypes of the tud1 mutant are highly similar to those of plants with constitutively activated GSK2. Consistent with this finding, GSK2 protein accumulates in the tud1 mutant compared with the wild type. In addition, inhibition of BR synthesis promotes GSK2 accumulation and suppresses TUD1 stability. By contrast, BRs can induce GSK2 degradation but promote TUD1 accumulation. Furthermore, the GSK2 degradation process is largely impaired in tud1 in response to BR. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the role of TUD1 in BR-induced GSK2 degradation, thereby advancing our understanding of a critical step in the BR signaling pathway of rice.

Rice DWARF AND LOW-TILLERING and the homeodomain protein OSH15 interact to regulate internode elongation via orchestrating brassinosteroid signaling and metabolism.

Brassinosteroid (BR) phytohormones play crucial roles in regulating internode elongation in rice (Oryza sativa). However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear. The dwarf and low-tillering (dlt) mutant is a mild BR-signaling-defective mutant. Here, we identify two dlt enhancers that show more severe shortening of the lower internodes compared to the uppermost internode (IN1). Both mutants carry alleles of ORYZA SATIVA HOMEOBOX 15 (OSH15), the founding gene for dwarf6-type mutants, which have shortened lower internodes but not IN1. Consistent with the mutant phenotype, OSH15 expression is much stronger in lower internodes, particularly in IN2, than IN1. The osh15 single mutants have impaired BR sensitivity accompanied by enhanced BR synthesis in seedlings. DLT physically interacts with OSH15 to co-regulate many genes in seedlings and internodes. OSH15 targets and promotes the expression of the BR receptor gene BR INSENSITIVE1 (OsBRI1), and DLT facilitates this regulation in a dosage-dependent manner. In osh15, dlt, and osh15 dlt, BR levels are higher in seedlings and panicles, but unexpectedly lower in internodes compared with the wild-type. Taken together, our results suggest that DLT interacts with OSH15, which functions in the lower internodes, to modulate rice internode elongation via orchestrating BR signaling and metabolism.

The divergence of brassinosteroid sensitivity between rice subspecies involves natural variation conferring altered internal auto-binding of OsBSK2.

Japonica/geng and indica/xian are two major rice (Oryza sativa) subspecies with multiple divergent traits, but how these traits are related and interact within each subspecies remains elusive. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of steroid phytohormones that modulate many important agronomic traits in rice. Here, using different physiological assays, we revealed that japonica rice exhibits an overall lower BR sensitivity than indica. Extensive screening of BR signaling genes led to the identification of a set of genes distributed throughout the primary BR signaling pathway with divergent polymorphisms. Among these, we demonstrate that the C38/T variant in BR Signaling Kinase2 (OsBSK2), causing the amino acid change P13L, plays a central role in mediating differential BR signaling in japonica and indica rice. OsBSK2L13 in indica plays a greater role in BR signaling than OsBSK2P13 in japonica by affecting the auto-binding and protein accumulation of OsBSK2. Finally, we determined that OsBSK2 is involved in a number of divergent traits in japonica relative to indica rice, including grain shape, tiller number, cold adaptation, and nitrogen-use efficiency. Our study suggests that the natural variation in OsBSK2 plays a key role in the divergence of BR signaling, which underlies multiple divergent traits between japonica and indica.

The Effect of Nursing Management of Patients Undergoing Interventional Therapy for Liver Cancer Compared with Standard Care on Patient-Reported Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the efficacy of individualized symptom management based on patients' self-reports during interventional therapy (IT) for liver cancer. METHODS: Patients with liver cancer who recieved IT from April to August 2019 were assigned to either the intervention (n=70) or control group (n=70). The control group received routine nursing care and the intervention group received a nursing management program. The severity of specific symptoms, as measured by the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), and satisfaction with nursing care, were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, patients given individualized management experienced significantly less severe pain, nausea, anxiety, and fatigue (p < .05). The scores for KPS and satisfaction with care were both significantly improved in the intervention group than in the control group (p < .05). CONCLUSION: This high-quality nursing management program predicated on patients' self-reports is worthy of clinical application and popular adoption.

Progress of engineered bacteria for tumor therapy.

Recently, with the rapid development of bioengineering technology and nanotechnology, natural bacteria were modified to change their physiological activities and therapeutic functions for improved therapeutic efficiency of diseases. These engineered bacteria were equipped to achieve directed genetic reprogramming, selective functional reorganization and precise spatio-temporal control. In this review, research progress in the basic modification methodologies of engineered bacteria were summarized, and representative researches about their therapeutic performances for tumor treatment were illustrated. Moreover, the strategies for the construction of engineered colonies based on engineering of individual bacteria were summarized, providing innovative ideas for complex functions and efficient anti-tumor treatment. Finally, current limitation and challenges of tumor therapy utilizing engineered bacteria were discussed.

Construction of pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation training program for patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) is the standard treatment for early localized PCa, of which urinary incontinence is the most common postoperative complication. Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation training is recognized as the first line of intervention measures, but the existing rehabilitation training programs are not clear in the formulation process, the content is not unified, and the clinical operability is not strong. In order to better guide clinical pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation training after LRP and prevent and control urinary incontinence, this study constructed a pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation training program for LRP patients. Methods: Literature analysis, qualitative interview, and an expert group meeting method were used to form the draft of pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation training program for LRP patients. On this basis, after 2 rounds of Delphi expert consultation, the research team modified and improved the program. Results: The consultation experts involved in the 2 rounds were the same, 15 questionnaires were sent out, and 15 were recovered with an effective recovery of 100%. The expert authority coefficient was 0.87. In the second round of consultation, Kendall's harmony coefficient was 0.14 (P<0.001), the mean coefficient of variation of expert opinion was 0.07 (P<0.001), and the mean value of importance assigned to each item was 4.53-5.00 points. Finally, the pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation training program for LRR patients was formed. Including rehabilitation training evaluation, rehabilitation training advanced time and content, rehabilitation training form of three first-level indicators, 12 second-level indicators, 53 third-level indicators. Conclusions: The pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation training program for LRP patients developed in this study is scientific, reliable, safe and feasible, which can provide reference for clinical pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation training after LRP and prevention and control of urinary incontinence.

Multifunctional liquid metal-based nanoparticles with glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism inhibition for tumor photothermal therapy.

Tumor cells obtain energy supply from different metabolic pathways to maintain survival. In this study, a tumor acidity-responsive spherical nanoparticle (called as LMGC) was designed by attaching glucose oxidase (GOx) and mineralizing calcium carbonate on the surface of liquid metal nanoparticles to integrate the synergistic effect of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation inhibition and photothermal therapy (PTT) for enhanced tumor therapy. After GOx catalysis, the process of glycolysis was inhibited, and the increased H2O2 level enhanced the intratumoral oxidative stress. Besides, the gluconic acid production accelerated the degradation of LMGC and promoted Ca2+-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. The inhibition of glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism could significantly reduce ATP production and down-regulate heat shock protein (HSP) expression, which would reduce tumor cells heat resistance and improve PTT therapeutic effect. This liquid metal-based ATP inhibition system with enhanced therapeutic effect will find great potential for tumor treatment.

Neisseria meningitidis Opca Protein/MnO2 Hybrid Nanoparticles for Overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier to Treat Glioblastoma.

The major hurdle in glioblastoma therapy is the low efficacy of drugs crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Neisseria meningitidis is known to specifically enrich in the central nervous system through the guidance of an outer membrane invasion protein named Opca. Here, by loading a chemotherapeutic drug methotrexate (MTX) in hollow manganese dioxide (MnO2 ) nanoparticles with surface modification of the Opca protein of Neisseria meningitidis, a bionic nanotherapeutic system (MTX@MnO2 -Opca) is demonstrated to effectively overcome the BBB. The presence of the Opca protein enables the drug to cross the BBB and penetrate into tumor tissues. After accumulating in glioblastoma, the nanotherapeutic system catalyzes the decomposition of excess H2 O2 in the tumor tissue and thereby generates O2 , which alleviates tumor hypoxia and enhances the effect of chemotherapy in the treatment of glioblastoma. This bionic nanotherapeutic system may exhibit great potential in the treatment of glioblastoma.

Association between depression and sleep quality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no consistent understanding of the relationship between depression and sleep quality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to explore the correlation between depression and sleep quality in SLE patients. METHODS: Five English (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) databases were systematically searched from inception to January 12, 2021. Two authors independently screened publications and extracted data according to set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical analyses were performed with STATA 16.0. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 9 identified studies matched the inclusion criteria, reporting on 514 patients with SLE in the analysis. A moderate correlation of depression with sleep quality was found (pooled r = 0.580 [0.473, 0.670]). Compared to good sleepers, patients with SLE and poor sleep quality had higher levels of depression (standardized mean difference = - 1.28 [- 1.87, - 0.69]). Depression was associated with subjective sleep quality (r = 0.332 [0.009, 0.592]), sleep latency (r = 0.412 [0.101, 0.649]), sleep disturbances (r = 0.405 [0.094, 0.645]), daytime dysfunction (r = 0.503 [0.214, 0.711]), the four dimensions of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while no significant correlation was found in the other three PSQI dimensions. CONCLUSION: Depression had a moderate correlation with sleep quality in patients with SLE. Patients with poor sleep quality tended to have higher level of depression than that of good sleepers. Awareness of the correlation may help rheumatology physicians and nurses to assess and prevent depression and improve sleep quality in patients with SLE.

Diversification of plant agronomic traits by genome editing of brassinosteroid signaling family genes in rice.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) regulate various agronomic traits such as plant height, leaf angle, and grain size in rice (Oryza sativa L.); thus, BR signaling components are promising targets for molecular rational design. However, genetic materials for BR-signaling genes or family members remain limited in rice. Here, by genome editing using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRSPR)/Cas9 tools, we generated a panel of single, double, triple, or quadruple mutants within three BR signaling gene families, including GSK3/SHAGGY-LIKE KINASE1 (GSK1)-GSK4, BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT1 (OsBZR1)-OsBZR4, and protein phosphatases with kelch-like (PPKL)1-PPKL3, under the same background (Zhonghua11, japonica). The high-order mutants were produced by either simultaneously targeting multiple sites on different genes of one family (GSKs and PPKLs) or targeting the overlapping sequences of family members (OsBZRs). The mutants exhibited a diversity of plant height, leaf angle, and grain morphology. Comparison analysis of the phenotypes together with BR sensitivity tests suggested the existence of functional redundancy, differentiation, or dominancy among the members within each family. In addition, we generated a set of transgenic plants overexpressing GSK2, OsBZR1/2, and PPKL2, respectively, in wild-type or activated forms with fusion of different tags, and also verified the protein response to BR application. Collectively, these plants greatly enriched the diversity of important agronomic traits in rice. We propose that editing of BR-related family genes could be a feasible approach for screening of desired plants to meet different requirements. Release of these materials as well as the related information also provides valuable resources for further BR research and utilization.

Baseline beliefs about medication are associated with outcomes of antidepressants in inpatients with first-diagnosed depression under supervised therapeutic compliance.

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of baseline beliefs about medication on therapeutic outcomes of antidepressants in inpatients with first-diagnosed depression under supervised therapeutic compliance. Ninety-seven inpatients with first-diagnosed depression were included to collect their baseline demographic data to evaluate the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) scores and the beliefs about medicine questionnaire-specific (BMQ-S) scores at baseline and the end of the eight-week treatment. Additionally, we explored the relationship between inpatients' medication beliefs and therapeutic effect of antidepressants. The inpatients were divided into remitted depression and unremitted depression groups according to outcomes at the end of the eight-week treatment. There was no significant difference in the baseline HAMD between the two groups (P > 0.050). The scores on the BMQ-S of the unremitted group were significantly lower than those of the remitted group (P < 0.001). The HAMD scores were significantly reduced in both groups after the eight-week treatment (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the BMQ-S scores before and after the treatment (P > 0.050). The medication beliefs of the unremitted inpatients after the treatment were still lower than those of the remitted inpatients (P < 0.001). Logistic-regression analysis showed that low BMQ-S scores at the baseline were an independent risk factor for antidepressant efficacy. Beliefs about medication at baseline may be correlated with the therapeutic efficacy in inpatients with first-diagnosed depression under supervised therapeutic compliance.

Circulating IL-17 Level Is Positively Associated with Disease Activity in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Previous studies on the relationship between the circulating level of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were contradictory. This study is aimed at quantitatively assessing the correlation between the circulating IL-17 level and disease activity in SLE patients. A systematic search for related literature was conducted via PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (up to January 26, 2021). The relationship between circulating IL-17 levels and SLE activity was evaluated using Fisher's z value, which was then converted to r. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to describe the difference between the circulating IL-17 level in patients with active and inactive SLE. STATA 16.0 was used to perform statistical analysis. Random-effects model was performed to synthesize data. Twenty-six studies involving 1,560 SLE patients were included in this review. The pooled r value was 0.38 (95% CI: 0.25-0.50; I 2 = 83.8%, P < 0.001) between the SLE activity and circulating level of IL-17. Patients with active SLE had higher level of circulating IL-17 than that of inactive (pooled SMD = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.38-1.53; I 2 = 90.5%, P < 0.001). The subgroup analysis suggested that the region and detection method of circulating IL-17 might not be a source of heterogeneity. No significant publication bias was found. In summary, circulating IL-17 level has a low positive relationship with SLE activity. It is necessary to carefully consider the use of circulating IL-17 as a biomarker of the disease activity in SLE patients. The relationship between the circulating level of IL-17 and SLE activity should be further confirmed in randomized controlled studies.