Serum levels of bone sialoprotein, osteopontin, and β2-microglobulin in stage I of multiple myeloma

Context: The fluctuations of proteins in multiple myeloma (MM) are well-known markers for checking the status of the patients. Aims: The objective of this study was to examine three proteins that have an important role in disease progression. Subjects and Methods: The study was performed with two groups: 30 MM stage I patients' (14 females/16 males; aged 60.83 ± 12.38 years) as case group and 40 healthy individuals (18 females/22 males; aged 57.65 ± 6.43 years) as control group. Both groups have been matched in gender and age. Bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), and β2-microglobulin (β2M) were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Serum BSP levels of MM-I patients was significantly higher than that of healthy controls (29.24 ± 5.57 vs. 20.89 ± 3.67, P = 0.001). OPN levels of MM-I patients were significantly lower than that of healthy individuals (12.03 ± 3.45 vs. 19.35 ± 4.67, P = 0.001). β2M levels of patients and controls were similar (1.49 ± 0.67 vs. 1.29 ± 0.55, P = 0.193). Conclusions: The results suggested that myeloma cells may affect the production of BSP and OPN, which possibly contributes to osteoclastic bone resorption in MM-I patients. Their levels may be a useful biomarker for assessing bone destruction in MM-I patients and distinguishing MM-I from healthy individuals

Applying data mining techniques to extract hidden patterns about breast cancer survival in an Iranian cohort study

Background: breast cancer survival has been analyzed by many standard data mining algorithms. A group of these algorithms belonged to the decision tree category. Ability of the decision tree algorithms in terms of visualizing and formulating of hidden patterns among study variables were main reasons to apply an algorithm from the decision tree category in the current study that has not studied already

Methods: the classification and regression trees [CART] was applied to a breast cancer database contained information on569 patients in 2007-2010. The measurement of Gini impurity used for categorical target variables was utilized. The classification error that is a function of tree size was measured by 10-fold cross-validation experiments. The performance of created model was evaluated by the criteria as accuracy, sensitivity and specificity

Results: the CART model produced a decision tree with 17 nodes, 9 of which were associated with a set of rules. The rules were meaningful clinically. They showed in the if-then format that Stage was the most important variable for predicting breast cancer survival. The scores of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were: 80.3%, 93.5% and 53%, respectively

Conclusions: the current study model as the first one created by the CART was able to extract useful hidden rules from a relatively small size dataset

Effective factors of treatment outcome in smear positive tuberculosis patients in Golestan province-Iran [2014]

Background and Objective: Tuberculosis [TB] is the main cause of death in the world. Half of the patient eventually will die during first 5-year of infection if they do not receive suitable treatment. According to WHO's report, treatment success in Iran is lower than the regional and global mean. This study was conducted to identify the effective factors of treatment failure among tuberculosis patient in golestan province- Iran

Methods: This cross- sectional study was conducted on 331 new smear positive tuberculosis patients that detected in TB laboratory in in golestan province-north of Iran during 2014. Inclusion criteria included weight more than 30kg, age greater than 13 years, diabetes, immune deficiency, liver or kidney diseases. Patients were treated according to a protocol for a period of two months on the DOTS strategy. The criterion of treatment outcome was sputum smear at the end of the second month of treatment. The effect of gender, medication regiment, age, weight, smoking, addiction and severity of smear basilli load on treatment outcome was assessed

Results: 50.8% and 49.2% of patients were treated with combination and separate medicinal regiments, respectively. The conversion rate of smear positive was 67.7% at the end of the second months. According to multivariate logistic regression, the age of the patient [95% CI: 0.96-0.99, OR: 0.98, P=0.017], addiction [95% CI: 1.26-4.54, OR: 2.4, P=0.008], ethnicity [95% CI: 1.86-7.02, OR: 3.62, P=0.0001] and diagnostic smear bacilli load [P=0.0001] were the important effective variables

Conclusion: The success of two months treatment was fairly low and the important factors on treatment success during the intensive phase were patient age, smoking, addiction and diagnostic smear bacilli load

Reliability of new software in measuring cervical multifidus diameters and shoulder muscle strength in a synchronized way; an ultrasonographic study

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the inter-session reliability of new software to measure the diameters of the cervical multifidus muscle (CMM), both at rest and during isometric contractions of the shoulder abductors in subjects with neck pain and in healthy individuals.METHOD: In the present study, the reliability of measuring the diameters of the CMM with the Sonosynch software was evaluated by using 24 participants, including 12 subjects with chronic neck pain and 12 healthy individuals. The anterior-posterior diameter (APD) and the lateral diameter (LD) of the CMM were measured in a resting state and then repeated during isometric contraction of the shoulder abductors. Measurements were taken on separate occasions 3 to 7 days apart in order to determine inter-session reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable difference (SDD) were used to evaluate the relative and absolute reliability, respectively.RESULTS: The Sonosynch software has shown to be highly reliable in measuring the diameters of the CMM both in healthy subjects and in those with neck pain. The ICCs 95% CI for APD ranged from 0.84 to 0.94 in subjects with neck pain and from 0.86 to 0.94 in healthy subjects. For LD, the ICC 95% CI ranged from 0.64 to 0.95 in subjects with neck pain and from 0.82 to 0.92 in healthy subjects.CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic measurement of the diameters of the CMM using Sonosynch has proved to be reliable especially for APD in healthy subjects as well as subjects with neck pain.

[Mucilage and Seed Yield of Psyllium [Plantago psyllium L.] in Response to Foliar Application of Nano-iron and Potassium Chelate Fertilizer]

Background: Considering the importance of using new technologies such as nano-technology the sustainable agriculture, and increase the yield and quality of crops, research in this direction is necessary

Objective: In this study was investigated the effect of foliar application of nano-iron and potassium chelate fertilizer on yield and quality of psyllium

Methods: In this research, the factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and 3 replications was carried out. The treatments of this experiment were consisted of three levels of nano-iron chelate [0, 1 and 2 g.L-1] and four levels of nano-potassium chelate [0, 2, 3 and 4 g.L-1] fertilizer

Results: The interaction of nano-iron and potassium chelated fertilizer treatments had a significant effect on the seed yield [P<0.01] and shoot dry weight [P<0.05]. The independent effect of nano-iron and potassium chelated fertilizer were significant on themost traits [P<0.01], number of seeds per plant, and yield of mucilage [P<0.05]. Interaction of 2 g.L-1 of nano-iron and 3 g.L-1 of potassium chelate fertilizer treatments, and also their independent effects had the most impact on the measured traits, especially yield of shoot dry weight, seed yield, mucilage content and yield of mucilage

Conclusion: According to the results, the use of nano-iron and potassium chelate fertilizer had positive effects on the efficiency of psyllium

Development and Validation of a Safety Climate Scale for Manufacturing Industry

BACKGROUND: This paper describes the development of a scale for measuring safety climate. METHODS: This study was conducted in six manufacturing companies in Iran. The scale developed through conducting a literature review about the safety climate and constructing a question pool. The number of items was reduced to 71 after performing a screening process. RESULTS: The result of content validity analysis showed that 59 items had excellent item content validity index (> or = 0.78) and content validity ratio (> 0.38). The exploratory factor analysis resulted in eight safety climate dimensions. The reliability value for the final 45-item scale was 0.96. The result of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the safety climate model is satisfactory. CONCLUSION: This study produced a valid and reliable scale for measuring safety climate in manufacturing companies.

Effects of Antibiotic Consumption on Children 2-8 Years of Age Developing Asthma / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Antibiotic exposure in children is a possible contributor to the increasing asthma prevalence in several countries. The present study aimed to investigate the association between antibiotic exposure and the risk of developing childhood asthma at 2-8 years of age. METHODS: A case-control study was undertaken among children aged 2-8 years old between March and September 2010 in the Urmia district in the northwest of Iran. The cases were doctor-diagnosed asthmatic children based on Global Initiative for Asthma criteria (n=207), and the controls were children without respiratory symptoms (n=400) selected by frequency matching by age and gender. Clinical data including antibiotic exposure was collected by a validated and reliable questionnaire, which was completed by interviewing parents/guardians. RESULTS: Antibiotic consumption during the first year of life increased the odds ratio [OR] of asthma symptoms at 2-8 years of age (crude OR, 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-3.35; p<0.01), and the strength of association was similar after adjusting for a family history of asthma or atopic disorder, preterm delivery, birth order, and delivery method (adjusted OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.27-2.88; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that antibiotic consumption in children was associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma, and an additional confirmative study is needed.

Effect of Thymus vulgaris, Myrtus communis and nystatin on Candida albicans

Candida albicans is the most frequent etiological agent of oral candidiasis. This study was done to compare the anticandidal effect of Thymus vulgaris and Myrtus communis to nystatin on Candida albicans. In this laboratory study thirty-two strains of Candida albicans isolated from patients with oral candidiasis. Yeast suspension of Candida yeast cells was provided, subsquntly a serial dilution from Thymus vulgaris and Myrtus communis and Nystatin in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar [SDA] medium were prepared. Then a loop of Candida suspension was cultured on all of the solid media and was incubated at 25°C. The findings of fungus growing were recorded during 7 days. MIC of Thymus vulgaris, Myrtus communis L, mix of these essences and Nystatin was 0.390 microl/ml, 12.5 microl/ml, 0.78 microl/ml and 160 IU/ml, respectively. Thymus vulgaris contained antifungal activity against Candida albicans, but Myrtus communis demonstrated a very low activity against Candida albicans

[ effect of shoulder resistance training on isometric strength of the neck extensor muscles]

Neck pain is an important public health care problem in modern societies, and proper and effective training programs are required for its prevention and treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of shoulder-abduction resistance trainings on isometric strength of the neck extensor muscles. In this study, a total of 28 healthy women [20-25 years of age], were randomly divided into two groups of shoulder-abduction resistance exercises [n=14] and control [n=14], who performed active range of motion exercises [AROM]. Both groups performed exercises 3 days/week for 10 weeks. In both groups, isometric strength of neck muscles was measured before and after the intervention period using an isometric neck muscle strength measurement device. Data were analyzed by independent and paired t-tests. The strength of the neck extensor muscles in the case group was 72.69 +/- 15.82, which was significantly higher in comparison with the control group, 52.68 +/- 14.20 [p<0.001]. The results of this study showed that shoulder-abduction resistance exercises are effective in increasing isometric strength of the neck extensor muscles

Assessing study skills among a sample of university students: an Iranian survey / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: Numerous studies have revealed that study skills have a constructive role on the academic performance of students, in addition to educational quality, students' intelligence, and their affective characteristics. This study aims to examine study skills and the factors influencing them among the health sciences students of Urmia University of Medical Sciences in Iran. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out from May to November 2013. A total of 340 Urmia health sciences students were selected using a simple sampling method. Data were collected using the Study Skills Assessment Questionnaire of Counseling Center of Houston University and analyzed with descriptive and analytical statistics. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of the students' study skills were 172.5+/-23.2, out of a total score of 240. Around 1.2% of the study skills were weak; 86.8%, moderate; and 12%, good. Among the study skills, the scores of time management, and memory and concentration were better than the others. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between study skills scores and the students' family housing status and academic level (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the majority of the participants had moderate study skills, these were not sufficient and far from good. Improving and promoting the study skills of university students require the designing and implementing of education programs for study strategies. Therefore, decision makers and planners in the educational areas of universities should consider the topic described above.

Effects of Terazosin and Tolterodine on Ureteral Stent Related Symptoms: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective To evaluate the effects of terazosin and tolterodine on ureteral stent discomfort. Materials and Methods Of 163 patients assessed for eligibility, 104 patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo, 2 mg of terazosin twice daily, 2 mg of tolterodine daily, or both terazosin plus tolterodine during the stenting period. Prior to stenting and at stent removal, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the IPSS quality of life (QoL) subscore and the Visual Analog Scale for Pain were determined. The patients also reported their analgesic use during the stenting period. Results Ninety-four patients completed the study. We noted significant decreases in the total IPSS scores (p = 0.002), irritative subscore (p = 0.039), QoL (p = 0.001), flank pain (p = 0.013), voiding pain (p = 0.01) and amount of analgesics used (p = 0.02) in the groups. However, neither the obstructive subscore nor the suprapubic pain improved significantly (p = 0.251 and p = 0.522, respectively). The patients receiving terazosin plus tolterodine experienced significant reductions in the total IPSS, irritative symptoms, QoL, flank pain, voiding pain and decreased analgesics use compared with those patients receiving placebo. However, compared with placebo, terazosin monotherapy did not affect pain levels, and tolterodine monotherapy did not improve QoL, flank pain or analgesics use. Conclusions Terazosin plus tolterodine improves ureteral stent-related complications, including irritative symptoms, the amount of analgesics used, QoL, flank pain and voiding pain but does not decrease obstructive symptoms or suprapubic pain. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01530243. .

TV Viewing, Independent of Physical Activity and Obesogenic Foods, Increases Overweight and Obesity in Adolescents.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity (OAO) and associated risk factors in a representative sample of students aged 11-20 years in Urmia, Iran. In this population-based cross-sectional study, a multistage random cluster-sampling method was used, through which 2,498 students were selected. OAO were defined based on criteria set by the US Center for Health Statistics in collaboration with the US Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). OAO risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire containing questions about TV viewing, nutrition, physical activities (PA), social and economic factors. Contents of the questionnaire were validated by calculating the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI), based on the responses elicited from 15 experts. Reliability of the questionnaire was obtained from a test and re-test of the questionnaire completed by 15 students. To analyze the data, χ2-test, t-test, and multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted. The prevalence of OAO was found to be 14.1% among the 11-20 years old students of junior and senior high schools. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the educational level of mothers, type of school, and the time spent on viewing TV were associated with an increased risk of OAO while obesogenic foods and PA had no effect on the frequency of OAO [Odds ratio (OR) for the time spent on watching TV one hour more than usual equals 1.27 at p=0.001]. The direct correlation between TV viewing and OAO, which is independent of PA and obesogenic foods, needs to be carefully investigated through randomized clinical trials and cohort studies.

Birth weight and risk of childhood acute leukaemia

Studies of risk factors for acute leukaemia are inconclusive. This case-control study was done In West Azerbaijan province, Islamic Republic of Iran, to determine the relationship between birth weight and acute leukaemia in children aged under 15 years. For every patient 2 age- and sex-matched controls were selected from hospital and community populations. Of 130 cases diagnosed over the period 2003-2009/108 [83.1%] had lymphoblastic and 22 [16.9%] myloblastic type. Significantly more of them were male than female [55.4% versus 44.6%]. In a multivariate logistic regression model variables significantly associated with acute leukaemia were: birth weight [OR = 2.25], birth order [OR = 2.25], birth place [OR= 7.93], history of chickenpox [OR - 0.46] and mothers' education [OR = 3.23]. The risk of acute leukaemia increased significantly with increasmg birth weight in the total group and among girls, but not among boy

[Symmetry of cervical multifidus muscle in females with chronic non-specific neck pain and healthy by ultrasonography]

Multifidus muscle is one of the short and deep posterior Paraspinal muscles, which gives stability to the spine during various activities. Studies have shown that in people with neck pain, weakness and atrophy of neck muscles are major factors in the incidence of neck pain. Measurement of muscle's dimensions by ultrasonography provides an opportunity to be able to objectively assess muscle atrophy or hypertrophy. This study aimed to assess symmetry of cervical multifidus muscle size in females with chronic non-specific neck pain and healthy by ultrasonography apparatus. Twenty five women with unilateral chronic nonspecific neck pain and 25 healthy women were participated in this study. All subjects were employed and more than 4 hours working with computers or paying office in a day. Imaging of the cervical multifidus muscles were done bilaterally in the level of the fourth vertebra. Anterior-Posterior Dimension [APD], Lateral Dimension[LD], Cross-Sectional Area [multiplied of two diameters[APD and LD]] and the Shape ratio [Lateral diameter divided by the Anterior-Posterior diameter[LD/APD]] of the muscle were measured and recorded. Multifidus muscle size in patients group was smaller than the healthy group. In patients group, size of multifidus muscle in the painful side was smaller than the opposite side. Asymmetry of muscle size between the two sides, in the patient group was higher than the control group [P < 0.05]. The ratio of smaller size to the larger size of the muscle, in the healthy group was higher than the ratio in the patient group [P < 0.05]. In patients group, asymmetry of the muscle size between two sides, also smaller size of the muscle in the painful side, showed that muscle atrophy has happened in the involved side

[ effect of implementing orem's self-care model on the self- esteem of elderlies resident of nursing home in Urmia]

Regarding the increase in the elderly population, using nursing theories especially Orem self-care model can be effective in self- esteem improvement. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of implementing Orem self-care model on the self- esteem of the elderly resident in the nursing homes in Urmia. In this quasi-experimental study, 50 elderly people who have inclusion criteria were selected through available sampling and were randomly divided into two groups of control [25] and intervention [25]. Self- esteem was evaluated via Rosenberg self-esteem questionnaire before and one month after implementing the selfcare program. Data were analyzed via SPSS software v. 16, using descriptive and inferential statistical testes. Results showed that in the control group, need level in 48% of the elderly was low, in 44% moderate and in 8% high. In the intervention group this level was reported low in 44%, moderate in 52% and high in4% of the subjects. Chi-square test did not show a significant difference between the two groups regarding level of needs [P=0.76]. In the intervention group, the mean score of self-esteem before the intervention was 25.70 which increased to 27.96 after the intervention. The difference between the means scores of self-esteem in the two groups was significant [P=0/015]. Implementing orem's self-care model had a positive influence on improving self- esteem of the elderly people. Therefore, nurses and other eldercare providers are suggested to reinforce self-care spirit in these patients, according to the nursing theories and health care programs, to improve self- esteem in the elderly resident in nursing homes.

Effect of phase III cardiac rehabilitation and relaxation on the quality of life in patients with cardiac syndrome X

Cardiac syndrome X is a relatively common disorder, and still not much is known about the causative factors or its pathophysiology, which makes it difficult to cure. Due to its chronic nature and debilitating symptoms, many patients have significantly reduced quality of life [QOL].The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of phase III cardiac rehabilitation [CR] and relaxation on the QOL of patients. This research is a randomized clinical trial study. Forty eligible and consenting women [age 30-65 years] were randomly assigned to four groups. In the first group [n = 11], progressive muscle relaxation [PMR]; in the second group [n = 11], phase III CR; and in the third group [n = 11], PMR along with phase III CR were performed for 8 weeks at home. The fourth group [n = 7] was used as the control group. Short form of QOL questionnaire [SF 36] was used for data gathering.Data analysis was performed using X[2], Kruskal-Wallis, and rank sum difference tests. After phase III CR, relaxation, and combination of CR and relaxation, patients demonstrated improved QOL [P < 0.001]. The results of post test multiple comparisons showed that there were statistically significant differences between control and all intervention groups [P < 0.05]. There was also statistically significant difference between relaxation and combination of phase III CR and relaxation groups [P < 0.5]. An 8 week phase III CR program together with relaxation improved QOL of patients with cardiac syndrome X. We suggest phase III CR program together with relaxation as an effective treatment in these patients.

[In vitro antifungal effect of Thymus vulgaris essence on Candida albicans isolated from patients with oral candidiasis]

Background and aims: Candida albicans is the most common etiologic agent of diseases caused by yeasts of Candida genus. The treatment of these infections is necessary because they may spread in neutropenic and immunosuppressed patients. Fungi resistance to some antifungal drugs is being increased. In addition, many of these drugs are toxic and expensive. Therefore, the study of natural plant products which can be effective against these fungi is necessary. Among the plants which have shown in vitro efficient biologic activity, is Thymus vulgaris. Thus the aim of this research was to study the inhibitory effect of Thymus vulgaris essence on of Candida albicans growth

Methods: In this research, fifty patients with oral candidiasis were studied. The obtained swab samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with cycloheximide and chloramphenicol [SCC] medium, finally with performance of supplementary tests. 32 isolates were recognized as Candida albicans. Then we added Thymus vulgaris essence to SCC medium in different concentrations and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration [MIC] of the essence was accounted for different suspension dilutions of Candida albicans

Results: The MIC of the Thymus vulgaris essence for the dilutions of 100, 10-1 and 10-2 of Candida albicans was 0.390micro l/ medium and for dilutions of 10[-3] and 10[-4] were 0.195 and 0.0975 micro l/ medium

Conclusion: The Thymus vulgaris essence has a very good antifungal effect against Candida albicans so that low amounts it can inhibit Candida albicans growth

[ effect of shoe-heel height on the static and dynamic postural stability in healthy young women]

Wearing high-heeled shoes increases the height of the center of gravity and takes the line of gravity away from the center of the base of support. This may result in the loss of body balance. In this study the effect of 3 heel heights on the static and dynamic postural stability in healthy young women was investigated. In this cross-over quasi-experimental study with repeated measures, three dynamic indices of anteroposterior, mediolateral, and overall stability were determined using Biodex stabilometer and static stability using a modified CTSIB test. The measurements were made at 4 conditions of the feet, i. e., barefoot, and wearing shoes with a heel height of 3, 5, or 7 centimeters. The mean static stability index in the barefoot condition was significantly different from that in any the 3 conditions of wearing heels. With the eyes closed, the most unstable condition was in the case of the 7-cm heel, which caused also the most unstable dynamic condition; the differences were all statistically significant. The findings indicate that postural instability increases with increases in the height of shoe heels. On the whole, considering both the static and dynamic stability, the 3-cm heel can be recommended as the optimum-height hee

Parental risk factors of childhood acute leukemia: a case-control study

Leukemia is the most common cancer in children, accounting for near to half of all childhood cancers. Different risk factors might be effective in the occurrence of this cancer such as parental characteristics. This study was done in West Azarbaijan Province in order to determine the relation between parental characteristics and acute leukemia in children. This matched case-control study was conducted on children less than 15 years affected by acute leukemia from March 20, 2003 to March 20, 2009. Two control groups were selected, one from hospital and the other from the study population. Cases and controls were matched on age and sex. Logistic regression model was used for data analysis. This study was done on 130 patients, 108 [83.1%] were affected by Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and 22 [16.9%] by Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia. Seventy two of the patients were male [55.4%] and 58 were female [44.6%]. There was a statistically significant correlation between acute leukemia and variables such as mother's education [OR=4.2, 95% CI: 2.42, 7.34], mother's history of using Oral Contraceptive Pills [OR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.82] and parental relationship [OR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.30, 3.23]. It seems that some parental characteristics have an important role in etiology of childhood leukemia

Long-term progression pattern of chronic allograft dysfunction among kidney transplant recipients

There is little data about the pattern of disease progression in kidney transplant recipients with chronic allograft dysfunction [CAD]. Extrapolating the current classification of chronic kidney disease for CAD, we studied the pattern of progression of CAD in 5 stages among our kidney transplant recipients. We performed a retrospective cohort study on 214 kidney transplant recipients with CAD. The selection criteria were a functioning kidney allograft for at least 1 year after transplantation and a progressive decline in allograft function. An event history analysis in survival data was carried out based on the stages of CAD at baseline and the end of the study. At the beginning of the study, 54.7% of the patients had CAD stage 1; 37.9%, stage 2, and 7.5%, stage 3. At the end of study, 10.3% were in stage 2; 39.7%, stage 3; 23.4%, stage 4; and 26.6%, stage 5. Patients with CAD stage 5 were 17.1% of those in stage 1, 32.1% of those in stage 2, and 67.7% of those in stage 3 at baseline. There was a significant correlation between stage of CAD at the beginning of the study and the stage of CAD at the end [r = 0.465, P < .001]. Because the decline in kidney allograft function was relatively faster in advanced stages of CAD, strategies to increase allograft survival by improving the baseline level of allograft function can be more effective than strategies to slow down progression of advanced stages of CAD