• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.189-196
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• 2007

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of age and basal serum FSH in predicting the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in patients with poor-ovarian response. Methods: From January 2000 to December 2004, 85 second IVF cycles of 85 poor-ovarian response patients under the age of 42 with a back-ground of the first IVF cycles at our infertility center and 5 or less oocytes were retrieved and their basal serum FSH levels of 15$\sim$25 mIU/ml were enrolled in this study. Exclusion criteria were patients with a male factor for the etiology of infertility and undergoing genetic diagnosis of embryo such as PGD. Flare-up protocol was used for ovarian stimulation in all cases. Results: When we stratified the study groups by patient's age, the younger age group (age<35, n=35) showed significantly higher implantation rate (19.0% versus 4.0%, p<0.05) and higher ongoing pregnancy rate (100% versus 14.3%, p<0.05) than the older age group (age$\geq$35, n=50). And then, when we stratified the study populations by basal serum FSH level, the lower FSH group (basal serum FSH<20 mIU/ml, n=58) showed significantly higher number of retrieved oocytes (4.6$\pm$0.7 versus 2.2$\pm$0.5, p<0.05) and lower cancellation rate (19.0% versus 55.6%, p<0.05) than higher FSH group (basal serum FSH$\geq$20 mIU/ml, n=27). Conclusions: In conclusion, it was suggested that the patient's age could predict the IVF outcomes in respect to its potency of pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy. Serum basal FSH levels could predict more accurately the ovarian response of cycle, but not clinical outcomes.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.200-207
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• 1999

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the dental and general health in relation to the state of dentition and chewing ability by surveying oral condition and anthropometric measure in order to provide primary statistics for the development of a program which may lead to an improvement in the long-lived elderly health status in a rural community. Materials and Methods: The subjects of this study were 97 rural long-lived elderly(27 males and 70 females) who were over 85 years-old (average age of subjects are $88.14{\pm}3.20$ year old) in Sungju-Gun, Kyungpook Province. Data were collected by using questionnaires and direct measurement of anthropometrics, and oral examination from all 97 subjects on July, 1999. Results: The following results were obtained: 1. 53.6% of all subjects believe that they are healthy. The average values of height, weight, BMI, body fat, lean body fat and total water were $148.8{\pm}11.2cm$, $46.9{\pm}10.5kg$, $21.2{\pm}3.5kg/m^2$, $26.7{\pm}6.9%$, $73.0{\pm}7.1%$, and $53.4{\pm}5.2%$, respectively. 2. The average number of teeth remaining in the subjects were $3.50{\pm}5.71$; the number of maxillary teeth remaining were $1.08{\pm}2.88$; and the number of mandibular teeth remaining were $2.41{\pm}3.76$. The maximum number of teeth remaining among subjects were 22 teeth, and the fully edentulous(no natural teeth) people were 76.3%. The oral conditions of the subjects were 52.6% using denture, 23.7% using natural teeth, and 23.7% masticating edentulous ridge without denture. 3. In terms of oral condition in self-assessment of health, digestive ability, and chewing ability ; On self-assessment of health, 47.1% of those wearing denture group responded as feeling good, 56.5% of those in the group of edentulous without denture, and 65.2% in group of natural teeth only. On self-assessment of digestive ability, 82.4% of those in group of denture responded as feeling good, 65.2% of those in group of no teeth and no denture, and 73.9% of those in group of natural teeth only. On self-assessment of chewing ability, 90.2% of those in the group wearing a denture, 60. 9% of those in the group of no teeth and no denture, and 65.2% of those in the group of natural teeth only. 4. In terms of oral condition in anthropometric measurements; The height, weight, body fat, lean body mass, and total water according to oral conditions were $150.0{\pm}10.7cm$, $49.0{\pm}10.9kg$, $26.9{\pm}6.6%$, $72.7{\pm}7.0%$, $53.2{\pm}5.1%$, respectively, in group wearing a denture, $142.7{\pm}6.0cm$, $43.2{\pm}5.5kg$, $29.5{\pm}7.2%$, $70.8{\pm}6.9%$, $51.8{\pm}5.0%$, respectively, in the group of no teeth and no denture, and $152.3{\pm}14.1cm$, $45.9{\pm}12.6kg$, $23.4{\pm}6.0%$, $75.9{\pm}6.9%$, $55.6{\pm}5.1%$, respectively, in the group of natural teeth only. Conclusion: The subjective measurements of good health were higher denture user, and natural teeth.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.64-71
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• 1999

Purpose : The protective effects of dietary protein on the progression of renal failure were studied in subtotally nephrectomized rats. Methods : Treatment groups were as follows; 5/6 nephrectomy and a normal protein ($18.5\%$) diet (NP); 5/6 nephrectomy and a low protein ($6\%$) diet (LP): 5/6 nephrectomy, a normal protein diet and converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril (NPE): 5/6 nephrectomy, a low protein diet and enalapril (LPE). Both diets were isocaloric and had the same phosphorus content. Proteinuria, remnant kidney weight, mesangial matrix expansion score and glomerular volume were assessed at 4, 12 and 16 weeks after renal ablation. Results : LP and NP developed progressive hypertension. Eight weeks after surgery, LPE and NPE controlled hypertension. LP, LPE, and NPE had significantly less proteinuria than NP at 16 weeks (P<0.05). Kidney weight in LP were markedly less enlarged than NP (P<0.05). There was no difference in kidney weight between LPE and NPE. At 12 and 16 weeks the mesangial matrix expansion score was significantly less in LP, LPE, and NPE compared to NP (P<0.05). At 12 and 16 weeks mean glomerular volume was significantly less in LP compared to NP (P<0.05). At 12 and 16 weeks mean glomerular volume in LPE was significantly less compared to NPE. Conclusion : Dietary protein restriction afforded considerable protection from renal injury in the rat remnant kidney model. During the enalapril treatment, there was no additional protective effect of dietary protein restriction against the development of renal lesions.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.230-238
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• 1998

Purpose : Worldwidely, the incidence of the hepatitis A has been markedly decreased in the past years. Also in Korea, there has been only a few sporadic cases without evidence of epidemics since the mid 1980s. However, the incidence of the hepatitis A in young adults and childen has been in trends of increasing since 1996. So, we retrospectively performed the study on the epidemiolgical changes and the clinical feature of hepatitis A in childen, living in Kyung-gi province, since 1988 to 1998. Methods : The four affiliated hospitals of the Catholic University of Korea, Our lady of Mercy's hospital, Holy family hospital, Eui-Jung-bu St. Mary's hospital, and St. Vincent hospital, were enrolled in this study. We conducted statistical analysis on the incidence of hepatitis A since 1988 to 1998, concerning with the period (monthly, annually), age, sex and related epidemiological property, by reviewing the hospital records of the patients with hepatitis A. We simultaneously performed the study concerning with the clinical characteristics of hepatitis A. Results : 1) During the study period, 46 children was diagnosed as hepatitis A, and among them 28 children (60.1%) developed sporadically in the 1998. And sex ratio was 1.2(male):1(female). 2) Most of the patients developed between March and July, and hepatitits A were mainly developed in the patients above the 10 year old ages(37 patients; 80.4%). 3) The socioeconomic and educational status of the patient's parents was almostly below the middle and low class. Although, we could not find the etiological factors in most cases, but we found the evidence of interfamilial transmission in one family. 4) The patients complained the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, jaundice, poor appetite, mild fever, fatigueness, abdominal pain, URI symptom, dyspepsia, dark urine, headache and diarrhea in order, and findings of jaundice, hepatomegaly, RUQ tenderness, splenomegaly and LLQ tenderness in order were seen. 5) All patients showed abnormal findings of the liver function tests, and the pattern of cholestatic hepatitis were seen in most cases, but these findings were normalized within the 2~4 weeks. The findings of the gall bladder wall thickening, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and ascites were seen on abodominal sonogram. 6) The prognosis of all patients were good without complications, except in one case who had the episode of transient recuurence. And the mean hospitalization dates were 11.1 days. Conclusion : We found that the incidence of hepatitis A showed the increasing trend, and peaked in the 1998 in Kyung-gi province children. And hepatitis A mainly developed in children above the 10 year old ages. The scioeconomic and educational status of patient's family was almostly below the middle class. All of them showed abnormal liver function, and clinically cholestatic hepatitis features were seen in most cases. But, the prognosis was excellent without complication in all cases.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.7 s.264
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• pp.511-519
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• 2006

Background: Loss of cardiomyocytes in the myocardial infarction leads to regional contractile dysfunction, and necrotized cardiomyocytes in infracted ventricular tissues are progressively replaced by fibroblasts forming scar tissue. Although cardiomyoplasty, or implantation of ventricular assist device or artificial heart was tried in refractory heart failure, the cardiac transplantation was the only therapeutic modality because these other therapeutic strategies were not permanent. Cell transplantation is tried instead of cardiac transplantation, especially bone marrow is the most popular donated organ. But because bone marrow aspiration procedure is invasive and painful, and it had the fewer amounts of cellular population, the adipose tissue is recommended for harvesting of mesenchymal stem cells. Material and Method: After adipose tissues were extracted from abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue and intra-abdominal adipose tissue individually, the cellular components were obtained by same method. These cellular components were tried to transformation with the various titers of 5-azacytidine to descript the appropriate concentration of 5-azacytidine and possibility of transformation ability of adipose tissue. Group 1 is abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue and Group 2 is intra-abdominal adipose tissue-retroperitoneal adipose tissue and omentum. Cellular components were extracted by collagenase and $NH_4Cl$ et al, and these components were cultured by non-induction media - DMEM media containing 10% FBS and inducted by none, $3{\mu}mol/L,\;6{\mu}mol/L,\;and\;9{\mu}mol/L$ 5-azacytidine after the 1st and 2nd subculture. After 4 weeks incubation, tile cell blocks were made, immunostaining was done with the antibodies of CD34, heavy myosin chain, troponin T, and SMA. Result: Immunostaining of the transformed cells for troponin T was positive in the $6{\mu}mol/L\;&\;9{\mu}mol/L$ 5-azacytidine of Group 1 & 2, but CD34 and heavy myosin chain antibodies were negative and SMA antibody was positive in the $3{\mu}mol/L\;&\;6{\mu}mol/L$ 5-azacytidne of Group 2. Conclusion: These observations confirm that adult mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissues and intra-abdominal adipose tissues can be chemically transformed into cardiomyocytes. This can potentially be a source of autologous cells for myocardial repair.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.118-122
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• 2005

Immu-Forte (Dong-Ahm Bio's. Corp., Korea) was evaluated fir its effectiveness as a nonspecific immunostimulator in mice. The effects of Immu-Forte were determined by analysis of cytokines using ELISh and phenotype of leukocyte subpopulations using monoclonal antibodies specific to mouse leukocyte differentiation antigens and flow cytometry. CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, macrophages, IL-12 and IFN-r in Immu-Forte EX-treated middle dose group increased in 3 months posttreatment and were significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of control at 3 months posttreatment. All T cells, all B cells, macrophages, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-12 in Immu-Forte EX-treated low dose uoup increased in 3 months posttreatment and were significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of control at 3 months posttreatment. In the Immu-Forte soy-treated group, CD4 T cells, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-12 were significantly higher in high dose-treated group, and CD 4 T cell, macrophages, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-12 were significantly higher in middle dose-treated group, and all T cell, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-12 were significantly higher in low dose-treated group. In the Itnmu-Forte A-treated group, macrophages, m cells and IL-12 in high dose-treated group and all T cells, macrophages, NK cells, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-12 in middle dose-treated group and NK cells in low dose-treated group were significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of control at 3 months posttreatment. In the Immu-Forte F-treated Group, all B cells, IL-4 and IL-12 in high dose-treated group and all T cells, aBl B cells, CD 4 T cells, CD8 T cells, macrophage, IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 and IFN-r in middle dose-treated group and NK cells and IL-12 in low dose-treated group were significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of control at 3 months posttreatment. In conclusion, the study has demonstrated that Immu-Forte had an immunostimulatory effect on mice through proliferation and activation of mouse immune cells.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.65-82
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• 2008

Statement of problem : Today's market economy has been changed more and more to consumer concerned. It is owing to not only consumers ' rising standard of living and education, but also purchasers' easy accessibilities to products through various mass media. The consumer centered market system, where customer can choose items with diverse alternatives to satisfy their self esteem, is also applied to the field of medical business, and accelerated by an increasing income level of shoppers and introducing the whole nations' medical insurance system. Today, the medical industry has become competitive due to increasing number of medical institutions and medical personnel, and this offers wide choices to consumers in the medical market place. At this point of time, it is essential to survey on the primary factor of gratification for the patient in the Dental clinic, as well as on the problems and suggestions in medical service. Purpose : The analysis in this study shows essential factors and expected influential elements in satisfaction of the patient in the Dental Hopsital, and strategic suggestions for the provider of dental service, which can be of benefit to the prospective customer as well as can make improvement in the quality of dental treatment service. Material and method : This study had been researched by collecting and analyzing the organized questionnaires, which were filled in directly from 784 patients, who visit Dental Hospital, Yonsei University in Seoul, from January 23rd to April 15th. Result : It can be summarized like the followings. 1. The social and demographical peculiarities of respondents are as follows. Samples of gender and marital status are adequately extracted, but data on occupation and treatment are are under a bias toward students, undergraduates and graduate students, and orthodontics. 2. 74% of patients who answer the questionnaire were highly satisfied with the service of dental clinic in the section of overall satisfaction. 3. The survey result about specific service of dental treatment, within sections of independent variables, is like the followings; Patients are highly gratified with service system, kindness, explanation, explanation on expected waiting hours, reservation system, emergency measures, expert treatment, existence of knowledge of dentistry, size of hospital, disinfection, equipment and parking, but lowly satisfied with expense of treatment, preparatory hours for treatment, waiting hours, treatment hours and the period of subscription. 4. The correlation analysis showed that there is no significant linear relationship between the independent variables. 5. The probit regression analysis showed that 8 out of 34 independent variables explained the dependent variables at the level of 0.01. 6. It shows that 8 independent variables, which can affect customers 'satisfaction, are clearing up of inconvenience, service system, kindness, explanation, treatment hours per attendance, reservation system, existence of knowledge of dentistry, and contentment of equipment in the hospital. Conclusion : The consumer's satisfaction totally relies on subjective evaluations of customers. Providing appropriate service, which can meet the criteria for the customer who demands various wares, pursues luxury goods, and expects high quality of medical service, is essential to fulfill patients' satisfaction. Many medical institutions do their best to satisfy their customer, touch their consumer, and offer patience centered services, and it is also applied to the field of dentistry. Establishing brand new strategic managements and elevating the quality of dental service based on this survey are required to improve the satisfaction of patience in the Dental Hospital.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.160-168
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• 2003

Purpose : To analyze the anterior stability and functional results after the arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and meniscectomy based on meniscus status at the time of surgery. Materials and Methods : From October 1997 to October 2002, 78 patients (male 64 female 14) were treated by arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and meniscectomy and followed more than 12 months (range, $12\~72$ months, average: 32 months). Average age was 32 years old (range, $18\~57$ years old). We divided the patients into 4 groups; Both menisci was intact (BMI, control group), lateral meniscus removed (LMR), medial meniscus removed (MMR) and both menisci removed (BMR). Anterior passive displacement (objective stability) was estimated using KT-2000 arthrometer under the loading of 15lb,20lb and 30lb and evaluated anterior drawer test, Lachman test, range of motion, thigh circumference. Functional evaluation system of IKDC, OAK and Lysholm knee score was used. Results : Average anterior displacement under the loading of 30lb were 2.47 mm, 2.96 mm, 2.96 mm and 3.57 mm in each group(BMI, LMR, MMR, BMR) and it was statistically significant difference (p<0.05). There is no statistically significant difference in average anterior displacement under the loading of 15lb and 20lb in each group but it has showed decreasing tendency in meniscal removed groups. The mean anterior displacement was within 3 mm in 21 cases, 15 cases, 24 cases and 12 cases (total 72 cases, $94\%$) under the loading of 15lb and 20 cases, 15 cases, 24 cases and 11 cases (total 70 cases, $91\%$) under the loading 20lb of in each group and postoperative knee joint stability has showed increasing tendency (p>0.05). The mean score was 94.5, 93.2, 92.2 and 90.4 points in each group and 71 cases $(91\%)$ were more than excellent or good with a OAK score and fair results were noted 4 cases in both meniscal removed group. There were 65 cases $(83\%)$ with a Lysholm knee score more than excellent or good, and IKDC grading were more than normal or nearly normal in 74 cases $(95\%)$ except 4 cases (2 cases in MMR group and 2 cases in BMR group). Conclusion : Long-term anterior stability and functional results of a successful ACL reconstruction affected by tile status of the menisci at the time of surgery and KT-2000 arthrometer was good for estimation of objective follow up.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.85-98
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• 2004

Purpose: Cellular uptake of $^{99}mTc$-sestamibi (MIBI) and $^{99}mTc$-tetrofosmin (TF) is low in cancer cells expressing multidrug resistance(MDR) by p-glycoprotein(Pgp) or multidrug related protein(MRP). Verapamil is known to increase cellular uptake of MIBI in MDR cancer cells, but is recently reported to have different effects on tracer uptake in certain cancer cells. This study was prepared to evaluate effects of verapamil on cellular uptake of MIBI and TF in several cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Celluar uptakes of Tc-99m MIBI and TF were measured in erythroleukermia K562 cell, breast cancer MCF7 cell, and human ovarian cancer SK-OV-3 cells, and data were compared with those of doxorubicin-resistant K562(Ad) cells. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used for the detection of mdr1 mRNA and Pgp expression, and to observe changes in isotypes of PKC enzyme. Effects of verapamil on MIBI and TF uptake were evaluated at different concentrations upto $200{\mu}M\;at\;1{\times}10^6\;cells/ml\;at\;37^{\circ}C$. Radioactivity in supernatant and pellet was measured with gamma counter to calculate cellular uptake ratio. Toxicity of verapamil was measured with MTT assay. Results: Cellular uptakes of MIBI and TF were increased by time in four cancer cells studied. Co-incubation with verapamil resulted in an increase in uptake of MIBI and TF in K562(Adr) cell at a concentration of $100{\mu}M$ and the maximal increase at $50{\mu}M$ was 10-times to baseline. In contrast, uptakes of MIBI and TF in K562, MCF7, SK-OV3 cells were decreased with verapamil treatment at a concentration over $1{\mu}M$. With a concentration of $200{\mu}M$ verapamil, MIBI and TF uptakes un K562 cells were decreased to 1.5 % and 2.7% of those without verapamil, respectively. Cellular uptakes of MIBI and TF in MCF7 and SK-OV-3 cells were not changed with $10{\mu}M$, but were also decreased with verapamil higher than $10{\mu}M$, resulting 40% and 5% of baseline at $50{\mu}M$. MTT assay of four cells revealed that K562, MCF7, SK-OV3 were not damaged with verapamil at $200{\mu}M$. Conclusion: Although verapamil increases uptake of MIBI and TF in MDR cancer cells, cellular uptakes were further decreased with verapamil in certain cancer cells, which is not related to cytotoxicity of drug. These results suggest that cellular uptakes of both tracers might differ among different cells, and interpretation of changes in tracer uptake with verapamil in vitro should be different when different cell lines are used.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.349-356
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• 1997

Purpose : To evaluate the efficacy of hyperfractionated radiation therapy in carcinoma of the cervix, especially on huge exophytic and endophytic stage Ib, IIa and IIb Materials and Materials : Fourty one patients with carcinoma of the cervix treated with hyperfractionated radiation therapy at the Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Dongsan Hospital, Keimyung University. School of Medicine from Jul, 1991 to Apr, 1994. According to FIGO s1aging system, therewere stage Ib (3 patients) IIa (6 patients) with exophytic ($\geq$5cm in dinmeter) and huge endophytic mass. and IIb (32 patients) with median age of 55 yeavs old. Radiation therapy consisted of hyperfractionated external irradition to the whole pelvis (120cGy/fraction, 2 fraction/day (minimum interval of 6 hours), 3600-5520cGy) and boost parametrial doses (for a total of 4480-6480cGy) with midline shield $(4\times10cm)$, and combined with intracavitary irradiation (up to 7480-8520cGy in Ib, IIa and 8480-9980cGy in IIb to point A). The maximum and mean follow up durations were 70 and 47 months respectively . Results : Five year local control rate was $78\%$ and the actuarial overall five year survival rate was $66.1\%$ for all patients, $44.4\%$ for stage Ib, IIa and $71.4\%$ for stage IIb. In bulky IIb (above 5cm in tumor size, 11 patients) five year local control rate and five rear survival rate was $88.9\%,\;73\%$ respectively Pelvic lymph node status (negative : $74\%,\;positive:25\%$, p=0.0015) was significant Prognostic factor affecting to five rear survival rate. There was marginally significant survival difference by total dose to A point ($>84Gy\;:\;70\%,\;>84Gy\;:\;42.8\%$, p=0.1). We consider that the difference of total dose to A point by stage (mean Ib,IIa : 79Gy. IIb 89Gy P=0.001) is one of the causes in worse local control and survival of Ib,IIa than IIb The overall recurrence rate was $39\%$ (16/41). The rates of local failure alone. distant failure alone. and combined local and distant failure were $9.7\%,\;19.5\%,\;and\;9.7\%$, respectively. Two Patients developed leukopenia ($\geq$ grade 3) and Three patients develoued grade 3 gastrointestinal complication. Above grade 3 complication was not noted. There was no treatment related death noted. Conclusion : We thought that it may be necessary to increase A point dose to more than 85Gy in hyperfractionated radiotherapy of huge exophytic and endophvtic stage Ib,IIa. We considered that hyperfractionated radiation therapy may be tolerable in huge exophytic and endophytic stage IIb cervical carcinoma with acceptable morbidity and possible survival gain but this was results in small patient group and will be confirmed by long term follow up in many patients.