An Exploratory Study of Successful Advertising Internships: A Survey Based on Paired Data of Interns and Employers

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, advertising educators must help students develop stronger skills, prepare for career positions and become more attractive to employers. Internships are a way for students to acquire critical real-world proficiencies and stand out in a job search. At the same time, employers benefit from and rely on internship programs, from learning new communication platforms to filling full-time positions. Using data from a field survey, this study provides a new understanding of the key elements and proposes a model for successful advertising internship programs. The investigation is unique, as the analysis pairs data from both interns and their employers. Findings show that a student's major and supervisor support contribute to overall satisfaction with the internship, leading to higher employer motivation ratings that correlate with higher work performance evaluations and intention to hire scores. Practical implications for advertising internship managers and future research directions are discussed.

Comparison of concurrent chemoradiation therapy with weekly cisplatin versus monthly fluorouracil plus cisplatin in FIGO stage IIB-IVA cervical cancer

Objective

Concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer. Although the optimal chemotherapeutic regimen is not yet defined, previous randomized trials have demonstrated that 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plus cisplatin every 3 weeks and weekly cisplatin are the most popular regimens. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of weekly CCRT with cisplatin and monthly CCRT with 5-FU plus cisplatin for locally advanced cervical cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from 255 patients with FIGO stage IIB-IVA cervical cancer. Patients were classified into two CCRT groups according to the concurrent chemotherapy: weekly CCRT group, consisted of CCRT with weekly cisplatin for six cycles; and monthly CCRT group, consisted of CCRT with cisplatin and 5-FU every 4 weeks for two cycles followed by additional consolidation chemotherapy for two cycles with the same regimen.

Results

Of 255 patients, 152 (59.6%) patients received weekly CCRT and 103 (40.4%) received monthly CCRT. The mean follow-up period was 39 months (range, 1 to 186 months). Planned CCRT was given to 130 (85.5%) patients in weekly CCRT group and 84 (81.6%) patients in monthly CCRT group, respectively. Severe adverse effects were more common in the monthly CCRT group than in the weekly CCRT group. There were no statistically significant differences in progression-free survival and overall survival between the two groups (p=0.715 and p=0.237).

Conclusion

Both weekly CCRT and monthly CCRT seem to have similar efficacy for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, but the weekly cisplatin is better tolerated.

Reliability of magnetic resonance imaging for bladder or rectum invasion in cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

To find out whether a negative finding on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can rule out bladder or rectum mucosal invasion safely without cystoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with cervical cancer between January 2005 and December 2009. MRI findings on bladder or rectum were classified as follows: (1) definite evidence of mucosal invasion, (2) suggestive of mucosal invasion or (3) no evidence of mucosal invasion. We correlated MRI findings with the cystoscopy and sigmoidoscopy findings.

RESULTS

A total of 257 patients were enrolled in this study. Sixteen patients had at least suspicious bladder invasion, and 1 patient had definite rectal invasion on MRI. Of these 17 patients, 6 patients had actual bladder mucosa invasion, and 1 patient had rectal mucosa invasion. The remaining 240 had negative MRI, cystoscopy and sigmoidoscopy findings. The MRI sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of bladder or rectum mucosal invasion were 100%, 96.0%, 41.25%, 100% and 96.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Skipping cystoscopy or sigmoidoscopy based on the absence of invasion on MRI is safe enough without concern for understaging.

Do violent video games impair the effectiveness of in-game advertisements? The impact of gaming environment on brand recall, brand attitude, and purchase intention

The present study examined whether a violent video game impairs the effectiveness of in-game advertisements compared to a nonviolent video game. Participants recalled and evaluated in-game ads after navigating identical violent or nonviolent game scenarios. Participants' brand recall, recognition, and attitudes were comparatively lower after navigating the violent video game. Also, females in the violent game condition reported lower brand attitudes in comparison to males in the violent game condition, thus suggesting that the effects of gaming environment interacts with participants' gender. The findings supported the predictions of the limited capacity model of attention and cognitive priming effects. The results also extend previous studies on how violent media impair advertising effectiveness and provide practical implications for researchers and practitioners.

Lymph-vascular space invasion as a significant risk factor for isolated para-aortic lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer: a study of 203 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate various pathologic risk factors associated with para-aortic lymph node metastasis (LNM) in surgically staged patients with endometrial cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 203 consecutive patients with endometrial cancer who were surgically staged from 2000 to 2009. The association among the various pathologic variables for para-aortic LNM was determined with univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Of 203 patients, 29 patients (14.3%) had LNM. Also, 10 patients (4.9%) had only pelvic LNM, 14 (6.9%) had both pelvic and para-aortic LNM, and 5 (2.5%) had para-aortic LNM without pelvic LN involvements. Histologic type (P = .001), tumor grade (P < .001), tumor size (P = .003), depth of myometrial invasion (P < .001), cervical invasion (P < .001), parametrial invasion (P = .002), lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI) (P < .001), serosal/adnexal invasion (P < .001), positive cytology (P = .002), peritoneal seeding (P < .001), and pelvic LNM (P < .001) were significant pathologic factors for para-aortic LNM. On multivariate analysis, cervical invasion (P = .032), LVSI (P = .018), and positive pelvic LNs (P = .002) were independent factors for para-aortic LNM. With regard to isolated para-aortic LNM, tumor grade (P = .017) and LVSI (P = .002) were significant factors for LN involvements. On multivariate analysis, LVSI (P = .004) was the only significant independent factor.

CONCLUSIONS

LVSI correlates significantly with the risk of isolated para-aortic LNM in endometrial cancer patients.

Para-aortic lymphadenectomy in the management of preoperative grade 1 endometrial cancer confined to the uterine corpus

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the risk of para-aortic lymph node metastasis in surgically staged patients presenting with preoperative grade 1 endometrial cancer and to assess the impact of para-aortic lymphadenectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 131 consecutive patients diagnosed with preoperative grade 1 endometrial cancer from 2004 to 2009 were analyzed. We included women with endometrial cancer that was thought preoperatively to be confined to the uterine corpus, and all patients had complete staging operation including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, peritoneal washings, pelvic lymphadenectomy, and para-aortic lymphadenectomy.

RESULTS

Of 131 patients, 6 (4.6%) had positive para-aortic lymph nodes and only 2 (1.5%) had isolated para-aortic nodal metastasis with negative pelvic nodes. In comparison of preoperative and postoperative histology, 6.8% of patients were upgraded, with 5.3% grade 2 and 1.5% grade 3. Advanced stage disease was found in 12.9%. Deep myometrial invasion by MRI and CA 125 levels of ≥ 31 U/ml were found to be independent preoperative risk factors for para-aortic lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Some patients with preoperative grade 1 endometrial cancer are found to have upgraded disease and para-aortic nodal metastasis. Para-aortic lymphadenectomy should be considered in patients presenting with preoperative grade 1 endometrial cancer, especially in the setting of preoperative CA 125 levels of > 31 U/ml and deep myometrial invasion by MRI.

Value of sonohysterography in preoperative assessment of myometrial invasion for patients with endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to compare the diagnostic performance of sonohysterography (SH) with that of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in estimation of myometrial invasion and to evaluate the influence of SH on peritoneal cytologic results for patients with endometrial cancer.

METHODS

Seventy-four patients with endometrial cancer were included. Sonohysterography and MRI were performed before surgery. All patients had complete staging procedures, including peritoneal cytologic analyses. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined for SH and MRI.

RESULTS

The concordance rates of myometrial invasion for SH and MRI were 82.4% and 81.1%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for identification of deep myometrial invasion were 64.7%, 87.7%, 61.1%, and 89.3% on SH and 70.6%, 84.2%, 57.1%, and 90.6% on MRI. Two patients (2.7%) were found to have positive results for malignant cells on peritoneal cytologic analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonohysterography appears to be a useful preoperative method for predicting myometrial invasion, comparable to MRI.

Comparison of laparoscopic versus conventional open surgical staging procedure for endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic surgery and conventional laparotomy for endometrial cancer.

METHODS

A total of 104 consecutive patients were non-randomly assigned to either laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy. All patients underwent comprehensive surgical staging procedures including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic/para-aortic lymphadenectomy. The safety, morbidity, and survival rates of the two groups were compared, and the data was retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients received laparoscopic surgery and 70 underwent laparotomy. Operation time for the laparoscopic procedure was 227.0+/-28.8 minutes, which showed significant difference from the 208.1+/-46.4 minutes (p=0.032) of the laparotomy group. The estimated blood loss of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery was 230.3+/-92.4 mL. This was significantly less than that of the laparotomy group (301.9+/-156.3 mL, p=0.015). The laparoscopic group had an average of 20.8 pelvic and 9.1 para-aortic nodes retrieved, as compared to 17.2 pelvic and 8.5 para-aortic nodes retrieved in the laparotomy group. There was no significant difference (p=0.062, p=0.554). The mean hospitalization duration was significantly greater in the laparotomy group than the laparoscopic group (23.3 and 16.4 days, p<0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications was 15.7% and 11.8% in the laparotomy and laparoscopic groups respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in the survival rate.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgical staging operation is a safe and effective therapeutic procedure for management of endometrial cancer with an acceptable morbidity compared to the laparotomic approach, and is characterized by far less blood loss and shorter postoperative hospitalization.

Premenopausal early-stage endometrial carcinoma patients with low CA-125 levels and low tumor grade may undergo ovary-saving surgery

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the possible predicting factors of coexisting adnexal malignancies, and to evaluate the safety of ovary-saving surgery for early-stage endometrial carcinoma in premenopausal patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 107 patients with endometrial carcinoma who underwent surgical treatment at our institution was conducted. All patients were younger than 50 years of age and premenopausal status. Statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Of the 107 patients, 78 patients had stage I to II disease and both preoperative CA-125 levels were measured and tumor grades evaluated. On multivariate analysis, preoperative CA-125 levels (p=0.018) and preoperative tumor grade (p=0.029) were independent predicting factors of adnexal diseases. The risk of coexisting ovarian malignancy was 1.8% in patients with preoperative CA-125 levels less than or equal to 34.5 U/ml and preoperative tumor grade 1 or 2. The risk increases to 20% for low CA-125 and grade 3, 13.3% for high CA-125 and grade 1 or 2, and 100% for high CA-125 and grade 3. Between patients who underwent unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and those who underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of BMI, preoperative CA-125 levels, FIGO stage, histology, tumor grade, lymphadenectomy, and adjuvant treatment.

CONCLUSION

Ovary-saving surgery for premenopausal, early-stage endometrial cancer patients may be considered as a treatment option in those with low preoperative CA-125 and low tumor grade.

Endometrial cancer invasion depends on cancer-derived tumor necrosis factor-alpha and stromal derived hepatocyte growth factor

Cancer invasion is an outcome of interactions of the cancer and the host cell. It is now becoming increasingly clear that ovarian hormones have a huge influence on such intercommunications in various types of cancers. Estrogen is known to aggravate the aggressiveness of the endometrial cancer whereas progesterone seems to act as a negative factor. Insight into the mode of ovarian hormonal actions could come from the studies of its regulation of the paracrine interactions between the endometrial cancer and the normal stromal cells during the cancer invasion. In this context, we report here that estrogen promotes the endometrial cancer invasion by inducing humoral interactions between the cancer and the stromal cells, i.e., estrogen stimulates tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression from the endometrial cancer cells, which, in turn, induces the stromal expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), conferring the enhanced NK4 (HGF-antagonist/angiogenesis inhibitor)-sensitive invasion characteristic of the endometrial cancer cells. Additionally, we demonstrate a close correlation of the invasion of endometrial cancer cells with the expression and dimerization of integrin alpha(v)beta(5) as well as the activation of focal adhesion kinase as the consequences of paracrine interactions. Thus, understanding of paracrine interactions of cancer cells with host stromal cells can yield new insight into the architecture and function of cancer invasion and metastasis, leading to a development of a new cancer therapeutic intervention.

Differing prognosis of cervical cancer patients with high risk of treatment failure after radical hysterectomy warrants trial treatment modification

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether all cervical cancer patients who received adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) for high risk of treatment failure after radical hysterectomy are at the same risk of treatment failure, and if not, to propose trial treatment modification.

METHODS

Between January 1999 and December 2007, 58 patients with FIGO stage Ib-IIa cervical cancer received adjuvant CCRT due to high risk factors such as positive lymph nodes or positive parametrium, or positive vaginal resection margins. Patients were divided into two Groups. Group A were patients with negative parametrium, negative vaginal resection margins, and only unilateral lymph node metastasis (involved L/N</=2). Group B were those with either bilateral pelvic lymph node involvement, or more than 2 lymph node involvement, or positive parametrium with lymph node involvement.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 34 months (range, 6 to 102 months), 9 patients (15.5%) experienced recurrence; among whom 2 patients (2/28, 7.1%) were Group A, and 7 patients (7/30, 23.3%) were Group B. At 3 years, the estimated progression-free survival rate of all 58 patients was 78.3%, and the overall survival rate was 89.7%. Patients in Group A had significantly better progression-free survival (88.2% vs. 68.2%, p=0.042) and overall survival rate (100% vs. 78.8%, p=0.034) than Group B.

CONCLUSION

Treatment modifications such as consolidation chemotherapy after CCRT may be considered based on the poor prognosis of very high risk patients such as those patients in Group B.

Role of HPV DNA testing for detection of high-grade cervical lesions in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance: a prospective study in a Korean population

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine if HPV DNA testing improves the accuracy of detecting possible high-grade cervical lesions in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US).

METHODS

Cervical cytology and Hybrid Capture II (HCII) assay for HPV DNA detection was performed in 10,526 women from July 2005 to July 2007. Two hundred and sixty women with ASC-US underwent colposcopy-directed biopsy to determine the final histologic diagnosis. They were divided into two groups according to the positivity of the HPV DNA test, and the respective biopsy results were compared.

RESULTS

Positive HCII was significantly more associated with CIN 2, CIN 3, and invasive cancer than negative HCII (p < 0.001). The odds ratio of positive HPV DNA testing in detecting high-grade lesions was 7.0 (95% CI; 2.8-17.7).

CONCLUSION

The HPV DNA test is useful for predicting the severity of lesions of the uterine cervix and formulating decisions with regard to treatment plans.

Accuracy of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in assessing lymph node metastasis and myometrial invasion in patients with uterine cancer

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to know preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can accurately predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) and deep myometrial invasion (DMI, > or = 50%) in patients with uterine cancer.

METHODS

From January 1997 to December 2006, 99 patients who were diagnosed with uterine cancer and surgically staged at our institution were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative clinicopathologic characteristics and MRI findings were reviewed and compared with LNM status and DMI observed in the final pathology.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) for MRI in determination of pelvic LNM were 77.7%, 85.6%, 35.0%, and 94.7%, respectively. MRI failed to detect the presence of paraaortic LNM in all of the three patients with positive paraaortic lymph nodes. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for MRI in determining DMI were 46.6%, 84.5%, 35%, and 89.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative evaluation of uterine cancer by MRI does not accurately predict the LNM and DMI.

Significance of postoperative CA-125 decline after cytoreductive surgery in stage IIIC/IV ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the decline in serum CA-125 levels following primary cytoreductive surgery prior to starting adjuvant chemotherapy has a prognostic value in patients with stage IIIC/IV ovarian carcinoma.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients with stage IIIC/IV ovarian carcinoma who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery followed by platinum-based chemotherapy from 1994 to 2007. Demographic, pathologic, treatment, and survival data were collected. Patients were included if serum CA-125 levels were drawn preoperatively and within one week prior to their first chemotherapy cycle, and whose postoperative CA-125 level declined. Percentage decline was calculated, and was compared with standard statistical tests in groups by 25% declination intervals.

RESULTS

Of the 112 stage IIIC/IV patients, 81 (72.3%) met the above inclusion criteria. The median time from surgery to postoperative CA-125 sampling was 16 days (range: 7-42). A >/=75% decline was associated with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 25 months (95% CI=0-63). This was significantly longer when compared with each of the other 25% interval groups. After multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors included a >/=75% decline in CA-125 levels after surgery and the presence of residual tumor. Age, grade, histology, and preoperative CA-125 levels were not statistically significant factors.

CONCLUSION

A >/=75% decline in serum CA-125 serum levels from primary cytoreductive surgery to the start of adjuvant chemotherapy has independent prognostic value for PFS in patients with stage IIIC/IV ovarian carcinoma.

Does pretreatment HPV viral load correlate with prognosis in patients with early stage cervical carcinoma?

OBJECTIVE

Recent data suggest that pretreatment HPV (Human papillomavirus) viral load is useful to predict the severity of intraepithelial lesions of the uterine cervix and formulate a treatment plan. However, the relationship between initial HPV viral load and prognosis of cervical cancer patients has not yet been clearly defined. The objective of this study was to determine whether HPV viral load has prognostic significance in patients with early stage cervical carcinoma treated by surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients with early stage cervical carcinoma who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy at our institution from August 2003 to December 2007 was conducted. Patients were included only if they had pretreatment Hybrid Capture II test for HPV DNA detection.

RESULTS

We identified 34 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Two groups were identified: patients who had low HPV viral load (</=100 RLU) versus those who had high viral load (>100 RLU). There were no differences in age, FIGO stage, histology, pathologic risk factors - tumor size, deep stromal invasion, lymph-vascular space invasion, parametrial extensions, vaginal margin involvement, and lymph node metastasis - and adjuvant CCRT. There was no significant difference of disease-free survival regard to pretreatment HPV viral load (p=0.7756).

CONCLUSION

In our study, survival was not significantly different between early stage cervical cancer patients who had low and high pretreatment HPV viral load. It seems that pretreatment HPV viral load may not be of help to predict disease prognosis.

Clinical characteristics of struma ovarii

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical characteristics of struma ovarii.

METHODS

Twenty-five cases of struma ovarii were reviewed retrospectively from June 1994 to April 2007. The presenting clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of the patients were reviewed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients in this study was 45.3 years. The majority was of premenopausal status. Sixteen patients had clinical symptoms such as low abdominal pain, palpable abdominal mass and vaginal bleeding. Although one patient had an abnormal thyroid function test, the laboratory findings normalized after operative treatment. CA-125 levels were elevated in 6 cases. Diagnosis by preoperative imaging studies were 8 dermoid cysts, while only 3 cases were diagnosed as struma ovarii. There were 4 cases of malignant struma ovarii, and no patients with recurrent disease.

CONCLUSION

Struma ovarii is a rare tumor. The presented clinical, laboratory and radiological findings of patients are very diverse. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathologic findings. The treatment of benign struma ovarii is surgical resection only. The cases of malignant struma ovarii may need adjuvant treatment, but recurrence is uncommon.

Prognostic significance of the micropapillary pattern in patients with serous borderline ovarian tumors

BACKGROUND

The impact of micropapillary histology on survival in patients with serous borderline ovarian tumors is not established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance and influence of micropapillary pattern on clinical outcome of patients with serous borderline ovarian tumors.

METHODS

Eighty-five patients who underwent surgery and were diagnosed with serous borderline ovarian tumors were retrospectively studied. Among these patients, 18 patients showed micropapillary pattern on histologic examination, while the remaining 67 patients did not. The significance of the presence of micropapillary pattern and relationship with various clinicopathologic findings and progression-free survival were evaluated by statistical analysis.

RESULTS

No differences with regard to age, parity, body mass index, pretreatment CA-125 level, tumor size, bilaterality, and the duration of follow-up were observed between the two groups, but there was a significant difference in terms of FIGO stage (p<0.001), invasive implants (p=0.004), performing lymphadenectomy (p=0.009), operation time (p=0.003), estimated blood loss (p<0.001), residual disease>1 cm (p=0.001), adjuvant chemotherapy (p<0.001), and the length of hospital stay (p=0.013). Progression-free survival was found to be significantly decreased in patients with invasive implants (HR, 5.06; p=0.025) and micropapillary pattern (HR, 4.20; p=0.056) on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Micropapillary serous borderline ovarian tumors were associated with a more aggressive clinical course compared with typical serous borderline ovarian tumor. The presence of invasive implants and micropapillary pattern were significant prognostic factors in patients with serous borderline ovarian tumors.

Experimental and numerical studies on convective heat transfer in a neonatal incubator

Thermo-neutrality is one of the major environmental factors affecting a premature or low-birth-weight neonate inside an incubator. Severe temperature differences inside an incubator lead to neonate heat loss, hypothermia and apnoea, which are closely related to air flow and air velocity. In the study, flow visualisations, hot-wire velocity measurements and computational fluid dynamics simulate the airflow inside a neonatal incubator. An anatomically correct neonate model is designed using a three-dimensional laser scanner system and a rapid prototyping machine. Flow visualisations demonstrate that large-scale rotating airflow is produced inside the chamber, and a number of small, stationary eddies are found in regions between the air inlet and the neonate. Hot-wire measurements show that air velocities along the long inlets are not uniform. Computational fluid dynamics show relatively uniform temperatures of about 34 degrees C on the neonate's anterior aspect and the highest temperature of 36.1 degrees C at the right armpit and the crotch. Flow fields from airflow visualisations, hot-wire measurements and computational fluid dynamics are very similar, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The small eddies produced between the neonate and the mattress could interfere with convective and evaporative heat transfers from the neonate. Therefore it is important to eliminate eddies around the neonate in future designs of neonatal incubators.