Analysis of the Purchase Behavior of Imported Organic Foodstuffs in Italy and Korea

Giulia Maggi(Giulia Maggi ),김정호(Jung-Ho Kim) 경희대학교 국제지역연구원 2022 아태연구 Vol.29 No.1

글로벌 유기농 농산물 시장의 급성장에도 불구하고 소비자들의 수입 유기농 제품 구매 행동에 대한 연구는 제한적이다. 본고는 수입 유기농 식품의 구매 결정 과정에서 이탈리아와 한국 소비자 사이의 차이점과 공통점을 강조함으로써 해당 분야 연구에 이바지하고자 하였다. 양국은 유기농법을 장려하고 친환경 제품의 생산 및 소비에 대한 교육을 강화하고 있다. 또한, 이탈리아와 한국은 한-유럽연합 유기가공식품 상호 동등성 인정 협정을 맺은 바 있다. 이는 양국의 유기농 제품 무역에 긍정적인 영향을 미칠 것으로 전망된다. 소비자들의 수입 유기농 식품 구매 의사결정에 영향을 미치는 요인들로는 신뢰성, 제품 속성, 원산지 효과 및 윤리적 고려가 있다. 두 나라 소비자들의 수입 유기농 식품 구매 의사결정 요인 분석과 비교 연구에는 AHP 기법이 활용되었다. 양국 소비자들의 수입 유기농 식품 구매에 영향을 미치는 주요 요인은 유사하였으나, 세부적인 차이도 드러났다. 한국 소비자는 보다 브랜드 지향적이며 녹색 이미지를 중요시하는 반면, 이탈리아 소비자는 원산지와의 거리 및 동물복지를 상대적으로 중요시하는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과들은 한국이나 이탈리아 시장에 진출하고자 하는 기업에게 큰 도움이 될 것으로 보이며, 도출된 결론은 해당 분야에 대한 후속연구의 초석이 될 것으로 기대된다. Despite the growth of the global market for organic agri-food products, studies focusing on the consumer purchase behavior towards imported organic goods are rather limited. This paper wishes to contribute to this research area by highlighting the differences and commonalities between Italian and Korean consumers in the process of decision making towards imported organic food products. Both countries have been promoting organic farming and boosting awareness and education towards climate change and the production and consumption of eco-friendly products. The demand for organic products is expected to increase further as a result. Italy and Korea can also count on the EU-ROK Organic Equivalency Agreement which provides a big advantage in terms of trading time and costs. Overall, the factors influencing the decision making of consumers of imported organic foodstuffs are trustworthiness, product attributes, country of origin, and ethical concern. The relative relevance and preference among these factors given by the two consumer groups in the process of decision making were analyzed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology. The results suggest that Italian and Korean consumers value criteria similarly. Nevertheless, there is a difference of perception of the products’ ethical dimension and the relevance given to brand and reputation. Korean consumers are generally more brand oriented and value green image comparatively more, while to Italian consumers distance to the country of origin, and animal welfare are comparatively more important. These new insights can be useful for marketers wishing to enter or strengthen their position in the Korean and / or the Italian markets. Finally, the conclusions drawn can serve as a basis for further research about purchase behavior towards imported organic products.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Cardiovascular Risk: A Review

Giovanni Corona,Giulia Rastrelli,Elisa Maseroli,Alessandra Sforza,Mario Maggi 대한남성과학회 2016 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.34 No.2

Recent reports in the scientific and lay press have suggested that testosterone (T) replacement therapy (TRT) is likely to increase cardiovascular (CV) risk. In a final report released in 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned that prescribing T products is approved only for men who have low T levels due to primary or secondary hypogonadism resulting from problems within the testis, pituitary, or hypothalamus (e.g., genetic problems or damage from surgery, chemotherapy, or infection). In this report, the FDA emphasized that the benefits and safety of T medications have not been established for the treatment of low T levels due to aging, even if a man's symptoms seem to be related to low T. In this paper, we reviewed the available evidence on the association between TRT and CV risk. In particular, data from randomized controlled studies and information derived from observational and pharmacoepidemiological investigations were scrutinized. The data meta-analyzed here do not support any causal role between TRT and adverse CV events. This is especially true when hypogonadism is properly diagnosed and replacement therapy is correctly performed. Elevated hematocrit represents the most common adverse event related to TRT. Hence, it is important to monitor hematocrit at regular intervals in T-treated subjects in order to avoid potentially serious adverse events.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Cardiovascular Risk: A Review

Giovanni Corona G,Giulia Rastrelli,Elisa Maseroli,Alessandra Sforza,Mario Maggi 대한남성과학회 2015 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.33 No.3

Recent reports in the scientific and lay press have suggested that testosterone (T) replacement therapy (TRT) is likely to increase cardiovascular (CV) risk. In a final report released in 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned that prescribing T products is approved only for men who have low T levels due to primary or secondary hypogonadism resulting from problems within the testis, pituitary, or hypothalamus (e.g., genetic problems or damage from surgery, chemotherapy, or infection). In this report, the FDA emphasized that the benefits and safety of T medications have not been established for the treatment of low T levels due to aging, even if a man’s symptoms seem to be related to low T. In this paper, we reviewed the available evidence on the association between TRT and CV risk. In particular, data from randomized controlled studies and information derived from observational and pharmacoepidemiological investigations were scrutinized. The data meta-analyzed here do not support any causal role between TRT and adverse CV events. This is especially true when hypogonadism is properly diagnosed and replacement therapy is correctly performed. Elevated hematocrit represents the most common adverse event related to TRT. Hence, it is important to monitor hematocrit at regular intervals in T-treated subjects in order to avoid potentially serious adverse events.

Treatment of Functional Hypogonadism Besides Pharmacological Substitution

Corona Giovanni,Rastrelli Giulia,Morelli Annamaria,Sarchielli Erica,Cipriani Sarah,Vignozzi Linda,Maggi Mario 대한남성과학회 2020 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.38 No.3

A dichotomic distinction between “organic” and “functional” hypogonadism is emerging. The former is an irreversible condition due to congenital or “acquired” “organic” damage of the brain centers or of the testis. Conversely, the latter is a potentially reversible form, characterized by borderline low testosterone (T) levels mainly secondary to age-related comorbidities and metabolic derangements, including metabolic syndrome (MetS). Life-style modifications, – here reviewed and, when possible, meta-analyzed –, have documented that weight-loss and physical exercise are able to improve obesity-associated functional hypogonadism and its related sexual symptoms. A rabbit experimental model, of MetS originally obtained in our lab, showed that endurance training (PhyEx) completely reverted MetS-induced hypogonadotropic hypogonadism by reducing hypothalamus inflammation and testis fibrosis eventually allowing for a better corpora cavernosa relaxation and response to sildenafil. Physicians should strongly adapt all the reasonable strategies to remove/mitigate the known conditions underlying functional hypogonadism, including MetS and obesity. Physical limitations, including reduced muscle mass and increased fat mass, along with low self-confidence, also due to the sexual problems, might limit a subject’s propensity to increase physical activity and dieting. A short term T treatment trial, by improving muscle mass and sexual function, might help hypogonadal obese patients to overcome the overfed, inactive state and to become physically and psychologically ready for changing their lifestyle.

Consequences of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Abuse in Males; Sexual and Reproductive Perspective

Corona Giovanni,Rastrelli Giulia,Marchiani Sara,Filippi Sandra,Morelli Annamaria,Sarchielli Erica,Sforza Alessandra,Vignozzi Linda,Maggi Mario 대한남성과학회 2022 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.40 No.2

The real epidemiology and the possible consequences of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) use still represent a very tricky task due to the difficulties in the quantification and detection of these drugs. Chronic use of AAS, frequently combined with other illicit substances, can induce tremendous negative effects on the reproductive system, but it is also associated with an increased overall and cardiovascular mortality risk. In the present review we summarize and discuss the available evidence regarding the negative impact of AAS on the male reproductive system, providing practical suggestions to manage these problems. For this purpose a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of AAS abusers vs. controls on several hormonal, reproduc-tive and metabolic parameters was performed. In addition, in order to overcome possible limitations related to the combined use of different AAS preparations, we also retrospectively re-analyzed data on animal models treated with supraphysiologi-cal dosage of testosterone (T), performed in our laboratory. Available data clearly indicated that AAS negatively affect en-dogenous T production. In addition, increased T and estradiol circulating levels were also observed according to the type of preparations used. The latter leads to an impairment of sperm production and to the development of side effects such as acne, hair loss and gynecomastia. Furthermore, a worse metabolic profile, characterized by reduced high density lipoprotein and increased low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels along with an increased risk of hypertension has been also detected. Finally sexual dysfunctions, often observed upon doping, represent one the most probable unfavorable effects of AAS abuse.

Testosterone Deficiency and Risk of Cognitive Disorders in Aging Males

Corona Giovanni,Guaraldi Federica,Rastrelli Giulia,Sforza Alessandra,Maggi Mario 대한남성과학회 2021 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.39 No.1

Cognitive impairment and dementia are predicted to undergo a dramatic increase in the following years with more than 131.5 million people being affected by 2030. Although vascular diseases play the most important role in the pathogenesis of memory impairment in aging men, some pre-clinical and clinical evidence has suggested a possible contribution of the age-dependent reduction of testosterone (T). In this paper we have summarized and discussed all the information derived from available animal and experimental studies. In addition, we meta-analyzed data rising from all randomized placebo controlled trials (RCTs) published so far. Only limited preclinical and clinical evidence can support a possible contribution of T in the pathogenesis of the age-dependent impairment of cognitive functions. In addition, our meta-analysis did not support the use of T replacement therapy for the improvement of several cognitive domains analyzed including attention/working memory, executive function, language, verbal memory, visual memory, visuomotor ability, and visuospatial ability. However, it is important to recognize that the vast majority of available RCTs included mixed populations of subjects with eugonadism and hypogonadism preventing any final conclusion being drawn on these issues.

Cardiovascular Risks of Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Corona Giovanni,Filippi Sandra,Bianchi Nicola,Dicuio Mauro,Rastrelli Giulia,Concetti Sergio,Sforza Alessandra,Maggi Mario 대한남성과학회 2021 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.39 No.3

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the gold standard treatment in patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer (PC). Emerging evidence has documented a tight association between ADT and body composition, along with meta-bolic profile impairment. These alterations might underpin the observed ADT-related increase in cardiovascular (CV) and thromboembolic (venous thromboembolism, VTE) mortality and morbidity. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these associations have not yet been completely elucidated. In the present review we summarize and discussed the avail-able evidence linking ADT to increased cardio-metabolic risk, using both preclinical and clinical data. When possible, meta-analytic studies were preferred. Preclinical evidence, using a rabbit model of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue-induced hypogonadism, indicates that the induced condition is associated with a dramatic increase in visceral adiposity and with an impairment of acetylcholine induced vascular relaxation, along with an increased propensity towards fatty liver. This suggests a direct role of ADT in inducing a worsened metabolic profile. In contrast, available clinical data are not sufficient to clarify a direct pathogeniclink between reduced testosterone (T) and altered metabolism. In fact, although T deprivation is associated with an altered metabolism, it is possible that the association between ADT and CV or VTE risk could simply be the result of a selection bias, related to the poor health status of patients with advanced PC. Despite the aforementioned con-siderations, all patients who are candidatesfor ADT should be screened for CV risk factors at baseline and monitored during the therapy. Life-style modifications and physical exercise are strongly encouraged.

Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy in Recurrent High-Grade Glioma: A New Challenge

Pierina Navarria,Anna Maria Ascolese,Stefano Tomatis,Giacomo Reggiori,Elena Clerici,Elisa Villa,Giulia Maggi,Lorenzo Bello,Federico Pessina,Luca Cozzi,Marta Scorsetti 대한암학회 2016 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.48 No.1

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (HSRT) in patients re-treated for recurrent high-grade glioma. Materials and Methods From January 2006 to September 2013, 25 patients were treated. Six patients underwent radiation therapy alone, while 19 underwent combined treatment with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Only patients with Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) > 70 and time from previous radiotherapy greater than 6 months were re-irradiated. The mean recurrent tumor volume was 35 cm3 (range, 2.46 to 116.7 cm3), and most of the patients (84%) were treated with a total dose of 25 Gy in five fractions (range, 20 to 50 Gy in 5-10 fractions). Results The median follow-up was 18 months (range, 4 to 36 months). The progression-free survival (PFS) at 1 and 2 years was 72% and 34% and the overall survival (OS) 76% and 50%, respectively. No severe toxicity was recorded. In univariate and multivariate analysis extent of resection at diagnosis significantly influenced PFS and OS (p < 0.01). Patients with smaller recurrent tumor volume treated had better local control and survival. Indeed, the 2-year PFS was 40% (! 50 cm3) versus 11% (p=0.1) and the 2-year OS 56% versus 33% (> 50 cm3), respectively (p=0.26). Conclusion In our experience, HSRT could be a safe and feasible therapeutic option for recurrent high grade glioma even in patients with larger tumors. We believe that a multidisciplinary evalu- ation is mandatory to assure the best treatment for selected patients. Local treatment should also be considered as part of an integrated approach.