Looking behind the choice of organic: A cross-country analysis applying Integrated Choice and Latent Variable Models.

This cross-country study investigates the relative role of organic labelling in consumers' purchase decisions for apples and the extent to which behavioral constructs, derived from an extension of the Theory of Planned Behavior, influence consumers' choices. We apply an Integrated Choice and Latent Variable Model, combining a discrete choice experiment with structural equation modelling. Empirical validation draws on data from an online survey conducted in three European countries (NGermany=404; NNorway=407; NUK=401). In all countries, price is by far the most important attribute in consumers' purchase decision of apples, followed by country-of-origin and production method. The results show considerable consistency across the investigated countries regarding the importance of behavioral constructs - attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, trust, and personal moral norms - in explaining consumers' intentions to buy, and purchase choices for, organic apples, confirming the derived theoretical framework.

Link protein N-terminal peptide and fullerol promote matrix production and decrease degradation enzymes in rabbit annulus cells.

PURPOSE: Intervertebral disc degeneration is a major cause of back pain. Novel therapies for prevention or reversal of disc degeneration are needed. It is desirable for potential therapies to target both inflammation and matrix degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The combined regenerative potential of link protein N-terminal peptide (LN) and fullerol on annulus fibrosus (AF) cells was evaluated in a 3D culture model. RESULTS: Interleukin-1α (IL-1α)-induced AF cell degeneration was counteracted by fullerol, LN, and fullerol + LN, with the latter having the greatest effect on matrix production as evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and glycosaminoglycan assay. IL-1α-induced increases in pro-inflammatory mediators (interleukin-6 and cyclooxygenase-2) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, -2, -9, and -13) were also counteracted by fullerol and LN. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that LN and fullerol individually, and in combination, promote matrix production and have anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic effects on AF cells.

Children's purchase behavior in the snack market: Can branding or lower prices motivate healthier choices?

BACKGROUND: Children's dietary-related diseases and their associated costs have expanded dramatically in many countries, making children's food choice a policy issue of increasing relevance. As children spend a considerable amount of money on energy-dense, nutrient-poor (EDNP) products, a better understanding of the main drivers of children's independent food purchase decisions is crucial to move this behavior toward healthier options. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to investigate the role of branding and price in motivating children to choose healthier snack options. METHODS: The study investigates snack choices of children ages 8 to 11, using a survey and a purchase experiment. The research took place in after-school programs of selected schools in the Boston area. Participants included 116 children. Products in the choice experiment differed on three factors: product type, brand, and price. Data were analyzed using aggregated and mixed logit models. RESULTS: Children's purchase decisions are primarily determined by product type (Importance Value (IV) 56.6%), while brand (IV 22.8%) and price (IV 20.6%) prove to be of less relevance. Only those children who state that they like the familiar brand reveal a preference for the branded product in their purchase decision. Price is a significant predictor of choice when controlling for whether or not children obtain an allowance. CONCLUSION: It is not simple brand awareness but a child's liking of the brand that determines whether a brand is successful in motivating a child to choose a product. The extent of children's experience with money influences their price responsiveness. To the extent that children who receive an allowance are primarily the ones buying food snacks, higher prices for EDNP snacks could be successful in motivating children to choose a healthier option.

Enhancing the Antioxidant Ability of Trametes versicolor Polysaccharopeptides by an Enzymatic Hydrolysis Process.

Polysaccharopeptides (PSPs) are among the main bioactive constituents of Trametes versicolor (T. versicolor). The purpose of this research was to investigate the antioxidant activities of enzymatic hydrolysates obtained from T. versicolor polysaccharopeptides by 80 U/mL ß-1,3-glucanase (PSPs-EH80). The half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of PSPs-EH80 in metal chelating assay, ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging test results were 0.83 mg/mL, 0.14 mg/mL and 0.52 mg/mL, respectively, which were lower than that of PSPs-EH 20 U/mL. The molecular weights of the PSPs-EH80 hydrolysates were 300, 190, 140 and 50 kDa, respectively, and the hydrolysis of polysaccharides by ß-1,3-glucanase did not change the original functional group. PSPs-EH80 reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content at least twice that of treatment without PSPs-EH80. In addition, an oxidative damage test showed that PSPs-EH80 can improve HaCaT cell survival. According to our results, PSP demonstrates the potential of anti-oxidative damage; besides, enzyme hydrolysis can improve the ability of the PSP.

Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Trichostatin A Ameliorated Endotoxin-Induced Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Dysfunction.

Excessive production of cytokines by microglia may cause cognitive dysfunction and long-lasting behavioral changes. Activating the peripheral innate immune system stimulates cytokine secretion in the central nervous system, which modulates cognitive function. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) modulate cytokine synthesis and release. Trichostatin A (TSA), an HDAC inhibitor, is documented to be anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. We investigated whether TSA reduces lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction. ICR mice were first intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with vehicle or TSA (0.3 mg/kg). One hour later, they were injected (i.p.) with saline or Escherichia coli LPS (1 mg/kg). We analyzed the food and water intake, body weight loss, and sucrose preference of the injected mice and then determined the microglia activation and inflammatory cytokine expression in the brains of LPS-treated mice and LPS-treated BV-2 microglial cells. In the TSA-pretreated mice, microglial activation was lower, anhedonia did not occur, and LPS-induced cognitive dysfunction (anorexia, weight loss, and social withdrawal) was attenuated. Moreover, mRNA expression of HDAC2, HDAC5, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-1ß in the brain of LPS-challenged mice and in the LPS-treated BV-2 microglial cells was lower. TSA diminished LPS-induced inflammatory responses in the mouse brain and modulated the cytokine-associated changes in cognitive function, which might be specifically related to reducing HDAC2 and HDAC5 expression.

Circulating YKL-40 level, but not CHI3L1 gene variants, is associated with atherosclerosis-related quantitative traits and the risk of peripheral artery disease.

YKL-40, a pleotropic cytokine, is emerging as a risk factor and a prognostic predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We attempted to elucidate the genetic, clinical and biochemical correlates of circulating YKL-40 level and, by combining it with CHI3L1 gene variants, with the risk and long-term mortality of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Plasma YKL-40 concentrations were measured in 612 Taiwanese individuals who had no clinically overt systemic disease. Clinical parameters, CHI3L1 gene promoter variants and 18 biomarker levels were analyzed. Eighty-six PAD patients were further enrolled for analysis. Significant associations were found between CHI3L1 genotypes/haplotypes and YKL-40 levels for the health examination subjects (smallest p = 8.36 × 10-7 for rs4950928 and smallest p = 1.72 × 10-10 for haplotype TGG) and also for PAD patients. For the health examination subjects, circulating YKL-40 level, but not CHI3L1 gene variants, were positively associated with age, smoking, and circulating levels of triglyceride, lipocalin 2 and multiple inflammatory biomarkers and negatively associated with low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Circulating YKL-40 level is also significantly associated with the risk of PAD (p = 3.3 × 10-23). Circulating YKL40 level, but not CHI3L1 gene promoter variants, is associated with the risk of PAD in Taiwanese. The association of YKL-40 levels with multiple quantitative traits relating to the risk of PAD may provide a molecular basis linking YKL-40 to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Interleukin (IL)-19 promoted skin wound healing by increasing fibroblast keratinocyte growth factor expression.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL)-19, a member of the IL-10 cytokine family, is involved in keratinocyte proliferation in psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the role of IL-19 in the wound-healing process in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Two full-thickness circular wounds (4mm in diameter) were punched into the skin of BALB/C mice. IL-19 and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) mRNA in wounded skin were determined using real-time PCR. The wounds were treated with PBS, vehicle, IL-19 (400ng/mL), or IL-20 (400ng/mL) (n=6 in each group) twice daily and the percentage of wound healing was measured daily for 7days. In vitro, human skin fibroblast CCD966-SK cells and keratinocyte HaCaT cells were treated with IL-19 or KGF. Cell proliferation and migration were determined using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and transwell assays, respectively. The expression of IL-19 and KGF mRNA was also analyzed. RESULTS: In wounded mouse skin, IL-19 mRNA was upregulated at 12h, and KGF at 24h after the injury. Both increases in gene expression declined 72h after the skin had been wounded. The percentage of wound healing in IL-19-treated mice was higher than in control mice. In vitro, IL-19 upregulated KGF expression in the CCD966-SK cells; IL-19 was upregulated in KGF-treated HaCaT cells. KGF but not IL-19 promoted HaCaT cell proliferation. However, IL-19 significantly increased the migration of HaCaT cells. HaCaT cells treated with the cultured supernatants of IL-19-stimulated CCD966-SK cells showed significantly more proliferation than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: IL-19 is important for cutaneous wound healing because it upregulates KGF expression.

Interleukin-19 in breast cancer.

Inflammatory cytokines within the tumor microenvironment are linked to progression in breast cancer. Interleukin- (IL-) 19, part of the IL-10 family, contributes to a range of diseases and disorders, such as asthma, endotoxic shock, uremia, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. IL-19 is expressed in several types of tumor cells, especially in squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, tongue, esophagus, and lung and invasive duct carcinoma of the breast. In breast cancer, IL-19 expression is correlated with increased mitotic figures, advanced tumor stage, higher metastasis, and poor survival. The mechanisms of IL-19 in breast cancer have recently been explored both in vitro and in vivo. IL-19 has an autocrine effect in breast cancer cells. It directly promotes proliferation and migration and indirectly provides a microenvironment for tumor progression, which suggests that IL-19 is a prognostic marker in breast cancer and that antagonizing IL-19 may have therapeutic potential.

α2-Adrenoceptor agonist dexmedetomidine protects septic acute kidney injury through increasing BMP-7 and inhibiting HDAC2 and HDAC5.

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-7 protects sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Dexmedetomidine (DEX), an α(2)-adrenoceptor (α(2)-AR) agonist, has anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the protective effects of DEX on sepsis-induced AKI and the expression of BMP-7 and histone deacetylases (HDACs). In vitro, the effects of DEX or trichostatin A (TSA, an HDAC inhibitor) on TNF-α, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1), BMP-7, and HDAC mRNA expression in LPS-stimulated rat renal tubular epithelial NRK52E cells, was determined using real-time PCR. In vivo, mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX (25 µg/kg) or saline immediately and 12 h after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery. Twenty-four hours after CLP, we examined kidney injury and renal TNF-α, MCP-1, BMP-7, and HDAC expression. Survival was monitored for 120 h. LPS increased HDAC2, HDAC5, TNF-α, and MCP-1 expression, but decreased BMP-7 expression in NRK52E cells. DEX treatment decreased the HDAC2, HDAC5, TNF-α, and MCP-1 expression, but increased BMP-7 and acetyl histone H3 expression, whose effects were blocked by yohimbine, an α(2)-AR antagonist. With DEX treatment, the LPS-induced TNF-α expression and cell death were attenuated in scRNAi-NRK52E but not BMP-7 RNAi-NRK52E cells. In CLP mice, DEX treatment increased survival and attenuated AKI. The expression of HDAC2, HDAC5, TNF-α, and MCP-1 mRNA in the kidneys of CLP mice was increased, but BMP-7 was decreased. However, DEX treatment reduced those changes. DEX reduces sepsis-induced AKI by decreasing TNF-α and MCP-1 and increasing BMP-7, which is associated with decreasing HDAC2 and HDAC5, as well as increasing acetyl histone H3.

Renal protective effect of xiao-chai-hu-tang on diabetic nephropathy of type 1-diabetic mice.

Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tang (XCHT), a traditional Chinese medicine formula consisting of seven medicinal plants, is used in the treatment of various diseases. We show here that XCHT could protect type-1 diabetic mice against diabetic nephropathy, using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and high-glucose (HG)-exposed rat mesangial cell (RMC) as models. Following 4 weeks of oral administration with XCHT, renal functions and renal hypertrophy significantly improved in the STZ-diabetic mice, while serum glucose was only moderately reduced compared to vehicle treatment. Treatment with XCHT in the STZ-diabetic mice and HG-exposed RMC resulted in a decrease in expression levels of TGF-ß1, fibronectin, and collagen IV, with concomitant increase in BMP-7 expression. Data from DPPH assay, DHE stain, and CM-H(2)DCFDA analysis indicated that XCHT could scavenge free radicals and inhibit high-glucose-induced ROS in RMCs. Taken together, these results suggest that treatment with XCHT can improve renal functions in STZ-diabetic mice, an effect that is potentially mediated through decreasing oxidative stress and production of TGF-ß1, fibronectin, and collagen IV in the kidney during development of diabetic nephropathy. XCHT, therefore merits further investigation for application to improve renal functions in diabetic disorders.

Silymarin inhibits cervical cancer cell through an increase of phosphatase and tensin homolog.

Silymarin is an active constituent contained in the seeds of the milk thistle plant and is widely used as a hepatic protection agent due to its antioxidant-like activity. In the present study we evaluated the potential action of silymarin against cervical cancer and investigated its mechanism of action. Treatment of cervical cancer cells (C-33A) with silymarin resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability. Silymarin induced apoptosis through the modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins and activation of caspase 3. Silymarin also inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt with an increase in expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). We also observed that silymarin suppressed C-33A cell invasion and wound-healing migration in a concentration-dependent manner. Western-blot analysis showed that silymarin significantly inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in C-33A cells. Furthermore, we applied siRNA to lower the PTEN gene, which diminished the anticancer actions of silymarin. Taken together, these results show that silymarin has the potential to suppress the survival, migration and invasion of C-33A cancer cells; thus, it could be developed as a promising agent for the treatment of cervical cancer in the future.

Consumer Preferences for Cheese Products with Quality Labels: The Case of Parmigiano Reggiano and Comté.

The paper examined the potential demand for a food specialty dairy product, cheese, with alternative multiple labels. A random-parameter logit model was applied to interpret the results of online discrete choice experiments (DCE) for the elicitation of the preference of the cheese consumers surveyed in two European countries, France (n = 400) and Italy (n = 408). We analyzed consumers' choices of quality-labeled cheeses, i.e., protected-designation-of-origin (PDO)-labeled Parmigiano Reggiano and Comté. Other features were tested, such as organic (Comté) and Mountain Product (Parmigiano Reggiano) labels, companies' brands and price. The paper contributes to the literature on credence attributes by examining consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for differentiated cheese products in two EU countries, and by identifying the effects of personal characteristics, in terms of socio-demographics and level of product involvement, on the differences in preferences. The results show that price was the most important attribute in both countries, followed by the PDO quality label, particularly when paired with the second quality feature. Two cheese consumer segments were identified via latent class models in each country, helping producers to improve their marketing of agri-food products with a high gastronomic value and differentiation potential.

Understanding Consumers' Preferences for Protected Geographical Indications: A Choice Experiment with Hungarian Sausage Consumers.

Geographical Indications (GIs) can increase producer margins and contribute to local economic development, but the extent to which they do so depends on the nature of consumer demand. A Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) considers the value that consumers place on a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in comparison with a leading manufacturer's brand, as well as the importance of taste variations. Based on an application of DCE to sausages in Hungary, results indicate that a PGI can generate value to consumers exceeding that conveyed by the leading manufacturer's brand. Consumers' taste preferences, however, may not be consistent with the specification of GI products. Latent Class (LC) and Random parameter Latent Class (RLC) analyses identify two consumer segments, with the majority of consumers (71%-LC, 65%-RLC) classified as traditionalists, who most value the GI label, while a minority (29%-LC, 35%-RLC) is brand conscious, for whom the GI status is less salient. Both theoretical and business implications for GI marketing and club branding are drawn.

Propofol increases bone morphogenetic protein-7 and decreases oxidative stress in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury.

BACKGROUND: Pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals damage renal tissue leading to acute kidney injury (AKI) during sepsis. Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) represses tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced inflammatory responses and protects kidney from injury. The sedative agent, propofol, has immunomodulatory and antioxidative properties. The present study investigated whether propofol could reduce AKI in caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) mice and the possible mechanism behind this. METHODS: Mice were treated with propofol or saline immediately and 12 h after CLP surgery. Kidney injury, survival and cytokine expressions of CLP mice were observed 24 h after CLP surgery. In vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated rat mesangial cells (RMCs) or hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-exposed murine kidney epithelial cells (M1) were treated with propofol. The expression of BMP-7, TNF-α and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 in CLP mice kidney, RMCs or M1 cells was determined by RT-PCR. Free radical generation and cell death of RMCs and M1 cells were analysed. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ expressions in LPS-stimulated RMCs were determined by western blotting. RESULTS: Propofol increased survival and ameliorated AKI in CLP mice. Propofol increased BMP-7 expression but decreased TNF-α and MCP-1 expressions in the kidney of CLP mice and LPS-stimulated RMCs. Propofol also inhibited free radical generation and cell death in LPS-stimulated RMCs and decreased the TNF-α expression and cell death in H(2)O(2)-exposed M1 cells. Moreover, propofol decreased NF-κB but increased PPAR-γ expression in LPS-stimulated RMCs. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol treatment could protect kidney from sepsis-induced AKI by increasing BMP-7 expression, decreasing inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting oxidative stress.

Role of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins-7 (BMP-7) in the Renal Improvement Effect of DangGui (Angelica sinensis) in Type-1 Diabetic Rats.

Hyperglycemia induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is believed as major factors leading to diabetic nephropathy (DN). DangGui (Angelica sinensis) is mentioned to show renal protective effect in combination with other herbs. Bone morphogenetic proteins-7 (BMP-7) is produced merit in protection of DN. The role of BMP-7 in DangGui-induced renal improvement is not clear. The present study investigated the effects of DangGui on renal functions, BMP-7 expression and the levels of ROS in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and high glucose-exposed rat mesangial cells (RMCs). After 1- or 4-week treatment, DangGui improved renal functions and increased renal BMP-7 expression in diabetic rats. The BMP-7 expression in RMCs was reduced by high glucose treatment and this could be reversed by DangGui. Moreover, RMCs exposed to high glucose were expired by BMP-7 RNAi transfection but those cells remained alive by scramble transfection. Thus, we employed regular RMCs to knock down BMP-7 with RNAi and we found that DangGui increased BMP-7 expression in these RMCs. Direct activation of BMP-7 expression by DangGui could be considered. The results of DPPH assay, DHE stain and lucigenin assay indicated that DangGui could inhibit high glucose-induced ROS in RMCs. These results suggest that DangGui has an ability to improve renal functions in STZ-diabetic rats through increasing endogenous BMP-7 expression and decreasing oxidative stress in kidney. The present study suggest that DangGui could be applied to improve renal functions in diabetic disorders.

Improvement of insulin resistance by Chlorella in fructose-rich chow-fed rats.

Chlorella is a type of unicellular fresh water algae. In an attempt to develop new agents for handling insulin resistance, Chlorella was employed to screen the effect on insulin resistance in rats induced by fructose-rich chow. A single oral administration of Chlorella for 90 min decreased the plasma glucose in a dose-dependent manner in rats receiving 4-week fructose-rich chow. In addition, chronic treatment with Chlorella for 15 days also lowered plasma glucose in the same manner. Then, the insulin action on glucose disposal rate was measured using the glucose-insulin index, values of the areas under the curves of glucose and insulin during the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). Oral administration (three times daily for 5 days) of Chlorella to rats receiving 4 weeks of fructose-rich chow abolished the elevated value of the glucose-insulin index, indicating that Chlorella has an ability to improve insulin resistance. An increase of insulin sensitivity by Chlorella was further evaluated using the plasma glucose lowering action of exogenous insulin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats). Oral administration of Chlorella three times daily to STZ-diabetic rats increased the response to exogenous insulin 15 days later. The obtained results suggest that oral administration of Chlorella has the ability to improve insulin sensitivity, which may be used as an adjuvant therapy for patients with insulin resistance.

Choice Drivers for Quality-Labelled Food: A Cross-Cultural Comparison on PDO Cheese.

This study aims at examining the consumers' preferences and drivers affecting the choice of quality-labelled food products, i.e., protected designation of origin (PDO) labelled cheese. We applied the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to analyse the purchase of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO and Comté PDO hard cheeses in Italy and France, respectively. A cross-sectional sample of 808 consumers (400 French and 408 Italian) completed a questionnaire. Structural equation modelling (SEM) indicated perceived behavioural control (PBC) and attitude to be significant predictors of intention to purchase PDO-labelled cheese in France and Italy. Subjective and moral norms affected intention in France. Intention significantly influenced the hard cheese purchase behaviour. The results confirm that the TPB model predicted the self-reported measure of behaviour more than the observed one, measured with a discrete choice experiment, in both countries. The TPB interrelationships varied between countries, suggesting that food systems operators and public authorities should carefully target their intervention to stimulate the demand of PDO-labelled products.

Effects of metformin on rosiglitazone-induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice.

Thiazolidinediones (TZD) can cause adipose tissue accumulation and myocardial hypertrophy. This study aimed to determine if combined Metformin (Glucophage) and Rosiglitazone (Avandia) could reduce the risk of heart failure caused by Rosiglitazone in BALB/c mice. BALB/c mice were treated with oral Rosiglitazone/Metformin twice daily for four weeks. Metformin or Rosiglitazone alone and non-treated mice acted as double control. Myocardial hypertrophy and associated side effects of the combined therapy were determined through isolated heart and body weights. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were applied to evaluate expression of sulfonylurea receptor 2A (SUR2A) and Kir 6.2. The activities of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) in the myocardium were also observed. Rosiglitazone/Metformin decreased body weight gain and food intake, and inhibited an increasing adipose ratio but did not reduce myocardial hypertrophy. Rosiglitazone increased Kir6.2/SUR2A, Kir6.2/SUR2B, and PPARalpha gene expression. The Rosiglitazone/Metformin combination further increased these gene expressions, especially PPARalpha. Metformin inhibits obesity but has no effect in reducing myocardial hypertrophy caused by Rosiglitazone. Whether Metformin can reduce side effects of TZDs in humans warrants further study.

The Role of Trust in Explaining Food Choice: Combining Choice Experiment and Attribute Best-Worst Scaling.

This paper presents empirical findings from a combination of two elicitation techniques-discrete choice experiment (DCE) and best-worst scaling (BWS)-to provide information about the role of consumers' trust in food choice decisions in the case of credence attributes. The analysis was based on a sample of 459 Taiwanese consumers and focuses on red sweet peppers. DCE data were examined using latent class analysis to investigate the importance and the utility different consumer segments attach to the production method, country of origin, and chemical residue testing. The relevance of attitudinal and trust-based items was identified by BWS using a hierarchical Bayesian mixed logit model and was aggregated to five latent components by means of principal component analysis. Applying a multinomial logit model, participants' latent class membership (obtained from DCE data) was regressed on the identified attitudinal and trust components, as well as demographic information. Results of the DCE latent class analysis for the product attributes show that four segments may be distinguished. Linking the DCE with the attitudinal dimensions reveals that consumers' attitude and trust significantly explain class membership and therefore, consumers' preferences for different credence attributes. Based on our results, we derive recommendations for industry and policy.

Eliciting Egg Consumer Preferences for Organic Labels and Omega 3 Claims in Italy and Hungary.

This paper investigates consumers' preferences for egg purchase in two European countries, Hungary and Italy. We utilize random parameter logit models to interpret the results of discrete choice experiments (DCE) for the elicitation of preference of the egg consumers. A sample of 403 in the Hungarian survey and 404 in the Italian survey were recruited in summer 2018. The DCE questionnaire includes the following product and process characteristics: organic labels, nutrition and health claims, and price. Our results show that for Hungarian and Italian consumers, the price is the most important attribute, followed by the nutrition and health claim and the organic production labelling. Three egg consumer segments can be identified via latent class models for each country. In both countries, we found similar consumer groups, the Price Sensitive and Quality Optimizing Opportunist Consumers and Health Conscious Buyers, respectively. Particularly, compared to the other segments the Health Conscious Buyers (46% in Hungary and 49% in Italy) exhibited stronger preference for and are willing to pay a higher price premium for eggs with organic label and nutrition claims. In Italy, we identified a third segment with consumers preferring simpler labelling approach, whilst in Hungary we found a consumer segment distrusting the EU organic logo.