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Piupose-The paper airn.s lo pr(i\'ide bdth academics and prni/litinners a strategic framewnri-c Atr integraiing brands in horizonuil mergers and acquisitions (M&A?) in. order lo tTeale and deliver value. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual framework developed from a review ol the existing literanire and pilot case studies. Findings-The paper first discusses the importance of brand integration for value creation in horizontal M&As from a practical perspective. The paper then reviews three related bodies of existing literature that are critical to this research M&As. product and brand managemeni, integralion approach. This review leads to the identification of the research gap in the area of brand integration in M&As. The paper then develops and propo.'^fi a strategic framewurk for integrating brands in horizontal M&As based on the pilot case studies and existing literature. Originality/value-The paper stnsctures and classifies the h-agniented existing literature in the domain of product and brand management into four major views ■■■ customer (mark'et) pcrspe-ctives, supply (numufacturing) cf)ncems. product developmeni (innovation and teciinol(jgy) considerations and value creation. This classification can be a useful approach for future research in reviewing the diversified product and brand management literature. The strategic framework developed here cons^ for many firms seeking rapid growth and thereby enhanced value. In spite of the enormous Increase in transaction numbers and volumes, the majority of M&As actually result in a decrease in shareholder value (Brevvis. 2000; Habeck ct al, 2000; A.T-Kearney, 1998; KPMG, 1999). The reasons for the failure of M&As have been the subject of much attention fmm both academia and management. Many reseai'diers point out that posi-M&A integration is vital for success (Child ct ai, 2001; A.T. KeaiTiey. 198H; Haspeslagh and ^^F,.«,^dGroi,pivoiisi.i,,«i.imuc.i jemison. 1991). However. Shimi/Ai ct al (2004) claim that the citiantily (jf research \n this i)*JMiMnwi7iHf77))')ifi94:5<25 area is too Hmited. j-jumal III Tfv;liiii.l<.Ry M;,iiii,;MTif ill Oiina Vot4.N)o. l.voifi Of)-a&'vi! [r^ I y' J\ llie currair issue and fiill lexi archiv e of lbs joanial is avsiiable i...

We investigated changes in some laboratory indices and the liver histology of chronic hepatitis patients who were exposed to dioxin. In 2014, we collected liver biopsy samples for histopathological examination from 33 chronic hepatitis patients living around the Da Nang Airbase, which is a dioxin-contaminated area due to the herbicide spraying in Vietnam. Dioxin exposure was measured by its levels in the blood. METAVIR classification was used to clarify the liver fibrosis stage. Laboratory tests included ten biochemical and six hematological indices that were measured in the blood. A regression linear model and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. The observed alterations in the liver at the histological level mainly comprised hydropic degenerative hepatocytes, lymphocytes and polynuclear leukocytes surrounding the liver cells and granular and lipoic degeneration. In addition, increased TCDD levels were associated with increasing aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, protein and total bilirubin levels and liver fibrosis stage. Similarly, increased TEQ-PCDD/Fs levels were associated with higher levels of AST and protein and liver fibrosis stage. In conclusion, dioxin exposure altered the liver histology and increased some biochemical marker indices and the liver fibrosis stage of chronic hepatitis patients living in dioxin-contaminated areas in Da Nang, Vietnam.

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