Consumption Of Different Types Research Articles

Tea and Risk of Age-Related Cataracts: A Cross-Sectional Study in Zhejiang Province, China.

BackgroundThe antioxidant properties of tea extracts are considered to be effective in protecting against cataracts. However, there is still insufficient epidemiological knowledge about the protective effects of different types of tea on age-related cataracts.MethodsThe data was derived from the Zhejiang Major Public Health Surveillance (ZJMPHS) Program on health and related factors in the elderly. The relationships between consumption of different types of tea and risk of age-related cataracts were assessed after adjusting for related covariates.ResultsThe prevalence of age-related cataracts in this study population was 4.4% (409/9343). After adjustment for potential confounders, tea drinking was associated with reduced risk of age-related cataracts (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47–0.91). Compared to nondrinkers, green tea drinkers had a significantly reduced risk of cataracts (adjusted OR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40–0.85). Average tea consumption of 14–27 cups (adjusted OR 0.55; 95% CI, 0.33–0.93) and over 28 cups (adjusted OR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34–0.99) per week had a protective effect against cataracts in comparison to no consumption. In addition, ingesting a moderate concentration of tea significantly decreased the risk of cataract compared to no consumption (adjusted OR 0.43; 95% CI, 0.27–0.71).ConclusionsTea ingestion was associated with reduced risk of age-related cataracts. In light of these findings, we suggest that reasonable tea consumption (ie, favoring green tea and consuming an average of over 500 mL per day at moderate concentration) should offer protection against age-related cataracts.

Анализ процесса тушения пламени горючих жидкостей дисперсными огнетушащими веществами и пеной низкой кратности

Ability of fire extinguishing agents to absorb half of the heat flow escaped while burning, that can lead to flame extinction, raises doubts in calculation of the thermal balance of a powder and, further, of sprayed water. It turned out that the balance of heat has a big advantage towards heat escaped during flame combustion. Amount of powder or sprayed water become insufficient to absorb half of the heat flow of flame. This work contains data and results of complex experimental and theoretical researches of the process of extinguishing of the flame of hydrocarbons by various types of fire extinguishing agents, including sprayed water, fire extinguishing powder, reactive freon and low expansion foam. On the basis of experimental researches of the process of extinguishing by means of streams of dispersed extinguishing agent and low expansion foam it is offered and substantiated the "local" mechanism of suppression of a flame of liquids by extinguishing agents. Existence of the minimum on curves of dependence of specific consumption on flow rate in the area of optimal flow rate of extinguishing agent is experimentally shown and theoretically substantiated. It is also offered two-stage mechanism of suppression. The first stage consists in interaction of the stream of extinguishing agent with part of a flame jet which is in contact with front of extinguishing agent. The flow of extinguishing agent interacts only with a small (local) area of the flame. Fire extinguishing agent allows not only to absorb half of the heat from flame jet in a local part, but also to cool it practically up to the temperature close to water boiling point. It leads to termination of burn directly on the front of movement of a fire extinguishing stream. Such "local" mechanism of interaction of sprayed water stream leads to evaporation of larger or smaller part of sprayed stream depending on its dispersion degree. The second stage of suppression process provides spreading of water vapor, as a layer of certain thickness, over the burning surface. The higher dispersion degree of sprayed water, the larger volume of water vapor and higher it's covering rate of burning surface. Such extinguishing mechanism is also implemented in case of application of sprayed freon, sprayed powder, solid aerosol and low expansion foam. Standard equations for calculation of time and specific consumption of different types of extinguishing agents during suppression of flammable liquids are proposed. Satisfactory congruence of experimental results with data obtained by calculation using formulas which correspond to the "local" mechanism of suppression of a flame by fire extinguishing substances is shown.

A higher Mediterranean diet adherence and exercise practice are associated with a healthier drinking profile in a healthy Spanish adult population

Very few studies have examined the association between beverage intake patterns and healthy lifestyle characteristics. Most of the research that has been carried out focuses on the consumption of soft drinks or alcohol and ignores the overall beverage pattern. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between consumption of different types of beverage and physical exercise practice and MedDiet adherence. Cross-sectional information about fluid intake from different types of beverages was collected in 1262 men and women between 18 and 70years old, using a 24-h fluid-specific diary over seven consecutive days. Physical exercise was evaluated with a self-reported questionnaire, and MedDiet adherence was assessed using a validated 14-item questionnaire. Both variables were classified into three categories. Individuals with greater adherence to the MedDiet showed a higher intake of water and wine and a lower consumption of sweet regular beverages. Participants who engaged in more physical exercise consumed more water, milk and derivatives, juices and wine and less sweet regular beverages. Compared to the lowest category, the possibility of meeting the EFSA recommendations of total fluid intake was greater in individuals with eight or more points on the MedDiet adherence questionnaire [OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.25-3.01] and in those who practice physical exercise three times a week or more [OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.22-2.39]. Participants with a healthier lifestyle had a lower risk of exceeding the WHO's free-sugar recommendations only from beverages. Participants with greater adherence to the MedDiet and who engaged in more physical exercise exhibit a healthier pattern of fluid intake.

Consumption of different types of fluids in Hungarian adults.

Introduction: Water is involved in practically all functions of the human body and plays an important role in life and health. The type of fluid intake has an impact on daily calorie intake. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of consumption of different types of fluids in adults. Method: A total of 1,058 adults (496 men and 562 women) aged 18-85 were recruited from South Hungary. The information on the quality of fluid intake was collected using food and fluid frequency questionnaire. Results: The main part of daily fluid consumption was water in 76.9% of the study population. A total of almost 50% never drink milk or any other fluid dairy products. Consumption of sweet regular beverages and alcoholic drinks (beer, wine and hard liquor) was significantly higher in men than in women (p<0.05). 63% of women choose yogurt several times a week or more often than men (p<0.05). 74% of subjects consumed coffee. Conclusions: The biggest part of total fluid intake is water. Differences in the pattern of fluid consumption were observed between genders. Men were at a greater risk than women of unnecessary energy intake from sugar and alcohol.

Austerity and Fuel Consumption in Greece: An Empirical Investigation

Greek economic crisis in the last years and the subsequent austerity policy measures resulted to a decline in consumers’ income. This paper investigates empirically the Greek consumers’ reactions to income changes regarding their consumption of different types of fuels during the period 2007-2011. The empirical findings suggest that fuel consumption elasticity of income is different among different types of fuels. Furthermore the income elasticity is different among different Greek geographic regions. More specifically, fuels with high consumption i.e. 95 RON unleaded gasoline and diesel-bio fuels are found to be income inelastic as compared to fuels with low consumption i.e. 98-100 RON unleaded gasoline and new super gasoline LRP. Furthermore, for the high consumed fuels, consumers’ behavior patterns to income changes in the island are opposite to that in the rest Greek territory.

Response of energy consumption for building heating to climatic change and variability in Tianjin City, China

ABSTRACTThe present paper concerns the impact of climate on building heating energy consumption for different types of energy in Tianjin, a large city in northern China. The results show that heating energy consumption is dominantly related to dry bulb temperature (DBT), but the impacts vary with energy types and time scales (day, month or year). DBT can explain 97.7% of the coal consumption at different time scales and 83.0–89.7% of the natural gas consumption. DBT can also account for 25% of the daily and monthly heating electricity consumption and 89% of the annual heating electricity consumption. These results suggest that different measures for building energy conservation should be taken because of the differing climate impacts for different energy types. Especially, likely increase in temperature in the future should be considered to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. In addition, different models should be used to predict building energy consumption at different time scales. This would be helpful for energy policy makers and energy providers for adjusting energy use strategies.

Musical intervention and food preferences in girls born with lower birth weight

BackgroundChildren born after intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), especially girls, show an increased intake of palatable foods in several developmental stages, which likely contributes to their increased risk for obesity later. Recently, neuroimaging studies suggested that musical exposure activates the mesolimbic region, which is also involved in the processing of food rewards. AimsWe evaluated the impact of musical intervention in mother/infant pairs on feeding behavior during childhood with regard to birth weight. Study DesignCohort study. SubjectsA total of 28 children exposed to a structured musical intervention in early life were invited for an anthropometric and nutritional evaluation, and were compared to a communitarian age-matched sample. Outcome MeasuresA series of general linear models adjusted for socioeconomic status and maternal education were constructed to evaluate the interaction between music exposure, birth weight, and sex on the consumption of different types of foods, measured using a food frequency questionnaire. ResultsThere was an interaction between birth weight, sex, and musical intervention on the consumption of sugar during childhood (Wald=7.87, df=2, p=0.02); control participants consumed more sugar as birth weight decreased (B=−8.673, p<0.0001). No such effect was found for the girls exposed to musical intervention (B=3.352, p=0.15) or for boys (exposed B=2.870, p=0.44; non-exposed B=3.706, p=0.236). The absence of other effects suggests that this finding is specific for sweet foods. ConclusionEarly music intervention in mother/infant pairs may moderate the effects of IUGR on palatable food preference in girls.

Beverage Consumption in Relation to Discretionary Food Intake and Diet Quality among US Adults, 2003 to 2012

BackgroundA majority of Americans consume beverages and discretionary foods—foods that are typically low in nutrient value but high in sugar, sodium, fats, and cholesterol—as part of their daily diet, which profoundly impacts their energy balance and nutritional status. ObjectiveThis study examined consumption of different types of beverages in relation to discretionary food intake and diet quality among US adults. MethodsNationally representative sample of 22,513 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003 to 2012 waves were analyzed. The discretionary food category identifies energy-dense, nutrient-poor food products that do not necessarily provide essential nutrients that the human body needs, but can add variety. First-difference estimator addressed confounding bias from time-invariant unobservables (eg, eating habits, taste preferences) by using within-individual variations in diet and beverage consumption between 2 nonconsecutive 24-hour dietary recalls. ResultsApproximately 21.7%, 42.9%, 52.8%, 26.3%, and 22.2% of study participants consumed diet beverage, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB), coffee, tea, and alcohol, respectively, and 90.1% consumed discretionary foods on any given day. Across beverage types, alcohol (384.8 kcal) and SSB (226.2 kcal) consumption was associated with the largest increase in daily total calorie intake; coffee (60.7 kcal) and diet-beverage (48.8 kcal) consumption was associated with the largest increase in daily calorie intake from discretionary foods, and SSB consumption was associated with the largest reduction in daily overall diet quality measured by the Healthy Eating Index 2010. The impact of beverage consumption on daily calorie intake (overall and from discretionary foods) and diet quality differed across individual sociodemographics and body-weight status. The incremental daily calorie intake from discretionary foods associated with diet-beverage consumption was highest in obese adults, and that associated with SSB was highest in normal-weight adults. ConclusionsInterventions to promote healthy eating should assess beverage consumption in the context of overall dietary behavior.

Types of Infant Formulas Consumed in the United States.

We examined consumption of different types of infant formula (eg, cow's milk, soy, gentle/lactose-reduced, and specialty) and regular milk among a nationally representative sample of 1864 infants, 0 to 12 months old, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2010. Among the 81% of infants who were fed formula or regular milk, 69% consumed cow's milk formula, 12% consumed soy formula, 5% consumed gentle/ lactose-reduced formulas, 6% consumed specialty formulas, and 13% consumed regular milk products. There were differences by household education and income in the percentage of infants consuming cow's milk formula and regular milk products. The majority of infants in the United States who were fed formula or regular milk consumed cow's milk formula (69%), with lower percentages receiving soy, specialty, gentle/sensitive, or lactose-free/reduced formulas. Contrary to national recommendations, 13% of infants younger than 1 year consumed regular milk, and the percentage varied by household education and income levels.

Climate impacts on extreme energy consumption of different types of buildings.

Exploring changes of building energy consumption and its relationships with climate can provide basis for energy-saving and carbon emission reduction. Heating and cooling energy consumption of different types of buildings during 1981-2010 in Tianjin city, was simulated by using TRNSYS software. Daily or hourly extreme energy consumption was determined by percentile methods, and the climate impact on extreme energy consumption was analyzed. The results showed that days of extreme heating consumption showed apparent decrease during the recent 30 years for residential and large venue buildings, whereas days of extreme cooling consumption increased in large venue building. No significant variations were found for the days of extreme energy consumption for commercial building, although a decreasing trend in extreme heating energy consumption. Daily extreme energy consumption for large venue building had no relationship with climate parameters, whereas extreme energy consumption for commercial and residential buildings was related to various climate parameters. Further multiple regression analysis suggested heating energy consumption for commercial building was affected by maximum temperature, dry bulb temperature, solar radiation and minimum temperature, which together can explain 71.5 % of the variation of the daily extreme heating energy consumption. The daily extreme cooling energy consumption for commercial building was only related to the wet bulb temperature (R2= 0.382). The daily extreme heating energy consumption for residential building was affected by 4 climate parameters, but the dry bulb temperature had the main impact. The impacts of climate on hourly extreme heating energy consumption has a 1-3 hour delay in all three types of buildings, but no delay was found in the impacts of climate on hourly extreme cooling energy consumption for the selected buildings.

Flavored alcoholic beverage use, risky drinking behaviors, and adverse outcomes among underage drinkers: results from the ABRAND Study.

We examined associations between consumption of different types of flavored alcoholic beverages (FABs) and risky drinking and drinking-related harms among underage drinkers. For the Alcohol Brand Research among Underage Youth study, we applied multivariable logistic regression analyses to data from underage drinkers (n = 1031, aged 13-20 years), recruited from a national Internet panel in 2011 to 2012, to estimate associations between consumption of malt-based drinks; spirits-based, premixed- or ready-to-drink cocktails; and supersized alcopops, alone or in combination, and alcohol-related outcomes. After adjustment for confounding variables, the exclusive consumption of alcopops was associated with episodic heavy drinking (odds ratio [OR] = 4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.24, 15.31; P < .05) and alcohol-related injuries (OR = 6.25; 95% CI = 1.34, 29.10; P < .05). Exclusive consumption of cocktails was associated with episodic heavy drinking (odds ratio [OR] = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.26, 5.41; P < .05) and injuries requiring medical attention (OR = 6.50; 95% CI = 2.09, 20.17; P < .001. Exclusive consumption of 2 or more FABs was associated with episodic heavy drinking (OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.25, 6.16; P < .05), fighting (OR = 3.30; 95% CI = 1.46, 7.47; P < .001), and alcohol-related injuries (OR = 2.83; 95% CI = 1.43, 5.58; P < .001). FABs present an emerging public health problem among youths.

Consumption of distinct dietary lipids during early pregnancy differentially modulates the expression of microRNAs in mothers and offspring.

Diet during pregnancy and lactation influences the offspring’s health in the long-term. Indeed, human epidemiological studies and animal experiments suggest that different type of fatty acids consumption during pregnancy affect offspring development and susceptibility to metabolic disorders. Epigenetic changes are thought to be elicited by dietary factors during critical timing of development. microRNAs (miRNAs) are versatile regulators of gene expression. Thus, we aimed to determine the influence of different fatty acids on miRNA expression in offspring when given during early pregnancy. We fed pregnant either soybean (SO), olive (OO), fish (FO), linseed (LO), or palm-oil (PO) diets from conception to day 12 of gestation; and standard diet thereafter. miRNA expression was assessed in liver an adipose tissue of pregnant rats and their virgin counterparts. While liver concentrations of fatty acids in pregnant or virgin rats replicated those of the diets consumed during early pregnancy, their pups’ liver tissue marginally reflected those of the respective experimental feeds. By contrast, the liver fatty acid profile of adult offsprings was similar, regardless of the diet fed during gestation. Different parental miRNAs were modulated by the different type of fatty acid: in adult offspring, miR-215, miR-10b, miR-26, miR-377-3p, miR-21, and miR-192 among others, were differentially modulated by the different fatty acids fed during early pregnancy. Overall, our results show that maternal consumption of different types of fatty acids during early pregnancy influences miRNA expression in both maternal and offspring tissues, which may epigenetically explain the long-term phenotypic changes of the offspring.

Changes in Lipid Profile of Wistar Rats after Sustained Consumption of Different Types of Commercial Vegetable Oil: A Preliminary Study

The amount of lipids in a diet and their source are determining factors of the lipid profile. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the addition of six types of different commercial vegetable oils (avocado, canola, high oleic safflower, soybean, grape seed and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil) to the diet of Wistar rats at two different concentrations (14.4% and 25.6% of energy intake from each added oil) and check rats' tolerance and lipid profile effect following consumption for 5 weeks. Rats fed with soybean and avocado oils had significantly lower LDL (29.27 ±8.85 and 26.51±10.85 mg/dL, respectively) and total cholesterol values (48.10±11.41 and 45.83±5.78 mg/dL, respectively) vs. treatment with hydrogenated oil (p<0.05) (49.19±27.62 and 70.27±31.24 mg/dL, respectively). Rats' consumption and growth was satisfactory with both concentrations of added oils. Partially hydrogenated oil had a hypercholesterolaemic effect on rats; in contrast, avocado oil and especially soybean oil offered the best results.

0212: Consumers of fresh dairy products and consumers of cheese exhibit different dietary patterns

Recommendations for healthy food choice emphasize the consumption of 2 to 3 servings of dairy products per day. We aimed to describe dietary patterns and adherence to recommendations according to the consumption of different types of dairy products. Data from the 2010 CCAF (Comportements et Consommations Alimentaires en France) cross-sectional survey with 7-day food record were analysed. Fresh Dairy Products (FDP) included all fresh dairy except dairy desserts and Greek yogurts. Cheese included all cheese except cottage cheese. The PANdiet (Probability of Adequate Nutrient intake) score was used to assess adherence to dietary recommendations. The sample comprised 948 French adults from the general population, 22% consumed no FDP and 30% were low FDP consumers (1 to 3 servings/week), 9% consumed no cheese and 37% were low cheese consumers (1 serving/day). Compared to low consumers, high FDP and cheese consumers were characterized by significantly (p<0.05) higher intakes of fruits and vegetables. High FDP consumers also exhibited significantly higher intakes of simple sugars (+25%) than low FDP consumers, and significantly lower intakes of pastas (-27%), ready-to-eat meals (-16%), and alcoholic beverages (-22%). No significant difference was observed for daily energy intake, total fat, saturated fat, or sodium. On the other hand, high cheese consumers exhibited significantly higher daily energy intake (+23%) and higher consumptions of alcohol (+96%), total fat (+31%), saturated fat (+41%) and sodium (+36%), compared to low consumers, with no difference for simple sugar intake. The PANdiet score was significantly better among high FDP consumers than among low, but significantly worse among high cheese consumers than among low. Consumers of FDP and consumers of cheese adopt different dietary patterns with varying intakes of sugars, fats, and sodium. Adherence to dietary recommendations is better among high FDP consumers.

Assessment of Usual Fruit, Vegetable and Vitamin C Intakes in a Sample of Egyptian Children: Pilot Study

The objective was to create an Egyptian database on the contributors of fruit and vegetables in the diets of preschool children and to estimate the usual daily intakes of fruits, vegetables and vitamin C. A total of 59 healthy boys and girls aged 2.5 - 6 years attending day care centers in urban Giza governorate completed the study by interviewing their mothers on 6x non-consecutive days using the 24 h dietary recall. Participants were classified according to age, gender and socioeconomic class. Prevalence of daily consumptions of fruits and vegetables amounted to 22% and 54%, respectively of the total children. The daily intakes of fruits and vegetables averaged 117.5 and 56.4 g, respectively. The consumption of different types of fruits and vegetables was unevenly distributed by different personal and social variables. Estimated daily vitamin C supply from the diet was 38 mg per child, which satisfied the respective recommended nutrient intake (RNI) of 30 mg for the first six years of life. However, the diet of 15% of the children covered less than 75% of RNI. Top fruits contributing to vitamin C were oranges, guava, watermelon, pears and grapes. Extra foods such as chipsy was consumed by 81% of the children, contributed 18% to daily vitamin C supply and also 58.6 mg sodium. A multilevel intervention strategy is warranted for promoting daily fruit and vegetable intake and healthy eating in early childhood.

Dietary Patterns and Anthropometric Status of Under-Five Children in Arba Minch Zuria, Gamo Gofa Zone: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Malnutrition continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries. The problem is very significant among infant and young children. Although malnutrition is remarkably responsible for childhood death, the contributing factors are not well studied in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess dietary patterns and anthropometric status of under-five children in Arba Minch Zuria, Gamo Goffa Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on child-mother-pairs in Arba Minch Zuria from February- July, 2012. Quantitative data were obtained from sample of 762 respondents by using pretested questionnaires and observational checklists. Qualitative data were collected by using in-depth interviews with tape recorder. Sociodemographic status, maternal and child characteristics, child feeding practices, anthropometry and dietary diversity were assessed. Results: Breastfeeding is considered as natural gift in this community. About 95.8% of mothers had ever breastfed their children. More than half of mothers (57.3%) initiated breastfeeding within first hour of delivery and small number 78(10.2%) of mothers discarded colostrum. About 60.4% of mothers exclusively breastfed their children to 5-6 months. Majority of (74.5%) children had diets in the lowest dietary diversity group (<3 food groups), 16% of the children had diets in the medium dietary diversity group (4-5 food groups). Thirteen percent of the children are wasted and 45.9% of them are stunted. Stunting was significantly associated with number of under-five children, lack of paternal education, not exclusive breastfeeding and lack of dietary diversity. More than one-fourth (25.7%) of children are underweight which significantly associated with lack of dietary diversity, lack of maternal and paternal education. Conclusions: Behavioral change communications on key optimal child feeding behaviors need to be given in this community to maximize the effect of global and national infant and young child feeding recommendations. In addition, consumption of different types of food and nutrition education interventions that address the dietary diversity issues of the study area are urgently required in the study participants.

Efficient Planning of Electrical Distribution System for Consumers in Sarawak, Malaysia

This study presents a method to determine power consumption pattern for several types of consumers in Sarawak, Malaysia. The power consumption data for consumers has been recorded using EDMI Mk.6 Genius polyphase electronic (E3) meters installed at their premises. The multistage cluster sampling is used to design the sample size to determine the sufficient amount of meters required. The data obtained from the meters has been analysed to obtain the pattern of power consumption for different types of consumers. This power consumption pattern has been applied to determine load factor, diversity factor for the calculation of After Diversity Maximum Demand (ADMD). ADMD is also used to determine the optimal amount of load, distribution transformer size and 11kV cable size. Temperature sensitivity analysis related to the demand has been investigated as well. It is found that power consumption pattern model is beneficial in finding the total electrical load, distribution transformer size and 11kV cable size needed by the consumers. Thus through this study the load characteristics had been determined to support utility operation and planning efficiently.

Effects of regular consumption of different forms of almonds and hazelnuts on acceptance and blood lipids.

Regular nut consumption is inversely associated with cardiovascular disease risk. No study has compared the effects of regular consumption of different types and forms of nuts on acceptance, which is a crucial determinant of long-term compliance to consume nuts regularly. This study examined the effects of different types and forms of raw, unpeeled nuts on acceptance and the effects of nut consumption on blood lipids through a randomised crossover study with six dietary phases: 30 g/day of ground, sliced, or whole almonds or hazelnuts for 5 days each (n = 74). Acceptance ('desire' and 'liking') for nuts was measured daily using visual analogue scales. Blood lipids were measured at baseline and week 6. Acceptance was stable over all conditions, but there were differences between nut forms (ground < sliced < whole, P < 0.001 for both 'desire' and 'liking') with some nut type-nut form interactions. Compared with baseline, week 6 HDL-C was higher (0.06 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.02-0.10, P = 0.002) while LDL-C and total-C:HDL-C ratio were lower (0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.06-0.25, P = 0.002 and 0.25, 95% CI 0.07-0.43, P = 0.006). In conclusion, acceptance was stable for all combinations but was highest for whole nuts. Six weeks of nut consumption improved blood lipids.

Dairy consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: 3 cohorts of US adults and an updated meta-analysis.

BackgroundThe relation between consumption of different types of dairy and risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains uncertain. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between total dairy and individual types of dairy consumptions and incident T2D in US adults.MethodsWe followed 41,436 men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (1986 to 2010), 67,138 women in the Nurses’ Health Study (1980 to 2010), and 85,884 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II (1991 to 2009). Diet was assessed by validated food-frequency questionnaires, and data were updated every four years. Incident T2D was confirmed by a validated supplementary questionnaire.ResultsDuring 3,984,203 person-years of follow-up, we documented 15,156 incident T2D cases. After adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI) and other lifestyle and dietary risk factors, total dairy consumption was not associated with T2D risk and the pooled hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of T2D for one serving/day increase in total dairy was 0.99 (0.98, 1.01). Among different types of dairy products, neither low-fat nor high-fat dairy intake was appreciably associated with risk of T2D. However, yogurt intake was consistently and inversely associated with T2D risk across the three cohorts with the pooled HR of 0.83 (0.75, 0.92) for one serving/day increment (P for trend <0.001). We conducted a meta-analysis of 14 prospective cohorts with 459,790 participants and 35,863 incident T2D cases; the pooled relative risks (RRs) (95% CIs) were 0.98 (0.96, 1.01) and 0.82 (0.70, 0.96) for one serving total dairy/day and one serving yogurt/day, respectively.ConclusionsHigher intake of yogurt is associated with a reduced risk of T2D, whereas other dairy foods and consumption of total dairy are not appreciably associated with incidence of T2D.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12916-014-0215-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The efficiency, energy intensity and visual impact of the accent lighting in the retail grocery stores

Over the last few years, topics of displaying, presentation, lighting, energy saving and issues related to the environment while selling the fresh food (fruits, vegetable, bakery products, meat) are becoming an important matter among traders. However, just bigger companies with transnational capital have devoted their attention to this issue yet. Generally, the energy costs make up 70% of operating costs in retail stores where the cooling system and lighting are the most energy consuming. Accent lighting in modern retails is largely involved in the overall design and atmosphere in shops and plays a crucial role in presenting the goods as well. Using of accent lighting can draw the customer's attention to a specific part of the sales area and achieve the overall harmonization in the store. With the rational using of combination of energy saving and effective accent lighting retailers can achieve not only attractive presentation of displayed products but also appreciable savings in the operation of their stores. It is the only factor that can be exactly measured and controlled. Using a Colour and Lux Meters we found out the intensity and color temperature of accent lighting used in domestic and foreign retail chains for the different kinds of fresh food products. Based on the obtained values we have compiled graphs, which are showing visual comfort. We also identified different types of accent lighting, which we assigned to their impact on emotional involvement of consumers. The starting points were the tests we conducted in simulated laboratory conditions. While searching of a compromise between effective and energy efficient accent lighting we take into consideration consumers' emotional response as well as the annual electricity consumption of different types of light sources. At the end we recommend options for energy-efficient, effective and spectacular lighting while using the optimal number of light sources and their logical organization, automatic control as well as using energy-saving LED lights or practical skylights. Improvements in energy efficiency of technical equipments could reduce the operating costs for retailers as well as enhance the attractiveness of displayed goods and customer satisfaction and thereby increase their sales.