Publications by category
Journal articles
Torquati L, Mielke GI, Kolbe-Alexander TL, Brown WJ (In Press). Associations between indicators of energy intake and expenditure with excess weight and obesity among women in sedentary and less-sedentary jobs.
Preventive MedicineAbstract:
Associations between indicators of energy intake and expenditure with excess weight and obesity among women in sedentary and less-sedentary jobs
The aim of this study was to compare the associations between indicators of energy intake and expenditure with excess weight and obesity in women who work full-time in sedentary and less sedentary jobs.
Data were from 3,444 participants the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, who reported their weight, dietary intake, physical activity and occupation in 2009 (baseline), and weight in 2012 (follow-up). Participants were categorised as being in a ‘less sedentary’ or ‘sedentary’ job, based on occupational activity patterns. Odds of excess weight (BMI≥25) at baseline and of being obese (BMI≥30) at follow-up, by indicators of energy intake and expenditure, were compared in the two occupational groups.
In multivariate analyses, high non-work sitting time and saturated fat intake were associated with increased odds of obesity at 3-year follow-up in both occupational groups. In the sedentary job group, high physical activity (in leisure and transport) was associated with a 51% reduction in odds of obesity (OR 0.49, 95%CI 0.25-0.97). In the less-sedentary job group, energy intake and high soft drink consumption were associated with markedly increased odds of obesity (OR 1.67 95%CI 1.07-2.61; OR 2.08 95%CI1.42-3.05, respectively).
In this cohort of young Australian women, sedentariness at work did not markedly affect the prevalence of excess weight or obesity. Indicators of high energy intake and low energy expenditure were associated with increased odds of both excess weight and obesity, regardless of sedentariness of occupational group.
Abstract.
Ali Redha A, Torquati L, Langston F, Nash GR, Gidley MJ, Cozzolino D (2023). Determination of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates in glucosinolate-rich vegetables and oilseeds using infrared spectroscopy: a systematic review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 1-17.
Ali Redha A, Langston F, Nash GR, Bows JR, Torquati L, Gidley MJ, Cozzolino D (2023). Determination of glucosinolates in broccoli (<i>Brassica oleracea</i> var. <i>italica</i>) by combining mid‐infrared (<scp>MIR</scp>) spectroscopy with chemometrics.
International Journal of Food Science & TechnologyAbstract:
Determination of glucosinolates in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) by combining mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy with chemometrics
SummaryGlucosinolates (GSLs), compounds with potential chemo‐preventative properties, can be affected by pre‐ and post‐harvest processes. Therefore, monitoring their content is important for the food and agricultural industries. This study evaluates the application of mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy for the determination of GSLs in commercial broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). Broccoli (n = 53) from different varieties were analysed using MIR spectroscopy and high‐performance liquid chromatography to develop partial least squares models for six individual GLSs, total indolic glucosinolates and total GSLs. The coefficient of determination in cross‐validation () of 0.50–0.78 whereas residual predictive deviation (RPD) values of 1.35–2.19 for different GSLs. Cross‐validation models developed using Tenderstem® broccoli yielded an. of 0.41–0.91 and an RPD of 0.81–2.97. This study showed that MIR spectroscopy can be considered for the determination of some broccoli GSLs. Differences in the loadings between the models demonstrated that variations in broccoli composition can influence the cross‐validation models for GSLs.
Abstract.
Langston F, Redha AA, Nash GR, Bows JR, Torquati L, Gidley MJ, Cozzolino D (2023). Qualitative analysis of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) glucosinolates: Investigating the use of mid-infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 123, 105532-105532.
Torquati L, Gajanand T, Cox ER, Willis CRG, Zaugg J, Keating SE, Coombes JS (2022). Effects of exercise intensity on gut microbiome composition and function in people with type 2 diabetes. European Journal of Sport Science, 23(4), 530-541.
Williams CJ, Torquati L, Li Z, Lea RA, Croci I, Keating E, Little JP, Eynon N, Coombes JS (2022). Oligofructose-Enriched Inulin Intake, Gut Microbiome Characteristics, and the V̇O2 Peak Response to High-Intensity Interval Training in Healthy Inactive Adults.
J Nutr,
152(3), 680-689.
Abstract:
Oligofructose-Enriched Inulin Intake, Gut Microbiome Characteristics, and the V̇O2 Peak Response to High-Intensity Interval Training in Healthy Inactive Adults.
BACKGROUND: the gut microbiome has been associated with cardiorespiratory fitness. OBJECTIVES: to assess the effects of oligofructose (FOS)-enriched inulin supplementation on the gut microbiome and the peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) response to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). METHODS: the study was a randomized controlled trial. Forty sedentary and apparently healthy adults [n = 31 women; aged 31.8 ± 9.8 y, BMI (in kg⋅m-2) 25.9 ± 4.3] were randomly allocated to 1) 6 wk of supervised HIIT (4 × 4-min bouts at 85-95% peak heart rate, interspersed with 3 min of active recovery, 3·wk-1) + 12 g·d-1 of FOS-enriched inulin (HIIT-I) or 2) 6 wk of supervised HIIT (3·wk-1, 4 × 4-min bouts) + 12 g·d-1 of maltodextrin/placebo (HIIT-P). Each participant completed an incremental treadmill test to assess V̇O2peak and ventilatory thresholds (VTs), provided a stool and blood sample, and completed a 24-h diet recall questionnaire and FFQ before and after the intervention. Gut microbiome analyses were performed using metagenomic sequencing. Fecal short-chain fatty acids were measured by mass spectrometry. RESULTS: There were no differences in the mean change in V̇O2peak response between groups (P = 0.58). HIIT-I had a greater improvement in VTs than HIIT-P [VT1 (lactate accumulation): mean difference + 4.3% and VT2 (lactate threshold): +4.2%, P
Abstract.
Author URL.
Williams CJ, Li Z, Harvey N, Lea RA, Gurd BJ, Bonafiglia JT, Papadimitriou I, Jacques M, Croci I, Stensvold D, et al (2021). Genome wide association study of response to interval and continuous exercise training: the Predict-HIIT study.
Journal of Biomedical Science,
28(1).
Abstract:
Genome wide association study of response to interval and continuous exercise training: the Predict-HIIT study
Background
Low cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2peak) is highly associated with chronic disease and mortality from all causes. Whilst exercise training is recommended in health guidelines to improve V̇O2peak, there is considerable inter-individual variability in the V̇O2peak response to the same dose of exercise. Understanding how genetic factors contribute to V̇O2peak training response may improve personalisation of exercise programs. The aim of this study was to identify genetic variants that are associated with the magnitude of V̇O2peak response following exercise training.
Methods
Participant change in objectively measured V̇O2peak from 18 different interventions was obtained from a multi-centre study (Predict-HIIT). A genome-wide association study was completed (n = 507), and a polygenic predictor score (PPS) was developed using alleles from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated (P
Abstract.
Torquati L, Jackman SR, Bowtell JL (2020). Can Inulin-Enriched Cereal Products Improve Mucosal Immunity in Athletes?. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 40, 500-501.
Kolbe-Alexander TL, Gomersall S, Clark B, Torquati L, Pavey T, Brown WJ (2019). A hard day’s night: time use in shift workers. BMC Public Health
Torquati L, Coombes JS, Murray L, Hasnain SZ, Mallard AR, McGuckin MA, Fassett RG, Croci I, Ramos JS (2019). Fibre Intake is Independently Associated with Increased Circulating Interleukin-22 in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome.
Nutrients,
11(4).
Abstract:
Fibre Intake is Independently Associated with Increased Circulating Interleukin-22 in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome.
The positive effects of dietary fibre on gut barrier function and inflammation have not been completely elucidated. Mice studies show gut barrier disruption and diet-induced insulin resistance can be alleviated by cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22). However, little is known about IL-22 in humans and its association with gut-beneficial nutrients like fibre. We investigated whether fibre intake was associated with circulating levels of IL-22 in 48 participants with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Bivariate analysis was used to explore associations between circulating IL-22, fibre intake, MetS factors, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake, V ˙ O2peak). Hierarchical multiple regression (HMR) was used to test the independent association of fibre intake with circulating IL-22, adjusting for variables correlated with IL-22. Circulating IL-22 was positively associated with fibre intake (rs = 0.393, p < 0.006). The HMR-adjusted model explained 40% of circulating IL-22 variability, and fibre intake significantly improved the prediction model by 8.4% (p < 0.022). Participants with fibre intake above median intake of 21.5 g/day had a significantly higher circulating IL-22 than the lower intake group (308.3 ± 454.4 vs. 69.0 ± 106.4 pg/mL, p < 0.019). Fibre intake is independently associated with increased circulating IL-22 in individuals with MetS. Findings warrant further investigations to evaluate whether changes in dietary fibre intake alter circulating IL-22, and its effects on health outcomes.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Torquati L, Mielke G, Brown W, Burton N, Kolbe-Alexander T (2019). Shift Work and Poor Mental Health: a Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies. American Journal of Public Health, 1-26.
Torquati L, Peeters G, Brown WJ, Skinner TL (2018). A Daily Cup of Tea or Coffee May Keep you Moving: Association between Tea and Coffee Consumption and Physical Activity.
Int J Environ Res Public Health,
15(9).
Abstract:
A Daily Cup of Tea or Coffee May Keep you Moving: Association between Tea and Coffee Consumption and Physical Activity.
Physical activity (PA) is an independent predictor of mortality and frailty in middle-aged women, but fatigue remains a major barrier in this group. While caffeine intake has been associated with reduced exertion and perceived fatigue, it is not well understood whether consumption of naturally caffeinated drinks is associated with physical activity. The aim of this study was to determine whether habitual consumption of coffee and tea is associated with participation in physical activity. Women (n = 7580) from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were included in this investigation. Participants reported average tea and coffee intake over the last 12 months and usual PA. Logistic regression models were adjusted for relevant health and lifestyle confounders, and Sobel test was used for mediation analysis. Participants who consumed 1⁻2 cups of coffee/day were 17% more likely to meet the recommended 500 metabolic equivalent (MET).min/week than women who had 3 cups/day of tea were 13⁻26% more likely to meet 500 MET.min/week than those who had 1 cup of tea/day are more likely to meet the moderate-to-vigorous PA guidelines than those who drink
Abstract.
Author URL.
Torquati L, Kolbe-Alexander T, Pavey T, Leveritt M (2018). Changing Diet and Physical Activity in Nurses: a Pilot Study and Process Evaluation Highlighting Challenges in Workplace Health Promotion.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior,
50(10), 1015-1025.
Abstract:
Changing Diet and Physical Activity in Nurses: a Pilot Study and Process Evaluation Highlighting Challenges in Workplace Health Promotion
Objective: to use the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework to evaluate and understand key implementation and context factors of a diet and physical activity (PA) workplace intervention for nurses. Methods: a 3-month pilot intervention was developed to promote diet and PA behavior through self-monitoring, goal setting, and social support using pedometers, a smartphone app, and a dedicated Facebook group. Measures included diet quality, daily PA, adoption, and implementation (including qualitative data). Maintenance was assessed at 6-month follow-up. Results: Forty-seven nurses participated in the study. At 3 months, fruit and vegetable intake significantly increased (P =.04) whereas PA significantly decreased (P =.01). The intervention was partially adopted as planned, with low reach and efficacy. Participants reported that changing 2 behaviors at the same time was difficult, with the majority feeling it was easier to change diet than to become more physically active. Conclusions and Implications: the ability to change diet and PA behaviors at the same time was challenging in nurses. Future studies examining whether similar occupational groups with high stress, fatigue, and lack of time face the same challenges would contribute to understanding these results.
Abstract.
Marinelli O, Nabissi M, Amantini C, Morelli MB, Torquati L, Santoni G (2018). ICOS-L as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Cancer Immunotherapy. Current Protein and Peptide Science
Lamerton TJ, Torquati L, Brown WJ (2018). Overweight and obesity as major, modifiable risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid-aged women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Obesity Reviews,
19(12), 1735-1745.
Abstract:
Overweight and obesity as major, modifiable risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid-aged women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
© 2018 World Obesity Federation the purpose of this review and meta-analysis was to evaluate overweight and obesity as risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid-aged women. Understanding these relationships during this life stage is important as early onset increases the risk for developing severe and persistent incontinence. A systematic search resulted in 497 citations, 14 of which were retained for review. Data were analysed by overweight and obesity and by subtype of urinary incontinence – stress, urge, mixed and severe. When compared with ‘normal’ body mass index, overweight was associated with a one-third increase in risk of urinary incontinence (relative risk = 1.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.20–1.53), while the risk was doubled in women with obesity (relative risk = 1.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.58–2.42). When estimates were pooled according to urinary incontinence subtype, there was no statistical difference in risk. Overweight and obesity are strong predictors of urinary incontinence, with a significantly greater risk observed for obesity. Clinical advice to young women at risk of, or presenting with, obesity should not be limited to metabolic health only but should emphasize the role of excess weight on pelvic floor weakening and subsequent risk of incontinence.
Abstract.
Torquati L, Mielke GI, Brown WJ, Kolbe-Alexander T (2017). Shift work and the risk of cardiovascular disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis including. dose–response relationship. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 44(3), 229-238.
Torquati L, Kolbe-Alexander T, Pavey T, Persson C, Leveritt M (2016). Diet and physical activity behaviour in nurses: a qualitative study. International Journal of Health Promotion and Education, 54(6), 268-282.
Torquati L, Pavey T, Kolbe-Alexander T, Leveritt M (2016). Promoting Diet and Physical Activity in Nurses.
American Journal of Health Promotion,
31(1), 19-27.
Abstract:
Promoting Diet and Physical Activity in Nurses
Objective. To systematically review the effectiveness of intervention studies promoting diet and physical activity (PA) in nurses. Data Source. English language manuscripts published between 1970 and 2014 in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and EMBASE, as well as those accessed with the PICO tool, were reviewed. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria. Inclusion criteria comprised (1) nurses/student nurses working in a health care setting and (2) interventions where PA and/or diet behaviors were the primary outcome. Exclusion criteria were (1) non–peer-reviewed articles or conference abstracts and (2) interventions focused on treatment of chronic conditions or lifestyle factors other than PA or diet in nurses. Data Extraction. Seventy-one full texts were retrieved and assessed for inclusion by two reviewers. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. Data Synthesis. Extracted data were synthesized in a tabular format and narrative summary. Results. Nine (n = 737 nurses) studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality of the studies was low to moderate. Four studies reported an increase in self-reported PA through structured exercise and goal setting. Dietary outcomes were generally positive, but were only measured in three studies with some limitations in the assessment methods. Two studies reported improved body composition without significant changes in diet or PA. Conclusions. Outcomes of interventions to change nurses’ PA and diet behavior are promising, but inconsistent. Additional and higher quality interventions that include objective and validated outcome measures and appropriate process evaluation are required.
Abstract.
Conferences
Torquati L, Leveritt M, Pavey T (In Press). Changing diet and physical activity behaviour in nurses using Intervention Mapping: Study protocol. 12th European Nutrition Conference 2015.
Torquati L, Kolbe-Alexander T, Pavey T, Leveritt MD (2017). Changing diet and physical activity in time-poor populations.
Publications by year
In Press
Torquati L, Mielke GI, Kolbe-Alexander TL, Brown WJ (In Press). Associations between indicators of energy intake and expenditure with excess weight and obesity among women in sedentary and less-sedentary jobs.
Preventive MedicineAbstract:
Associations between indicators of energy intake and expenditure with excess weight and obesity among women in sedentary and less-sedentary jobs
The aim of this study was to compare the associations between indicators of energy intake and expenditure with excess weight and obesity in women who work full-time in sedentary and less sedentary jobs.
Data were from 3,444 participants the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, who reported their weight, dietary intake, physical activity and occupation in 2009 (baseline), and weight in 2012 (follow-up). Participants were categorised as being in a ‘less sedentary’ or ‘sedentary’ job, based on occupational activity patterns. Odds of excess weight (BMI≥25) at baseline and of being obese (BMI≥30) at follow-up, by indicators of energy intake and expenditure, were compared in the two occupational groups.
In multivariate analyses, high non-work sitting time and saturated fat intake were associated with increased odds of obesity at 3-year follow-up in both occupational groups. In the sedentary job group, high physical activity (in leisure and transport) was associated with a 51% reduction in odds of obesity (OR 0.49, 95%CI 0.25-0.97). In the less-sedentary job group, energy intake and high soft drink consumption were associated with markedly increased odds of obesity (OR 1.67 95%CI 1.07-2.61; OR 2.08 95%CI1.42-3.05, respectively).
In this cohort of young Australian women, sedentariness at work did not markedly affect the prevalence of excess weight or obesity. Indicators of high energy intake and low energy expenditure were associated with increased odds of both excess weight and obesity, regardless of sedentariness of occupational group.
Abstract.
Torquati L, Leveritt M, Pavey T (In Press). Changing diet and physical activity behaviour in nurses using Intervention Mapping: Study protocol. 12th European Nutrition Conference 2015.
Torquati L (In Press). Health promotion in the workplace: changing the diet and physical activity behaviour of nurses.
2023
Ali Redha A, Torquati L, Langston F, Nash GR, Gidley MJ, Cozzolino D (2023). Determination of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates in glucosinolate-rich vegetables and oilseeds using infrared spectroscopy: a systematic review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 1-17.
Ali Redha A, Langston F, Nash GR, Bows JR, Torquati L, Gidley MJ, Cozzolino D (2023). Determination of glucosinolates in broccoli (<i>Brassica oleracea</i> var. <i>italica</i>) by combining mid‐infrared (<scp>MIR</scp>) spectroscopy with chemometrics.
International Journal of Food Science & TechnologyAbstract:
Determination of glucosinolates in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) by combining mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy with chemometrics
SummaryGlucosinolates (GSLs), compounds with potential chemo‐preventative properties, can be affected by pre‐ and post‐harvest processes. Therefore, monitoring their content is important for the food and agricultural industries. This study evaluates the application of mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy for the determination of GSLs in commercial broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). Broccoli (n = 53) from different varieties were analysed using MIR spectroscopy and high‐performance liquid chromatography to develop partial least squares models for six individual GLSs, total indolic glucosinolates and total GSLs. The coefficient of determination in cross‐validation () of 0.50–0.78 whereas residual predictive deviation (RPD) values of 1.35–2.19 for different GSLs. Cross‐validation models developed using Tenderstem® broccoli yielded an. of 0.41–0.91 and an RPD of 0.81–2.97. This study showed that MIR spectroscopy can be considered for the determination of some broccoli GSLs. Differences in the loadings between the models demonstrated that variations in broccoli composition can influence the cross‐validation models for GSLs.
Abstract.
Langston F, Redha AA, Nash GR, Bows JR, Torquati L, Gidley MJ, Cozzolino D (2023). Qualitative analysis of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) glucosinolates: Investigating the use of mid-infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 123, 105532-105532.
2022
Torquati L, Gajanand T, Cox ER, Willis CRG, Zaugg J, Keating SE, Coombes JS (2022). Effects of exercise intensity on gut microbiome composition and function in people with type 2 diabetes. European Journal of Sport Science, 23(4), 530-541.
Williams CJ, Torquati L, Li Z, Lea RA, Croci I, Keating E, Little JP, Eynon N, Coombes JS (2022). Oligofructose-Enriched Inulin Intake, Gut Microbiome Characteristics, and the V̇O2 Peak Response to High-Intensity Interval Training in Healthy Inactive Adults.
J Nutr,
152(3), 680-689.
Abstract:
Oligofructose-Enriched Inulin Intake, Gut Microbiome Characteristics, and the V̇O2 Peak Response to High-Intensity Interval Training in Healthy Inactive Adults.
BACKGROUND: the gut microbiome has been associated with cardiorespiratory fitness. OBJECTIVES: to assess the effects of oligofructose (FOS)-enriched inulin supplementation on the gut microbiome and the peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) response to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). METHODS: the study was a randomized controlled trial. Forty sedentary and apparently healthy adults [n = 31 women; aged 31.8 ± 9.8 y, BMI (in kg⋅m-2) 25.9 ± 4.3] were randomly allocated to 1) 6 wk of supervised HIIT (4 × 4-min bouts at 85-95% peak heart rate, interspersed with 3 min of active recovery, 3·wk-1) + 12 g·d-1 of FOS-enriched inulin (HIIT-I) or 2) 6 wk of supervised HIIT (3·wk-1, 4 × 4-min bouts) + 12 g·d-1 of maltodextrin/placebo (HIIT-P). Each participant completed an incremental treadmill test to assess V̇O2peak and ventilatory thresholds (VTs), provided a stool and blood sample, and completed a 24-h diet recall questionnaire and FFQ before and after the intervention. Gut microbiome analyses were performed using metagenomic sequencing. Fecal short-chain fatty acids were measured by mass spectrometry. RESULTS: There were no differences in the mean change in V̇O2peak response between groups (P = 0.58). HIIT-I had a greater improvement in VTs than HIIT-P [VT1 (lactate accumulation): mean difference + 4.3% and VT2 (lactate threshold): +4.2%, P
Abstract.
Author URL.
2021
Williams CJ, Li Z, Harvey N, Lea RA, Gurd BJ, Bonafiglia JT, Papadimitriou I, Jacques M, Croci I, Stensvold D, et al (2021). Genome wide association study of response to interval and continuous exercise training: the Predict-HIIT study.
Journal of Biomedical Science,
28(1).
Abstract:
Genome wide association study of response to interval and continuous exercise training: the Predict-HIIT study
Background
Low cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2peak) is highly associated with chronic disease and mortality from all causes. Whilst exercise training is recommended in health guidelines to improve V̇O2peak, there is considerable inter-individual variability in the V̇O2peak response to the same dose of exercise. Understanding how genetic factors contribute to V̇O2peak training response may improve personalisation of exercise programs. The aim of this study was to identify genetic variants that are associated with the magnitude of V̇O2peak response following exercise training.
Methods
Participant change in objectively measured V̇O2peak from 18 different interventions was obtained from a multi-centre study (Predict-HIIT). A genome-wide association study was completed (n = 507), and a polygenic predictor score (PPS) was developed using alleles from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated (P
Abstract.
2020
Torquati L, Jackman SR, Bowtell JL (2020). Can Inulin-Enriched Cereal Products Improve Mucosal Immunity in Athletes?. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 40, 500-501.
2019
Kolbe-Alexander TL, Gomersall S, Clark B, Torquati L, Pavey T, Brown WJ (2019). A hard day’s night: time use in shift workers. BMC Public Health
Torquati L, Coombes JS, Murray L, Hasnain SZ, Mallard AR, McGuckin MA, Fassett RG, Croci I, Ramos JS (2019). Fibre Intake is Independently Associated with Increased Circulating Interleukin-22 in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome.
Nutrients,
11(4).
Abstract:
Fibre Intake is Independently Associated with Increased Circulating Interleukin-22 in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome.
The positive effects of dietary fibre on gut barrier function and inflammation have not been completely elucidated. Mice studies show gut barrier disruption and diet-induced insulin resistance can be alleviated by cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22). However, little is known about IL-22 in humans and its association with gut-beneficial nutrients like fibre. We investigated whether fibre intake was associated with circulating levels of IL-22 in 48 participants with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Bivariate analysis was used to explore associations between circulating IL-22, fibre intake, MetS factors, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake, V ˙ O2peak). Hierarchical multiple regression (HMR) was used to test the independent association of fibre intake with circulating IL-22, adjusting for variables correlated with IL-22. Circulating IL-22 was positively associated with fibre intake (rs = 0.393, p < 0.006). The HMR-adjusted model explained 40% of circulating IL-22 variability, and fibre intake significantly improved the prediction model by 8.4% (p < 0.022). Participants with fibre intake above median intake of 21.5 g/day had a significantly higher circulating IL-22 than the lower intake group (308.3 ± 454.4 vs. 69.0 ± 106.4 pg/mL, p < 0.019). Fibre intake is independently associated with increased circulating IL-22 in individuals with MetS. Findings warrant further investigations to evaluate whether changes in dietary fibre intake alter circulating IL-22, and its effects on health outcomes.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Torquati L, Mielke G, Brown W, Burton N, Kolbe-Alexander T (2019). Shift Work and Poor Mental Health: a Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies. American Journal of Public Health, 1-26.
2018
Torquati L, Peeters G, Brown WJ, Skinner TL (2018). A Daily Cup of Tea or Coffee May Keep you Moving: Association between Tea and Coffee Consumption and Physical Activity.
Int J Environ Res Public Health,
15(9).
Abstract:
A Daily Cup of Tea or Coffee May Keep you Moving: Association between Tea and Coffee Consumption and Physical Activity.
Physical activity (PA) is an independent predictor of mortality and frailty in middle-aged women, but fatigue remains a major barrier in this group. While caffeine intake has been associated with reduced exertion and perceived fatigue, it is not well understood whether consumption of naturally caffeinated drinks is associated with physical activity. The aim of this study was to determine whether habitual consumption of coffee and tea is associated with participation in physical activity. Women (n = 7580) from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were included in this investigation. Participants reported average tea and coffee intake over the last 12 months and usual PA. Logistic regression models were adjusted for relevant health and lifestyle confounders, and Sobel test was used for mediation analysis. Participants who consumed 1⁻2 cups of coffee/day were 17% more likely to meet the recommended 500 metabolic equivalent (MET).min/week than women who had 3 cups/day of tea were 13⁻26% more likely to meet 500 MET.min/week than those who had 1 cup of tea/day are more likely to meet the moderate-to-vigorous PA guidelines than those who drink
Abstract.
Author URL.
Torquati L, Kolbe-Alexander T, Pavey T, Leveritt M (2018). Changing Diet and Physical Activity in Nurses: a Pilot Study and Process Evaluation Highlighting Challenges in Workplace Health Promotion.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior,
50(10), 1015-1025.
Abstract:
Changing Diet and Physical Activity in Nurses: a Pilot Study and Process Evaluation Highlighting Challenges in Workplace Health Promotion
Objective: to use the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework to evaluate and understand key implementation and context factors of a diet and physical activity (PA) workplace intervention for nurses. Methods: a 3-month pilot intervention was developed to promote diet and PA behavior through self-monitoring, goal setting, and social support using pedometers, a smartphone app, and a dedicated Facebook group. Measures included diet quality, daily PA, adoption, and implementation (including qualitative data). Maintenance was assessed at 6-month follow-up. Results: Forty-seven nurses participated in the study. At 3 months, fruit and vegetable intake significantly increased (P =.04) whereas PA significantly decreased (P =.01). The intervention was partially adopted as planned, with low reach and efficacy. Participants reported that changing 2 behaviors at the same time was difficult, with the majority feeling it was easier to change diet than to become more physically active. Conclusions and Implications: the ability to change diet and PA behaviors at the same time was challenging in nurses. Future studies examining whether similar occupational groups with high stress, fatigue, and lack of time face the same challenges would contribute to understanding these results.
Abstract.
Marinelli O, Nabissi M, Amantini C, Morelli MB, Torquati L, Santoni G (2018). ICOS-L as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Cancer Immunotherapy. Current Protein and Peptide Science
Lamerton TJ, Torquati L, Brown WJ (2018). Overweight and obesity as major, modifiable risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid-aged women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Obesity Reviews,
19(12), 1735-1745.
Abstract:
Overweight and obesity as major, modifiable risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid-aged women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
© 2018 World Obesity Federation the purpose of this review and meta-analysis was to evaluate overweight and obesity as risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid-aged women. Understanding these relationships during this life stage is important as early onset increases the risk for developing severe and persistent incontinence. A systematic search resulted in 497 citations, 14 of which were retained for review. Data were analysed by overweight and obesity and by subtype of urinary incontinence – stress, urge, mixed and severe. When compared with ‘normal’ body mass index, overweight was associated with a one-third increase in risk of urinary incontinence (relative risk = 1.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.20–1.53), while the risk was doubled in women with obesity (relative risk = 1.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.58–2.42). When estimates were pooled according to urinary incontinence subtype, there was no statistical difference in risk. Overweight and obesity are strong predictors of urinary incontinence, with a significantly greater risk observed for obesity. Clinical advice to young women at risk of, or presenting with, obesity should not be limited to metabolic health only but should emphasize the role of excess weight on pelvic floor weakening and subsequent risk of incontinence.
Abstract.
2017
Torquati L, Kolbe-Alexander T, Pavey T, Leveritt MD (2017). Changing diet and physical activity in time-poor populations.
Torquati L, Mielke GI, Brown WJ, Kolbe-Alexander T (2017). Shift work and the risk of cardiovascular disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis including. dose–response relationship. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 44(3), 229-238.
2016
Torquati L, Kolbe-Alexander T, Pavey T, Persson C, Leveritt M (2016). Diet and physical activity behaviour in nurses: a qualitative study. International Journal of Health Promotion and Education, 54(6), 268-282.
Torquati L, Pavey T, Kolbe-Alexander T, Leveritt M (2016). Promoting Diet and Physical Activity in Nurses.
American Journal of Health Promotion,
31(1), 19-27.
Abstract:
Promoting Diet and Physical Activity in Nurses
Objective. To systematically review the effectiveness of intervention studies promoting diet and physical activity (PA) in nurses. Data Source. English language manuscripts published between 1970 and 2014 in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and EMBASE, as well as those accessed with the PICO tool, were reviewed. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria. Inclusion criteria comprised (1) nurses/student nurses working in a health care setting and (2) interventions where PA and/or diet behaviors were the primary outcome. Exclusion criteria were (1) non–peer-reviewed articles or conference abstracts and (2) interventions focused on treatment of chronic conditions or lifestyle factors other than PA or diet in nurses. Data Extraction. Seventy-one full texts were retrieved and assessed for inclusion by two reviewers. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. Data Synthesis. Extracted data were synthesized in a tabular format and narrative summary. Results. Nine (n = 737 nurses) studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality of the studies was low to moderate. Four studies reported an increase in self-reported PA through structured exercise and goal setting. Dietary outcomes were generally positive, but were only measured in three studies with some limitations in the assessment methods. Two studies reported improved body composition without significant changes in diet or PA. Conclusions. Outcomes of interventions to change nurses’ PA and diet behavior are promising, but inconsistent. Additional and higher quality interventions that include objective and validated outcome measures and appropriate process evaluation are required.
Abstract.