Biomedical subjects

Melanie MacNeil

Publications and source records attributed to Melanie MacNeil.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

"Surviving": registered nurses' experiences in a baccalaureate nursing program.

In 2000, one Canadian university began offering a 12-month baccalaureate program to provide registered nurses (RNs) with a condensed program to expedite baccalaureate preparation. The paucity of current literature regarding returning RNs' experiences emphasized the need to explore these students' perceptions regarding their educational experiences. Twelve participants were interviewed for this descriptive/exploratory study. A major theme of "surviving" emerged from the qualitative analysis. Surviving embraced the themes of "the quest", "the struggle", and "the aftermath". Implications for nursing curriculum and program development and recommendations for research are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Effect of moderate exercise on salivary immunoglobulin A and infection risk in humans.

The incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and salivary immunoglobulin A concentrations [IgA(s)] of nine individuals were examined during 12 weeks of moderate exercise training, and compared to ten sedentary controls. Changes in maximal oxygen uptake were assessed at initial, mid-point and final evaluations (T1-3), while changes in [IgA(s)] and salivary immunoglobulin concentration-salivary albumin concentration ratio ([IgA(s)]:[Alb(s)]) were monitored at T1 and T3. During the 12 week period, symptoms of URTI were self-recorded daily. During the period of training the level of fitness significantly increased ( P<0.05) in the exercise group. The number of days recording symptoms of influenza, but not of cold, and total light URTI symptoms was significantly reduced in the exercise group during the last weeks of training. A significant increase in [IgA(s)] and in [IgA(s)]:[Alb(s)] was found in the exercise group after training. Both [IgA(s)] and [IgA(s)]:[Alb(s)] were significantly related to the number of days showing symptoms of influenza ( P<0.01) and the total number of days of sickness ( P<0.05). These data provide quantitative support for the belief that regular, moderate exercise results in an increased [IgA(s)] at rest and [IgA(s)]:[Alb(s)], which may contribute to a decreased risk of infection.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Organizational characteristics and their effect on health.

There is a complex relationship between work, employee health, and successful business results. At the individual level, multiple factors including physical, psychological, and social aspects of the work environment affect workers' health and well-being. At the organizational level, the consequences of unhealthy work environments may be traced to a decrease in the quality of service and products, and a loss in productivity. A brief overview of the contemporary literature on workplace stressors is presented to help identify future research directions.

Humans↗