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Biomedical subjects

Joel H Merenstein

Publications and source records attributed to Joel H Merenstein.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Do probiotics reduce adult lactose intolerance? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of oral probiotics in adults with lactose intolerance through a systematic review of its effects on symptoms and breath hydrogen tests, and whether adding probiotics to nonfermented dairy products decreases lactose intolerance at that meal. METHODS: We searched randomized controlled trials published between 1966 and December 2002. Databases in the search strategy included Medline and AMED. We reviewed references of clinical trials and contacted authors of major articles and manufacturers of probiotic commercial products. Quality assessment was based on the McMaster guides and was performed by 5 independent reviewers. Data extraction was performed by 2 reviewers. RESULTS: A master list of 90 articles was compiled. Ten articles met inclusion and exclusion criteria and were consistent with our clinical question. Of the 9 studies that measured breath hydrogen, 3 were positive, 3 were negative, and 3 had both positive and negative results. Of the 7 studies that measured symptoms, 1 yielded positive results, 5 were negative, and 1 had both positive and negative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotic supplementation in general did not alleviate the symptoms and signs of lactose intolerance in adults in this review. Some evidence suggests that specific strains, concentrations, and preparations are effective. Further clinical trials of specific strains and concentrations are necessary to delineate this potential therapeutic relationship.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2002

Orienting interns to being second-year residents.

BACKGROUND: Although orientation to the first year of residency is universal in family practice residencies, there is no published information on preparing first-year residents to become upper-level residents, an almost equally dramatic change. METHODS: We conducted a national survey of all 484 family practice residency directors by e-mail and regular mail. RESULTS: The total response was 365 (75.4%). Slightly more than half (185) of the residencies had a formal program to prepare for the transition to second-year resident. Both faculty, and upper-level residents taught or exchanged information using multiple methods of teaching but mostly lectures and seminars. Topics included practical issues related particularly to new responsibilities, teaching and supervising skills, and the general topics of leadership and communication. An important minority objected to these orientations, expressing concern that they distracted from the ultimate goal of training competent practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: Orientation to the second year of residency is common, brief, and specific. No evaluation of the value of these programs exists.

Family Practice↗