“Net effect of scoliosis surgery on gastric emptying, upper gastrointestinal symptoms, and clinical nutritional status was minimal”  according to this prospective study of 31 children: JPGN 2014; 58: 38-45.

Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC55730 was associated with reduced pulmonary exacerbations (but not improved FEV1) in 61 patients with cystic fibrosis who were enrolled in a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study over 6 months between 2007-2009 (JPGN 2014; 58: 81-86).

A retrospective chart review of seven children with Crohn disease who were treated with the specific carbohydrate diet with an average diet duration of 14.6 months showed that all symptoms resolved and laboratory studies improved or normalized.  (JPGN 2014; 58: 87-91). More studies on this diet are expected to be published soon.

Data from 200 preterm infants and 383 term infants help provide updated GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) reference values.  In preterm infants during 1st 7 days: 141 ± 89 U/L, then between days 8-28: 131 ± 85 U/L.  In term infants the values were similar 140 ±86 U/L and 145 ± 87 U/L respectively. (JPGN 2014; 58: 99-101).

And from NEJM twitter feed, Congress may allow the NRA veto power in the selection the next surgeon general: http://nej.md/1nECFlM.