Publications by authors named "Brett Jakaitis"

Background: Repeated exposure to pediatric emergency scenarios improves technical skills, but it is unclear whether repeated exposure to specific cases affects medical decision making in varied cases.

Objective: We sought to determine whether repeated exposure to 1 scenario would translate to improved performance and decision making in varied scenarios.

Methods: Senior pediatrics residents participated in 3 scenarios with scripted debriefing.

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The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a large potential portal for multiple infectious agents to enter the human body. The GI system performs multiple functions as part of the neonate's innate immune system, providing critical defense during a vulnerable period. Multiple mechanisms and actions are enhanced by the presence of human breast milk.

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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease of prematurity with significant morbidity and mortality. Immaturity of intestinal host defenses predisposes the premature infant gut to injury. An abnormal bacterial colonization pattern with a deficiency of commensal bacteria may lead to a further breakdown of these host defense mechanisms, predisposing the infant to NEC.

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The zebrafish enteric nervous system (ENS), like those of all other vertebrate species, is principally derived from the vagal neural crest. The developmental controls that govern the specification and patterning of the ENS are not well understood. To identify genes required for the formation of the vertebrate ENS, we preformed a genetic screen in zebrafish.

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