Publications by authors named "M Carmen Ochoa"
Significance: Fluorescence sensing within tissue is an effective tool for tissue characterization; however, the modality and geometry of the image acquisition can alter the observed signal.
Aim: We introduce a novel optical fiber-based system capable of measuring two fluorescent contrast agents through 2 cm of tissue with simple passive electronic switching between the excitation light, simultaneously acquiring fluorescence and excitation data. The goal was to quantify indocyanine green (ICG) and protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) within tissue, and the sampling method was compared with wide-field surface imaging to contrast the value of deep sensing versus surface imaging.
Existing parenteral SARS-CoV-2 vaccines produce only limited mucosal responses, essential for reducing transmission and achieving sterilizing immunity. Appropriately designed mucosal boosters can overcome the shortcomings of parenteral vaccines and enhance pre-existing systemic immunity. Here, a new protein subunit nanovaccine is developed by utilizing dual-adjuvanted (RIG-I: PUUC RNA and TLR-9: CpG DNA) polysaccharide-amino acid-lipid nanoparticles (PAL-NPs) along with SARS-CoV-2 S1 trimer protein, that can be delivered both intramuscularly (IM) and intranasally (IN) to generate balanced mucosal-systemic SARS-CoV-2 immunity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Advances in surface architecture and technology have made interbody fusion devices more bioactive, with the hope of facilitating the fusion process more successfully. The advent of these increasingly bioactive implants may reduce reliance on more expensive biologics that have previously been used to achieve high fusion rates.
Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data (August 2018-December 2019) was conducted of consecutively performed anterior lumbar interbody fusions in which an acid-etched, nanosurface-modulated, titanium interbody device packed only with corticocancellous allograft chips and local blood was used.
Article Synopsis
- - Fluorescence guidance in surgery improves the visibility of blood flow and tissue oxygen levels using a technique called Pressure-enhanced sensing of tissue oxygenation (PRESTO), which utilizes the FDA-approved compound 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA).
- - ALA is metabolized into protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), producing both immediate and delayed fluorescence signals that signify tissue oxygen shortage, with the delayed signal becoming more pronounced under low oxygen conditions.
- - The study found that applying pressure during palpation creates a temporary reduction in blood flow, enhancing PRESTO contrast, particularly in tumor tissues, which highlights a new method for real-time imaging of tissue responses related to chronic hypoxia, useful in