Biodosimetry (USUHS)
Abstract
Biodosimetry (USUHS): For the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), this program supports applied research for advanced development of biomedical and biophysical strategies to assess health consequences from exposure to ionizing radiation. It capitalizes on findings under PE 0602787HP, Medical Technology, and from industry and academia to advance novel biological markers and delivery platforms for rapid, field-based individual dose assessment and experimental data needed to build accurate models for predicting casualties from complex injuries involving radiation and other battlefield insults. FY 2019 Accomplishments: Attained major technical advances using “automated dicentrics scoring” to enhance radiation dose assessment to include: submission of technical publication reporting on the establishment of dose-response calibration curves following exposure to three different dose rates of 60Co gamma rays; established x-ray calibration curve (i.e., 250 kvP, 0.6 Gy/min); and automated dicentrics scoring performance evaluation using well-defined blind tests samples that showed an overall scoring of 103 ± 3.8 %, which justifies use of the automated dicentrics scoring in triage dose assessments. ̶Reported on findings from inter-laboratory exercise triage (n=50 spreads) dose assessments from AFRRI and institutional collaborator from Health Canada. Preliminary findings from this exercise (INTCO6-2018) showed accurate dose predictions within 0.6 Gy of the actual dose. These findings expand AFRRI’s verified dicentrics scorers and demonstrate laboratory competence, consistent with the guidance from the relevant (International Organization for Standardization) ISO standards. Results from AFRRI’s 3-4 years’ experience participating in the inter-comparison exercises with Health Canada is being written up for publication. ̶Introduced a novel parameter, Hematological Index of Radiation Injury (HIRI), to distinguish individuals from exposure to <2 Gy vs. >2 Gy of radiation by a single CBC with differential in the early time period after a suspected exposure. Validated the HIRI algorithm using archived data from both an animal model (i.e., Macaque nonhuman primate exposed to 60Co gamma rays) and human radiation accidents. Filed an invention disclosure that was followed by the submission of a provisional patent application linking the HIRI algorithm with applications on hand-held and benchtop blood cell counters to aide first-response in triaging suspected individuals exposed to ionizing radiation. Reported research findings on MicroRNA 34a (MiR-34a) as applicable biomarker for increased expression in small intestine of mice that were exposed to mixed-field (neutrons+gamma) radiation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Source ID
- cb64c3801c88de7911ea43e2450ae9ab