Biodosimetry (USUHS)
Abstract
For the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), the mission and research objectives for biodosimetry are to assess radiation exposure by developing and providing biological and biophysical dosimetry capabilities for acute, protracted, and prior radiation exposures for all relevant military applications. FY 2019 Accomplishments: - Reported on a proteomic algorithm to predict hematological acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) severity using a baboon radiation model; these findings support the utility of point-of-care proteomic devices to triage radiation casualties identifying individuals at risk of life-threatening exposures and requiring immediate medical treatment. ̶- Initiated studies to expose blood lymphocytes to LINAC electrons in lieu of fission neutrons. - Evaluated the utility of length ratio of chromosomes using automated scoring as an endpoint using the premature chromosome condensation (PCC) assay to rapidly assess the radiation dose and fraction of the body exposed. ̶- Continued efforts to apply centromeric sequence protein nucleic acid (PNA) probes to identify dicentric chromosomes using the PCC assay. ̶- Reported findings demonstrating differential effects of mixed-field (i.e., 5.5 neutrons to gamma rays) vs. gamma rays on hematology blood count changes following exposure to radiation. Established a consensus baboon radiation database using mixed field and gamma ray exposure for H-ARS severity. Developed an algorithm to predict H-ARS severity based on blood cell count changes, independent of whether exposures were from mixed-field or gamma rays only. These results support the concept to employ H-ARS severity assessment using blood cell counts to assess radiation exposure following nuclear incident. - Completed experimental studies on effects of low-to-moderate doses of gamma radiation on mouse hematopoietic system. - Demonstrated that 0.5 Gy of total-body γ-irradiation (TBI) is a threshold dose for hematopoietic and immune system injury in CD2F1 mice. - Developed a novel method to measure radiation-induced DNA damage in cells using long range quantitative PCR. - Demonstrated that IL-18 is a useful radiation biomarker for radiation injury.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Source ID
- e1d011f7a473fa01e02a227e1e914aa5