Horst Romm

Bio: Horst Romm is an academic researcher from Institut de radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire. The author has contributed to research in topics: Biodosimetry & Population. The author has an hindex of 24, co-authored 44 publications receiving 1794 citations.

Review of retrospective dosimetry techniques for external ionising radiation exposures

Abstract: The current focus on networking and mutual assistance in the management of radiation accidents or incidents has demonstrated the importance of a joined-up approach in physical and biological dosimetry. To this end, the European Radiation Dosimetry Working Group 10 on 'Retrospective Dosimetry' has been set up by individuals from a wide range of disciplines across Europe. Here, established and emerging dosimetry methods are reviewed, which can be used immediately and retrospectively following external ionising radiation exposure. Endpoints and assays include dicentrics, translocations, premature chromosome condensation, micronuclei, somatic mutations, gene expression, electron paramagnetic resonance, thermoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence, neutron activation, haematology, protein biomarkers and analytical dose reconstruction. Individual characteristics of these techniques, their limitations and potential for further development are reviewed, and their usefulness in specific exposure scenarios is discussed. Whilst no single technique fulfils the criteria of an ideal dosemeter, an integrated approach using multiple techniques tailored to the exposure scenario can cover most requirements.

Comparison of Established and Emerging Biodosimetry Assays

Abstract: Rapid biodosimetry tools are required to assist with triage in the case of a large-scale radiation incident. Here, we aimed to determine the dose-assessment accuracy of the well-established dicentric chromosome assay (DCA) and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) in comparison to the emerging γ-H2AX foci and gene expression assays for triage mode biodosimetry and radiation injury assessment. Coded blood samples exposed to 10 X-ray doses (240 kVp, 1 Gy/min) of up to 6.4 Gy were sent to participants for dose estimation. Report times were documented for each laboratory and assay. The mean absolute difference (MAD) of estimated doses relative to the true doses was calculated. We also merged doses into binary dose categories of clinical relevance and examined accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the assays. Dose estimates were reported by the first laboratories within 0.3–0.4 days of receipt of samples for the γ-H2AX and gene expression assays compared to 2.4 and 4 days for the DCA and CBMN assays, ...

Interlaboratory Comparison of the Dicentric Chromosome Assay for Radiation Biodosimetry in Mass Casualty Events

Abstract: Wilkins, R. C., Romm, H., Kao, T-C., Awa, A. A., Yoshida, M. A., Livingston, G. K., Jenkins, M. S., Oestreicher, U., Pellmar, T. C. and Prasanna, P. G. S. Interlaboratory Comparison of the Dicentric Chromosome Assay for Radiation Biodosimetry in Mass Casualty Events. Radiat. Res. 169, 551–560 (2008). This interlaboratory comparison validates the dicentric chromosome assay for assessing radiation dose in mass casualty accidents and identifies the advantages and limitations of an international biodosimetry network. The assay's validity and accuracy were determined among five laboratories following the International Organization for Standardization guidelines. Blood samples irradiated at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute were shipped to all laboratories, which constructed individual radiation calibration curves and assessed the dose to dose-blinded samples. Each laboratory constructed a dose–effect calibration curve for the yield of dicentrics for 60Co γ rays in the 0 to 5-Gy range, u...

WHO 1st consultation on the development of a global biodosimetry laboratories network for radiation emergencies (BioDoseNet).

Abstract: Blakely, W. F., Carr, Z., Chu, M. C-M., Dayal-Drager, R., Fujimoto, K., Hopmeir, M., Kulka, U., Lillis-Hearne, P., Livingston, G. K., Lloyd, D. C., Maznyk, N., Perez, M. D. R., Romm, H., Takashima, Y., Voisin, P., Wilkins, R. C. and Yoshida, M. A. WHO 1st Consultation on the Development of a Global Biodosimetry Laboratories Network for Radiation Emergencies (BioDoseNet). Radiat. Res. 171, 127–139 (2009). The World Health Organization (WHO) held a consultation meeting at WHO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland, December 17–18, 2007, to develop the framework for a global biodosimetry network. The WHO network is envisioned to enable dose assessment using multiple methods [cytogenetics, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), radionuclide bioassays, etc.]; however, the initial discussion focused on the cytogenetic bioassay (i.e., metaphase-spread dicentric assay). Few regional cytogenetic biodosimetry networks have been established so far. The roles and resources available from United Nations (UN) agenc...

Review of translocations detected by FISH for retrospective biological dosimetry applications

Abstract: Several European laboratories have combined their research efforts to arrive at a consensus view on using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) for retrospective dosimetry. The aim of this review is to report these views and to highlight some areas where further work is needed. Translocations in the stable cells should be measured only in the cells that contain the full complement of the painted material. Two-way and one-way translocations should be combined with equal weight. The control level of translocations has a strong dependence on age, which has now been measured and the system has been calibrated. In conclusion, the technique works and a lifetime dose to the bone marrow from low-linear energy transfer radiation of 0.5 Gy above normal background levels can be measured for any individual. The main application is considered to provide an independent verification of lifetime doses to individuals who might form a part of an epidemiological study.

Федеральное государственное бюджетное учреждение «Научно-исследовательский институт комплексных проблем сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний» Сибирского отделения Российской академии медицинских наук, Кемерово, Россия

Abstract: Results. The incidence rate of significant non-cardiac occlusive stenotic lesions in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), who had to undergo CABG, was 15,84 %. Simultaneous revascularization of coronary and non-coronary arteries was performed in 2,46 % of patients with CAD and PolyVD and multi-stage surgical proced ures were chosen in other cases. Conclusions. The outcomes of CAD surgical treatment were improved in this group of patients due to the implementation of a mul-

Review of retrospective dosimetry techniques for external ionising radiation exposures

Abstract: The current focus on networking and mutual assistance in the management of radiation accidents or incidents has demonstrated the importance of a joined-up approach in physical and biological dosimetry. To this end, the European Radiation Dosimetry Working Group 10 on 'Retrospective Dosimetry' has been set up by individuals from a wide range of disciplines across Europe. Here, established and emerging dosimetry methods are reviewed, which can be used immediately and retrospectively following external ionising radiation exposure. Endpoints and assays include dicentrics, translocations, premature chromosome condensation, micronuclei, somatic mutations, gene expression, electron paramagnetic resonance, thermoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence, neutron activation, haematology, protein biomarkers and analytical dose reconstruction. Individual characteristics of these techniques, their limitations and potential for further development are reviewed, and their usefulness in specific exposure scenarios is discussed. Whilst no single technique fulfils the criteria of an ideal dosemeter, an integrated approach using multiple techniques tailored to the exposure scenario can cover most requirements.

DNA damage foci: Meaning and significance

Abstract: The discovery of DNA damage response proteins such as γH2AX, ATM, 53BP1, RAD51, and the MRE11/RAD50/NBS1 complex, that accumulate and/or are modified in the vicinity of a chromosomal DNA double-strand break to form microscopically visible, subnuclear foci, has revolutionized the detection of these lesions and has enabled studies of the cellular machinery that contributes to their repair. Double-strand breaks are induced directly by a number of physical and chemical agents, including ionizing radiation and radiomimetic drugs, but can also arise as secondary lesions during replication and DNA repair following exposure to a wide range of genotoxins. Here we aim to review the biological meaning and significance of DNA damage foci, looking specifically at a range of different settings in which such markers of DNA damage and repair are being studied and interpreted.

Mitigating the risk of radiation-induced cancers: limitations and paradigms in drug development

Abstract: The United States radiation medical countermeasures (MCM) programme for radiological and nuclear incidents has been focusing on developing mitigators for the acute radiation syndrome (ARS) and delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE), and biodosimetry technologies to provide radiation dose assessments for guiding treatment. Because a nuclear accident or terrorist incident could potentially expose a large number of people to low to moderate doses of ionising radiation, and thus increase their excess lifetime cancer risk, there is an interest in developing mitigators for this purpose. This article discusses the current status, issues, and challenges regarding development of mitigators against radiation-induced cancers. The challenges of developing mitigators for ARS include: the long latency between exposure and cancer manifestation, limitations of animal models, potential side effects of the mitigator itself, potential need for long-term use, the complexity of human trials to demonstrate effectiveness, and statistical power constraints for measuring health risks (and reduction of health risks after mitigation) following relatively low radiation doses (<0.75 Gy). Nevertheless, progress in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms resulting in radiation injury, along with parallel progress in dose assessment technologies, make this an opportune, if not critical, time to invest in research strategies that result in the development of agents to lower the risk of radiation-induced cancers for populations that survive a significant radiation exposure incident.

Leukocyte DNA Damage after Multi–Detector Row CT: A Quantitative Biomarker of Low-Level Radiation Exposure

Abstract: Purpose: To prospectively determine if γH2AX (phosphorylated form of H2AX histone variant)-based visualization and quantification of DNA damage induced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can be used to estimate the radiation dose received by adult patients who undergo multidetector computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: After institutional review board approval and written informed patient consent were obtained, eight women and five men (mean age, 63.8 years) who would be undergoing chest-abdominal-pelvic CT or chest CT only were recruited. Venous blood samples obtained before scanning were exposed to different radiation doses in vitro and incubated for 5–30 minutes to obtain reference values of γH2AX focus yield. Additional blood samples were taken 5–30 minutes after CT. Leukocytes were isolated, fixed, and stained for γH2AX expression. The γH2AX focus yields were determined with fluorescence microscopy, and the radiation doses delivered during CT were estimated by comparing post-CT ...