Scoping Review of literature on Ground-Based Models of whole-body Cosmic Radiaton exposure in rodents.
Madalina Patron, MSc (Thesis) - Dental Science - MS1,Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Science, Shriners Hospital for Children Canada
Keywords: Cosmic Radiation, Rodent, Whole-Body Exposure, Ground-Based Model
Background: As we set new ambitions for space exploration, notably puting man on Mars, understanding the risk posed to human health is paramount to achieve such extraordinary missions. Despite cosmic radiation being identified as a main concern, limited data is avaialble on its effects due to technical challenges and small population samples. To expand on available knowledge and facilitate coordination for future research, this review was undertaken to comprehensively examine our existing data, methods and gaps in terrestrial analogs for cosmic radiation. Specifically, this review focuses on indentifying the key literature exploring the effects of cosmic radiation via-ground based models in rodents.
Methods: Using MEDLINE OVID as the primary database for article retrieval, a comprehensive framework was developed to both search, identify and label relevant papers in Covidence. Key variables such as rodent species, radiation type and major organ system affected were retrieved from pertinent articles. Post extraction, citation and reference checks were conducted using Litmaps to indentify thematic clusters but also to supplement article retrieval if known relevant authors and research groups were not present.
Results: The findings reveal varied terminologies employed by research groups within their respective physiological subgroup such that multiple keywords referring to cosmic radiation are needed to ensure complete retrieval. Furthermore, certain organ systems are preffered for tumorigenisis studies leaving them with lackluster data on non-cancerous systemic effects. Lastly, as diverse protocols have been employed to simulate space radiation, the need to revisit the available data has been highlighted in order to systematically synthesize and contextualize findinds appropriately.
Conclusions: By systematically clustering and labeling the available literature, this review aids in both the categorization and accessability of important data. Given the limitations of available data on space physiology, this review aids in improving open data repositories maintaned by NASA such that a broader community can engage in relevant research, facilitating both prospective studies as well as retrospective analyses.