[Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine [NAC] administration on prevention of noise-induced hearing loss [NIHL] in rabbit]

Oxidative stress due to free radicals formation plays an important role in noise-induced hearing loss [NIHL]. Many hypotheses have been proposed regarding the biochemical prevention of this complication. This study was performed with the purpose of determining the preventive effect of N-acetylcysteine [NAC] administration, as an antioxidant agent, on NIHL in Rabbit. In an experimental study, 24 adult white male rabbits were divided into four groups, including: 1] control, 2] noise exposure [100dB octave band noise centered at 4000Hz for 40h], 3] noise exposure plus NAC administration [325mg/kg, daily ip injection], and 4] no exposure and NAC administration. Audiometric test of rabbits was assessed by auditory brainstem response [ABR] technique in three stages. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the groups, and a p<0.05 was considered significant. The mean ABR threshold shift for the noise exposure plus NAC administration group, 1 hour after exposure at 1, 2, 4 and 8kHz frequencies were, respectively, 16.66 +/- 1.63, 21.66 +/- 1.75, 33.5 +/- 2.34, and 39.33 +/- 2.25dB. These values were significantly less than the same values in the noise exposure group. The results of this study showed that NAC can provide a proper protective effect against hearing loss resulting from noise exposure

Epidemiology of pediatric burn injuries in Isfahan, Iran

Burns are major cause of death and disability worldwide, particularly in the developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and causes of burns in children under the age of 15 years in Isfahan province, Iran. All children admitted to the burn center of Isfahan, the largest city in central Iran, between 2007 and 2009 were enrolled in this study. We analyzed the data on age, sex, location, cause and spread of the burn, duration of admission, and cause of mortality. Out of 2229 burn patients, 1014 [45.5%] were under the age of 15, indicating an annual incidence of 50 in 100,000 children. Of the 1014 patients, 610 [60%] were boys and 404 [40%] were girls; the male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1. Most of the patients were in the age range of 3 to 6 years. Scald was the most common type of burn injury [51.8%]. Six-hundred and sixty-eight cases [65.7%] were from urban areas, while 346 [34.3%] were from rural areas. Fifty-six patients [5.5%] died. Burn injury is a major health concern in the pediatric age group, and specific consideration and planning are required for its management