3D printed ventilation tubes and their effect on biological models.

BACKGROUND: Acute otitis media (AOM) causes inflammation and hearing loss. Ventilation tubes are key in treatment. 3D printing improves prostheses in otorhinolaryngology, offering precision and greater adaptability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study was conducted with Wistar rats from July to December 2020. 3D tympanostomy tube models were designed, with technical specifications and tests performed on inexpensive 3D printers. The tympanostomy tube was inserted endoscopically. RESULTS: Procedures were performed on five rats with implants in both ears. Pre-intervention pathologies, such as atical retraction and glue ear, were found. The PLA-printed tympanostomy tube showed improvement after adjustments. Histopathological results revealed significant middle and inner ear damage. CONCLUSION: In our study, the design and 3D printing of implants fulfilled the desired functions when modified, with a height of 5 mm. Complications included PLA degradation and ear damage. There were no adverse events during observation, highlighting the need for further research on 3D-printed implants.

COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on medical interns' mental health of public and private hospitals in Guadalajara.

INTRODUCTION: Burnout syndrome is a global burden characterized by exhaustion, work detachment, and a sense of ineffectiveness. It affects millions of individuals worldwide, with a particularly high prevalence among medical students. Factors such as demanding education, exposure to suffering, and the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to elevated stress levels. Addressing this issue is crucial due to its impact on well-being and health-care quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey study assessed fear of COVID-19 and burnout levels among medical student interns in hospitals in Guadalajara, Jalisco. The study used validated scales and collected data from September 2021 to September 2022. A snowball sampling method was employed and a minimum sample size of 198 participants was calculated. RESULTS: This study included 311 medical students (62.1% female and 37.9% male with a mean age of 23.51 ± 2.21 years). The majority were in their second semester of internship (60.5%) and from public hospitals (89.1%). Most students believed that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the quality of their internship (82.6%). Female students had higher personal burnout scores, while male students had higher work-related burnout scores. The mean score for fear of COVID-19 was 13.71 ± 6.28, with higher scores among women (p = 0.004) and those from public hospitals (p = 0.009). A positive weak correlation was found between COVID-19 scores and burnout subscales. CONCLUSION: Our study emphasizes the significant impact of various factors on burnout levels among medical students and health-care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prolonged exposure to COVID-19 patients, reduced staffing, and increased workload contributed to burnout, affecting well-being and quality of care. Targeted interventions and resilience-building strategies are needed to mitigate burnout and promote well-being in health-care settings.