Background: Peperomia pellucida, locally known in the Philippines as pansit-pansitan, is an annual herb with many ethnomedicinal properties. Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the antihypercholesterolemic property of P. pellucida methanolic extract (PPME) through measurement of its effects on total blood cholesterol level and liver histology of hypercholesterolemic rats. Methodology: Thirty experimental male rats were divided into six groups: Group I was fed with standard diet; Group II was fed with High Cholesterol Diet (HCD) only; Groups III, IV and V were fed with HCD and treated with PPME at 200, 400 and 800 mg kg-1 bwt respectively; Group VI was fed with HCD and treated with atorvastatin; and, Group 7 was fed with 400mg/kg PPME. Total Blood Cholesterol (TBC) levels were monitored, liver histology was analysed, and results were compared with the control and atorvastatin-treated group. Results: Administration of different doses of PPME in hypercholesterolemic rats significantly reduced total blood cholesterol similar to Atorvastatin, a known anticholesterolemic drug. Furthermore, PPME particularly at a concentration of 400mg kg-1 bwt was effective in ameliorating liver damages induced by high cholesterol diet as shown by qualitative and quantitative histological assessment. Conclusion This investigation suggests that PPME at a concentration of 400 mg/kg bwt is a potential antihypercholesterolemic agent. Further studies have to be taken to better the understanding on the mechanisms of actions of PPME on how it modulates liver damage in hypercholesterolemic conditions.
Liver ; Histology

BACKGROUND: Instrumented posterior cervical spine surgery (IPCSS) can be conducted using screws inserted through the pedicles of the vertebra. A safe IPCSS method uses 3D-printing to produce templates that will serve as drill guides for screw placement. OBJECTIVES: This study describes the generation of 3D-printed drill guides using low-cost general purpose 3D modeling software and the comparison of screw insertion accuracy scores against the traditional landmark method and guides created using commercial grade software. METHODS: Twenty-five (25) subaxial pedicles of five cadaveric spines were selected and scanned using computed tomography (CT). A digital reconstruction of the five cadaveric spines were created based on the CT DICOM data. A low-cost 3D modeling software, Rhinoceros 3D, was utilized for trajectory planning and generation of a patientspecific drill template using the digital reconstruction. The templates were then fabricated in ABS plastic using a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer. Insertion of cervical pedicle screws on the cadaveric spines was done by an orthopedic resident using the 3D printed guides. Postoperative CT scans were obtained, and placement accuracy of the screws were scored by two assessors utilizing a four-point rating system. Screws in correct placement were scored Grade 0 while misplaced screws with neurovascular damage were given a score of Grade 3. RESULTS: Accuracy scores for the 3D-printed drill guides were 52% for assessor 1 and 44% for assessor 2. For assessor 1, screw placement in C3, C6, and C7 received the highest scores. For assessor 2, the highest scores were achieved in C3 and C7. The hybrid method of Bundoc et al. achieved scores of 94% while 3D printed guides utilizing commercial software like Materialise Mimics, Geomagic Freeform, or UG Imageware achieved scores of 80-100%. The traditional landmark method had scores ranging from 12% to 94% depending on the skill of the surgeon. CONCLUSION Commercial medical 3D image-based engineering software has high acquisition costs that might be beyond the reach of most institutions. A sub-$1000 general purpose 3D modeling software can be used to create drill templates. Several factors were identified in the design and fabrication of the template that can be addressed to increase accuracy. Trajectory planning can also be improved by automating the process. The researchers recommend further studies in these areas specially in the context of developing 3D printing as a support service for surgical operations in the Philippines.