The health of the working population is an important prerequisite for productivity. The study therefore aimed at investigating the effect of the working environment on the oculo-visual health of some sand and stone mine workers in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey involving 247 sand and stone mine workers and 250 non-mine workers was conducted between February 2010 and May 2011. Structured interview was used to obtain information on demographics, ocular protective wear use, and ocular symptoms. External ocular assessments and distance visual acuity measurements were performed. While 45.7% of mine workers used either sunglasses or safety goggles, none of non-mine workers wore safety goggles; a few (8.8%) occasionally wore sunglasses. A significant proportion (P ≤ 0.0001) of non-mine workers (59.2%) did not show ocular symptoms relative to the sand and stone miners. The vast majority (P ≤ 0.0001) of non-mine workers (75.2%) had no visible ocular findings compare to the sand and stone miners (32.4%). Among quarry workers, pterygium (24.3%), pingueculae (5.7%), inflammed eyes (18.2%), and scleral pigmentation 13.8% were significant (P ≤ 0.0001) findings which was not the case with non-mine workers. Visual acuity was however not significantly different (P > 0.05) with only approximately 5% from both categories recording moderate to very low (6/18-6/60) acuities. Although the working environment in the sand and stone mines seems to have no effect on visual acuity, it has detrimental effect on ocular structure which eventually could affect vision. Using appropriate ocular protectives and regular ocular examinations would be beneficial.

Background:Currently available therapeutic options for thromboembolic disorders are often very expensive and are associated with unfavorable side effects.Aim:To establish the anticoagulant effect and safety profile of an extract made from of the root bark of Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Schweinf.) Harms and the aerial part of Adenia cissampeloides (Planch. ex Hook.) Harms (PAE).Materials and Methods:PAE (0.5-2.0 g/L) effect on prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were evaluated on whole blood drawn from the marginal ear vein of New Zealand White rabbits. Effect of PAE (250-2000 mg/kg) on bleeding time (BT) and clotting time (CT) in Sprague-Dawley rats were also assessed. Histopathological, hematological, and liver function studies were also carried out to assess the safety for use of PAE (250-2000 mg/kg).Results:PAE had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on PT, but resulted in a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05-0.0001) in aPTT. The PAE treatment resulted in a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05-0.0001) in BT and CT in vivo compared with control. Safety studies indicated no deaths with PAE treatment with hematological and liver function tests being normal. Histological studies revealed pathological changes in the liver at a PAE treatment dose of 2000 mg/kg but all doses had no detrimental effect on kidney and stomach tissue. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level was <2000 mg/kg when given orally.Conclusion:PAE has anticoagulant effect in vitro and is safe to use at oral doses <2000 mg/kg.

The extemporaneously prepared miconazole eye drops are effective and safe to use in keratomycosis.

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