Evaluation of inorganic elements in cat's claw teas using ICP OES and GF AAS.

The determination of Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, Pb, and Zn by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES), and Se by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS), has been carried out in dry matter and teas from 11 samples of the cat's claw plant. The accuracy and precision values were verified against GBW 07604 (Poplar leaves) certified reference material and by the recovery test. Results showed a high content of Ca in the medicinal plant studied, followed by Mg and P.

Association between Clostridium difficile infection and antimicrobial usage in a large group of English hospitals.

Aims: This study aimed to determine the association between the reduction in the number of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) cases reported by the English National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and concurrent antimicrobial use.

Methods: A retrospective ecological study for January 2005 to December 2008 was conducted using data from 26 of the 29 NHS trusts (i.e.