On-line HPLC-UV/Nano-TiO2-ICPMS system for the determination of inorganic selenium species.

We have developed an UV/nano-TiO2 vapor generation (VG) device that when coupled between a chromatographic column and an ICP mass spectrometer provides a simple and sensitive hyphenated method for the determination of Se(IV) and Se(VI) without the need to use conventional chemical VG techniques. Because our proposed VG device allows both Se(IV) and Se(VI) species in the column effluent to be converted on-line into volatile Se products, which are then measured directly by the ICPMS, the safety risks and the probability of contamination arising from the use of additional chemicals are both low. To achieve the maximum signal intensity, we optimized a number of the operating parameters of the UV/nano-TiO2 VG device, including the acidity, the amounts of TiO2 and formic acid, and the length of the reaction coil, with respect to their effects on the reduction efficiency of the analyte species. This hyphenated method achieves excellent detection limits-0.06 and 0.03 ng mL(-1) for Se(IV) and Se(VI), respectively-because of the high efficiencies of the conversions of Se(IV) and Se(VI) to their respective volatile products and the lower blank level achieved, relative to those of other traditional systems. In addition, because the conversion efficiency of the analyte selenium species reached its maximum level within 36 s of irradiation, the working time (approximately 12 min) was limited primarily by time required for the chromatographic separation. A series of validation experiments-analysis of the 1643e Standard Reference Material and natural water samples-indicated that our proposed methods can be applied satisfactorily to the determination of inorganic selenium species in water samples.

Combination regimen in the treatment of chronic prostatitis.

The aim of the study was to report our experiences in the treatment of chronic prostatitis using combination regimen including ciprofloxacin, doxazosin, allopurinol and biofeedback perineal massage. From May 2003 to April 2004, 7 patients with NIH Category II-chronic bacterial prostatitis and 7 patients with NIH Category IIIA-inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome were treated. The NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) was scored by the patient before and after the treatment, 6 months later. In Category II patients, the bacterial eradication rate was 71% after ciprofloxacin treatment during a follow-up of 6 months. The beneficial response rate to allopurinol, doxazosin and biofeedback perineal massage was 50%, 42% and 85%, respectively. In NIH Category IIIA patients, the individual beneficial response rate to ciprofloxacin, allopurinol, doxazosin and biofeedback perineal massage was 57%, 100%, 71% and 100%, respectively. Comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment results of the combination regimen, there was a statistically significant improvement in the 3 domains of pain score, urinary symptoms and quality of life impact of the NIH-CPSI. Combination regimen including ciprofloxacin, doxazosin allopurinol and biofeedback perineal massage in the treatment of chronic prostatitis is a safe and effective modality in our limited experience.