Emerging Infectious Diseases Are Virulent Viruses-Are We Prepared? An Overview

The recent pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 affected the global population, resulting in a significant loss of lives and global economic deterioration. COVID-19 highlighted the importance of public awareness and science-based decision making, and exposed global vulnerabilities in preparedness and response systems. Emerging and re-emerging viral outbreaks are becoming more frequent due to increased international travel and global warming. These viral outbreaks impose serious public health threats and have transformed national strategies for pandemic preparedness with global economic consequences. At the molecular level, viral mutations and variations are constantly thwarting vaccine efficacy, as well as diagnostic, therapeutic, and prevention strategies. Here, we discuss viral infectious diseases that were epidemic and pandemic, currently available treatments, and surveillance measures, along with their limitations.

Simple and rapid high-pressure liquid chromatographic determination of papaverine in plasma

A rapid and sensitive high-pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay is described for the quantification of papaverine in plasma. A paired-ion, reversed-phase system was employed with detection at 254 nm. This procedure yielded reproducible results with a sensitivity of 2 ng/ml. Total extraction and quantification time was less than 1 hr. The suitability of this procedure for plasma sample analysis from a bioavailability study was demonstrated.