A perspective on nanomedicine: focus on cardiovascular medicine

Background: Nanomedicine refers to the application of nanotechnology to improve the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases. Although the primary application was originally in oncology, nanomedicine has witnessed substantial scientific interest and growth beyond chemotherapeutic drug development. Approach: Despite the widespread prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), limitations remain in their clinical management regardless of the major technological advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities available. In the present context, flourishing research in cardiovascular nanomedicine is expected to address the current challenges and bring about much sought for solutions to the identification and management of the progression of CVDs. Practical Implications: As the research portfolio of nanomedicine expands, it can have a significant impact on the management of CVDs, particularly atherosclerosis. Nanotechnology presents an opportunity to address the components of atherosclerotic plaque and enhance the therapeutic approaches to atherogenesis

Editorial: Global excellence in children and health

Introduction Cooperation and collaboration within and between countries is an increasingly important component of tackling and overcoming the pressing issues impacting upon children’s health and wellbeing. This Research Topic (RT) aimed to highlight advances and achievements in the health and wellbeing of children across the globe. The seven included manuscripts touched on key endemic issues of diarrhoeal illnesses, micronutrient status and child development

Optimization of water extract of Cinnamomum burmannii bark to ascertain its in vitro antidiabetic and antioxidant activities

The antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of water extract of Cinnamomum burmannii bark is well documented. This research aimed to optimize cinnamon water extraction process and verify active components instigating its in vitro antidiabetic activity. The study employed a Design Expert 7.0 program to derive factorial design and optimization conditions. The extraction step comprised of three factors (temperature, concentration and time of extraction) and two levels (low and high), with four responses observed (yield, total phenolic content, IC50DPPH antioxidant activity, and IC50 α-glucosidase inhibition). The polynomial equations revealed influence and interaction among the selected factors to the responses and obtained overlay optimization of factors to responses. The results indicated that optimal temperature, concentration, and extraction time were 98 °C, 30% and 20 min, respectively. Corresponding DPPH, α-glucosidase, TPC, and yield values were 3.45 μg/mL, 0.50 μg/mL, 259.08 μg GAE/mg of sample, 6.28%, respectively. LCMS analysis of the optimum extract confirmed typical characteristic of C. burmannii contents (coumarins, polymers of proanthocyanidins A-type and protonated heterodimer of flavan-3-ol group). The optimized water extract of C.burmannii has the potency to assist in complementary therapy to modulate diabetes mellitus