Application of Mixed Reality to Ultrasound-guided Femoral Arterial Cannulation During Real-time Practice in Cardiac Interventions.

Mixed reality opens interesting possibilities as it allows physicians to interact with both, the real physical and the virtual computer-generated environment and objects, in a powerful way. A mixed reality system, based in the HoloLens 2 glasses, has been developed to assist cardiologists in a quite complex interventional procedure: the ultrasound-guided femoral arterial cannulations, during real-time practice in interventional cardiology. The system is divided into two modules, the transmitter module, responsible for sending medical images to HoloLens 2 glasses, and the receiver module, hosted in the HoloLens 2, which renders those medical images, allowing the practitioner to watch and manage them in a 3D environment. The system has been successfully used, between November 2021 and August 2022, in up to 9 interventions by 2 different practitioners, in a large public hospital in central Spain. The practitioners using the system confirmed it as easy to use, reliable, real-time, reachable, and cost-effective, allowing a reduction of operating times, a better control of typical errors associated to the interventional procedure, and opening the possibility to use the medical imagery produced in ubiquitous e-learning. These strengths and opportunities were only nuanced by the risk of potential medical complications emerging from system malfunction or operator errors when using the system (e.g., unexpected momentary lag). In summary, the proposed system can be taken as a realistic proof of concept of how mixed reality technologies can support practitioners when performing interventional and surgical procedures during real-time daily practice.

Warming overrides eutrophication effects on leaf litter decomposition in stream microcosms.

Several human activities often result in increased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) inputs to running waters through runoff. Although headwater streams are less frequently affected by these inputs than downstream reaches, the joint effects of moderate eutrophication and global warming can affect the functioning of these ecosystems, which represent two thirds of total river length and thus are of major global relevance. In a microcosm study representing streams from a temperate area (northern Spain), we assessed the combined effects of increased water temperature (10.0, 12.5, and 15.0 °C) and nutrient enrichment (control, high N, high P, and high N + P concentrations) on the key process of leaf litter decomposition (mediated by microorganisms and detritivores) and associated changes in different biological compartments (leaf litter, aquatic hyphomycetes and detritivores). While warming consistently enhanced decomposition rates and associated variables (leaf litter microbial conditioning, aquatic hyphomycete sporulation rate and taxon richness, and detritivore growth and nutrient contents), effects of eutrophication were weaker and more variable: P addition inhibited decomposition, addition of N + P promoted leaf litter conditioning, and detritivore stoichiometry was affected by the addition of both nutrients separately or together. In only a few cases (variables related to detritivore performance, but not microbial performance or leaf litter decomposition) we found interactions between warming and eutrophication, which contrasts with other experiments reporting synergistic effects. Our results suggest that both stressors can importantly alter the functioning of stream ecosystems even when occurring in isolation, although non-additive effects should not be neglected and might require exploring an array of ecosystem processes (not just leaf litter decomposition) in order to be detected.

Toenail zinc as a biomarker: Relationship with sources of environmental exposure and with genetic variability in MCC-Spain study.

BACKGROUND: Toenails are commonly used as biomarkers of exposure to zinc (Zn), but there is scarce information about their relationship with sources of exposure to Zn. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the main determinants of toenail Zn, including selected sources of environmental exposure to Zn and individual genetic variability in Zn metabolism. METHODS: We determined toenail Zn by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in 3,448 general population controls from the MultiCase-Control study MCC-Spain. We assessed dietary and supplement Zn intake using food frequency questionnaires, residential proximity to Zn-emitting industries and residential topsoil Zn levels through interpolation methods. We constructed a polygenic score of genetic variability based on 81 single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes involved in Zn metabolism. Geometric mean ratios of toenail Zn across categories of each determinant were estimated from multivariate linear regression models on log-transformed toenail Zn. RESULTS: Geometric mean toenail Zn was 104.1 µg/g in men and 100.3 µg/g in women. Geometric mean toenail Zn levels were 7 % lower (95 % confidence interval 1-13 %) in men older than 69 years and those in the upper tertile of fibre intake, and 9 % higher (3-16 %) in smoking men. Women residing within 3 km from Zn-emitting industries had 4 % higher geometric mean toenail Zn levels (0-9 %). Dietary Zn intake and polygenic score were unrelated to toenail Zn. Overall, the available determinants only explained 9.3 % of toenail Zn variability in men and 4.8 % in women. DISCUSSION: Sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, diet, and environmental exposure explained little of the individual variability of toenail Zn in the study population. The available genetic variants related to Zn metabolism were not associated with toenail Zn.

Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 entry, inflammation and new therapeutics in human lung tissue cells.

The development of physiological models that reproduce SARS-CoV-2 infection in primary human cells will be instrumental to identify host-pathogen interactions and potential therapeutics. Here, using cell suspensions directly from primary human lung tissues (HLT), we have developed a rapid platform for the identification of viral targets and the expression of viral entry factors, as well as for the screening of viral entry inhibitors and anti-inflammatory compounds. The direct use of HLT cells, without long-term cell culture and in vitro differentiation approaches, preserves main immune and structural cell populations, including the most susceptible cell targets for SARS-CoV-2; alveolar type II (AT-II) cells, while maintaining the expression of proteins involved in viral infection, such as ACE2, TMPRSS2, CD147 and AXL. Further, antiviral testing of 39 drug candidates reveals a highly reproducible method, suitable for different SARS-CoV-2 variants, and provides the identification of new compounds missed by conventional systems, such as VeroE6. Using this method, we also show that interferons do not modulate ACE2 expression, and that stimulation of local inflammatory responses can be modulated by different compounds with antiviral activity. Overall, we present a relevant and rapid method for the study of SARS-CoV-2.

Whole-brain irradiation differentially modifies neurotransmitters levels and receptors in the hypothalamus and the prefrontal cortex.

BACKGROUND: Whole-brain radiotherapy is a primary treatment for brain tumors and brain metastasis, but it also induces long-term undesired effects. Since cognitive impairment can occur, research on the etiology of secondary effects has focused on the hippocampus. Often overlooked, the hypothalamus controls critical homeostatic functions, some of which are also susceptible after whole-brain radiotherapy. Therefore, using whole-brain irradiation (WBI) in a rat model, we measured neurotransmitters and receptors in the hypothalamus. The prefrontal cortex and brainstem were also analyzed since they are highly connected to the hypothalamus and its regulatory processes. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were exposed to WBI with 11 Gy (Biologically Effective Dose = 72 Gy). After 1 month, we evaluated changes in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, taurine, aspartate, glutamate, and glutamine in the hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, and brainstem according to an HPLC method. Ratios of Glutamate/GABA and Glutamine/Glutamate were calculated. Through Western Blott analysis, we measured the expression of GABAa and GABAb receptors, and NR1 and NR2A subunits of NMDA receptors. Changes were analyzed comparing results with sham controls using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: WBI with 11 Gy induced significantly lower levels of GABA, glycine, taurine, aspartate, and GABAa receptor in the hypothalamus. Also, in the hypothalamus, a higher Glutamate/GABA ratio was found after irradiation. In the prefrontal cortex, WBI induced significant increases of glutamine and glutamate, Glutamine/Glutamate ratio, and increased expression of both GABAa receptor and NMDA receptor NR1 subunit. The brainstem showed no statistically significant changes after irradiation. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that WBI can affect rat brain regions differently and opens new avenues for study. After 1 month, WBI decreases inhibitory neurotransmitters and receptors in the hypothalamus and, conversely, increases excitatory neurotransmitters and receptors in the prefrontal cortex. Increments in Glutamate/GABA in the hypothalamus and Glutamine/Glutamate in the frontal cortex indicate a neurochemical imbalance. Found changes could be related to several reported radiotherapy secondary effects, suggesting new prospects for therapeutic targets.

Green approach to the extraction of major capsaicinoids from habanero pepper using near-infrared, microwave, ultrasound and Soxhlet methods, a comparative study.

A simple method for the extraction of two major capsaicinoids from habanero peppers, using near-infrared irradiation, microwave irradiation or ultrasound as the energy source and ethanol as the solvent, was compared with Soxhlet extraction. The extraction processes were monitored by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The new processes offer better overall yields and a higher ratio of capsaicin to dihydrocapsaicin than Soxhlet extraction. The physical effect of the different energy sources on the peppers was determined using scanning electron microscopy. Extraction of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin using near-infrared irradiation, which has not been previously reported, was shown to be a simple and efficient alternative extraction procedure.

Chronic Consumption of Fructose Induces Behavioral Alterations by Increasing Orexin and Dopamine Levels in the Rat Brain.

It has been widely described that chronic intake of fructose causes metabolic alterations which can be associated with brain function impairment. In this study, we evaluated the effects of fructose intake on the sleep⁻wake cycle, locomotion, and neurochemical parameters in Wistar rats. The experimental group was fed with 10% fructose in drinking water for five weeks. After treatment, metabolic indicators were quantified in blood. Electroencephalographic recordings were used to evaluate the sleep architecture and the spectral power of frequency bands. Likewise, the locomotor activity and the concentrations of orexin A and monoamines were estimated. Our results show that fructose diet significantly increased the blood levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Fructose modified the sleep⁻wake cycle of rats, increasing the waking duration and conversely decreasing the non-rapid eye movement sleep. Furthermore, these effects were accompanied by increases of the spectral power at different frequency bands. Chronic consumption of fructose caused a slight increase in the locomotor activity as well as an increase of orexin A and dopamine levels in the hypothalamus and brainstem. Specifically, immunoreactivity for orexin A was increased in the ventral tegmental area after the intake of fructose. Our study suggests that fructose induces metabolic changes and stimulates the activity of orexinergic and dopaminergic neurons, which may be responsible for alterations of the sleep⁻wake cycle.

Enabling STD-NMR fragment screening using stabilized native GPCR: A case study of adenosine receptor.

Structural studies of integral membrane proteins have been limited by the intrinsic conformational flexibility and the need to stabilize the proteins in solution. Stabilization by mutagenesis was very successful for structural biology of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, it requires heavy protein engineering and may introduce structural deviations. Here we describe the use of specific calixarenes-based detergents for native GPCR stabilization. Wild type, full length human adenosine A2A receptor was used to exemplify the approach. We could stabilize native, glycosylated, non-aggregated and homogenous A2AR that maintained its ligand binding capacity. The benefit of the preparation for fragment screening, using the Saturation-Transfer Difference nuclear magnetic resonance (STD-NMR) experiment is reported. The binding of the agonist adenosine and the antagonist caffeine were observed and competition experiments with CGS-21680 and ZM241385 were performed, demonstrating the feasibility of the STD-based fragment screening on the native A2A receptor. Interestingly, adenosine was shown to bind a second binding site in the presence of the agonist CGS-21680 which corroborates published results obtained with molecular dynamics simulation. Fragment-like compounds identified using STD-NMR showed antagonistic effects on A2AR in the cAMP cellular assay. Taken together, our study shows that stabilization of native GPCRs represents an attractive approach for STD-based fragment screening and drug design.

Síndrome de vasoconstricción cerebral reversible tras abandono de hábito tabáquico y tratamiento con bupropión / Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome following smoking cessation and treatment with bupropion

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Performance predictors of motor imagery brain-computer interface based on spatial abilities for upper limb rehabilitation.

Motor Imagery based BCIs (MI-BCIs) allow the control of devices and communication by imagining different mental tasks. Despite many years of research, BCIs are still not the most accurate systems to control applications, due to two main factors: signal processing with classification, and users. It is admitted that BCI control involves certain characteristics and abilities in its users for optimal results. In this study, spatial abilities are evaluated in relation to MI-BCI control regarding flexion and extension mental tasks. Results show considerable correlation (r=0.49) between block design test (visual motor execution and spatial visualization) and extension-rest tasks. Additionally, rotation test (mental rotation task) presents significant correlation (r=0.56) to flexion-rest tasks.

Riparian plant litter quality increases with latitude.

Plant litter represents a major basal resource in streams, where its decomposition is partly regulated by litter traits. Litter-trait variation may determine the latitudinal gradient in decomposition in streams, which is mainly microbial in the tropics and detritivore-mediated at high latitudes. However, this hypothesis remains untested, as we lack information on large-scale trait variation for riparian litter. Variation cannot easily be inferred from existing leaf-trait databases, since nutrient resorption can cause traits of litter and green leaves to diverge. Here we present the first global-scale assessment of riparian litter quality by determining latitudinal variation (spanning 107°) in litter traits (nutrient concentrations; physical and chemical defences) of 151 species from 24 regions and their relationships with environmental factors and phylogeny. We hypothesized that litter quality would increase with latitude (despite variation within regions) and traits would be correlated to produce 'syndromes' resulting from phylogeny and environmental variation. We found lower litter quality and higher nitrogen:phosphorus ratios in the tropics. Traits were linked but showed no phylogenetic signal, suggesting that syndromes were environmentally determined. Poorer litter quality and greater phosphorus limitation towards the equator may restrict detritivore-mediated decomposition, contributing to the predominance of microbial decomposers in tropical streams.

Suplementación con vitamina D en las edades pediátricas / Supplementation with vitamin D in children

Introducción: el sol constituye la fuente principal de vitamina D, las últimas décadas se han caracterizado por una menor exposición al sol de la población general, lo cual ha posibilitado que el déficit de vitamina D reaparezca como un problema de salud mundial. Esta situación ha generado grandes controversias internacionales sobre el uso de suplementos de vitamina D en la edad pediátrica. Objetivo: reflexionar sobre las recomendaciones internacionales de suplementación con vitamina D en las edades pediátricas, ajustándolas al contexto cubano. Método: revisión documental. Se utilizaron motores de búsqueda (Google Académico, Springer Link, Microsoft Academic y SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online), y se emplearon las bases de datos disponibles en la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud, se revisaron evidencias científicas y se realizaron recomendaciones basadas en las mismas. Conclusiones: existen factores que llevan implícito un incremento del riesgo potencial de déficit de vitamina D. En Cuba se destacan la actualización de las medidas de fotoprotección para las edades pediátricas, la prevalencia de fototipos altos y el incremento de la obesidad en la población infantil. Se realizaron 9 recomendaciones para garantizar un aporte adecuado de vitamina D a los niños y adolescentes cubanos, el equivalente a 400 UI de vitamina D para menores de un año y 600 UI para los mayores de esa edad que pertenezcan a grupos de riesgo para esta hipovitaminosis(AU)

Introduction: The sun is the main source of vitamin D. The last decades have been characterized by a lower exposure to the sun by the general population, what has caused the recurrence of vitamin D deficit as a world health problem. This situation has given rise to international controversies on the use of vitamin D supplements in children. Objective: To reflect on the international recommendations about the use of vitamin D supplements in children, meeting the Cuban context. Method: A bibliographic review was carried out, using the search engines Scholar Google, Springer Link, Microsoft Academic and SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online, as well as databases available at the Health Virtual Library. Scientific evidences were checked and recommendations based on them were made. Conclusions: There are factors that have an implicit increasing risk of vitamin D deficit. In Cuba some important features stand out, as the updating of photoprotection in children, the prevalence of high phototypes and the increase of obesity in the child population. Nine recommendations were carried out to guarantee an adequate contribution of vitamin D to the Cuban children and adolescents, an equivalent of 400 IU of vitamin D for children younger tan one year and 600 IU for the older ones who belong to risk groups for this type of hypovitaminosis(AU)

Suplementación con vitamina D en las edades pediátricas / Supplementation with vitamin D in children

Introducción: el sol constituye la fuente principal de vitamina D, las últimas décadas se han caracterizado por una menor exposición al sol de la población general, lo cual ha posibilitado que el déficit de vitamina D reaparezca como un problema de salud mundial. Esta situación ha generado grandes controversias internacionales sobre el uso de suplementos de vitamina D en la edad pediátrica. Objetivo: reflexionar sobre las recomendaciones internacionales de suplementación con vitamina D en las edades pediátricas, ajustándolas al contexto cubano. Método: revisión documental. Se utilizaron motores de búsqueda (Google Académico, Springer Link, Microsoft Academic y SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online), y se emplearon las bases de datos disponibles en la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud, se revisaron evidencias científicas y se realizaron recomendaciones basadas en las mismas. Conclusiones: existen factores que llevan implícito un incremento del riesgo potencial de déficit de vitamina D. En Cuba se destacan la actualización de las medidas de fotoprotección para las edades pediátricas, la prevalencia de fototipos altos y el incremento de la obesidad en la población infantil. Se realizaron 9 recomendaciones para garantizar un aporte adecuado de vitamina D a los niños y adolescentes cubanos, el equivalente a 400 UI de vitamina D para menores de un año y 600 UI para los mayores de esa edad que pertenezcan a grupos de riesgo para esta hipovitaminosis(AU)

Introduction: The sun is the main source of vitamin D. The last decades have been characterized by a lower exposure to the sun by the general population, what has caused the recurrence of vitamin D deficit as a world health problem. This situation has given rise to international controversies on the use of vitamin D supplements in children. Objective: To reflect on the international recommendations about the use of vitamin D supplements in children, meeting the Cuban context. Method: A bibliographic review was carried out, using the search engines Scholar Google, Springer Link, Microsoft Academic and SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online, as well as databases available at the Health Virtual Library. Scientific evidences were checked and recommendations based on them were made. Conclusions: There are factors that have an implicit increasing risk of vitamin D deficit. In Cuba some important features stand out, as the updating of photoprotection in children, the prevalence of high phototypes and the increase of obesity in the child population. Nine recommendations were carried out to guarantee an adequate contribution of vitamin D to the Cuban children and adolescents, an equivalent of 400 IU of vitamin D for children younger tan one year and 600 IU for the older ones who belong to risk groups for this type of hypovitaminosis(AU)

Maraviroc and reverse transcriptase inhibitors combinations as potential preexposure prophylaxis candidates.

OBJECTIVE: Receptive anal intercourse in both men and women is associated with the highest probability for sexual acquisition of HIV infection. As part of a program to develop an effective prevention strategy, we performed an ex-vivo preclinical evaluation to determine the efficacy of multiple double combinations of maraviroc (MVC) and reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs). DESIGN: The entry inhibitor, MVC, a nucleotide RTI, tenofovir and two non-nucleoside RTIs, UC781 and TMC120 (dapivirine, DPV), were used in double, combinations against a panel of CCR5-using clade B and clade C HIV-1 isolates and against MVC-escape variants. A gel-formulated version of MVC-DPV combination was also tested. METHODS: Indicator cells, cocultures of immature dendritic cells with CD4T cells, and colorectal tissue explants were used to assess antiviral activity of drug combinations. RESULTS: All dual MVC-RTI combinations tested inhibited MVC-sensitive and resistant isolates in cellular and colorectal explants models. All the combinations were positive with no reduction in the activity of MVC. In tissue explants, the combinations against all viral isolates tested produced an increase in the activity of MVC. An initial gel-formulation of MVC-DPV combination showed greater and prolonged antiviral activity of MVC in mucosal tissue explants. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that combinations based on antiretroviral drugs inhibiting HIV transmission at viral entry and reverse transcription have potential as prevention strategies against colorectal transmission of HIV-1 including MVC-resistant isolates. Preclinical evaluation with colorectal tissue explants indicates that a gel-formulation of MVC-DPV is an effective candidate colorectal microbicide.

From Wearable Sensors to Smart Implants--Toward Pervasive and Personalized Healthcare.

OBJECTIVE: This paper discusses the evolution of pervasive healthcare from its inception for activity recognition using wearable sensors to the future of sensing implant deployment and data processing. METHODS: We provide an overview of some of the past milestones and recent developments, categorized into different generations of pervasive sensing applications for health monitoring. This is followed by a review on recent technological advances that have allowed unobtrusive continuous sensing combined with diverse technologies to reshape the clinical workflow for both acute and chronic disease management. We discuss the opportunities of pervasive health monitoring through data linkages with other health informatics systems including the mining of health records, clinical trial databases, multiomics data integration, and social media. CONCLUSION: Technical advances have supported the evolution of the pervasive health paradigm toward preventative, predictive, personalized, and participatory medicine. SIGNIFICANCE: The sensing technologies discussed in this paper and their future evolution will play a key role in realizing the goal of sustainable healthcare systems.

Whole-brain irradiation increases NREM sleep and hypothalamic expression of IL-1ß in rats.

PURPOSE: Although it has mainly been described qualitatively, whole brain irradiation induces somnolence in patients with malignant diseases. Therefore, we used a rat model to quantify the effects of irradiation of healthy brain tissue on both sleep-wake patterns and the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), which is known to induce sleep. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different groups were examined at three time points after irradiation (1 day, 30 days and 60 days). Polysomnographic recordings were performed on each rat before and after total cranial irradiation (12 Gy). IL-1ß protein levels in several brain regions were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and site-specific immunoreactivity was observed by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: We found that both non-rapid eye movement sleep and IL-1ß protein expression in the hypothalamus increased 30 days after irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: Whole brain irradiation increases sleep in our rat model, and this finding is similar to qualitative reports from patients. Because IL-1ß has been proposed as a sleep-promoting molecule, we propose that the polysomnographic results may be attributable, at least in part, to the delayed overexpression of IL-1ß in the hypothalamus.

Designing antimicrobial bioactive glass materials with embedded metal ions synthesized by the sol-gel method.

Bioactive glasses (SiO2-P2O5-CaO) having tailored concentrations of different biocide metal ions (copper or silver) were produced by the sol-gel method. All the particles release phosphorous ions when immersed in water and simulated body fluid (SBF). Moreover, a surface layer of polycrystalline hydroxy-carbonate apatite was formed on the particle surfaces after 10 day immersion in SBF as confirmed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showing the bioactive materials. Samples with embedded either copper or silver ions were able to further release the biocide ions with a release rate that depends on the metal embedded and the dissolution medium: water or SBF. This biocide ion release from the samples explains the antimicrobial effect of our active particles against Escherichia coli DH5α ampicillin-resistant (Gram-negative) and Streptococcus mutans (Gram-positive) as determined by the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) method. The antimicrobial behavior of the particles depends on the bacteria and the biocide ion used. Noteworthy, although samples with copper are able to release more metal ion than samples with silver, they present higher MBC showing the high effect of silver against these bacteria.

Screening for polyphenols, antioxidant and antimicrobial activitiesof extracts from eleven Helianthemum taxa (Cistaceae) used in folk medicine in south-eastern Spain.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Helianthemum genus contains approximately one hundred taxa. Some of them are important medicinal plants used in several countries for many different purposes. However, studies addressing the phytochemistry of many of these species or their biological activities are currently nonexistent. AIM OF THE STUDY: To perform a comparative analysis of the qualitative composition of secondary metabolites and biological activities of the leaves of the most commonly distributed and used Spanish Helianthemum taxa in order to find a relationship between chemotype, biological activity and uses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: water and 80% methanolic extracts derived from 11 different Helianthemum taxa were analyzed for their phytochemical composition using standard methods. Furthermore, HPLC analysis was performed for the estimation of gallic acid, ellagic acid, tannins and flavonols as marker compounds. The antioxidant activity was measured by employing the scavenging activity on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radicals. The 80% methanolic extracts were evaluated for antibacterial (Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes and Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica) activity using the micro dilution technique. RESULTS: The total polyphenolic content and antioxidant capabilities differed significantly among the Helianthemum leaf extracts. A strong correlation between total phenolic content, antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity was found. The polyphenolic profile was specific for each taxon. Whereas Helianthemum alypoides, Helianthemum cinereum subsp. rotundifolium, Helianthemum hirtum, Helianthemum asperum, and Helianthemum marifolium subsp. marifolium were characterized by the presence of gallic acid, egallic derivatives and ellagitannins; the polyphenolic profile of Helianthemum apenninum subsp. cavanillesianum, Helianthemum syriacum and Helianthemum polygonoides was mostly based on flavonoids. Helianthemum cinereum, Helianthemum alypoides and Helianthemum marifolium consistently presented the strongest radical scavenging activity (in water extracts EC50 ranges from 29.88 to 38.1 against DPPH and from 8.11 to 20.8 against ABTS, and in 80% MeOH extracts from 25.3 to 31.8 against DPPH and from 6.15 to 8.6 against ABTS), total phenol content (>117mg GAE/l) and antimicrobial activities. CONCLUSION: The Helianthemum taxa used in folk medicine did not cluster in a unique section, being equally distributed in two out of the four sections analysed. There was not a clear relationship between the chemotype, based on the polyphenolic composition of the taxa, and their taxonomical classification. However, the composition of the methanolic and water extracts from the leaves of plants belonging to the Helianthemum genus was strongly related to their medicinal uses.