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Abstract Background Botulinum toxin type A is currently strongly recommended for the treatment of anal fissures (AFs). However, there is still no consensus on dosage or injection technique. This study provides further efficacy and safety evidence in a 2-year follow-up. Method Prospective, open-label, single-arm, single-center study carried out in adult patients with AFs non-responsive to previous treatments. Patients were treated with incobotulinumtoxinA (incoBoNT/A) injected in both laterals and posterior intersphincteric groove. Healing rate at 2 years was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included internal anal sphincter pressures, incontinence, and safety. Results A total of 49 patients were treated with a mean incoBoNT/A dose of 40.5 U (spread across three locations). Healing rate at 2 years was 83.9% with a 24.5% of recurrence throughout the study. Only 7 patients (14.3%) reported adverse events (AEs) that were mild and temporary. Mean reduction in anal resting pressure was -9.1 mmHg at 3 months (p = 0.001). Mean reduction in voluntary squeeze pressure was -27.5 mmHg at 3 months (p

Abstract Background Many common diseases exhibit uncontrolled mTOR signaling, prompting considerable interest in the therapeutic potential of mTOR inhibitors, such as rapamycin, to treat a range of conditions, including cancer, aging-related pathologies, and neurological disorders. Despite encouraging preclinical results, the success of mTOR interventions in the clinic has been limited by off-target side effects and dose-limiting toxicities. Improving clinical efficacy and mitigating side effects require a better understanding of the influence of key clinical factors, such as sex, tissue, and genomic background, on the outcomes of mTOR-targeting therapies. Results We assayed gene expression with and without rapamycin exposure across three distinct body parts (head, thorax, abdomen) of D. melanogaster flies, bearing either their native melanogaster mitochondrial genome or the mitochondrial genome from a related species, D. simulans. The fully factorial RNA-seq study design revealed a large number of genes that responded to the rapamycin treatment in a sex-dependent and tissue-dependent manner, and relatively few genes with the transcriptional response to rapamycin affected by the mitochondrial background. Reanalysis of an earlier study confirmed that mitochondria can have a temporal influence on rapamycin response. Conclusions We found significant and wide-ranging effects of sex and body part, alongside a subtle, potentially time-dependent, influence of mitochondria on the transcriptional response to rapamycin. Our findings suggest a number of pathways that could be crucial for predicting potential side effects of mTOR inhibition in a particular sex or tissue. Further studies of the temporal response to rapamycin are necessary to elucidate the effects of the mitochondrial background on mTOR and its inhibition.

Plant detection is one of the applications of image processing in agriculture that is being linked with various agricultural tasks nowadays - such as the ability to detect nutritional deficiencies in plants based on the appearance of their leaves. This study is an attempt to contribute on the detection of nutrient deficiency through image processing of Brassica Chinensis L., which usually displays symptoms based on NPK nutrient deficiency and is also locally known as pechay. The study is centered on the hardware development that will be mounted on a robotic prototype and be able to assess a pechay’s health and fertilize it if it lacks nutrients. The detection was based on DenseNet121 model which was trained over numerous healthy and deficient pechay images. If the detection part determines that the pechay was healthy, then the fertilizing system will not release fertilizers. But when it determines the plant to be deficient, the fertilizing system will sprinkle fertilizers on the pechay. The overall system was able to achieve an 85% accuracy in an actual farm set-up. The system was further validated by comparing its results versus the visual inspection results of real-life farmer, and it was found out to be still accurate at 86%. The system further assists the farm owners in reducing the expenses of fertilizer usage and any dangers associated with growing a crop of non-deficient pechay plants. Overall, the process of automated fertilizer system was made possible by using nutrient deficiency detection as the decision-making process.

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar el uso del recurso guanaco por parte de las poblaciones humanas que habitaron los diferentes ambientes del norte de la Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, particularmente para establecer una comparación diacrónica. Para ello, se recopila información zooarqueológica publicada de 61 contextos de 42 sitios arqueológicos, analizada por diferentes equipos de investigación. Se presenta el estudio de la composición de conjuntos zooarqueológicos en términos espaciales y temporales, combinando el uso de un entorno SIG (Sistema de Información Geográfica) y las herramientas estándar del análisis zooarqueológico. Los resultados indican 1) claro patrón geográfico en la ubicuidad de Lama guanicoe como especie objetivo, 2) con un aumento en la proporción de este taxón en los sitios más alejados de las costas, 3) variaciones temporales con un aumento en el consumo de esta especie a lo largo del tiempo.

Abstract INTRODUCTION The influence of hippocampal connectivity on memory performance is well established in individuals with high educational attainment. However, the role of hippocampal connectivity in illiterate populations remains poorly understood. METHODS Thirty‐five illiterate adults were administered a literacy assessment (Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults [TOFHLA]), structural and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging, and an episodic memory test (Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test). Illiteracy was defined as a TOFHLA score < 53. We evaluated the correlation between hippocampal connectivity at rest and both free recall and literacy scores. RESULTS Participants were mostly female (57.1%) and self‐declared as being Black individuals (84.8%), with a median age of 50 years. The median TOFHLA literacy score was 28.0 [21.0; 42.5] out of 100 points and the median free recall score was 30.0 [26.2; 35] out of 48 points. The median gray matter volume of both the left and right hippocampi was 2.3 [2.1; 2.4] cm3. We observed a significant connectivity between both hippocampi and the precuneus and the ventral medial prefrontal cortex. The right hippocampal connectivity positively correlated with the literacy scores (β = 0.58, P = 0.008). There was no significant association between episodic memory and hippocampal connectivity. Neither memory nor literacy scores correlated with hippocampal gray matter volume. DISCUSSION Low literacy levels correlated with hippocampal connectivity in illiterate adults. The lack of association with memory scores might be associated with low brain reserve in this sample. Highlights A significant link was found between health literacy and hippocampal connectivity. Enhanced hippocampus– ventromedial prefrontal cortex connectivity suggests potential cognitive reserve improvement. Higher cognitive reserve may protect against hippocampal atrophy and neurodegeneration. Health literacy improvements could help prevent cognitive impairment in illiterate populations. Study highlights importance of considering structural racism in brain connectivity research.

Introduction: Leaving against medical advice (AMA) has been associated with higher rates of readmission and worse postoperative outcomes in various surgical fields. Patients who have undergone spine surgery often require careful postoperative follow-up to ensure an uncomplicated recovery. In this study, we aim to investigate the demographic and hospital variables that may have contributed to patients leaving the hospital AMA following spine surgery. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients receiving spine surgery; we used the data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) database for the years 2011-2020. Demographics, household income status, insurance status, time from admission to operation, length of stay, length of recovery, and discharge disposition were collected and analyzed. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine the odds ratios of each factor and their association to patient decision of leaving AMA. Results: As per our findings, patients aged 30-49 had 1.666 times greater odds of leaving AMA following spine surgery (P

Abstract Background The World Health Organisation (WHO) calls on stakeholders to give Higher Education a key educational importance for the future of Europe. Within the content of the training programmes at university, sexuality emerges as a relevant topic in the nursing degree, to promote integral health from a holistic perspective. However, research on the presence of sexuality at the curricular level in Higher Education suggests that it is incomplete and underdeveloped. Methods This is a protocol for a long-term, multi-centre, exploratory, descriptive, and cross-sectional study with a quantitative and qualitative approach lasting two years. The research will be carried out in the educational community, including, on the one hand, students, and professors and health professionals of nursing programmes from five universities in different parts of the world (Portugal, Spain, Italy, and the United States), and on the other hand, women, young people, and immigrants from these communities. The study will have several target populations. Firstly, the target is nursing students, with whom the aim is to define their perspective on the sexuality content taught at the university, and their level of knowledge. Secondly university professors and health professionals, with whom we will check their perspective on sexuality in the classroom, as well as their level of knowledge in this field. And finally, we will work with the community (women, young people, and immigrants) to whom we will try to bring sexuality from a useful and enjoyable perspective. In order to measure these variables in the protocol, instruments such as questionnaires and semi-structured interviews will be used. During data collection, ethical principles will be guaranteed and informed consent will be requested from the participants. Discussion The results of the research will have a high curricular impact on the educational community, and will last over time, since the tools generated in the project will be included as part of nursing training programmes. In addition, participation in the project will improve health education for health professionals and at the community level on sexuality in both urban and rural populations.

Fatty acid (FA) composition is the principal measure of the nutritional quality of fats in balut (i.e., boiled fertilized eggs from mallard ducks) that may affect human cardiovascular health. This study aimed to compare the fat content, FA composition, and nutritional indices/ratios concerning the edible components of 15-day old balut (B15d) and 18-day old balut (B18d) produced by Itik Pinas duck breeds (IP-Itim, IP-Khaki, and Kayumanggi-IP– an “IP-Khaki × IP-Itim” F1 cross) in the Philippines. A total of 275 pooled samples of the embryo, yolk, albumen, and fluid portion from 154 B15d and 175 B18d balut eggs were analyzed for fat content and FA composition by gas chromatography. Fat content was highest in the yolk (29.59%), followed by the embryo (1.63%) and negligible in both albumen and fluid portions. The major FAs with the highest proportion by weight of total FAs in the solid components of balut were oleic acid C18:1n-9 (20.7%–43.8%), palmitic acid C16:0 (12.0%–24.5%), stearic acid C18:0 (2.7%–8.9%), and linoleic acid C18:2n-6 (3.5%–6.9%). The fluid portion was dominated by arachidonic acid C20:4n-6 (18.8%), trans-vaccenic acid C18:1n-7 (17.6%), oleic acid (9.0%), and palmitic acid (8.3%). Total saturated FAs (SFA) were higher in the embryo than in the yolk. However, monounsaturated FAs (MUFA) and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA) were higher in the yolk than in the embryo. Total SFA was higher, while total MUFA and PUFA were lower in B15d balut than those in B18d balut. Since SFAs are considered unhealthy compared to MUFAs and PUFAs, the yolk from B18d balut produced by Kayumanggi-IP ducks appears to have greater health benefits due to its lower atherosclerotic and thrombotic potential and higher health-promoting index and hypocholesterolemic/ hypercholesterolemic ratio.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of refractive error in 5- to 17-year-old schoolchildren in Puerto Rico. METHODS: A quantitative descriptive study of 2867 children aged 5 to 17y from all seven educational regions of Puerto Rico was conducted from 2016–2019. Refractive error was determined via static and subjective refraction. Children with distance acuity ≤20/40 or near visual acuity ≤20/32 had a cycloplegic refraction. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient, Kruskal?Wallis, Chi-square, and t test calculations. RESULTS: Twenty percent of the children had a spherical equivalent refractive error ≤ -0.50 D, 3.2% had a spherical equivalent ≥ +2.00 D, and 10.4% had astigmatism ≥1 D. There was a statistically (but non-clinically) significant myopic change in spherical equivalent refractive error with age (P

This study analyzes the impact of interactive technologies on the motivation and engagement of university students in online courses. Through a systematic literature review and a comparative analysis of existing technologies, 64 articles published between 2020 and 2024 were examined. The results reveal a significant increase in student motivation (23%) and knowledge retention (31%) with the use of these tools. Augmented reality stands out with a mean effect size of 0.67 on academic performance. The bibliometric analysis shows a concentration of research in countries such as Spain, Colombia and China, suggesting the need for more diverse studies. Challenges such as the digital divide and lack of teacher training were identified, with 42% of teachers reporting difficulties in implementation. The findings underline the transformative potential of interactive technologies in online higher education, but emphasize the importance of a holistic approach that considers technical, pedagogical and socioeconomic aspects. It is recommended to invest in teacher professional development, promote equitable access policies and encourage research in diverse educational contexts to maximize the benefits of these technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in rates of habitat loss requires an understanding of how biodiversity is distributed. Campo rupestre is an old, climatically buffered, and infertile landscape located in Brazil. Considered a biodiversity hotspot, the campo rupestre is mainly threatened by mining activity that requires a large operating area. Campo rupestre is known for its restricted distribution area and high abiotic heterogeneity, which modulates species coexistence and richness. To recognise the association between habitat type and plant communities, we propose to describe the floristic composition of herbaceous and shrub components in four habitats of the campo rupestre comprising quartzite and ferruginous substrate. We classified habitat types by the main surface soil features. In each habitat, we sampled ten 100-m2 plots to access information on the shrub and ten 1-m2 plots for the herbaceous component. Altogether we sampled 153 species, belonging to 38 families. The cluster analysis ordered by Sorensen metric indicates a clear distinction of species composition in the shrub component in the four habitats. However, the floristic composition of the herbaceous component was similar between the four habitats but showed a distinction when contrasting with the substrate type. Our results highlight the local taxonomic distinction between habitat types and substrates, indicating that the ecological distinction among substrate types of the campo rupestre cannot be overlooked in conservation and restoration actions.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Our objective is to establish a proteomic protein labeling method from tumor tissue and blood samples obtained from patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer in Puerto Rico. Our goal is to discover potential biomarkers in the patient tumor/blood samples that are not expressed in normal control samples obtained from potential organ donors. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A pilot study with ten patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer will obtain tumor tissue and blood samples. Protein extracts isolated from tissue/cells will be reduced, alkylated, and digested overnight. Samples will be labeled with TMT reagents and mixed before fractionation and cleanup. Labeled samples will be analyzed with a high-resolution Orbitrap LC-MS/MS before data analysis to identify peptides and quantify the reporter ions. The altered proteins will be analyzed by ELISA to confirm their presence. The protein arrangements will be compared with results from proteomic profile banks to assess their prevalence. As controls, parallel protein analyses will be performed on normal tissue/blood samples from organ donors, facilitated by our local organ procurement organization. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate finding proteogenomic material defining PC and new proteomic subtypes not previously described in this population. In addition, studying protein overexpression and underexpression can identify relevant genes and potential biomarkers. We hypothesize that PC in the Hispanic population will show slight variations in tumor protein expression than in other populations, which could lead to the discovery of a new Hispanic-specific biomarker. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We expect to provide essential information that will influence the next steps in developing future screening tests. Identifying specific proteins with the potential to become a preventive test should eventually lead to a reduction in morbidity and mortality of PC. The results of this work should lay the foundation that can guide future research.

Margaritaria nobilis L.f. (Phyllanthaceae), a native Brazilian tree occurring mainly in the Amazon, is used in folk medicine for the treatment of abscesses (bark) and cancer-like symptoms (leaves). The present study evaluates the safety of its acute oral administration and its effects on nociception and plasma leakage. The chemical constitution of the leaf’s ethanolic extract is determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS. Its acute oral toxicity is evaluated in female rats at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, evaluating the occurrence of deaths and Hippocratic, behavioral, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes, as well as food and water consumption and weight gain. Antinociceptive activity is evaluated in male mice with acetic-acid-induced peritonitis (APT) and formalin (FT) tests. An open field (OF) test is performed to verify possible interferences in the animals’ consciousness or locomotion. LC-MS analysis shows the presence of 44 compounds classified as phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoids and O-glycosylated derivatives, and hydrolyzable tannins. No deaths or significant behavioral, histological, or biochemical changes are observed in the toxicity assessment. In nociception tests, M. nobilis extract significantly reduces abdominal contortions in APT, demonstrating selectivity for inflammatory components (FT second phase), not interfering in neuropathic components (FT first phase) or consciousness and locomotion levels in OF. Additionally, M. nobilis extract inhibits plasma acetic-acid-induced leakage. These data demonstrate the low toxicity of M. nobilis ethanolic extract, as well as its effectiveness in modulating inflammatory nociception and plasma leakage, possibly related to the flavonoids and tannins present in its composition.

Education stands as the bedrock of individual growth and a defining force in shaping a nation’s identity. Serving as a fundamental pillar for societal advancement, it emerges as a paramount investment for cultivating a golden generation marked by prosperity, health, and equitable communities. In the expansive landscape of global education, Indonesia boasts one of the largest systems, with a resolute commitment from the government evident in high budget allocations. However, despite these endeavors, Indonesia grapples with challenges, reflected in its low international education ranking, currently standing at 6th from the bottom. This study meticulously explores the core challenges embedded in the Indonesian educational system. Using bibliometric analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the authors scrutinized 367 high-quality articles from the Scopus database spanning from August 2000 to 2023. The findings reveal 12 central issues, including curriculum dynamics, persistent educational inequalities, teacher shortages, infrastructure limitations, the specter of corruption, escalating dropout rates, and more. These insights guide policymakers, educators, and researchers committed to navigating and transforming Indonesia’s educational landscape toward a brighter future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundEpidemiological and experimental studies have shown a protective effect of helminth infections in weight gain and against the development of metabolic dysfunctions in the host. However, the mechanisms Treg cells exert in the helminth-obesity interface has been poorly investigated. The present study aimed to verify the influence of Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection in early stages of high fat diet-induced obesity.Principal findingsThe presence of infection was able to prevent exacerbated weight gain in mice fed with high fat diet when compared to non-infected controls. In addition, infected animals displayed improved insulin sensitivity and decreased fat accumulation in the liver. Obesity-associated inflammation was reduced in the presence of infection, demonstrated by lower levels of leptin and resistin, lower infiltration of Th1 and Th17 cells in adipose tissue, higher expression of IL10 and adiponectin, increased infiltration of Th2 and eosinophils in adipose tissue of infected animals. Of note, the parasite infection was associated with increased Treg frequency in adipose tissue which showed higher expression of cell surface markers of function and activation, like LAP and CD134. The infection could also increase adipose Treg suppressor function in animals on high fat diet.ConclusionThese data suggest that H. polygyrus modulates adipose tissue Treg cells with implication for weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

Helicoverpa zea is a major target pest of Bt crops expressing Cry and/or Vip3Aa proteins in the U.S.A. Widespread practical resistance of H. zea to the Cry1 and Cry2 proteins makes Vip3Aa the only effective Bt protein against this pest. Understanding the frequency of resistance alleles against Vip3Aa in field populations of H. zea is crucial for resistance management and the sustainability of Vip3Aa technology. Using a modified F2 screen method by crossing susceptible laboratory female moth with feral male moth of H. zea, we successfully screened a total of 24,576 neonates from 192 F2 families of H. zea collected from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee during 2019–2020. We found five F2 families containing ≥3rd instar survivors on the diagnostic concentration of 3.0 µg/cm2 Vip3Aa39. Dose-response bioassays confirmed the high levels of Vip3Aa resistance in these F2 families, with an estimated resistance ratio of >909.1-fold relative to the susceptible strain. The estimated resistance allele frequency against Vip3Aa in H. zea for these four southern states is 0.0155 with a 95% CI of 0.0057–0.0297. These data should provide critical information for understanding the risks of Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea and help design appropriate resistance management strategies for the sustainability of the Vip3Aa technology.

Background. Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disease that affects about 300 million people worldwide. Previous studies have associated antimicrobial use with allergies, but the real impact of antibiotics on asthma is still elusive. We investigated the potential impact of amoxicillin (Amox), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), and metronidazole (Metro) in a murine model of OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation. Methods. BALB/c mice received three cycles of 7 days of antibiotics in drinking water followed by 7 days washout and were sensitized i.p. with OVA/Alum at days 0 and 14. After the end of the last antibiotic washout, the mice were challenged with aerosolized OVA. Pulmonary parameters were evaluated, and serum, BAL, and feces were collected for analysis. Results. Amox- and TMP/SMX-treated animals displayed more severe allergic airway inflammation parameters with increased airway hyperresponsiveness, reduced lung alveolar volume, and increased levels in BAL of IL-4 and IL-6. In contrast, Metro-treated mice showed preserved FEV-50, decreased lung inflammation, and higher levels of butyrate and propionate in their feces. Metro treatment was associated with increased OVA-specific IgA in serum. BAL microbiota was abundant in allergic groups but not in nonallergic controls with the Amox-treated group displaying the increased frequency of Proteobacteria, while Metro and TMP/SMX showed increased levels of Firmicutes. In the gut, we observed the enrichment of Akkermansia muciniphila associated with reduced airway inflammation phenotype in the Metro group, even after the recovery period. Conclusion. Our data suggest that different antibiotic treatments may impact the course of experimental allergic airway inflammation in diverse ways by several mechanisms, including modulation of short-chain fat acids production by intestinal microbiota.

This study aimed to develop an interactive mobile application based on augmented reality (IMoART), which could contribute to reshaping the learning paradigm in computer hardware courses. The IMoART application employs a marker-based tracking method. Accessible on smartphones, it integrates into the learning process, is attractive to students, and fosters engagement as users can visualize hardware through 3D objects. The application serves as an alternative and supplementary learning tool to make the educational experience more enjoyable while potentially reducing school expenditures. The results of the development process, which involved using the 4D model (define, design, develop, and disseminate), showed that the IMoART application is effective, with notable feasibility scores of 3.68 for the media aspect and 3.81 for the material aspect, as evaluated by media and subject matter experts. User responses from teachers and students further support the positive outcomes of the IMoART application, achieving a robust practicality score of 84.68%. Noteworthy aspects such as ease of navigation, clarity, aesthetic features, and instructional quality demonstrate high practicality. This study contributes significantly to the literature by presenting an evaluated model that offers an enjoyable and efficient learning experience using 3D objects, videos, images, simulations, and interactive animations in the context of computer hardware learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Margaritaria nobilis is a shrubby species widely distributed in Brazil from the Amazon to the Atlantic Rainforest. Its bark and fruit are used in the Peruvian Amazon for disinfecting abscesses and as a tonic in pregnancy, respectively, and its leaves are used to treat cancer symptoms. From analyses via UHPLC-MS/MS, we sought to determine the chemical profile of the ethanolic extract of M. nobilis leaves by means of putative analyses supported by computational tools and spectral libraries. Thus, it was possible to annotate 44 compounds, of which 12 are phenolic acid derivatives, 16 are O-glycosylated flavonoids and 16 hydrolysable tannins. Among the flavonoids, although they are known, except for kaempferol, which has already been isolated from this species, the other flavonoids (10, 14, 15, 21, 24–26, 28–30, 33–35, 40 and 41) are being reported for the first time in the genus. Among the hydrolysable tannins, six ellagitannins present the HHDP group (6, 19, 22, 31, 38 and 43), one presents the DHHDP group (5), and four contain oxidatively modified congeners (12, 20, 37 and 39). Through the annotation of these compounds, we hope to contribute to the improved chemosystematics knowledge of the genus. Furthermore, supported by a metric review of the literature, we observed that many of the compounds reported here are congeners of authentically bioactive compounds. Thus, we believe that this work may help in understanding future pharmacological activities.

The Zika virus (ZIKV) was first isolated from a rhesus macaque in the Zika forest of Uganda in 1947. Isolated cases were reported until 2007, when the first major outbreaks of Zika infection were reported from the Island of Yap in Micronesia and from French Polynesia in 2013. In 2015, ZIKV started to circulate in Latin America, and in 2016, ZIKV was considered by WHO to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to cases of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), a ZIKV-associated complication never observed before. After a peak of cases in 2016, the infection incidence dropped dramatically but still causes concern because of the associated microcephaly cases, especially in regions where the dengue virus (DENV) is endemic and co-circulates with ZIKV. A vaccine could be an important tool to mitigate CZS in endemic countries. However, the immunological relationship between ZIKV and other flaviviruses, especially DENV, and the low numbers of ZIKV infections are potential challenges for developing and testing a vaccine against ZIKV. Here, we discuss ZIKV vaccine development with the perspective of the immunological concerns implicated by DENV-ZIKV cross-reactivity and the use of a controlled human infection model (CHIM) as a tool to accelerate vaccine development.

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 impacted the entire world, but technological progress led to the appearance of new and innovative emerging technologies (ETs). These technologies proved to have a wide potential for use as support in education, but being a new technology, certain complications arose when it came to their application in the educational model. Nowadays, there are many digital technologies, so it is necessary to identify those that can be used in today's education. Digital technologies have been implemented in all types of sectors, one of them being education, and the use of these technologies translates into significant improvements in educational processes and learning outcomes. Despite this, there is currently little research on the use of ETs as a support in the academic process. This research uses systematic mapping (SM) of the last 5 years, together with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to identify the use and acceptance of ETs in higher education. For the SM, a keyword search string was used in three scientific databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore). To apply the UTAUT, a survey was conducted with 120 students on the acceptance of ETs as support in higher education. The results obtained indicate that ETs provide some optimization of educational processes, with greater immersion and application of knowledge when using technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and mobile learning. Likewise, ETs can motivate students, allowing them to reach new academic and professional achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]