A system of regulatory tools and procedures that regulate technology transfer in the European Union (EU) has been considered in this study in view of the adoption of the EUROPEAN INNOVATION ACT ("EIA"). Techniques that define technology and its transfer in the EU were investigated, as well as the directions for their improvement in view of EIA adoption. During the study, it was established that the process of regulating technology transfer in the EU is not uniform. It has been proven that the current model of regulatory influence in the EU is not focused on simplifying and stimulating technology transfer. Its main task is to ensure the possibility of achieving socially useful tasks of a public nature. The need for improving the process of regulating technology transfer within the European Union has been substantiated. Directions for improving the regulation of technology transfer in the EU have been defined, namely: a) systematization of regulatory influence on technology transfer around technology; b) formation of a separate independent definition of technology; c) consolidation of the concept of forms of technology; d) formation of means of ensuring the private interests of technology transfer participants. It was determined that the main place (form) of change in the regulation of technology transfer in the EU should be the Horizon Europe Framework Program and the EUROPEAN INNOVATION ACT. The study is aimed at formulating proposals for improving the regulatory processes of technology transfer in the EU. The main achievement is that the results of this work could be used to improve the official rules of technology transfer in the EU. They could also be applied to form strategic public management decisions, state policy on the circulation of innovations; they might serve as the basis for further scientific research on these issues

The Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) Project has the overarching aim of accelerating the use of genomic science to enhance understanding of biodiversity, monitor biodiversity change, and guide interventions to address its decline. The BGE Project comprises activities focused on DNA Barcoding (Barcoding Stream) and Reference Genome Generation (Genomes Stream) for eukaryotic species across Europe, bringing together two European networks: the International Barcode of Life in Europe (iBOL Europe) and the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA). This publication is an abridged version of the successful grant proposal developed jointly by iBOL Europe and ERGA in response to the Horizon Europe call HORIZON-CL6-2021-BIODIV-01-01. Two key strands of genomic science form the basis of this proposal: DNA barcoding - sequencing short, standardised genomic regions to tell the world’s species apart, transforming the speed of completion of the inventory of life on Earth and providing the foundations of a global bio-surveillance system for biodiversity; and genome sequencing - generating high-quality complete reference genomes for all species on Earth, transforming understanding of biodiversity at the genetic level, and delivering fundamental knowledge of how biological systems function and how species respond and adapt to environmental change. The BGE Project objectives are focused on (i) Capacity: To establish functioning biodiversity genomics networks at the European level to connect and grow community capacity to use genomic tools to tackle the biodiversity crisis; (ii) Production: To establish and implement large-scale biodiversity genomic data generation pipelines for Europe to accelerate the production and accessibility of genomic data for biodiversity characterisation, conservation, and biomonitoring; and (iii) Application: To apply genomic tools to enhance understanding of pan-European biodiversity and biodiversity declines to improve the efficacy of management interventions and biomonitoring programmes.

Abstract Background: HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) accounts for approximately 20% of all breast tumors. Despite major advances in HER2-targeted therapies, many patients with early-stage HER2-positive BC remain overtreated, leading to unnecessary toxicity and increased healthcare costs. HER2DX is a genomic diagnostic tool that stratifies patients by risk of recurrence and likelihood of achieving pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy. The DEFINITIVE trial (www.thedefinitivetrial.eu) evaluates the clinical utility of HER2DX to guide treatment de-escalation or escalation in early-stage HER2-positive BC. We report preliminary feasibility and performance metrics from the first 80 screened patients. Methods: DEFINITIVE (NCT06446882) is an international, multicenter, randomized, open-label, two-arm clinical trial designed to evaluate the impact of HER2DX-guided treatment versus standard of care on health-related quality of life, safety, and efficacy outcomes. Eligible patients include premenopausal or postmenopausal women and men with stage II-IIIA HER2-positive BC suitable for neoadjuvant therapy. This interim analysis includes all patients screened from study initiation on October 30, 2024, through June 19, 2025. All patients underwent centralized screening with HER2DX using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples shipped to a reference laboratory. Operational endpoints included the number of samples received, HER2DX testing success rate, and turnaround time (TAT) from sample receipt to result delivery. All data were collected prospectively as part of the trial workflow. Results: As of the data cutoff, 80 patients had been screened across 11 sites in 2 countries. A total of 80 samples were received by the central laboratory, and HER2DX testing was successfully completed in 78 cases, yielding a success rate of 97.5%. Test failures were due to insufficient tumor content or low RNA purity. The median TAT was 8 working days (interquartile range [IQR] 7-10; range 3-16), confirming the feasibility of rapid centralized testing. The median time from tumor biopsy to sample reception at the central lab was 29.5 days (IQR 22-42), reflecting real-world variability in local processing and logistics. Among the 78 patients with available HER2DX results, 42.3% were classified as having low pCR likelihood, 30.8% as intermediate, and 26.9% as high. Based on HER2DX risk score, 47.4% were considered low-risk and 52.6% high-risk. ERBB2 mRNA expression levels also reflected biological heterogeneity, with 11.6% classified as low, 25.6% as intermediate, and 62.8% as high expression. Conclusions: Centralized HER2DX-based screening in the DEFINITIVE trial has proven operationally feasible on an international scale. High testing success rates, acceptable TAT, and biologically informative distributions support the integration of genomic classifiers into real-time treatment decision-making in prospective clinical trials. Citation Format: M. Gonzalez Rodriguez, K. Amilliano, S. Pernas, P. Sánchez, I. Blancas, E. Gal-Yam, M. Lopez-Flores, E. Lopez-Miranda, T. Curiel, C. Rodriguez, A. Pous, E. Galve-Calvo, E. Sanfeliu, M. Pujol, C. Polo, C. Guardia, L. Paré, M. Marín-Aguilera, A. Herrera, A. Sebastian, A. Prat, O. Martínez-Sáez, T. Pascual. Prospective Validation of HER2DX in Early HER2+ Breast Cancer: Operational Feasibility of Centralized Genomic Screening in the DEFINITIVE Trial. Real-Time Insights from the First 80 Screened Patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS4-01-07. Funding: This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101136953.

Background Ageing bridge infrastructure in rural areas poses significant safety challenges, yet traditional structural health monitoring systems remain prohibitively expensive for regions with limited budgets. The Horizon Europe FUTURAL project developed an innovative crowdsensing platform to address this gap, enabling affordable infrastructure monitoring through vehicle-based indirect measurements combined with low-cost Internet of Things sensors. Methods The Resilience to Shocks Smart Solution integrates multiple components: a mobile application (FUTURAPP) connecting USB-C accelerometers to smartphones for data acquisition; cloud-based processing infrastructure for secure data transmission and storage; autoencoder neural networks trained on frequency-domain acceleration data (2-15 Hz) for unsupervised anomaly detection; finite element models developed using ANSYS APDL for structural validation; and a web-based dashboard featuring Structural Health Index visualizations and citizen engagement tools. The platform was deployed and tested on two pilot bridges: a three-span concrete road bridge in Durangaldea, Spain, and the Diakofti Bridge in Kythira, Greece. Results The autoencoder algorithms successfully distinguished between healthy structural responses and anomalous conditions using reconstruction error as the damage-sensitive feature, with the 99th percentile threshold effectively discriminating normal from abnormal measurements. Finite element models showed good agreement with in-situ vibration frequency measurements. The web platform demonstrated high usability among non-technical users, with the intuitive Structural Health Index gauge enabling immediate comprehension of bridge conditions. Citizen issue tracking features facilitated community participation in infrastructure safety monitoring. Conclusions The crowdsensing methodology offers significant advantages over traditional approaches in terms of cost, scalability, and accessibility for resource-constrained regions. The platform represents a meaningful advancement toward digitalization of rural infrastructure management, with methodology and tools providing a foundation for replication across European transport networks.

Collaborative projects under the Horizon Europe Framework Program of the European Union typically involve a large number of partners from multiple countries. Data-centric projects, among them, often require integration of disparate data source formats and collection methods, leading to complex data management architectures and policies. This article is an extended version of an article presented at the 1st International Conference on Big Data Analytics and Applications (BDAA’2025). It explores design decisions, organisational principles, and technological solutions to address these challenges by focusing on data integration of data sources and the hybridisation of data services. This experience was gathered while working on DiverSea, a project dedicated to the analysis of biodiversity dynamics along European coastlines—ranging from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and the North Sea. While grounded in established technologies, the project’s takeaways offer valuable insights for environmental data projects across aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric domains.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of immunocompromised hosts and the scarcity of evidence guiding their management. Within the European Horizon 2020 ORCHESTRA project, a multinational consortium connected existing and new cohorts to harmonize data, laboratory methods, and clinical expertise across fragile populations. The fragile patients' cohort became a model for how collaborative infrastructure can generate actionable evidence during a crisis. Through prospective follow-up and centralized immunologic assessment, ORCHESTRA defined the clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in transplant recipients, identified vaccine-modified disease phenotypes, and clarified the kinetics and correlates of immune protection. The project also demonstrated the feasibility of real-time immunologic monitoring, the value of data interoperability, and the need for adaptive harmonization across health systems. Integrating these results through Delphi consensus, ORCHESTRA translated research into practice, providing pragmatic guidance for clinicians across Europe. This experience underscores that harmonized, multidisciplinary research-rooted in collaboration and flexibility-can transform variability into knowledge and ultimately improve care for the most immunologically fragile patients.

This concept was developed in the framework of a task of the C2IMPRESS Horizon Europe Project focused on disaster-resilient societies. It deals with the use of an Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approach to increase groundwater resources. The objective is to create conditions for sediment and water retention and storage. By contributing to mitigating water scarcity, if necessary using treated wastewater, this approach simultaneously develops local ecosystems and helps prevent wildfires. The main rationale is to use in-channel Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) methods, making use of natural topographical and geological features coupled with the potential upstream natural erosion and sedimentation processes to generate storage capabilities in areas where aquifers do not occur. To define the best areas, a multicriteria system is defined and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is applied to weight the relative importance of each criterion. The following criteria were defined, based on the objective and available information: Slope, Geology, Land Use, and Sediment generation potential. Use of treated wastewater as an alternate water resource (AWR) for infiltration is also considered. The methodology is applied to the Alva watershed located in Centre Portugal, where maps were produced to classify each criterion and AHP was used to produce the final maps. Keywords: Drought resilience, flooding resilience, Analytic Hierarchy Process, Ecosystem-based Adaptation, Managed Aquifer Recharge

Purpose: Equity in physical activity (PA) is a critical issue, with disadvantaged groups having the lowest PA levels and facing barriers to be physically active. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasised equity as a guiding principle of its Global Action Plan, underscoring the need to embed this principle in PA policy and practice. In recent years, various tools have been developed to monitor and assess PA policies, aiming to contribute to future policy development. One of these tools is the Physical Activity Environment Policy Index (PA-EPI) that assesses the extent of policy implementation across 45 indicators. This study aimed to develop an equity module for the PA-EPI to systematically incorporate an equity perspective into its application. Methods: The development of the PA-EPI equity module involved a four-step process: (1) Analysing key findings from a literature review on equity and PA to identify policy characteristics that affect inequities; (2) Conducting a search for additional scientific publications and key policy documents to extract equity-related guidance; (3) Drafting the PA-EPI equity module based on the extracted data, and (4) Refining and finalising the module through a series of expert workshops. Results: The PA-EPI equity module provides specific guidance for 38 of the 45 PA-EPI indicators, and is currently based on 29 studies and 25 policy documents. This new component of the tool is embedded into the evidence document template to ensure that equity-related aspects are systematically considered when using the PA-EPI. This may include the identification of PA policies targeting vulnerable groups as well as assessing the extent of their implementation. Conclusion: The PA-EPI equity module represents a novel approach to incorporating equity as a guiding principle into policy assessment tools. While it is particularly useful for researchers, stakeholders, and government officials utilising the PA-EPI, the module may also inform other initiatives by synthesising current guidance on equity and PA policy. Future research is needed to test the module’s applicability and its contribution to enhancing the equity focus in PA policy monitoring. Support/Funding Source: This is part of the project IMPAQT which is funded from Ireland, Health Research Board; Poland, National Centre for Research and Development; Germany, Federal Ministry of Education and Research; The Netherlands, The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development; Romania, Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding; Lithuania, Research Council of Lithuania, under the umbrella of the Partnership Fostering a European Research Area for Health (ERA4Health) (GA N° 101095426 of the EU Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme). Keywords: Physical activity, policy, equity, monitoring

Adaptive, high-performance and multifunctional façades are recognized as key contributors to the EU’s climate-neutral agenda, as outlined in Directive (EU) 2024/1275, the Renovation Wave, and Horizon Europe initiatives. These systems provide environmental control (daylight, shading), serve as an interface between indoor and outdoor environments and minimize reliance on heating, cooling and artificial lighting systems, enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort. In addressing this challenge, this paper presents the design and prototyping of three adaptive façade typologies aiming to combine a multifunctional role of controlling, redirecting and/or harvesting solar radiation. Designed through a performance-driven, integrated design methodology, aspects of morphology (system composition, geometrical characteristics), materiality and embedded actuation are discussed along with daylighting and irradiance analyses. To analyze their potential for visual comfort (daylight quality, glare, view to the outside) and solar harvesting, simulation studies were conducted for four distinct climatic conditions, corresponding to each case study using Climatestudio and Ladybug plug-ins for Grasshopper/Rhino 3D. Each façade is evaluated in its climatic context and the outcomes are synthesized through a cross-case comparative framework that links climate driver, performance objective, and actuation-feasible states. The first façade system uses a retroreflector’s geometry to redirect solar radiation back toward its source, potentially reducing short-wave radiative loading near the façade by redirecting incident radiation toward the sky, while cable-driven actuation allows multiple folded states. The second system reinterprets static folding geometries, the so-called “Hortenkachel” into a kinetic shading system of translucent panels. The third prototype introduces rectangular photovoltaic modules supported by a cable net and strut framework facilitating solar tracking. All case examples are based on lightweight construction principles and mechanical simplicity in their kinematics. Prototypes complement the simulation studies and provide proof-of-concept validation for the kinematic behaviour of the adaptive high-performance façade systems. The novelty lies in (i) extending retroreflective optics into a kinetically reconfigurable façade for controlled solar-radiation redirection near the façade, and (ii) extracting transferable design principles across three typologies that refer to morphology, control logic, and multi-criteria performance (daylight, glare, view, radiation/energy). The reported façade states, performance ranges, and prototype strategies provide an archival benchmark for early-stage adaptive multifunctional façade design.

Purpose: Increasing population-level physical activity (PA) requires system-level policy action. However, public policies targeting the general population, without addressing socially disadvantaged populations, might unintentionally increase socioeconomic inequities in PA. This is particularly concerning since disadvantaged groups are less likely to meet PA recommendations. This rapid review assesses the evidence on the effects of public policies on equity in PA. Methods: A literature search was performed in seven bibliographic databases up to May 7, 2024, in collaboration with a librarian. Studies were included if they: a) focused on changes in PA behaviour, PA proxies, or the PA environment as outcomes, b) examined public policy as the independent variable, and c) included a low socioeconomic status (SES) (sub)population. Screening was done in duplicate. Key data extracted included: the public policy, target population, and/or SES subgroup measures, PA outcomes and equity-related findings. Policies were grouped into domains aligned with the eight investments from the International Society for Physical Activity and Health and categorised based on their impact on inequities: reducing, increasing, no effect, or mixed effects. Results: Out of 10,350 records screened, 83 studies were included. The results showed that 30% of the public policies reduced inequities, 39% had no effect, 10% increased them, and 21% had mixed effects. Fewest PA policies were identified in the healthcare (n = 2) and workplace (n = 0) domains and the most in the community-wide domain (n = 22). Overall, the education, transport, community-wide, and mass media policy domains showed the greatest potential to reduce inequities in PA and/or to benefit high and low SES populations equally. Policies that most consistently reduced inequities or had a neutral effect on inequities included: a) infrastructure policies, b) financial incentives supporting active transport, c) multi-component school-based PA and health policy programmes, d) school physical education policies, and e) policies supporting mass media campaigns. Conversely, urban design and sport for all policies varied with regards to their effects on inequities. Conclusions: This review identified several types of policies, particularly in the education, transport, community-wide, and mass media domains, with the potential for promoting PA in an equitable way. These findings offer valuable insights for future policymaking. Support/Funding Source: This is part of the project IMPAQT which is funded from Ireland, Health Research Board; Poland, National Centre for Research and Development; Germany, Federal Ministry of Education and Research; The Netherlands, The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development; Romania, Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding; Lithuania, Research Council of Lithuania, under the umbrella of the Partnership Fostering a European Research Area for Health (ERA4Health) (GA N° 101095426 of the EU Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme). Keywords: Policy, review, physical activity, equity

Abstract. Urban Development Explorations using Natural Experiments (UDENE) is a forward-looking initiative under the Horizon Europe program that merges Earth Observation (EO) technologies with urban planning to tackle pressing urban challenges. By utilizing Copernicus satellite imagery and organizing local in-situ data into interoperable data cubes, UDENE provides a comprehensive framework for data-driven decision-making. Further, it is applied the concept of “natural experiments” - real-life changes analyzed with the rigor of controlled studies - to uncover causal relationships in urban development. A primary goal is to incorporate structured urban data into the broader Copernicus data cube federation, enabling consistent analysis of urban impacts across different times and locations. To support this, UDENE develops advanced sensitivity analysis methods for validating and applying multivariate causal models, enhancing predictions on factors such as air pollution, urban heat, mobility, and disaster resilience. To close the gap between high-level EO technologies and real-world planning needs, we are introducing the three core tools: the UDENE’s Data Cube, which populates in-situ data EO based analysis-ready data and datasets; the Exploration Tool, which empowers planners and policymakers to simulate, assess, and visualize urban interventions; and a matchmaking tool connecting users with EO-based services. Together, these tools foster informed urban strategies grounded in EO data and causal inference.

IntroductionAgeing is accompanied by gradual biological and cognitive changes that increase vulnerability to chronic diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. As populations age, dementia prevalence continues to rise, highlighting the need for earlier detection and personalised prevention strategies. Against this background, the COMFORTage project, funded by Horizon Europe, brings together a multidisciplinary consortium across 12 countries to advance innovative, scalable solutions for dementia care. By integrating digital platforms, biomarker research, and precision medicine, COMFORTage seeks to develop artificial intelligence (AI)–driven tools that support more precise and adaptive interventions. Central to this effort are the Virtualized AI-Based Healthcare Platform and Patient Digital Twins, which enable personalised monitoring and decision support. Within this framework, Pilot 3 at Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona focuses on individuals with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease dementia, evaluating the effects of cognitive and functional stimulation and contributing multimodal data to optimise the AI platform.MethodsPilot 3 is a randomised, open-label study involving retrospective and prospective datasets. Participants undergo clinical, genetic, neuropsychological, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma biomarker assessments, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and spontaneous speech analysis. The primary outcomes assess cognitive decline using composite scores from the Neuropsychological Battery used in Ace (NBACE), targeting attention, memory, visuospatial/perceptual functions, executive functions, and language, over a two-year follow-up. Three digital platforms provided by the consortium will be used as cognitive and functional stimulation tools for participants. The intervention's effects on cognitive decline will be evaluated through changes in NBACE composite scores. Secondary objectives include assessing impacts on physical, psychological, social, and functional well-being; examining associations between biological variables and cognitive changes; and analyzing spontaneous speech as a remote, scalable proxy for cognitive status.DiscussionFindings from Pilot 3 will contribute to COMFORTage's broader mission, offering critical insights into the scalability and real-world implementation of AI-powered dementia care solutions. This integrated approach highlights the potential of precision medicine and advanced digital tools to elevate global standards in dementia management.Clinical Trial Registrationidentifier NCT07031167.

Biobanks have become critical infrastructures for cancer research, supporting prevention, early detection, therapy development, and follow-up studies. Over the past three decades, cancer biobanks in Europe have expanded from local sample collections to a coordinated network profoundly embedded in international research activities and initiatives. This narrative review is based on a targeted literature and document search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as European Commission portals and infrastructure websites (1995–2025). Keywords included cancer biobank , BBMRI-ERIC , Horizon Europe , governance , GDPR , interoperability . Sources were screened for relevance to European cancer biobanking initiatives, infrastructures, and governance frameworks. The analysis highlights the role of major European initiatives (FP5–FP9, Horizon Europe, Cancer Mission, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan) and infrastructures (Biobanking and BioMolecular Resources Research Infrastructure—European Research Infrastructure Consortium [BBMRI-ERIC], canSERV, UNCAN.eu) in shaping cancer biobanking. Achievements include the establishment of large transnational cohorts, the provision of more than 400 oncology services, and growing interoperability standards. Persistent challenges relate to data protection (General Data Protection Regulation), consent management, interoperability (Minimum Information About Biobank Data Sharing and Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable principles), sustainability, and translation into clinical practice. Cancer biobanks are irreplaceable entities of European cancer research. Their future lies in strengthening governance, ensuring long-term sustainability, enhancing interoperability, and engaging patients and stakeholders. Cancer biobanks contribute to fostering innovation and defining future research. BBMRI-ERIC remains the pivotal gateway, enabling individual biobanks to integrate into large-scale European and international research efforts.

This Open Letter reflects on best practices for data management in energy exchange and trading in the context of European energy communities. It draws on European policy developments, selected literature, and practical experience from two Horizon Europe projects, FEDECOM and STUNNED, to highlight recurring challenges and emerging solutions related to interoperability, data governance, security, and scalability. Rather than presenting original empirical results, the paper adopts a practice-oriented perspective, using these projects as illustrative examples to bridge policy objectives, technical approaches, and real-world implementation. The intended audience includes researchers, technology providers, project developers, and policymakers involved in the digitalisation of energy systems. The Open Letter concludes with concrete recommendations and future research directions aimed at supporting interoperable, data-driven energy trading across Europe.

Cultural and creative actors in non-urban areas contribute to local regenerative actions through practices of stewardship and place-based creativity. This article focuses on how a key principle of regenerative development, “stewardship of the resources of place, identity, and unique potential,” is conceived and enacted. The study aims to deepen understanding of how regenerative forms of local development that nurture social, cultural, and ecological vitality can emerge from grassroots initiatives. Drawing on 12 case studies from six European countries within the Horizon Europe IN SITU project, the analysis employs a comparative qualitative approach informed by reflexive monitoring reports. Research findings confirm that cultural and creative actors operationalize regenerative micro-processes by engaging simultaneously in heritage stewardship, encouraging place-inspired creative work, building the capacity of locally-based creators, reinforcing connections to place through a local socioeconomic focus, and using and improving public space. The analysis reveals a dynamic understanding of heritage as a living resource that is actively re-contextualized to drive new social and economic aspirations. Furthermore, creative processes and outputs are anchored in local identity yet generate transferable knowledge and methodologies. The actors’ intentions and dedication to creatively address key local issues through their projects demonstrates the potential of cultural and creative actors to contribute as drivers of local change and transition in meaningful ways. This potential is challenged, however, by precarious situations in which the pragmatic sustainability of livelihoods and the fragility of initiatives are common concerns.

STUDY QUESTIONDoes the analysis of endometrial microbes provide the same information when using DNA or RNA sequencing-based techniques?SUMMARY ANSWERDNA vs RNA-based microbial analysis techniques demonstrated significant microbial compositional differences and lack of transcriptionally active lactobacilli in the endometrium.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYOur understanding of the endometrial microbiome is primarily based on DNA-based 16S rRNA gene profiling, but DNA detection does not imply the presence of living microbes. While this method is cost-effective and widely used, it has notable limitations, including the underestimation of microbial diversity, abundance, and functionality, as well as limited species-level resolution. While the microbiome reflects DNA-based characterization, the microbiota more precisely captures metabolically active communities. In this context, meta-transcriptomic analysis, an RNA-based approach, addresses these shortcomings by capturing functional transcripts that are actively expressed in living microbes.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONThis cross-sectional study consisted of 49 reproductive-aged women (27–42 years old) who were receiving ART. By simultaneously analysing the microbial composition and gene expression within female reproductive tract samples, we sought to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the microbiota and functional potential of these samples.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSVaginal swabs, endometrial brushing, and endometrial biopsy samples were collected from 49 participants during the mid-secretory phase of their menstrual cycle, 6–9 days after the luteinizing hormone surge for parallel 16S rRNA gene sequencing and meta-transcriptome analyses. For DNA-based analysis, the 16S rRNA gene V4 region was sequenced. For RNA-based analysis, total RNA was extracted followed by ribosomal RNA depletion. Strand-specific total RNA sequencing libraries were prepared and sequenced. Taxonomy was assigned by using Kraken2 (v2.2.1), and Bracken (v2.7).MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEOur findings suggest that in low-microbial-biomass environments such as the endometrium, the correlation between 16S rRNA gene sequencing and meta-transcriptomics is relatively weak. This highlights the limitations of microbial analysis of low-microbial-biomass samples. Alternatively, microbial functions and genome activity may be tissue-specific and dependent on the host tissue environment. Moreover, RNA-based analysis provides higher resolution in detecting certain pathogens, even within the endometrium.LARGE SCALE DATAThe data presented in the study are deposited in the NCBI SRA Database, accession number PRJNA1247240.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONHigh levels of host RNA and the low abundance of microbial reads in the endometrium complicate microbial identification. Our findings indicate that RNA-seq enables precise profiling of the vaginal microbiome and, in cases of dysbiosis, reveals higher pathogen activity than DNA-based approaches. However, the limited sample size restricts the generalization of these conclusions.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSContrary to the general belief of the dominance of Lactobacillus in the human endometrium, our study suggests that the endometrial microenvironment may be harbouring DNA fragments and/or cells of lactobacilli originating from the lower reproductive tract. Our study results indicate a need to re-consider/re-analyse the endometrial microbiome in health and disease.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)This work was supported by the projects Endo-Map PID2021-127280OB-I00, ROSY CNS2022-135999, and ENDORE SAF2017-87526-R funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by FEDER, EU. This work was also supported by the Estonian Research Council grants (PSG1082 and PRG1076), Swedish Research Council grant no. 2024-02530 and Novo Nordisk Foundation grant no. NNF24OC0092384. Additionally, A.S.L. and I.P.P. acknowledge Becas Fundación Ramón Areces para Estudios Postdoctorales—Convocatorias XXXV and XXXVI, para Ampliación de Estudios en el Extranjero en Ciencias de la Vida y de la Materia. A.S. is supported by Horizon Europe (NESTOR, grant no. 101120075) and the Ministry of Education and Research Centres of Excellence grant TK214 name of CoE. All the authors declare no conflict of interest.

Herd effect of human papillomavirus vaccination on incidence of high-grade cervical lesions: a population-based cohort study in Sweden.

IntroductionAtrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide affecting an estimated 5% of people over the age of 65 and is a leading cause of stroke and heart failure. Identification of patients at risk allows preventative measures and treatment before these complications occur. Conventional risk prediction models are static, do not have flexibility to incorporate dynamic risk factors and possess only modest predictive value. Artificial intelligence and machine learning-powered health virtual twin technology offer transformative methods for risk prediction and guiding clinical decisions.Methods and analysisIn this prospective observational study, 1200 patients will be recruited in two tertiary centres. Patients hospitalised with acute illnesses (sepsis, heart failure, respiratory failure, stroke or critical illness) and patients having undergone high-risk surgery (major vascular surgery, upper gastrointestinal surgery and emergency surgery) will be monitored with a patch-based remote wireless monitoring system for up to 14 days. Clinical and electrocardiographic data will be used for modelling the risk of new-onset AF. The primary outcome is episodes of AF >30 s and will be described as ratio of episodes/patient and as percentage of patients having episodes of AF. Secondary outcomes include 30-day and 90-day readmission rates and complications of AF.The aim of this study is to generate data for the development and validation of health virtual twins predicting onset of AF in an at-risk population. The intelligent monitoring to predict atrial fibrillation (NOTE-AF) study is part of the TARGET project, a Horizon Europe funded programme which includes risk prediction, diagnosis and management of AF-related stroke (https://target-horizon.eu/).Ethics and disseminationThe study has received approval by the Health Research Authority and the National Research Ethics Service (REC reference 24/NW/0170, IRAS project ID: 342528) in the UK and has been registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06600620). Results will be disseminated as outlined in the TARGET protocol to communicate project ideas, activities and results to diverse audiences.Trial registration numberNCT06600620.

IntroductionSocial prescribing is an approach to addressing non-medical issues affecting people’s health and well-being (eg, loneliness, housing or financial problems). It has gained international traction over recent years as complementary to medical care. A larger research project, comparing social prescribing across European countries, is considering how to tailor provision for the following groups: (a) LGBTIQ+persons, (b) refugees and first-generation immigrants and (c) older adults living alone. As part of this research, a qualitative study will address the question: What are the enabling and limiting factors associated with implementing social prescribing, across different European countries, from the perspective of key stakeholders?Methods and analysisFive European countries (Austria, England, Germany, Poland, Portugal) will be involved. Researchers from each country will conduct approximately 20 semi-structured interviews (total number will be 100). Interviewees will be people receiving, delivering, managing and funding/commissioning social prescribing. Interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed. A cross-country analysis will be undertaken; framework analysis will support this process, with a chart developed in Excel in which data from across the five countries is summarised by the researchers involved. Summaries will be based on a thematic framework that researchers from the five countries develop together after initially analysing their own data.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was initially secured through the University of Oxford’s Medical Sciences Interdivisional Research Ethics Committee (IDREC 1806086) for data collection in England. This approved application was then used to secure ethics approval in Austria (through Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft), Germany (through Bergische Universität Wuppertal), Poland (through Wroclaw Medical University) and Portugal (through NOVA University of Lisbon). Dissemination will include an academic journal article and presentation at relevant conferences. It will also include short videos, written summaries/policy briefs and an infographic.This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No 101155873. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Background: European aviation research and innovation (R&I) plays a central role in achieving the Flightpath 2050 vision and the European Green Deal objectives for climate-neutral transport. Aims: This paper analyses the evolution, concentration, and collaboration dynamics of aviation-related R&I under FP7 (2007-2013), Horizon 2020 (2014-2020), and Horizon Europe (2021-2027). Methods: Using harmonized datasets of nearly 80 thousand EU-funded projects derived from the European Commission’s CORDIS databases, the study applies descriptive statistics and network analysis to examine funding patterns and organizational participation. Sample: The aviation subset comprises approximately 1,500 projects and more than 4,000 organisations across 30 European and associated countries. Results: The findings reveal persistent cumulative-advantage effects, with major industrial actors such as Airbus, Safran, and Rolls-Royce dominating coordination roles and EC contributions, while Horizon Europe increasingly emphasizes sustainability and digitalization through the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. Conclusions: European aviation R&I exhibits a polycentric governance structure balancing EU-level coordination with national and industrial co-funding. Implications: The results inform future mission-oriented policy design by highlighting the need to balance excellence with inclusiveness, ensuring equitable participation while advancing Europe’s transition toward climate-neutral aviation.