Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a multifactorial, genetically predisposed inflammatory skin disease, with a high prevalence in many different dog breeds, with certain breeds being particularly affected, like the West Highland White Terrier (WHWT). While gut microbiome alterations are linked to allergic diseases in humans and some dog breeds, this relationship has never been investigated in WHWT dogs. This study aimed to compare the gut microbiome of allergic and healthy WHWT dogs to explore its role in cAD. Fecal samples from 21 WHWT dogs (12 allergic, 9 healthy) were analyzed using DNA shotgun sequencing and qPCR assays. No significant differences were observed in alpha or beta diversity, and no significant abundance of bacterial taxa was identified between allergic and healthy dogs. The Dysbiosis Index (DI) did not differ between the allergic (median -4.2, range -6.6 to 1.3) and healthy group. However, a moderate negative correlation was found between the relative abundance of E. coli and pruritus severity. These findings indicate that while the gut microbiome overall may not significantly contribute to cAD pathogenesis in WHWT dogs, some species like E. coli may be associated with clinical symptoms. Further studies are needed to investigate this relationship and to explore the role of genetics and the gut microbiota across different breeds with a larger number of dogs and with multi-omics approaches.
The Abbott-Bioline™ malaria antigen Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax rapid diagnostic test (Abbott-Bioline™ Malaria Ag P.f/P.v RDT) is used widely in the Greater Mekong Subregion. It is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and deployed on a large scale in the regional malaria elimination programmes. Following reports of false-negative test results from field-workers, the Abbott-Bioline™ Malaria Ag P.f/P.v RDT was compared with microscopy in 187 persons with fever during a vivax malaria outbreak in Myanmar. Among them 11 tested positive for P. vivax using the Abbott RDT, while 46 were diagnosed with P. vivax malaria by microscopy. The sensitivity of the Abbott RDTs among febrile patients was 0.24 (95% CI 0.12-0.36) with a specificity of 1.0. Twenty-eight (61%) of the 46 patients had a parasite count of ≥200/µL, the WHO-recommended lower limit of detection for RDTs. Among these 11 were detected by the Abbott malaria RDT, a sensitivity at this threshold of 0.39, (95% CI 0.21-0.57). The colour band denoting positivity on the malaria RDT was often absent. The low intensity of the RDT colour band was confirmed objectively using ImageJ®, an image processing software. The Abbott-Bioline™ Malaria Ag P.f/P.v RDT is insensitive compared to microscopy. In remote areas where there is very limited access to health care and usually only a single source of diagnosis and treatment, as in rural Myanmar, this has resulted in dangerous delays in patients receiving appropriate treatment. The WHO Incidents and Substandard/Falsified Medical Products Team was informed of the problem, but did not respond effectively. Deployment of the underperforming malaria RDT continues.
Mitochondrial stress drives brown fat whitening through a pathway involving reduced nuclear stiffness.
For the first time, dimethyl carbonate was applied as the sole organic solvent, both as an eluent in solid-phase extraction (SPE) and for the simultaneous determination of theobromine and caffeine in tea extracts using reversed-phase ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (RP-UHPLC). The proposed procedure has been validated and complies with the requirements of green analytical chemistry (GAC). Solid-phase extraction was used to purify the samples, achieving high recovery rates (97-101%) and precision (RSD < 2%). The method showed satisfactory sensitivity (achieving limit of quantitation values of 0.2 ng for theobromine and 0.35 ng for caffeine), although it was poorer compared to the developed conventional HPLC method using methanol, where the values reached 0.045 and 0.05 ng, respectively. The low toxicity and minimal solvent consumption of DMC contributed to a much more beneficial environmental profile of the developed method, as confirmed by AGREEprep, AGREE, and ChlorTox evaluations. Moreover, by switching from conventional HPLC to UHPLC, the remaining principles of GAC were further incorporated by reducing solvent consumption, analysis time, and energy requirements. In addition, the RGB tool highlighted the higher environmental performance of the method using DMC while not compromising analytical quality or economic practicality. The robustness and environmental benefits make this method a viable alternative for the routine analysis of tea ingredients, supporting sustainable analytical practices.
Pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster), is a key pest of pears in the Pacific Northwest United States. Overwintering adults (winterforms) recolonize orchards in late winter from habitat outside orchards. To reduce winterform colonization and subsequent damage, sprays of the repellent particle film, kaolin clay, are recommended from late dormant through bloom. However, many pear growers struggle to make early sprays due to the danger of driving tractors over hilly terrain with lingering winter moisture. To address this challenge, we tested fall applications of kaolin (Surround WP) for suppression of pear psylla the following spring. Experiments were performed on potted trees and commercial orchard-sized plots, with fall kaolin treatments made at 112 kg/ha (120 g/L). Pear psylla adult and egg densities were measured by visual counts, and kaolin residue stability was assessed by relative whiteness of branches using ImageJ. In the days immediately after kaolin applications (fall and spring), kaolin significantly reduced pear psylla adult numbers and increased branch whiteness. Fall kaolin residues visibly declined over the winter, but branches often remained significantly whiter than checks at spring assessments. Likewise, fall kaolin often resulted in significantly fewer adults and eggs than checks the following spring. This study demonstrates that residues from fall-applied kaolin can remain through the winter and reduce pear psylla colonization the following spring. This tactic will be advantageous in orchards that are difficult to spray in early spring, and as a general addition to the pear integrated pest management toolkit.
New effectors of spore properties have been identified in two Bacillus subtilis strains-bacillithiol, the major low-molecular-weight thiol in B. subtilis, and sporulene, a multi-ring compound synthesized from curcumene in spores' outer layers. The absence of either bacillithiol or sporulene caused faster germination of spores of one wild-type B. subtilis strain, PS832, with two germinant receptors (GR)-dependent germinants, L-valine for the GerA GR, and the AGFK mixture for the cooperative action of the GerB and GerK GRs, as well as the GR-independent germinant dodecylamine. However, these effects on PS832 spore germination were due to the presence of the antibiotic marker used to replace the genes for bacillithiol or sporulene synthesis. The absence of bacillithiol also caused reduced spore resistance to wet heat but not to hydrogen peroxide or UV radiation, while sporulenes' absence had no effect on spore wet heat resistance, but reduced spore resistance to hydrogen peroxide as found previously (T. Bosak, R. M. Losick, and A. Pearson, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105:6725-6729, 2008, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0800199105) and to UV radiation, but the presence of the antibiotic markers in these mutant strains was not responsible for these effects. Notably, spores lacking sporulene were much whiter than wild-type (wt) spores, suggesting that sporulene and its precursor curcumene contribute to spore pigmentation that can absorb UV, thus reducing spores' UV resistance. Analyses of reasons for the effects of bacillithiol's or sporulene's absence on spore resistance, specifically core water content and/or altered spore inner membrane (IM) permeability, found no major differences from values in wt spores. However, other analyses showed that sporulene's absence led to slight changes in spore IM fluidity. The work in this paper has identified two new factors, bacillithiol and sporulene, as modulators of the resistance and germination of spores of two Bacillus subtilis strains, and by extension, probably spores of other Bacillota. Since spores of some species can give rise to cells that can cause food spoilage and/or disease, new knowledge about spore resistance and germination could have applied utility.
Cosmetic skin whitening is a growing practice in a number of countries and long-term use has been shown to have potentially serious health risks. No reviews have documented the behavioral factors that help explain practices related to cosmetic skin whitening. We conducted a systematic review exploring the main behavioral (psychological and cognitive, social and cultural, and environmental) factors behind the practice of cosmetic skin whitening, as well as the groups and characteristics are associated with the practice as well as what interventions have been designed to address this practice. Five databases (PubMed, Scopus, APA PsychINFO, ASSIA, and Web of Science's Preprint Citation Index) were searched using adaptations of key search terms (e.g. "skin whitening", "behavior", "risk"). Studies were not restricted by date or country. From 816 candidate studies, 43 studies were included in the final sample. Twelve main factors were identified: beauty; self-esteem; to attract a partner or get married; dissatisfaction with skin tone; low awareness of risks of skin whitening; to look whiter or fairer; for social status; social norms or social influence; for a job or to secure employment; colorism; the influence of advertising; and fashion. Prevalence of use ranged from 2-74%. Use was more common amongst women and younger adults but varied by country or region in terms of whether it was more commonly used by people with high or low formal education. Only one study documented an intervention designed to raise awareness of the harms of cosmetic skin whitening. Cosmetic skin whitening is a complex practice influenced by multiple behavioral factors. Findings should be used to inform theory-based interventions designed to reduce the prevalence of cosmetic skin whitening practices.
This paper examines the distribution of social determinants of health (SDoH) among pregnant individuals, comparing urban and rural populations, with a sub-analysis of variations within the rural population. Demographic and SDoH screening data were analyzed from electronic medical records within a large, integrated health system. The sample included 6510 individuals who delivered within the health system over a 1-year study period. Statistical tests were conducted to determine differences in demographic and SDoH factors at the time of delivery between urban and rural groups (binary classification) and within the rural group (three-level classification). Rural pregnant individuals were younger, Whiter, and publicly insured more than urban pregnant individuals (all p values < 0.0001). A total of 4.4% of urban individuals experienced one adverse SDoH compared to 5.8% of rural individuals (p = 0.03). Small-town pregnant individuals were less White, more Hispanic, and more publicly insured and uninsured than large-town and isolated-town individuals. Large-town (10.4%, p = 0.002) and small-town (11.9%, p = 0.0003) pregnant individuals experienced increased rates of at least one adverse SDoH compared to isolated-town (7.5%) pregnant individuals. Differences were present among rural pregnant individuals in housing, food, and transportation domains. Demographic and SDoH differences persist between urban and rural pregnant individuals. However, differences are also present within the rural population, noting the heterogeneity of rural areas which must not be overlooked. To understand the amplitude of SDoH experiences and effectively develop interventions to address adverse SDoH, detailed rural groupings must be considered.
The hypothesis was that ultra-high-frequency (UHF) ultrasound can distinguish ganglionic from aganglionic bowel during surgery for Hirschsprung disease. The aim was to assess UHF ultrasound for differentiating ganglionosis from aganglionosis in children undergoing rectosigmoid Hirschsprung disease surgery. The child's intestine was examined intra-operatively using the Vevo MD (Fujifilm VisualSonics, Toronto, ON, Canada) system equipped with the UHF70 transducer; 50 MHz in center frequency. Collected images were analyzed and results presented as median. Twenty-one patients were examined intra-operatively with UHF ultrasound. The muscularis interna was thicker in ganglionic bowel compared to aganglionic: 0.298 vs 0.599 (p < 0.001), and the ratio of the muscularis interna/muscularis externa was greater; 0.621 vs 1.225 (p < 0.001). The echogenicity was higher, i.e., whiter, in the aganglionic submucosa 104.5 vs 81.6 (p < 0.016). The use of intra-operative UHF ultrasound shows great promise in the determination of ganglionic versus aganglionic bowel. Hirschsprung disease occurs when part of the intestine lacks nerve cells, causing severe constipation in children and requiring surgery. During surgery, surgeons must determine where healthy bowel begins, which currently involves biopsies that are time-consuming and sometimes imprecise. In the first study of its kind, we tested whether ultra-high frequency ultrasound could help. Using a high-resolution probe during operations, we scanned the intestinal wall in 21 children. We found clear, reliable differences: healthy bowel had thicker muscle layers and a higher layer ratio than diseased bowel. This technique could provide surgeons with real-time guidance, reduce the need for biopsies, and make surgery safer and faster for children with Hirschsprung disease.
Background Dental bleaching is the most common method for managing tooth discoloration, and several light sources have been investigated for accelerating the bleaching process. However, various wavelengths of lasers revealed high effectiveness in tooth color whitening compared to conventional bleaching. This in-vitro study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) and diode lasers (450 nm, 940 nm, 980 nm) in assisting in-office dental bleaching with hydrogen peroxide (HP), by evaluating tooth whitening according to the Whiteness Index (∆WIᴅ). Materials and methods One hundred enamel samples were obtained from 50 extracted human premolars and divided into five groups (n = 20): control with 38% HP only (first group), 38% HP + Er:YAG laser (second group), 38% HP + 450 nm diode laser (third group), 38% HP + 940 nm diode laser (fourth group), and 38% HP + 980 nm diode laser (fifth group). Tooth shade was assessed pre- and post-bleaching using a spectrophotometer. The Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage L*a*b* (CIELAB) values were obtained, and the ∆WIᴅ values were calculated for each sample. One-way ANOVA test was used to detect significant differences in ∆WIᴅ values among groups, followed by Bonferroni's post-hoc for pairwise comparisons. Results All tested bleaching systems were effective, showing statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.001). The 940 nm diode laser and Er:YAG laser groups demonstrated superior whitening efficacy (18.13 ± 4.57 and 14.76 ± 6.11, respectively), followed by the 450 nm diode laser group (8.56 ± 7.56), the 980 nm diode laser group (6.74 ± 6.48), and then the control group (4.25 ± 4.67). Conclusion We conclude that laser-assisted dental bleaching significantly enhanced the whitening effect of HP through accelerating the bleaching process with laser energy, with the 940 nm diode laser and Er:YAG laser showing particularly promising results. This can lead to whiter teeth in fewer sessions compared to conventional bleaching.
During his ascent of Mont Blanc in 1787, de Saussure used a cyanometer comprising sixteen shades of blue painted on cards to quantify the color of the sky. Simultaneous measurements gave a whiter shade of 7 at Geneva but a dark blue of 1-2 from the summit. We explore the use of a digital camera as a cyanometer. It was hoped to see the variation with altitude during a short ski holiday, but this was overambitious. However, results show that, for clear skies, the percentage of blue varies little, and the perception of blueness is primarily determined by the brightness.
Radiotherapy (RT) often causes delayed radiation-induced brain injury (RBI) with unclear pathophysiology; emerging evidence links this to glymphatic dysfunction, but radiation effects on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics and interstitial fluid-CSF exchange are unstudied. Thus, we used choroid plexus (CP) volume and free-water fraction (FWF) imaging to assess glymphatic changes in Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients after RT. In this cross-sectional cohort of 101 NPC patients (45 pre-RT and 56 post-RT) underwent 3 T MRI, including T1-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging. Automated CP segmentation and tract-specific FWF analysis are performed. Spearman correlation models assessed radiation-dose relationships with CP volume and Whiter matter (WM) FWF. We observed that post-RT patients exhibited significant bilateral CP enlargement (total CP: 2560.56 ± 636.72 mm3, left: 1196.92 ± 334.53 mm3, right: 1363.64 ± 365.84 mm3; all p < 0.05) and elevated FWF in critical WM tracts, including the pontine crossing tract (PCT), bilateral corticospinal tracts (CST), middle cerebellar peduncle, right inferior cerebellar peduncle, and left medial lemniscus. Radiational dose exhibit strong dose-dependent correlations with CP volume and WM FWF. Maximum doses to the brainstem (MDRT_BS) and left temporal lobe (MDRT_LT) showed the strongest associations: MDRT_LT correlated with left CP volume (r = 0.599, p < 0.001), right CP volume (r = 0.585, p < 0.001), and bilateral CST FWF (left: r = 0.414, p = 0.005; right: r = 0.354, p = 0.017). CP volume positively correlated with FWF in the PCT and CST (left CST vs. total CP: r = 0.374, p = 0.011). These associations remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, and intracranial volume (r = 0.31-0.58, all p < 0.05). The observed association between choroid plexus enlargement and elevated white matter free-water fraction suggests RT-associated glymphatic dysfunction in NPC, offers a novel perspective on the pathogenesis of RBI.
Although healthy teeth are never really white, bleaching agents are used cosmetically to whiten teeth. We studied the in vitro effects of some bleaching agents and acids on the Vickers Hardness (VH) of human dental enamel using a 100 gram [981 mN] load applied for 15 s and examined treated surfaces with backscattered electron mode scanning electron microscopy (BSE SEM; 20 kV, uncoated, chamber pressure 50 Pa). Rows of indents were made in the untreated condition and intervening rows placed after treatment. Thus, the samples served as their own controls. Gel bleaching agents − 35% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide - and 30% hydrogen peroxide solutions caused substantial reductions in microhardness. Weaker peroxide gels and solutions caused lesser changes. A 5% available chlorine sodium hypochlorite bleach treatment resulted in no significant change. Prism boundary discontinuities in flat polished surfaces are normally thin and dark in BSE-SEM imaging because of the lower mineral content in the region where crystallite orientation changes abruptly – they are also not joined up. Strong peroxide bleached surfaces, however, showed wider, whiter and conjoined boundaries as in acetic acid treated samples. This appearance is the hallmark of subsurface demineralisation and remineralisation, wherein the boundary region is widened and extended by dissolution of mineral, with reprecipitation of dissolved mineral in surrounding partially demineralised tissue and infilling of the original boundary defect. Identical sequences are identified in natural and artificial carious lesions and in acid etched enamel. This appearance was not generated by 6% peroxide gel. The softening of enamel by peroxide bleaching agents is explained both by the removal and redistribution of the hard mineral phase, accounted for by their acidic (i.e. low pH) nature; and the removal of the enamel protein matrix ‘glue’ holding the crystallites together.
The pursuit of whiter teeth has led to the innovation of various colour enhancement products, including toothpaste formulations containing blue covarine. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses their efficacy and safety. To evaluate the efficacy of blue covarine-containing toothpaste in colour enhancement and its safety. We conducted a comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Reviews, from inception until march 25, 2023. Eligible studies involved human participants using toothpaste with blue covarine and reported on its efficacy and safety in tooth colour perception altering. the JBI critical appraisal tools were used to assess the risk of bias. The meta-analysis synthesised data from several studies that measured tooth colour improvement and perception of tooth colour. Results showed significant improvement in tooth colour and perceived brightness in individuals using blue covarine toothpaste compared to placebo or other methods. Subgroup analyses revealed consistent results across varying study designs, sample sizes, and follow-up durations. However, limitations such as study heterogeneity and small sample sizes were noted. Toothpaste containing blue covarine is effective for tooth colour perception altering and can be recommended as a non-invasive option by dental professionals, taking into account individual baseline tooth colour and oral health. While promising, the long-term safety and effects of such toothpaste warrant further research. Dental professionals should personalise treatment recommendations and prioritise patient education to optimise outcomes. Future research should focus on long-term impacts, different formulations, and larger diverse samples to fully elucidate the safety and efficacy profiles.
This study examines hydroxytyrosol (HXT), a natural antioxidant, as a partial substitute for curing agents in fermented dry-cured organic sausages. Increasing health concerns regarding nitrates/nitrites, along with EU efforts to reduce their use, highlight the need for alternatives. The effects of partially replacing potassium nitrate or sodium nitrite with HXT were evaluated in terms of physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties. Five treatments were produced: C1 (80 mg/kg KNO3), HXT100 (40 mg/kg KNO3 + 100 mg/kg HXT), HXT300 (40 mg/kg KNO3 + 300 mg/kg HXT), C2 (80 mg/kg NaNO2), and HXT200 (40 mg/kg KNO2 + 200 mg/kg HXT). HXT significantly reduced weight loss and lipid oxidation and accelerated the pH drop during early fermentation, potentially enhancing beneficial microbial activity. Proximate composition (moisture, fat, protein, ash) and water activity were unaffected. Sausages containing HXT appeared whiter and brighter (higher L* values). Residual nitrite declined markedly during fermentation across all treatments. HXT100 and HXT300 showed higher Listeria monocytogenes counts than the full-dose control, raising microbial safety concerns. Consumer sensory evaluations (n = 204) favored traditional formulations (C1 and C2) for taste, texture, and overall quality. Interestingly, when informed about the use of natural ingredients, younger and health-conscious consumers rated all samples more positively. These findings suggest that HXT can serve as a clean-label antioxidant in cured meats; however, using it as a complete replacement for nitrates/nitrites may compromise safety. A balanced approach is recommended for developing future organic meat products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates that hydroxytyrosol (HXT), a natural antioxidant derived from olives, can partially replace nitrates or nitrites in organic fermented dry-cured sausages. However, complete replacement may compromise food safety. These findings may support the development of cleaner label products with fewer additives and greater health appeal. Nonetheless, consumer sensory evaluations favored traditional formulations in terms of taste, texture, and overall quality.
The medial upper eyelid fat compartment has long been recognized clinically as being firmer, whiter, and more fibrous than the central preaponeurotic fat. Despite its surgical relevance, systematic quantitative histological characterization remains limited. The objective of this study was to quantitatively compare the histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of medial and central upper eyelid fat compartments, with particular focus on connective tissue composition, vascularization, and stromal nuclear density. In a paired-sample design, medial and central upper eyelid fat compartments were harvested from 10 patients undergoing upper blepharoplasty. Each compartment was analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, acid fuchsin + orange G staining, and CD31 immunohistochemistry. Connective tissue proportion, capillary density, and stromal nuclear density were assessed. The medial compartment demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of connective tissue compared with the central compartment (67.74 ± 5.63% vs 56.63 ± 5.56%, P < .001). In contrast, capillary density was significantly reduced in the medial compartment (1.60 ± 0.54% vs 3.04 ± 1.14%, P = .002). Stromal nuclear density was also lower in medial fat compared with central fat (0.85 ± 0.66% vs 1.76 ± 1.06%, P = .004). Across all parameters, the central compartment consistently showed higher stromal nuclear density and vascularization, whereas the medial fat exhibited increased fibrous density. The medial upper eyelid fat compartment differs histologically from the central compartment by an increased connective tissue content and reduced vascular and stromal cell density. These findings provide a structural basis for its clinically observed firmness and potentially altered regenerative behavior.
Social media and other internet-based, community generated datasets are emerging as valuable tools in advancing our understanding of biodiversity distributions across urban environments. However, it is unclear how best to harness these data for managing and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts in an urbanizing world. In this study, we analyzed 2584 posts and comments on carnivore sightings, human-carnivore interactions, and attitudes towards carnivores via the neighborhood-based social media platform Nextdoor, focusing on 52 peri-urban neighborhoods near the Angeles National Forest in California. We focused on the two most frequently discussed species: coyote (Canis latrans) and American black bear (Ursus americanus). We analyzed social-ecological covariates as potential predictors of carnivore reports, and also compared sightings of these species to data collected on the biodiversity logging application, iNaturalist. We found that whiter, wealthier, less densely populated neighborhoods closer to the national forest tended to report more black bear sightings and conflict, while coyote conflict and sightings did not show a clear relationship with metrics of racial makeup or urban intensity. However, whiter, wealthier neighborhoods had higher percentages of the population registered to Nextdoor, indicating a possible racial bias in participation. Comments expressing positive attitudes towards black bears were almost five times more common than positive attitudes towards coyotes. Finally, the number of Nextdoor reports for both species were 11 times more numerous than observations on iNaturalist within the same window of time and locations. We conclude that Nextdoor can be a viable data platform for predicting human-wildlife interactions. However, potential utility for coexistence will be nullified if researchers and managers do not fully account for the socioeconomic and racial biases influencing who participates in the reporting process. Building a more inclusive and accessible platform could therefore be beneficial for equity in wildlife data reporting and for engaging a diverse public in urban nature.
Searches are presented for B_{c}^{+}→Dh^{+}h^{-} decays, where D is a charmed meson and h^{±} is a charged pion or kaon, using pp collision data collected by the LHCb experiment corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. The decays B_{c}^{+}→D^{+}K^{+}π^{-}, B_{c}^{+}→D^{*+}K^{+}π^{-}, and B_{c}^{+}→D_{s}^{+}K^{+}K^{-} are observed for the first time. Their branching fractions, expressed as ratios relative to that of the B_{c}^{+}→B_{s}^{0}π^{+} decay, are determined to be R(B_{c}^{+}→D^{+}K^{+}π^{-})=(1.96±0.23±0.08±0.10)×10^{-3}, R(B_{c}^{+}→D^{*+}K^{+}π^{-})=(3.67±0.55±0.24±0.20)×10^{-3}, R(B_{c}^{+}→D_{s}^{+}K^{+}K^{-})=(1.61±0.35±0.13±0.07)×10^{-3}, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third is due to the limited precision on the D-meson branching fractions. The decay channels proceed primarily through excited K^{0} or D^{0} resonances or ϕ mesons, and open a new avenue for studies of charge-parity violation in beauty mesons.
The first observation of the doubly charmed baryon Ξ_{cc}^{+} is reported through its decay to the Λ_{c}^{+}K^{-}π^{+} final state, with a statistical significance exceeding seven standard deviations. The observation is made using proton-proton collision data collected in 2024 with the LHCb Run 3 detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13.6 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 6.9  fb^{-1}. The Ξ_{cc}^{+} mass is measured to be 3619.97±0.83±0.26_{-1.30}^{+1.90}  MeV/c^{2}, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third is due to the unknown Ξ_{cc}^{+} lifetime, which is assumed to lie in the range 15-160 fs with a baseline value of 45 fs. The difference between the masses of the Ξ_{cc}^{+} and Ξ_{cc}^{++} baryons is determined to be -1.77±0.84±0.15_{-1.30}^{+1.90}  MeV/c^{2}. This is the first observation of a new particle made with the LHCb Run 3 detector.
The decay B^{±}→K_{S}^{0}π^{±}, with a CP asymmetry expected to be close to zero in the standard model, is theoretically clean and sensitive to potential new physics. An analysis of the decays B^{±}→K_{S}^{0}π^{±} and B^{±}→K_{S}^{0}K^{±} is performed using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1}. The CP asymmetries are determined to be A^{CP}(B^{±}→K_{S}^{0}π^{±})=-0.028±0.009±0.009 and A^{CP}(B^{±}→K_{S}^{0}K^{±})=0.118±0.062±0.031, and the branching fraction ratio is measured to be B(B^{±}→K_{S}^{0}K^{±})/B(B^{±}→K_{S}^{0}π^{±})=0.055±0.004±0.002, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. These results are the most precise measurements of these quantities to date. A search for the rare decay B_{c}^{±}→K_{S}^{0}K^{±} is also performed. No significant signal is observed, and the upper limit on the product of the branching fraction ratio B(B_{c}^{±}→K_{S}^{0}K^{±})/B(B^{±}→K_{S}^{0}π^{±}) and the fragmentation-fraction ratio f_{c}/f_{u} is set to be 0.015 (0.016) at the 90% (95%) confidence level.