Differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells through the natural matrix to neurospheres for cholinergic-like cells

Background

In Alzheimer's Disease there is an impairment of the cholinergic system, causing loss of neurons, impairment of intellectual abilities. In this context, the mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and its applications in cell therapies become target of the research, which may contribute to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Through the differentiation potential of MSCs, prospecting functional repair of the injured tissue from cholinergic neuronal cells could be a potential treatment. The aims was to evaluate the possibility of differentiation of MSCs from the human umbilical cord in nestin-positive neural precursor cells (NPCN+) through the NFBX into cholinergic ‘like’ cells.

Methods

The isolation of hMSCs from Wharton's jelly (WJ) was by the explant and mononuclear cells by density gradient. hMSCs were plating in natural matrix as NFBX for neurospheres production. Neural precursor cells were subjected to standard cholinergic differentiation protocol. Dissociated neurospheres, neural precursor cells and cholinergic-like cells were characterized by immunocytochemistry. The RT-PCR was done.

Results

hMSCs were CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, CD34- and CD45- and demonstrated the trilineage differentiation. Neurospheres and their isolated cells were nestin positive, and also expressed NESTIN, MAP2, ßIII-TUBULIN, GFAPgenes. Neural precursor cells that were differentiated in cholinergic-like cells expressed ßIII-TUBULIN protein and choline acetyltransferase enzyme.

Conclusions

hMSCs on the natural matrix were capable of differentiating hMSC into neurospheres, obtaining neural precursor cells without growth factors or gene transfection before cholinergic differentiation.

Iodine‑131 metabolic radiotherapy leads to cell death and genomic alterations through NIS overexpression on cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is an aggressive liver tumor with limited therapeutic options. Natrium-iodide symporter (NIS) mediates the uptake of iodine by the thyroid, representing a key component in metabolic radiotherapy using iodine-131 (¹³¹I) for the treatment of thyroid cancer. NIS expression is increased in CC, providing the opportunity for a novel therapeutic approach for this type of tumor. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of ¹³¹I in two human CC cell lines. Uptake experiments analyzed the ¹³¹I uptake profiles of the tumor cell lines under study. The cells were irradiated with various doses of ¹³¹I to evaluate and characterize the effects of metabolic radiotherapy. NIS protein expression was assessed by immunofluorescence methods. Cell survival was evaluated by clonogenic assay and flow cytometry was used to assess cell viability, and the type of death and alterations in the cell cycle. The genomic and epigenetic characterization of both CC cells was performed before and after irradiation. NIS gene expression was evaluated in the CC cells by RT-qPCR. The results revealed that CC cells had a higher expression of NIS. ¹³¹I induced a decrease in cell survival in a dose-dependent manner. With the increasing irradiation dose, a decrease in cell viability was observed, with a consequent increase in cell death by initial apoptosis. Karyotype and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analyses revealed that both CC cell lines were near-triploid with several numerical and structural chromosomal rearrangements. NIS gene expression was increased in the TFK-1 and HuCCT1 cells in a time-dependent manner. On the whole, the findings of this study demonstrate that the presence of NIS in cholangiocarcinoma cell lines is crucial for the decreased cell viability and survival observed following the exposure of cholangiocarcinoma cells to ¹³¹I.

Efeito de diferentes aditivos zootécnicos sobre a qualidade de ovos em duas fases produtivas da codorna

RESUMO Com o objetivo de avaliar a qualidade dos ovos de codornas alimentadas com diferentes aditivos em duas fases de produção, 360 codornas foram distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema de parcela subdividida no tempo (de nove até 23 e de 24 até 39 semanas de idade), com cinco tratamentos e oito repetições de nove aves cada, organizados da seguinte forma: controle, antibiótico, prebiótico, probiótico e simbiótico. As variáveis analisadas foram: unidade Haugh, índice de gema, porcentagem dos componentes do ovo, espessura de casca medida pelo micrômetro e pelo MEV. O fornecimento dos aditivos no segundo período aumentou a unidade Haugh e nos dois períodos avaliados proporcionou aumento da porcentagem de gema e de casca e da espessura da casca e de suas membranas. A inclusão dos aditivos foi mais eficiente em aumentar o peso dos ovos e a porcentagem de gema e de casca no segundo período. A espessura da casca (MEV) melhorou após inclusão de antibiótico e simbiótico na ração no segundo período. A inclusão de aditivos na ração melhora a qualidade dos ovos de codornas durante toda a fase produtiva. Antibiótico e simbiótico são mais eficazes em melhorar a espessura da casca dos ovos produzidos durante o segundo período produtivo.

Role of PVAT in coronary atherosclerosis and vein graft patency: friend or foe?

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) releases numerous factors and adipokines with paracrine effects on both vascular structure and function. These effects are variable as they depend on regional differences in PVAT among blood vessels and vary with changes in adiposity. There is considerable evidence demonstrating an association between coronary PVAT and the development and progression of coronary artery disease, which is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, vascular remodelling and blood clotting. However, PVAT also has a protective role in vascular grafts, especially the no-touch saphenous vein, in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass. This beneficial influence of PVAT involves factors such as adipocyte-derived relaxing factor, nitric oxide (NO), leptin, adiponectin, prostanoids, hydrogen sulphide and neurotransmitters, as well as mechanical protection. This article aims to highlight and compare the dual role of PVAT in the development and progression of coronary atherosclerosis, as well as in increased graft patency. Different deleterious and protective mechanisms of PVAT are also discussed and the inside-outside signalling paradigm of atherosclerosis development re-evaluated. The bidirectional communication between the arterial and venous wall and their surrounding PVAT, where signals originating from the vascular wall or lumen can affect PVAT phenotype, has been shown to be very complex. Moreover, signals from PVAT also influence the structure and function of the vascular wall in a paracrine manner.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Perivascular Adipose Tissue - Potential Pharmacological Targets? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.20/issuetoc.

Observation of J/ψϕ Structures Consistent with Exotic States from Amplitude Analysis of B^{+}→J/ψϕK^{+} Decays

The first full amplitude analysis of B^{+}→J/ψϕK^{+} with J/ψ→μ^{+}μ^{-}, ϕ→K^{+}K^{-} decays is performed with a data sample of 3  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected at sqrt[s]=7 and 8 TeV with the LHCb detector. The data cannot be described by a model that contains only excited kaon states decaying into ϕK^{+}, and four J/ψϕ structures are observed, each with significance over 5 standard deviations. The quantum numbers of these structures are determined with significance of at least 4 standard deviations. The lightest has mass consistent with, but width much larger than, previous measurements of the claimed X(4140) state.

Search for Higgs-like bosons decaying into long-lived exotic particles

A search is presented for massive long-lived particles, in the 20-60 [Formula: see text] mass range with lifetimes between 5 and 100 [Formula: see text]. The dataset used corresponds to 0.62[Formula: see text] of proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb detector at [Formula: see text]. The particles are assumed to be pair-produced by the decay of a Higgs-like boson with mass between 80 and 140 [Formula: see text]. No excess above the background expectation is observed and limits are set on the production cross-section as a function of the long-lived particle mass and lifetime and of the Higgs-like boson mass.

Evidence for Exotic Hadron Contributions to Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpπ^{-} Decays

A full amplitude analysis of Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpπ^{-} decays is performed with a data sample acquired with the LHCb detector from 7 and 8 TeV pp collisions, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}. A significantly better description of the data is achieved when, in addition to the previously observed nucleon excitations N→pπ^{-}, either the P_{c}(4380)^{+} and P_{c}(4450)^{+}→J/ψp states, previously observed in Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} decays, or the Z_{c}(4200)^{-}→J/ψπ^{-} state, previously reported in B^{0}→J/ψK^{+}π^{-} decays, or all three, are included in the amplitude models. The data support a model containing all three exotic states, with a significance of more than three standard deviations. Within uncertainties, the data are consistent with the P_{c}(4380)^{+} and P_{c}(4450)^{+} production rates expected from their previous observation taking account of Cabibbo suppression.

Model-Independent Evidence for J/ψp Contributions to Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} Decays

The data sample of Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} decays acquired with the LHCb detector from 7 and 8 TeV pp collisions, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}, is inspected for the presence of J/ψp or J/ψK^{-} contributions with minimal assumptions about K^{-}p contributions. It is demonstrated at more than nine standard deviations that Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} decays cannot be described with K^{-}p contributions alone, and that J/ψp contributions play a dominant role in this incompatibility. These model-independent results support the previously obtained model-dependent evidence for P_{c}^{+}→J/ψp charmonium-pentaquark states in the same data sample.

Measurement of the CP Asymmetry in B_{s}^{0}-B[over ¯]_{s}^{0} Mixing

The CP asymmetry in the mixing of B_{s}^{0} and B[over ¯]_{s}^{0} mesons is measured in proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1}, recorded by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. Semileptonic B_{s}^{0} and B[over ¯]_{s}^{0} decays are studied in the inclusive mode D_{s}^{∓}μ^{±}ν[over (-)]_{μ}X with the D_{s}^{∓} mesons reconstructed in the K^{+}K^{-}π^{∓} final state. Correcting the observed charge asymmetry for detection and background effects, the CP asymmetry is found to be a_{sl}^{s}=(0.39±0.26±0.20)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. This is the most precise measurement of a_{sl}^{s} to date. It is consistent with the prediction from the standard model and will constrain new models of particle physics.

A precise measurement of the [Formula: see text] meson oscillation frequency

The oscillation frequency, [Formula: see text], of [Formula: see text] mesons is measured using semileptonic decays with a [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] meson in the final state. The data sample corresponds to 3.0[Formula: see text] of pp collisions, collected by the LHCb experiment at centre-of-mass energies [Formula: see text] = 7 and 8[Formula: see text]. A combination of the two decay modes gives [Formula: see text], where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. This is the most precise single measurement of this parameter. It is consistent with the current world average and has similar precision.

First Observation of D^{0}-D[over ¯]^{0} Oscillations in D^{0}→K^{+}π^{-}π^{+}π^{-} Decays and Measurement of the Associated Coherence Parameters

Charm meson oscillations are observed in a time-dependent analysis of the ratio of D^{0}→K^{+}π^{-}π^{+}π^{-} to D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{-}π^{+} decay rates, using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1} recorded by the LHCb experiment. The measurements presented are sensitive to the phase-space averaged ratio of doubly Cabibbo-suppressed to Cabibbo-favored amplitudes r_{D}^{K3π} and the product of the coherence factor R_{D}^{K3π} and a charm mixing parameter y_{K3π}^{'}. The constraints measured are r_{D}^{K3π}=(5.67±0.12)×10^{-2}, which is the most precise determination to date, and R_{D}^{K3π}y_{K3π}^{'}=(0.3±1.8)×10^{-3}, which provides useful input for determinations of the CP-violating phase γ in B^{±}→DK^{±}, D→K^{∓}π^{±}π^{∓}π^{±} decays. The analysis also gives the most precise measurement of the D^{0}→K^{+}π^{-}π^{+}π^{-} branching fraction, and the first observation of D^{0}-D[over ¯]^{0} oscillations in this decay mode, with a significance of 8.2 standard deviations.

Search for Violations of Lorentz Invariance and CPT Symmetry in B_{(s)}^{0} Mixing

Violations of CPT symmetry and Lorentz invariance are searched for by studying interference effects in B^{0} mixing and in B_{s}^{0} mixing. Samples of B^{0}→J/ψK_{S}^{0} and B_{s}^{0}→J/ψK^{+}K^{-} decays are recorded by the LHCb detector in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}. No periodic variations of the particle-antiparticle mass differences are found, consistent with Lorentz invariance and CPT symmetry. Results are expressed in terms of the standard model extension parameter Δa_{μ} with precisions of O(10^{-15}) and O(10^{-14})  GeV for the B^{0} and B_{s}^{0} systems, respectively. With no assumption on Lorentz (non)invariance, the CPT-violating parameter z in the B_{s}^{0} system is measured for the first time and found to be Re(z)=-0.022±0.033±0.005 and Im(z)=0.004±0.011±0.002, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic.

Measurement of the Difference of Time-Integrated CP Asymmetries in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} Decays

A search for CP violation in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays is performed using pp collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}, collected using the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The flavor of the charm meson is inferred from the charge of the pion in D^{*+}→D^{0}π^{+} and D^{*-}→D[over ¯]^{0}π^{-} decays. The difference between the CP asymmetries in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays, ΔA_{CP}≡A_{CP}(K^{-}K^{+})-A_{CP}(π^{-}π^{+}), is measured to be [-0.10±0.08(stat)±0.03(syst)]%. This is the most precise measurement of a time-integrated CP asymmetry in the charm sector from a single experiment.

Observation of B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0} and Evidence for B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*}^{0}K_{S}^{0} Decays

The first observation of the B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0} decay mode and evidence for the B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*0}K_{S}^{0} decay mode are reported. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1} collected in pp collisions by LHCb at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The branching fractions are measured to be B(B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K[over ¯]^{0})=[4.3±0.5(stat)±0.3(syst)±0.3(frag)±0.6(norm)]×10^{-4},B(B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*0}K[over ¯]^{0})=[2.8±1.0(stat)±0.3(syst)±0.2(frag)±0.4(norm)]×10^{-4},where the uncertainties are due to contributions coming from statistical precision, systematic effects, and the precision of two external inputs, the ratio f_{s}/f_{d} and the branching fraction of B^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0}, which is used as a calibration channel.

Search for long-lived heavy charged particles using a ring imaging Cherenkov technique at LHCb

A search is performed for heavy long-lived charged particles using 3.0 [Formula: see text] of proton-proton collisions collected at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 7 and 8  TeV with the LHCb detector. The search is mainly based on the response of the ring imaging Cherenkov detectors to distinguish the heavy, slow-moving particles from muons. No evidence is found for the production of such long-lived states. The results are expressed as limits on the Drell-Yan production of pairs of long-lived particles, with both particles in the LHCb pseudorapidity acceptance, [Formula: see text]. The mass-dependent cross-section upper limits are in the range 2-4 fb (at 95 % CL) for masses between 14 and 309 [Formula: see text].

Evidence for the Strangeness-Changing Weak Decay Ξ_{b}^{-}→Λ_{b}^{0}π^{-}

Using a pp collision data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1}, collected by the LHCb detector, we present the first search for the strangeness-changing weak decay Ξ_{b}^{-}→Λ_{b}^{0}π^{-}. No b hadron decay of this type has been seen before. A signal for this decay, corresponding to a significance of 3.2 standard deviations, is reported. The relative rate is measured to be f_{Ξ_{b}^{-}}/f_{Λ_{b}^{0}}B(Ξ_{b}^{-}→Λ_{b}^{0}π^{-})=(5.7±1.8_{-0.9}^{+0.8})×10^{-4},where f_{Ξ_{b}^{-}} and f_{Λ_{b}^{0}} are the b→Ξ_{b}^{-} and b→Λ_{b}^{0} fragmentation fractions, and B(Ξ_{b}^{-}→Λ_{b}^{0}π^{-}) is the branching fraction. Assuming f_{Ξ_{b}^{-}}/f_{Λ_{b}^{0}} is bounded between 0.1 and 0.3, the branching fraction B(Ξ_{b}^{-}→Λ_{b}^{0}π^{-}) would lie in the range from (0.57±0.21)% to (0.19±0.07)%.

Search for Hidden-Sector Bosons in B(0)→K(*0)μ(+)μ(-) Decays

A search is presented for hidden-sector bosons, χ, produced in the decay B(0)→K*(892)(0)χ, with K*(892)(0)→K(+)π(-) and χ→μ(+)μ(-). The search is performed using pp-collision data corresponding to 3.0  fb(-1) collected with the LHCb detector. No significant signal is observed in the accessible mass range 214≤m(χ)≤4350  MeV, and upper limits are placed on the branching fraction product B(B(0)→K*(892)(0)χ)×B(χ→μ(+)μ(-)) as a function of the mass and lifetime of the χ boson. These limits are of the order of 10(-9) for χ lifetimes less than 100 ps over most of the m(χ) range, and place the most stringent constraints to date on many theories that predict the existence of additional low-mass bosons.

First observation of top quark production in the forward region

Top quark production in the forward region in proton-proton collisions is observed for the first time. The W+b final state with W→μν is reconstructed using muons with a transverse momentum, p_{T}, larger than 25 GeV in the pseudorapidity range 2.0<η<4.5. The b jets are required to have 50<p_{T}<100  GeV and 2.2<η<4.2, while the transverse component of the sum of the muon and b-jet momenta must satisfy p_{T}>20  GeV. The results are based on data corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1.0 and 2.0  fb^{-1} collected at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV by LHCb. The inclusive top quark production cross sections in the fiducial region are σ(top)[7  TeV]=239±53(stat)±33(syst)±24(theory)  fb,σ(top)[8  TeV]=289±43(stat)±40(syst)±29(theory)  fb.These results, along with the observed differential yields and charge asymmetries, are in agreement with next-to-leading order standard model predictions.

Measurement of the ratio of branching fractions B(B[over ¯]^{0}→D^{*+}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B[over ¯]^{0}→D^{*+}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ})

The branching fraction ratio R(D^{*})≡B(B[over ¯]^{0}→D^{*+}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B[over ¯]^{0}→D^{*+}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}) is measured using a sample of proton-proton collision data corresponding to 3.0  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity recorded by the LHCb experiment during 2011 and 2012. The tau lepton is identified in the decay mode τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ}. The semitauonic decay is sensitive to contributions from non-standard-model particles that preferentially couple to the third generation of fermions, in particular, Higgs-like charged scalars. A multidimensional fit to kinematic distributions of the candidate B[over ¯]^{0} decays gives R(D^{*})=0.336±0.027(stat)±0.030(syst). This result, which is the first measurement of this quantity at a hadron collider, is 2.1 standard deviations larger than the value expected from lepton universality in the standard model.

Regeneration of skin tissue promoted by mesenchymal stem cells seeded in nanostructured membrane

BACKGROUND

The mesenchymal stem cell therapy has proven to be an effective option in the treatment of skin injuries. The combination of these cells with nanostructured membranes seems to be the future for tissues recovery. The aim of this project was to use biomolecules of polysaccharides to be incorporated on regenerated cellulose membranes and to prospect the improvement as bioactive wound dressings with mesenchymal stem cells.

METHODS

The biocomposites were obtained after defibrillation with the use of never-dried bacterial cellulose to form a pulp, and, after the films were regenerated, in the presence of gellan gum with or without fluconazole. Membrane atomic force microscopy was performed for comparison of their structures.

RESULTS

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from human adipose tissue liposuction in accordance with Zuk et al. The flow cytometric analysis and induction tests for adipocytes and osteocytes were performed. In vitro assays were performed on different membranes to evaluate the ability of these cells to adhere at 2 hours and proliferate at 7 days; the results were obtained by use of the MTT cell counting technique. In vivo testing allowed us to observe cell migration and participation in wound-healing by fluorescence labeling of the cells with BrdU. The bioactive curative, seeded with cells, was tested in skin burned in a murine model.

CONCLUSIONS

The bacterial cellulose with gelan gum membrane incorporated with fluconazole presented the best performance in adhesion and proliferation tests. The cells can be identified in burned host tissue after occurrence of the wound.

Observation of J/ψp Resonances Consistent with Pentaquark States in Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψK^{-}p Decays

Observations of exotic structures in the J/ψp channel, which we refer to as charmonium-pentaquark states, in Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψK^{-}p decays are presented. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb^{-1} acquired with the LHCb detector from 7 and 8 TeV pp collisions. An amplitude analysis of the three-body final state reproduces the two-body mass and angular distributions. To obtain a satisfactory fit of the structures seen in the J/ψp mass spectrum, it is necessary to include two Breit-Wigner amplitudes that each describe a resonant state. The significance of each of these resonances is more than 9 standard deviations. One has a mass of 4380±8±29 MeV and a width of 205±18±86 MeV, while the second is narrower, with a mass of 4449.8±1.7±2.5 MeV and a width of 39±5±19 MeV. The preferred J^{P} assignments are of opposite parity, with one state having spin 3/2 and the other 5/2.

Observation of the B(s)(0)→η'η' Decay

The first observation of the B(s)(0)→η'η' decay is reported. The study is based on a sample of proton-proton collisions corresponding to 3.0  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected with the LHCb detector. The significance of the signal is 6.4 standard deviations. The branching fraction is measured to be [3.31±0.64(stat)±0.28(syst)±0.12(norm)]×10(-5), where the third uncertainty comes from the B(±)→η'K(±) branching fraction that is used as a normalization. In addition, the charge asymmetries of B(±)→η'K(±) and B(±)→ϕK(±), which are control channels, are measured to be (-0.2±1.3)% and (+1.7±1.3)%, respectively. All results are consistent with theoretical expectations.

Measurement of CP Violation in B0→J/ψK{S}^{0} Decays

Measurements are presented of the CP violation observables S and C in the decays of B(0) and Bover ¯]0 mesons to the J/ψK(S)(0) final state. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb(-1) collected with the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, and contains a total of 41 560 selected B^{0} and B[over ¯]^{0} decays. The analysis of the time evolution of these decays yields S=0.731±0.035(stat)±0.020(syst) and C=-0.038±0.032(stat)±0.005(syst). In the standard model, S equals sin(2β) to a good level of precision. The values are consistent with the current world averages and with the standard model expectations.

Measurement of the [Formula: see text] production cross-section in proton-proton collisions via the decay [Formula: see text]

The production of the [Formula: see text] state in proton-proton collisions is probed via its decay to the [Formula: see text] final state with the LHCb detector, in the rapidity range [Formula: see text] and in the meson transverse-momentum range [Formula: see text]. The cross-section for prompt production of [Formula: see text] mesons relative to the prompt [Formula: see text] cross-section is measured, for the first time, to be [Formula: see text] at a centre-of-mass energy [Formula: see text] using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 0.7 fb[Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text] using 2.0 fb[Formula: see text]. The uncertainties quoted are, in order, statistical, systematic, and that on the ratio of branching fractions of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] decays to the [Formula: see text] final state. In addition, the inclusive branching fraction of [Formula: see text]-hadron decays into [Formula: see text] mesons is measured, for the first time, to be [Formula: see text], where the third uncertainty includes also the uncertainty on the [Formula: see text] inclusive branching fraction from [Formula: see text]-hadron decays. The difference between the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] meson masses is determined to be [Formula: see text].

Search for long-lived particles decaying to jet pairs

A search is presented for long-lived particles with a mass between 25 and 50 [Formula: see text] and a lifetime between 1 and 200[Formula: see text] in a sample of proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of [Formula: see text] TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 0.62 [Formula: see text], collected by the LHCb detector. The particles are assumed to be pair-produced by the decay of a standard model-like Higgs boson. The experimental signature of the long-lived particle is a displaced vertex with two associated jets. No excess above the background is observed and limits are set on the production cross-section as a function of the long-lived particle mass and lifetime.

Measurement of Bc+ Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at √[s]=8 TeV

Production of Bc+ mesons in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV is studied with data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.0  fb-1 recorded by the LHCb experiment. The ratio of production cross sections times branching fractions between the Bc+→J/ψπ+ and B+→J/ψK+ decays is measured as a function of transverse momentum and rapidity in the regions 0<pT<20  GeV/c and 2.0<y<4.5. The ratio in this kinematic range is measured to be (0.683±0.018±0.009)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.

Observation of two new Ξ(b)(-) baryon resonances

Two structures are observed close to the kinematic threshold in the Ξ(b)(0)π(-) mass spectrum in a sample of proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb(-1), recorded by the LHCb experiment. In the quark model, two baryonic resonances with quark content bds are expected in this mass region: the spin-parity J(P)=(1/2)(+) and J(P)=(3/2)(+) states, denoted Ξ(b)('-) and Ξ(b)(*-). Interpreting the structures as these resonances, we measure the mass differences and the width of the heavier state to be m(Ξ(b)('-))-m(Ξ(b)(0))-m(π(-))=3.653±0.018±0.006  MeV/c(2), m(Ξ(b)(*-))-m(Ξ(b)(0))-m(π(-))=23.96±0.12±0.06  MeV/c(2), Γ(Ξ(b)(*-))=1.65±0.31±0.10  MeV, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The width of the lighter state is consistent with zero, and we place an upper limit of Γ(Ξ(b)('-))<0.08  MeV at 95% confidence level. Relative production rates of these states are also reported.

Precision measurement of CP violation in B(S)(0)→J/ΨK+K- decays

The time-dependent CP asymmetry in B(s)(0)→J/ψK+K- decays is measured using pp collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb-1, collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. In a sample of 96,000 B(s)(0)→J/ψK+K- decays, the CP-violating phase ϕs is measured, as well as the decay widths ΓL and ΓH of the light and heavy mass eigenstates of the B(s)(0)-B[over ¯]s0 system. The values obtained are ϕs=-0.058±0.049±0.006  rad, Γs≡(ΓL+ΓH)/2=0.6603±0.0027±0.0015  ps-1, and ΔΓs≡ΓL-ΓH=0.0805±0.0091±0.0032  ps-1, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second, systematic. These are the most precise single measurements of those quantities to date. A combined analysis with Bs0→J/ψπ+π- decays gives ϕs=-0.010±0.039  rad. All measurements are in agreement with the standard model predictions. For the first time, the phase ϕs is measured independently for each polarization state of the K+K- system and shows no evidence for polarization dependence.

Measurement of the semileptonic CP asymmetry in B0-B[over ¯]0 mixing

The semileptonic CP asymmetry in B0-B[over ¯]0 mixing, a(sl)(d), is measured in proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb-1, recorded by the LHCb experiment. Semileptonic B0 decays are reconstructed in the inclusive final states D-μ+ and D*-μ+, where the D- meson decays into the K+π-π- final state and the D*- meson into the D[over ¯]0(→K+π-)π- final state. The asymmetry between the numbers of D(*)-μ+ and D(*)+μ- decays is measured as a function of the decay time of the B0 mesons. The CP asymmetry is measured to be a(sl)(d)=(-0.02±0.19±0.30)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. This is the most precise measurement of a(sl)(d) to date and is consistent with the prediction from the standard model.

Precision measurement of the mass and lifetime of the Ξb⁻ baryon

We report on measurements of the mass and lifetime of the Ξ(b)⁻ baryon using about 1800 Ξ(b)⁻ decays reconstructed in a proton-proton collision data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb⁻¹ collected by the LHCb experiment. The decays are reconstructed in the Ξ(b)⁻→Ξ(c)⁰π⁻, Ξ(c)⁰→pK⁻K⁻π⁺ channel and the mass and lifetime are measured using the Λ(b)⁰→Λ(c)⁺π⁻ mode as a reference. We measure M(Ξ(b)⁻)-M(Λ(b)⁰)=178.36±0.46±0.16  MeV/c², (τ(Ξ(b)⁻)/τ(Λ(b)⁰)=1.089±0.026±0.011, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. These results lead to a factor of 2 better precision on the Ξ(b)⁻ mass and lifetime compared to previous best measurements, and are consistent with theoretical expectations.

Measurement of the CP-violating phase ϕs in Bs(0)→Ds(+)Ds(-) decays

We present a measurement of the CP-violating weak mixing phase ϕs using the decay Bs(0)→Ds(+)Ds(-) in a data sample corresponding to 3.0 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected with the LHCb detector in pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. An analysis of the time evolution of the system, which does not use the constraint |λ|=1 to allow for the presence of CP violation in decay, yields ϕs=0.02±0.17(stat)±0.02(syst)  rad, |λ|=0.91(-0.15)(+0.18)(stat)±0.02(syst). This result is consistent with the standard model expectation.

Measurement of the B¯s⁰ meson lifetime in Ds⁺π⁻ decays

We present a measurement of the ratio of the B¯s⁰ meson lifetime, in the flavor-specific decay to Ds⁺π⁻, to that of the B¯⁰ meson. The pp collision data used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 1  fb(-1), collected with the LHCb detector, at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. Combining our measured value of 1.010±0.010±0.008 for this ratio with the known B¯⁰ lifetime, we determine the flavor-specific B¯s⁰ lifetime to be τ(B¯s⁰ )=1.535±0.015±0.014  ps, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. This is the most precise measurement to date, and is consistent with previous measurements and theoretical predictions.

Observation of overlapping spin-1 and spin-3 D0K- resonances at mass 2.86 GeV/c2

The resonant substructure of B(s)(0) → D(0)K(-)π(+) decays is studied using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb(-1) of pp collision data recorded by the LHCb detector. An excess at m(D(0)K(-))≈ 2.86 GeV/c(2) is found to be an admixture of spin-1 and spin-3 resonances. Therefore, the D(sJ)*(2860)(-) state previously observed in inclusive e(+)e(-) → D(0)K(-)X and pp → D(0)K(-)X processes consists of at least two particles. This is the first observation of a heavy flavored spin-3 resonance, and the first time that any spin-3 particle has been seen to be produced in B decays. The masses and widths of the new states and of the D(s2)*(2573)(-) meson are measured, giving the most precise determinations to date.

Test of lepton universality using b+ → K+ℓ+ℓ- decays

A measurement of the ratio of the branching fractions of the B(+) → K(+)μ(+)μ(-) and B(+) → K(+)e(+)e(-) decays is presented using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb(-1), recorded with the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The value of the ratio of branching fractions for the dilepton invariant mass squared range 1 < q(2) < 6 GeV(2)/c(4) is measured to be 0.745(-0.074)(+0.090)(stat) ± 0.036(syst). This value is the most precise measurement of the ratio of branching fractions to date and is compatible with the standard model prediction within 2.6 standard deviations.

First observation of a baryonic Bc+ decay

A baryonic decay of the B(c)(+) meson, B(c)(+) → J/ψppπ(+), is observed for the first time, with a significance of 7.3 standard deviations, in pp collision data collected with the LHCb detector and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb(-1) taken at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. With the B(c)(+) → J/ψπ(+) decay as the normalization channel, the ratio of branching fractions is measured to be B(B(c)(+) → J/ψppπ(+))/B(B(c)(+) → J/ψπ(+)) = 0.143(-0.034)(+0.039)(stat) ± 0.013(syst). The mass of the B(c)(+) meson is determined as M(B(c)(+) = 6274.0 ± 1.8(stat) ± 0.4(syst) MeV/c(2), using the B(c)(+) → J/ψppπ(+) channel.

Evidence for CP violation in B+ → ppK+ decays

Three-body B+ → ppK+ and B(+) → ppπ(+) decays are studied using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb(-1) collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. Evidence of CP violation in the B(+) → ppK(+) decay is found in regions of the phase space, representing the first measurement of this kind for a final state containing baryons. Measurements of the forward-backward asymmetry of the light meson in the pp rest frame yield A(FB)(ppK(+),m(pp)<2.85 GeV/c(2)) = 0.495 ± 0.012 (stat) ± 0.007 (syst) and A(FB)(ppπ(+),m(pp) <2.85 GeV/c(2)) = -0.409 ± 0.033 (stat) ± 0.006 (syst). In addition, the branching fraction of the decay B(+) → Λ(1520)p is measured to be B(B(+) → Λ(1520)p) = (3.15 ± 0.48 (stat) ± 0.07 (syst) ± 0.26 (BF)) × 10(-7), where BF denotes the uncertainty on secondary branching fractions.

First measurement of the charge asymmetry in beauty-quark pair production

The difference in the angular distributions between beauty quarks and antiquarks, referred to as the charge asymmetry, is measured for the first time in bb pair production at a hadron collider. The data used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb(-1) collected at 7 TeV center-of-mass energy in proton-proton collisions with the LHCb detector. The measurement is performed in three regions of the invariant mass of the bb system. The results obtained are A(C)(bb))(40<M(bb))<75 GeV/c(2)) = 0.4 ± 0.4 ± 0.3%, A(C)(bb))(75<M(bb)) < 105 GeV/c(2)) = 2.0 ± 0.9 ± 0.6%, A(C)(bb)(M(bb)) > 105 GeV/c(2)) = 1.6 ± 1.7 ± 0.6%, where A(C)(bb)) is defined as the asymmetry in the difference in rapidity between jets formed from the beauty quark and antiquark, where in each case the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The beauty jets are required to satisfy 2 < η < 4, E(T) >20 GeV, and have an opening angle in the transverse plane Δ ϕ > 2.6 rad. These measurements are consistent with the predictions of the standard model.

Precision measurement of the mass and lifetime of the Ξ(b)(0) baryon

Using a proton-proton collision data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb(-1) collected by LHCb at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, about 3800 Ξ(b)(0) → Ξ(c)(+)π(-), Ξ(c)(+)) → pK(-)π(+) signal decays are reconstructed. From this sample, the first measurement of the Ξ(b)(0) baryon lifetime is made, relative to that of the Λ(b)(0) baryon. The mass differences M(Ξ(b)(0))-M(Λ(b)(0)) and M(Ξ(c)(+))-M(Λ(c)(+)) are also measured with precision more than 4 times better than the current world averages. The resulting values are τ(Ξ(b)(0))/τ(Λ)(b)(0)) = 1.006 ± 0.018 ± 0.010,M(Ξ(b)(0))-M(Λ(b)(0)) = 172.44 ± 0.39 ± 0.17 MeV/c(2),M(Ξ(c)(+))-M(Λ(c)(+)) = 181.51 ± 0.14 ± 0.10 MeV/c(2),where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The relative rate of Ξ(b)(0) to Λ(b)(0) baryon production is measured to be f(Ξ)(b)(0))/f(Λ)(b)(0))B(Ξ(b)(0) → Ξ(c)(+)π(-))/B(Λ(b)(0) → Λ(c)(+)π(-))B(Ξ(c)(+) → pK(-)π(+))/B(Λ(c)(+) → pK(-)}π(+)) = (1.88 ± 0.04 ± 0.03) × 10(-2),where the first factor is the ratio of fragmentation fractions, b → Ξ(b)(0) relative to b → Λ(b)(0). Relative production rates as functions of transverse momentum and pseudorapidity are also presented.

Observation of the resonant character of the Z(4430)(-) state

Resonant structures in B^{0}→ψ^{'}π^{-}K^{+} decays are analyzed by performing a four-dimensional fit of the decay amplitude, using pp collision data corresponding to 3  fb^{-1} collected with the LHCb detector. The data cannot be described with K^{+}π^{-} resonances alone, which is confirmed with a model-independent approach. A highly significant Z(4430)^{-}→ψ^{'}π^{-} component is required, thus confirming the existence of this state. The observed evolution of the Z(4430)^{-} amplitude with the ψ^{'}π^{-} mass establishes the resonant nature of this particle. The mass and width measurements are substantially improved. The spin parity is determined unambiguously to be 1^{+}.

Measurement of charged particle multiplicities and densities in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text]TeV in the forward region

Charged particle multiplicities are studied in proton-proton collisions in the forward region at a centre-of-mass energy of [Formula: see text]TeV with data collected by the LHCb detector. The forward spectrometer allows access to a kinematic range of [Formula: see text] in pseudorapidity, momenta greater than [Formula: see text] and transverse momenta greater than [Formula: see text]. The measurements are performed using events with at least one charged particle in the kinematic acceptance. The results are presented as functions of pseudorapidity and transverse momentum and are compared to predictions from several Monte Carlo event generators.

Measurement of [Formula: see text] polarisation in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text] = 7 TeV

The polarisation of prompt [Formula: see text] mesons is measured by performing an angular analysis of [Formula: see text] decays using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0[Formula: see text], collected by the LHCb detector at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. The polarisation is measured in bins of transverse momentum [Formula: see text] and rapidity [Formula: see text] in the kinematic region [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and is compared to theoretical models. No significant polarisation is observed.

Measurement of the [Formula: see text] meson lifetime using [Formula: see text] decays

The lifetime of the [Formula: see text] meson is measured using semileptonic decays having a [Formula: see text] meson and a muon in the final state. The data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of [Formula: see text], are collected by the LHCb detector in [Formula: see text] collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV. The measured lifetime is [Formula: see text]where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.

Observation of photon polarization in the b→sγ transition

This Letter presents a study of the flavor-changing neutral current radiative B±→K±π∓π±γ decays performed using data collected in proton-proton collisions with the LHCb detector at 7 and 8 TeV center-of-mass energies. In this sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb-1, nearly 14 000 signal events are reconstructed and selected, containing all possible intermediate resonances with a K±π∓π± final state in the [1.1,1.9]  GeV/c2 mass range. The distribution of the angle of the photon direction with respect to the plane defined by the final-state hadrons in their rest frame is studied in intervals of K±π∓π± mass and the asymmetry between the number of signal events found on each side of the plane is obtained. The first direct observation of the photon polarization in the b→sγ transition is reported with a significance of 5.2σ.

Search for Majorana neutrinos in B- → π+ μ- μ- decays

A search for heavy Majorana neutrinos produced in the B- → π+ μ- μ- decay mode is performed using 3  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected with the LHCb detector in pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV at the LHC. Neutrinos with masses in the range 250 to 5000 MeV and lifetimes from zero to 1000 ps are probed. In the absence of a signal, upper limits are set on the branching fraction B(B- → π+ μ- μ-) as functions of neutrino mass and lifetime. These limits are on the order of 10(-9) for short neutrino lifetimes of 1 ps or less. Limits are also set on the coupling between the muon and a possible fourth-generation neutrino.