Outdoor activities foster local plant knowledge in Karelia, NE Europe

Wild edible plants, particularly berries, are relevant nutritional elements in the Nordic countries. In contrast to decreasing global trends, approximately 60% of the Finnish population is actively involved in (berry) foraging. We conducted 67 interviews with Finns and Karelians living in Finnish Karelia to: (a) detect the use of wild edible plants, (b) compare those results with the published data about neighbouring Russian Karelians, and (c) document the sources of local plant knowledge. The results revealed three main findings. First, we observed a similarity in wild food plant knowledge among Karelians and Finns from Karelia. Second, we detected divergences in wild food plant knowledge among Karelians living on both sides of the Finnish-Russian border. Third, the sources of local plant knowledge include vertical transmission, acquisition through literary sources, acquisition from "green" nature shops promoting healthy lifestyles, childhood foraging activities performed during the famine period following WWII, and outdoor recreational activities. We argue that the last two types of activities in particular may have influenced knowledge and connectedness with the surrounding environment and its resources at a stage of life that is crucial for shaping adult environmental behaviours. Future research should address the role of outdoor activities in maintaining (and possibly enhancing) local ecological knowledge in the Nordic countries.

Determination of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction using machine learning methods

Introduction

Nowadays, more than 50% of new cases of heart failure (HF) are due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Diastolic dysfunction of left ventricular underlies the development of HFpEF. Determination of diastolic function can be determinated using echocardiographic examination but not as a method of screening.

Purpose

Create a Machine Learning model to determinate severe (2nd or 3rd degrees) left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LV DD) using single channel ECG.

Methods

The study prospectively included 375 patients aged between 18 and 88 years. Each of them underwent an assessment of left ventricular diastolic function using echocardiography based on ASE/EACVI guidelines and standard 2016. ECG was registered in I standard lead for 3 minutes. Then a spectral analysis of the ECG was performed using a wavelet transform based on the Fourier transform. Prediction of LV DD was implemented based on different machine learning methods.

Results

Based on the time intervals between the waves, the energy of the ECG signal in the target zones of the complexes, the amplitude at different points of the ECG complexes and the asymmetry indicators, different mathematical models were created to determine the severe (2nd or 3rd degree) LV DD. Lasso regression predicted the presence of severe LV DD with sensitivity 90% and specificity 80,6% (AUC- 0.856). The most significant for this method were the following variables: TA, SDNN, RonsF, ASEPMAX, B1, TpTe, ADP, SEPMAX, Sbeta, SEPF, RR, SRP-B0, Pan.1, QT/TQ, PpeakN, SA, SRP-B1. Random Forest also showed high sensitivity 80% and specificity 89, 3% (AUC- 0.860). For Random Forest model the most dignificant were: TpTe, VAT, QTc, QT/TQ, J80A, TA, Tenergy, Tpenergy, Beta, QRS11energy, Pan, Pan.1, RA, Pfi, QRSst, QRSfi, PpeakP, PpeakN, Rpeak, Speak, RonsF, B0-B1, SEP, SEP-B1, SEP-B0, SRP, SRP-B1, SRP-B0, ASEP. LV DD 1 degree did not have markers in our study.

Conclusion

Several machine learning methods have shown high sensitivity and specificity in identifying severe LV DD. Potentially ECG can be used as a screening method for determination of the LV DD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): This work was financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation within the framework of state support for the creation and development of World-Class Research Centers “Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare” No. 075-15-2020-926

POS1072 ASSOCIATION OF NAIL PSORIASIS WITH WORSE DISEASE OUTCOMES IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS. DATA FROM CLINICAL PRACTICE

Background:

Limited data are available regarding the burden of nail disease in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The latest data show that nail involvement in PsA patients (pts) is associated with significantly more severe disease status (1).

Objectives:

To analyze, in clinical practice, the association of nail psoriasis with disease activity, quality of life, and work productivity in PsA pts.

Methods:

588 pts (M/F–277 /311) with PsA according to CASPAR criteria were included in the study. Data were collected from 43 rheumatology clinics from different regions of the Russian Federation. Pts’ age 48.6±0.5 years (yrs), disease duration 7.0±0.3 yrs. Pts underwent standard clinical examination of PsA activity. Pts were split into two groups (gr.): those with nail psoriasis – gr.1, and those without it – gr.2. Demographics, disease activity, quality of life, and work productivity were compared between pts with and without nail psoriasis using Pearson’s chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results:

Gr.1 includes 312 (53.1%) cases, gr.2 – 276 (46.9%) cases. More pts in gr.1 were males (51.9% vs 44.1%, р=0.013), disabled at work (37.20% vs 26.40%, р=0.000), chronic smokers (18.9% vs 8.7%, р=0.000) and with axial PsA disease signs according to physician (35.0% vs 26.4%, р=0.025) compared to pts in gr.2. Pts in gr.1 had higher tender and swollen joint counts: 8 [4-15] vs 5 [2-12] (р=0.002) and 5 [1-9] vs 2 [0-7] (р=0.003) respectively. Gr.1 pts had higher disease activity measured by DAPSA 25 [15-39] vs 20 [12-33] (p= 0.001), higher frequency of dactylitis (24.4% vs 16.7% р=0.022) and heel enthesitis (17.0% vs 10.1% р=0.016) respectively, higher frequency of erosive radiographic arthritis of feet (45.0% vs 31.2% р=0.003) compared to gr.2 pts. Pts in gr.1 had worse skin psoriasis measured by Psoriasis Area Severity Index – 6 [2-14] vs 3 [1-6] (р=0.000). Less pts in gr.1 than in gr.2 (27.0% vs 52.0% р=0.004) achieved minimal disease activity (MDA). Pts’ reported outcomes (PRO’s) in gr.1 were worse than in gr.2 in regard to reduced health-related quality of life according to PsAID (4.9±2.3 vs 4.0±2.3, р=0.040) and to EQ-5D (0.56±0.19 vs 0.64 ±0.21, р=0.024) questionnaires, overall work impairment (0.0 [0.0-0.3] vs 0.0 [0.0-0.2], р=0.034) and overall activity impairment (0.4 [0.1-0.7] vs 0.3 [0.0-0.5], р=0.006) according to WPAI.

Conclusion:

Nail involvement in PsA pts is associated with male gender and axial disease. PsA pts with nail involvement are more often disabled, more often are chronic smokers, have significantly worse disease status as measured by disease activity; they are more likely to have more severe (erosive) peripheral arthritis of feet, higher frequency of heel enthesitis and dactylitis, higher psoriasis disease severity, lower frequency of MDA achievement, and worse quality of life and work productivity according to PRO’s. Detection of nail involvement is critical for choice of treatment approach and better outcomes.

References:

[1]Mease PJ et al.J Rheumatol, 2020

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

AB0576 BONE EROSION IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS ASSOCIATED WITH PSORIASIS DURATION, SKIN, NAIL AND JOINT DISEASE SEVERITY

Background:

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation and disease course, but many patients (pts) develop a destructive form of arthritis. Psoriasis (PsO) precedes arthritis by an average of 7 years. [1]. Theory of transition from PsO to PsA has been proposed recently [2]. But association between skin disease severity and joint disease are still unclear.

Objectives:

to evaluate association between bone erosion, PsO duration, skin and nail disease severity in PsA pts based on data from clinical practice (RU-PsART cohort).

Methods:

737 (M/F=350/387) PsA pts fulfilling the CASPAR criteria were included. Mean age 47.4±12.7 years (yrs), PsA duration 55[17;120] mos., PsO duration 165[74.5;292] mos., mean DAPSA 23.3[14;36.9] mos., HAQ-DI - 0.98 [0.5;1.38], CRP - 7.4 [2.1;18] mg/l. All pts underwent standard clinical examination (tender joins count (TJC)/68, swelling joints count (SJC)/66, CRP (mg/l), DAPSA, dactylitis, enthesitis by LEI + Plantar Facia (PF), HAQ-DI. Mild disease was defined as body surface area (BSA)≤10%, moderate to severe as BSA>10%. The presence/absent of nail PsO was evaluated. X-ray of feet and hand were done in 622 out of 737 pts. The one-factor model of logistic regression was used to identify a group of features that are associated with achievement MDA. M±SD, Me [Q25; Q75], Min-Max, %, t-test, Pierson-χ2, Manna-Whitney tests, ORs with 95% CI were performed. All p<0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results:

PsO precedes of PsA by an average of 9.2 years. BSA≤10% was found in 615 out of 672 pts (91.5%), BSA>10% - in 57 out of 672 pts (8.5%). Nail PsO were seen in 230 out of 737 (31.2%). Bone erosion was found in 237 out of 622 of pts (38.1%). Among these pts nail PsO were seen in 67 out of 237 pts (28.3%). Enthesitis found in 236 out of 737 pts (42.1%), dactylitis – in 197 out 731 pts (27%), axial PsA – in 315 out of 731 pts (43.1%). Bone erosion significantly associated with PsO duration more than 5 yrs., skin and nail PsO severity, high PsA activity by DAPSA, axial manifestation and duration of PsA > 36 mos. (Figure 1).

Figure 1

Forest plot of factors associated with bone erosion in PsA pts.

Conclusion:

In our cohort the majority of PsA pts had mild PsO preceded PsA on average of 9.2 yrs. Bone erosion was found in 30% of PsA pts which associated with PsO duration, skin and nail disease severity as well as with PsA activity. Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention within a “window of opportunity” are very important for improving outcomes and prevent structural damage in PsA.

References:

[1]Tillett W, et al. Interval between onset of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis comparing the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink with a hospital-based cohort. Rheumatol. 2017; 56, 2109–2113

[2]Scher JU, et al. Preventing psoriatic arthritis: focusing on patients with psoriasis at increased risk of transition. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2019;15(3):153-166. doi: 10.1038/s41584-019-0175-0. PMID: 30742092.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

POS0976 ANALYSIS OF BIOLOGIC THERAPY RETENTION RATE IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUTV AXIAL INVOLVEMENT. DATA FROM CLINICAL PRACTICE

Background:

Limited data are available on retention rates of biologic therapy in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients (pts) with axial involvement. It has been shown that in the subset of pts with prevalent axial involvement (AS versus PsA and AxSpA versus PsA) a longer duration of anti-TNF-α-therapy was observed as compared to peripheral arthritis [1].

Objectives:

To compare retention rates of biologic therapy in PsA pts with and without axial involvement in routine clinical practice.

Methods:

731 pts with PsA according to CASPAR criteria were included in the study. Data were collected from 43 rheumatology clinics over various regions of the Russian Federation. Among the pts, 243 (33.0%) (M/F 132/111) were given biologic therapy. Pts’ age 45.9±12.8 years (yrs), disease duration 8.6±6.5 yrs. Pts underwent standard clinical examination of PsA activity and were split into two groups (gr.), with and without axial PsA (axPsA): axPsA(+) and axPsA(-). Pts in the axPsA(+) gr. had inflammatory back pain by ASAS criteria and/or radiographic sacroiliitis (SI) (unilateral grade≥3 or bilateral grade≥2) and/or active MRI SI and/or typical of axPsA changes of the cervical and/or lumbar spine (marginal/paramarginal syndesmophytes, ankylosis of the facet joints). Pts in the axPsA(-) gr. had only peripheral arthritis. The axPsA(+) gr. included 143 (58.8%) pts, the axPsA(-) gr. 100 (41.2%) pts. 163 (67.1%) pts were treated with TNF inhibitors (TNF-i), 80 (32.9%) pts with interleukin inhibitors (IL-i): 55 pts with Ustekinumab, 25 pts with Secukinumab. During the TNF-i treatment courses Infliximab was given to 34 pts, Adalimumab to 53 pts, Etanercept to 36 pts, Golimumab to 27 pts and Certolizumab Pegol to 8 pts. The observation period lasted 12 months. Treatment retention rates were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test.

Results:

Analysis of the treatment retention rates revealed statistically significant differences between the axPsA(+) and the axPsA(-) grs. After 12 months of observation, 72.9% of pts in the axPsA(-) gr. continued receiving biologic therapy, while in the axPsA(+) gr. only 53.1% of pts (р=0.0027) received it. The same kind of differences in anti-TNF therapy were found between the axPsA(-) gr. and the axPsA(+) gr.: 82.2% and 62.3% pts respectively (р=0.011) continued receiving TNF-i after 12 months. However no statistically significant differences were found between the two grs. in the treatment retention rates of IL-i therapy: after 12 months of observation 55.5% of axPsA(-) pts and 37% of axPsA(+) pts (р=0.086) continued receiving IL-i.

Conclusion:

In routine clinical practice, retention rates of biologic therapy were found to be worse in PsA pts with axial involvement. In clinical practice, TNF-i are prescribed twice as often than IL-i. However, considering the need of personalized therapy, in case of axPsA the use of IL-i is preferable because their treatment retention rates don’t depend on axial involvement.

References:

[1]M. Fabbroni et al. Mediators of Inflammation, 2014.

Retention rates of biologic therapy. Differences between axPsA(+) and axPsA(-) pts are statistically significant (р=0.00265, log rank test).

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

AB0575 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS ACTIVITY IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Background:

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a multifaceted disease with various clinical domains. A number of composite indices has been developed recently [1, 2]. DAPSA (Disease Activity in PSoriatic Arthritis) is the valid instrument for assessment of PsA activity focused on peripheral arthritis. But other factors can influence on PsA activity and haven’t studied yet.

Objectives:

to identify factors that are associated with PsA activity based on the data from RU-PsART cohort.

Methods:

117 (M/F=63(54%)/54(46%)) patients (pts) with active PsA fulfilling the CASPAR criteria mean age 44.3 ± 10.9 yrs, mean DAPSA 37.8±21.4, mean PsA duration 73.4±78.4 mo, mean PsO duration 213.4±152.5 mo, were included. Data was collected from 43 rheumatology centers of the Russian Federation. All pts underwent standard clinical examination of PsA activity at enrollment. DAPSA, ESR (mm/h), CRP (mg/L), dactylitis, enthesitis by LEI plus Plantar Fascia, BSA (%), HAQ-DI and fatigue by Fatigue Scale (V.4) FACIT (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy), BMI (kg/m2) were evaluated. DAPSA > 28 indicate high activity. Multi-dimensional step-by-step discriminant analysis was used to identify a group of features that are associated with high PsA activity by DAPSA. M±SD, %, OR 95% (CI) were performed.

Results:

The following features proved to be the most informative: LEI (p=0.739), tenderness of the Plantar Fascia (p=0.003), age (p=0.0004), FACIT (p=0.092), PsA duration >2 yrs (p=0.013), BSA>3% (p=0.021), Nail PsO (p=0.092), BMI (kg/m2) (p=0.22). The area under the ROC-curve (AUC) 0.768, 95% CI (0.624-0.913). Sensitivity/ Specificity of model 77.0%/ 69% accordingly (Figure 1).

Figure 1

ROC analysis of the Sensitivity and Specificity of the model.

Conclusion:

Weight, enthesitis, skin and nail PsO severity, fatigue and PsA duration >2 yrs are associated with high PsA activity as well as articular symptoms. New combination indices based on these features should be developed and validated in clinical practice.

References:

[1]Helliwell P, et al. The development of candidate composite disease activity and responder indices for psoriatic arthritis (GRACE project). Ann Rheum Dis. 2013; 72: 986-91. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-201341.

[2]Salaffi F, et al. Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis: Comparison of the Discriminative Capacity and Construct Validity of Six Composite Indices in a Real World. BoiMed Res Int 2014; 2014:52805 http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/528105

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

FRI0347 PREVALENCE OF OBESITY AND ITS LINK TO PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PSA) ACTIVITY AND RESPONSE TO THERAPY: DATA FROM THE RUSSIAN PSA REGISTRY (RU-PSART)

Background:

Obesity is a common comorbidity of psoriasis and PsA. It is connected to low-grade inflammation and it has a negative impact on the response to therapies. Although a high prevalence of obesity has been shown in a whole number of epidemiology and observational studies, its relationship to PsA activity has been less investigated. In the RU-PsART registry data was collected from 43 rheumatology centers of the Russian Federation

Objectives:

to evaluate the prevalence of obesity and its association to PsA activity as well as its impact on therapy response in real clinical practice

Methods:

614 (M/F=331(54%)/283(46%) PsA pts fulfilling the CASPAR criteria were included from the RU-PsART cohort. Mean age 45.2±0.52 yrs, PsA duration 5.7±0.27 yrs, PsO duration 15.71±0.56 yrs, DAPSA 28.79±0.75. At baseline (BL) and 6 mo/12 mo of observation PsA activity was evaluated by Tender Joint Count (TJC68), Swollen Joint Count (SJC66); PGA, physician global assessment by Visual Analog Scale (VAS); PtGA VAS; PtPain VAS; DAPSA and body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) were calculated. Pts were treated with conventional/target synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs csDMARDs (55%)/tsDMARDs (5%), biological DMARDs (23%), NSAID (17%) according to physician’s decision. At BL/6/12 mo all pts were categorized according to DAPSA as high activity (DAPSA>28) and Moderate (Mo≤28)/Low Activity (LA≤14)/Remission DAPSA (REM≤4). All pts were divided into three groups according to BMI (kg/m2): normal<25, overweight >25-30, obese>30. M±m,%, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), ANOVA, OR 95% (CI) were performed. All p<0.05, were considered to indicate statistical significance

Results:

The baseline BMI was 27.7±0.23 kg/m2with the following BMI categories: normal - 212 pts (34.6%), overweight - 214 pts (34.8%) and obese - 187 (30.45%). In all pts DAPSA significantly improved to 16.11±0.82/14.71±1.17 at 6/12 mo accordingly. At BL and 6/12 mo of therapy DAPSA was significantly higher in the obese pts compared to the normal and the overweight pts despite of improvements seen in all groups (table 1). By the last visit significant differences were found in DAPSA depending on BMI at BL (ANOVA, p<0.031). BMI>30 at BL was associated with lower probability of DAPSA improvement from high activity to Mo/LA/REM state compared to normal BMI pts and the overweight pts: OR 2.484 (95% CI 1.135-5.439) and OR 2.346 (95% CI 1.07-5.143) accordingly (Fig 1)

Table 1.

Dynamics of DAPSA from BL to 6/12 mo depending on BMI categories.

BMI (kg/m2)DAPSA BLDAPSA 6 moDAPSA 12 mo<2527.20 ± 1.1513.84 ± 1.0113.33 ± 1.5325-3026.93 ± 1.1714.48 ± 1.4313.83 ± 2.36>3032.86 ± 1.5721.19 ± 1.8418.92 ± 2.54Fig. 1.

OR analysis of relationship between BMI at BL and treatment response.

Conclusion:

The high prevalence of overweight/obesity PsA pts was associated with higher PsA activity and lower response to therapy in our cohort

Disclosure of Interests:

Yulia Korsakova: None declared, Elena Loginova Speakers bureau: Janssen, ELENA GUBAR: None declared, Elizaveta Vasilenko: None declared, Aleksey Vasilenko: None declared, Natalia Kuznetsova: None declared, Irina Patrikeeva: None declared, Tatiana Korotaeva Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, BIOCAD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BIOCAD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Evgeny Nasonov: None declared

SAT0427 COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF TOFACITINIB (TF) AND ADALIMUMAB (ADA) IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PsA) PATIENTS IN REAL CLINICAL PRACTICE

Background:

Tofacitinib (TF) is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor approved for PsA treatment. It has demonstrated comparable to ADA efficacy in RCT in reducing PsA clinical symptoms1,2. There is currently no data concerning comparative effectiveness of TF and ADA in clinical practice. The Russian PsA RegisTry (RU-PsART) collected data from 43 rheumatology centers of the Russian Federation.

Objectives:

to study responses to TF or ADA over a period of 6 months (mo) treatment in patients (pts) with active PsA in real clinical practice.

Methods:

77 (M/F=43/34) PsA pts fulfilling the CASPAR criteria from the RU-PsART cohort were divided into two groups according to the treatment given. 41pts (M/F=24 (58.5%)/17 (41.5%), mean age 42.4±10,3 years (yrs), median (Me) PsA duration 72 [35;120] mo were treated with TF 5 mg twice daily. 36 pts (M/F=19 (52.8%)/17 (47.2%), mean age 44±11.5 yrs, Me PsA duration 59 [22;102] mo were treated with ADA 40 mg/2 weeks, subcutaneous, as a first-line bDMARD. In TF/ADA groups 89%/52.8% pts accordingly were given combination therapy with Methotrexate (MTX). At baseline (BL) and at 6 mo of therapy PsA activity by DAPSA, BASDAI, the number of pts (NPts) with dactylitis, enthesitis by LEI, BSA, HAQ were evaluated in both groups. At 6 mo of therapy the NPts who achieved remission by DAPSA (≤4)/Low activity (LA)≤14) and Minimal disease activity (MDA, 5 of 7) were calculated in both groups. M±SD, Me [Q25; Q75], Min-Max, %, t-test, Pierson-χ2, Manna-Whitney, Wilcoxon tests were performed. All p<0.05, were considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results:

At BL TF pts had higher PsA activity by DAPSA compared to ADA group: 44.2[37.8; 55.3]/35.8 [21.1; 52] accordingly (p=0.03). At 6 mo of treatment DAPSA significantly decreased in TF/ADA groups - to 11 [4,3; 17,3]/9,1[6; 19,6] (p<0,001) accordingly. At 6 mo of therapy there were no significant differences between groups in achieving MDA, DAPSA LA/Remission (table 1). At 6 mo of treatment in TF-treated group the NPts with dactylitis significantly decreased from 22 (53,7%) to 5 (13,2%) pts (p<0.001), and in ADA-treated group no significant differences were found in NPts with dactylitis [despite a quantitative decrease from 13 (36,1%) to 6 (20%) pts (p=0.15)]. The NPts with enthesitis in both TF/ADA groups decreased significantly: from 27 (69,2%) to 12 (30,8%) (p<0,002) and from 16 (72,7%) to 5 (38,5%) (p<0.046) pts accordingly. In TF/ADA-treated pts BASDAI improved from 6 [4.2;7] to 1.4 [0.6; 3.2] (p<0.001)/from 4.4 [1.9;5.8] to 3 [0.8;4.5] accordingly (p<0.046); HAQ significantly decreased from 1 [0.625;1.5] to 0,5 [0; 0.875] and from 0.875 [0.5;1.38] to 0.5 [0; 0.875] accordingly. The NPts with BSA>3% significantly reduced in the TF group: from 20 (51,3%) to 8 (26,7%) pts (p<0,002), but not in the ADA group.

Table 1.

MDA, DAPSA LA/Remission in TF/ADA at 6 mo

TFADAStudyEventsSubjectsEventsSubjectsOR (95% CI)PDAPSA remission abs, % achieved11(26,8%)416(20,8%)291,406(0,453-4,366)0.556DAPSA LA abs, % achieved15(36,6%)4113(44,8%)290,710(0,269-1,872)0.489MDA abs, % achieved16(40%)409(30%)301,556(0,569-4,249)0.389

Conclusion:

In real clinical practice TF and ADA demonstrated comparable effectiveness in all clinical domains of active PsA and showed equal result in achievement of MDA/LA/Remission according to DAPSA.

References:

[1]Mease P, Hall S, FitzGerald O, et al. N Engl J Med 2017;377:1537–50.

[2]Gladman D, Rigby W, Azevedo VF, et al. N Engl J Med 2017;377:1525–36.

Acknowledgments:

no

Disclosure of Interests:

Elena Loginova Speakers bureau: Janssen, Tatiana Korotaeva Consultant of: Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, AbbVie, Celgene, JSC BIOCAD, Janssen, UCB, Lilly and Novartis-Sandoz, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, AbbVie, Celgene, JSC BIOCAD, Janssen, UCB, Lilly and Novartis-Sandoz, ELENA GUBAR: None declared, Yulia Korsakova: None declared, Svetlana Glukhova: None declared, Elizaveta Vasilenko: None declared, Aleksey Vasilenko: None declared, Natalia Kuznetsova: None declared, Irina Patrikeeva: None declared

SAT0424 OBESITY LINKS TO PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PsA) ACTIVITY, HIGHER PREVALENCE OF CARDIOMETABOLIC DISORDERS AND WORSE PATIENT REPORTED OUTCOMES (PROs): DATA FROM THE RUSSIAN PsA REGISTRY (RU-PsART)

Background:

PsA patients (pts) have an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) and metabolic (Met) disorders due to the combination of inflammation and increased prevalence of traditional CV risk factors. Only limited data are available on Russian PsA pts. Data was collected from 25 rheumatology clinics of the Russian Federation

Objectives:

to study, in clinical practice, the prevalence of obesity and its association with PsA activity, CV/Met comorbidities and PROs

Methods:

614 (M/F=331(54%)/283(46%) PsA pts fulfilling the CASPAR criteria were included from the RU-PsART cohort. Mean age 45.2±0.52 yrs, PsA duration 5.7±0.27 yrs, PsO duration 15.71±0.56 yrs, DAPSA 28.79±0.75. At baseline (BL) PsA activity was evaluated by Tender Joint Count (TJC68), Swollen Joint Count (SJC66), PGA, physician global assessment by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), DAPSA; PROs according to PtGA VAS, PtPain VAS, HAQ, Work Productivity and Activity Index (WPAI) and Body Mass Index (BMI, kg/m2) were calculated. All pts were split into three groups by BMI (kg/m2): normal<25 (I group), overweight 25-30 (II group), obese>30 (III group). M±m, %, Me [Q25; Q75], χ2or Fischer’s exact tests were performed

Results:

At BL the BMI was 27.7±0.23 kg/m2with the following BMI categories: normal - 213 pts (34.7%), overweight - 214 pts (34.8%) and obese - 187 (30.5%). Increased BMI was observed in 65.3% of PsA pts. In all groups, comorbidities were found in 297 out of 614 pts (48%): arterial hypertension in 190 (64%), diabetes mellitus in 44 (14.8%), Met syndrome in 36 (12.1%), Coronary Heart Disease in 22 (7.4%). CV and Met disorders were significantly more common in obese pts with BMI>30 compared to overweight pts and to normal BMI pts; female prevailed (Table 1).

Table 1.

CV/Met comorbidity in three groups, n (%).

I groupBMI<25 kg/m2II groupBMI 25-30 kg/m2III groupBMI>30 kg/m2pArterial hypertension28(13.2)55(25.7)85(46.5)р<0.0001*Diabetes mellitus015(7)25(14)р<0.0001**Metabolic syndrome0(0)6(2.8)23(12.8)р<0.0001**Coronary heart disease2(0.9)6(2.8)10(5.6)р<0.026***

*III vs I and II groups, ** III vs II, *** III vs I group

At BL pts with BMI>30 had higher PsA activity by DAPSA, HAQ, daily activity impairment by WPAI, PtPin compared to I and II groups (table 2).

Table 2.

PsA activity and PROs based on BMI categories.

I groupBMI<25 kg/m2II groupBMI 25-30 kg/m2III groupBMI>30 kg/m2pDAPSA22.7 [14.7; 35.8]24.9 [13.5; 38.5]27 [17.2; 44.4]р<0,05*HAQ0.9 [0.5; 1.3]0.9 [0.5; 1.3]1 [0.8; 1.6]р<0,05*Daily activity impairment0.3 [0; 0.5]0.3 [0; 0.5]0.4 [0; 0.6]р<0,05*PtPain, mm VAS50 [30; 66.5]50 [30; 68]50 [40; 70]р<0,05**

*p<0.05 III vs I and II groups, ** p<0.05 III vs II group

Conclusion:

In clinical practice, BMI increase was found in the majority of PsA pts. Obesity was associated with higher PsA activity, more prevalence of CV/Met disorders and worse PROs. Obesity requires a change of the pts’ lifestyle, nutrition correction and a right choice of therapy

Disclosure of Interests:

Yulia Korsakova: None declared, Elena Loginova Speakers bureau: Janssen, ELENA GUBAR: None declared, Elizaveta Vasilenko: None declared, Aleksey Vasilenko: None declared, Natalia Kuznetsova: None declared, Irina Patrikeeva: None declared, Tatiana Korotaeva Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, BIOCAD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BIOCAD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis, Novartis-Sandoz, Pfizer, UCB, Alexander Lila: None declared, Evgeny Nasonov: None declared

1675 ABCDE vasodilator stress echocardiography in non-ischemic heart failure

OnBehalf

Stress Echo 2020 study group of the Italian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging

Background

ABCDE-stress echocardiography (SE) may explore different aspects in the heterogeneous entity of known or suspected heart failure (HF).

Aim

To assess ABCDE-vasodilator SE in non-ischemic HF

Methods

In a prospective, observational, multicenter study, we recruited 428 patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries: 148 patients with HF and preserved (&gt;50%) ejection fraction (HFpEF, Group 1); 100 with HF and mid-range (40-50%) ejection fraction (HFmrEF, Group 2); 180 with HF and reduced (&lt;40%) ejection fraction (HFrEF, Group 3). A group of 75 healthy asymptomatic patients (30 male, 40%, age 57 ± 14 years) referred to testing for screening was also selected (Controls). All patients underwent vasodilator SE with dipyridamole (0.84 mg/kg) in 14 accredited laboratories of 5 countries (Argentina, Brasil, Russian Federation, Serbia and Italy). The ABCDE-SE protocol was adopted: A for regional wall motion abnormalities; B for B-lines (positivity criterion: stress ≥ rest for ≥ 2 points in a 4-site simplified scan available in 181 pts and 10 controls); C for left ventricular contractile reserve (LVCR) based on force (systolic blood pressure/end-systolic volume, positivity criterion: peak/ rest ≤1.1); D for pulsed wave Doppler-based assessment of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) in left anterior descending coronary artery (positivity criterion: peak/rest ≤2.0); E for EKG-based assessment of heart rate reserve (positivity criterion: peak/rest ≤1.22).

Results

All positivity criteria, except A, were more prevalent (p&lt;.01) in Group 3 compared to Group 2, in Group 2 compared to Group 1, and Group 1 compared to controls: see figure. In particular, a blunted heart rate reserve was found in 4/75 controls (5%), 27/148 pts of Group 1 (18%), 28/100 of Group 2 (28%) and 98/180 of Group 3 (54%).

Conclusions

ABCDE-vasodilator SE can help to identify the profound pathophysiological heterogeneity underlying a similar clinical presentation in patients with known or suspected HF with angiographically normal coronary arteries. These patients rarely show stress-induced regional wall motion abnormalities (A), but may exhibit pulmonary congestion (B), reduced myocardial functional reserve (C), altered coronary microcirculation (D) and cardiac autonomic dysfunction (E).

Abstract 1675 Figure. The positivity rate of ABCDE criteria

Search for Higgs bosons decaying into bb and produced in association with a vector boson in pp collisions at square root of s = 1.8 TeV

We present a new search for H0V production, where H0 is a scalar Higgs boson decaying into bb with branching ratio beta, and V is a Z0 boson decaying into e+e-, mu+mu-, or nunu. This search is then combined with previous searches for H0V where V is a W+/- boson or a hadronically decaying Z0. The data sample consists of 106 +/- 4 pb(-1) of pp collisions at square root of s = 1.8 TeV accumulated by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. Observing no evidence of a signal, we set 95% Bayesian credibility level upper limits on sigma(pp --> H0V) x beta. For H0 masses of 90, 110, and 130 GeV/c2, the limits are 7.8, 7.2, and 6.6 pb, respectively.

Measurement of charged-particle multiplicities in gluon and quark jets in pp collisions at square root of s = 1.8 TeV

We report the first largely model independent measurement of charged particle multiplicities in quark and gluon jets, Nq and Ng, produced at the Fermilab Tevatron in pp collisions with a center-of-mass energy of 1.8 TeV and recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. The measurements are made for jets with average energies of 41 and 53 GeV by counting charged particle tracks in cones with opening angles of theta(c) = 0.28, 0.36, and 0.47 rad around the jet axis. The corresponding jet hardness Q = Ejet theta c varies in the range from 12 to 25 GeV. At Q = 19.2 GeV, the ratio of multiplicities r = Ng/Nq is found to be 1.64+/-0.17, where statistical and systematic uncertainties are added in quadrature. The results are in agreement with resummed perturbative QCD calculations.

Measurement of partial widths and search for direct CP violation in D0 meson decays to K-K+ and pi-pi+

We present a measurement of relative partial widths and decay rate CP asymmetries in K-K+ and pi(-)pi(+) decays of D0 mesons produced in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV. We use a sample of 2x10(5) D(*+)-->D0pi(+) (and charge conjugate) decays with the D0 decaying to K-pi(+), K-K+, and pi(-)pi(+), corresponding to 123 pb(-1) of data collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab II experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. No significant direct CP violation is observed. We measure Gamma(D0-->K-K+)/Gamma(D0-->K-pi(+))=0.0992+/-0.0011+/-0.0012, Gamma(D0-->pi(-)pi(+))/Gamma(D0-->K-pi(+))=0.035 94+/-0.000 54+/-0.000 40, A(CP)(K-K+)=(2.0+/-1.2+/-0.6)%, and A(CP)(pi(-)pi(+))=(1.0+/-1.3+/-0.6)%, where, in all cases, the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.

Search for excited and exotic electrons in the egamma decay channel in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for excited and exotic electrons (e(*)) decaying to an electron and a photon, both with high transverse momentum. We use 202 pb(-1) of data collected in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV with the Collider Detector at Fermilab II detector. No signal above standard model expectation is seen for associated ee(*) production. We discuss the e(*) sensitivity in the parameter space of the excited electron mass M(e(*)) and the compositeness energy scale Lambda. In the contact interaction model, we exclude 132 GeV/c(2)<M(e(*))<879 GeV/c(2) for Lambda = M(e(*)) at 95% confidence level (C.L.). In the gauge-mediated model, we exclude 126 GeV/c(2) < M(e(*)) < 430 GeV/c(2) at 95% C.L. for the phenomenological coupling f/Lambda approximately 10(-2) GeV-1.

First measurements of inclusive W and Z cross sections from run II of the fermilab tevatron collider

We report the first measurements of inclusive W and Z cross sections times leptonic branching ratios for pp collisions at square root[s]=1.96 TeV, based on their decays to electrons and muons. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 72 pb(-1) recorded with the CDF detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We test e-mu universality in W decays, and we measure the ratio of leptonic W and Z rates from which the leptonic branching fraction B(W-->lnu) can be extracted as well as an indirect value for the total width of the W and the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element, |V(cs)|.

Measurement of Wgamma and Zgamma production in pp collisions at square root s=1.96 TeV

The standard model predictions for Wgamma and Zgamma production are tested using an integrated luminosity of 200 pb(-1) of pp collision data collected at the Collider Detector at Fermilab. The cross sections are measured by selecting leptonic decays of the W and Z bosons, and photons with transverse energy ET>7 GeV that are well separated from leptons. The production cross sections and kinematic distributions for the Wgamma and Zgamma data are compared to SM predictions.

Search for doubly charged Higgs bosons decaying to dileptons in pp collisions at square root of s=1.96 TeV

We present the results of a search for doubly charged Higgs bosons (H+/-+/-) decaying to dileptons (ll(')) using approximately 240 pb(-1) of pp collision data collected by the CDF II experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron. In our search region, given by same-sign ll(') mass m(ll('))>80 GeV/c(2) (100 GeV/c(2) for ee channel), we observe no evidence for H+/-+/- production. We set limits on sigma(pp -->H++H---->l(+)l('+)l(-)l('-)) as a function of the mass of the H+/-+/- and the chirality of its couplings. Assuming exclusive same-sign dilepton decays, we derive lower mass limits on H(+/-+/-)(L) of 133, 136, and 115 GeV/c(2) in the ee, mumu, and emu channels, respectively, and a lower mass limit of 113 GeV/c(2) on H(+/-+/-)(R) in the mumu channel, all at the 95% confidence level.

Measurement of the tt production cross section in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV using dilepton events

We report a measurement of the tt production cross section using dilepton events with jets and missing transverse energy in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV. Using a 197+/-12 pb(-1) data sample recorded by the upgraded Collider Detector at Fermilab, we use two complementary techniques to select candidate events. We compare the number of observed events and selected kinematical distributions with the predictions of the standard model and find good agreement. The combined result of the two techniques yields a tt production cross section of 7.0(+2.4)(-2.1)(stat)+1.6-1.1(syst)+/-0.4(lum) pb.

Inclusive double-pomeron exchange at the fermilab tevatron p p collider

We report results from a study of events with a double-Pomeron exchange topology produced in p p collisions at sqrt[s]=1800 GeV. The events are characterized by a leading antiproton and a large rapidity gap on the outgoing proton side. We find that the differential production cross section agrees in shape with predictions based on Regge theory and factorization, and that the ratio of double-Pomeron exchange to single diffractive production rates is relatively unsuppressed as compared to the O(10) suppression factor previously measured in single diffractive production.

Observation of the narrow state X(3872)-->J/psipi+pi- in pp collisions at sqaure root of s=1.96 TeV

We report the observation of a narrow state decaying into J/psipi+pi- and produced in 220 pb(-1) of p p-bar collisions at =1.96 Tesqaure root of sV in the CDF II experiment. We observe 730+/-90 decays. The mass is measured to be 3871.3+/-0.7(stat)+/-0.4(syst) MeV/c2, with an observed width consistent with the detector resolution. This is in agreement with the recent observation by the Belle Collaboration of the X(3872) meson.

Inclusive search for anomalous production of high-pT like-sign lepton pairs in pp collisions at square root s = 1.8 TeV

We report on a search for anomalous production of events with at least two charged, isolated, like-sign leptons, each with pT > 11 GeV/c using a 107 pb(-1) sample of 1.8 TeV pp collisions collected by the CDF detector. We define a signal region containing low background from standard model processes. To avoid bias, we fix the final cuts before examining the event yield in the signal region using control regions to test the Monte Carlo predictions. We observe no events in the signal region, consistent with an expectation of 0.63(+0.84)(-0.07) events. We present 95% confidence level limits on new physics processes in both a signature-based context as well as within a representative minimal supergravity (tanbeta = 3) model.

Search for B0s-->micro+micro- and B0d-->micro+micro- decays in pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV

We report on a search for B(0)(s)-->micro(+)micro(-) and B(0)(d)-->micro(+)micro(-) decays in pp collisions at square root of s=1.96 TeV using 171 pb(-1) of data collected by the CDF II experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The decay rates of these rare processes are sensitive to contributions from physics beyond the standard model. One event survives all our selection requirements, consistent with the background expectation. We derive branching ratio limits of B(B(0)(s)-->micro(+)micro(-))<5.8x10(-7) and B(B(0)(d)-->micro(+)micro(-))<1.5x10(-7) at 90% confidence level.

Measurement of time-dependent CP asymmetries in B0-->D(*)+/-pi-/+ decays and constraints on sin(2beta+gamma)

We present a measurement of CP-violating asymmetries in fully reconstructed B0-->D(*)+/-pi-/+ decays in approximately 88 x 10(6) upsilon(4S)-->BBmacr; decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B factory at SLAC. From a time-dependent maximum-likelihood fit we obtain the following for the CP-violating parameters: a=-0.022+/-0.038 (stat)+/-0.020 (syst), a*=-0.068+/-0.038 (stat)+/-0.020 (syst), c(lep)=+0.025+/-0.068 (stat)+/-0.033 (syst), and c*(lep)=+0.031+/-0.070 (stat)+/-0.033 (syst). Using other measurements and theoretical assumptions we interpret the results in terms of the angles of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa unitarity triangle, and find |sin((2beta+gamma)|>0.69 at 68% confidence level. We exclude the hypothesis of no CP violation [sin(2beta+gamma)=0] at 83% confidence level.

Measurement of the branching fractions and CP asymmetry of B--->D(0)((CP))K- decays with the BABAR detector

We present a study of B--->D(0)(CP)K- decays, where D(0)(CP) is reconstructed in CP-even channels, based on a sample of 88.8 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BB decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e(+)e(-) storage ring. We measure the ratio of Cabibbo-suppressed to Cabibbo-favored branching fractions B(B--->D(0)(CP)K-)/B(B--->D(0)(CP)pi(-))=[8.8+/-1.6(stat)+/-0.5(syst)]x10(-2) and the CP asymmetry A(CP)=0.07+/-0.17(stat)+/-0.06(syst). We also measure B(B--->D0K-)/B(B--->D0pi(-))=[8.31+/-0.35(stat)+/-0.20(syst)]x10(-2) using a sample of 61.0 x 10(6) BB pairs.

Measurement of the branching fraction and polarization for the decay B--->D*0K*-

We present a study of the decay B--->D(*0)K(*-) based on a sample of 86 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BBmacr; decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. We measure the branching fraction B(B--->D(*0)K(*-))=(8.3+/-1.1(stat)+/-1.0(syst)) x 10(-4), and the fraction of longitudinal polarization in this decay to be Gamma(L)/Gamma=0.86+/-0.06(stat)+/-0.03(syst).

Measurements of the mass and width of the eta(c) meson and of an eta(c)(2S) candidate

The mass m(eta(c)) and total width Gamma(eta(c))(tot) of the eta(c) meson have been measured in two-photon interactions at the SLAC e(+)e(-) asymmetric B Factory with the BABAR detector. With a sample of approximately 2500 reconstructed eta(c)-->K(0)(S)K+/-pi(-/+) decays in 88 fb(-1) of data, the results are m(eta(c))=2982.5+/-1.1(stat)+/-0.9(syst) MeV/c(2) and Gamma(eta(c))(tot)=34.3+/-2.3(stat)+/-0.9(syst) MeV/c(2). Using the same decay mode, a second resonance with 112+/-24 events is observed with a mass of 3630.8+/-3.4(stat)+/-1.0(syst) MeV/c(2) and width of 17.0+/-8.3(stat)+/-2.5(syst) MeV/c(2). This observation is consistent with expectations for the eta(c)(2S) state.

Search for Kaluza-Klein graviton emission in pp collisions at square root[s] = 1.8 TeV using the missing energy signature

We report on a search for direct Kaluza-Klein graviton production in a data sample of 84 pb(-1) of ppmacr; collisions at sqrt[s]=1.8 TeV, recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. We investigate the final state of large missing transverse energy and one or two high energy jets. We compare the data with the predictions from a (3+1+n)-dimensional Kaluza-Klein scenario in which gravity becomes strong at the TeV scale. At 95% confidence level (C.L.) for n=2, 4, and 6 we exclude an effective Planck scale below 1.0, 0.77, and 0.71 TeV, respectively.

Search for the radiative decays B-->rhogamma and B0-->omegagamma

A search of the exclusive radiative decays B-->rho(770)gamma and B0-->omega(782)gamma is performed on a sample of about 84x10(6) BBmacr; events collected by the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy e+e- storage ring. No significant signal is seen in any of the channels. We set upper limits on the branching fractions B of B(B0-->rho(0)gamma)<1.2 x 10(-6), B(B+-->rho+gamma)<2.1 x 10(-6), and B(B0-->omegagamma)<1.0 x 10(-6) at 90% confidence level (C.L.). Using the assumption that Gamma(B-->rhogamma)=Gamma(B+-->rho(+)gamma)=2 x Gamma(B0-->rho(0)gamma), we find the combined limit B(B-->rhogamma)<1.9 x 10(-6), corresponding to B(B-->rhogamma)/B(B-->K*gamma)<0.047 at 90% C.L.

Measurement of the inclusive charmless semileptonic branching ratio of B mesons and determination of |V ub|

We report a measurement of the inclusive charmless semileptonic branching fraction of B mesons in a sample of 89 x 10(6) (-)BB events recorded with the BABAR detector at the Upsilon(4S) resonance. Events are selected by fully reconstructing the decay of one B meson and identifying a charged lepton from the decay of the other B meson. The number of signal events is extracted from the mass distribution of the hadronic system accompanying the lepton and is used to determine the ratio of branching fractions B((-)B-->X(u)lnu;)/B((-)B-->Xlnu;)=[2.06+/-0.25(stat)+/-0.23(syst)+/-0.36(theo)]x10(-2). Using the measured branching fraction for inclusive semileptonic B decays, we find B((-)B-->X(u)lnu;)=[2.24+/-0.27(stat)+/-0.26(syst)+/-0.39(theo)]x10(-3) and derive the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V(ub)|=[4.62+/-0.28(stat)+/-0.27(syst)+/-0.48(theo)]x10(-3).

Search for pair production of scalar top quarks in R-parity violating decay modes in pp collisions at square root of s=1.8 TeV

We present the results of a search for pair production of scalar top quarks (t(1)) in an R-parity violating supersymmetry scenario in 106 pb(-1) of pp collisions at square root of s=1.8 TeV collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. In this mode each t(1) decays into a tau lepton and a b quark. We search for events with two tau's, one decaying leptonically (e or mu) and one decaying hadronically, and two jets. No candidate events pass our final selection criteria. We set a 95% confidence level lower limit on the t(1) mass at 122 GeV/c(2) for Br(t(1)-->tau b)=1.

Measurement of prompt charm meson production cross sections in pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV

We report on measurements of differential cross sections dsigma/dp(T) for prompt charm meson production in ppmacr; collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV using 5.8+/-0.3 pb(-1) of data from the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. The data are collected with a new trigger that is sensitive to the long lifetime of hadrons containing heavy flavor. The charm meson cross sections are measured in the central rapidity region |y|</=1 in four fully reconstructed decay modes: D0-->K-pi(+), D(*+)-->D0pi(+), D+-->K-pi(+)pi(+), D(+)(s)-->phipi(+), and their charge conjugates. The measured cross sections are compared to theoretical calculations.

Observation of a significant excess of pi0pi0 events in B meson decays

We present a study of the decay B0-->pi(0)pi(0) based on a sample of 124 x 10(6) BB pairs recorded by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. We observe 46+/-13+/-3 events, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic, corresponding to a significance of 4.2 standard deviations including systematic uncertainties. We measure the branching fraction B(B0-->pi(0)pi(0))=(2.1+/-0.6+/-0.3)x10(-6), averaged over B0 and B(0) decays.

Evidence for the rare decay B-->K*l+l- and measurement of the B-->Kl+l- branching fraction

We present evidence for the flavor-changing neutral current decay B-->K*l+l- and a measurement of the branching fraction for the related process B-->K l+l-, where l+l- is either an epsilon+epsilon- or a mu+mu- pair. These decays are highly suppressed in the standard model, and they are sensitive to contributions from new particles in the intermediate state. The data sample comprises 123 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->B(-)B decays collected with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II epsilon+epsilon- storage ring. Averaging over K(*) isospin and lepton flavor, we obtain the branching fractions B(B-->Kl+l-)=(0.65(+0.14)(-0.13)+/-0.04)x10(-6) and B(B-->K*l+l-)=(0.88(+0.33)(-0.29)+/-0.10)x10(-6), where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The significance of the B-->Kl+l- signal is over 8sigma, while for B-->K*l+l- it is 3.3sigma.

Measurements of branching fractions and CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->rho(+/-)h(-/+) decays

We present measurements of branching fractions and CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->rho(+/-)pi(-/+) and B0-->rho-K+ decays. The results are obtained from a data sample of 88.9 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BB decays collected with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory. From a time-dependent maximum likelihood fit we measure the branching fractions B(B0-->rho(+/-)pi(-/+))=[22.6+/-1.8 (stat)+/-2.2 (syst)]x10(-6) and B(B0-->rho-K+)=(7.3 -1.2( +1.3)+/-1.3)x10(-6), and the CP-violating charge asymmetries A(rhopi)(CP)=-0.18+/-0.08+/-0.03 and A(rhoK)(CP)=0.28+/-0.17+/-0.08, the direct CP violation parameter C(rhopi)=0.36+/-0.18+/-0.04 and the mixing-induced CP violation parameter S(rhopi)=0.19+/-0.24+/-0.03, and the dilution parameters DeltaC(rhopi)=0.28 -0.19( +0.18)+/-0.04 and DeltaS(rhopi)=0.15+/-0.25+/-0.03.

Search for D0-D(-)0 mixing and a measurement of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decay rate in D0-->Kpi decays

We present results of a search for D0-D(-)0 mixing and a measurement of R(D), the ratio of doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decays to Cabibbo-favored decays, using D0-->K+pi- decays from 57.1 fb(-1) of data collected near sqrt[s]=10.6 GeV with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II collider. At the 95% confidence level, allowing for CP violation, we find the mixing parameters x('2)<0.0022 and -0.056<y(')<0.039, and the mixing rate R(M)<0.16%. In the limit of no mixing, R(D)=[0.357+/-0.022(stat)+/-0.027(syst)]% and the CP-violating asymmetry A(D)=0.095+/-0.061(stat)+/-0.083(syst).

Search for lepton flavor violating decays of a heavy neutral particle in p(-)p collisions at sqrt[s]=1.8 TeV

We report on a search for a high mass, narrow width particle that decays directly to emu, etau, or microtau. We use approximately 110 pb(-1) of data collected with the Collider Detector at Fermilab from 1992 to 1995. No evidence of lepton flavor violating decays is found. Limits are set on the production and decay of sneutrinos with R-parity violating interactions.

Rates, polarizations, and asymmetries in charmless vector-vector B meson decays

With a sample of approximately 89 x 10(6) B(-)B pairs collected with the BABAR detector, we perform a search for B meson decays into pairs of charmless vector mesons (phi, rho, and K*). We measure the branching fractions, determine the degree of longitudinal polarization, and search for CP violation asymmetries in the processes B+-->phiK(*+), B0-->phiK(*0), B+-->rho(0)K(*+), and B+-->rho(0)rho(+). We also set an upper limit on the branching fraction for the decay B0-->rho(0)rho(0).

Measurements of CP-violating asymmetries and branching fractions in B meson decays to eta'K

We present measurements of the branching fractions of the decays B+-->eta'K+ and B0-->eta'K0. For B0-->eta(')K(0)(S) we also measure the time-dependent CP-violation parameters S eta'(K(0)(S)) and C eta'(K(0)(S)), and for B+-->eta'K+ the time-integrated charge asymmetry A(ch). The data sample corresponds to 88.9 x 10(6) BB pairs produced by e(+)e(-) annihilation at the Upsilon(4S). The results are B(B+-->eta'K+)=(76.9+/-3.5+/-4.4) x 10(-6), B(B0-->eta'K0)=(60.6+/-5.6+/-4.6) x 10(-6), S eta'(K(0)(S))=0.02+/-0.34+/-0.03, C eta'(K(0)(S))=0.10+/-0.22+/-0.04, and A(ch)=0.037+/-0.045+/-0.011.

Measurement of time-dependent CP asymmetries and the CP-odd fraction in the decay B0-->D(*+)D(*-)

We present a measurement of time-dependent CP asymmetries and an updated determination of the CP-odd fraction in the decay B0-->D(*+)D(*-) using a data sample of 88x10(6)BB pairs collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II B Factory at SLAC. We determine the CP-odd fraction to be 0.063+/-0.055(stat)+/-0.009(syst). The time-dependent CP asymmetry parameters Im(lambda(+)) and /lambda(+)/ are determined to be 0.05+/-0.29(stat)+/-0.10(syst) and 0.75+/-0.19(stat)+/-0.02(syst), respectively. The standard model predicts these parameters to be -sin(2beta and 1, respectively, in the absence of penguin diagram contributions.

Limits on D0-macro D0 mixing and CP violation from the ratio of lifetimes for decay to K-pi+, K-K+, and pi- pi+

We present a measurement of D0-macro D0 mixing parameters using the ratios of lifetimes extracted from samples of D0 mesons decaying to K-pi(+), K-K+, and pi(-)pi(+). Using 91 fb(-1) of data collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory, we obtain a value Y=[0.8+/-0.4(stat.)(+0.5)(-0.4)(syst.)]%, which, in the limit of CP conservation, corresponds to the mixing parameter y=Delta Gamma/2 Gamma. Using the difference in lifetimes of D0 and macro D0 mesons, we obtain the CP-violation parameter Delta Y=[-0.8+/-0.6(stat.)+/-0.2(syst.)]%.

Rare B decays into states containing a J/psi meson and a meson with s(-)s quark content

We report a study of the B meson decays, B+ --> J/psiphiK+, B0 --> J/psiphiK(0)(S), B0 --> J/psiphi, B0 --> J/psieta, and B0 --> J/psieta' using 56 x 10(6) B(-)B events collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e(+)e(-) asymmetric-energy storage ring. We measure the branching fractions B(B+ --> J/psiphiK+)=(4.4+/-1.4(stat)+/-0.5(syst))x 10(-5) and B(B0 --> J/psiphiK(0)(S))=(5.1+/-1.9(stat)+/-0.5(syst))x 10(-5), and set upper limits at 90% confidence level for the branching fractions B(B0 --> J/psiphi)<9.2 x 10(-6), B(B0 --> J/psieta)<2.7 x 10(-5), and B(B0 --> J/psieta')<6.3 x 10(-5).

Study of time-dependent CP asymmetry in neutral B decays to J/psi pi0

We present the first study of the time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B0-->J/psi pi(0) decays using e(+)e(-) annihilation data collected with the BABAR detector at the Upsilon(4S) resonance during the years 1999-2002 at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. Using approximately 88 x 10(6) BB; pairs, our results for the coefficients of the cosine and sine terms of the CP asymmetry are C(J/psi pi(0))=0.38+/-0.41(stat)+/-0.09(syst) and S(J/psi pi(0))=0.05+/-0.49(stat)+/-0.16(syst).

Measurements of the branching fractions and bounds on the charge asymmetries of charmless three-body charged B decays

We present measurements of branching fractions and charge asymmetries for charmless B-meson decays to three-body final states of charged pions and kaons. The analysis uses 81.8 fb(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric B Factory. We measure the branching fractions B(B+-->pi(+)pi(-)pi(+))=(10.9+/-3.3+/-1.6)x10(-6), B(B+-->K+pi(-)pi(+))=(59.1+/-3.8+/-3.2)x10(-6), and B(B+-->K+K-K+)=(29.6+/-2.1+/-1.6)x10(-6) and provide 90% C.L. upper limits for other decays. We observe no charge asymmetries for these modes.