Contamination Control and Assay Results for the Majorana Demonstrator Ultra Clean Components

The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR is a neutrinoless double beta decay experiment utilizing enriched Ge-76 detectors in 2 separate modules inside of a common solid shield at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. The DEMONSTRATOR has utilized world leading assay sensitivities to develop clean materials and processes for producing ultra-pure copper and plastic components. This experiment is now operating, and initial data provide new insights into the success of cleaning and processing. Post production copper assays after the completion of Module 1 showed an increase in U and Th contamination in finished parts compared to starting bulk material. A revised cleaning method and additional round of surface contamination studies prior to Module 2 construction have provided evidence that more rigorous process control can reduce surface contamination. This article describes the assay results and discuss further studies to take advantage of assay capabilities for the purpose of maintaining ultra clean fabrication and process design.Comment: Proceedings of Low Radioactivity Techniques (LRT May 2017, Seoul

Low Background Materials and Fabrication Techniques for Cables and Connectors in the Majorana Demonstrator

The MAJORANA Collaboration is searching for the neutrinoless double-beta decay of the nucleus Ge-76. The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR is an array of germanium detectors deployed with the aim of implementing background reduction techniques suitable for a tonne scale Ge-76-based search (the LEGEND collaboration). In the DEMONSTRATOR, germanium detectors operate in an ultra-pure vacuum cryostat at 80 K. One special challenge of an ultra-pure environment is to develop reliable cables, connectors, and electronics that do not significantly contribute to the radioactive background of the experiment. This paper highlights the experimental requirements and how these requirements were met for the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR, including plans to upgrade the wiring for higher reliability in the summer of 2018. Also described are requirements for LEGEND R&D efforts underway to meet these additional requirements.Comment: Proceedings of LRT 201

Characteristics and monetary compensation of caregivers for patients with rheumatic conditions

Musculoskeletal disorders (MD) are highly prevalent conditions that affect quality of life. MD cause physical and psychological dependence. Usually, the care of a patient with MD is assumed by a caregiver. The aim of this study was to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and the monetary remuneration associated to the care of a patient with MD. A cross sectional study was carried out in order to estimate the monetary remuneration related to the health care of patients with MD. A survey was applied to caregivers of patients with MD. Demographic data was collected. We asked about the relationship with the patient, the time as a caregiver and all data related to the monetary compensation. Descriptive epidemiology was done. We reported monetary data in American Dollars (USD) using the average exchange rate for 2018. We surveyed 132 caregivers. Mean age was 52 years [standard deviation 19], 72% were women, 78% were taking care of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, 12% osteoarthrosis 2% lupus, and 2% osteoporosis. The remaining 6% were caregivers of patients with ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia and Sjogren syndrome. Regarding the time as a caregiver, 48% had less than a year, 16% between two and three years, 18% more than three years, 13% more than four years, and 5% were temporarily caregivers. In our study, 85% of caregivers were a family member, while 15% a nurse or a non-related person. Regarding the compensation, 97% did not receive any salary or payment for being caregiver, the remaining 3% received between 265 and 530 USD per month. Our study demonstrated that the care for patients with MD is mainly assumed by family members. Our results agree with other studies in chronic conditions where only a small proportion of caregivers is paid. Caregivers should be considered for the health system

Quality of life and the relationship with family income in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using the Quality of life in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RAQol) questionnaire. Also, to explore its relationship with income in patients attended at a specialized RA center in Bogotá, Colombia, 2018. Methods: We performed a descriptive study. The RAQol version in Spanish was applied to RA patients. The scale of the RAQol has a score from 1-10, where 10 is associated with better QoL. We excluded patients with psychological or psychiatric disorders. We asked about the monthly family income according to the Colombian minimum wage. Descriptive epidemiology was performed for each variable. A comparison of means regarding age and RAQol score was carried out. Therefore, we performed a bivariate analysis in order to explore the relationship between income and QoL, reporting Odds Ratios (OR) and confidence intervals 95% (CI95%). Results related to family income were reported in US$with the average exchange rate for 2018. Results: We interviewed 310 patients, 92$265, 47% between US$266- US$530, 9% between US$531-US$795 and 3% more than US$1300. Patients with an income greater than US$531 per/month had a higher average score in the RAQoL scale (7.1, SD5.5). The relationship of having a score lower than 6 in the RAQoL and a monthly income lower than US$530 showed an OR of 2.48 IC95% (0.99-6.22) (P=0.03). Conclusions: Our study showed that patient with a low income reports a lower QoL. Further research is needed to evaluate the alternatives that can improve QoL in patients with RA