Evaluating washing techniques to eliminate external contamination of trace elements in bat fur and bird feathers.

Non-invasive proxies, such as fur and feathers, are likely to be increasingly used to assess the potential exposure of chemicals, including trace metals and metalloids. However, the amount of external contamination is usually unknown, and there is no standard method for removing external contamination of trace metals in fur or feathers. To date, 40 % of studies published related to the measurement of trace metal levels in fur or the hair of non-human mammals and 24 % of studies in feathers do not state any washing methods or did not wash the samples before analysis.

Physical activity and quality of life of amputees in southern Brazil.

Background: Physical activity is a positive component of human health. Its effects are associated with improvement in physical, psychological and social aspects of quality of life. Physical activity is therefore an important factor in the rehabilitation of amputees.