Ten real-time PCR assays for detection of fish predation at the community level in the San Francisco Estuary-Delta.

The effect of predation on native fish by introduced species in the San Francisco Estuary-Delta (SFE) has not been thoroughly studied despite its potential to impact species abundances. Species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) is an accurate method for identifying species from exogenous DNA samples. Quantitative PCR assays can be used for detecting prey in gut contents or faeces, discriminating between cryptic species, or detecting rare aquatic species.

Health status and birth outcomes among pregnant women in substance abuse treatment.

Purpose: We sought to examine the physical and mental health status and low birthweight and preterm birth among low-income pregnant women in substance abuse treatment.

Methods: A prospective correlational design was used with 84 pregnant women enrolled in a university-affiliated, comprehensive, hospital-based substance abuse treatment program. The majority of the sample reported heroin as their primary substance of abuse.