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Human teeth have become a prominent source of DNA for human forensic identification as their biological structure is highly resistant to extreme conditions. Previous forensic identification was mainly dependent on the pulp and the other hard tissues of intact teeth. However, there is high likelihood that only carious teeth can be available for forensic analysis. This study aimed to validate the use of the carious part of the teeth for forensic identification and to compare two DNA extraction methods-the operative technique with the cervical cut technique for human identification using STR typing. The reliability of STR markers in carious part of the teeth was evaluated in 120 carious teeth (60 dental pulp and 60 dentinal carious tissues, respectively) with considerable coverage of gender type and age range to avoid false exclusions. The study was performed on genuine data set where samples have been extracted by proficient dentist during the treatment operation and collected for further analysis. Complete DNA was extracted and the corresponding human identification profile was obtained using the GoldenEye™DNA ID system 20A kit. The operative technique showed a conservative approach to the sampling of carious tissues and allowed safe access to collect carious tissues, whereas the cervical cut technique permitted access to the root canals and complete sampling of the pulp tissues. The findings indicated that there was no significant association between the cervical cut and operative cut techniques ( p = 0.165). In addition, there was no statistically significant association between the various teeth types and the obtained profiles observed. The operative technique, by drilling holes on the defected surface of carious human teeth and gentle hand excavation of carious tissues, was indicated to be very efficient, preserving, time-saving, and cost-effective in the recovery of human DNA from carious teeth. The result gives new insights that the carious tissues of human carious teeth might be as valid as the healthy teeth for forensic human identification.

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Gluten is a wheat protein which could trigger an immune-mediated inflammatory response causing Celiac disease. Pharmaceuticals are possible source of gluten due to excipients like wheat starch.This study examined some pharmaceuticals (non-prescription and prescription type) on gluten and partially hydrolyzed gluten fragments content using sandwich and competitive ELISA techniques, respectively.Partially hydrolyzed gluten fragments were detected in ca. 37% of tested samples (Total: 38). Only 5 samples had gluten concentration above 20 ppm. None of the pharmaceuticals had detectable levels of glutens upon sandwich ELISA application. Oral administration of four dosage forms at recommended doses provided celiacs with a daily gluten intake exceeding the daily tolerance limit. Excipients in patient information leaflet were absent in most cases.The findings confirmed that pharmaceuticals could increase the burdens of celiac patients. Accordingly, regular examination of pharmaceuticals on gluten content is advised. Further studies are recommended that would include a larger sample size, and analytical methods to determine gluten in pharmaceuticals should be developed. Registration agencies in the Gaza Strip should apply updated regulations of excipients.