Anthropological Studies
[Abbr: Acd. Jr. AJASt]A Case Report: Determining the Cause of Death in a Decomposed Body - Traumatic Injury or Drowning?
by Dr. Ankit Mittal, Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Drowning, a phenomenon typically occurring in aquatic settings, continues to be a significant public health issue, transcending socioeconomic boundaries. A substantial portion of water-related fatalities are the result of accidental drownings, with a smaller yet notable percentage being attributed to suicidal or homicidal acts. Additionally, some drowning incidents are compounded by factors such as injury, intoxication, or exposure to extreme environmental conditions. Diagnosing death by drowning in forensic medicine is particularly challenging, especially when the body is discovered in a state of decomposition, as traditional signs may not be evident. A comprehensive forensic examination, encompassing external, internal, and laboratory analyses, is crucial for determining the cause of death. This case report presents an unusual instance where the autopsy surgeon faced a diagnostic dilemma, having to discern whether the cause of death was drowning or another external event leading to a fatal outcome. Keywords: Drowning, injury, intoxication, decomposition, autopsy surgeon, fatal outcome.
Comparative Analysis of Palatine Rugae in Children Aged 5 to 8 Years: Comparative Analysis by Sex
by Thalia Gabriela Alvarez Centeno, Carlos Gustavo Martínez Florencia
This study focuses on the comparative analysis of palatal rugae in boys and girls aged 5 to 8, aiming to identify morphological patterns that may aid in forensic identification. Palatal rugoscopy, an increasingly important tool in forensic dentistry, examines palatal rugae—anatomical structures that, due to their stability and uniqueness, can be critical in individual identification. Despite previous studies in adults, pediatric populations have been less explored, highlighting the need for research in this age group. The study was conducted with a sample of 25 children from the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of the University of Guayaquil, selected based on specific criteria and with parental consent. Extra-hard plaster models were used to capture the rugae, applying Basauri Chávez's classification to categorize each ruga type by form and position, with numerical values assigned to facilitate comparative analysis by gender. Results revealed differences in straight and sinuous rugae, more frequent in girls, while "point" and "curve" rugae were predominant in boys. Independent observers following a blind method increased the reliability of the data. These patterns suggest a possible relationship between gender and rugae morphology, supporting palatal rugoscopy's utility as a forensic tool in children. This research provides significant evidence for using rugoscopy in pediatric forensic dentistry and promotes further studies that consider variables like ethnic origin and environmental factors to enhance identification accuracy. Keywords: Dentistry - Forensic - Rugoscopy - Palatine Rugae - Anatomy