Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to K S Latha.
Suicidal behaviour constitutes a serious public as well as mental health problem all over the world. Many developed countries have done away with the legal provision of punishing attempted suicides. However, in India this continues to be a punishable offence under the Indian Penal Code (1833). This review discusses the various issues related to criminalizing suicide and their implications.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder. Our studies for the first time showed evidence for altered DNA conformation in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease affected brain. The Circular dichroism spectra of severely affected AD DNA showed a typical left-handed Z-DNA conformation, whereas normal, young, and aged brain DNA have the usual B-DNA conformation. Moderately affected AD DNA has modified B-DNA conformation (probable B-Z intermediate form). The ELISA, ethidium bromide binding pattern to DNA and melting temperature (Tm) profiles also revealed the conformational transition from B to Z DNA in AD brain DNA. The altered conformation of DNA will have tremendous implications in gene expressions.
The giving of dowry on marriage is a widespread custom in India, but the attitude of society towards this practice is neither uniform nor consistent. 'Dowry death' is the result of a unique form of violence suffered by Indian women. The existing legal provisions relating to dowry and dowry deaths are summarized, and the role of the Indian Penal Code is discussed. Case reports are presented.
The number of suicide attempts in developing countries has been increasing progressively, as in the West. It is important to note that much of the data on suicidal behaviour is based on information obtained from developed Western societies. All such data need to be evaluated within their specific cultural context as well as cross-culturally. The present study explored the various socio-demographic, clinical characteristics of suicide attempters in a general hospital unit in India. There were certain findings that contrasted markedly with those observed in the West. Male suicides tended to predominate here, as in many Indian studies. None of them were living alone, separated or deserted by their partner. Some suicide attempters continued to live with their extended family. There was virtually no alcohol consumption by female suicide attempters. The commonest agents used were organophosphates and other household poisons. Several cross-cultural variations in the suicidal act emerged compared to the West. The 'suicide potential' in the Indian culture is discussed.
Interviews with seven survivors of four suicide pact paris are examined. In the majority of cases the instigator is more likely to be the male member of the pair. Absence of past suicidal behaviour, and some socio-cultural aspects surround the Indian pact member, in comparison with the West. The existing legal provisions relating to criminal liability for complicity in suicide of another person are summarized. The role and attitude of the Indian Penal Code in dealing with suicide pact survivors is discussed.
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