JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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In February 1994, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act established a nationwide requirement that licensed firearms dealers observe a waiting period and initiate a background check for handgun sales. The effects of this act have not been analyzed. ⋯ Based on the assumption that the greatest reductions in fatal violence would be within states that were required to institute waiting periods and background checks, implementation of the Brady Act appears to have been associated with reductions in the firearm suicide rate for persons aged 55 years or older but not with reductions in homicide rates or overall suicide rates. However, the pattern of implementation of the Brady Act does not permit a reliable analysis of a potential effect of reductions in the flow of guns from treatment-state gun dealers into secondary markets. JAMA. 2000;284:585-591
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The 1998-1999 war in Kosovo had a direct impact on large numbers of civilians. The mental health consequences of the conflict are not known. ⋯ Mental health problems and impaired social functioning related to the recent war are important issues that need to be addressed to return the Kosovo region to a stable and productive environment. JAMA. 2000;284:569-577
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Editorial Comment
Tracing the Brady Act's connection with homicide and suicide trends.
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In the setting of famine, infection is likely to cause mortality among severely malnourished persons. Although clinical signs are likely to be useful prognostic indicators in this setting, use of a clinical assessment model has not been studied. ⋯ Models based on clinical signs predicted death better than BMI. Simple counts of clinical signs performed as well as more complex models based on the addition of ORs. Counting relevant clinical signs is an easy and effective prognostic tool in severe adult and adolescent malnutrition during famine; however, it is not sensitive enough for use as a screening tool. JAMA. 2000;284:621-626