Wildfire, deforestation and health in tropical rainforest areas: a scoping review protocol.

Introduction: Wildfires and deforestation potentially have direct effects on multiple health outcomes as well as indirect consequences for climate change. Tropical rainforest areas are characterised by high rainfall, humidity and temperature, and they are predominantly found in low-income and middle-income countries. This study aims to synthesise the methods, data and health outcomes reported in scientific papers on wildfires and deforestation in these locations.

Reduced medical spending associated with integrated pharmacy benefits.

Objectives: Although pharmacy benefit carve-outs are promoted as a cost-containment tool, their impact on medical spending is not well understood. We compare the health care spending of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) members covered by an integrated ("carved-in") pharmacy benefit with that of members covered under a pharmacy benefit carve-out.

Study Design: Matched, longitudinal cohort study.

Higher risk of death from COVID-19 in low-income and non-White populations of São Paulo, Brazil.

Introduction: Little evidence exists on the differential health effects of COVID-19 on disadvantaged population groups. Here we characterise the differential risk of hospitalisation and death in São Paulo state, Brazil, and show how vulnerability to COVID-19 is shaped by socioeconomic inequalities.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using hospitalised severe acute respiratory infections notified from March to August 2020 in the database.

Avoidable environmental disasters and infant health: Evidence from a mining dam collapse in Brazil.

We study the health consequences of one of the largest environmental disasters of the world mining industry, which largely stemmed from regulatory failure. Exploiting the timing and location of the Mariana mine tailings dam collapse in Brazil, we show that in utero exposure to the tragedy significantly reduced birth weight and increased infant mortality. The adverse effects were stronger for infants born to less educated and nonmarried mothers.