Background Several underlying conditions have been associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 illness, but it remains unclear whether underlying asthma is associated with worse coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. Objective Given the high prevalence of asthma in the New York City area, our objective was to determine whether underlying asthma was associated with poor outcomes among hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 compared with patients without asthma. Methods Electronic heath records were reviewed for 1298 sequential patients 65 years or younger without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were admitted to our hospital system with a confirmed positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 test result. Results The overall prevalence of asthma among all hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was 12.6%, yet a higher prevalence (23.6%) was observed in the subset of 55 patients younger than 21 years. There was no significant difference in hospital length of stay, need for intubation, length of intubation, tracheostomy tube placement, hospital readmission, or mortality between patients with and without asthma. Observations between patients with and without asthma were similar when stratified by obesity, other comorbid conditions (ie, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes), use of controller asthma medication, and absolute eosinophil count. Conclusions Among hospitalized patients 65 years or younger with severe COVID-19, asthma diagnosis was not associated with worse outcomes, regardless of age, obesity, or other high-risk comorbidities. Future population-based studies are needed to investigate the risk of developing COVID-19 among patients with asthma once universal testing becomes readily available.

Our study takes the first step of documenting butterfly diversity and distribution along the seasonal gradient and across five landscape elements. We censused butterfly community in Tamhini, northern Western Ghats, across six seasons and five landscape elements using line transect method for two years. A total of 69 butterfly species belonging to 52 genera and five families were encountered in the study area. The data was analysed for α and β diversity. There were two peaks in the α diversity in summer and early winter. Monsoon fauna was distinctly different from that of other seasons. Maximum diversity was observed in the partially disturbed areas with human habitation. Landscape type satisfying variable niche showed maximum α diversity. Our findings in the seasonal and landscape wise distribution of butterflies are important with respect to monitoring animal diversity and defining conservation strategies in the northern Western Ghats.

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As a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic, medical trainees have faced unique challenges and uncertainties. To capture the experiences of allergy and immunology fellows throughout the United States and Canada during this time, a 17-item electronic questionnaire was distributed to 380 fellow-in-training (FIT) members of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology enrolled in US and Canadian allergy/immunology fellowship programs. Voluntary and anonymous responses were collected from April 15 to May 15, 2020. In addition to summary statistics, categorical data were compared using χ 2 tests (Fisher's exact). Responses were obtained from FITs across all years of training and primary specialties (Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Medicine-Pediatrics) with a response rate of 32.6% (124 of 380). Reassignment to COVID-19 clinical responsibilities was reported by 12% (15 of 124) of FITs, with the largest proportion in the US northeast region. A majority of FITs used telehealth (95%) and virtual learning (82%) during the pandemic. Overall, 21% (25 of 120) of FITs expressed concern about potentially lacking clinical experience for independently practicing allergy and immunology. However, FITs using telehealth reported lower concern compared with those who did not (18.4% [21 of 114] vs 66.7% [4 of 6]; P = .01). The survey shows that allergy and immunology trainee experiences have varied considerably since the COVID-19 outbreak. Notably, the adoption of telehealth and virtual learning was commonly reported, and optimization of these virtual experiences will be helpful. Even outside of pandemics, training on the use of telemedicine may be a sound strategy in preparation for future health care delivery and unexpected events.

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