While red‐backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) are most often observed in terrestrial forested areas, several studies report arboreal substrate use and climbing behavior. However, salamanders do not have any of the anatomical features commonly observed in specialized climbing species (e.g., claws, setae, suction cups). Instead, salamanders cling to surfaces using the shear and adhesive properties of their mucous layer. In this study, we explore the capabilities and spatiotemporal gait patterns of arboreal locomotion in the red‐backed salamander as they move across twelve substrate conditions ranging in diameter, orientation, and roughness. On arboreal substrates, red‐backed salamanders decreased locomotor speed, stride frequency, phase and stride length, and increased duty factor and stride duration. Such responses have been observed in other non‐salamander species and are posited to increase arboreal stability. Furthermore, these findings indicate that amphibian locomotion, or at least the locomotor behavior of the red‐backed salamander, is not stereotyped and that some locomotor plasticity is possible in response to the demands of the external environment. However, red‐backed salamanders were unable to locomote on any small‐diameter or vertically‐oriented coarse substrates. This finding provides strong evidence that the climbing abilities of red‐backed salamanders are attributable solely to mucous adhesion and that this species is unable to produce the necessary external “gripping” forces to achieve fine‐branch arboreal locomotion or scale substrates where adhesion is not possible. The red‐backed salamander provides an ideal model for arboreal locomotor performance of anatomically‐unspecialized amphibians and offers insight into transitionary stages in the evolution of arborealism in this lineage.

Objective: To review the safety and efficacy of avacopan for the treatment of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. Data Sources: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the terms avacopan OR tavneos OR CCX168 OR ANCA-associated vasculitis in PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles between January 2016 and January 2023 were considered for inclusion. Bibliographies and ClinicalTrials.gov were also searched for completion. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relative English language and human studies related to pharmacology, clinical trials, and safety were included. Data Synthesis: The 52-week ADVOCATE and 12-week CLEAR clinical trials evaluated the safety and efficacy of avacopan. The remission rate was 65.7% and 54.9% in the avacopan and placebo group, respectively, in the ADVOCATE trial. The Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score improved by ≥50% in 86.4% of avacopan treated patients and 70% of prednisone treated patients in the CLEAR trial. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice in Comparison With Existing Drugs: Glucocorticoids in combination with cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, and/or rituximab have been a mainstay of ANCA-associated vasculitis treatment. However, short- and long-term medication-related adverse effects risk negative outcomes for patients. Avacopan may provide equivalent to better treatment with fewer side effects due to a reduction, if not elimination, of glucocorticoids. Conclusions: Avacopan used in isolation or combination is safe and effective for ANCA-associated vasculitis.