Arboreal mammals have evolved a range of biomechanical adaptations that allow them to navigate trees effectively. One such feature that has received considerable attention is the importance of vision that helps arboreal animals assess gap distances, assure proper foot placement, and inspect potential risks. While there is considerable debate about the relative importance of the visual system specifics, there is little doubt that the ability to at least see the environment must confer some level of safety when navigating arboreal substrates. In this study, we explore spatiotemporal and kinematic patterns of arboreal locomotion in the Vietnamese pygmy dormouse (Typhlomys chapensis), a blind rodent that uses ultrasonic echolocation to navigate in tree canopies. We compare these data with five other species of arboreal rodents and primates. Spatiotemporal gait characteristics are largely similar between the Vietnamese pygmy dormouse and other small‐bodied arboreal species analyzed. Most notable is the tendency for relatively high‐speed asymmetrical gaits on large‐diameter substrates and slower symmetrical lateral‐sequence gaits on small‐diameter substrates. Furthermore, for all species speed is primarily regulated by increasing stride frequency rather than length. Kinematics of the Vietnamese pygmy dormouse changed little in response substrate size and were primarily driven by speed. These findings suggest that the information gathered during ultrasonic scanning is sufficient to allow effective quadrupedal locomotion while moving on arboreal supports. The Vietnamese pygmy dormouse may serve as a model for the quadrupedal nocturnal ancestor of bats, which had started developing ultrasonic echolocation and reducing vision while likely occupying an arboreal niche.

Movement used by members of the family Ursidae to traverse their environment. All bears belong to the family Ursidae. There are only eight recognized species of living bears, most belonging to the genus Ursus. Despite their limited taxonomic diversity, they have a near global range and can be found on all major landmasses except Antarctica, Africa, and Australia (Fig. 1). Members of the family come in various forms and sizes and range in body mass from the 68 kg sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) to the 700 kg polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Despite the range in body size and anatomy, all bears live

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Background New York City (NYC) became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The Bronx, with the highest rates of poverty and violent crime of all NYC boroughs and a large Black and Hispanic population, was at increased risk of COVID-19 and its sequelae. We aimed to identify temporal associations among COVID-19 and trauma admission volume, demographics, and mechanism of injury (MOI). Methods A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted from a Level II trauma center in the Bronx. January 1st–September 30th for both 2019 (Pre-COVID) and 2020 (COVID) were compared. Pre-COVID and COVID cohorts were subdivided into EARLY (March–May) and LATE (June–September) subgroups. Demographics and trauma outcomes were compared. Results Trauma admissions were similar between Pre-COVID and COVID. During COVID, there was an increased percentage of Black patients (Black Hispanic 20.1% vs 15.2% and Black Non-Hispanic 39.4% vs 34.1%, P < .05), younger patients (26–35 years old: 22.6% vs 17.6%, P < .05), and out-of-pocket payors (6.0% vs 1.6%, P < .05). Trauma severity outcomes were mixed—some measures supported increased severity; others showed no difference or decreased severity. During COVID, there was a rise in total penetrating injuries (27.4% vs 20.8%, P < .05), MVC (13.2% vs 7.1, P < .05), and firearm injuries (11.6% vs 6.0%, P < .05). Additionally, during LATE COVID, there was a resurgence of total penetrating, total blunt, MVC, falls, cyclists/pedestrians struck, and firearm injuries. Discussion Our results emphasize MOI variations and racial differences of trauma admissions to a Level II trauma center in the Bronx during COVID-19. These findings may help trauma centers plan during pandemics and encourage outreach between trauma centers and community level organizations following future healthcare disasters.