Acute gastroenteritis outbreak associated with multiple and rare norovirus genotypes after storm events in Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Norovirus is a major cause of acute diarrheal disease (ADD) outbreaks worldwide. In the present study, we investigated an ADD outbreak caused by norovirus in several municipalities of Santa Catarina state during the summer season, southern Brazil in 2023. As of the 10th epidemiological week of 2023, approximately 87 000 ADD cases were reported, with the capital, Florianópolis, recording the highest number of cases throughout the weeks. By using RT-qPCR and sequencing, we detected 10 different genotypes, from both genogroups (G) I and II. Some rare genotypes were also identified. Additionally, rotavirus and human adenovirus were sporadically detected among the ADD cases. Several features of the outbreak suggest that sewage-contaminated water could played a role in the surge of ADD cases. Storm events in Santa Catarina state that preceded the outbreak likely increased the discharge of contaminated wastewater and stormwater into water bodies, such as rivers and beaches during a high touristic season in the state. Climate change-induced extreme weather events, including intensified rainfall and frequent floods, can disturb healthcare and sanitation systems. Implementing public policies for effective sanitation, particularly during peak times, is crucial to maintain environmental equilibrium and counter marine pollution.

Bilateral genital asymmetry in livebearer fishes of the genus Phalloceros Eigenmann, 1907, with description of a new species from coastal drainages of southern Brazil (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae).

A new species of Phalloceros is described from the Tijucas, Maruim, Aririú, Cubatão do Sul, Rio da Madre, D'Una and Tubarão river basins in southern Brazil. The new species is diagnosed among congeners by the bilateral asymmetry of a hood-like structure located immediately anterior to the urogenital papilla of females. The hood is fused with the urogenital papilla on the right side, but free from the papilla on the left side. This hood is reported for the first time in the genus and is present in six of the 21 valid species of Phalloceros, but its bilateral asymmetry is an exclusive condition of the new species. These species do not constitute a monophyletic group. The new species is likely to be phylogenetically related to P. caudimaculatus, whose females have a symmetrical hood.

Phylogenetic analysis of rabies viruses isolated from cattle in southern Brazil.

Bats and dogs are the main reservoirs of rabies virus (RABV) in Latin America and are responsible for the maintenance of different cycles of infection. In the two neighbour and most southern Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and Santa Catarina (SC), rabies in dogs has been successfully controlled for more than 30 years. However, rabies associated to the rural cycle remains endemic, with a significant, though oscillating-annual incidence of rabies in cattle. Despite the plethora of studies on genetic analyses of Brazilian RABV, isolates from southern Brazil have only scarcely been investigated. This work was performed to identify the genetic lineages of RABVs circulating in states of RS and SC. Fifty-nine RABV cattle isolates from RS and SC were selected and submitted to reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by sequencing of the nucleoprotein gene. In RS, the circulation of two sublineages (1A and 1B) of RABV was detected, both with characteristics of lineages usually detected in vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus). In SC, only one sublineage of RABV (1B) was detected. Nevertheless, the findings reported here are expected to contribute to the understanding of the biology of the virus in the region and its interactions with the natural host D. rotundus.

Coastal vulnerability to wave impacts using a multi-criteria index: Santa Catarina (Brazil).

The damage of coastal infrastructure due to wave action has stimulated the need for vulnerability assessments for integrated coastal management. Vulnerability is described as the ability of people living in an area to anticipate, cope with, resist and recover from the impact produced by a coastal hazard. This study aims to develop a multi-criteria index to assess coastal vulnerability to waves. Therefore, we analyze the Santa Catarina State (southern Brazil) coastline vulnerability to the incident wave climate. The applied coastal vulnerability index (CVI) was obtained by integrating the adaptive capacity index (ACI), composed of socioeconomic and locational variables, and the susceptibility index (SI), composed of physical variables. The resulting coastal dynamics from nearshore wave processes were analyzed through numerical models and integrated with other variables in a geographic information system (GIS). The relevance of the variables to the index was obtained by the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The variables and indices were hierarchized into five vulnerability classes and represented in the administrative sectors defined by the local State Coastal Management Plan. Based on the AHP results, the physical variables were considered more relevant than the socioeconomic and locational variables. In general, the southern portion of the state presented higher susceptibility degrees, a lower income per capita and a lower number of second residences than the northern portion. At the same time, the northern portion presented higher percentages of developed areas, which are predominantly situated along susceptible and vulnerable segments. The numerical modeling of wave propagation has a large impact on the vulnerability as a function of the higher weights assigned to the related variables by experts and the high variability of the significant wave height along the state's coastline. Our results emphasize the importance of the inclusion of physical variables, such as waves, when defining coastal management measures in coastal zones.

Thermotolerant coliform loadings to coastal areas of Santa Catarina (Brazil) evidence the effect of growing urbanisation and insufficient provision of sewerage infrastructure.

Thermotolerant coliform (TC) loadings were quantified for 49 catchments draining into the North and South Bays of Santa Catarina (SC, southeastern Brazil), an area known for its tourism and aquaculture. TC loadings were calculated based on flow measurements taken in 26 rivers. TC concentrations ere quantified based on surface water samples collected at 49 catchment outlets in 2012 and 2013. Median TC loads ranged from 3.7 × 103 to 6.8 × 108 MPN s-1. TC loadings in the catchments increased in proportion to increases in resident human population, population density and percentage of urbanised area. Catchments with more than 60% of area covered by wastewater collection and treatment systems had higher TC loads per person than catchments with less than 25%. Based on the study catchments, these results indicate that current sewerage infrastructure is ineffective in reducing contamination of faecal origin to surface waters. These findings have important implications for the management of microbiological health hazards in bathing, recreational and shellfish aquaculture waters in the North and South Bays of Santa Catarina Island.

Characterization of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated in Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil.

The study investigated the characteristics of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated in Santa Catarina. Findings revealed prevalent SCCmecII and IV, multiresistance, Leucocidin ED genes, and one ST105 isolate. The results indicated that the in-state MRSA isolates showed the same characteristics as the out-of-state isolates among the investigated features.

Diversity of fungal endophytes from mangrove plants of Santa Catarina Island, Brazil.

The mangrove ecosystem plays a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of plants, animals, and microorganisms that are essential for materials cycles. However, the exploration of endophytic fungi isolated from mangroves, particulary in Santa Catarina (SC, Brazil), remains limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the biodiversity of endophytic fungi found in Avicennia schaueriana, Laguncularia racemosa, Rhizophora mangle, and Spartina alterniflora from two mangroves on the Island of Santa Catarina: one impacted by anthropic action (Itacorubi mangrove) and the other environmentally preserved (Ratones mangrove). Samplings were carried out between January 2020 and May 2021. Fungi were isolated from leaves, stems, and roots, identified, and clustered into groups through morphological characteristics. Further, a representative strain of each group was identified through ITS1 sequencing. A total of 373 isolates were obtained from plant tissues, of which 96 and 277 isolates were obtained from Itacorubi and Ratones mangroves, respectively. Molecular identification showed that the endophytic fungal community comprised at least 19 genera. The data on fungal community diversity revealed comparable diversity indices for genera in both mangroves. However, we observed differences in the total frequency of fungal genera between impacted (27.38%) and non-impacted (72.62%) mangroves. These findings suggest that anthropic activities in and around the Santa Catarina mangroves have had negative impact on the frequency of endophytic fungi. This emphasizes the reinforcing the significance of preserving these environments to ensure the maintenance of fungal community diversity.

Sharing of living area and exposure of domestic and wild canids to ticks, Rickettsia parkeri and Rangelia vitalii in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil.

Spotted fever caused by the bacterium Rickettsia parkeri, and canine rangeliosis caused by the protozoan Rangelia vitalii, are emerging or re-emerging tick-borne diseases in Brazil, where the main tick vectors are Amblyomma ovale and Amblyomma aureolatum, respectively. In the present study, we evaluated exposure to R. parkeri and R. vitalii infection among domestic (Canis lupus familiaris) and wild (Cerdocyon thous) canids sharing living areas within an Atlantic Forest area of southern Brazil. Four different domestic dogs and three different wild canids were captured. Most of the ticks collected from either domestic or wild canids were identified as A. ovale and A. aureolatum. DNA of R. parkeri was amplified from 14% of the A. ovale specimens. Two domestic dogs and two wild canids were seroreactive to R. parkeri antigens with high endpoint titers (>1024). Rangelia vitalii DNA was detected in two wild canids; one of them was resampled 93 days later, again infected by R. vitalii. We report exposure/infection of domestic dogs and wild canids to R. vitalii and/or R. parkeri-infected ticks in an Atlantic Forest area shared by both canid species, indicating that they also shared the same populations of the tick vectors, A. aureolatum and A. ovale. While A. ovale, A. aureolatum, R. parkeri, R. vitalii and C. thous, are all native to the Atlantic Forest, further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of an exotic canine species - C. lupus familiaris - on the enzootic cycles of R. vitalii and R. parkeri, as well as the possible role of domestic dogs in emergence and re-emergence of R. parkeri-spotted fever in humans and canine rangeliosis, respectively.

Temporal trends in the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases in the public healthcare system in Brazil: A large population-based study.

Background: Population-based data on epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) in Brazil are scarce. This study aims to define temporal trends of incidence and prevalence rates of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in Brazil. Methods: All IBD patients from the public healthcare national system were included from January 2012 to December 2020. Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using log-linear regression for incidence and binomial regression for prevalence. Moran's I autocorrelation index was used to analyse clustering of cities by level of prevalence. Findings: A total of 212,026 IBD patients were included. Incidence of IBD rose from 9.4 in 2012 to 9.6 per 100,000 in 2020 (AAPC=0.8%; 95% CI -0.37, 1.99); for UC, incidence increased from 5.7 to 6.9 per 100,000 (AAPC=3.0%; 95% CI 1.51, 4.58) and for CD incidence decreased from 3.7 to 2.7 per 100,000 (AAPC=-3.2%; 95% CI -4.45, -2.02). Prevalence of IBD increased from 30.0 in 2012 to 100.1 per 100,000 in 2020 (AAPC=14.8%; CI 14.78-14.95); for UC, from 15.7 to 56.5 per 100,000 (AAPC=16.0%; CI 15.94, 16.17); for CD from 12.6 to 33.7 per 100,000 (AAPC=12.1% CI 11.95, 12.02). A south-north gradient was observed in 2020 prevalence rates of IBD [I=0.40 (p<0.0001)], CD [I=0.22 (p<0.0001)] and UC [I=0.42 (p<0.0001)]. Interpretation: Incidence of CD is decreasing whereas of UC is increasing, leading to stabilization in the incidence of IBD from 2012 to 2020 in Brazil. Prevalence of IBD has been climbing with 0.1% of Brazilians living with IBD in 2020. Funding: None.

Trajectory of serogroups causing Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Santa Catarina state, Brazil (2007-2019).

The aim of this study was to compare the trajectory of serogroups causing Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) in the Santa Catarina (SC) state with those of whole Brazil. A retrospective analysis of all IMD cases reported from January 2007 to December 2019 was carried out. During the study period, 26,058 IMD cases were registered in Brazil and 644 and in SC state alone. Overall, Brazil showed progressive reduction in cases since 2010, when the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine was introducted on National Immunization Program, while SC showed an increase in total cases since 2013, particularly from serogroups W and C. Serogroups distribution was significantly different between Brazil and SC. The emergence of serogroup W highlights the improved meningococcal surveillance through increased accuracy in identification methods in SC state. This finding is important for discussing recommendations of quadrivalent (ACWY) conjugate vaccines in different geographical areas of Brazil.

Climatic variables influence the temporal dynamics of an anuran metacommunity in a nonstationary way.

Understanding the temporal dynamics of communities is crucial to predict how communities respond to climate change. Several factors can promote variation in phenology among species, including tracking of seasonal resources, adaptive responses to other species, demographic stochasticity, and physiological constraints. The activities of ectothermic vertebrates are sensitive to climatic variations due to the effect of temperature and humidity on species physiology. However, most studies on temporal dynamics have analyzed multi-year data and do not have resolution to discriminate within-year patterns that can determine community assembly cycles. Here, we tested the temporal stability and synchrony of calling activity and also how climatic variables influence anuran species composition throughout the year in a metacommunity in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. Using a multivariate method, we described how the relationship between species composition and climatic variables changes through time. The metacommunity showed a weak synchronous spatial pattern, meaning that species responded independently to environmental variation. Interestingly, species composition exhibited a nonstationary response to climate, suggesting that climate affects species composition differently depending on the season. The species-climate relationship was stronger during the spring, summer, and winter, mainly influenced by temperature, rainfall, and humidity. Thus, temporal community dynamics seem to be mediated by species life-history traits, in which independent fluctuations promote community stability in temporally varying environments.

Improving the serodiagnosis of canine Leishmania infantum infection in geographical areas of Brazil with different disease prevalence.

Serodiagnosis of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs relies on the detection of antibodies against leishmanial crude extracts or parasitic defined antigens. The expansion of canine leishmaniasis from geographical areas of Brazil in which the infection is endemic to regions in which the disease is emerging is occurring. This fact makes necessary the analysis of the serodiagnostic capabilities of different leishmanial preparations in distinct geographical locations. In this article sera from dogs infected with Leishmania and showing the clinical form of the disease, were collected in three distinct Brazilian States and were tested against soluble leishmanial antigens or seven parasite individual antigens produced as recombinant proteins. We show that the recognition of soluble leishmanial antigens by sera from these animals was influenced by the geographical location of the infected dogs. Efficacy of the diagnosis based on this crude parasite preparation was higher in newly endemic regions when compared with areas of high disease endemicity. We also show that the use of three of the recombinant proteins, namely parasite surface kinetoplastid membrane protein of 11 kDa (KMP-11), and two members of the P protein family (P2a and P0), can improve the degree of sensitivity without adversely affecting the specificity of the diagnostic assays for canine leishmaniasis, independently of the geographical area of residence. In addition, sera from dogs clinically healthy but infected were also assayed with some of the antigen preparations. We demonstrate that the use of these proteins can help to the serodiagnosis of Leishmania infected animals with subclinical infections. Finally, we propose a diagnostic protocol using a combination of KMP-11, P2a y P0, together with total leishmanial extracts.

Population survey of Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea (Aspidochirotida: Holothuriidae) at its limit of geographic distribution in the Western South Atlantic / Estudio poblacional de Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea (Aspidochirotida: Holothuriidae) en su límite de distribución geográfica en el Atlántico Sur Occidental

Abstract Introduction: The sea cucumber Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea Selenka, 1867 is a common echinoderm in intertidal regions along the Brazilian coast, which recently became the focus of unreported and unregulated fisheries. This study was carried out in sandy-rocky substrates at Armação do Itapocoroy, Penha, Santa Catarina (26o47' S; 48o36' W), near its southern limit of geographic distribution. Objective: To determine the densities (individuals*m-2) of Holothuria (H.) grisea within a spatial-temporal perspective as well as to determine biometric and growth characteristics of the population. Methods: Two-meter wide transects perpendicular to the coastline were carried out in winter and spring 2019 and in summer and spring 2020, in periods of spring low-tides. In each sampling occasion the total number of specimens of H. grisea were determined, and a group of 90 organisms was submitted to in situ biometrics (weight, length and width), and immediately returned alive to their habitat. Results: The densities of H. (H.) grisea were significantly higher in the subtidal sector and lower in the upper intertidal sector with no indication of significant differences among sampling campaigns. Depth was the primary factor explaining the observed density patterns and rugosity of the substrate was secondary but also important. The body length ranged from 5.2 to 22.5 cm, whereas the weight varied from 6.0 to 230 g. The mean and modal lengths were 12.54 and 13 cm, respectively. Approximately 75 % of the population sampled was between 10 and 14 cm and the average weight was 60 g. Estimates from von Bertalanffy growth function indicate that the youngest sea cucumber was one year-old, and the oldest had approximately two and a half years. Conclusions: This is the first study to determine biometric parameters for H. (H.) grisea in southern Brazil and the first one to estimate growth and age estimates for a wild population of this species. The densities recorded in the present study were lower than those previously reported for this region, suggesting anthropic influence.

Resumen Introducción: El pepino de mar Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea Selenka, 1867 es un equinodermo común en las regiones intermareales a lo largo de la costa brasileña, que recientemente se convirtió en foco de pesquerías no declaradas y no reguladas. Este estudio se realizó en sustratos arenosos-rocosos en Armação do Itapocoroy, Penha, Santa Catarina (26o47' S; 48o36' W), cerca del límite sur de su distribución geográfica. Objetivo: Determinar las densidades (individuos*m-2) de Holothuria (H.) grisea dentro de una perspectiva espacio-temporal así como determinar las características biométricas y de crecimiento de la población. Métodos: Se realizaron transectos de dos metros de ancho perpendiculares a la línea de costa en invierno y primavera de 2019 y en verano y primavera de 2020, en periodos de bajamar sicigia. En cada ocasión de muestreo se determinó el número total de especímenes de H. (H.) grisea, y se sometió un grupo de 90 organismos a biometría in situ (peso, longitud y ancho), e inmediatamente se los devolvieron vivos a su hábitat. Resultados: Las densidades de H. (H.) grisea fueron significativamente más altas en el sector submareal y más bajas en el sector intermareal superior sin indicios de diferencias significativas entre las campañas de muestreo. La profundidad fue el factor principal que explica los patrones de densidad observados y la rugosidad del sustrato fue secundaria pero también importante. La longitud del cuerpo varió de 5.2 a 22.5 cm, mientras que el peso varió de 6.0 a 230 g. Las longitudes media y modal fueron 12.54 y 13 cm, respectivamente. Aproximadamente el 75 % de la población muestreada midió entre 10 y 14 cm y el peso promedio fue de 60 g. Estimados de la función de crecimiento de von Bertalanffy indican que el ejemplar más joven presentaba un año de edad, mientras el más viejo presentaba cerca de dos años y medio. Conclusiones: Este es el primer estudio que determina parámetros biométricos para una población de H. (H.) grisea en el sur de Brasil y el primero en estimar el crecimiento y edades para una población salvaje de esta especie. Las densidades registradas en el presente estudio fueron inferiores a las reportadas previamente para esta región sugiriendo la ocurrencia de influencia antrópica.

Redescription of Naineris aurantiaca (Müller, 1858) and designation of a neotype from the Brazilian coast (Annelida: Orbiniidae).

The genus Naineris differs from other genera of the Orbiniidae in that all its species possess a rounded prostomium and one or two achaetous rings. Currently, 21 species of this genus have been described worldwide, five of which are recorded from Brazil. Naineris aurantiaca is the only species originally described from the Brazilian coast and the original description is the only record of this species. The description is short and vague, making identification difficult. From recent samples obtained in the type locality of Florianópolis, Brazil, we were able to study specimens of Naineris aurantiaca and redescribe the species. Diagnostic characters for this species are the presence of pre- and post-branchial papillae, anterior branchiae in thoracic segments considerably smaller than those of the rest of the body, distinct dorsal sensory organ from chaetiger 12 onwards, the chaetal arrangement of the thoracic neuropodia (crenulated capillaries in a lower oblique row, uncini in an upper oblique row, subuluncini in two anterior transverse rows, and acicular spines in a posterior row), interramal papillae only present on abdominal parapodia, and the presence of furcate chaetae in the abdominal notopodia. Here, we designate a neotype for the species and discuss the morphological variations we observed among specimens.

Five new species of Tupiperla Froehlich, 1969 (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae).

The stoneflies of the family Gripopterygidae have a Gondwanan distribution (Australian, Neotropical, and Andean regions) and include about 300 species in five recognized subfamilies. The subfamily Gripopteryginae is restricted to the Neotropics and the Andean regions of South America, including 15 genera and about 80 species. Tupiperla Froehlich, with 20 species, is the largest genus among the South American Gripopteryginae. The genus has been recorded from Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. In Brazil, Tupiperla has been recorded from southern, southeastern, and the mountainous areas of central and northeastern, primarily from streams of the Atlantic Forest. We studied specimens of Tupiperla collected from the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. Herein, five new species of Tupiperla are described: T. pinhoi sp. nov., T. serrulata sp. nov., T. pessacqi sp. nov., T. ubuntu sp. nov., and T. zwicki sp. nov.

A new species of forest snake of the genus Rhadinaea from Tropical Montane Rainforest in the Sierra Madre del Sur of Oaxaca, Mexico (Squamata, Dipsadidae).

Content of the dipsadid genus Rhadinaea has changed considerably since Myers' 1974 revision. Three species groups are recognized currently in the genus. Our fieldwork in Oaxaca in June 2018 produced a single specimen of Rhadinaea considered to represent a new taxon. This new species is described from converted Premontane Wet Forest in the municipality of Santa Catarina Juquila in the Sierra Madre del Sur of southern Oaxaca, Mexico. It is most closely related to Rhadinaealaureata, from which it can be distinguished easily by color pattern and scutellation, and represents a species group distinct from the other three occupying the genus.

ResúmenLa conformación del género Rhadinaea ha cambiado considerablemente desde la revisión de Myers en 1974. Tres grupos de especies son reconocidos actualmente en el género. Nuestro trabajo de campo en Oaxaca en junio de 2018 produjo un espécimen de Rhadinaea que consideramos que representa un nuevo taxón. Describimos esta nueva especie de bosque húmedo premontano en el Municipio de Santa Catarina Juquila en la Sierra Madre del Sur en el sur de Oaxaca, México. Esta especie está más estrechamente relacionada con Rhadinaealaureata, de la cual se puede distinguir fácilmente por medio del patrón de color y escutelación, y representa un grupo distinto a los tres que forman parte del género.

Molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains from prison populations in Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil.

The Tuberculosis (TB) notification rates are 5 to 81 times higher in prisons worldwide when compared to the general population. The state of Santa Catarina (SC) has few epidemiological data regarding TB in prisons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular epidemiology of circulating strains in prisons of SC. The study comprised 95 clinical samples from six prisons. Among the cases included, all subjects were male, predominantly caucasians, and young adults, with low education level. The positive smear in the TB diagnosis comprised 62.0% of cases. About 50% of subjects had some condition associated with TB. The Spoligotyping results showed that the most frequent lineages were LAM (50.7%), T (22.2%) and S (11.6%). The 12-loci MIRU generated 62 different genotypes. The MSTs showed evolutionary relationships between Mycobacterium tuberculosis spoligotypes from SC and evolutionary relationships between the prison isolates and studied parameters. This first study on TB in prison units of SC highlighted the predominance of SIT216/LAM5, and SIT34/S. Interestingly, his profile was found to be different from that observed in a previous study performed with the state's general population. This data shows the need for continued surveillance of episodes of TB occurring among prison inmates in an emerging country like Brazil.

Lysmata arvoredensis nov. sp. a new species of shrimp from the south coast of Brazil with a key to species of Lysmata (Caridea: Lysmatidae) recorded in the southwestern Atlantic.

Lysmata arvoredensis sp. nov. inhabits temperate waters in the south coast of Brazil and is named in tribute to the Marine Protected Area REBIO Arvoredo. This is the fourth species belonging to the genus Lysmata recorded for the region and the ninth for Brazil. L. arvoredensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from other species of Lysmata by the presence of a nearly completely fused accessory branch with a single free unguiform segment on the outer antennular flagellum; a rostrum with seven dorsal (2+5) and three ventral teeth; a stylocerite with a pointed tip bearing mesial setae; a second pereiopod with 22-24 carpal subsegments and 14-16 subsegments in the merus; a merus of the third pereiopod with five ventrolateral and 12 ventral spines on the propodus; and its color pattern, with red bands and patches in pleonites 2-3 that resemble a mask in dorsal view. Molecular characters demonstrate that L. arvoredensis sp. nov. is most closely related to other species of Lysmata belonging to the Neotropical and Cleaner clades. To support future ecological studies in the region, identification keys to the species of Lysmata recorded in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean are provided.

Six new species of silk-lined burrow spider genus Stenoterommata Holmberg, 1881 (Araneae, Nemesiidae) from southern Brazil.

A new diagnosis for the genus Stenoterommata Holmberg, 1881 is presented and six new species are described from Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil: S. pavesii sp. nov. and S. leticiae sp. nov. from Blumenau and Balneário Camboriú; S. sevegnaniae sp. nov. from Blumenau; S. gugai sp. nov., S. peri sp. nov. and S. pescador sp. nov. from Santa Catarina Island, Florianópolis. New records of S. palmar Goloboff, 1995 from southern Brazil are provided. Information on the natural history and habitat are included for all the species. In addition, Hermacha iricolor Mello-Leitão, 1923, described from Blumenau, is transferred to Rachias Simon, 1892.

Álbum/Relatório das Atividades das Pequenas Irmãs da Divina Providência: registros da assistência médico-social na Região Carbonífera Catarinense, 1955-1957 / Album/Report by the Pequenas Irmãs da Divina Providência: records of social and medical assistance in the coal-producing region of southern Santa Catarina, 1955-1957

Resumo Na primeira metade do século XX, a Região Carbonífera Catarinense passou por um intenso processo de industrialização que impactou diretamente as diferentes formas de vida. Como resultado da exploração do carvão mineral, a região enfrentou uma série de problemas sanitários que dificultavam o próprio processo de acumulação do capital. Diante da incapacidade de o poder público atender às demandas sanitárias, o empresariado local estabeleceu parcerias com congregações religiosas femininas para prestar serviços assistenciais em suas vilas operárias. Como resultado dessa relação, as Pequenas Irmãs da Divina Providência produziram um álbum/relatório, composto por textos, desenhos e fotografias que retratam suas atividades assistenciais, entre 1955 e 1957, em uma das vilas da região.

Abstract During the first half of the twentieth century, the coal-producing region of Santa Catarina state underwent intense industrialization that directly impacted various ways of life; various health problems emerged in the region as a result of coal mining and impeded economic progress. As the government was unable to meet health demands, local businesses established partnerships with female religious orders that provided assistance services in the villages where workers lived. As part of such a partnership, the Pequenas Irmãs da Divina Providência created an album of texts, drawings, and photographs as a report describing their activities from 1955 to 1957 in one such village in the region.