RESUMO: As microalgas são organismos cuja biomassa possui biomoléculas abundantes como carboidratos, lipídeos, proteínas, pigmentos, vitaminas, minerais e compostos antioxidantes, com inúmeras aplicações industriais com destaque para os segmentos de alimentos, nutricional, farmacológico, cosmético e de energia, na produção de biocombustíveis. Entretanto, o acesso de forma integra a essas biomoléculas pode ser dificultado pela rigidez estrutural de sua parede celular, sendo necessário a aplicação de um pré-tratamento que promova a lise celular. As diferentes técnicas de ruptura celular aplicáveis à biomassa microalgal descritas na literatura podem ser de natureza mecânica, com destaque para as técnicas de moagem em moinho de bolas e homogeneização à alta pressão (HAP) ou não mecânica (química, térmica e enzimática), cada uma com vantagens e desvantagens. Assim, o objetivo da presente revisão narrativa é descrever o uso de diferentes métodos para o rompimento de células de microalgas, com suas vantagens, desvantagens e seus desafios.

ABSTRACT: Microalgae are organisms whose biomass contains different biomolecules, such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, pigments, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds, with numerous industrial applications, highlighting the food, nutritional, cosmetic, pharmacological, and biofuel segments. However, access to these biomolecules in an integrated manner is often hampered due to the structural rigidity of their cell wall, requiring the application of a pre-treatment that promotes cell lysis. Various cell rupture techniques applied to microalgae biomass have been reported. These methods can be mechanical, especially ball milling techniques and high-pressure homogenization (HPH), or non-mechanical, such as chemical, thermal, and enzymatic procedures, each with advantages and disadvantages. Thus, this review addressed the different methods of cell disruption, listing their advantages and disadvantages, applications in cell biomass, and challenges.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association between handgrip strength and body composition, physical fitness, and biomarkers in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: A total of 75 postmenopausal women were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome participated in this study. Muscle strength was assessed via a hydraulic grip strength dynamometer; physical fitness tests included a timed-up-and-go, arm curl test, and 30-s chair stand. Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance, from which estimates of fat mass, body fat percentage, fat-free mass, and visceral fat area were determined. Fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin were measured via blood sample analyses. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using handgrip strength as the dependent variable and using body composition, physical fitness, and biomarkers as independent variables. RESULTS: The results revealed that 52% of the total sample were classified as obese, 37.3% as overweight, and only 10.7% as normal weight. Significant correlations were present between handgrip strength and fat-free mass (p=0.002; R=0.590), mean blood pressure (p=0.002; R=0.450), and arm curl (p=0.001; R=0.795). CONCLUSION: This study showed that handgrip strength was predictive of fat-free mass, blood pressure, and upper limb strength performance.

A displasia septo-óptica (DSO, síndrome de Morsier) é uma condição congênita rara definida por dois critérios da tríade: defeitos de linha média, hipoplasia de nervo óptico e insuficiência hipotálamo-hipofisária. Descrevemos 5 casos de DSO, encaminhados por baixa estatura, com hipoplasia dos nervos ópticos, nistagmo e atraso global do desenvolvimento. Destes, 4 possuem alteração na ressonância magnética de sela túrcica e insuficiência hipotálamo-hipofisária, tendo sido observada adeno-hipófise hipoplásica (3/5), neuro-hipófise ectópica (4/5), haste afilada/ausente (3/5) e sela vazia (1/5), além de déficit dos eixos somatotrófico (3/5), adrenocorticotrófico (3/5), tireotrófico (2/5) e do hormônio antidiurético (1/5). Apenas um paciente não apresenta alteração anatômica ou funcional do eixo hipotálamo-hipofisário. Embora rara, a DSO é causa importante de hipopituitarismo congênito, devendo ser considerada em crianças com hipoplasia de nervo óptico ou defeito de linha média para seu diagnóstico e tratamento precoces, evitando seqüelas graves.

Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD), also referred to as de Morsier syndrome, is a rare congenital condition, characterized by two of the classic triad features: midline brain abnormalities, optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) and pituitary endocrine dysfunction. We report 5 children with SOD, originally referred to be evaluated due to short stature, who also presented bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia, nystagmus and development delay. In 4 of the patients, we identified neuroimaging abnormalities of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis such as anterior pituitary hypoplasia (3/5), ectopic posterior pituitary (4/5), thin or absent stalk (3/5) and empty sella (1/5). We also encountered diverse pituitary deficiencies: growth hormone (3/5), adrenocorticotropic hormone (3/5), thyroid-stimulating hormone (2/5) and antidiuretic hormone (1/5). Only one child presented intact pituitary function and anatomy. Although rare, SOD is an important cause of congenital hypopituitarism and it should be considered in children with optic nerve hypoplasia or midline brain abnormalities for early diagnosis and treatment.