Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of blindness in the elderly population. Its pathophysiology is linked to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of the complement system. Sialic acid polymers prevent ROS production of human mononuclear phagocytes via the inhibitory sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin‐11 (SIGLEC11) receptor. Here, we show that low‐dose intravitreal injection of low molecular weight polysialic acid with average degree of polymerization 20 (polySia avDP20) in humanized transgenic mice expressing SIGLEC11 on mononuclear phagocytes reduced their reactivity and vascular leakage induced by laser coagulation. Furthermore, polySia avDP20 prevented deposition of the membrane attack complex in both SIGLEC11 transgenic and wild‐type animals. In vitro, polySia avDP20 showed two independent, but synergistic effects on the innate immune system. First, polySia avDP20 prevented tumor necrosis factor‐α, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and superoxide production by SIGLEC11‐positive phagocytes. Second, polySia avDP20 directly interfered with complement activation. Our data provide evidence that polySia avDP20 ameliorates laser‐induced damage in the retina and thus is a promising candidate to prevent AMD‐related inflammation and angiogenesis.

Review 224 Robotic surgery in gynecologyRobotic surgery is a dynamic development for minimally invasive procedures. The specialty of gynecology consistently offers new opportunities for innovative surgical techniques and the advancement of existing therapy approaches (Figure 1). Ever since the American FDA granted approval of the Da Vinci operation robot for gynecological operations in 2005, about three million robotic operations have been performed worldwide. 3500 Da Vinci systems are currently in use: 586 of these in Europe and 77 in Germany (4 th quarter of 2015). According to the figures of Intuitive Surgical, about 600,000 interventions were performed on a worldwide basis in the year 2014, of which 50% were performed in gynecology, approximately 30% in urology, and about 20% in general and chest surgeries. In 2011, the proportion of robotic hysterectomies performed for benign indications in the USA was as high as 27% (1). Currently, we have experience in robotic surgery for the majority of gynecological operations and fields of application. The known advantages of minimally invasive surgery, such as less blood loss, shorter durations of hospital stay, and lower patient morbidity compared to open procedures, have been observed here as well. Better exposure of the operating field by 3D technology and the extension of surgical instruments to 7 degrees of freedom permit the use of minimally invasive surgery, even for complex indications. Robot-assisted manipulation of the instruments permits tremor-free handling and reduces work fatigue for the surgeon, which is very advantageous for the surgeon as well as the patient in long and complex interventions. The possibility of working simultaneously on two parallel consoles shortens the learning curve, reduces complication rates, and facilitates the training of surgeons (2). The advancement of robotic surgery in terms of the Da Vinci Xi permits the variable use of optics in all four trocars (paraaortic lymphadenectomy, omentectomy, or interdisciplinary surgery in the upper abdomen can be performed without re-docking) and ensures markedly greater flexibility due to the optimized geometry of the so-called patient cart. Robotic surgery has been criticized for the fact that it requires the use of larger trocars compared to conventional laparoscopy, and is therefore associated with more numerous and larger cosmetic scars; this is avoided by the smaller trocars now used in robotic surgery (3). The development of the single-site systems signifies further new options for the gynecological surgeon (Figure 2). For instance, freedom of movement is now maximized by the introduction of one or more additional working trocars (4, 5). The low level of postoperative pain appears to be another advantage. It is accompanied by a lesser need for analgesics and even shorter hospital stays compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery. One explanation could be the fact that the abdominal wall need not be used as a counter bearing. The absence of irritation and the advantage of tissue protec...

The human microbiome has been given increasing importance in recent years. The establishment of sequencing-based technology has made it possible to identify a large number of bacterial species that were previously beyond the scope of culture-based technologies. Just as microbiome diagnostics has emerged as a major point of focus in science, reproductive medicine has developed into a subject of avid interest, particularly with regard to causal research and treatment options for implantation failure. Thus, the vaginal microbiome is discussed as a factor influencing infertility and a promising target for treatment options. The present review provides an overview of current research concerning the impact of the vaginal microbiome on the outcome of reproductive measures. A non-Lactobacillus-dominated microbiome was shown to be associated with dysbiosis, possibly even bacterial vaginosis. This imbalance has a negative impact on implantation rates in assisted reproductive technologies and may also be responsible for habitual abortions. Screening of the microbiome in conjunction with antibiotic and/or probiotic treatment appears to be one way of improving pregnancy outcomes.

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