Small blood vessels express specific phenotypical and functional characteristics throughout the body. Alterations in the microcirculation contribute to many correlated physiological and pathological events in related organs. Factors such as comorbidities and genetics contribute to the complexity of this topic. Small vessel disease primarily affects end organs that receive significant cardiac output, such as the brain, kidney, and retina. Despite the differences in location, concurrent changes are seen in the micro-vasculature of the brain, retina, and kidneys under pathological conditions due to their common histological, functional, and embryological characteristics. While the cardiovascular basis of pathology in association with the brain, retina, or kidneys has been well documented, this is a simple review that uniquely considers the relationship between all three organs and highlights the prevalence of coexisting end organ injuries in an attempt to elucidate connections between the brain, retina, and kidneys, which has the potential to transform diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide, affecting both males and females. Roughly 150 HPV types have been identified, 35 to 40 of which can infect the anogenital tract. Infection with certain oncogenic strains is associated with cancers of the cervix, anus, vulva, vagina, and oropharynx. Although vaccination against HPV has been shown to be safe and effective at preventing HPV infection, controversies surrounding the widespread uptake of the available HPV vaccines persist. We examine the notable ethical debates surrounding HPV vaccination programs, including issues of cost efficacy, adolescent autonomy and consent, parental involvement in vaccine decision-making, male inclusion in vaccination programs, and perceived barriers to vaccination. A common theme that emerged within many of the topics we present involved the dynamics of adolescent-parent relationships, which we consider at length to inform future interventional strategies. Despite the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine, the potential of becoming infected by HPV remains high, likely due to overall low vaccination uptake. In this review, shortcomings in previous vaccination programs are addressed, while interventions that may enable the success of future strategies are highlighted.