Dear Reader,

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common and usually transient infection associated with most types of cervical cancers, as well as oropharyngeal and anogenital cancers. While HPV is often discussed in the context of female sexual health, its impacts on males are often overlooked. Recently, HPV infection has garnered media attention due to the recommendations for vaccine prevention. However, the uptake of HPV vaccines among the local eligible population has been suboptimal. In order to have a closer look at the pathophysiology of HPV and the clinical issues of its prevention, we are glad to invite Dr. Tam Man Sum, Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, to share her expert opinion on the preventive measures taken against HPV infection locally, which will be covered in the Feature Story.

The human gut microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, which can carry out a wide range of metabolic activities affecting both the microorganisms and the host. Provided that the gut microbiome plays crucial roles in regulating metabolic and immune homeostasis as well as mediating resistance to some pathogenic infections, any disruption to the normal composition of the gut microbiome would result in adverse outcomes. Notably, dietary intake is one of the key factors manipulating the balance of the gut microbiome. In the Focus section, the mechanism of how our diets shape gut microbiota and the adverse outcomes of dysbiosis will be highlighted.

Besides, the innovations in biophysical treatment of Parkinson’s disease and pharmacological therapies for treatment-resistant depression and Chronic Kidney Disease–Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) will be discussed in the Industry Updates. Moreover, the management of Clostridioides difficile infection with microbiota-based therapy and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism are featured in the Epoch section.

Hope you enjoy this issue!

Dr. Roy Yuen-chi Lau

PhD, DBA, FRSPH, MIET, MRSC, MSB, CBiol, CSci, MRACI CChem

Editor-in-Chief        

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