Background/Objectives: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex and chronic mental health condition that poses significant challenges for both patients and healthcare providers. Traditional treatment methods, including medication and therapy, remain vital, but there is increasing interest in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance BD management. AI has the potential to improve mood episode prediction, personalize treatment plans, and provide real-time support, offering new opportunities for managing BD more effectively. Our primary objective was to explore the potential role of AI in transforming the management of BD, specifically in mood tracking, prediction, and personalized treatment regimens. Methods: To explore the potential role of AI in transforming BD management, we conducted a review of recent literature using key search terms. We included studies that discussed AI applications in mood tracking, prediction, and treatment personalization. The studies were selected based on their relevance to AI’s role in BD management, with attention to the PICO criteria: Population—individuals diagnosed with BD; Intervention—AI tools for mood prediction, treatment personalization, and real-time support; Comparison—traditional treatment methods (when available); Outcome—measures of mood episode prediction, treatment effectiveness, and improvements in patient care. Results: The findings from recent research reveal promising developments in the use of AI for BD management. Studies suggest that AI-powered tools can enable more proactive and personalized care, improving treatment outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare professionals. AI’s ability to analyze data from wearable devices, smartphones, and even social media platforms provides valuable insights for early detection and more dynamic treatment adjustments. Conclusions: While AI’s application in BD management is still in its early stages, it presents transformative potential for improving patient care. However, further research and development are crucial to fully realize AI’s potential in supporting BD patients and optimizing treatment efficacy.

Background/Objectives: Our background comprises the previously identified consequences of bipolar disorder’s chronicity, which significantly affects not only the patients but also their caregivers, leading to challenges in caregivers’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being. This impact on caregivers’ quality of life (QOL) is often overlooked in the context of patient-centered care for bipolar disorder. Our objective was to explore how patient-centered care in bipolar disorder management affects caregivers, with a focus on improving both patient and caregiver outcomes. Methods: We performed a thematic qualitative synthesis of reviewed literature and case studies to explore the intersection of patient-centered care in bipolar disorder management and its impact on caregivers. This comprehensive review allowed us to identify key behavioral patterns and emotional fluctuations in patients that significantly affect caregiver well-being, with a focus on the challenges caregivers face due to the unpredictability of mood episodes and the lack of adequate support in current care models. Results: In the results, we identified that while patient-centered care enhances patient outcomes, it also exacerbates the strain on caregivers if their needs are not adequately addressed. Specific behavioral pathways and emotional fluctuations in bipolar disorder impact caregivers, such as the unpredictability of mood episodes, cognitive distortions during manic and depressive phases, and the emotional toll of managing crises. This article also emphasizes the role of patient-centered care, which places the patient at the core of treatment decisions, but often neglects the strain placed on caregivers. Conclusions: We conclude that a holistic approach to care, which includes caregiver support and resources, is essential for improving the QOL of both patients and caregivers. Future research is needed to develop strategies and interventions that better support caregivers and enhance their overall well-being, ensuring that patient care models are truly comprehensive.

Background: There was a registered increase in the number of confirmed pertussis cases in Central Serbia between June and December 2023. Among the possible causes of pertussis resurgence are increased awareness of pertussis among healthcare workers, availability of the sensitive RT PCR method in diagnostic, the limited duration of vaccine-induced immunity as well as decline of immunization coverage influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The nasopharyngeal samples from clinics and primary care departments were transferred to Institute of Public Health of Serbia. DNA was extracted from each sample using the MagMAX Viral/Pathogen kit. The presence of B. pertussis was determined using two PCR assays, VIASURE Bordetella Real Time PCR Detection Kit and Bosphore B. pertussis/parapertussis Genotyping Kit, Anatolia Geneworks. Results: RT-PCR confirmed a total of 338 pertussis cases in Institute of Public Health of Serbia during the observed period. Most of confirmed cases were among children 9-14 years old (49,7%) followed by infants younger than 12 months (21,9%). The more severe cases were among the unvaccinated and uncomplete vaccinated infants, 78,4% of which required hospitalization with two deaths in this age group. Conclusions: Based on the analysis of the obtained results, we can highlight the importance of using sensitive methods in pathogen detection. Rapid diagnosis, laboratory confirmation and notification ensure early public health intervention to minimize the spread of disease. Despite long tradition of mandatory immunization against pertussis in the Republic of Serbia, wanning of vaccine induced immunity poses potential risk for the resurgence of pertussis. For pertussis control, in the future, it will be essential to achieve high immunization coverage as well as to introduce a booster dose of pertussis containing vaccine for children aged 14 and to implement vaccination of pregnant women. Key messages: • For the better pertussis control vaccination of adolescents and adults, as well as vaccination of pregnant women should be considered in the future vaccination policies. • Clinicians should consider pertussis in the differential diagnosis of persistent cough illness in people of all ages, even those previously immunized.

Background: Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. The infection is often asymptomatic, both in men and women. Urogenital infections can present as cervicitis, salpingitis, endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease in women; as orchitis, epididymitis and prostatitis in men and as urethritis and proctitis in men and women. Chlamydia trachomatis infection can lead to tubal factor infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain Those infections can also be transmitted from mother to child during labour, leading to disease in the neonate. Methods and Objectives: In the Department of Molecular Microbiology of Institute of Public Health of Serbia (IPHS), in first 6 month of 2024. were analysed 4161 samples by RT PCR method (Vector-best). Because of the great importance of this infection on reproductive health, the aim of this study is to examine the frequency of C. trachomatis infection in different age groups among patients from IPHS. Results: In the first 6 months of 2024 a total of 385 laboratory-confirmed cases of Chlamydia trachomatis were registered in the Public Health Service of Serbia (PHSS) from IPHS and other labs in Serbia. During that period, at IPHS from 4161 samples, 63 (1,51%) samples were positive. The largest number of lab cases was in the age groups of 20-24 years (32), 25-29 years (7), 35-39 years (6) and 30-34 (5). Out of 63 positive results, the majority were women, 58 (92%), while there were only 5 (8%) men. Conclusions: The high rate of reported chlamydia diagnoses among young adults indicates the need for further control. The strategy should include primary prevention interventions for at-risk populations, evidence-based case management, and effective surveillance activities. Offering young women (under 25 years) a chlamydia test can reduce their risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease.