Urine culture remains the cornerstone of timely and accurate diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs), providing definitive identification of the causative pathogen and enabling administration of the targeted antibiotic therapy. This review aims to support evidence-based clinical decision-making and to reinforce the central role of microbiological diagnostics in the com-prehensive care of patients with UTIs. This narrative review emphasizes the importance of standardized urine sampling, pre-cise identification of causative agents (e.g., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp.), accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and the correct interpretation of laboratory reports. Besides, this review provides a comparative overview of relevant national and international guidelines, including the Serbian national clinical practice guide, as well as protocols issued by European, American, and Australian health authorities. This paper highlights the importance of local resistance surveillance and the ex juvantibus approach (initiating treatment based on likely clinical benefit in the absence of immediate diagnostic confirmation) in guiding empirical therapy, as well as the need for close cooperation between microbiologists and clinicians to ensure the accuracy, relevance, and time delivery of microbiology reports. In conclusion, urine culture remains essential for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of UTIs. Standardized sampling, proper interpretation, and adherence to clinical guidelines improve patients outcomes. Local resistance data and, when needed, the ex juvantibus approach support effective empirical therapy.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis, a disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Beyond direct neuronal injury, S. pneumoniae induces profound neuroinflammation, contributing to synaptic dysfunction and long-term cognitive impairment. One of the key pneumococcal virulence factors, pneumolysin (Ply), plays a critical role in neuroinflammation and synaptic pathology by disrupting the blood-brain barrier (BBB), inducing glutamate excitotoxicity and promoting synaptic loss. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying neuroin-flammation in pneumococcal meningitis and its impact on synaptic function, highlighting potential therapeutic targets to mitigate neurological sequelae.

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to global health, demanding innovative and scalable responses. This article examines the integration of artificial intelligence/machine learning technologies into the surveillance and clinical management of antimicrobial resistance, highlighting recent advancements and their potential to transform the field. By aligning these technologies with national strategies and clinical practice, particularly in settings such as Serbia, the paper underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing effective decision-support tool for empirical antibiotic therapy tailored to real-world healthcare environments revived in the project idea, Machine Learning Utilization for Data-Driven Empirical Therapy and Antimicrobial Resistance Management, developed by a group of researchers from four Serbian facul-ties.

Cultural heritage materials, from centuries-old documents to historic buildings, are constantly at risk from microbial damage caused by fungi, bacteria, and algae. These organisms can weaken structures, fade pigments, and leave behind visible stains. While synthetic chemical biocides have long been used to stop such deterioration, they often come with drawbacks: potential harm to conservators, negative environmental impact, and the risk of damaging fragile materials. In recent years, essential oils (EOs) have gained attention as a safer, more natural alternative due their antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Nev-ertheless, using essential oils is not without challenges. Their quick evaporation, sensitivity to light and heat, and lack of standardized guidelines can limit their effectiveness. However, with growing interest and new technologies that control how EOs are released, they are becoming a more reliable option. Essential oils may not replace traditional methods entirely, but they offer a more sustainable, health-conscious, and adaptable solution for protecting our shared heritage. Therefore, this review highlights how essential oils are applied in conservation, from simple brushing and spraying to more advanced sys-tems like hydrogels, vapor diffusion, and microemulsions. These methods aim to improve the stability of EOs and make their effects last longer without harming the objects.