Spectrum and Frequency of BRAF Mutations in Skin Melanomas in the Dalmatian Region of Croatia.

Mutation of the BRAF oncogene is one of the most common mutations detected in human neoplasia, occurring in 40-60% of all cutaneous melanoma. BRAF is a serine/threonine protein kinase which is an essential part of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. It is physiologically activated by RAS, but in mutated form, due to molecular conformational change, BRAF becomes constitutively active with subsequent persistent activation of downstream cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins (MEK, ERK, ETS), which finally leads to gene expression that promotes cell growth and survival.

ABO and Rh blood groups, demographics, and comorbidities in COVID-19 related deaths: A retrospective study in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia.

Background: Blood group phenotypes have been associated with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. This study aimed to examine ABO/Rh blood group distribution in COVID-19-related deaths considering demographics and pathological conditions.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at the University Hospital Center Split, Croatia, that included 245 COVID-19 positive individuals that died from April 8, 2020, to January 25, 2021.

BUILDING THE COVID-19 TESTING CAPACITIES IN CROATIA: ESTABLISHING THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COVID-19 UNIT AT THE SPLIT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTRE.

This paper presents the chronology, experiences, and challenges in introducing COVID-19 RT-PCR testing in Split, Croatia. We describe the processes from March 12, 2020 to May 26, 2020, starting from the initial knowledge transfer, expert team formation and management, testing implementation, and concluding with the standalone testing facilities, which used automated processes sufficient to meet testing requirements at that time. In the case presented, the COVID-19 unit was organized by joining human and laboratory resources from five clinical departments at the Split University Hospital Centre.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Seroprevalence in Industry Workers in Split-Dalmatia and Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia.

Objectives: To examine seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in industry workers population sample.

Methods: From 23 to April 28, 2020, we conducted serological testing for antibodies (Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM)) on 1494 factory employees living in the Split-Dalmatia and Šibenik-Knin County (Croatia).

Results: We detected antibodies in 1.