Distribution of MICA alleles and haplotypes associated with HLA-B in Greek population.

Introduction: The Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I-related chain A gene (MICA) is a highly polymorphic functional gene located close to the HLA-B locus. Certain MICA alleles have been related to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases while MICA antibodies have been implicated in organ allograft rejection or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the frequencies of MICA alleles and MICA ~ HLA-B haplotypes in the Greek population since, as far as we know, these data are still limited.

Heart valve cryopreservation: protocol for addition of dimethyl sulphoxide and amelioration of putative amphotericin B toxicity.

Aim: To investigate the need for stepwise addition of dimethyl sulphoxide to heart valves and amelioration of putative amphotericin B toxicity.

Methods: There were four groups: an untreated control (Group 1) and three experimental groups. For the latter, porcine heart valves were exposed to the antibiotic/antimycotic mixture used for disinfecting heart valves in the Bristol Heart Valve Bank, for 24 h at 22 degrees C.