Multiplex short tandem repeat DNA analysis confirms the accuracy of p57(KIP2) immunostaining in the diagnosis of complete hydatidiform mole.

Detailed histopathologic examination remains to be the basis for the diagnosis of hydatidiform mole (HM). However, poor sampling, necrosis, and earlier uterine evacuation can lead to uncertainty in the diagnosis. Also, the criteria are subjective, resulting in considerable interobserver variability.

Uveal melanocytomas: genetic comparison with uveal and dermal melanomas.

Objective: Melanocytomas of the eye are typically benign tumors that may be associated with nevi and melanomas. In this study, we assessed the genetic data of melanocytomas and compared them with nevi and melanomas of both the eyes and the skin.

Design: We microdissected 8 melanocytomas, 13 uveal melanomas, and 10 cutaneous melanomas and analyzed loss of heterozygosity markers on chromosome bands 1p36, 6q22-23.

Multiplex DNA short tandem repeat analysis. A useful method for determining the provenance of minute fragments of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue.

A tiny fragment of high-grade carcinoma was found in histologic sections and in the paraffin block of a benign cervical polyp from a patient with no clinical evidence of malignancy. Thus, it raised the suspicion of block contamination. No malignant tumor was processed the same day as the polyp; however, a similar tumor had been processed 6 days earlier.

World Trade Center human identification project: experiences with individual body identification cases.

Aim: To present individual body identification efforts, as part of the World Trade Center (WTC) mass disaster identification project.

Methods: More than 500 samples were tested by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and short tandem repeat (STR) typing. The extent to which the remains were fragmented and affected by taphonomic factors complicated the identification project.