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Background: Striae distensae are caused by rapid stretching of the skin. They are often secondary to obesity or pregnancy and can lead to significant cosmetic disfigurement. Aim: To determine the efficacy, indications, and side effects of commonly used energy devices in the treatment of striae. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed and Medline databases. Results: A total of 41 relevant articles were identified. Radiofrequency (RF) was the commonest employed modality (11 studies), followed by the CO2, and pulsed dye lasers (10 and 5 studies, respectively). The best results against striae alba were seen with a combination of RF, platelet-rich plasma and ultrasound (either excellent or very good results in 71.9%), followed by intense pulsed light in isolation (very good results in 40%). The response of SR was assessed by fewer studies. The best outcomes were seen after treatment with either the Nd:YAG (excellent results in 40% and good in 40%) or Er:Glass lasers (excellent results in 10% and good in 20%). Conclusions: The therapeutic measures for striae are multiple and no current treatment offers consistent and complete resolution. However, energy devices are a safe and potentially effective modality in the treatment of striae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser technology continues to increase in popularity and expand treatment options for patients with common but challenging skin conditions including facial telangiectasias, facial aging, striae distensae, and acne scars. Facial telangiectasias have been estimated to occur in tens of millions of people worldwide. The 585-nm laser was the first to follow the principle of selective photothermolysis for the treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions, but it caused significant postoperative purpura. Newer diode lasers target superficial and deep telangiectasias without the side effects of the 585-nm laser. Ablative resurfacing was introduced in the 1990s with the carbon dioxide laser to address facial rhytids and photoaging. While effective, the risks and downtime were significant. The newest fractionated nonablative lasers are demonstrating impressive results, with decreased risks and downtime. This new generation of lasers is being used extensively and in unique combinations for facial aging, striae, and acne scars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fisioterapia Brasil is the property of Atlantica Editora and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Stretch marks (striae) can be distressing for many people, and currently available treatments are less than optimal. A previous study showed that the use of a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler followed by the topical application of 20% ascorbic acid solution and microneedling significantly improved striae appearance. We sought to evaluate additional improvements in atrophy and color of striae following treatment with microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) in subjects who received previous treatments using CaHA, 20% ascorbic acid, and microneedling. Participants: Subjects with remaining skin atrophy (N=20) were treated with MFU-V using transducers with a frequency of 7MHz and 10MHz and a focal depth of 3.0 mm and 1.5 mm, respectively, applied in a cross-hatch pattern. Measurements: Efficacy was based on changes in Manchester Scar Scale scores. Results: At Day 90 post-treatment, the mean (± standard deviation) baseline Manchester Scar Scale score decreased from 9.35 (±1.18) to 6.30 (±1.26) (p<0.001) and the mean Patient Satisfaction Scale score increased from 3.75 (±0.44) to 4.70 (±0.47) (p<0.001). Most subjects (70%) were very satisfied with their results. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: The combined use of CaHA, 20% ascorbic acid, and microneedling appears to be effective in improving the appearance of striae. Additional esthetic improvements were seen with the application of MFU-V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): To investigate the association between striae gravidarum and low back pain in pregnancy.Study Design: 200 healthy pregnant women with first, uncomplicated and singleton pregnancy at a gestation age of 36-37 weeks were evaluated for striae gravidarum Davey score. Back pain was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale and functional disability by the Turkish version of Oswestry Disability Index.Results: 118 (59%) had low back pain. The Davey score was higher in women with low back pain (6.6 ± 2.2 vs. 4.4 ± 2.1; p < 0.001). Davey score and total Oswestry Disability Index score were positively correlated with Visual Analogue Scale in women with low back pain (r = 0.570, p < 0.001 and r = 0.329, p < 0.001, respectively). There were also significant positive correlations between Davey scores and Oswestry Disability Index scores of each different situation (pain intensity, personal care and lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, sexual life, social life and travelling).Conclusion: Presence and severity of low back pain is correlated with the presence and severity of striae gravidarum in pregnant women. Therefore, the presence of low back pain can be predicted by simple striae gravidarum evaluation and follow-up. So, necessary precautions can be recommended to prevent pain and functional limitations that can occur during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The article presents the results of studies on the ice-flow directions of the last Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) in central Poland, at the southern periphery of the SIS, and particularly within the Płock lobe. The ice-flow pattern was derived mainly from direct indices, such as: till fabric; vergence of glaciotectonic compression structures; orientation of small-scale subglacial deformations formed beneath the flowing ice; orientation of pavement stone longitudinal axes; stone lee ends; and clast surface striae. The study is supplemented with a reconstruction of ice-movement directions based on orientation analysis of both concave (tunnel valley) and convex (eskers) glacial morpholineaments (linear glacial landforms). Till age was also determined, using luminescence (OSL) datings from sand deposits. These were collected directly at numerous sites, from under and above the last SIS till unit. Combined with previously published data, the results of the present investigation of the last ice-sheet advance during the Late Weichselian (ca 23–18 ka) indicate that there were two different ice-flow phases and that the maximum extent was asynchronous. The western part of the said area experienced two advances during the Leszno (Brandenburg) and Poznań (Frankfurt) phases, while during the earlier one the ice masses came from the NW, presumably along the eastern limb of the Odranian (B2 after Punkari 1997) ice stream, and then from the N, along the Vistulian (B3) stream. The last SIS occupied the eastern sector of the area only once, during the younger Poznań phase, building the Płock lobe. The lobe-shaped ice margin with a fan-like flow pattern within the lobe may be indicative of a palaeo-ice stream terminal zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experimental research was carried out in the year 2011 in Kingston, Jamaica. A total of six firearms were used in this research, each bullet served as its own control. A total of seven sets of bullets were test fired of which one set was embedded in the body (control) and was stored at 2–4 °C and other six sets were embedded in a fresh cadaver and subjected to environment temperature of 26–29 °C, for a period of 12 days. Macroscopic observation indicated complete corrosion of the class characteristic markings (major countable striations) by the 8th day, by the 6th day it was near obscuration. On the 2nd day with the onset of biofilms, corrosive changes on the rifling marks were noted. On the 4th day, biofilm, and bio-corrosion (microbiologically induced corrosion) had obliterated 100% of linear macroscopic striations (microstriae/individual characters) and 50% of class character rifling marks. The observations through comparison microscope indicated that the individual characteristic (microscopic) markings on the bullet in the form of microstriae showed complete corrosion or obscuring by the 10th day. The surface appeared smooth, onset of corrosion process was noted on the 2nd day and by the 4th day 50% obscuring of the marks was noted. This change in the markings of the metal surface of the bullet was uniform to all the ammunitions used in this study. The control bullets showed no such changes during the period of study. The study confirms the existence of a potential danger in dealing with crime bullets retrieved from putrefied bodies. It also highlights the importance of early retrieval of dead bodies in firearm deaths and the importance of proper storage facilities to deal with cases of firearm deaths.

Diffuse dermal angiomatosis is a rare, benign, reactive cutaneous vascular disorder considered to be a distinct variant of reactive angioendotheliomatosis. The disease typically presents in obese patients who smoke and have atherosclerotic risk factors, vasculopathies, or other comorbidities associated with hypoxemia. We present a case of a 40-year-old woman with ulcerated plaques on her abdomen consistent with diffuse dermal angiomatosis on histopathological evaluation. Unique to our patient was localization of the lesions to the abdominal striae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Striae are linear depressions of the skin and causes psychological and sexual problems in person. Different methods are used to prevent and treat them but there is no definitive method. We compared the effect of Aloe vera gel and sweet almond oil on striae gravidarum.Materials and Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial, 160 nulliparous women were enrolled and randomly divided into three case groups and one control group. The four groups were given 700 g Aloe vera, sweet almond oil, and base cream to use topically on the abdominal skin and forth group don't receive any medication as control group in five steps, they were examined study's variables (itching, erythema, and spread of striae) using statistical tests in SPSS.Result: The findings showed that Aloe vera and sweet almond oil creams are more effective than the base cream and the control group to decrease itching and erythema and to prevent the spread of striae on the surface of abdomen (p < .05); however, all three creams had a similar effect on the diameter and the number of striae (p > .05).Conclusions: Aloe vera and sweet almond oil creams reduce the itching of striae and prevent their progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chumbley et al. (2010) described a statistically based algorithm for comparing pairs of tool marks. They presented empirical evidence that the algorithm produces well‐separated similarity score values for “matching” and “non‐matching” pairs of tool marks. However, the algorithm has two substantial weaknesses. First, it is “uncalibrated” in the sense that error rates can be determined only through empirical investigation. Second, it relies on a randomized test and can lead to different similarity scores when the algorithm is repeatedly applied to the same pair of tool marks. We present an improved version of the procedure, which eliminates the randomized scores and yields more consistent and predictable error rate control. This is accomplished by replacement of a random sampling step from the original algorithm with a deterministic process. We demonstrate the improved algorithm and compare its performance to the original by applying to known “matching” and “non‐matching” pairs of tool marks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, the positive effect of fractional CO2 laser on increasing collagen fibers, and consequently its effect on treating striae has been suggested. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness of CO2 fractional laser 10600-nm in the treatment of striae alba. Methods: In this prospective clinical trial, 2 treatment sessions of fractional CO2 laser with 4-week interval was given to 30 patients with striae alba. Cutaneous resonance running time (CRRT) was measured at baseline and at week 4 and 3 months after the last session of laser therapy. The level of improvement was assessed by 2 independent dermatologists and patients after 3 months of follow up. Results: 16.7% of patients had moderate improvement, 63.3% had minimal improvement, and 20% had no improvement. A statistical significant difference was found in median CRRT during the study (P < 0.0001). The median CRRT levels were significantly higher in week 4 and 3 months after the last treatment compared to the baseline (both P < 0.001). Likewise, a significant increase was observed in median CRRT level from week 4 till the end of study (P < 0.001). Evaluation of participant satisfaction revealed that 10% were very satisfied, 10% satisfied, 3.3% slightly satisfied, and 76.7% unsatisfied. Conclusion: Striae alba remain a challenging condition to treat. The treatment of striae alba with CO2 fractional laser results in minimal improvement with mild side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fisioterapia Brasil is the property of Atlantica Editora and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There are many local and systemic side-effects of topical corticosteroids. To the best of our Knowledge, Hidradenitis Supportive (HS) due to topical corticosteroids has not been reported previously. We report a 39-year old, male patient who started himself a topical corticosteroid Pander Plus cream because of itching, scaly lesions over groins and buttocks since 6 months. After 4 months of topical treatment, he developed pus discharging sinuses over both groins and buttocks. Based on patient history, clinical and laboratory findings and the exclusion of other diagnoses, HS points out the use of topical corticosteroids. The case well highlights this unusual condition and represents the first case reported in India to our best of the knowledge. Having performed thorough literature search I would like to discuss in this report the evidence for this relation and stress the importance of appropriate usage of topical corticosteroids.

BACKGROUND: Secondary effects caused by misuse of corticosteroids are well known; among them, one of the most frequent is erythematous striae. OBJECTIVE: To report the development of erythematous striae due to the administration of topical steroids and only one secondary to systemic corticosteroids. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective, linear and observational study was done from June to November 2016, including patients with erythematous striae related to the administration of topical steroids and only one secondary to systemic corticosteroids. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included with history of having received some topical steroid and one case of systemic administration with striae in skin. Aspect of striae and their severity varied: from moderate erythema to intense red color or erythematous-violaceum. CONCLUSIONS: Restriction for the usage of this medication is essential to avoid severe endocrinological complications and irreversible cutaneous damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have focused on determining whether objective statistical methods can be used to discriminate between known matches and nonmatches when comparing laboratory prepared toolmarks. This study involved an analysis of striated toolmarks made as a function of varying vertical and horizontal angles of attack. Comparisons based on experimental data show that replicate toolmarks from the same tool show high correlation values at identical vertical and horizontal angles, with the correlation decreasing as the angular difference increases, especially for horizontal angular changes. Comparisons between nonmatching samples produce low correlation values that remain unchanged as horizontal angular differences increase. While complete statistical separation was not achieved between matching and nonmatching samples, there is evidence demonstrating that toolmarks can be identified if the variation in horizontal angle is within 10°. The experiment shows that computer-aided comparison techniques could be viable for identification with the proper statistical algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar characters in ten Neotropical and Argentine species of Canna (CannaceaeZingiberales). A study of epidermis and ontogeny of stomata of Neotropical species of Canna (Cannaceae) was performed using light and scanning electron microscopy. Leaf outlines, presence and types of indument, epicuticular wax distribution and types, epidermal patterns, characters of the paracytic adult stomata, were analyzed here in specimens of C. ascendens, C. coccinea, C. compacta, C. fuchsina, C. glauca, C. indica, C. lineata, C. paniculata, C. tandilensis and C. variegatifolia. The characters were correlated with the habitat of the plants. Ontogeny of stomata was studied on specimens of C. coccinea and C. glauca; both perigenous and mesogenous patterns of development occur in Canna, the latter not previously described for the family. Leaf characters turn out to be diagnostic in the specific level in the studied species of the genus; using them results important and very useful when the identification of species relays only on specimens in a vegetative condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the most common diagnostic manifestations of Cushing's syndrome (CS) are those involving the skin; they include violaceous striae, facial acne, hirsutism, acanthosis nigricans (AN), fungal infections, hyperpigmentation (Hp) and easy bruisability. Fortunately, most resolve within a year or two after cure of CS, although light-colored striae can persist for years depending on the age of the patients. AN, Hp, and bruisability usually resolve within months after cure in almost all ages. Facial plethora (along with acne and other facial skin changes) is a typical sign of CS that is due to increased perfusion. It resolves immediately after curative therapy of CS. Typically, the severity of the manifestations does not correlate with the biochemical indices of the disease, pointing to age, gender, genetic and skin-type differences that determine the cutaneous manifestations of CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency is one cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency. Genetic factors, autoimmunity, infiltrative disease, cranial trauma may cause ACTH deficiency. Hyperpigmented skin lesions are expected in primary adrenal insufficiency while they are very rare in secondary adrenal insufficiency. Striae are characterized by linear smooth bands of atrophic appearing skin and pathogenesis is not understood. They are mostly associated with obesity, pregnancy, hypercortisolism. Striae are not an expected finding in hypocortisolemia. We presented a 34-year-old male patient that evaluated for striae on both axillas. He had head trauma and operation 12 years ago. Basal hypophysis hormone levels and dynamic tests were conducted. Basal cortisol and ACTH level were 0,18 ug/dl and <1,6 pg/ml, respectively. Adrenal gland had a suboptimal cortisol response in ACTH stimulation test. Conclusively, we diagnosed and followed a case of posttraumatic ACTH deficiency with hypocortisolemia that investigated with suspect of Cushing Syndrome due to striae on his skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experimental research was carried out in the year 2011 in Kingston, Jamaica. A total of six firearms were used in this research, each bullet served as its own control. A total of seven sets of bullets were test fired of which one set was embedded in the body (control) and was stored at 2–4 °C and other six sets were embedded in a fresh cadaver and subjected to environment temperature of 26–29 °C, for a period of 12 days. Macroscopic observation indicated complete corrosion of the class characteristic markings (major countable striations) by the 8th day, by the 6th day it was near obscuration. On the 2nd day with the onset of biofilms, corrosive changes on the rifling marks were noted. On the 4th day, biofilm, and bio-corrosion (microbiologically induced corrosion) had obliterated 100% of linear macroscopic striations (microstriae/individual characters) and 50% of class character rifling marks. The observations through comparison microscope indicated that the individual characteristic (microscopic) markings on the bullet in the form of microstriae showed complete corrosion or obscuring by the 10th day. The surface appeared smooth, onset of corrosion process was noted on the 2nd day and by the 4th day 50% obscuring of the marks was noted. This change in the markings of the metal surface of the bullet was uniform to all the ammunitions used in this study. The control bullets showed no such changes during the period of study. The study confirms the existence of a potential danger in dealing with crime bullets retrieved from putrefied bodies. It also highlights the importance of early retrieval of dead bodies in firearm deaths and the importance of proper storage facilities to deal with cases of firearm deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Striae are the most frequently occurring pathology of connective tissue during pregnancy. According to the statistical data, 70-90% of women suffer from striae gravidarum. Aim: To assess effectiveness of topical products and massage used by pregnant women in striae gravidarum prophylaxis. Material and methods: The questionnaire study was conducted among 299 women who were maximum 6 months after delivery at term. The questionnaire included questions concerning age, occurrence of striae gravidarum during pregnancy, their location, week of gestation when the lesions appeared and used striae prophylaxis as well as its effectiveness in respondents' opinion. Results: Analysis of the correlation between striae gravidarum occurrence and use of different types of cosmetics showed that this kind of prophylaxis is effective when applied at least twice a day (63.7% vs. 77.6%). No correlation between the type of cosmetics and presence of striae was observed (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Use of prophylactic measures like skin emollients and oils with the appropriate frequency significantly reduces the risk of striae gravidarum occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is focused on the problems of setting the optimal parameters of melted glass in real conditions. To achieve the best quality of glass products, the striae (inhomogeneity) value must be the smallest or ideally minimal. In this paper, the value of striae is minimized from aspect of parameters of melting process p1, ..., pn by constructing a regression model in the form y = f (p1, ..., pn), where f is a polynomial of variables. The description of the striae using a regression functions in glass industries is an original idea of the authors. This unique method has been developed in cooperation with developers in the development of a new innovative technology of production of glass. It is apparent that the optimal setting of parameters of melting process p1, ..., pn has both economic and practical importance (the parameters p1, ..., pn describe performance of electro --heating, the value of the actual off take of glass melt, the temperature of the front and rear zone of the gutter, the temperature at the bottom of the furnace etc.). Chemical striae have often negative effect on the glass properties, and the elimination of striae has been a key problem in glass science and technology. On the basis of the experiments and obtained results, it is possible to propose a method for minimizing the value of striae. Moreover, other important knowledge could be used for modernization and improvement of the process of industrial production of glass in practical application in military technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Striae distensae are atrophic dermal scars associated with psychosocial stress. Several treatments have been used but there is no gold standard until now. Fractional photothermolysis has been described as a successful and safe method to treat scars. In this description, we report 4 patients (Fitzpatrick phototype IV) who developed striae distensae after long-term use of topical corticosteroids and were successfully treated with fractional nonablative 1540 nm Erbium: glass laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to historical legal challenges, there is a driving force for the development of objective methods of forensic toolmark identification. This study utilizes an algorithm to separate matching and nonmatching shear cut toolmarks created using fifty sequentially manufactured pliers. Unlike previously analyzed striated screwdriver marks, shear cut marks contain discontinuous groups of striations, posing a more difficult test of algorithm applicability. The algorithm compares correlation between optical 3D toolmark topography data, producing a Wilcoxon rank sum test statistic. Relative magnitude of this metric separates the matching and nonmatching toolmarks. Results show a high degree of statistical separation between matching and nonmatching distributions. Further separation is achieved with optimized input parameters and implementation of a 'leash' preventing a previous source of outliers-however complete statistical separation was not achieved. This paper represents further development of objective methods of toolmark identification and further validation of the assumption that toolmarks are identifiably unique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physicians may often mistake normal physiological skin changes in pregnancy for pathologic changes, so being able to recognize the skin manifestations unique to pregnancy is of the utmost importance to avoid unnecessary testing and stress for the obstetric patient. Most physiological skin changes will resolve postpartum, so reassurance and expectant management is indicated in almost all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Striae distensae (SD) are a frequent skin condition for which treatment remains a challenge. The 1540-nm non-ablative fractional laser (Star Lux 500) has been shown to improve atrophic scars by increasing the amount of dermal collagen. To assess the safety and efficacy of the Star Lux 500 laser in the treatment of mature hypopigmented striae in Persian people (Striae Alba). Methods: Ten women aged 26-50 years with SD and Fitzpatrick skin types III-V were enrolled in the study. The exclusion criteria were a history of keloids, photosensitivity and collagen, elastin disorders as well as history of other striae treatment within one year. The lesions were treated with non-ablative fractional laser 1540nm, and a total of four treatments were given at 4-week intervals. Clinical standard photographs were taken before each treatment. Also, patients were followed up at 3 months after the last treatment. Clinical improvement was assessed by comparing baseline and post-treatment photographs by two independent blinded physicians using grading scale. Treatment efficacy analysis was performed via the comparison between the images taken before and after each treatment session. Results: There was a clinically appreciable improvement in striae ranging from 1 to 24%. A significant improvement in striae between the 16-week treatment and the 4-week treatment was identified (PO.OOOl). Three months after the final treatment, patients showed noticeable improvement in the striae, compared with baseline (P<0.048). Mild post inflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed in one patient after the 8-week treatment and mild to moderate acne occurred in another patient after 4 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: Therapy with Star lux 500 laser had clinically and statistically striae improvement with no adverse events. This may be a safe and an effective treatment modality for Striae Alba lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the relationship between two connective tissue pathologies: striae and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Study design Four hundred and eighty-eight women who had undergone gynaecological surgery were divided into two groups. The study group ( n = 244) consisted of symptomatic patients with POP, and the control group ( n = 244) consisted of cases who underwent surgery for benign gynaecological conditions without evidence of POP. The groups were compared in terms of the presence, intensity and severity of striae, as well as their general characteristics. Results The presence of striae ( p = 0.001), number of striae ( p = 0.001) and Davey score ( p = 0.00001) were significantly higher in the study group, and the absence of striae was more common in the control group ( p = 0.00001). According to multivariate analysis, the presence of striae, an increased number of striae (>15) and a Davey score >2 increased the risk of POP 1.29 fold ( p = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–1.35), 1.19 fold ( p = 0.04, 95% CI 1.14–1.25) and 2.51 fold ( p = 0.01, 95% CI 1.66–3.78), respectively. Conclusion Striae may serve as a promising marker for POP. In particular, women who develop striae should be cautious about their risk for developing POP in the future, and should be informed about preventive methods for POP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a tool mark analysis approach based upon 3D scans of screwdriver tip and marked plate surfaces at the micrometer scale from an optical microscope. An open-source 3D graphics software package is utilized to simulate the marking process as the projection of the tip's geometry in the direction of tool travel. The edge of this projection becomes a virtual tool mark that is compared to cross-sections of the marked plate geometry using the statistical likelihood algorithm introduced by Chumbley et al. In a study with both sides of six screwdriver tips and 34 corresponding marks, the method distinguished known matches from known nonmatches with zero false-positive matches and two false-negative matches. For matches, it could predict the correct marking angle within ±5-10°. Individual comparisons could be made in seconds on a desktop computer, suggesting that the method could save time for examiners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: y-gRaph, a user-friendly spreadsheet for reconstructing paleostress fields by means of the y–R diagram is presented. The y–R diagram is based on Bott׳s equation and translates the parameters of the stress ellipsoid to a XY plot representing the maximum horizontal stress orientation (σ y ) and the stress ratio (R), compatible with a given set of striated faults. In cases where several stress tensors fit the dataset, y-R diagram aids in visualizing unrealistic solutions or changes in the stress field with time. Furthermore, the spreadsheet allows to rotate planes and lines, thus simplifying the work with tilted fault populations. Histograms and rose diagrams showing the strike of faults and the trend of striae complement the y-gRaph main output. The application was built using Apache OpenOffice software and supports a variety of input data formats: (i) strike, dip and dip direction (SDD), (ii) azimuth and dip (AD) according to the “Right-hand rule”, and (iii) dip and dip direction (DD). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In forensics, fingerprints can be used to uniquely identify suspects in a crime. Similarly, a tool mark left at a crime scene can be used to identify the tool that was used. However, the current practice of identifying matching tool marks involves visual inspection of marks by forensic experts which can be a very subjective process. As a result, declared matches are often successfully challenged in court. Hence, law enforcement agencies are particularly interested in encouraging research in more objective approaches. Our analysis is based on comparisons of profilometry data, essentially depth contours of a tool mark surface taken along a linear path. Chumbley et al. pointed out that the angle of incidence between the tool and the marked surface can have a substantial impact on the tool mark and on the effectiveness of both manual and algorithmic matching procedures. To better address this problem, we describe how the analysis can be enhanced to model the effect of tool angle and allow for angle estimation for a tool mark left at a crime scene. With sufficient development, such methods may lead to more defensible forensic analyses. Data and code are available as supplementary material online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bartonella henselae is a zoonotic, alpha Proteobacterium, historically associated with cat scratch disease (CSD), but more recently associated with persistent bacteremia, fever of unknown origin, arthritic and neurological disorders, and bacillary angiomatosis, and peliosis hepatis in immunocompromised patients. A family from the Netherlands contacted our laboratory requesting to be included in a research study (NCSU-IRB#1960), designed to characterize Bartonella spp. bacteremia in people with extensive arthropod or animal exposure. All four family members had been exposed to tick bites in Zeeland, southwestern Netherlands. The mother and son were exhibiting symptoms including fatigue, headaches, memory loss, disorientation, peripheral neuropathic pain, striae (son only), and loss of coordination, whereas the father and daughter were healthy. Methods: Each family member was tested for serological evidence of Bartonella exposure using B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii genotypes I-III, B. henselae and B. koehlerae indirect fluorescent antibody assays and for bacteremia using the BAPGM enrichment blood culture platform. Results: The mother was seroreactive to multiple Bartonella spp. antigens and bacteremia was confirmed by PCR amplification of B. henselae DNA from blood, and from a BAPGM blood agar plate subculture isolate. The son was not seroreactive to any Bartonella sp. antigen, but B. henselae DNA was amplified from several blood and serum samples, from BAPGM enrichment blood culture, and from a cutaneous striae biopsy. The father and daughter were seronegative to all Bartonella spp. antigens, and negative for Bartonella DNA amplification. Conclusions: Historically, persistent B. henselae bacteremia was not thought to occur in immunocompetent humans. To our knowledge, this study provides preliminary evidence supporting the possibility of persistent B. henselae bacteremia in immunocompetent persons from Europe. Cat or flea contact was considered an unlikely source of transmission and the mother, a physician, reported that clinical symptoms developed following tick exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a B. henselae organism has been visualized in and amplified from a striae lesion. As the tick bites occurred three years prior to documentation of B. henselae bacteremia, the mode of transmission could not be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: When using laser therapy to effectively treat scars, the choice of treatment parameters depends on the knowledge accuracy of the underlying scar pathology, which is often difficult to judge by gross physical exam. As such, more quantitative measures are needed. In recent years, optical coherencetomography (OCT) has shown promise as a real-time imaging technolgoy of skin microstructure. A key step in developing a methodology for utilizing OCT to develop a comprehensive 'atlas' of OCT characteristics of a wide variety of scar types. This atlas may then be used as a tool for selecting the optimal treatment modality and parameters for each scar type., Methods: One hundred and fifty scars of a wide range of anatomical locations were imaged using OCT, capturing both vascular and structural data. A variety of scar etiologies (e.g. burn, surgical, traumatic) and types (e.g. hypertrophic, keloidal, atrophic) were included. Comparator scans were also taken from normal, unscarred skin., Results: OCT revealed morphological differences in the epidermis and dermis between scars and normal tissue, and between scar subtypes. Features affected by scar pathology included epidermal thickness, skin surface texture, dermal epidermal junction rugosity, blood vessel density, vessel shape and diameter, vessel direction and vascular network, dermis scattering intensity and non-uniformity. Each scar subtype showed consistent characteristics distinct from other scar subtypes., Limitations: This was a single-site study of a patient population in South Florida., Conclusion: OCT is a powerful new objective tool for the clinician to utilize in the pursuit of effective laser treatment parameters by enabling personalized treatment based on individual scar characteristics in order to maximize treatment capabilities., Competing Interests: DISCLOSURES: The authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article., (Copyright © 2022. Matrix Medical Communications. All rights reserved.)

Background: Striae distensae (striae alba) is a challenging cosmetic problem for which various treatment modalities have been applied. However, the treatment of striae distensae has not been satisfactory. Objectives: This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of enhanced penetration of platelet rich plasma with ultrasound after plasma fractional radiofrequency for the treatment of striae distensae. Subjects and method: Eighteen participants with striae distensae were treated with a Legato system (Alma Lasers, Israel) every two weeks for a total of four sessions. Thereafter, in order to enhance platelet-rich plasma penetration, ultrasound is applied. Clinical photographs were taken before first treatment and two months after the final treatment. Objective and subjective improvement scores were evaluated to demonstrate the efficacy. Abdominal skin biopsies were obtained from three individuals and histological changes were analyzed by light microscopy. Results: During the two months after the last treatment, the average width of the widest striae had decreased from 0.75 to 0.27 mm. In the objective assessment, 71.9% of the participants reported ''good' or 'very good'' overall improvement. In the subjective assessment, and 72.2% of the participants reported ''very satisfied' or 'extremely satisfied'' with overall improvement. The only reported side effect was post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (11.1%). Conclusions: The plasma fractional radiofrequency and transepidermal delivery of platelet-rich plasma using ultrasound is useful in the treatment of striae distensae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]