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Lidia Rudnicka - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Nonscarring Alopecia and Hypopigmented Lesions May Be Unusual Signs of Secondary Syphilis
    Skin Appendage Disorders, 2021
    Co-Authors: Magdalena Ciupińska, Mariusz Sikora, Justyna Skibińska, Leszek Blicharz, Maja Kotowska, Lidia Rudnicka
    Abstract:

    Noncicatricial patchy alopecia of the scalp and focal areas of skin hypopigmentation imply a diagnosis of alopecia areata and vitiligo. We present a case of a 22-year-old patient in whom these symptoms were associated with positive spirochete reactions, which allowed making a diagnosis of syphilitic alopecia coexisting with leukoderma syphiliticum. Skin lesions and hair loss resolved after the treatment with benzathine benzylpenicillin. Trichoscopy in syphilitic alopecia is nonspecific, but the absence of features typical for alopecia areata such as Exclamation Mark hairs may be important on an early stage of the clinical workup.

  • Alopecia areata predictive score: A new trichoscopy-based tool to predict treatment outcome in patients with patchy alopecia areata.
    Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Anna Waśkiel-burnat, Adriana Rakowska, Mariusz Sikora, Malgorzata Olszewska, Lidia Rudnicka
    Abstract:

    INTRODUCTION There are no evidence-based data how to predict response to therapy in patients with alopecia areata. AIM The assessment of the predictive value of trichoscopy for the therapeutic outcome in patients with alopecia areata. METHODS A total of 65 patients with patchy alopecia areata were included into the study. Trichoscopy was performed at baseline and 2 months after the treatment initiation. After 6 months, patients were classified as responders (27/65) and nonresponders (38/65). RESULTS There were no differences between the groups in baseline trichoscopy. After 2 months, black dots, broken hairs, Exclamation Mark hairs, and tapered hairs occurred significantly more often in nonresponders compared to responders (19/38, 50% vs 3/27, 11%; 26/38, 68% vs 6/27, 22%; 23/38, 61% vs 5/27, 19% and 11/38, 29% vs 0/27, 0%, respectively). Upright regrowing hairs and pigtail hairs occurred significantly more often in responders compared to nonresponders (27/27, 100% vs 21/38, 55% and 9/27, 33% vs 3/38, 8%, respectively). A trichoscopy-based Alopecia Areata Predictive Score (min -4 to max 2) was developed. Probability of hair regrowth was 98.3%, 88.7%, 52.3%, 13.2%, 2.1%, 0.3%, and 0% in patients with score 2, 1, 0, -1, -2, -3, and -4, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In patchy alopecia areata, upright regrowing hairs and pigtail hairs are positive, while black dots, broken hairs, Exclamation Mark hairs, and tapered hairs negative predictive Markers. Alopecia Areata Predictive Score is new trichoscopy-based tool to predict treatment outcome in patients with patchy alopecia areata.

  • The value of dermoscopy in diagnosing eyebrow loss in patients with alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia.
    Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Anna Waśkiel-burnat, Adriana Rakowska, Mariusz Sikora, Marta Kurzeja, Joanna Czuwara, Malgorzata Olszewska, Lidia Rudnicka
    Abstract:

    INTRODUCTION: Alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia are common causes of eyebrow loss (madarosis). OBJECTIVE: Assessment of trichoscopic Markers of eyebrow loss in alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis included 50 patients with scalp alopecia areata with madarosis, 50 patients with scalp frontal fibrosing alopecia with madarosis and 50 healthy controls. In every case, trichoscopy of the eyebrow area was performed. RESULTS: Empty follicular and eccrine duct openings were observed in all patients and presented predominantly as yellow dots. Exclamation Mark hairs were only detected in patients with alopecia areata (30%). Tapered hairs, broken hair, black dots and Pohl-Pinkus constrictions were observed in 14%, 36%, 26% and 4% of patients with alopecia areata, respectively, 4%, 16%, 2% and 0% of patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia, respectively, and they were not present in healthy controls. Dystrophic hairs and whitish areas were observed only in patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia (28% and 32%, respectively). Eyebrow regrowth in distinct directions was present in 32% of patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia, 8% of patients with alopecia areata and 4% of healthy controls. Diffuse erythema was detected in 60% of patients with alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia and 56% of healthy controls. Vellus hairs and upright regrowing hairs were observed in patients with alopecia areata (62% and 58%, respectively), frontal fibrosing alopecia (60% and 84%, respectively) and healthy controls (100% and 100%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Trichoscopy of the eyebrow area is useful in diagnosing patients with isolated eyebrow loss. The most characteristic trichoscopic features of eyebrow loss in alopecia areata include Exclamation Mark hairs, tapered hairs, broken hairs and black dots. Frontal fibrosing alopecia of the eyebrows is characterized by the presence of dystrophic hairs, white areas and eyebrow regrowth in distinct directions.

  • hair shafts in trichoscopy clues for diagnosis of hair and scalp diseases
    Dermatologic Clinics, 2013
    Co-Authors: Adriana Rakowska, Marta Kurzeja, Lidia Rudnicka, Malgorzata Olszewska
    Abstract:

    Trichoscopy (hair and scalp dermoscopy) analyzes the structure and size of growing hair shafts, providing diagnostic clues for inherited and acquired causes of hair loss. Types of hair shaft abnormalities observed include Exclamation Mark hairs (alopecia areata, trichotillomania, chemotherapy-induced alopecia), Pohl-Pinkus constrictions (alopecia areata, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, blood loss, malnutrition), comma hairs (tinea capitis), corkscrew hairs (tinea capitis), coiled hairs (trichotillomania), flame hairs (trichotillomania), and tulip hairs (in trichotillomania, alopecia areata). Trichoscopy allows differential diagnosis of most genetic hair shaft disorders. This article proposes a classification of hair shaft abnormalities observed by trichoscopy.

  • Trichotillomania and Traction Alopecia
    Atlas of Trichoscopy, 2012
    Co-Authors: Lidia Rudnicka, Malgorzata Olszewska, Adriana Rakowska
    Abstract:

    Trichoscopy of trichotillomania is characterized by a chaotic pattern of diverse features related to hair fracturing. The most characteristic features are hairs broken at different lengths, short hairs with trichoptilosis (“split ends”), irregular coiled hairs, amorphous hair residues, and black dots. Micro–Exclamation Mark hairs are rare in trichotillomania, but they may be a diagnostic pitfall and lead to misdiagnosis of alopecia areata. Trichoscopic features of traction alopecia and traumatic cicatricial marginal alopecia are described briefly in this chapter.

Adriana Rakowska - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Alopecia areata predictive score: A new trichoscopy-based tool to predict treatment outcome in patients with patchy alopecia areata.
    Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Anna Waśkiel-burnat, Adriana Rakowska, Mariusz Sikora, Malgorzata Olszewska, Lidia Rudnicka
    Abstract:

    INTRODUCTION There are no evidence-based data how to predict response to therapy in patients with alopecia areata. AIM The assessment of the predictive value of trichoscopy for the therapeutic outcome in patients with alopecia areata. METHODS A total of 65 patients with patchy alopecia areata were included into the study. Trichoscopy was performed at baseline and 2 months after the treatment initiation. After 6 months, patients were classified as responders (27/65) and nonresponders (38/65). RESULTS There were no differences between the groups in baseline trichoscopy. After 2 months, black dots, broken hairs, Exclamation Mark hairs, and tapered hairs occurred significantly more often in nonresponders compared to responders (19/38, 50% vs 3/27, 11%; 26/38, 68% vs 6/27, 22%; 23/38, 61% vs 5/27, 19% and 11/38, 29% vs 0/27, 0%, respectively). Upright regrowing hairs and pigtail hairs occurred significantly more often in responders compared to nonresponders (27/27, 100% vs 21/38, 55% and 9/27, 33% vs 3/38, 8%, respectively). A trichoscopy-based Alopecia Areata Predictive Score (min -4 to max 2) was developed. Probability of hair regrowth was 98.3%, 88.7%, 52.3%, 13.2%, 2.1%, 0.3%, and 0% in patients with score 2, 1, 0, -1, -2, -3, and -4, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In patchy alopecia areata, upright regrowing hairs and pigtail hairs are positive, while black dots, broken hairs, Exclamation Mark hairs, and tapered hairs negative predictive Markers. Alopecia Areata Predictive Score is new trichoscopy-based tool to predict treatment outcome in patients with patchy alopecia areata.

  • The value of dermoscopy in diagnosing eyebrow loss in patients with alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia.
    Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Anna Waśkiel-burnat, Adriana Rakowska, Mariusz Sikora, Marta Kurzeja, Joanna Czuwara, Malgorzata Olszewska, Lidia Rudnicka
    Abstract:

    INTRODUCTION: Alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia are common causes of eyebrow loss (madarosis). OBJECTIVE: Assessment of trichoscopic Markers of eyebrow loss in alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis included 50 patients with scalp alopecia areata with madarosis, 50 patients with scalp frontal fibrosing alopecia with madarosis and 50 healthy controls. In every case, trichoscopy of the eyebrow area was performed. RESULTS: Empty follicular and eccrine duct openings were observed in all patients and presented predominantly as yellow dots. Exclamation Mark hairs were only detected in patients with alopecia areata (30%). Tapered hairs, broken hair, black dots and Pohl-Pinkus constrictions were observed in 14%, 36%, 26% and 4% of patients with alopecia areata, respectively, 4%, 16%, 2% and 0% of patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia, respectively, and they were not present in healthy controls. Dystrophic hairs and whitish areas were observed only in patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia (28% and 32%, respectively). Eyebrow regrowth in distinct directions was present in 32% of patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia, 8% of patients with alopecia areata and 4% of healthy controls. Diffuse erythema was detected in 60% of patients with alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia and 56% of healthy controls. Vellus hairs and upright regrowing hairs were observed in patients with alopecia areata (62% and 58%, respectively), frontal fibrosing alopecia (60% and 84%, respectively) and healthy controls (100% and 100%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Trichoscopy of the eyebrow area is useful in diagnosing patients with isolated eyebrow loss. The most characteristic trichoscopic features of eyebrow loss in alopecia areata include Exclamation Mark hairs, tapered hairs, broken hairs and black dots. Frontal fibrosing alopecia of the eyebrows is characterized by the presence of dystrophic hairs, white areas and eyebrow regrowth in distinct directions.

  • hair shafts in trichoscopy clues for diagnosis of hair and scalp diseases
    Dermatologic Clinics, 2013
    Co-Authors: Adriana Rakowska, Marta Kurzeja, Lidia Rudnicka, Malgorzata Olszewska
    Abstract:

    Trichoscopy (hair and scalp dermoscopy) analyzes the structure and size of growing hair shafts, providing diagnostic clues for inherited and acquired causes of hair loss. Types of hair shaft abnormalities observed include Exclamation Mark hairs (alopecia areata, trichotillomania, chemotherapy-induced alopecia), Pohl-Pinkus constrictions (alopecia areata, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, blood loss, malnutrition), comma hairs (tinea capitis), corkscrew hairs (tinea capitis), coiled hairs (trichotillomania), flame hairs (trichotillomania), and tulip hairs (in trichotillomania, alopecia areata). Trichoscopy allows differential diagnosis of most genetic hair shaft disorders. This article proposes a classification of hair shaft abnormalities observed by trichoscopy.

  • Trichotillomania and Traction Alopecia
    Atlas of Trichoscopy, 2012
    Co-Authors: Lidia Rudnicka, Malgorzata Olszewska, Adriana Rakowska
    Abstract:

    Trichoscopy of trichotillomania is characterized by a chaotic pattern of diverse features related to hair fracturing. The most characteristic features are hairs broken at different lengths, short hairs with trichoptilosis (“split ends”), irregular coiled hairs, amorphous hair residues, and black dots. Micro–Exclamation Mark hairs are rare in trichotillomania, but they may be a diagnostic pitfall and lead to misdiagnosis of alopecia areata. Trichoscopic features of traction alopecia and traumatic cicatricial marginal alopecia are described briefly in this chapter.

  • comma hairs a dermatoscopic Marker for tinea capitis a rapid diagnostic method
    Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Monika Slowinska, Adriana Rakowska, Malgorzata Olszewska, Lidia Rudnicka, Robert A Schwartz, Justyna Sicinska, Malgorzata Lukomska, Elzbieta Kowalskaoledzka, Elzbieta Szymanska
    Abstract:

    Background Dermatoscopy and videodermatoscopy have been used for several years in the diagnosis of skin disorders. Objective We sought to determine whether tinea capitis (TC) shows characteristic videodermatoscopy features that may facilitate its differentiation from alopecia areata (AA). Methods Two patients with TC caused by Microsporum canis , confirmed by mycological culture and fluorescence under Wood lamp, were examined with videodermatoscopy and results were compared with videodermatoscopy results of 12 patients with AA. Results The distinctive and most prominent feature of TC was presence of commalike structures (comma hairs). These were accompanied by broken and dystrophic hairs. Videodermatoscopy features of AA included Exclamation Mark hairs, vellus and dystrophic/cadaverized hairs, and yellow dots corresponding to hyperkeratotic hair follicle plugs. Limitations This study was conducted on two patients, both with M canis infection. Conclusions Comma hairs were observed as a distinctive videodermatoscopy feature of M canis –induced TC. This finding was not observed in AA, typified generally by Exclamation Mark hairs.

Malgorzata Olszewska - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Alopecia areata predictive score: A new trichoscopy-based tool to predict treatment outcome in patients with patchy alopecia areata.
    Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Anna Waśkiel-burnat, Adriana Rakowska, Mariusz Sikora, Malgorzata Olszewska, Lidia Rudnicka
    Abstract:

    INTRODUCTION There are no evidence-based data how to predict response to therapy in patients with alopecia areata. AIM The assessment of the predictive value of trichoscopy for the therapeutic outcome in patients with alopecia areata. METHODS A total of 65 patients with patchy alopecia areata were included into the study. Trichoscopy was performed at baseline and 2 months after the treatment initiation. After 6 months, patients were classified as responders (27/65) and nonresponders (38/65). RESULTS There were no differences between the groups in baseline trichoscopy. After 2 months, black dots, broken hairs, Exclamation Mark hairs, and tapered hairs occurred significantly more often in nonresponders compared to responders (19/38, 50% vs 3/27, 11%; 26/38, 68% vs 6/27, 22%; 23/38, 61% vs 5/27, 19% and 11/38, 29% vs 0/27, 0%, respectively). Upright regrowing hairs and pigtail hairs occurred significantly more often in responders compared to nonresponders (27/27, 100% vs 21/38, 55% and 9/27, 33% vs 3/38, 8%, respectively). A trichoscopy-based Alopecia Areata Predictive Score (min -4 to max 2) was developed. Probability of hair regrowth was 98.3%, 88.7%, 52.3%, 13.2%, 2.1%, 0.3%, and 0% in patients with score 2, 1, 0, -1, -2, -3, and -4, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In patchy alopecia areata, upright regrowing hairs and pigtail hairs are positive, while black dots, broken hairs, Exclamation Mark hairs, and tapered hairs negative predictive Markers. Alopecia Areata Predictive Score is new trichoscopy-based tool to predict treatment outcome in patients with patchy alopecia areata.

  • The value of dermoscopy in diagnosing eyebrow loss in patients with alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia.
    Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Anna Waśkiel-burnat, Adriana Rakowska, Mariusz Sikora, Marta Kurzeja, Joanna Czuwara, Malgorzata Olszewska, Lidia Rudnicka
    Abstract:

    INTRODUCTION: Alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia are common causes of eyebrow loss (madarosis). OBJECTIVE: Assessment of trichoscopic Markers of eyebrow loss in alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis included 50 patients with scalp alopecia areata with madarosis, 50 patients with scalp frontal fibrosing alopecia with madarosis and 50 healthy controls. In every case, trichoscopy of the eyebrow area was performed. RESULTS: Empty follicular and eccrine duct openings were observed in all patients and presented predominantly as yellow dots. Exclamation Mark hairs were only detected in patients with alopecia areata (30%). Tapered hairs, broken hair, black dots and Pohl-Pinkus constrictions were observed in 14%, 36%, 26% and 4% of patients with alopecia areata, respectively, 4%, 16%, 2% and 0% of patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia, respectively, and they were not present in healthy controls. Dystrophic hairs and whitish areas were observed only in patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia (28% and 32%, respectively). Eyebrow regrowth in distinct directions was present in 32% of patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia, 8% of patients with alopecia areata and 4% of healthy controls. Diffuse erythema was detected in 60% of patients with alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia and 56% of healthy controls. Vellus hairs and upright regrowing hairs were observed in patients with alopecia areata (62% and 58%, respectively), frontal fibrosing alopecia (60% and 84%, respectively) and healthy controls (100% and 100%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Trichoscopy of the eyebrow area is useful in diagnosing patients with isolated eyebrow loss. The most characteristic trichoscopic features of eyebrow loss in alopecia areata include Exclamation Mark hairs, tapered hairs, broken hairs and black dots. Frontal fibrosing alopecia of the eyebrows is characterized by the presence of dystrophic hairs, white areas and eyebrow regrowth in distinct directions.

  • hair shafts in trichoscopy clues for diagnosis of hair and scalp diseases
    Dermatologic Clinics, 2013
    Co-Authors: Adriana Rakowska, Marta Kurzeja, Lidia Rudnicka, Malgorzata Olszewska
    Abstract:

    Trichoscopy (hair and scalp dermoscopy) analyzes the structure and size of growing hair shafts, providing diagnostic clues for inherited and acquired causes of hair loss. Types of hair shaft abnormalities observed include Exclamation Mark hairs (alopecia areata, trichotillomania, chemotherapy-induced alopecia), Pohl-Pinkus constrictions (alopecia areata, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, blood loss, malnutrition), comma hairs (tinea capitis), corkscrew hairs (tinea capitis), coiled hairs (trichotillomania), flame hairs (trichotillomania), and tulip hairs (in trichotillomania, alopecia areata). Trichoscopy allows differential diagnosis of most genetic hair shaft disorders. This article proposes a classification of hair shaft abnormalities observed by trichoscopy.

  • Trichotillomania and Traction Alopecia
    Atlas of Trichoscopy, 2012
    Co-Authors: Lidia Rudnicka, Malgorzata Olszewska, Adriana Rakowska
    Abstract:

    Trichoscopy of trichotillomania is characterized by a chaotic pattern of diverse features related to hair fracturing. The most characteristic features are hairs broken at different lengths, short hairs with trichoptilosis (“split ends”), irregular coiled hairs, amorphous hair residues, and black dots. Micro–Exclamation Mark hairs are rare in trichotillomania, but they may be a diagnostic pitfall and lead to misdiagnosis of alopecia areata. Trichoscopic features of traction alopecia and traumatic cicatricial marginal alopecia are described briefly in this chapter.

  • comma hairs a dermatoscopic Marker for tinea capitis a rapid diagnostic method
    Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Monika Slowinska, Adriana Rakowska, Malgorzata Olszewska, Lidia Rudnicka, Robert A Schwartz, Justyna Sicinska, Malgorzata Lukomska, Elzbieta Kowalskaoledzka, Elzbieta Szymanska
    Abstract:

    Background Dermatoscopy and videodermatoscopy have been used for several years in the diagnosis of skin disorders. Objective We sought to determine whether tinea capitis (TC) shows characteristic videodermatoscopy features that may facilitate its differentiation from alopecia areata (AA). Methods Two patients with TC caused by Microsporum canis , confirmed by mycological culture and fluorescence under Wood lamp, were examined with videodermatoscopy and results were compared with videodermatoscopy results of 12 patients with AA. Results The distinctive and most prominent feature of TC was presence of commalike structures (comma hairs). These were accompanied by broken and dystrophic hairs. Videodermatoscopy features of AA included Exclamation Mark hairs, vellus and dystrophic/cadaverized hairs, and yellow dots corresponding to hyperkeratotic hair follicle plugs. Limitations This study was conducted on two patients, both with M canis infection. Conclusions Comma hairs were observed as a distinctive videodermatoscopy feature of M canis –induced TC. This finding was not observed in AA, typified generally by Exclamation Mark hairs.

Elzbieta Szymanska - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • comma hairs a dermatoscopic Marker for tinea capitis a rapid diagnostic method
    Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Monika Slowinska, Adriana Rakowska, Malgorzata Olszewska, Lidia Rudnicka, Robert A Schwartz, Justyna Sicinska, Malgorzata Lukomska, Elzbieta Kowalskaoledzka, Elzbieta Szymanska
    Abstract:

    Background Dermatoscopy and videodermatoscopy have been used for several years in the diagnosis of skin disorders. Objective We sought to determine whether tinea capitis (TC) shows characteristic videodermatoscopy features that may facilitate its differentiation from alopecia areata (AA). Methods Two patients with TC caused by Microsporum canis , confirmed by mycological culture and fluorescence under Wood lamp, were examined with videodermatoscopy and results were compared with videodermatoscopy results of 12 patients with AA. Results The distinctive and most prominent feature of TC was presence of commalike structures (comma hairs). These were accompanied by broken and dystrophic hairs. Videodermatoscopy features of AA included Exclamation Mark hairs, vellus and dystrophic/cadaverized hairs, and yellow dots corresponding to hyperkeratotic hair follicle plugs. Limitations This study was conducted on two patients, both with M canis infection. Conclusions Comma hairs were observed as a distinctive videodermatoscopy feature of M canis –induced TC. This finding was not observed in AA, typified generally by Exclamation Mark hairs.

  • Comma hairs: a dermatoscopic Marker for tinea capitis: a rapid diagnostic method.
    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Monika Slowinska, Adriana Rakowska, Malgorzata Olszewska, Lidia Rudnicka, Robert A Schwartz, Elzbieta Kowalska-oledzka, Justyna Sicinska, Malgorzata Lukomska, Elzbieta Szymanska
    Abstract:

    Dermatoscopy and videodermatoscopy have been used for several years in the diagnosis of skin disorders. We sought to determine whether tinea capitis (TC) shows characteristic videodermatoscopy features that may facilitate its differentiation from alopecia areata (AA). Two patients with TC caused by Microsporum canis, confirmed by mycological culture and fluorescence under Wood lamp, were examined with videodermatoscopy and results were compared with videodermatoscopy results of 12 patients with AA. The distinctive and most prominent feature of TC was presence of commalike structures (comma hairs). These were accompanied by broken and dystrophic hairs. Videodermatoscopy features of AA included Exclamation Mark hairs, vellus and dystrophic/cadaverized hairs, and yellow dots corresponding to hyperkeratotic hair follicle plugs. This study was conducted on two patients, both with M canis infection. Comma hairs were observed as a distinctive videodermatoscopy feature of M canis-induced TC. This finding was not observed in AA, typified generally by Exclamation Mark hairs.

S. D. Shirbahadurkar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Pitch and duration modification for expressive speech synthesis in Marathi TTS system
    2015 International Conference on Pervasive Computing (ICPC), 2015
    Co-Authors: Manjare Chandraprabha Anil, S. D. Shirbahadurkar
    Abstract:

    Generating expressive synthetic speech is very important in high quality Marathi Text-to-Speech (TTS) system. This paper focuses on voice conversion and modification technique maintaining acceptable quality and naturalness with reduced database. In this paper, a method to modify fundamental frequency contour is proposed for Marathi TTS system. The naturalness of the speech is highly correlated to phonetic description and prosodic features such as Fundamental frequency and duration of that phone. For prosody generation, we have obtained a primary pitch curve for the word, based on the location followed by punctuation Marks. Question Mark and Exclamation Mark in the text are studied to modify prosody. Phase-Vocoder technique can be used to improve the prosody of the synthesized speech. The experimental results showed that the proposed prosody modification, based on pitch and duration modification can improve speech quality.

  • Speech modification for prosody conversion in expressive Marathi text-to-speech synthesis
    2014 International Conference on Signal Processing and Integrated Networks (SPIN), 2014
    Co-Authors: Manjare Chandraprabha Anil, S. D. Shirbahadurkar
    Abstract:

    During Expressive speech, the voice conveys intended message as well as basic emotions of the speaker. This work focuses on the development of expressive Text-to-Speech synthesis techniques for a Marathi (spoken in Maharashtra, India) language. The Pitch contour is one of the important properties of speech that is affected by emotional speech. This work presents analysis of Emotional and Neutral Marathi speech from pitch contour. Pitch features derived from emotional speech samples with punctuation Marks. Presently, question Mark and Exclamation Mark in text are studied to find prosodic information. First, pitch features derived from emotional speech samples are compared with the features derived from neutral speech. Speaker usually tends to put more emphasis on one particular syllable within a prosodic word. We identify such syllable as the core syllable that can be derived with the punctuation Marks. The experimental results showed that the proposed prosody conversion, based on pitch modification and prosodic word detection with punctuation Mark, can improve speech quality.