Pigmented Spots Research Articles

Melanoma segmentation based on deep learning

Malignant melanoma is one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer, which is one of the world's fastest-growing cancers. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical. In this study, a neural network structure is utilized to construct a broad and accurate basis for the diagnosis of skin cancer, thereby reducing screening errors. The technique is able to improve the efficacy for identification of normally indistinguishable lesions (such as pigment spots) versus clinically unknown lesions, and to ultimately improve the diagnostic accuracy. In the field of medical imaging, in general, using neural networks for image segmentation is relatively rare. The existing traditional machine-learning neural network algorithms still cannot completely solve the problem of information loss, nor detect the precise division of the boundary area. We use an improved neural network framework, described herein, to achieve efficacious feature learning, and satisfactory segmentation of melanoma images. The architecture of the network includes multiple convolution layers, dropout layers, softmax layers, multiple filters, and activation functions. The number of data sets can be increased via rotation of the training set. A non-linear activation function (such as ReLU and ELU) is employed to alleviate the problem of gradient disappearance, and RMSprop/Adam are incorporated to optimize the loss algorithm. A batch normalization layer is added between the convolution layer and the activation layer to solve the problem of gradient disappearance and explosion. Experiments, described herein, show that our improved neural network architecture achieves higher accuracy for segmentation of melanoma images as compared with existing processes.

Rectal carcinoma and multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) of the small intestine in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report

BackgroundNeurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomally dominant inherited disorder characterized by multiple pigmented skin spots (café-au-lait spots) and neurofibroma. NF1 is associated with a wide variety of benign or malignant tumors. We report a NF1 patient who received surgical treatment for rectal carcinoma and multifocal small intestinal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).Case presentationA 70-year-old female patient with NF1 was referred to our hospital after a positive fecal occult blood test. Locally advanced rectal carcinoma was detected in the upper rectum using colonoscopy. A submucosal tumor 20 mm in diameter was detected in the duodenal bulb during the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The biopsy specimen from the duodenum was GIST with positive immunostaining of KIT and CD34 microscopically. Laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal carcinoma and local excision of the duodenal GIST were performed successfully. During the operation, five white small nodules were found on the serosa of the jejunum. One nodule was excised for histological examination. The resected rectal tumor was a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with multiple lymph nodes metastases according to the histology. The duodenal tumor was found to be low-risk GIST. Moreover, the nodule from the jejunum was very low risk GIST. An excised skin wart was neurofibroma according to the histology.ConclusionsGIST or carcinomas have been reported to occasionally occur in the digestive tract of the patients with NF1. We present a rare case of a NF1 patient with GISTs and colorectal carcinoma.

No Causal Association between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Features of Skin Aging: Evidence from a Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study

Data from invitro experiments suggest that vitamin D reduces the rate of skin aging, whereas population studies suggest the opposite, most likely due to confounding by UV exposure. We investigated whether there are causal associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and features of skin aging in a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. In the Rotterdam Study (N= 3,831; 58.2% women, median age 66.5 years) and Leiden Longevity Study (N= 661; 50.5% women, median age 63.1 years), facial skin aging features (perceived age, wrinkling, pigmented spots) were assessed either manually or digitally. Associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and skin aging features were tested by multivariable linear regression. Mendelian randomization analyses were performed using single nucleotide polymorphisms identified from previous genome-wide association studies. After meta-analysis of the two cohorts, we observed that higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was associated with a higher perceived age (P-value= 3.6 × 10-7), more skin wrinkling (P-value= 2.6 × 10-16), but not with more pigmented spots (P-value= 0.30). In contrast, a genetically determined 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was not associated with any skin aging feature (P-values > 0.05). Furthermore, a genetically determined higher degree of pigmented spots was not associated with higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D (P-values > 0.05). Our study did not indicate that associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and features of skin aging are causal.

New data on the Opheliidae (Annelida) from Lizard Island (Great Barrier Reef, Australia): five new species of the genus Armandia Filippi, 1861

The study of benthic samples collected in Lizard Island (Great Barrier Reef, Australia) has yielded five additional new species of the genus Armandia (Annelida, Opheliidae). Armandia buccina n. sp. is distinguished by the peculiar buccin-shape of the anal tube, A. casuarina n. sp. by having elongated prechaetal lobe in chaetigers 1–2 and one pair of basal anal papillae provided in turn with small papillae, A. mariacapae n. sp. by the elongated, triangular tip of the prechaetal lobe in all chaetigers, A. opisthoculata n. sp. by having two large pigmented spots at both sides of the unpaired anal cirrus, and A. parva n. sp. has a conspicuous short prostomium that is distally truncated. All species are described and illustrated, and an updated key to all Armandia species from South-East Asia and Australasia is also provided.

Speckled and plain regions of avian eggshells differ in maternal deposition of calcium and metals: A hitherto overlooked chemical aspect of egg maculation

ABSTRACT Although it has been strongly implied that studies on structural function might resolve certain conflicting theories regarding the huge variability of coloration in avian eggs, including maculation, the fundamental physiological question about the functional role of eggshell speckling in the maternal deposition of micronutrients into maculated (pigment spots) and plain (unpigmented) eggshell regions remains largely unanswered. We measured (within the same egg) the concentrations of 2 micronutrients, the staple components of avian eggshells (calcium and magnesium), and 6 trace elements (copper, manganese, iron, cobalt, cadmium, and lead) in maculated (a superficial layer of brown pigment) and unpigmented areas of eggshells in 2 groups of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs representing 2 extremes of eggshell coloration: those with darker eggshells and more extensive pigment spots vs. those with bright eggshells and small, more clearly demarcated pigment spots. We found evidence that t...

Differential diagnosis and management of intramuscular myxomas: A review of our experience

Abstract Background Intramuscular myxoma is a rare benign soft tissue tumour of mesenchymal origin, which appears as a painless mass of slow growth. Early diagnosis is important in order to differentiate it from other entities, especially soft tissue sarcoma. Clinical cases Two cases, both women with a mean age of 52.5 years (range 40–65) are presented. The first was seen due to growth of a gluteal mass, and the second by coccydynia. Computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance were the diagnostic tests of choice. In one case, where there was a single but large lesion, radical extirpation of the gluteal muscle was chosen. In the other case, in which the lesions were multiple, individualised excision of cysts was performed. Postoperative functional limitation was low in both types of surgery, with good oncological results being obtained. Conclusion Intramuscular myxomas are benign lesions. There are no cases of malignancy or recurrence due to incomplete resection. It has to be determined whether they are single or multiple, since in the latter case, they could be due to syndromes such as Mazabraud syndrome, which is associated with bone fibrous dysplasia, or Albright syndrome that is also associated with pigmented skin spots.

Enamel microabrasion associated with resin infiltration technique: Clinical Report

The generalized presence of stain, particularly on anterior teeth, provides an unaesthetic appearance with a negative impact on the patient. The aim of this paper is to report a case of severe chromatic alterations treated with enamel microabrasion associated with infiltration of low-viscosity resin. The intense brownish pigmentation and white spots of fluorosis lose their whitish appearance and look similar to sound enamel. This association of techniques, which might be an alternative to white-masking of intense pigmentation, showed optimal aesthetic results.

Facial skin photo-aging and development of hyperpigmented spots from children to middle-aged Japanese woman.

Facial skin hyperpigmention caused by chronic sun exposure is a major skin complaint, however, its characteristics and influential factors are still limitedly known. A cross-sectional survey in healthy Japanese women aged from 6 to 62years (n=169) was conducted using a facial image analyzer VISIA™ for knowing onset age of hyperpigmented spot formation, its chronological changes, and influence of environmental factors. UV Pigmented Spot (PS) Score was positively correlated with age (R=.487, P=.000). Hyperpigmented spots appeared first around 18years old in most subjects, and PS score remarkably increased at 20s then gradually increased by ages. The subjects with Skin Type I, one of the three grades of Japanese Skin Type (JST), whose melanin formation is genetically lower, showed higher PS score. A woman aged 31years was subjected a weekly VISIA measurement for 2years, and found no changes in the number, place, size and intensity of the pigment spots in this duration. Hyperpigmented spots developed in women over 20years of age due to chronic sun exposure without sun protection during childhood and adolescent and it was stable afterwards, whose intensity was influenced by age and skin type.

Histiocytóza z indeterminovaných buněk - vymizení kožní infiltrace po ozáření elektronovým svazkem a aplikace 2-chlorodeoxyadenozinu: kazuistika

Indeterminate cell histiocytosis is a rare disease belonging to the group of malignant histiocytic diseases. The disease predominantly affects the skin. The disease appeared in the described patient at the age of 80 years. Morphs began to develop on the skin and rapidly spread over the whole body including the face. Only the hands and feet were left uncovered. The patients skin samples were taken from 2 sites for histological examination. The resulting conclusion was indeterminate cell histiocytosis. The treatment we chose was analogous to the procedures for Langerhans cell histiocytosis. We chose PUVA phototherapy as the first-line treatment. This treatment is frequently efficient for skin forms of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. In the described case, however, PUVA phototherapy did not influence the disease activity at all. As the second-line treatment, we used low-energy electron beam irradiation in the total dose of 36.2 Gy. This treatment had a positive impact, morphs began to diminish and slowly disappear from the skin. But they have not disappeared completely, therefore we assessed the treatment effect of the radiotherapy itself as partial remission of the disease. Within the third-line treatment, we used 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine in a dose of 5 mg/m2/per day, administered via subcutaneous injection over 5 consecutive days in monthly intervals. There were three cycles of this treatment administered overall. The treatment with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine was tolerated without any adverse effects. The patient aged 82 years was only administered 3 cycles of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine. When after the 3rd cycle the skin was free from any pathological morphs and only some pigmentation spots remained, we finished the treatment. The skin expressions of indeterminate cell histiocytosis completely disappeared after electron beam irradiation and the following administration of 3 cycles of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine. The remission was short, however, after 6 months the disease recurred and the treatment is planned to resume. We assume the disease regresses following administration of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine, but more than 3 treatment cycles will probably be needed to reach a longer-term response.Key words: electron beam irradiation - indeterminate cell histiocytosis - 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine.

Logistic regression analysis differentiates high from low computer users by facial skin conditions in a population of Chinese women

In the past few decades, video display terminals (VDTs) and computer use have been associated with various skin symptoms in several published reports. In addition, internet beauty sites report that extended computer use leads to acne or accelerated facial aging. For example, the term “computer face” is used to describe premature aging caused by sitting for long periods of time in front of the screen (http://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/news/a12937/computer-screen-skin-problems/). We wished to determine, using instrumental and expert assessment, if prolonged/extended computer use could be associated with certain skin conditions. This study focused on long-term (10 years or more) office VDT work and was designed to include a wide range of confounding variables. One hundred Chinese women were recruited, 50 in each of two groups characterized as either (a) computer users with 8 or more hours per day, or (b) non-users who use computers 1 h or less per day. All subjects lived in Guangzhou and worked in the same building. Confounders were assessed by survey, and included age, smoking, sun exposure history, exercise, and other factors. Skin conditions, which included acne, sebum, wrinkles, and pigment spots, were assessed by instrumental measurements and blinded dermatologist assessment. Age and skin conditions were subjected to logistic regression analysis to determine major contributors which could separate, or distinguish, the computer group from the non-computer group. From this analysis, the office computer users were found to be statistically significantly associated with a higher incidence of acne, higher sebum levels, and a higher risk of self-reported sensitive skin when compared with the non-computer group. The final model suggests that the major contributors in separating the two groups are acne and pigmented spots (UV and brown). These results indicate that facial skin of women within the Chinese population who use computers for 8 h or more a day may be at higher risk for acne; however, they had lower levels of attributes associated with photoaging, such as lentigines and facial wrinkles. Separate pairwise assessment of other variables such as lifetime cumulative sun exposure, sleep quality, smoking behavior, exercise, and cosmetic product use or procedures showed no significant differences between the two groups. This indicates that the results obtained from objective and subjective measurements were not biased due to these potential confounders, but does not reveal the mechanism for the observed differences in skin conditions between computer/VDT users and non-users.

癌化した胃ポリープをESDにて切除し得たPeutz-Jeghers症候群の1例

An 18-year-old woman was referred to our department for examination of a large gastric polyp. She had one pigmented spot on her upper lip. She did not have a family history of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a large semipedunculated polyp measuring 50mm in diameter at the greater curvature of the upper gastric body. Pathological examination of a biopsy specimen showed hyperplasia of glandular epithelium and no evidence of malignancy (Group 1) . Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed. Pathological examination of the resected specimen showed smooth muscle bundles with an arborizing appearance throughout the lamina propria with a tiny focus of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. We reported a case of adenocarcinoma associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome-type gastric polyp that was curatively resected by ESD.

Commentary on: "A genome-wide association study in Caucasian women suggests the involvement of HLA genes in the severity of facial solar lentigines" by Laville etal., 2016.

We have read with interest the study by Laville et al. that was published in the September 2016 issue of PCMR (Laville et al., 2016) and that represents the second genome-wide association study of facial solar lentigines. This study (SU.VI.MAX cohort) showed two novel genetic regions, both located on chromosome 6 [6p22 intergenic region (p=1.6×10-6) and 6p21 USP81P / HLA-C region (p=2.5×10-7)] but both not significantly associated with solar lentigines based on the genome-wide association study. Laville et al. reported, however, that one SNP in the 6p22 region was significantly associated with forehead lentigines in a recessive model (p=1.4×10-8). We were interested in the question of whether we could replicate these findings in our cohort of 2844 Dutch North-Europeans (mean age 67 years, 53% women). This is a subgroup of the Rotterdam Study (RS), for whom facial pigmented spots (mainly solar lentigines) were quantified as the percentage of affected skin area using digital facial photographs (Jacobs et al., 2015). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL STUDY OF GRANULES WITH SEEDS EPIDERMIS OF PLANTAGO OVATA FORSSK

The results of a morphological and anatomical study of granules from the epidermis of Plantago ovata seeds are presented in the article. Morphological and microscopic diagnostic signs are important for establishing the authenticity of medicinal plant material and drugs made from it. The aim is the identification of morphological and microscopic diagnostic characteristics of the seed epidermis of Plantago ovata, minimal and sufficient to establish the authenticity of the granular pieces of the plant’s epidermis. Materials and methods . The study of morphological and anatomical characteristics as well as histochemical study were conducted according to the procedures of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation XIII edition. Microscope “Micromed-1” and digital camera MD300 Electronic Eyepiece (Jincheng) were used. Photos were edited in Adobe Photoshop CS6. Results and discussion . Morphological signs of the epidermis of Plantago ovata seeds include its light yellow or pinkish-yellow color and a presence of a pigmented spot of pink or light brown color on the epidermis of the convex side of the seeds and along the seed. These signs are applicable for diagnosis and are also found in crushed raw materials. Granules are rough lumps, consisting of stuck together epidermis pieces. They are characterized by a yellowish or light brown color and the presence of a pigmented spot. The microscopic diagnostic signs include the structure of the upper and lower epidermis, the presence of cells with mucus and starch grains. The upper epidermis consists of large polygonal cells with straight thin anticlinal walls. The cells are covered with a smooth cuticle and are filled with mucus. The lower epidermis consists of elongated rectangular cells. Cells with mucus swell rapidly in the radial direction. Biometric characteristics of anatomical diagnostic signs were established. Conclusion . As the result of a morphological and anatomical study the diagnostic signs of the raw material and granules of Plantago ovata seed husks were established. The structure of epidermal cells filled with mucus, starch grains and the presence of fragments of the inner pigment layer of the skin and endosperm belong to them. The obtained results are consistent with the literature data. It can be used in the development of a normative document for granules of Plantago ovata seed husks.

Malpigmentation in <i>Diagramma pictum</i> and <i>Pardachirus marmoratus</i> Collected from the Arabian Sea Coasts of Oman

Cases of partial hyper pigmentation and malpigmentation were reported from Diagramma pictum and Pardachirus marmoratus collected from the Arabian Sea coasts of Oman. These cases are the first report on color anomalies in these two fish species. Hyper pigmentation spots were observed mainly on the side of D. pictus , while the malpigmentation patch was observed across the body of P. marmoratus . Both cases are not pathological, but they have an economic effects that the melanic or the ambicolored specimens may cause to the fishermen due to being unfavourable by the customers.

Genetic variants associated with skin aging in the Chinese Han population

BackgroundThe progression and manifestation of human skin aging has a strong genetic basis; however, most of the supporting evidence has been gathered in Caucasian populations. The genetic contribution to the variation in skin aging in non-Caucasian populations is poorly understood. ObjectiveTo investigate the genetic risk factors of relevance for skin aging in East Asians, we conducted the first candidate gene study for signs of skin aging in Han Chinese. MethodsWe collected skin aging and genotype data in 502 female Han Chinese from the Taizhou cohort. We evaluated skin aging by the validated skin aging score SCINEXA™. Confounding factors were assessed through a questionnaire. We obtained the genotype data for 21 candidate SNPs and for a further 509 SNPs from 16 related candidate genes. Associations were tested by linear and logistic regression analyses and adjusted for potential confounders. ResultsOur candidate study found a significant association between SNP rs2066853 in exon 10 of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor gene AHR and crow’s feet. In addition, we found a significant association between SNP rs10733310 in intron 5 of BNC2 and pigment spots on the arms, and between SNP rs11979919, 3kb downstream of COL1A2, and laxity of eyelids. ConclusionsOur results identified genetic risk factors for signs of skin aging (pigmentation, wrinkles or laxity) in Han Chinese. We also found that the manifestation of skin aging is further modified by anatomical site. Together with previous work, our results also suggest that different genetic variants could be responsible for distinct skin aging signs characteristic of Caucasians compared to East Asians.

Impact of Vitamin C to Mature Facial Skin

Abstract Facial skin is one of the basic choices reflections of human quality life and lifestyle. In processes of human aging start skin changes: wrinkles are forming, there are seen changes of skin composition, firmness and moisture content, decreasing absorption of vitamins. Skin of all age groups face with variety of skin problems, causing negative impact on face beauty and brightness, what causes dissatisfaction of own appearance and variety of aesthetic problems. Another important problem occurring in mature age are pigment spots, what rises because of locally intensified melanogenesis, which depends on various factors - genetic, ultraviolet radiation, hormonal disorders, inflammation of skin, disorders of nervous regulatory mechanisms, deficiency of vitamin C. Therefore, skin problems require complex work of beauty therapists and clients dealing with facial skin problems. Cosmetics enriched with vitamin C can be used to solve facial skin problems, skin recovery, purification, pigmentation bleaching. Aim of article – to determine impact of cosmetics enriched with vitamin C for mature facial skin. In cosmetology vitamin C helps to eliminate variety problems that are occurring in mature age and cause negative aesthetic appearance and psychological problems. This leads to the need to make investigations in this area, what could let to evaluate care of face skin with cosmetics enriched with vitamin C, solving facial skin problems. Investigations were carried out using cosmetics with biologically active substances. Monitored and recorded changes of facial skin before cosmetic procedures and after each of their performance. The study carried out case and comparative analysis. Results of investigation led to form main conclusions: cosmetic procedures with cosmetics enriched with vitamin C, are effective solving problems of mature skin. More effective these procedures are together with observed healthier lifestyle. Vitamin C ensure better resistance of skin, it’s elasticity, moisture, firmness, colour uniformity, strengthens capillaries, reduces face skin irritations, brightens pigment spots.

Implementation of Geodesic Active Contour Approach for Pigment Spots Segmentation on the Iris Surface

Implementation of Geodesic Active Contour Approach for Pigment Spots Segmentation on the Iris Surface

Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Aegyria foissneri sp. n. and Lynchella minuta sp. n. (Ciliophora, Cyrtophoria) from brackish waters of southern China

The morphology, ciliary pattern and small subunit rDNA (SSU rDNA) sequences of two new cyrtophorian ciliates, Aegyria foissneri sp. n. and Lynchella minuta sp. n., isolated from brackish waters in southern China, were investigated. Aegyria foissneri sp. n. is characterized as follows: cell size 85–170×45–80μm in vivo; body inverted oval with a protrusion and a dark pigment spot on anterior left part; 42–77 somatic kineties; one preoral and three to six circumoral kineties; five to eight transpodial segments; 31–44 nematodesmal rods; 12–16 contractile vacuoles; and single oval macronucleus. Lynchella minuta sp. n. is distinguished from its congeners by having a cell size of 20–30×15–20μm in vivo, oval body outline; four preoral and 14 or 15 postoral kineties, three circumoral kineties; ca. 11 nematodesmal rods; one finger-like tentacle on the ventral side; and two diagonally located contractile vacuoles. Molecular phylogenetic analyses support the genus assignment of Aegyria foissneri sp. n. and indicate the monophyly of the genus. While Lynchella minuta sp. n. clusters with Coeloperix species, which indicates that Lynchella is non-monophyletic.

Muscle and nerve net organization in stalked jellyfish (Medusozoa: Staurozoa).

Staurozoan cnidarians display an unusual combination of polyp and medusa characteristics and their morphology may be informative about the evolutionary origin of medusae. We studied neuromuscular morphology of two staurozoans, Haliclystus 'sanjuanensis' and Manania handi, using whole mount immunohistochemistry with antibodies against FMRFamide and α-tubulin to label neurons and phalloidin to label muscles. All muscles appeared to lack striations. Longitudinal interradial muscles are probable homologues of stalk muscles in scyphopolyps, but in adult staurozoans they are elaborated to inwardly flex marginal lobes of the calyx during prey capture; these muscles are pennate in M. handi. Manubrial perradial muscles, like the manubrium itself, are an innovation shared with pelagic medusae and manubrial interradial muscles are shared with scyphozoan ephyra. Marginal muscles of M. handi displayed occasional synchronous contraction reminiscent of a medusa swim pulse, but contractions were not repetitive. The nerve net in both species showed regional variation in density and orientation of neurons. Some areas labeled predominantly by α-tubulin antibodies (exumbrellar epidermis), other areas labeled exclusively by FMRFamide antibodies (dense plexus of neurites surrounding the base of secondary tentacles, neuronal concentration at the base of transformed primary tentacles; gastrodermal nerve net), but most areas showed a mix of neurons labeled by these two antibodies and frequent co-labeling of neurons. Transformed primary tentacles had a concentration of FMRFamide-immunoreactive neurons at their base that was associated with a pigment spot in M. handi; this is consistent with their homology with rhopalia of medusae, which are also derived from primary tentacles. The muscular system of these staurozoans embodies characteristics of both scyphopolyps and pelagic medusae. However, their nerve net is more polyp-like, although marginal concentrations of the net associated with primary and secondary tentacles may facilitate the richer behavioral repertoire of staurozoans relative to polyps of other medusozoans. J. Morphol. 278:29-49, 2017. ©© 2016 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.

Biliverdin- and protoporphyrin-based eggshell pigmentation in relation to antioxidant supplementation, female characteristics and egg traits in the canary (Serinus canaria)

Avian eggs exhibit a large variability in coloration and patterns, which are produced by blue-green biliverdin and red-brown protoporphyrin pigments. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the function of eggshell coloration. In this experimental study, we tested two hypotheses (signalling-function hypothesis and structural-function hypothesis) on both eggshell pigment types in an open-nesting songbird, the canary (Serinus canaria). Also, we aimed to examine whether deposition of pigments into the eggshell has any cost in terms of the plasma oxidative status of the female. We found that eggshell average blue-green chroma was increased by antioxidant supplementation, although we note that there had already been a pre-existing bias in plasma antioxidant capacity between the supplemented and control groups. Eggshell average blue-green chroma was positively related to female body condition during egg laying. However, blue-green eggshell colour was not related to female oxidative status during or after the laying period, and blue-green chroma increased with laying order. Accordingly, we found some support for that eggshell blue-green colour could reflect maternal antioxidant availability and body condition, but did not find evidence that it has a cost for the female’s oxidative status. By contrast, eggshell spot brightness was positively related to body condition, suggesting that darker spotting reflected poorer nutritional condition in the canary. Eggshell blue-green pigmentation was not significantly connected to the egg volume or yolk antioxidant level, but we found that eggs with lower yolk antioxidant concentration had higher average eggshell brown chroma. In sum, our results suggest that eggshell colour reflected female antioxidant and nutrient availability. Finally, we found that eggs with thinner eggshells had a more aggregated spot distribution, supporting the view that aggregated spots may help to strengthen eggshells. Avian eggs have a large variability in colours and patterns, which are due to two pigments: the blue-green biliverdin and the red-brown protoporphyrin. In this study, we tested whether eggshell pigmentation, measured by a spectrophotometer, could reflect female and egg quality in the canary, an open nesting songbird. We found that females supplemented with antioxidants before and during egg-laying laid more intense blue-green eggs. Females in better body condition laid eggs that had a more intense blue-green coloration, but lower intensity of brown coloration. Egg yolk antioxidant level was lower in eggs with more intense brown eggshell coloration. These results suggest that eggshell coloration could reflect the antioxidant and nutrient availability of females. Moreover, we found that eggs with thinner eggshells had a more aggregated spot distribution on the eggshell, supporting the view that aggregated brown pigment spots may help to strengthen eggshells.