Young infants' visual fixation patterns in addition and subtraction tasks support an object tracking account.

Investigating infants' numerical ability is crucial to identifying the developmental origins of numeracy. Wynn (1992) claimed that 5-month-old infants understand addition and subtraction as indicated by longer looking at outcomes that violate numerical operations (i.e., 1+1=1 and 2-1=2). However, Wynn's claim was contentious, with others suggesting that her results might reflect a familiarity preference for the initial array or that they could be explained in terms of object tracking. To cast light on this controversy, Wynn's conditions were replicated with conventional looking time supplemented with eye-tracker data. In the incorrect outcome of 2 in a subtraction event (2-1=2), infants looked selectively at the incorrectly present object, a finding that is not predicted by an initial array preference account or a symbolic numerical account but that is consistent with a perceptual object tracking account. It appears that young infants can track at least one object over occlusion, and this may form the precursor of numerical ability.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of seromas of the breast from irradiated lumpectomy sites.

OBJECTIVE: To study the cytologic features of cells in breast aspirates of seromas in women who had undergone irradiation at lumpectomy sites. STUDY DESIGN: Cytologic material from 38 females with an age range of 39-72 years who had undergone aspiration of seromas were retrieved to determine tumor recurrence or other atypia. The material was obtained using the conventional method of needle aspiration with a 22-gauge needle and 10-mL syringe, maintaining negative pressure. The syringe and needle contents were washed in a cytology container containing 30% ethyl alcohol in physiologic saline. From half the washings filter preparations were made and stained by the Papanicolaou method, while from the other half cell blocks were made and sections cut after processing and stained with hematoxylineosin. RESULTS: In 2 of 38 patients, filter preparations and cell blocks showed malignant cells of breast carcinoma that were similar to the primary. This was confirmed on core biopsy and subsequent mastectomy. In 21 of 38 cases mildly atypical cells with degenerative effects, mild hyperchromasia, liberal cytoplasm, macrophages, inflammatory cells and a few apocrine cells were seen, while in 11 of 38 patients scanty debris, few inflammatory cells, rare apocrine cells and a few macrophages were found. In 4 of 38 cases highly atypical cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and nucleoli were noted. However, a core biopsy in all 4 patients revealed no evidence of residual tumor. CONCLUSION: Cell atypia in aspirates from seromas should be interpreted with caution to avoid unnecessary, invasive surgery, keeping in mind that radiation can cause misleading changes. However, patients with clinical indications of recurrent tumor or with severe atypia should undergo biopsy to permit appropriate management.

Aspiration cytodiagnosis of the breast with abundant acellular calcific material indicative of soft tissue calcinosis (a study of 3 cases).

Calcific deposits in soft tissue are rare and may clinically resemble a tumour. It seems feasible, therefore, to investigate them by the non-invasive technique of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). In this study three cases with extensive accumulation of acellular calcific material in the breast are described in which FNAC was indicative of soft tissue calcinosis. In all cases routine mammogram had shown a partially cystic opacity. All other investigations were normal and no significant family or medical history was present. Cytopreparations in all cases showed only abundant acellular calcium. The patients had no further treatment and on follow up were clinically well with no changes. The cases are interesting, since the cytohistological findings in the aspirate sample appeared to be strongly indicative of soft tissue calcinosis.