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Tanycytes are a specialized ependymal lining of brain ventricles with exceptional features of having long basal processes and junctional complexes between cell bodies. These tanycytes are present at the regions of circumventricular organs (CVOs) which possess common morphological and functional features enabling them to be described as the brain windows where the barrier systems have special properties. Previous studies detailed seven of these CVOs but little information is available regarding another putative site at the rostral part of the median sulcus of the 4th ventricle, or the sulcus medianus organum (SMO). Here we performed a pilot immunohistochemical study to support earlier observations suggesting the SMO as a novel CVO. We labeled rat brain with ZO1, vimentin, pan-cadherin and angiotensin II type 1 receptors markers which showed a morphologically distinct population of cells at the region of the SMO similar to tanycytes present in the median eminence, a known CVO. These cells had basal processes reaching the deeply seated blood vessels while the caudal part of the median sulcus did not show similar long cellular extensions. We concluded that tanycyte-like cells are present in the SMO in a pattern resembling that of other CVOs where the strategic location of the SMO is probably for signal integration between brainstem nuclei and the rostrally located neuronal centers.

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Background and Objective: Infertility is the inability to become pregnant despite trying for at least a year. Infertility is also referred to as when a woman continues to experience miscarriages. Environmental factors, lifestyle, hormone issues, physical problems, and age can all contribute to female infertility. About 10-12% of couples struggle with infertility, a multifaceted issue with ramifications for society, the economy, and culture. The majority of female infertility cases are caused by issues with egg production. By analyzing samples from infertility clinics, the current study aims to investigate the degree of female infertility in Erbil, Iraq, while covering all facets of the condition. Methods: 595 infertile females receiving medical counseling from three infertile institutions between February 2020 to December 2021 were screened for the current study. In addition to anthropometric measurements, information about the etiology, duration, and lifestyle, factors of infertility has been gathered using a standardized questionnaire. Additionally, the sample was subjected to clinical examinations. Five groups of reproductive abnormalities were identified. Around 61.79% of women in the infertile group for the first two years had tubal obstruction, and 49.92% had hormonal deficiencies. Ovulation defects (4.62%) and undersized uteri (4.82%) predominated in the >10-year infertile group. Both weight and body mass index have shown a favorable association with infertility duration. Results: Our findings demonstrated a significant correlation between body mass index and infertility. Most academic and wealthy groups pursued medical advice to resolve issues related to infertility. Conclusion: Finally, it is suggested that female infertility can be managed and cured with hormone therapy, laparoscopic procedures, minor surgical procedures, and medicine.