Does hox cluster characterization of Banna caecilian ( Ichthyophis bannanicus ) provide hints for slow evolution of its genome?
Our analyses greatly extended the knowledge about the caecilian Hox clusters from previous PCR surveys. From the obtained Hox sequences and the orthologous protein dataset, the caecilian Hox loci and its genome appear evolving comparatively slowly. As the basal lineage of amphibians and land vertebrate, this characteristic of the caecilian genome is valuable in the study concerning the genome biology and evolution of amphibians and early tetrapods.
Surgery for gastro-oesophageal reflux should be centralized to units specializing in the techniques and with sufficient annual numbers of operations to optimize results. This policy becomes especially advisable as laparoscopic surgery increases the numbers of treated patients.