Review for 10.1186/s12876-018-0884-x (2018)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title:  ASCA and ANCA among Bedouin Arabs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, the 
Frequency and Phenotype Correlation  
 
Version: 0 Date:  27 Mar 2018 
 
Reviewer:  Chris  Probert  
 
Reviewer’s report:  
 
This study looks a the ASCA and ANCA serology in 75% of the IBD cases amongst Bebouin 
Arabs in S Israel as such it is unique and commendable.  
 
However there are still only 50 cases so the conclusions are limited.  
 
There is a typical prevalence of ASCA and ANCA antibodies in CD and UC patients 
respectively which limits the impact of t he study.  
 
I think the paper would benefit from some antibody data in controls - unaffected families, and 
the first degree relatives of cases.  
 
Also a discussion of the diet (with regard to bread) and even alcohol (unlikely) would be of 
interest and help to put the data into context.  
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an 
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is re commended, please specify what aspects require further 
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Needs some language corrections before being published  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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1. Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an 
organisation that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this 
manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
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3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents relating to the content of the 
manuscript?  
 
4. Have you received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that 
holds or has applied for pa tents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
6. Do you have any non -financial competing interests in relation to this paper?  
 
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below. If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
No CoI  
 
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