JerMa88/BMC_Gastroenterology_Peer_Reviews huggingface dataset:
Review for 10.1186/1471-230x-13-123 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:Leukocytosis and high hematocrit levels yield misinterpretation in
abdominal emergency of hereditary angioedema (HAE)
Version: 6Date:20 March 2013
Reviewer: andrea zanichelli
Reviewer's report:
Major Compulsory Revisions
I do agree with authors that it is important to increase awareness of HAE among
physicians and that often this rare condition is misdiagnosed.
Nevertheless the aim of the study is not well defined. This study compare
laboratory findings in HAE patients during remission and during an acute attacks,
does not compare lab tests in patients with HAE during an abdominal attacks and
patients with abdominal pain due to other diseases to explore the cause of
misdiagnosis of HAE.
It is already known that WBC increase during an acute abdominal attack. This
study confirm this data. The increase in WBC does not help in making a
differential diagnosis. Other markers might be helpful ( see manuscript Cugno M
e al, Plasma biomarkers of acute attacks in patients with angioedema due to
C1-inhibitor deficiency, Allergy 2009: 64: 254–257
Minor essential revisions
Keywords:
- C1 inhibitor concentrate
Background:
- “absence or defect of the C1INH”. HAE patients have a deficit of C1 INH. HAE
is an autosomal disease, levels of C1 INH are reduced, <50% of normal
individuals, but C1 INH is present.
- Plasma-derived C1 INH is not the only treatment for acute attacks, there are
several drugs available (Icatibant, Ecallantide, Ricombinat C1 INH). If plasma
derived C1 INh is the only treatment available in Japan the authors have to
specify that this is the situation in Japan
Patients and method:
- authors should report if patients were on prophylactic treatment with androgens
because these drug might increase the hematocrit levels
Results:
- authors should report the value of C3, C4 and functional C1 INH and the normal
range
Conclusions:
- conclusions are unsatisfactory
References:
- authors should include this reference “Cugno M e al, Plasma biomarkers of
acute attacks in patients with angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency, Allergy
2009: 64: 254–257” in place of reference number 6
Level of interest: An article of limited interest
Quality of written English: Needs some language corrections before being
published
Statistical review: Yes, but I do not feel adequately qualified to assess the
statistics.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230x-13-123 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:Leukocytosis and high hematocrit levels during abdominal attacks of
hereditary angioedema
Version: 10Date:17 April 2013
Reviewer: Efimia Papadopoulou
Reviewer's report:
Minor Essential Revisions
The authors have responded sufficiently well to my suggestions for their
manuscript entitled ''Leukocytosis and high hematocrit levels during abdominal
attacks of hereditary angioedema''.
The authors give further evidence for HAE diagnosis. They provide additional
necessary measurements in order to establish a complete HAE diagnosis.
C1-INH antigenic levels are determined in 10/14 patients (Table 1).
The authors corrected the interpretation error : the detection of low levels of C4 is
the key test for screening HAE patients.
The authors include in their methods the short description of method for
functional and antigenic C1-IHN levels determination.
Furthermore, the authors should provide clarification regarding the following:
1) Is the work a retrospective one?
2) It is mentioned in ''Methods'' that family and past histories of 14 patients were
collected from their medical records. Were recurrent angioedema attacks
reported in personal histories for all 14 patients (100%) ? The authors should
provide all the evidence needed for all patients to fullfil the criteria of HAE
diagnosis according Agostoni (Ref.8).
2) Anti -nuclear antibodies and immune complexes are included in the analysis.
The authors should comment on the findings (positive or negative) of the above
parametes in ''Results''.
Level of interest: An article of importance in its field
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-13-122 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:Gene expression analysis of a Helicobacter pylori-infected and high-salt
diet-treated mouse gastric tumor model: Identification of CD177 as a novel
prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer
Version: 1Date:1 October 2012
Reviewer: Matteo Fassan
Reviewer's report:
Gastric cancer still remains one of the most prominent cause of cancer-related
mortality worldwide. Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is considered the main etiological
determinant of both gastric precancerous lesions and intestinal-type (so called
epidemic) gastric adenocarcinoma. In this study, Dr. Toyoda and colleagues
identified CD177 as a novel biomarker in a HP-based murine model of gastric
adenocarcinoma. The Authors used appropriated methods of analysis that
yielded some interesting results. However, I have some concerns that the
authors should address:
• References should be up-dated and commented within the "Conclusions"
section. Some examples: 1) Gonda TA et al. (Folic Acid Increases Global DNA
Methylation and Reduces Inflammation to Prevent Helicobacter-Associated
Gastric Cancer in Mice. Gastroenterology 2012;142: 681-683) found CD177 as
dysregulated in a similar murine model; 2) Suh YS, et al. (The combined
expression of metaplasia biomarkers predicts the prognosis of gastric cancer.
Ann Surg Oncol. 2012;19:1240-9) for muc13 and gastric cancer.
• The three selected markers (CD177, muc17 and reg3g) should be tested by
qRT-PCR/IHC also in the adenomatous lesions to test if they are early
dysregulated in the carcinogenetic cascade.
• Instead of pooling the different RNAs (and for groups with different sample
sizes), it would be better to have analyzed (at least) three samples per group.
Please, add some comments and add an image of the microarray findings.
• 606 weeks is an unusual follow-up interval for advanced gastric
adenocarcinoma patients. Please, add median values.
• English should be improved.
Level of interest: An article of importance in its field
Quality of written English: Needs some language corrections before being
published
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-13-122 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:Gene expression analysis of a Helicobacter pylori-infected and high-salt
diet-treated mouse gastric tumor model: Identification of CD177 as a novel
prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer
Version: 2Date:21 March 2013
Reviewer: Thomas Wex
Reviewer's report:
Overall, the authors have addressed the points of criticisms raised in the
previous report appropriately.
- Please correct Table 2. Depth of invasion is presented from 53 instead of 55
patients (essential)
- Numbers of animals that died or became moribund should be presented
detailed for the groups B, C, and D (see page 8). (essential)
- Group D is the most interesting group with respect to the topic of this
manuscript. However, more than 1/3 (6 out of 15) of all animals were excluded
from this group. Is there any further information available from these animals,
and does the exclusion of these animals affect the overall conclusion? The
authors could shortly discuss this aspect. (discretionary)
Level of interest: An article whose findings are important to those with closely
related research interests
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
'I declare that I have no competing interests'
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-13-122 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:Gene expression analysis of a Helicobacter pylori-infected and high-salt
diet-treated mouse gastric tumor model: Identification of CD177 as a novel
prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer
Version: 2Date:21 May 2013
Reviewer: Matteo Fassan
Reviewer's report:
In the new version of the manuscript the authors adequately answered to almost
all the concerns raised by the two reviewers. However, there are two main
problems:
1) the authors previously presented data obtained as for probes, instead of
considering the single genes...in the new version of the manuscript they lost one
over three most important genes. I would suggest to review the GEO files from
an external biostatistician.
2) a survival of >80 months remains strange to me for an advanced gastric
adenocarcinoma.
Thus, I cannot make a final decision on this manuscript.
Level of interest: An article of importance in its field
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: Yes, and I have assessed the statistics in my report.
Declaration of competing interests:
'I declare I have no competing interests'
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-13-90 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:TNF-alpha and LPA promote synergistic expression of COX-2 in human
colonic myofibroblasts: role of LPA-mediated transactivation of upregulated
EGFR
Version: 1Date:4 October 2012
Reviewer: ling xu
Reviewer's report:
1.The author investigated whether EGFR signaling plays a role in the synergistic
COX-2 expression induced by LPA and TNF--#.18Co cells were treated with
TNF-##and LPA . EGFR and COX-2 protein expression, Y1068 phosphorylation,
and p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation were assessed by Western Blot. The results
were described by 5 steps. Design of this experiment is reasonable. Results
explained clearly.
2.The author has done pre-research “TNF-alpha induces upregulation of EGFR
expression and signaling in human colonic myofibroblasts. Am J Physiol
Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 302(8):G805-814.” This manuscript was expressed a
further study. The data and graph were explained clearly. The writing of
manuscript is acceptable.
3.The method of research is only done by Western Blot. It will be better that
adding the detection in the level of gene in this study.
Level of interest: An article whose findings are important to those with closely
related research interests
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-13-43 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:Emergency cholecystectomy and hepatic arterial repair in a patient
presenting with haemobilia and massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to a
spontaneous cystic artery gallbladder fistula masquerading as a
pseudoaneurysm.
Version: 3Date:3 October 2012
Reviewer: Mehrdad Nikfarjam
Reviewer's report:
Title: Emergency cholecystectomy and hepatic arterial repair in a patient
presenting with haemobilia
and massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to a spontaneous cystic artery
gallbladder fistula masquerading as a pseudoaneurysm.
Authors describe a rare case of spontaneous cystic artery pseudoaneurysm
causing haemobilia. Management of this condition is well described as well as a
complication of attempted coiling of
Major revisions
- Nil
Minor Revisions
- Selective coil embolization of cystic artery pseudoaneurysm can be difficult.
Embolisation of the right hepatic artery, if it is giving rise to the cystic artery is not
an unreasonable option in the management of massive bleeding. The authors
chose to operate in this case and remove a clot that had migrated into the right
hepatic duct. It may be worthwhile to discuss the option of hepatic artery
embolization in selected cases, alternatively metal stenting of the hepatic artery
in this case may have solved the problem. The role of metal stenting has not
been discussed and this now much more commonly untilized.
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-13-43 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:Emergency cholecystectomy and hepatic arterial repair in a patient
presenting with haemobilia and massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to a
spontaneous cystic artery gallbladder fistula masquerading as a
pseudoaneurysm.
Version: 3Date:27 November 2012
Reviewer: Nadeem Siddiqui
Reviewer's report:
Major Compulsory Revisions:
- The term of SPONTANEOUS in the title and whole substance of article is
confusing. We know that the fistula between cystic artery and gall bladder can
arises because of the inflammation of gall bladder, which is present in this case.
It seems in this patient that episode of acute cholecystitis had been complicated
by cholecysto- duodenal fistula and then erosion of cystic artery into gall bladder.
So the triggering event here is the cholecystitis. If this is the case, then word
SPONTANEOUS in this whole article needs explanation.
- Static film of angiography (rather than video) with more clear visualization of
artery and “so called” pseudo aneurysm should be provided.
- One of the major incident in this patient clinical course is the migration of micro
coil, It would seem appropriate if author give some information (etiology,
incidence and current management options of this complication,) regarding this
event (in discussion section).
Minor Essential Revision:
- Pictures of endoscopy demonstrating ulcer should be provided.
- In discussion section, author should also provide the comparison of the present
case with previous reported cases (in terms of presentation ad management) and
the explanation of any difference, if any exists.
Level of interest: An article of limited interest
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-13-43 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:Emergency cholecystectomy and hepatic arterial repair in a patient
presenting with haemobilia and massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to a
spontaneous cystic artery gallbladder fistula masquerading as a
pseudoaneurysm.
Version: 4Date:8 February 2013
Reviewer: Nadeem Siddiqui
Reviewer's report:
this article can be published without any revisions.
Level of interest: An article of limited interest
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-13-36 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:Management of stage II colon cancer-the use of molecular biomarkers for
adjuvant therapy decision
Version: 1Date:23 October 2012
Reviewer: Shuji Ogino
Reviewer's report:
This is an interesting study which examined interactive associations of molecular
markers and treatment on outcome. Molecular classification of CRC is
increasingly important and this is a timely report. After the authors incorporate
points mentioned below, this will be much improved.
Essential revisions (but not minor):
Recently, Yamauchi et al. provided interesting data on colorectal cancer
molecular features (CIMP, MSI, BRAF-mut) (Yamauchi, Morikawa, et al. Gut
2012), and proposed colorectal continuum hypothesis (Yamauchi, Lochhead, et
al. Gut 2012). Please discuss the authors’ own findings, along with these papers.
There may be a possibility of differential response to chemotherapy by tumor
location due to difference in local microenvironment.
CIMP is no longer pos vs. neg. Please discuss CIMP-high vs. CIMP-low vs.
CIMP-neg. With the Weisenberger 5-marker panel (essentially same as Ogino
(5+3) marker panel), CIMP-low has been associated with KRAS mutation (Ogino
et al. J Mol Diagn 2006; Kim et al. Virchows Archiv 2009; Dahlin et al. Clin
Cancer Res 2010). Hinoue et al. (Genome Res 2012) confirmed the existence of
CIMP-low. possbily please provide data (3-5, high; 1-2, low; 0, neg).
Please use only official gene symbols. Check at www.genenames.org
TYMS (not TS) (TS is confusing with "Tumor Suppressor". do not use TS)
TP53 (p53) (p53 can be in parenthesis)
CTNNB1 (b-catenin)
BRAF mutation should be “c.1799T>A (p.V600E)”. The authors analyzed DNA,
and mutations should be described at the DNA level. Follow HGVS guidelines.
Level of interest: An article of outstanding merit and interest in its field
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
'I declare that I have no competing interests'
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-13-36 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:Management of stage II colon cancer-the use of molecular biomarkers for
adjuvant therapy decision
Version: 1Date:2 December 2012
Reviewer: Lars Henrik Henrik Jensen
Reviewer's report:
The authors report the results from a retrospective and exploratory marker study
in stage II colon cancer. Sixty patients treated with adjuvant 5FU and a matched
control group of 60 untreated patients were included. Classical histopathological
variables were included together with molecular markers. Primary endpoint was
DFS.
Adjuvant treatment in stage II colon cancer is a clinical challenge and new or
validated markers would be helpful. The study represents a major work effort.
Major
1. Please include the reference J Natl Cancer Inst. 2011;103:863 in 'Background'
together with ref. 16+17. Comment.
2. The last paragraph in 'Background* should be moved to 'Methods'.
3. In 'Methods, patients' please state how patients were selected.
4. Even though the control group was matched for sex/age and they seemed
alike (table 1), confounding is a major issue.
5. Please state exactly how the patients were followed up. A specific scheme is
mandatory for using recurrence as an endpoint.
6. In 'Pathological examination' state the kappa-values for the two pathologists.
Especially for tumour budding, vein and nerve invasion.
7. For TMA justify the use by comparison to whole slice. How was the method
validated? P53 and beta-catenin are probably not suitable for TMA (APMIS
120,819).
8. Were PMS2 and MSH6 included?
9. In 'Statistical analysis', clarify DFS. Is it time-to-recurrence or
disease-free-survival? State events and censoring events.
10. Give a rationale for the sample size of 120 patients. How small a difference
was considered clinically meaningful?
11. Provide a reference for the definition of borderline statistical significance.
12. Describe the model for survival analysis. When was a variable included in the
final model? Cut off? Has a statistician been involved?
13. In 'Results, Survival analysis', which end point is death from colon cancer
progression and where is it defined?
14. As I understand figure 3, all patients with dMMR had a relapse. This in
unlikely in stage II colon cancer.
15. Is there any relationship between the last sentence in 'Results' and figure 3?
16. I lost track in the 'Discussion'. Please rewrite and shorten.
17. In 'Conclusion', TS expression is mentioned. Protein or gene expression?
Minor essential revisions have not been evaluated.
The aim of the study was to add to the knowledge of markers in stage II colon
cancer. Due to the major issues above, the results do not fulfil the aim in the
present form.
The authors should have the opportunity to rewrite and focus the manuscript. It
might be an idea to focus on validation of their previous results (ref. 28).
Level of interest: An article of limited interest
Quality of written English: Needs some language corrections before being
published
Statistical review: Yes, but I do not feel adequately qualified to assess the
statistics.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-13-26 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:Contrast enhanced ultrasound findings in Peripheral Anaplastic T Cell
Lymphoma, revealed as Cavitating Mesenteric Lymph Node Syndrom in Celiac
Disease
Version: 1Date:25 August 2012
Reviewer: Benjamin Lebwohl
Reviewer's report:
Major Compulsory Revisions
The manuscript needs editing for grammar and language; there are errors of
tense agreement, single/plural agreement, and other language errors. As an
example, the sentence regarding consent reads "The consent for publication was
sign by the son’s patient (as the patient died)." This should be changed to "The
consent for publication was signed by the patient's son (as the patient died)."
The authors use a "50%" figure differently in the Abstract and the Introduction. In
the Abstract, they write that cavitating mesenteric lymph node syndrome
(CMLNS) is associated with T cell lymphoma in 50% of cases. In the
Introduction, they write that CMLNS has a 50% mortality rate. Are both of these
statements true? If the 50% mortality rate is accurate, over what time horizon
does this span?
Re: the initial diagnosis of celiac disease. The biopsy is described as having
villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia, and "chronic inflammation." The authors
should clarify whether the histopathologic findings included intraepithelial
lymphocytosis.
Minor Essential Revisions
The figures would be improved by the inclusion of arrows, e.g. pointing out the
enhancing rims in Figure 5 or the rare lymphocytes/plasmacytes at the periphery
in Figure 7.
Discretionary revisions
It would be useful to know whether tissue transglutaminase IgA was repeatedly
checked during follow-up, since a decline would support the authors' claim that
the patients was adherent to the gluten-free diet.
An image of the initial small bowel biopsy should be included, along with
comment on whether immunohistochemistry staining of intraepithelial
lymphocytes was performed (for CD3 and CD8) and whether T cell receptor
PCR/flow cytometry was performed.
Level of interest: An article whose findings are important to those with closely
related research interests
Quality of written English: Not suitable for publication unless extensively edited
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-13-26 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:Contrast enhanced ultrasound findings in Peripheral Anaplastic T Cell
Lymphoma, revealed as Cavitating Mesenteric Lymph Node Syndrom in Celiac
Disease
Version: 1Date:31 August 2012
Reviewer: Paul J Ciclitira
Reviewer's report:
Cavitating lymph nodes are recognised complications of celiac disease. Thus this
is neither an unique or novel case. This is considered to be part of the
development of a T-cell lymphoma complicating celiac disease.
The title and content of the manuscript centres around the use of contrast
enhanced ultrasound findings in peripheral anaplastic T cell lymphoma. This
involves Cavitating mesenteric lymph node syndrome in celiac disease. The
focus of the manuscript is the use of contrast enhanced ultrasound. The
investigation failed to provide a diagnosis in this case. Thus the novel
investigation has not served any useful purpose. Thus, this is in turn a negative
result for the use of a novel type of imaging. I suggest that this description of a
novel type of imaging, that is contrast enhanced ultrasound has failed to provide
a valuable use for this investigation in this and therefore in further cases. In my
opinion the case report therefore fails to provide an improved method of
diagnosis in this and thus in turn further cases. To answer your specific question
the case report fails to provide any evidence for improved diagnosis using this
technique. I personally do not believe the case report warrants publication as it
has described an unusual but recognised complication of celiac disease for
which the new method of imaging has failed to serve any practical value.
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-13-26 (2013)

Reviewer's report
Title:Contrast enhanced ultrasound findings in Enteropathy T Cell Lymphoma,
revealed as Cavitating Mesenteric Lymph Node Syndrom in Celiac Disease
Version: 2Date:14 October 2012
Reviewer: Benjamin Lebwohl
Reviewer's report:
The manuscript has been edited for English language issues. The authors have
also reframed the context of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in this report;
essentially they argue that it was not a useful imaging modality in this case.
Publishing a null finding is important when testing a research hypothesis but in
the context of a case report (i.e. that this modality was not useful in this case) it
less compelling.
Level of interest: An article of limited interest
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-182 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Additional corpus biopsy enhances the detection of Helicobacter pylori
infection in a backdrop of atrophic gastritis
Version: 1Date:24 July 2012
Reviewer: Michael Vieth
Reviewer's report:
Major Compulsory Revisions
I completely agree that the current recommendations concerning the location of
gastric biopsy sampling are not perfect to detect atrophy, intestinal metaplasia
and even the morphological proof of Helicobacter colonisation depend a lot on
the site of the biopsy due to the patchy nature of changes within the stomach.
In the literature there is a continous mix of autoimmune gastritis and gastritis with
atrophy. I would like to suggest to change terminology in the present manuscript
from "atrophic gastritis" (which can be mixed up with autoimmune gastritis or
features of autoimmune gastritis) into "gastritis with atrophy" throughout the
manuscript.
The discrepant cases where Helicobacter was not detected morphologically: I
would like to recommend in these cases to mention the degree of inflammation
(at least the acivitiy of the gastritis) which can be an indirect sign of Helicobacter
gastritis even if the bacteria can't be detected morphologically and relate this to
other positive tests. This can be added to table 1.
In contrary to the authors' statement that there are no recommendations for the
location of taking a biposy (personally I think that they are not optimal but they do
exist!): the Sydney System (ref 18) has an enourmous background of statistical
analysis to ensure that with a minimum of biopsies from defined areas the correct
histological diagnosis can be made. Also, an incisura biposy was once suggested
within the Sydney System. Please mention the exact number of biopsies and
exact proposed location of the biopsy site of the Sydney System. It is not "one
biposy from antrum and corpus" ! I would like to suggest to change this / add this
information throughout the manuscript.
I would also like to suggest to emphazise that grading of antrum atrophy is most
difficult for pathologists since kappa values are very low. Please mention also,
that you graded the atrophy like proposed in the Sydney System (please, with
reference 18).
Minor Essential Revisions
instead of backdrop may be background is a better term ?
ref 7... there is a new Masstricht IV/Florence report available from 2011
Table 4: "ca" in front of "Degree" ?
Level of interest: An article whose findings are important to those with closely
related research interests
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
'I declare that I have no competing interests'
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-182 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Additional corpus biopsy enhances the detection of Helicobacter pylori
infection in a backdrop of atrophic gastritis
Version: 1Date:18 September 2012
Reviewer: Michael Selgrad
Reviewer's report:
Major compulsory revision
Level of interest: An article whose findings are important to those with closely
related research interests
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
I have no competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-182 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Additional corpus biopsy enhances the detection of Helicobacter pylori
infection in a background of gastritis with atrophy
Version: 2Date:16 November 2012
Reviewer: Michael Vieth
Reviewer's report:
After revision I have no further comments!
Level of interest: An article of importance in its field
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-182 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Additional corpus biopsy enhances the detection of Helicobacter pylori
infection in a background of gastritis with atrophy
Version: 2Date:27 November 2012
Reviewer: Michael Selgrad
Reviewer's report:
Comments to the authors:
1. In my opinion it is really acceptable for the patient´s convenience to take 5
biopsies as recommended in the updated Sidney system. The overall bleeding
risk and time consumption is not influenced when taking 5 instead of 3 biopsies.
Level of interest: An article whose findings are important to those with closely
related research interests
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
No competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-183 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Colorectal cancer screening: Why immunochemical fecal occult blood tests
are the best option.
Version: 1Date:12 November 2012
Reviewer: April Camilla c Roslani
Reviewer's report:
As a debate, this paper is well thought out and written. While the alternative
objectives espoused are often a secondary consideration in planning a screening
programme, the arguments presented provide support for considering them as
primary objectives, and are therefore worthy of publication.
Level of interest: An article whose findings are important to those with closely
related research interests
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests.
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-181 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Correlation of the Presence and Extent of Loss of Heterozygosity
Mutations with Histological Classifications of Barrett's Esophagus
Version: 1Date:23 October 2012
Reviewer: kausilia K krishnadath
Reviewer's report:
In the article entitled: ‘Correlation of the Presence and Extent of Loss of
Heterozygosity Mutations with Histological Classifications of Barrett’s
Esophagus’, the authors attempted to determine clonality of diverse genetic
abnormalities and evaluate the extent of a panel of abnormalities in different
stages of dysplasia.
The work has been performed using tissue micro-dissection and conventional
LOH detection methodology.
The authors formulated a surrogate measure to determine mutational load by
determining high (>75% mutated DNA), low and no mutational load and
combining that with the number of mutations found.
In general, the research seems to be well performed and I only have some minor
comments:
The methods and results section in particularly describing how the ML was
determined is confusing. I would suggest to concisely describing the method
used to determine ML in one separate paragraph headed: Analysis and
determination of Mutational Load
A separate paragraph describing statistics should be included.
In the discussion section the authors need to discuss the short comings of the
use of LOH compared to other techniques for detecting genetic abnormalities.
In the discussion the authors suggest to use this technique to better risk stratify
Barrett’s oesophagus patients. Using LCM in combination with LOH technique in
routine diagnostic laboratories seems quite laborious to me and not many routine
labs are equipped with such technologies. The authors should take this into
consideration and state this fact.
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-180 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:High Prevalence of Celiac Disease among Saudi Children with Type 1
Diabetes
Version: 1Date:26 August 2012
Reviewer: Kamran Rostami
Reviewer's report:
I have read with interest the paper entitle “High Prevalence of Celiac Disease
among Saudi Children with Type 1 Diabetes” by Al-Hussaini et al. they evaluated
the prevalence rate and clinical characteristics of CD among Saudi children with
T1D suggesting the lower cut-off value of anti- tissue transglutaminase
antibodies IgA (anti-TTG) that best predicts CD in children with T1D.
There are already some studies on this topic in Saudi Arabia. A recent study with
even a bigger number >400 showed a similar prevalence of CD between T1D
(see below). The authors need to explain the differences and what this study add
to the current literature that is missing in the paper by Saadah et al?
Saadah OI et al Prevalence of celiac disease in children with type 1 diabetes
mellitus screened by anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody from Western Saudi
Arabia. Saudi Med J. 2012 May;33(5):541-6.
Some other comments
Method section:
The authors need to describe how the biopsies have been taken; like the number
of biopsies and the site of biopsies
Any biopsy taken from D1? Please adjust according to this reference
Kurien M, Evans KE, Hopper AD, Hale MF, Cross SS, Sanders DS. Duodenal
bulb biopsies for diagnosing adult celiac disease: is there an optimal biopsy site?
Gastrointest Endosc. 2012 Jun;75(6):1190-6.
Histology has not been discussed in this section either. Please describe your
finding according to the modified Marsh classification
- Ref 16 is the original Marsh Classification.
Rostami K, Kerckhaert J, Tiemessen R, von Blomberg BM, Meijer JW, et al.
Sensitivity of antiendomysium and antigliadin antibodies in untreated celiac
disease: disappointing in clinical practice. Am J Gastroenterol 1999;94:888-94.
Level of interest: An article of importance in its field
Quality of written English: Not suitable for publication unless extensively edited
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
'I declare that I have no competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-180 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:High Prevalence of Celiac Disease among Saudi Children with Type 1
Diabetes
Version: 1Date:9 October 2012
Reviewer: SANTIAGO VIVAS
Reviewer's report:
Al-Hussaini et al report a very interesting study regarding the prevalence of
Celiac Disease in Type 1 Diabetes. Their objective was not only to evaluate the
prevalence but also to determine the diagnostic efficacy of the commonly used
anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies to predict CD in a children population
with T1 Diabetes. The study design and methods are appropiate and well
described in the children population analyzed.
This approach to CD screening detected a two fold prevalence than a previous
study in the same country wich employed antigliadine antibodies. High anti-TTG
antibodies titres predicts duodenal mucosa atrophy as previous reports have
described. Furthermore, T1D children with iron deficiency are associated with the
presence of CD.
More studies are needed to evaluate the screening value of high anti-TTG
antibodies and to support these findings in the adults with T1 diabetes.
Some discretionary suggestions to improve the manuscript would be:
1. Area under the ROC curve may be more clear with a thicker line in the figure
2.
2. There is no comment about de HLA –DQ genotype in the population studied.
Would be of interest to include the HLA-DQ risk for the CD screening the T1D
children?
3. Is neccesary to follow-up with serological test patients with T1D to detect CD?
Level of interest: An article of importance in its field
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-180 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:High Prevalence of Celiac Disease among Saudi Children with Type 1
Diabetes: a prospective cross-sectional study.
Version: 3Date:15 November 2012
Reviewer: Kamran Rostami
Reviewer's report:
Thank you for adjusting the manuscript thouroughly. Im satisfied with revision
and the answers provided.
Only one small point and that; Ref 16 (below) shouldnt have been deleted and
need to stay as ref 16 to accompany ref 17, as this is the original and the 17 is
the modified one.
Marsh MN. Gastroenterology. 1992 Jan;102(1):330-54. Review.Gluten, major
histocompatibility complex, and the small intestine. A molecular and
immunobiologic approach to the spectrum of gluten sensitivity ('celiac sprue').
Level of interest: An article of importance in its field
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-179 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Effects of Cystalloids and Colloids on liver and intestine microcirculation
and function in CLP-induced septic rodents
Version: 2Date:16 August 2012
Reviewer: Jonel Trebicka
Reviewer's report:
General comments
This study addresses an important issue in critical care medicine. It shows nicely
tah cristaloids might be the right choice for volume resuscitation during sepsis.
Furthermore the authors demonstrate that the inflammatory response was
aggravated using volume resuscitation other than crystaloiods.
Even though this study is important and clinically significant, several points
should be considered
Major Compulsory Revisions
1. the model of sepsis is a peritonitis model, do the authors think that an other
model would deliver similar results, e.g. bacterial tracheal injection, since
respiratory infections are usual cause of sepsis in humans? this point should at
least be discussed
2. the authors show hepatic microcirculation but do not show portal pressure. did
tehy measure it? can the authors speculate on the effect of volume resuscitation
on pressure?
3. what about renal function do the authros have any data on that, renal
perfusion, urine output or creatinin/BUN values?
4. eventhough the discussion is pretty long (should be improved) little hypothesis
are discussed why HES or Gel are worse than crystaloid in survival?
Level of interest: An article of importance in its field
Quality of written English: Needs some language corrections before being
published
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
No competing interest
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-178 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Efficacy of telbivudine in Taiwanese chronic hepatitis B patients compared
with GLOBE extension study and predicting treatment outcome by HBV DNA
kinetics at Week 24
Version: 1Date:1 August 2012
Reviewer: Carlo Selmi
Reviewer's report:
- Discretionary Revisions
1. I feel that Table 1 could be made slimmer by unifying sex proportions and age
distribution into single categories. Also, the normal range of blood tests should be
provided.
2. The title could be shorter and mopre clear
- Minor Essential Revisions
1. A broader comparison with other antiviral treatment options for similar patients
should be addressed in the discussion.
2. The statistical tool used should be specified.
3. Any relationship with the drug manufacturer should be stated, including the
communication of data by the research team. What is the "medical support"
provided by Novartis?
Level of interest: An article of importance in its field
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-178 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Efficacy of telbivudine in Taiwanese chronic hepatitis B patients compared
with GLOBE extension study and predicting treatment outcome by HBV DNA
kinetics at Week 24
Version: 2Date:18 November 2012
Reviewer: Carlo Selmi
Reviewer's report:
All concerns and comments have been satisfactorily addressed.
Level of interest: An article of importance in its field
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: Yes, and I have assessed the statistics in my report.
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-178 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Efficacy of telbivudine in Taiwanese chronic hepatitis B patients compared
with GLOBE extension study and predicting treatment outcome by HBV DNA
kinetics at Week 24
Version: 2Date:24 November 2012
Reviewer: Jia-Horng Kao
Reviewer's report:
1. Most of the comments are satisfactorily responded.
2. Although it may take some time, if possible, please include the results of
multivariate analysis in the revised paper.
Level of interest: An article whose findings are important to those with closely
related research interests
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: Yes, and I have assessed the statistics in my report.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests.
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-177 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Esophagus cancer and diabetes mellitus: A population-based case-control
study in Taiwan
Version: 1Date:9 July 2012
Reviewer: P. Marco Fisichella
Reviewer's report:
The paper is well written. Conclusions are supported by data. I have no
comments, as I really enjoyed the study for the originality of the research
question
Level of interest: An article of importance in its field
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-177 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Esophagus cancer and diabetes mellitus: A population-based case-control
study in Taiwan
Version: 1Date:23 August 2012
Reviewer: PJ Brooks
Reviewer's report:
When assessing the work, please consider the following points:
1. Is the question posed by the authors well defined?
No, because they do not have information on the type of esophageal cancer.
WHiel the reference showing that over 90% of esophageal cancer in Taiwan is
squamous cell carcinoma is important and relevant, a major finding from the
paper is that the relationship between DM and esophageal cancer was not seen
in this study because most of the cancers here are squamous cell. To make such
a claim, the lack of direct information about cancer type in these subjects is to me
a major flaw.
The major positive finding reported here is the relationship between alcoholism
and esophageal cancer, however this already known, and established. While the
odds ratio between alcoholism and esophageal cancer reported in this work is
quite high, to meaningfully interpret this finding, it would be important to have
information about ALDH2 genotype and smoking in these individuals, neither of
which is available in this work. Unfortunately, I don't think that either of these
major issues can be fixed given the available data set
2. Are the methods appropriate
NO, see above
and well described YES?
3. Are the data sound?
YES
4. Does the manuscript adhere to the relevant standards for reporting and data
deposition?
In my view, the lack of definitive information about the type of esophageal
cancer, and the lack of ALDH2 genotype information are serious flaws in this
work
5. Are the discussion and conclusions well balanced and adequately supported
by the data?
Most of the relevant points are addressed, but because of the language barrier
the discussion is hard to follow and seems disorganized.
6. Are limitations of the work clearly stated?
Yes, though the language barrier detracts from this point.
7. Do the authors clearly acknowledge any work upon which they are building,
both published and unpublished?
The authors seem unaware that the International Agency for Research on
Cancer (IARC) has officially designated both alcohol and acetaldehyde as
carcinogenic to humans. The reference on this point are missing, and the
references about alcohol and cancer that are included are outdated.
8. Do the title and abstract accurately convey what has been found?
No
9. Is the writing acceptable?
I think there is still a need for editing for use of English to improve the clarity of
the writing.
Level of interest: An article of limited interest
Quality of written English: Needs some language corrections before being
published
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-177 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Risk of esophagus cancer in diabetes mellitus: A population-based
case-control study in Taiwan
Version: 2Date:14 November 2012
Reviewer: Jennifer Drahos
Reviewer's report:
The authors edits have substantially improved and focused the manuscript. They
have sufficiently answered my questions and concerns point-by-point.The study
still suffers from not having the histological information on the esophageal
cancers, but the authors have stated the limitation and implications more clearly.
The methods and data are sound. The last section of the discussion on
anti-diabetic drugs is still somewhat confusing and unclear. The small number of
EC cases who were diabetic may represent adenocarinomas, since obesity is a
strong risk factor for this subtype. Once again, the lack of histology information is
a major concern for interpretation of their results. The title and abstract
accurately convey what was found, however, "Esophagus cancer" should be
changed to "Esophageal cancer". The manuscript would benefit from further
editing before consideration for publication.
Level of interest: An article of limited interest
Quality of written English: Needs some language corrections before being
published
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
I declare that I have no competing interests.
Review for 10.1186/1471-230X-12-177 (2012)

Reviewer's report
Title:Risk of esophagus cancer in diabetes mellitus: A population-based
case-control study in Taiwan
Version: 2Date:18 November 2012
Reviewer: PJ Brooks
Reviewer's report:
The authors have addressed the issues I raised as well as they could, given the
limitations of the data set that was available to them.
Level of interest: An article whose findings are important to those with closely
related research interests
Quality of written English: Acceptable
Statistical review: No, the manuscript does not need to be seen by a
statistician.
Declaration of competing interests:
no conflicts of interest