Review for 10.1186/s12876-020-01525-3 (2020)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Folate levels in Hepatocellular Carcinoma patients with Portal Vein
Thrombosis
Version: 
2 
Date: 
19 Jul 2020
Reviewer's report:
In this study, the authors investigated the relationship between folate status and
portal vein thrombosis. As a result, they found that the low folate concentration
and the high levels of homocysteine were associated with loss antithrombotic
function and more aggressive course of HCC and a higher change of
complications related to portal vein thrombosis. This manuscript is of
considerable interest. However, the criticisms are raised as follows.
1) The authors mentioned as follows; "We observed deficient folate levels in
PVT patients (p=0.085), in high grade HCC (IIIIV) p<0.01." However, the P
value corresponding to HCC in Table 4 is 0.1079. The authors should review the
results again.
2) The authors should show the rationale for the cut-off value of folic acid to be
5.9 nmol/l.
3) The classification of folic acid in Table 4 is described as <5.9 mm/l and >5.8
mm/l.
4) Numbering of references is confusing in the discussions. 
5) The P value for comparison of No PVT and control in gender in Table 1 was
02542.
6) The font and format of the tables were not uniform.
7) There are some typographical errors such as missing commas, missing
periods, and unnecessary spaces. The authors need to review the entire paper.
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No
Are the methods appropriate and well described?
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.
No
Does the work include the necessary controls?
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authors.
Yes
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?
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Yes
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recommend an additional statistical review?
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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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