Review for 10.1186/s12876-018-0906-8 (2018)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: PREVALENCE OF AND RISK FACTORS FOR FATTY LIVER IN THE GENERAL 
POPULATION OF NORTHERN ITALY: THE BAGNACAVALLO STUDY  
 
Version: 2 Date: 23 Aug 2018  
 
Reviewer: Ping Yao  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
Please include all comments for the authors in this box rather than uploading your report as an 
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The manuscript (BMGE -D-18-00200_R2) submitted and r evised by Foschi et al demonstrated 
that FL as a whole was highly prevalent in Bagnacavallo in 2005/9 and was more common 
among ALE+ citizens. Different from alcohol intake, all the components of the MS was 
associated with FL. The manuscript has been revis ed according to the reviewers point -to-point; 
however, there is still some issues should be addressed.  
1) According to the study design, The Bagnacavallo Study was performed between October 
2005 and March 2009. How to make sure the comparability of all dat a during the almost 4 
years? How about the follow -up results?  
 
2) Liver ultrasonography is not suitable for the diagnosis of FL, which should, at least, be 
discussed in the manuscript.  
 
3) Usually it is unreasonable that alcohol intake was not associated wi th FL. The information 
about drinking duration, drinking age, total drinking units, abstinence and etc should be take 
into consideration for further assay or discussion.  
 
4) Some criterions of physiological or biochemical index should be supplemented in th e 
manuscript.  
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please s pecify 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.  
 
Yes 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data sh own?  
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 recommended, please specify what aspect s 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:  
 
Acceptable  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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below.  If you r reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
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