Review for 10.1186/s12876-021-01802-9 (2021)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Schistosoma mansoni-related periportal fibrosis; can we use APRI and
PSDR levels in the real-time selection of patients for targeted endoscopy in a
resource-limited setting? A case-control study
Version: 
2 
Date: 
20 Jan 2021
Reviewer's report:
PEER REVIEWER ASSESSMENTS: 
OBJECTIVE - Full research articles: is there a clear objective that addresses one
or several testable research questions? (Brief or other article types: is there a
clear objective?)
Yes - there is a clear objective
DESIGN - Is the current approach (including controls and analysis protocols)
appropriate for the objective?
Yes - the approach is appropriate
EXECUTION - Are the experiments and analyses performed with sufficient
technical rigor to allow confidence in the results?
Yes - experiments and analyses were performed appropriately
STATISTICS - Is the use of statistics in the manuscript appropriate?
Yes - appropriate statistical analyses have been used in the study
INTERPRETATION - Is the current interpretation/discussion of the results
reasonable and not overstated?
Yes - the author's interpretation is reasonable
OVERALL MANUSCRIPT POTENTIAL - Has the author addressed your
concerns sufficiently for you to now recommend the work as a technically sound
contribution? If not, can further revisions be made to make the work technically
sound?
Yes - current version is technically sound
PEER REVIEWER COMMENTS: 
GENERAL COMMENTS: The revised manuscript titled "Schistosoma mansoni-
related periportal fibrosis; can we use APRI and PSDR levels in the real-time
selection of patients for targeted endoscopy in a resource-limited setting? A
case-control study" is well written. 
The authors have responded adequately to all my comments. Their point to point
responses has addressed my initial concerns. 
I have read the revised manuscript
and noted that all my comments have been reflected using highlights. The author
has revised the method section to indicate that they did participate in the
collection of patient data used in the analysis which was not mentioned before.
They have provided the full meaning of APRI (Aspartate to platelet ratio index)
and PSDR (Platelet to Splenic diameter ratio levels in the abstract section. 
Other
required revisions pointed out have been reflected in the revised manuscript
The revised manuscript is now suitable for publication.
ADDITIONAL REQUESTS/SUGGESTIONS: 
None
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use
of appropriate controls), and are the conclusions supported by the evidence
presented?
Yes
Are the methods sufficiently described to allow the study to be repeated?
Yes
Is the use of statistics and treatment of uncertainties appropriate?
Yes
Is the presentation of the work clear?
Yes
Are the images in this manuscript (including electrophoretic gels and blots) free
from apparent manipulation?
Yes