Review for 10.1186/s12876-020-01510-w (2020)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Characterization of Gut Microbiota Associated with Clinical Parameters in
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Version: 
1 
Date: 
22 Apr 2020
Reviewer: 
Jian-She Wang
Reviewer's report:
The revised version improved a lot and relieved most of my concerns. Still a few
minor suggestions:
Title: I'd suggest replacing "pregant patients" with "gregnancy".
Abstract: conclusion: it is better describe what kind of changes happened for
ICP.
In the Discussion, please give more detail on the relationship of the "increase of
pathogenic bacteria" and "the progression of ICP" in detail, and describe the
relationship of the "increase of pathogenic bacteria" and "symptoms in ICP
patients"
In the Background, line 147-148, it may be better to list diseases related to
cholestasis with gut microbiota rather than "inflammatory disorders, obesity, and
colon cancer", such as cirrhosis, cholangitis and etc. References: PMID:
23851335; DOI: 10.4161/gmic.25723,PMID: 30872395; DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-
2018-316670 may help you.
In the Study Participants, line 215-216, please add a time range for the time
without antibiotic treatment.
In the Study Participants, line 217, please describe the selection criteria of the
control group in detail. whether the gestational ages of these two groups are
comparable?
In the Sampling, line 225-226, three indicators (Tbil, Dbil, Ibil) appearing at the
same time is slightly redundant, for Tbil = Dbil + Ibil.
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.
Yes
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 recommended, please specify what aspects
require further assessment in your comments to the editors.
I recommend additional statistical review
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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questions:
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