Review for 10.1186/s12876-016-0447-y (2016)

Reviewer’s report 
Title:  Inoculation with enterococci does not affect colon  inflammation in the multi-drug 
resistance 1a-deficient mouse model of IBD 
 
Version:  1 Date:  23 Nov 2015 
 
Reviewer:  Yan Lam 
 
Reviewer's report: 
I appreciate the authors' clarification of the aim of the study, i.e. to improve an animal model of 
intestinal inflammation. However despite revision o f parts of the manuscript and some new data, 
I still find the current work somewhat insufficient  to adequately investigate the potential use of 
bacterial inoculation in Mdr1a-/- mice. First, as n oted by Review #1, a positive control would be 
essential to exclude any possibilities that the ino culation per se did not work. Second, while it is 
not uncommon to report negative findings (i.e. the inoculation was unable to increase and/or 
induce consistent inflammation in this case), suppo rting data and thorough discussion of the 
findings could also be informative and contribute t o the relevant field of research, which 
unfortunately appeared to be largely missing in the  current manuscript unless additional data are 
provided. 
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described? 
If not, please specify what is required in your com ments 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. 
No 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by t he data shown? 
If not, please explain in your comments to the auth ors. 
No 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manusc ript 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 am able to assess the statistics 
Quality of written English 
Please indicate the quality of language in the manu script: 
Acceptable 
Declaration of competing interests 
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3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for an y patents relating to the content of the 
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