Review for 10.1186/s12876-020-01512-8 (2020)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Changes in plasma bile acids are associated with gallbladder stones and
polyps
Version: 
0 
Date: 
02 Sep 2020
Reviewer: 
Quadri Alabi
Reviewer's report:
This research work has many limitations, but the authors have Indicated that their
findings provide a theoretical basis for the design of oral BA drugs for the
treatment of GBD, I therefore reserve my major comments. Moreover, this is
what you have to do:
- The authors should indicate the total numbers of female and male subject that
participated for this study, since they reported that the females display a higher
burden of GBD than male participants. Indicate in the manuscript the total
number of the female and male participants both healthy (control), GBD and
polyps.
- Page 7 line 114-115: "All participants underwent gallbladder biopsy diagnosis
to further differentiate cholecystolithiasis from non-neoplastic polyps according
to defined criteria". Kindly define out the criteria??
- Correct the grammatical errors, e.g. Page 7 line 115: The control "showed had"
no clinical,…..
- Kindly create a section for limitation. State the limitations of this study
separately.
Discussion section
- State or write out the link or mechanism through which UDCA interact with
white blood cells that make it be a candidate for GBD drug
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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?
No
Is the presentation of the work clear?
Yes
Are the images in this manuscript (including electrophoretic gels and blots) free
from apparent manipulation?
Yes