Review for 10.1186/s12876-018-0791-1 (2018)

Reviewer ’s report
Title: IFI16 is involved in HBV-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure inflammation.
Version: 0Date: 02 Feb 2018
Reviewer: Theodoros Androutsakos
Reviewer's report:A very interesting article, certainly worthwhile publishing. However it needs to be double-checked
when it comes to grammar since it contains a few grammar mistakes. The article's majordisadvantages are exactly what you say in the limitations' section. I would also suggest that sincecontinuos inflammation may lead to carcinogenesis in the liver, it would be interesting to add anHCC group apart from the cirrhosis and acute hepatitis groups. Moreover I would suggest to see ifthere is a correlation between HBV DNA and IFI16 in chronic HBV infected patients. Lastly Ihave a few questions about your article. First I wonder why HBV DNA in chronic HBV-infectedpatients is higher than Acute liver failure patients and second if there were any patients undertreatment in your chronic HBV-infected patients' group and if not why. Plus how long were thesepatients infected from HBV virus? Did that duration correlated with IFI16?
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.
YesAre the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.
YesAre 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 furtherassessment in your comments to the editors.
I am able to assess the statisticsQuality of written English
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:
Needs some language corrections before being published
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