Review for 10.1186/s12876-023-02823-2 (2023)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Lower ultra-short-term heart rate variability can predict worse mucosal
healing in ulcerative colitis
Version: 
1 
Date: 
30 Mar 2023
Reviewer's report:
Summary:
In this manuscript, Jianan Guo and colleagues retrospectively assessed the
relationship between psychological stress and ulcerative colitis (UC) by
analyzing the effect of ultra-short-term heart rate variability (HRV) on mucosal
and histological remission status of UC, which showed that lower ultra-short
HRV was correlated with worse mucosal healing status. This manuscript could
provide valuable information to clinicians, although there are some minor issues
to be addressed in the current form.
Comments:
1) A multivariate regression analysis was performed including all variables that
were significant in the univariate analysis. Did you confirm multicollinearity
among these variables? Also, due to the small number of patients in this cohort,
10 variables may be too many for a multivariate analysis.
2) The meaning of the abbreviation "SDNN, SDSD and RMSSD" in the abstract
should be given.
3) Abbreviations in tables should be spelled out.
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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
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