Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Sex hormone binding globulin as a valuable biochemical marker in predicting gestational 
diabetes mellitus  Manal A. Tawfeek1*, Eman M.Alfadhli2, Abdulfatah M. Alayoubi3 Hesham 
A. El -beshbishy4 and, Fawz ia A. Habib5.  
 
Version: 1 Date: 10 May 2016  
 
Reviewer: Kerstin Berntorp  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
The paper has considerably improved but needs corrections on a few points and the language 
needs to be checked throughout the paper by an experienced person.  
In tables/figures abbreviations should be avoided, and if present they should be ex plained in a 
footnote underneath the table/figure, and the statistical method used for calculations should be 
given. Also explain what is shown, for example median (interquartile range) in Figure 1. In 
Figure 2, do not use abbreviations in the caption. In Figure 3, give the variable on the y -axis 
(Sensitivity) and remove the words ROC Curve on the top. This is explained in the caption.  
Abstract: The word diabetic should be avoided. Therefore, rewrite the second sentence in the 
background. Explain all abbre viations when first mentioned in the abstract (gestational diabetes 
(GDM), Sex hormone bindings globuline (SHBG). In Methods add" in receiver operating 
characteristic curve" to the last sentence (The best cut -off point of SHBG to diagnose GDM was 
calculate d in receiver operating characteristic curves.)  
Are the methods approp riate 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 am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Needs some l anguage corrections before being published  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
Please complete a declaration of competing interests, considering the following questions:  
 
1. Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary fr om an  
organisation that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this  
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2. Do you hold any stocks or shares in an organisation that may in any way gain or lose  
financially from the publication o f this manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents relating to the content of the  
manuscript?  
 
4. Have you received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that 
holds  or has app lied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
6. Do you have any non -financial competing interests in relation to this paper?  
 
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below.  If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
I declare that I have no competing interests  
 
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