JerMa88/BMC_Womens_Health_Peer_Reviews huggingface dataset:
Reviewer's report 
 Preliminary report of a gas conditioner to improve operational reliability of cryotherapy in Title: 
developing countries. 
 1  11 May 2005 Version: Date: 
 Laurie Elit Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
1. Is the question posed by the authors new and well defined? 
This paper by Seamans describes whether the addition of a conditioner to the cryotherapy unit 
provides less difficulty with blockage as compared to no conditioner or the procedure of coughing. 
2. Are the methods appropriate and well described and are sufficient details provided to replicate the 
work? 
The technique and equipment involved in building the conditioner was well described. The process 
of interviewing the doctors in Peru and Kenya was not systematic. The procedure of accessing for blockage in Ghana used a non-random technique involving multiple repeats of assessing for 
blockage using 4 different conditions. The details of this procedure were not clear to the reviewer. 
The actual type of meat used was not articulated (beef, chicken, sausage ect). Whether the same 
piece of meat or different pieces of meat were used is not clear. The temperature in the room at the 
time of the procedure is not reported in table 2. A definition for blockage is never given in the 
manuscript. As this is the major endpoint, a clear definition of sequelae that indicate blockage is 
needed. 
3. Are the data sound and well controlled? 
The survey of physicians in Peru and Kenya was not controlled and the data is very subjective. This 
part of the study could have be better planned with a detailed survey applied with every use of the 
devise or treatment without the devise. The current manuscript would be more acceptable if this section was removed or if this section was better conducted. 
The simulated cryotherapy procedure in Ghana is well reported with the exception of two concerns: 
need a definition for blockage; and line 1 of table 2 column 9 has the word DAYS please explain. No 
sample size was defined a priori. A stronger study would include a sample size and random 
sequencing of the 4 conditions. 
4. Does the manuscript adhere to the relevant standards for reporting and data deposition? 
The analysis appears sound with the exception of a lack of a priori sample size. 
5. Are the discussion and conclusions well balanced and adequately supported by the data? 
Discussion and conclusions represent the data. 
6. Do the title and abstract accurately convey what has been found? 
Title and abstract represent the findings. 
7. Is the writing acceptable? 
Methods Sentence 1 is confusing I would suggest rewording this to The prototype device was 
designed to address the hypothesized reasons for cryotherapy BLOCKAGE. The paper would be easier to read if the three components were more clearly labeled in each section: 1. Creation of the devise; 2. Survey of Clinicians in Kenya and Ghana; and 3. Testing of 
devise in Ghana 
 Unable to decide on acceptance or rejection until the authors have responded to the What next?: 
major compulsory revisions 
 Acceptable Quality of written English: 
 No Statistical review:
Reviewer's report 
 Preliminary report of a gas conditioner to improve operational reliability of cryotherapy in Title: 
developing countries. 
 2  30 November 2005 Version: Date: 
 Laurie Elit Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
General 
Reads very well. All concerns have been addressed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Major Compulsory Revisions (that the author must respond to before a decision on publication can 
be reached) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Minor Essential Revisions (such as missing labels on figures, or the wrong use of a term, which the 
author can be trusted to correct) 
On page 5 of 17, I assume the cost of $40 is in US funds since this was developed and tested in Seattle, Washington. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Discretionary Revisions (which the author can choose to ignore) 
 Accept without revision What next?: 
 An article of limited interest Level of interest: 
 Acceptable Quality of written English: 
 No Statistical review:
Reviewer's report 
 Preliminary report of a gas conditioner to improve operational reliability of cryotherapy in Title: 
developing countries. 
 2  11 December 2005 Version: Date: 
 PD Blumenthal Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
General 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Major Compulsory Revisions (that the author must respond to before a decision on publication can 
be reached) 
1. Abstract Results. 95% CIs should be reported for these percentages. What does the P value 
represent? Comparison among ALL groups or two specific groups? 
2. Page 10 Line 17. The authors refer to the “anecdotal” data being presented. But the only actual 
data being presented are from Ghana, and those data are quantitiateve, no? So the anecdotal part 
can be dropped here. As mentioned in the last review, since no recorded data are presented on the 
anecdotal experiences in Kenya and Peru, mention of this experience is confined to background 
only. The paper itself should just deal with the Ghanaian experience. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Accept after minor essential revisions What next?: 
 An article whose findings are important to those with closely related research Level of interest: 
interests 
 Acceptable Quality of written English: 
 No Statistical review:
Reviewer's report 
 An Overlooked Connection: Serotonergic Mediation of Estrogen-Related Physiology and Title: 
Pathology 
 1  10 October 2005 Version: Date: 
 Sarah L Berga Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
The authors propose an important link between estrogen effects on the serotonergic system and a 
variety of estrogen-mediated effects cataloged in human physiology and pathology. They review data from disciplines such as endocrinology, molecular biology, neuroscience, and epidemiology to form a proposal that serotonin may mediate many of the observed effects of estrogen and estrogen 
deficiency in these systems. The authors note that, in the CNS, estrogen influences pain 
transmission, headache, dizziness, nausea, and depression, all of which are known to be 
consequences, in part, of serotonergic signaling pathways. Similar comparisons are drawn from estrogenic (and serotonergic) effects on the immune system, the clotting cascade, bone 
metabolism, and breast cancer. The paper is well-written. Some comments follow: 
1) The paper can best be described as theoretical: it is, in fact, an opinion piece based upon a review of the literature and speculation that follows this review. The observations are important, and 
interesting, but reach only the level of hypothesis. There is no new data presented which tests the 
hypotheses that are offered. The speculated interplay between estrogen levels and serotonergic 
pathways include mechanisms whereby estrogens affect serotonin production (via TPH enzyme) 
and metabolism (via SERT concentration and activity), as well as 5HT receptor levels and activity. 
2) There is no mention of data from ER null mice or 5HT receptor null mice as a means of further 
testing the author’s hypotheses. 
3) There is little, if any, mention of any model system in which the interplay of estrogens and 
serotonin are NOT readily explained by current data. Surely the authors found conditions in which 
there were mutually exclusive activities of estrogens and serotonins as pertains to human physiology 
or pathophysiology? 
4) On page nine of the manuscript, regarding estrogen effects on bone, the authors write that: “These effects are consistent with observations that bone is maintained until menopause and begins 
to weaken following menopause or when E2 function is otherwise compromised.” This is not the 
case, and bone loss occurs in both men and women starting at approximately 30 years of age, and seemingly independent of normal estrogen production in women in this early age group (the 30s). 
(**accept as editorial or opinion piece with minor revisions) 
 Accept after discretionary revisions What next?: 
 An article whose findings are important to those with closely related research Level of interest: 
interests 
 Acceptable Quality of written English: 
 No Statistical review: 
Declaration of competing interests: 
I declare that I have no competing interests.
Reviewer's report 
 An Overlooked Connection: Serotonergic Mediation of Estrogen-Related Physiology and Title: 
Pathology 
 4  22 November 2005 Version: Date: 
 Sarah Berga Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
Our concerns were addressed in the revisions made by the authors and the paper is acceptible as it 
is currently written 
 Accept without revision What next?: 
 An article of importance in its field Level of interest: 
 Acceptable Quality of written English: 
 No Statistical review: 
Declaration of competing interests: 
I declare that I have no competing interests.
Reviewer's report 
 Cytologic Features of Nipple Aspirate Fluid Using an Automated Non-Invasive Collection Title: 
Device: A Prospective Observational Study 
 2  23 June 2005 Version: Date: 
 Carol Fabian Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
General 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Major Compulsory Revisions (that the author must respond to before a decision on publication can 
be reached) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Minor Essential Revisions (such as missing labels on figures, or the wrong use of a term, which the 
author can be trusted to correct) 
The manuscript has been considerably improved, however, I would suggest some additional 
modifications. 
1) Page 4. Delete last sentence, paragraph 2. Ductal lavage aims to collect epithelial cells not NAF 
fluid. 
2) Page 5, 2nd line. Change abnormal cells to atypical cells. Change ADH to atypical ductal 
hyperplasia. Second paragraph, last line change abnormal cells to atypical cells. 
3) Page 15 Discussion. First and second sentences should be changed to Wrensch and colleagues 
have observed in a prospective trial that NAF production and NAF atypia in a screening population 
are associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. Further, NAF production/cytology may 
modestly improve the discriminatory accuracy of the Gail risk model [Tice CEBP 2005] in a screening population. However, NAF collection requires time and experienced trained personnel. 
Change abnormal to atypical 7th line. 
4) Delete phrase page 15, 2nd paragraph, 4th line . . . allows women to be objectively tested. Also 
change next sentence to . . . than other methods of sampling breast epithelium in asymptomatic 
women such as ductal lavage or fine needle aspiration (delete phrase about anesthesia). 
5) Page 16 or 17. Need to include a statement about pain rating in Dooleys series and why it is 
apparently higher with the HALO system. 
6) Page 17. Last paragraph is awkward. What do the authors mean by negative results? Does this 
mean no NAF or no atypical cells? Last sentence should be changed to something like . . . NAF production and cytomorphologic assessment may be used in conjunction with the Gail model for risk 
prediction and the automated HALO system may facilitate NAF collection in the office setting. 
(Leave out comments about clinical exam and mammography which relate to early detection unless you want to refer to mammographic density as a risk biomarker.) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Discretionary Revisions (which the author can choose to ignore) 
 Accept after minor essential revisions What next?: 
 An article whose findings are important to those with closely related research Level of interest: 
interests 
 Needs some language corrections before being published Quality of written English: 
 No Statistical review:
Reviewer's report 
 Cytologic Features of Nipple Aspirate Fluid Using an Automated Non-Invasive Collection Title: 
Device: A Prospective Observational Study 
 2  1 July 2005 Version: Date: 
 Hormoz Ehya Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
General 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Major Compulsory Revisions (that the author must respond to before a decision on publication can 
be reached) 
1) In the new version of the manuscript authors have created a new Table that compares previous 
series of NAF with the current series. Please add the paper by Sauter et al (Ref. # 11) which 
reported a substantially higher collection rate (94-99%) than other reports. 
2) In the abstract and conclusions, the authors claim that the collection rate with HALO was similar to the reported manual series. In fact their success rate was 38% as compared to some series that 
reported rates as high as 65-99%. This should be corrected. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Minor Essential Revisions (such as missing labels on figures, or the wrong use of a term, which the 
author can be trusted to correct) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Discretionary Revisions (which the author can choose to ignore) 
 Unable to decide on acceptance or rejection until the authors have responded to the What next?: 
major compulsory revisions 
 An article of importance in its field Level of interest: 
 Acceptable Quality of written English: 
 No Statistical review: 
Declaration of competing interests: 
I declare that I have no competing interests.
Reviewer's report 
 Hypertensive crisis associated with high dose soy isoflavone supplementation in a Title: 
post-menopausal woman: a case report [ISRCTN98074661] 
 1  4 April 2005 Version: Date: 
 Dana Seidlova-Wuttke Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
General 
This is an interesting manuscript in which the authors demonstrate a case of hypertensive crisis 
under the treatment with soy-derived isoflavones in a woman who had previously taken up high 
amounts of tyramine. The authors conclude that the isoflavones or their metabolites like equol may 
inhibit monoamine oxidase and thereby increase serum monoamine concentrations which were 
unfortunately not measured in the blood or urine of the patient. 
Monoamine oxidase inhibition is a plausible but not the only explanation of the observed 
phenomenon: it is known that the soy isoflavones address both estrogen receptors and may thereby 
exert also estrogenic effects in the liver on angiotensinogen production which causes occasionally 
largely increased angiotensin II levels in the blood. This occasionally occurring imbalance of the 
renin-angiotensin system following administration of estrogenic substances should also be 
discussed. 
This is a well described case report which describes an important adverse reaction to treatment. The 
manuscript adheres to the relevant standards of reporting and the writing is acceptable. The 
manuscript can be accepted after they considered the above mentioned explanation. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Major Compulsory Revisions (that the author must respond to before a decision on publication can 
be reached) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Minor Essential Revisions (such as missing labels on figures, or the wrong use of a term, which the 
author can be trusted to correct) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Discretionary Revisions (which the author can choose to ignore) 
 Accept after discretionary revisions What next?: 
 An article of importance in its field Level of interest: 
 Acceptable Quality of written English: 
 No Statistical review: 
Declaration of competing interests: 
I declare that I have no competing interests.
Reviewer's report 
 Aberrations of TACC1 and TACC3 are associated with ovarian cancer Title: 
 2  18 May 2005 Version: Date: 
 Andrew Shelling Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
General 
Thank you, the authors have made acceptable changes to my review, and I'm happy for the 
publication to go ahead. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Major Compulsory Revisions (that the author must respond to before a decision on publication can 
be reached) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Minor Essential Revisions (such as missing labels on figures, or the wrong use of a term, which the 
author can be trusted to correct) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Discretionary Revisions (which the author can choose to ignore) 
 Accept without revision What next?: 
 An article of importance in its field Level of interest: 
 Acceptable Quality of written English: 
 No Statistical review:
Reviewer's report 
 Changes in Elderly Women's Health-Related Quality of Life Following Discontinuation of Title: 
Hormone Replacement Therapy 
 1  23 February 2005 Version: Date: 
 Annette Dobson Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
General 
This observational study compares aspects of health related quality of life of elderly women who discontinue HRT with a closely matched group of women who continue to use HRT. The authors have gone to considerable length to match the groups with the aim of minimising bias. 
Their findings show age-related differences in outcomes. These are carefully discussed and the 
authors point out that it is not possible, from the available information, to know if the results(if true)are due to cohort effects (including recall bias) or physiological differences. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Major Compulsory Revisions (that the author must respond to before a decision on publication can be reached) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Minor Essential Revisions (such as missing labels on figures, or the wrong use of a term, which the author can be trusted to correct) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Discretionary Revisions (which the author can choose to ignore) The authors should discuss the issue of potential biases due to 
1. overmatching (see pages 155-157 of Modern Epidemiology (2nd edition) Rothman and Greenland 
1998 
2. age related measurement errors such as recall bias 
 Accept after discretionary revisions What next?: 
 An article whose findings are important to those with closely related research Level of interest: 
interests 
 Acceptable Quality of written English: 
 No Statistical review: 
Declaration of competing interests: 
'I declare that I have no competing interests'
Reviewer's report 
 Changes in Elderly Women's Health-Related Quality of Life Following Discontinuation of Title: 
Hormone Replacement Therapy 
 1  8 March 2005 Version: Date: 
 Sally Haskell Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
General: This is an interesting paper that looks at an area that has not been previously studied. 
Discontinuation of hormone therapy is problematic for some women, not for others. This is the first paper that I know of that has measured HRQOC among discontinuers and compared it to continuers. I would see this as pilot data...a follow-up study would need to further evaluate what 
caused the small changse in QOL. Also, one would wonder if one increased day per month of poor 
physical or mental health is really clinically significant. 
The other problem I see is that the water is really muddied by not knowing whether these women 
have taken the prescriptions they filled....and not knowing at what point prior to their survey they 
actually discontinued. 
Without a controlled trial, or questions that evaluate more objectively measured outcomes such as 
numbers of hot flashes, etc..I think it is difficult to assess and compare groups who have chosen to 
continue and discontinue estrogen. 
Might the groups that choose to discontinue be expecting to feel worse in some way..such as poorer 
sleep, or development of vasomotor symptoms. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Major Compulsory Revisions (that the author must respond to before a decision on publication can be reached) I would like to see the first two sections tightened up a bit. The background description 
of the survey methods used is a little long, and perhaps could just be referenced rather than 
described in detail. Likewise, the statistical methods sections is long and cumbersome for women's health clinicians that may be reading this paper. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Minor Essential Revisions (such as missing labels on figures, or the wrong use of a term, which the author can be trusted to correct) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Discretionary Revisions (which the author can choose to ignore) I'm not sure that the figures are necessary since most of the information is contained in the tables. 
 Accept after discretionary revisions What next?: 
 An article of importance in its field Level of interest: 
 Acceptable Quality of written English: 
 Yes Statistical review: 
Declaration of competing interests: 
I declare that I have no competing interests.
Reviewer's report 
 Race, rank, and satisfaction in general OB/GYN clinics Title: 
 1  4 February 2005 Version: Date: 
 Thomas LaVeist Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
General 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Major Compulsory Revisions (that the author must respond to before a decision on publication can be reached) 
1) Authors comment that "use of a standardized single item assessing overall satisfaction would 
enable comparisons among research report." While this statement is accurate it does not take into account that single item measures have limitations that can be overcome by using multi-battery 
indices. 
2) The manuscript devotes only one sentence to the point that rank may be important because it 
denotes higher social class and political influence. However, this is one of the central issues in the 
manuscript (as suggested by the title). There needs to be much more elaboration on how rank is 
transformed into more satisfaction. 
3) It would be valuable to control for whether the respondent is the military personnel or the spouse. I 
would imagine that among higher ranking personnel you would have more wives of officers. In such 
cases rank may take on different connotations. 
4) The conclusions need to be expanded. 
5) The conclusion indicates that the sample may not be representative of the clinic population. Do 
the authors have the ability to test this? 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Minor Essential Revisions (such as missing labels on figures, or the wrong use of a term, which the author can be trusted to correct) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Discretionary Revisions (which the author can choose to ignore) 
 Reject because too small an advance to publish in any journal What next?: 
 An article of limited interest Level of interest: 
 Acceptable Quality of written English: 
 No Statistical review: 
Declaration of competing interests: 
I declare that I have no competing interests