Abstract, title, and references

Abstract

Strong points

• Aim of the study was clearly stated.
• Methods applied in order to identify drug resistance of HIV-1 and to measure CD4 count was appropriate and clearly stated.
• Results were relevant with the study objective.

Input

Title

Strong points

• Title was informative and relevant.

References

Strong points

• Approximately 25% (13/42) of the cited literatures were published more than 10 years prior; however, those were still relevant and highly related to the topic of HIV molecular epidemiology.
• Literature were referenced correctly and appropriate key studies have already included.

Introduction

Strong points

• Various studies have already addressed the prevalence of TDR in Chinese regions, as cited in the introduction. However, current research aimed to identify TDR specifically in young people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) residing in Yunan, China, thus supports the originality of the study.
• Research questions were clearly addressed in the last paragraph of introduction.

Input

• If there are any previous study regarding TDR in young PLHIV in other region of China, please kindly include the information in the introduction.

Methods

Strong points

• Subject selection process was explained in detail.
• Methods employed for CD4 counting and identification of drug resistance were valid and reliable.
• Drug resistance variable was defined properly.
• Sufficient details regarding methods used in the study would assist the possibility of study replication.

Input

• In "CD4 count and pol gene amplification" part of methods section, information regarding the CD4 count variable should be included (measurement unit, possible categorization).
• In "statistical analysis" part of methods section, there was no mentioning regarding test that would be used to analyze correlation between TDR and CD4. Please collaborate regarding this matter, since there is "Correlates of CD4 count and TDRMs among ART-naïve youths in the China-Myanmar border" in results section and "supplement table S2".

Results

Strong points

• Data were presented appropriately using tables and figures.
• Tables and figures were easily read and understood; thus, enabling reader to understand statistical and practical results clearly.

Input

• Despite mentioning "Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used to verify differences in the distribution of demographic and clinical characteristics and genotypes and report proportions of TDRMs or network inclusion by participant characteristics" in the "statistical analysis" part of the method section, no statistical analysis result was presented in "table 1" addressing "demographic and clinical characteristic". Please verify regarding this matter.
• As mentioned previously, there is statistical analysis result in "Correlates of CD4 count and TDRMs among ART-naïve youths in the China-Myanmar border" in results section and "supplement table S2"; however, no aforementioned test used for the analysis. Please collaborate regarding this matter.

Discussion and conclusions

Discussion

Strong points

• Results were discussed appropriately from parallel and contrary point of views, without being over-interpreted.

Input

• Please address the limitation of study which might help replicating the study in other setting.

Conclusion

Strong points

• The objectives of the study were answered in conclusion section, which were well derived from results of the study.

Overall

The manuscript successfully delivered its rationales in the introduction section. Methods employed for data collection were appropriate; thus, provide results that correspond to the objectives of the study. Discussion section was written accordingly. Conclusion section successfully delivered clear answer of study objectives. In general, the manuscript was well-written in regards of contents, writing structure, and grammatically.

Overal strength

The manuscript provides a valuable insight about TDR in specific population (youth <25 years old). Most study generally addressed TDR in adult population; thus, the results of the study would help to understand TDR situation and its impact towards treatment of young PLHIV.

Overal weakness

One prominent major weakness that needs to be addressed is the failure of author to explain statistical test used to analyze the correlation between TDR and CD4, since the result provide an answer for one of the study questions.