Review for 10.1186/s12876-023-03037-2 (2023)

Title: Association of serum vitamin D levels on Helicobacter pylori infection: a Retrospective
Study with Real-World Data
Version: 1 Date: 12 Sep 2023
Reviewer's report:
The study's objective is effectively elucidated, and the subject matter holds scientific intrigue.
The acquired findings are proficiently expounded upon and subjected to comprehensive
deliberation. Nevertheless, the authors are respectfully urged to consider a number of minor and
major recommendations.
Major suggestions:
1. In order to provide a more comprehensive context, it is recommended that the authors expand
upon the introduction section. Specifically, they should incorporate references to previous
epidemiological studies pertaining to H. pylori in the Chinese population.
2. In the "Data and Methods" section, it is essential for the authors to specify the particular
detection test employed in this retrospective study to assess serum vitamin D levels. Providing
this information will enhance the study's methodological transparency.
3. It is advisable to consolidate the ethical statement into a single, separate paragraph within the
manuscript. This will help streamline the presentation of ethical considerations and conform to
established reporting conventions.
4. In the "Results" section, within paragraph 3.1, there appears to be a discrepancy in the
reported p-values. It is crucial for the authors to reconcile this inconsistency. Specifically, when
referencing p-values, they should ensure consistency, as the text mentions p < 0.05, whereas
Table 1 indicates p < 0.001. Harmonizing these values is essential for clarity and accuracy
in reporting statistical significance. Similarly, the reported p-value should be adjusted from
<0.05 to 0.001 to align with the value presented in Table 2. This adjustment is essential to
maintain internal consistency and accuracy in the reporting of statistical significance throughout
the manuscript
5. Furthermore, in paragraph 3.4, it is noted that the odds ratio (OR) and the associated 95%
confidence intervals (CI) do not correspond with the values presented in Table 4. Additionally,
the findings related to marital status, which are available in Table 4, are conspicuously absent
from the narrative in paragraph 3.4. To ensure coherence and completeness in the reporting of
results, it is strongly advised that the authors amend this section to accurately reflect the values
in Table 4, including the inclusion of the marital status findings in the narrative.
6. Another noteworthy suggestion concerns the format of Table 3, particularly with regard to the
presentation of annual income data. The table currently appears overcrowded and would benefit
from a more concise and simplified format. This adjustment will enhance the clarity and ease
of interpretation for readers. Therefore, it is recommended that the authors carefully revise and
streamline the presentation of annual income data in Table 3 to improve its overall readability.
Minor suggestions:
1. It is recommended that the authors consistently italicize the name "H. pylori" throughout the
entire manuscript, including the title. Furthermore, there is no need to repeatedly use the full
name "Helicobacter pylori" if it has already been defined as "H. pylori" within the text. Ensuring
this uniformity in formatting and nomenclature will enhance the manuscript's readability and
adherence to scientific conventions.