Review for 10.1186/s12876-020-01418-5 (2020)

Reviewer’ s report
Title: Relationship between time-varying status of reflux esophagitis and Helicobacter pylori and
progression to long-segment Barrett’ s esophagus: time-dependent Cox proportional-hazards
analysis
Version: 0Date: 18 Jun 2020
Reviewer's report:
The topic of the article is certainly relevant. The incidence of esophageal cancer in developed
countries has been increasing rapidly in recent years. The reasons for this are not clear enough.The authors rightly drew attention to the importance of the association of Barrett's esophagus withHelicobacter pylori, as this topic continues to be discussed in modern studies. The methodologicallevel of the study is high. The article is written in good language, easy to read and contains clearconclusions. The findings are quite important and useful in theoretical and practical terms.From the point of view of the reviewer, the question is interesting whether the study of theassociation of a long segment of Barrett's esophagus with Helicobacter pylori is of particularimportance, or the absence of Helicobacter pylori is a marker of pathological processes in theepithelium of the stomach and esophagus. Including the absence of Helicobacter pylori can be amarker of microbiota changes in the stomach and esophagus. It would be useful to add a fewsuggestions in the discussion section and comment on these aspects. This could highlight theprospects for the development of the study.In general, there are no significant comments on the article, and after a small adjustment, it can bepublished in the journal BMC Gastroenterology.
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YesAre the methods appropriate and well described?
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Yes
Does the work include the necessary controls?
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YesAre the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?
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Yes
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additional statistical review?If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require furtherassessment in your comments to the editors.
I am able to assess the statisticsQuality of written English
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AcceptableDeclaration of competing interests
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