Review for 10.1186/s12876-018-0779-x (2018)

Reviewer ’s report 
 
Title: Systematic review of the relationship of Helicobacter pylori infection with geographical 
latitude, average annual temperature and average daily sunshi ne 
 
Version: 0 Date: 19 Dec 2017  
 
Reviewer: Giuseppe Fanelli  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
Despite the big biases that may arise in this type of study, topics treated are very interesting and 
allows to have a different point of view of the problem. However i have some concerns:  
- I suggest to make a profound english revision in order to make article more understandable;  
 
- Is necessary to extent the introduction section with the ways of HP infection and highlights 
the socioeconomic conditions role;  
 
- The difference between HP infe ction and latitude, temp etc could only be explained only 
with the different level/rate of production of Vit.D?  
Are the methods appropriate 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.  
 
No 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional sta tistical 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 language corrections before being published  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
Please complete a declaration of competing interests, considering the following questions:  
 
1. Have you in t he past five years received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an  
organisation that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this  
manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
2. Do you hold any stocks or shares in an organisat ion that may in any way gain or lose  
financially from the publication of 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 reimbursemen ts, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that 
holds  or has applied 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 t his paper?  
 
If you can answer no to all of the above, write 'I declare that I have no competing interests' 
below.  If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
I declare that I have no competing interests  
 
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on my report to the authors and, if the manuscript is accepted for publication, my named report  
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I agree to the open peer review policy of the journal