Review History


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Summary

  • The initial submission of this article was received on October 25th, 2024 and was peer-reviewed by 3 reviewers and the Academic Editor.
  • The Academic Editor made their initial decision on November 29th, 2024.
  • The first revision was submitted on January 16th, 2025 and was reviewed by 1 reviewer and the Academic Editor.
  • The article was Accepted by the Academic Editor on February 10th, 2025.

Version 0.2 (accepted)

· Feb 10, 2025 · Academic Editor

Accept

Dear authors,

We are pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been accepted for publication in PeerJ. After thorough peer review, the reviewers have recognized the significance of your research and its contribution to the field.

[# PeerJ Staff Note - this decision was reviewed and approved by Konstantinos Kormas, a PeerJ Section Editor covering this Section #]

Reviewer 2 ·

Basic reporting

The article is written in clear, unambiguous and technically correct English. Sufficient introduction and properly referenced background are included. The structure conforms to the journal format. The tables and figures are appropriate, they show the data correctly and are easy to interpret and understand. The data are interpreted appropriately and coherently throughout the article.

Experimental design

It is an original primary research within the aims and scope of the journal. The research question is well-defined, relevant and significant; and identifies the knowledge gap being investigated. The research was conducted with rigor and to a high technical and ethical standard. The methods are described with sufficient detail and information to be replicated.

Validity of the findings

The study has good impact and novelty. All underlying data have been provided in a robust manner and adequate statistical analysis is performed. Conclusions are well-stated, linked to the original research question and limited to supporting results.

Additional comments

All the reviewers' observations were corrected.

Version 0.1 (original submission)

· Nov 29, 2024 · Academic Editor

Major Revisions

Dear authors,

The manuscript provides a significant contribution to the field, but several areas require improvement to enhance clarity and scientific rigor. First, the authors should include relevant citations in the methodology to ensure credibility and traceability. Results must be narrated descriptively, connecting findings to specific figures or tables. Consistency in presenting data as mean ± SD and clarifying statistical significance with p-values are essential. Interpretation of findings should emphasize biological and practical implications, addressing the importance of antibacterial activity. Moreover, including comparisons with multiple positive controls and improving the discussion will enrich the manuscript. Lastly, ensure all citations follow the journal's guidelines.

[# PeerJ Staff Note: PeerJ can provide language editing services if you wish - please contact us at [email protected] for pricing (be sure to provide your manuscript number and title). Your revision deadline is always extended while you undergo language editing. #]

·

Basic reporting

no comment

Experimental design

The experimental designs are good but I suggest the author 5 to mmprove the interpretation of results by explaining the biological or practical implications, helping readers understand the importance of the findings.

Validity of the findings

no comment

Additional comments

The authors report on the “Antibacterial activity of the endophytic fungal extracts and synergistic effects of combinations of EDTA against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli”. The authors address the following reviewer comments and suggestions:
1. Include relevant citations in the methodology section, as it follows standard methods. This will enhance the credibility and traceability of the techniques used.
2. The results section should provide a descriptive account of findings rather than simply referring to figures and tables. Summarize key findings in words, connecting them to specific figures or tables, to give readers a clear interpretation.
3. Ensure data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) in tables, as mentioned in the text. This consistency will strengthen the scientific rigor of the data presentation.
4. Clarify the statistical significance of results within the results section, describing how significance was calculated and providing p-values where relevant.
5. Improve the interpretation of results by explaining the biological or practical implications, helping readers understand the importance of the findings.
6. Consider comparing antibacterial activity against multiple positive controls, taking the mode of action into account to enrich the discussion and interpretation of assay results.
7. Focus on narrating the data in an engaging way to highlight its relevance and make the results more compelling for readers.
8. In line 357-358, there’s a need for clarity regarding “Our preliminary results revealed that endophytic fungi exhibited more excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria”. Specify the origin of this statement to avoid confusion.
9. Review the entire manuscript to ensure that citations follow the journal’s guidelines, maintaining consistency in referencing style.

Reviewer 2 ·

Basic reporting

The article is written in clear, unambiguous, and technically correct English. Sufficient introduction and appropriately referenced background are included. The structure conforms to the journal format. Tables and figures are appropriate, display data correctly, and are easy to interpret and understand. Data are interpreted appropriately and consistently throughout the article.

Experimental design

It is original primary research within the aims and scope of the journal. The research question is well-defined, relevant, and significant; and it identifies the knowledge gap being investigated. The research was conducted with rigor and to a high technical and ethical standard. Methods are described with sufficient detail and information to replicate.

Validity of the findings

The study has good impact and novelty. All underlying data have been provided in a robust manner, and proper statistical analysis is performed. Conclusions are well-stated, linked to the original research question, and limited to supporting results.

Reviewer 3 ·

Basic reporting

.

Experimental design

.

Validity of the findings

.

Additional comments

The review is attached.

Annotated reviews are not available for download in order to protect the identity of reviewers who chose to remain anonymous.

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