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Thank you for responding to all the reviewers' comments; your contribution is now accepted in PeerJ Inorganic Chemistry.
Please review the editorial suggestions in the attached PDF.
Additionally, Dr. Zulifqar has an asterisk next to the institution; does this indicate that this individual is also a corresponding author? Kindly confirm.
Please provide a comprehensively revised version addressing the editorial comments and a detailed rebuttal letter.
The review titled "s-Block Elements: Pharmacological Properties and Potential Medical Applications of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals" is of broad and cross-disciplinary interest and is well-aligned with the scope of the journal. s-block elements play crucial roles in various biological processes, therapeutic applications, and medical research. The review's comprehensive examination of these elements in the context of health, and disease, and their potential therapeutic uses will appeal to a diverse audience, including researchers in the fields of chemistry, medicine, and pharmacology. The subject matter is both relevant and timely, making it a significant and valuable contribution to the journal's objectives.
The introduction of the review is well-crafted and effectively introduces the subject matter. It clearly outlines the significance of s-block elements in pharmacology and medical research, making the topic accessible to a broad audience. The article is well-written.
The research sources are appropriate and up-to-date, and the review is presented in a reader-friendly manner.
The article presents well-developed and substantiated arguments that align with the objectives outlined in the introduction. The discussion effectively utilizes pertinent sources to construct a narrative that addresses these goals. Only a few recommendations are provided for further enhancement. The conclusion is consistent with the stated objectives.
It is recommended in the lithium section at the beginning, to include its discovery as is done for the other elements. Sections 3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.10.7, 3.10.8, and 3.12.4 (both antimicrobial and analgesic activity), need more detail, could you provide more depth in the sections and include an explanation of the element's activity or mechanism of action, or how it works?
In the case of 3.5.2, since the ions themselves do not have acid-base activity, it is suggested to delve deeper into the section and explain how acid-base balance regulation works and what the role of the ions is.
In the PDF file, some words or sentences are highlighted with suggestions for adjustment to improve readability or recommendations for enhancing the writing.
The manuscript "S-block elements: pharmacological properties and potential medical applications of alkali and alkaline earth metals" discusses the pharmacological activities of the S-block elements and their compounds. The manuscript can be published after minor revisions. I recommend the revisions below before publication.
1. Abstract: The abstract, particularly the ‘background’ (Lines 36-43) part should be rewritten. The term ‘technical chemistry’ should be replaced by ‘chemical technology.’ Also, structural chemistry is not an appropriate term here.
2. Lines# 33-34: ROS are not molecules. Please correct it.
3. To make the review meaningful and attractive to the readers, please include the required doses of the therapeutics, if reported. For example, what dose of hydrogen can inhibit the NF-kB pathway? Please do it throughout the manuscript.
4. Please add a sentence in each case, stating the mechanism of action of a particular drug. For example, in Lines 165-168, please state in a sentence how Eskalith (lithium carbonate) acts as an antidepressant.
5. Please add a section highlighting the future aspects.
Good.
None
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